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Sunday, July 05, 2009, 04.12 PM
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Sunday, July 05, 2009, 04.12 PM |
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Two drown at Lubuk Timah
IPOH: The police have issued various reminders in the past to the public to avoid the infamous Lubuk Timah picnic spot in Simpang Pulai near here.
Hindu devotees celebrate mini Thaipusam
GEORGE TOWN: Hindu devotees carrying paal kudam (milk pots) climbed the 277 steps to the Sri Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani hilltop temple in Jalan Air Terjun to celebrate Chitrapournami which began on Friday.
Rela man killed by falling tree
MERSING: A Rela member sleeping in a tent at the beach in Pulau Besar was killed when a coconut tree came crashing down during a thunderstorm here yesterday morning.
EPF Pension Scheme: Maximising savings in twilight years
KUALA LUMPUR: Seventy per cent of retirees who withdraw their Employees Provident Fund savings in a lump sum spend it in three to 10 years.
Malaysian Football: Back to the future - Banking on the young to restore old glory
Malaysian football has been in the pits for decades. But M.K. MEGAN believes there is a glimmer of hope as the Football Association of Malaysia goes to schools
Malaysian Football: Academies bridging the gap
PRIVATE football academies in the Klang Valley, numbering about 30, have been doing a fine job training youngsters.
Raped and left by roadside
SUBANG JAYA: All she wanted was to go from SS14 to SS15 to meet a friend, but the short trip turned into a nightmare when she was assaulted and raped by a taxi driver.
Hishammuddin: Drug bust a job well done
KUALA LUMPUR: Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein praised the police for their successful drug bust in Rompin, Pahang yesterday.
No RM2m offer to settle Mazu issue, says Chong
KOTA KINABALU: Former chief minister Tan Sri Chong Kah Kiat has refuted claims that he was offered a RM2 million compensation for the Mazu statue project, which the state government halted two years ago.
MACC urged to quiz Koh, ex-aide
PENANG: Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has urged the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to quiz former chief minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon and his former deputy, Abdul Rashid Abdullah over the land issue involving Tang Hak Ju.
Run-about car for island use
LANGKAWI: The Island Car Company Sdn Bhd plans to produce a light car here soon.
Stepmother held over abuse of 2 daughters
KAJANG: She was the stepmother, whose abuse of her stepdaughters came to light with her arrest on Friday.
'2 men helped Mas Selamat'
JOHOR BARU: Soon after entering Johor from Singapore, Mas Selamat Kastari, the alleged chief of the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) militant group in Singapore, met his two trusted friends.
EPF Pension Scheme: Not workable, says MTUC
SUBANG JAYA: A labour leader has poured cold water over a proposal to set up a monthly pension scheme for workers in the private sector using their Employees' Provident Fund savings.
EPF Pension Scheme: A 'bottomless pit' of benefits for pensioners
KUALA LUMPUR: While private sector workers are wringing their hands over whether an Employees Provident Fund pension scheme would see them right through their retirement, for government retirees, the pension years truly are the golden years in which they reap the rewards of years of service to the nation.
Living with the reality and pain of spiteful blogs
Internet reality show ‘Malaysian Dreamgirl’ season two has been on air for the past 11 weeks. It’s a week before the grand finale, and the top model hopefuls are not spared the drama and spite that come with the dot-com world, writes AUDREY VIJAINDREN
Procession of lights for Wesak
KUALA LUMPUR: Thousands of Buddhist devotees thronged temples nationwide to celebrate Wesak Day.
Shuib On Sunday: Esther
Babe, you sure are going places
Spell-It-Right Challenge: Ryan counts on strong support to win top prize
JOHOR BARU: Ryan Neo Hong Chian, 12, left nothing to chance at the RHB-New Straits Times Spell-It-Right Challenge yesterday.
Spell-It-Right Challenge: Kristin's secret is coolness under pressure
KUANTAN: Kristin Lau May Hui used the lessons she learned from golfing to win the individual primary-school category of the RHB-New Straits Times Spell-It-Right Challenge yesterday.
Spell-It-Right Challenge: SK Temin defeats 'favourites' for victory
KUANTAN: They travelled more than 200km from Jerantut with one thing on their minds -- to be the state champions in the RHB New Straits Times Spell-It-Right Challenge.
AF7 final live on Saturday
KUALA LUMPUR: Five contestants of reality talent show Akademi Fantasia Season 7 will take part in the show's final, to be televised live from Stadium Putra, Bukit Jalil, here, at 8.30pm on May 16.
Ahura gets royal seal of approval
JOHOR BARU: Although many have yet to see it unwrapped, the fully-customised Mazda RX7, or better known as Jealous Ahura, has managed to lure fans and car enthusiasts from all over the country.
Report lodged against Hee
KUALA LUMPUR: Teratai assemblywoman Jenice Lee yesterday lodged a report against Jelapang assemblywoman Hee Yit Foong for allegedly tearing a RM1 note at the recent Perak state assembly sitting.
Legal action against four companies
SIX directors of four companies dealing in Multi-Automated Touchscreen Kiosks (Mat Kiosk) and vending machines were charged in court on Jan 22 for carrying out direct selling without a licence.
INFLUENZA A (H1N1): Student returning from holiday is No. 12
Malaysia confirmed its latest influenza A (H1N1) case yesterday.
MP lashes out at Pas-led Kelantan govt
KOTA BARU: Is Kelantan truly a progressive Islamic state or is it one of the poorest states in the country depending on the Federal Government for handouts?
Study advance loan repayable in 3 instalments
JOHOR BARU: The Higher Education Ministry has decided to allow students to repay the RM1,500 loan advance of the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) in three instalments instead of a lump sum, Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said today.
Flying high with PM award
KUALA LUMPUR: A Royal Malaysian Air Force corporal who stuck to his "No Pain, No Sacrifice & No Gain" principles, soared above the rest to win the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak Award at Tun Abdul Razak University (Unitar) K-Force programme convocation here yesterday.
Musa: I'm hale and hearty
KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman has allayed fears that he is ill.
Shoot for the stars, sports groups told
By Noor Adzman Baharuddinnoadzman@nst.com.my
Committee to study El Nino impact
LUMUT: The Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Ministry will set up a committee to study the impact of the El Nino phenomenon on the agriculture industry, said its minister, Datuk Noh Omar.
Bringing order to the courts
THE Judges' Ethics Committee Bill will be among the most important bills to be debated in Parliament this session, because theoretically, it accords control on the discipline of judges.
9-year cap on top post
KUALA LUMPUR: From next year, the post of president in Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) will be limited to three terms of nine years.
Malaysians in cast of 'The King and I' at Royal Albert
From Zahara Othman in Londonnews@nst.com.my
Zaid joins PKR
BANGI: Former minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Zaid Ibrahim, who was expelled from Umno last December, has joined Parti Keadilan Rakyat.
All credit to cops for deft handling of clashes
KULIM: Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Senator Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon yesterday praised the Royal Malaysian Police for its efficiency in handling racial fracas.
Kuan Yew not impressed with Penang infrastructure
GEORGE TOWN: The state government should improve its infrastructure as it is inferior in comparison with those in Ipoh and Seremban.
Close season blues
With the English Premier League and American Idol seasons in hibernation, Malaysians who can’t live without these two programmes are going through a peculiar ‘withdrawal symptom’, writes ARMAN AHMAD
SHUIB on SUNDAY: Little bird from Kuching is taking off
SHE may be little known but this young songbird will be the opening act for the hot Rihanna on Friday at Putra Stadium, Bukit Jalil.
Customs zeroes in on 'green baddies'
PETALING JAYA: The Customs Department has joined a global initiative to protect the environment, by placing those who smuggle flora, fauna and toxic waste across borders on the top of their hit list.
'We are dealing with the dead, but the funeral is really for the living'
SILENCE hangs thick in the air as the photo of a young man flashes across the screen.
Have money, will travel in style
THEY make the world smaller for many affluent Malaysians.
A 'club' for the well-heeled
IT is a club of sorts for the well-heeled who fly into Malaysia on private jets.
Free health screening on Tuesday
KUALA LUMPUR: Older Malaysians are generally an overweight lot.
Nursing the world with a degree
IT'S a never ending demand for nurses and Malaysian hospitals are finding it difficult to fill all nursing positions as reflected in the nurse-patient ratio.
Blood in semen may mean gland problem
Q: I have blood in my semen. It doesn't happen all the time, but it makes having sex more difficult. Is there any treatment for my condition?
Contact lenses: The hard and soft of it
CONTACT lenses are now more popular than ever. There are different types of lenses available for different eye problems, but they generally fall into two categories -- hard lenses and soft lenses.
Natural pain relievers
"OUCH! My back hurts!" An exclamation often heard from the elderly and even young adults. According to the International Association for the Study of Pain, pain is defined as "an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage or described in terms of such damage".
Life is so beautiful for Reema
KUALA LUMPUR: Reema Khan is a huge name in Pakistan's film industry.
PKR ticking off for DAP reps
GEORGE TOWN: Parti Keadilan Rakyat has slammed the DAP for calling for the immediate resignation of eight of its councillors for boycotting Thursday's swearing-in ceremony of Seberang Prai Municipal Council (MPSP) president Mokhtar Jait.
Developer may sue over PKFZ report
PETALING JAYA: The turn-key developer for the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) yesterday rebutted allegations made by Pricewaterhouse-Coopers (PwC) in its report, citing it as baseless and without credibility.
Man with gun nabbed
GEORGE TOWN: A man with a pistol and five bullets was arrested in Komtar on Thursday.
Two soldiers die in accidents
KUANTAN: Two soldiers from the Batu 10 army camp here were killed on Friday in separate accidents within 15 minutes of each other.
Cheese cake with ring made her day
KLANG: Making sure his girlfriend was asleep, Kenny Chia baked a cheese cake in the dead of night. When Vinnie Shim woke up, Chia donned a shirt and tie, and presented the cake to Shim, with an engagement ring on top.
Online chats end in marriage
IPOH: At first, he was shy about telling people where he met his bride Choo Mun Suh. But now, Jarrod Lim is quite happy to tell them that they met through Friendster.
Tying the knot on the special day
GEORGE TOWN: Toh Sze Wooi received the perfect birthday gift last year. Yang Swee How proposed to her under the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
Love conquers all, including illness
HULU TERENGGANU: While others shunned her, he did the opposite. He looked beyond her illness at the woman she was, and within three months of their first meeting, Baharuddin Osman and leprosy patient Salbiah Yunus were married in 1990.
Setting the retail price for petrol and diesel
HOW does the government determine the price of petrol?
Shafie: We will do more for rural people
SEMPORNA: The Rural and Regional Development Ministry will likely add marketing strategies on top of rural development programmes being implemented across the country.
Last 3 Hindraf leaders released
TAIPING: The three remaining Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) leaders were released from the Kamunting detention centre in here yesterday, after 514 days of incarceration under the Internal Security Act and about a month after their two fellow leaders were released.
Mothers Day 'royal' treat for centenarian
KUALA TERENGGANU: Mothers Day will never be the same again for 100-year-old Ngah Man who was the guest of honour at the Ri-Yaz Heritage Resort and Spa in Pulau Duyong here yesterday.
Faye and the family of readers
KOTA KINABALU: Faye Chin Yan Wei's habit of reading almost everything -- from children's story books to cookbooks -- helped her to win the RHB New Straits Times Spell-It-Right Challenge state championship.
'Illegal flights' out of Subang
MALAYSIA has become a hub for illegal charter flights and action has yet to be taken to stop this.
Show us proof and DCA will crack the whip
THE DCA is aware that some foreign owned aircraft are using Malaysia as a hub for charter flights but no action has been taken against them because there have been no written complaints.
I REMEMBER WHEN: Bukit Kepong was big at the Odeon
It was the biggest and most expensive Malay film in the early 80s. Tan Sri Jins Shamsudin talks to ARMAN AHMAD about the making of 'Bukit Kepong'
The man with the MRI touch
CARDIOLOGIST Dr Annuar Rapaee has scanned over 400 patients since 2006 at the Sarawak General Hospital.
Caste politics set to decide party polls
KUALA LUMPUR: Caste politics may be resurfacing in MIC for the first time in 20 years as party elections loom large on the horizon.
Last-minute work did Haziqah good
SUNGAI PETANI: Nur Haziqah Alias won the Kedah RHB New Straits Times Spell-It-Right Challenge for the primary school category held in Village Mall here yesterday.
Maid agencies stand to lose RM12.5m
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian maid recruitment agencies are staring at losses of up to RM12.5 million following Indonesia's decision to stop sending maids to work in Malaysia.
Enforcement officers seize 'Viagra coffee'
KUALA LUMPUR: A direct-selling company marketed a coffee mixture with a secret ingredient which guaranteed to "perk up" drinkers.
Positive outlook affecting our decisions
While the rest of the world is clutching their wallets and changing spending habits, Malaysians remain calm about the drooping economy, writes AUDREY VIJAINDREN
On the road to recovery, thanks to baking
JOHOR BARU: Thanks to a group of staff at Hospital Permai in Tampoi, some patients now have proven to be skilful bakers and they are well on their way to recovery with the therapeutic treatment.
Cigarettes, liquor worth RM1.4m seized
JOHOR BARU: Johor Customs seized cigarettes and liquor, valued at more than RM1.4 million in three raids here.
USM given full control on intake
JOHOR BARU: The country's first Apex (accelerated programme for excellence) university -- Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) -- has been given full control of its new student intake this year.
Report against MCA leader over land sale
PUTRAJAYA: A report was lodged with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission on Friday against an MCA leader over the sale of a land parcel in Johor to a ministry in 2005.
Lured by job offer, college student falls prey to rapist
KUALA LUMPUR: A student's attempt to earn extra money turned into a nightmare when an African national who was supposed to find her a job drugged and raped her instead.
Shuib On Sunday: Like father... AHMAD, Like son...IMRAN
A MILLION and still counting.
Pressing need for neurosurgeons
PETALING JAYA: Around 1,500 Malaysians are diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease each year and the number could be just the tip of the iceberg as hundreds of cases are believed to go unreported, says the Health Ministry.
Call to help trapped Sri Lankans
KUALA LUMPUR: The umbrella organisation representing Tamil and Sinhalese nationwide yesterday called on the international community to help the 200,000 people trapped in the war zone in Sri Lanka.
Cheaper and very much less polluting
KUALA LUMPUR: As the country's energy bill increases because of increasing demand and depleting energy resources, there is a need for alternative energy.
Tugboat with 3 tonnes of sand seized, crew held
KOTA TINGGI: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) seized a Singapore-registered tugboat and a barge with three tonnes of sand it was towing near Tanjung Surat, here.
Thermometers for teachers
KUALA LUMPUR: Class teachers from schools that have reopened after being quarantined for influenza A will be provided with thermometers to check their students' temperatures.
MCKK gave birth to Malay intelligentsia, says sultan
KUALA KANGSAR: The establishment of Malay College Kuala Kangsar (MCKK) in 1905 was the start of an education revolution for Malay children in the country, said the Sultan of Perak yesterday.
10 students held over rampage
MARANG: Police detained 10 secondary school students who went on a rampage at their teacher's house and damaged two cars.
Khalid has no plans to quit seat
KLANG: Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim has shot down speculation that he will vacate his Bandar Tun Razak parliamentary seat to enable Datuk Zaid Ibrahim to contest.
Short of dentists
GEORGE TOWN: One dentist for every 4,000 people is the ideal ratio.
2 Malaysians held over human trafficking
KUALA LUMPUR: Two Malaysians were recently arrested by the Filipino authorities at the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport in Angeles City for alleged human trafficking.
Fans throng shops for MJ's albums
KUALA LUMPUR: Music and video stores nationwide received an unprecedented number of visitors who thronged the shops after receiving news of the death of pop legend Michael Jackson on Friday.
'Kelantan has no petroleum royalty'
KUALA KRAI: Petroleum royalty is not an issue for Kelantan as the two petroleum exploration sites on the maritime border with Thailand and Vietnam are beyond the state's maritime boundary.
Laying down law with its arbiters
THE new Judges' Code of Ethics 2009 reveals the mystery that previously could not have been answered in the Judges' Ethics Committee Bill 2008: What actually happens if a judge breaches the code?
I REMEMBER WHEN... I was caned twice for every error
I WAS a slow learner in school, and always hungry.
Malaysians held over fake notes
BANGKOK: Five Malaysians were arrested in the southern city of Hat Yai following the seizure of United States counterfeit notes with a face value of US$34,000 (RM120,088).
Southeast Asia's largest zoo for insects launched
KUALA LUMPUR: In an effort to woo more visitors, Zoo Ne-gara yesterday opened the country's first and Southeast Asia's largest Insect Zoo which will showcase 200 species of endangered insects found in the country's tropical rainforest.
Runway extension plan may take-off
SERI ISKANDAR: The Perak government has received positive indications from the prime minister that the Federal Government will lengthen the runway of the Sultan Azlan Shah Airport in Ipoh, said Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir.
No sir, you can't cane the offender
KUALA LUMPUR: The intention of a judge to personally cane an offender is not appropriate, the Malaysian Bar Council said.
When a judge breaches the Code of Ethics
Step 1: A complaint is made in writing to the Chief Justice.
No full bench court sitting for Nizar's case
IPOH: The Federal Court will not sit as a full bench to hear the appeal of Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jama- luddin on whether he or Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir is the rightful menteri besar of Perak.
Upbeat about US, Malaysia relations
PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said yesterday the 20-minute telephone conversation between him and US President Barack Obama left him with a sense of optimism in bilateral ties between the two countries.
No photography when Negaraku is played
KUALA LUMPUR: Photographers and cameramen will no longer be allowed to take pictures when Negaraku is being played.
Manohara's problems ' a personal matter'
KUALA LUMPUR: The Kelantan palace has reiterated that the marriage of Tengku Temenggong Kelantan, Teng-ku Muhammad Fakhry Sultan Ismail Petra and Cik Puan Manohara Odelia Pinot was a personal matter.
No to smoking corners proposal
SUNGAI PETANI: The Human Resources Ministry has rejected the proposal by the Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) for smoking corners in all government departments to ensure that the ban did not adversely affect the performance of civil servants.
A challenge so tough, Halimah couldn't say no
THE newly appointed Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board chairman Datuk Halimah Mohamed Sadique deliberated before replying to the question whether public transportation woes can be resolved. "Yes, I think we can," she said.
Shirkers given second chance to join NS
SEREMBAN: The National Service Department is giving another chance to 2,700 trainees of those selected since 2004 but had dodged the training. They can undergo training next year.
PM: PSD to offer merit-based scholarships
PUTRAJAYA: A fully merit-based category of Public Service Department scholarships to be known as the national scholarships will be introduced next year.
No mystery behind her success
KUALA LUMPUR: Liau Zhen Yi, who loves a good mystery, emerged tops in the RHB New Straits Times Spell-It-Right (SIR) challenge primary-level competition for Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
The bug does not stop Jalan Davidson school
KUALA LUMPUR: When the team from SRJK (C) Jalan Davidson was announced at the RHB New Straits Times Spell-It-Right (SIR) challenge yesterday, there was nothing to show that the audience recognised the name.
Disability no hurdle as Khu pursues his dream
GEORGE TOWN: Being disabled is not a hindrance for Khu Li Huang to seek knowledge and pursue his ambition of becoming a lecturer.
Paraplegic but she can't wait for classes to start
SERDANG: She could hardly contain her excitement despite the pain in her left leg.
Cyanide use in gold mining 'poses no environs threat'
PUTRAJAYA: Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Douglas Unggah Embas has refuted claims that gold mining activities would lead to environmental damage and health risks.
Taking a peek into the elderly shoppers' list
RETIREES or elderly consumers spend more than RM500 a month just on food.
Coping with stress through prayers
HOW do elderly Malaysians cope with stress?
'We can move forward'
EXCERPTS from the interview with Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat.
Grass is greener at Kiwanis centre
JOHOR BARU: Residents in Taman Sentosa here have a grass-cutter whom they can rely on to ensure a neat garden.
'We have expertise to go nuclear'
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has the expertise to build its own nuclear power plant and earlier than scheduled.
Jong: New reactors are safe
KUALA LUMPUR: The lessons of Three Mile Island and Chernobyl have been learnt and technological advances since then have made nuclear plants safe.
Lee Kuan Yew on 8-day 'trip down memory lane'
KUALA LUMPUR: Singapore Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew is to visit Malaysia tomorrow and tour several states and meet a number of Malaysian leaders, businessmen, opinion leaders and senior journalists.
Tadau Kaamatan: Symbol of unity for all Malaysians
TUARAN: It was sunny on the morning of May 31, the traditional date that marked Sabah's Kadazandusun community celebration of their very own harvest festival or Pesta Kaamatan.
Man drowns during escape
PEKAN: A 29-year-old man, believed to be a drug dealer, drowned when he dived into a river to escape a police raid at the Sungai Duri jetty here on Thursday.
Three more bodies found
PONTIAN: Rescuers have found three more bodies which were among 10 victims who went missing after two boats carrying 33 illegal immigrants capsized off Tanjung Piai here on Thursday morning.
Another loan shark nabbed
KUALA LUMPUR: A suspected loan shark who was arrested by the police yesterday, has been remanded for four days to facilitate investigations into the unlawful detention of three debtors in Bukit Serdang last month.
Cops quiz three from Pakatan over sedition
BUKIT MERTAJAM: Police have opened investigation papers against three Pakatan Rakyat (PR) leaders for alleged sedition and defamation in their respective ceramah during the Penanti by-election campaign.
Penanti By-Election: Result by 8.30pm
PERMATANG PAUH: The official result of the Penanti by-election is expected to be released by 8.30pm today, Election Commission chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof said.
Latest Funeral Trend: Intricately yours, for the afterlife
A TOY house.
Kayveas gets fourth term
KUALA LUMPUR: PPP president Datuk M. Kayveas proved that he was still the man of the hour as he was returned unopposed for a fourth term during nomination day yesterday.
Jaya Disaster: 'Consultants must be appointed'
PETALING JAYA: Contractors should be required to appoint consultants prior to any demolition work, said a senior lecturer.
Jaya Disaster: Area cordoned off for salvage operations
PETALING JAYA: After three days of non-stop rescue operations, the area surrounding the former Jaya Supermarket building in Section 14, has been cordoned off.
Rosmah: Focus on kids' creativity
KUALA LUMPUR: Parents should give emphasis to their children's development in co-curricular and sporting activities for them to achieve success.
He could have survived if only...
KUALA LUMPUR: Vultures, at least, do it to survive.
Eager shoppers
LEELA Dorasamy, 63, has been shopping in Jusco for as long as she remembers, and doesn't plan to switch stores.
Store seductions
With sales, member cards and valets, it's not easy keeping up with the competition. Some malls are going the extra mile to attract shoppers their way, writes AUDREY VIJAINDREN
Dealers left high and dry by Internet firm
KUALA TERENGGANU: Thirty Internet service provider dealers yesterday claimed they had lost large sums of money and had been left in the dark over promised refunds by their company.
Inform those cleared of money politics quickly, says Abdullah
KUALA LUMPUR: Umno members cleared of money politics allegations should be informed of it speedily by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.
Ex-restaurant operator shot dead by gunman
BUTTERWORTH: A 60-year-old former restaurant operator died after he was shot at point-blank range twice in Taman Teratai, Raja Uda, here yesterday.
Cops have no right to quiz us, say Pakatan 5
IPOH: Five members of the state assembly's Committee of Privileges yesterday defied police, saying police had no right to question them.
Airline man under sex probe
KUCHING: A former Air- Asia station chief is under investigation for sexual harassment. A report was lodged by a 31-year-old stewardess last month against the suspect who is in his 40s. The stewardess claimed the suspect took her to his house at Taman Woodlands and tried to remove her uniform on Jan 5. She managed to stop him by telling him that she was having her menses then. Police sources also said the suspect was sacked after the report was lodged. Kuching police chief Assistant Commissioner Wong Wai Loong said the suspect was out on police bail.
Body found in garbage truck
ALOR STAR: Three Alor Star City Council workers were shocked to find a partially burnt body of a girl in their garbage truck after dumping the contents of a bin into the vehicle yesterday. The unidentified girl, believed to be in her teens, was dressed in T-shirt and shorts. Her hair, legs and hands had been burnt. Council worker Mohd Zawawi Abdul Majid said he and his colleagues were collecting rubbish when they made the discovery about 8.30am at the Mergong industrial area. The girl's body was sent to Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital for post-mortem.
Scholarships for Japanese studies
KUALA LUMPUR: Applications for scholarships for Japanese studies and teacher training can be made from tomorrow. The Japanese government will provide monthly allowances of 134,000 yen (RM4,288) for Japanese studies and 172,000 yen for teacher training. Applicants for Japanese studies must be 18 to 29 years old, while for teacher training, they must be below 35 with at least five years of teaching experience. The application, which closes on Feb 25, must be made through the Public Service Department. For details, call Zulhelmi Zakaria at 03-88853413 or 03-88853000.
NSTP Fund for Gaza: Fund's RM5m will help Palestine rebuild itself
KUALA LUMPUR: The New Straits Times Press Fund for Gaza donated RM5 million to a Palestinian humanitarian fund to help the war-torn country rebuild itself.
Pas risks angering Nik Aziz's supporters
WILL Pas again snub its revered spiritual leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat by fielding Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin in the Bukit Gantang by-election?
Move to hold more talks on touchy issues
KUALA LUMPUR: The newly elected Malaysian Bar Council president, Ragunath Kesavan, plans to hold more discussions on sensitive issues.
Blog with care, say lawyers
KUALA LUMPUR: You create a fake Facebook profile about your friend or foe, can you get away with it? No.
Umno panel will decide on Norza
GEORGE TOWN: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is leaving it to the Umno management committee to decide on Umno supreme council member Datuk Mohamad Norza Zakaria's eligibility to defend his seat. He said nobody was above the law.
No more claims for fuel rebate
PUTRAJAYA: Those who have not collected their fuel rebate yet will just have to kiss the money goodbye.
Buck up, rep tells Penang municipality
By Melissa Darlyne Chownews@nst.com.my
A helping hand always welcome
KUALA LUMPUR: It is easy to donate money but not many will sacrifice their time to help those in need.
RM300,000 for each Perak BN state rep
TAIPING: Barisan Nasional (BN) assemblymen in Perak will receive their respective development fund soon, totalling RM300,000 each from the Federal Government, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said yesterday.
Join us, Samy tells IPF
KUALA LUMPUR: MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu has invited the Indian Progressive Front (IPF) to merge with the party to unite the Indian community.
Labu plan off but Central Vision Valley to proceed
SEREMBAN: The no-go for the new low-cost carrier terminal in Labu will not affect the state government's plans to build the Central Vision Valley (CVV).
Kemas to put donation boxes at 42 centres
BUTTERWORTH: Kemas Seberang Perai Selatan (SPS) will organise a fund-raiser for the Palestinians in Gaza at its 42 Kemas centres in the district until Feb 10. SPS Kemas officer Shamsul Izrin Isahak said it would make donation boxes available on its premises including its kindergartens in the district. "The donation will be handed over to Wisma Putra and we hope it would ease the burden of the Gaza people," Shamsul Izrin said after presenting a RM3,000 cheque to NSTP Fund for Gaza at the Prai plant recently. He said the donation was raised during an event organised by SPS Kemas and Nibong Tebal Umno Wanita division in Sungai Acheh recently. Among those who chipped in for the fund were 720 children from 29 Kemas kindergartens in SPS, more than 1,050 residents and Kemas personnel.
PM's Department donates RM136,000
PUTRAJAYA: The Prime Minister's Department donated RM136,651 to the Palestinian Humanity Fund on Friday. Department deputy secretary-general Datuk Zainol Othman presented the collection from 41 agencies and divisions to Foreign Ministry secretary-general II Datuk Mohamad Kamal Yan Yahya.
Food of the Gods
A SENSUAL feeling that consumes your body and takes over your mind. The sensation of complete and utter bliss that will not let you rest until you've satisfied the craving.
Pill-pushing teens caught
By Phuah Ken Lin
Bullies attacked me, says woman clerk
IPOH: A 35-year-old clerk said she was assaulted for 30 minutes by four road bullies, including a woman, following an accident in Pengkalan.
Ministry is no more, agencies are uncertain
PUTRAJAYA: With the Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development Ministry disbanded, the fate of many agencies under it remains unknown.
Bukit Selambau By-Election: 'Non-Pas exco willbe a mere statistic'
SUNGAI PETANI: V. Arumugam was a mere number in the Pas-led state government.
Batang Ai By-Election: Blame game backfires on Anwar
LUBOK ANTU: Former American vice-president Hubert Humphrey was famous for this quote: "We believe that to err is human. To blame it on someone else is politics."
Batang Ai By-Election: Nyawin tells real tale of 'land grab'
LUBOK ANTU: In 2007, tuai rumah (headman) Nyawin Ganing was a celebrity of sorts.
Batang Ai By-Election: 'IT campaign has no influence on longhouses'
LUBOK ANTU: The cyber campaign by pro-Pakatan Rakyat bloggers will have very little impact on the 8,006 voters here.
Road closures in conjunction with Maulidur Rasul
KUALA LUMPUR: More than 150,000 spectators are expected at Dataran Merdeka tomorrow for the national-level Maulidur Rasul celebration.
147 soap bars too many
BUTTERWORTH: State Customs Department enforcement officers foiled the first attempt of a syndicate from India to try to smuggle in drugs in bars of soap.
Body found in steel drum
MUAR: Several teenagers went fishing at Parit Ponggor near here on Friday hoping to land a catch for their mothers to cook their favourite asam pedas for dinner.
Many firms, folks committed to 'lights off' bid
IT will be Malaysia's first Earth Hour try next Saturday at 8.30pm, and how will it stack up against other countries' inaugural attempts? Will Malaysians turn off their switches?
Young designers show their mettle
KUALA LUMPUR: A dozen Calvin Klein aspirants were showcased during the Mercedes-Benz Stylo Young Designers' Award here yesterday.
Old friends on what the new prime minister is made of
KUANTAN: Datuk Seri Najib Razak's favourite colour is blue, patience is one of his traits and he hates gossip.
Foreign students turn to Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR: More foreign students may choose to pursue their tertiary education in Malaysia because of the world recession.
Samsons to meet Uncle Hussain
SAMSONS of Indonesia and our very own Meet Uncle Hussain will be sharing the stage when they perform at "Johor Tour of Sound 2009" on April 11.
Bukit Selambau By-Election: The Ganesan personal touch
SUNGAI PETANI: It was 8.30am and the morning market in Taman Ria here was bustling with shoppers. The arrival of Barisan Nasional candidate Datuk S. Ganesan created a ripple.
Bukit Selambau By-Election: 'BN in better position to help people in Kedah'
SUNGAI PETANI: Not being part of the state government will not be a problem for BN candidate Datuk S. Ganesan.
Hungry Viets go poaching
SHAH ALAM: Three Vietnamese men face up to six years' jail each because hunger drove them to catch protected birds and collect hundreds of eggs for their consumption at a former sand mine in Kuala Garing, Rawang.
'Sivakumar has no right to act against assembly secretary'
IPOH: The suspension of Perak state assembly Secretary Abdullah Antong Sabri by Speaker V. Sivakumar yesterday was invalid and could not be enforced, said State Secretary Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Hashim.
Wee: Do we need 3 public exams?
KUALA LUMPUR: The Education Ministry is studying whether it is necessary to have Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah, Penilaian Menengah Rendah and Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM).
SUNDAY INTERVIEW The public will be the judge of government's performance finally
THE NEW government administration taking over during a credit crunch and politically fraught times has the un enviable task of getting everything perfect from the word “Go.” What does the Najib government need to do to show the people that it is doing a good job of running the country? ANIZA DAMIS speaks to Integrity Institute of Malaysia president Datuk Dr Mohd Tap Salleh on integrity and Key Performance Indicators.
SPOTLIGHT: SHE is responsible for fewer fatalities
KUALA LUMPUR: Despite the horrific express bus accidents that are highlighted in the media, statistics show a dramatic reduction in fatal bus crashes.
Man sexually abuses four stepdaughters
By Lee Shi-Ianshiianlee@nst.com.my
Robbers' RM700,000 haul
PETALING JAYA: A marketing manager left his two employees alone in his car for just three minutes. That was all the time two Middle Eastern nationals needed to rob them of jewellery worth RM700,000.
Financial planner Clarence Jacob Chua answers some tough questions on money
Q: Who must start financially planning for tomorrow?
The 'big spenders' are getting smart
"PEOPLE may have it in their minds that women are the 'big spenders', but that idea is out the door. More and more women are seeking financial planning advice and securing their assets.
OTHER FINDINGS
- 65 per cent of men and 59 per cent of women agree that financial independence gets better with age.
A record of sorts for Samy Vellu
By B. Suresh Ramnews@nst.com.my
MIC is putting things right, says Sothinathan
Q: What is the status of the rebranding exercise?
Shahrir takes the blame for glitch
JOHOR BARU: The two-month-old "Buy Malaysian" campaign to promote awareness of local goods has hit a glitch -- a lack of promotion.
RazakSAT ready for launch
By Jaswinder Kaurjaswin@nst.com.my
Tiger park is bad idea, say NGOs
By Melissa Darlyne Chownews@nst.com.my
Nas Adila becomes first casualty of AF7
KUALA LUMPUR: Popular artiste Nas Adila Mohamad Dan became the first contestant to be voted out in the new season of popular reality talent show Akademi Fantasia (AF7) yesterday.
TNB lends a hand to Earth Hour
KUALA LUMPUR: It would appear that the country's chief electricity supplier, Tenaga Nasional Bhd, has everything to lose if Malaysians decide to use less electricity.
Illegal racers kill girl
Teen, cousin had delivered fruits to grandparents before the accident.
Protest over cruelty to dogs
KUALA LUMPUR: More than 30 animal lovers yesterday demonstrated outside the City Hall dog pound in Setapak and when they left, they took along two dogs and seven puppies.
Pregnant mum, five children get aid
KUALA LUMPUR: A pregnant mother forced to live in a storeroom with her five children can look forward to better days.
Khalid has full faith in his men
SHAH ALAM: Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim is confident that no Pakatan Rakyat assemblyman in the state will leave the coalition.
Cuepacs pledges support
PUTRAJAYA: Cuepacs has welcomed Barisan Nasional's return to power in Perak and the appointment of Datuk Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir as the menteri besar.
Beaten up boy in coma dies
KUALA LUMPUR: A 16-year-old youth who had been in a coma after being beaten up with steel rods and crash helmets by a group of men last Friday, died early yesterday.
Proton Exora orders pour in
KUALA LUMPUR: Orders for more than 350 units of the Proton Exora were received yesterday, the first day the yet-to-be-launched multi-purpose vehicle was opened for bookings.
Residents grateful for allocation
KUALA LUMPUR: Bukit Antarabangsa residents yesterday expressed their gratitude for the government's RM70 million allocation to stabilise the landslide-hit area.
Energy firms under fire
GEORGE TOWN: Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng yesterday hit out at the Independent Power Producers (IPP) for denying that they were the biggest beneficiaries of government subsidies.
Asean nations meet to revive economy
DEPUTY Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak arrived here yesterday for a Special Asean+3 Finance Ministers Meeting to discuss efforts to revive the regional economy.
Colourful start to Thaipusam
GEORGE TOWN: Devotees lined the streets to break coconuts in conjunction with Thaipusam yesterday.
Muhibah yee sang
(From left) Etiqa Takaful Bhd director Hugo van Vledder, New Straits Times deputy group editor Kamrul Idris, New Straits Times group editor Datuk Syed Nadzri Syed Harun, Etiqa chief operating officer Mohd Din Merican, Business Times executive editor Mustapha Kamil, Etiqa broker management department’s Fukhairudin Mohd Yusof and Etiqa corporate communications head Vivienne Beh tossing yee sang at a Chinese New Year party at the newspaper’s editorial office in Jalan Riong, Kuala Lumpur on Friday.
Dr M: That was an act of treason
SERI KEMBANGAN: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said those who attempted to stop Perak Raja Muda Raja Dr Nazrin Shah's car outside the Istana Iskandariah in Kuala Kangsar on Friday had committed treason. The former prime minister said they had disregarded Malay culture by going against the royalty. "People like this cannot form a government as they do not abide by the law," he said after launching smart swimming pools at the Mines Waterfront Business Park yesterday.
'BN let Nizar leave peacefully'
NUSAJAYA: The Barisan Nasional has been sympathetic to former Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin in allowing him a peaceful transition out of office, Education Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said yesterday. He said the state government was not that arrogant to force him to leave in an uncivilised manner. He said Nizar's actions were probably based on emotions and the circumstances of today "and we will give him time to realise what needs to be done".
Support royalty by wearing yellow
IPOH: Umno Youth has requested the people of Perak to wear yellow ribbons and display car stickers affirming their loyalty to the Perak royalty. Its chief, Zainol Fadzi Paharudin, said this was a reminder that the people held on to the principle of a constitutional monarchy. "We want to remind the people of Perak that we hold to constitutional monarchy." Zainol accused Pakatan Rakyat leaders of inciting the people to commit treason towards the royalty.
I REMEMBER WHEN... Show turned into B-grade movie
It was a day that shook the nation and shocked millions of voters. Two first time voters - Priscilla Tong and Mohamad Ridzuani Ab Aziz - relate their experiences at the 12th general election on March 8, 2008, and their thoughts about the country since then
I REMEMBER WHEN... I was so excited I forgot what to do
I WILL remember the date March 8, 2008, forever. It was not my birthday or an anniversary, but something far more important.
I REMEMBER WHEN... I was one of the Magnificent 7
When did the country have its own policewomen? Well, in the beginning, it was just a band of seven female cops in 1955, says Zaharah Routin Ibrahim. Those were exciting times to be in uniform, she tells KOH LAY CHIN
Game for congkak?
MALACCA: Would you part with RM1,500 for a set of congkak, a traditional game believed to have originated from the state during the Malay Sultanate?
NSTP honours retirees
KUALA LUMPUR: For their unwavering loyalty to the company, 40 New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd staff, who had served for 25 years and 26 employees who retired last year, were honoured yesterday.
Mara sets sights on space suit
KUALA LUMPUR: Mara plans to buy the US$50,000 (RM185,000) space suit worn by Datuk Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor and put it on display.
4 rob store of gems worth RM40,000
NIBONG TEBAL: Four men robbed a goldsmith shop here yesterday and escaped with RM40,000 worth of jewellery.
Damaris now a role model for Penan students
KUCHING: Her Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) results may seem ordinary, but it marks a milestone for an entire community.
Sri Murugan students score
KUALA LUMPUR: Thirty-eight students in the Klang Valley who took tuition at the Sri Murugan Centre (SMC) scored straight As.
London calling for indie band
ONE of Malaysia's much-loved independent acts, Seven Collar T-Shirt (SCTS), will be braving the cold to play in Britain at the end of the month.
Malaysian art hits the Big Apple
THE acclaimed works of three contemporary Malaysian artists are being featured in a New York City exhibition showcasing art from Asia.
'It was on tsunami fund'
KUALA LUMPUR: MIC President Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu yesterday clarified that the statement he gave to the police yesterday was on the RM2 million Sri Lankan tsunami fund and not on the alleged financial mismanagement in the building and running of the Asian Institute of Medicine, Science and Technology (AIMST) University.
More non-Malays in civil service likely, says Subramaniam
KUALA LUMPUR: There appears to be a major breakthrough in the request for an increase in non-Malay recruitment in the civil service, according to Human Resources Minister Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam.
Our rich 'food' heritage
KUALA LUMPUR: The next time you eat nasi lemak, yong tau foo or tosai, bear in mind that they are not just food items. They are also a national heritage.
'Charge Khir with unlawful assembly'
KUALA LUMPUR: DAP chairman Karpal Singh yesterday urged police to charge former Selangor menteri besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo with taking part in an unlawful assembly in front of his house in Penang on Friday.
Pas distances itself from Karpal
ALOR STAR: Pas has distanced itself from DAP chairman Karpal Singh's move to file a suit against the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah.
DAP lodges report against Khairy
IPOH: DAP Youth yesterday lodged a police report against Umno and its Youth deputy chief Khairy Jamaluddin for organising, what it said was, an illegal gathering at the Jalan Sultan Abdul Jalil field, here, last Monday.
Cops hit me, says student
BATU PAHAT: A polytechnic student yesterday alleged that three policemen assaulted him last Sunday.
Works minister interrupted, again
SUBANG JAYA: For the second consecutive day, Works Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Zin Mohamed was involved in a drama with the public.
MIC denies move to pull out minister from cabinet
KUALA LUMPUR: MIC grassroots members may be unhappy with Indian representation in the cabinet but the party leadership has no plans to pull its sole minister out of the cabinet.
Second look at Islam Hadhari
KOTA BARU: Policies on Islam Hadhari will be reviewed, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Maj-Gen (R) Datuk Jamil Khir Baharom said yesterday.
Using films to spread social messages
OVER the years, the Freedom Film Fest has evolved from a little-known event into a major film contest and screening with a steady following.
Sidi voted off 'Akademi'
KUALA LUMPUR: Rashidi "Sidi" Isa became the latest casualty of Season 7 of popular reality talent show Akademi Fantasia yesterday.
Putrajaya Hospital evacuated after fire
PUTRAJAYA: Operations at the Putrajaya Hospital were crippled when fire broke out on one of its floors yesterday.
Boy dies of heart attack
GEORGE TOWN: A 19-month-old toddler died in what is believed to be a heart attack at his babysitter's house here yesterday.
Parents must show the way
CHILDREN are exposed to all sorts of positive and negative influence that comes through the media.
Five held for rioting at stadium
KOTA BARU: Five suspects, including a student, have been detained for rioting after the FA Cup semi-final first leg between Kelantan and Negri Sembilan at the Sultan Mohamed IV Stadium here on Tuesday.
Woman robbed, forced to strip
JOHOR BARU: Two men robbed a woman of RM200, her handbag and a mobile phone at her vacant shoplot in Taman Desa Cemerlang, near Ulu Tiram on Friday and forced her to strip.
SPOTLIGHT: Going to 'specialists' to keep rain at bay
WHEN you don't want the rain to spoil your day, engaging the services of the local weather consultant would be in order.
'Get them to do community work'
MALACCA: Illegal motorcycle racers or Mat Rempit should be ordered to do community work when caught, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam. He said community work should include gotong royong to clean up rivers and public places and plant trees at recreational spots. "People who commit petty offences such as shoplifting and snatch theft should also be ordered to do community work," he said after launching an anti-crime carnival here yesterday. -- Bernama
They can go on early leave now
KUALA LUMPUR: Mothers-to-be can now opt for a maximum of 14 days of maternity leave prior to their due date. However, this would be deducted from the 60 days' leave that they are entitled to. The new ruling will come into effect on May 1, according to a Public Service Department circular issued on April 20. Heads of departments are expected to record this early leave which must be supported with a letter from a doctor on the expected delivery date. -- Bernama
Zabidi heads Perlis honours list
KANGAR: Perlis State Secretary Mohamad Zabidi Zainal tops the list of 301 recipients of titles and honours in conjunction with Raja of Perlis Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin's 66th birthday celebrations at Istana Arau, today.
A Japanese officer wanted to kill me
LIFE at the start of the Japanese Occupation was not only humdrum but also very uncertain.
Save our marine mammals
THEY are exotic creatures, so, too, their names. Irrawaddy, bottlenose and Humpback dolphins. Bryde's and pygmy sperm whales. Throw in a variety of dugongs and what a rich mixture of mammals these heavyweight sensations of the sea make.
Reading pays off for 5th former
TAIPING: Growing up with a 10-year gap between his sister and himself, Ng Jern Siong spent many a happy hour reading storybooks, accumulating enough to fill several cupboards in his house near here.
Na'im can thank family for win
KOTA BARU: Che Rahimi Samad may be a surveyor and Dr Hafizah Mustakim a private medical practitioner, but they turned wordsmiths to help their son, Muhammad Na'im, win the top prize in the RHB New Straits Times Spell-It-Right Challenge at the KB Mall here yesterday.
Meet the 'hero' of the contest
KOTA BARU: Suhazli Muhammad of SMK Ketereh did not make it to the finals of the RHB New Straits Times Spell-It-Right Challenge yesterday but won the loudest applause at the competition.
Hadi returned unopposed, 5 for deputy president
KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang has been returned as Pas president for the 2009-2011 term unopposed.
Isma is another winner
THE finale of Astro's Akademi Fantasia 7 last night was special for Tomok.
Same guidelines for flu at schools
KUALA TERENGGANU: The Health Ministry's guidelines will be strictly adhered to in containing an outbreak of influenza A (H1N1) in schools, said Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who is also the education minister.
Conversion laws face major test
KUALA LUMPUR: The Court of Appeal's decision to refer the case involving the custody and conversion of the sons of S. Shamala and Muhamad Ridzwan (Dr Jeyaganesh C. Mogarajah) to the Federal Court last Tuesday has given rise to some interesting issues.
Teng: Cable car will affect park
GEORGE TOWN: The proposed cable car from Penang Hill to Botanical Gardens will have far-reaching consequences on the future of the gardens.
Funds for USM business facility
GEORGE TOWN: The Federal Government will consider funding an "incubator" facility at Universiti Sains Malaysia to help bumiputeras set up businesses.
Wives face sex clip, nude photo threats
KUALA LUMPUR: A 24-year-old housewife got a shock when her husband of five months told her that a clip of her having sex with an old boyfriend is circulating via MMS (multimedia messaging service).
MIC education arm under probe
KUALA LUMPUR: Bukit Aman Commercial Crime division director Datuk Koh Hong Sun yesterday said police had spoken to MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu on allegations of criminal breach of trust in the MIC's education arm Maju Institute of Education Development (MIED). He said investigations were centred on the alleged CBT and not into alleged construction cost over-runs involving MIED's Asian Institute of Medicine, Science and Technology. -- Bernama
Robbers strike at factory
KUALA LUMPUR: First he was gagged, blindfolded and bound. Then he was beaten up. But the 28-year-old security guard managed to find his way to a neighbouring factory in Kepong yesterday to raise an alarm after his factory was robbed. The guard stumbled upon a group of 12 men about 4.30am. He ran off to call for help but the men caught and overpowered him. They stole two one-tonne lorries. The guard managed to loosen the blindfold and hopped to the factory next door to seek help.
Samy Vellu urged to make way for new blood
BUTTERWORTH: MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu should seriously reconsider his decision to defend his post and make way for new blood.
'Govt vacancies open to all'
KUALA LUMPUR: The 45,000 vacancies in the civil service are open to all Malaysians, irrespective of race, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Bernard Giluk Dompok.
DAP hits out at commission
GEORGE TOWN: The DAP has criticised the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for publicly accusing Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid of abuse of power.
Still a nation of big spenders
DESPITE everything, 53 per cent of Malaysians said they were worried but just couldn't stop spending. This is altogether the highest out of the nine countries surveyed.
3,000 at Umno career exposition
ALOR STAR: Some 3,000 people turned up for a mini career exposition at Sekolah Kebangsaan Tuan Haji Ismail in Kuala Kedah yesterday.
Economist: Stick to the grocery list
With only some Malaysians making cuts in their spending habits, group chief economist of RAM Holdings Dr Yeah Kim Leng tells us why we should be prudent
Putrajaya couple win contest
KUALA LUMPUR: Sabri Daud, 37, and his wife, Maizatul Arzia Omar, 35, became the proud winners of Berita Minggu's "Dream Home" contest yesterday.
I REMEMBER WHEN...Ali came with poetry on his lips
Those were the years when anything and everything about world heavyweight boxing made the headlines. IAN PEREIRA, who covered the first and hitherto only world title fight in Kuala Lumpur for the New Straits Times, recalls the year when sporting history was made in Malaysia
I REMEMBER WHEN... Jins was riding high as Malaysian James Bond
Jins Shamsudin was famous for his role as Jefri Zain, a James Bond-type hero, in several movies. His ‘Esok’ series and epic ‘Bukit Kepong’ added to his popularity. SUBHADRA DEVAN goes down memory lane with the veteran actor-director
Consumers need more protection
THE only way to stop people from being conned into making payments with their credit cards is to have connected lender liability laws.
'Pay only if deal is OK'
BANK Negara corporate communications department director Abu Hassan Alshari Yahaya said the public should be aware that they should not make any payment if they are not sure about the transaction they are entering into.
Man shot while frog hunting
ALOR STAR: A self-employed man was shot in the buttocks when he went looking for frogs at Kampung Padang Peliang in Pendang on Friday.
Pink is order of the day
ALL eyes may have been on the outgoing and incoming prime ministers on Friday, but there was also another point of interest attracting much attention that day.
IGP: Juvenile crime worrying
KUALA LUMPUR: The current trend of juveniles being involved in crime is worrying, the country's top cop said yesterday.
'Clerk has nothing to do with rep'
KUALA TERENGGANU: State Barisan Nasional Backbenchers Club chairman Datuk Rosol Wahid has denied a report that a clerk arrested by police was associated with one of the assemblymen who did not attend the recent state legislative assembly sitting.
Ong: MCA ready to find money to build mosque in Selangor
BANGI: MCA is willing to provide funds to the Malaysian Chinese Muslim Association (Macma) to build a mosque in Selangor.
HEALTH/Rajen M.: The leeches are back
YEACH! What do you do with leeches on your skin? Leech therapy like all other traditional medicine is enjoying a revival -- a resurgence of sorts.
Akademi Fantasia: Khairil impresses the judges but not viewers
KUALA LUMPUR: Khairil Azam Pilus became the latest casualty in Season 7 of popular reality talent show Akademi Fantasia last night.
Couple living in fear due to threats
GEORGE TOWN: A couple accused of posting offensive comments insulting the Sultan of Perak on the Internet in February, have received death threats in the mail.
`Park at your own risk' won't work any more
KUALA LUMPUR: The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Association (Fomca) yesterday welcomed the decision of the court to hold a car park operator liable for items lost from a car parked under its care, although there was a sign to say that owners parked at their own risk.
Mum waits as hubby flees with baby
IPOH: Such is a mother's love that a 35-year-old woman gave up eating and sleeping in comfort, preferring to wait at the compound of a police station for her baby girl to be returned to her.
A RM350,000 beauty
PETALING JAYA: It is beauty to behold, hand painted copper gold and packed with accessories. And it costs a cool RM350,000.
Local food producers unable to supply high-quality produce
MALAYSIA has a long way to go in agro-business ventures, says Tesco Stores (M) Sdn Bhd marketing director Paul Morris.
Review 'food deficit' target
DOES Malaysia really have a "food deficit"?
Association to push for more press freedom
IPOH: The National Press Club will be meeting Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak soon to discuss greater press freedom, club president Ahirudin Attan said.
Sultan: Street protests not for intellectuals
SINTOK: Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) chancellor Sultan of Kedah Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah advised intellectuals not to get involved with negative activities such as street demonstrations.
Cobra and the sleeping baby
ARAU: Most of us would run for safety if we stumble upon a poisonous snake.
NSTP Fund for Gaza: Vanis give RM10,000
KUALA LUMPUR: In the short space of two weeks, Persatuan Vani Muslim Malaysia collected RM10,000 for the NSTP Fund for Gaza.
Taiping in nomination day frenzy
TAIPING: In Mandarin, Taiping may mean "everlasting peace", but the last few days have been anything but that.
150 Malaysians fell for 'parcel trick'
KUALA LUMPUR: At least 150 Malaysians have lost RM3.7 million, over the last two years, to the so-called "parcel trick" syndicate.
SHUIB ON SUNDAY Singer and scientist Pacai
This bassist has done his homework on sound waves and colour.
Customs seizes 160 cobras and 814 tortoises
PADANG BESAR: The Customs seized 814 tortoises and 160 king cobras, believed to have been on their way to Thailand, following an inspection on a lorry at the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex here yesterday.
NewsFocus on KPI: Cuepacs wants 'two-way' evaluation system
CUEPACS, the umbrella body of low-ranking workers in public-sector unions, wants the KPI for senior government officers such as directors, secretaries-general and their deputies to be based on how well they get along with their subordinates.
NewsFocus on KPI: Evolution of Telekom Malaysia's KPIs
KUALA LUMPUR: The KPI system has worked well for government-linked company (GLC) Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM).
Robbers attack good Samaritan
KUALA LUMPUR: A good Samaritan, who went to the aid of a robbery victim, had a bottle smashed on his head and was stabbed in the stomach with it yesterday.
Parachute training turns tragic
KANGAR: A 26-year-old paratrooper trainer died and two of his colleagues suffered serious injuries during a jumping exercise here yesterday.
'BN won't fight for chairs'
IPOH: Perak Barisan Nasional will not play the same game as Pakatan Rakyat and will not seek a motion of confidence to support Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir as the menteri besar in the upcoming May 7 state legislative assembly sitting.
'There was no room for politics in my court'
During his 34 years in the Legal and Judicial Service, Datuk Wira Wan Yahya Pawan Teh presided over several controversial trials and acted as Selangor legal adviser when charges were brought against Datuk Harun Idris. But his fondest memory was setting up the Legal Aid Bureau, he tells SANTHA OORJITHAM
Roll out the red carpet for Nabil
THE creme de la creme of the industry is busylooking for the best or shocking attire for the red carpet while media folks are just as engrossed making their wild predictions.
Claudia, Aishah fail to make cut
KUALA LUMPUR: In a weekly concert that saw the six remaining contestants take on songs from local musicals, popular reality talent show Akademi Fantasia Season 7 (AF7) bid farewell to contestants Claudia Geres and Aishah Bujang yesterday.
Siti Nurhaliza, Misha bag most awards at AIM
KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Siti Nurhaliza reigned supreme last night, bagging four trophies at the 16th Anugerah Industri Muzik (AIM) awards show.
SHUIB ON SUNDAY England, here we come!
FIRST to New York, now to Stansted.
Breathing golf day and night
The Koreans have been coming in large numbers to the sleepy town of Bukit Beruntung, all in the name of perfecting their golf skills. They end up enjoying Malaysian hospitality and some leave with very serious golfing ambitions, writes SHANTI GUNARATNAM
THE MARCH 8, 2008 WATERSHED: 'Dynamic' Penang chugging along
FOR now, after almost one year at the helm, the honeymoon is indeed over for Penang's Pakatan Rakyat state government.
THE MARCH 8, 2008 WATERSHED: Claims and counter-claims
IT'S been a year since the political tsunami swept across the nation but the after-effects of the wave are still lingering.
UPFRONT: What use a code without teeth?
The code of conduct for Indsutrial Harmony actually lays down procedures for retrenchment. It calls for consultation and talks before a company retrenches workers, writes SONIA RAMACHANDRAN
UPFRONT: The RM1.2b help that could have been
A TOTAL RM1.2 billion for retrenched workers.
UPFRONT: What you can do when you are retrenched
WHAT you can do when you are retrenched:
UPFRONT: Parts of code will be legalised, says minister
PARTS of the Code of Conduct for Industrial Harmony will soon be legalised.
THE MARCH 8, 2008 WATERSHED: Guan Eng trait that's difficult to swallow
WHILE public relations people and press secretaries are often considered to be stumbling blocks by pressmen in gaining access to industrialists and politicians, the need to be media savvy appears to be what the doctor may prescribe for Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.
Preserving Gopeng's heritage
GOPENG: A 49-year-old Gopeng boy who became a successful businessman in the United States has returned to his roots to open the pioneer tin mining town's first museum.
Behind the veneer of glamour
THE importance of good discipline cannot be over-emphasised. Take the Tyra Banks-created reality TV show, America's Next Top Model.
Wealth of ideas at forum on making English compulsory
Re-look the current syllabus, improve teachers' proficiency in English and make both English and Bahasa Malaysia compulsory passing subjects from Year Six.
Khairy: Improve the quality of English teachers first
Make it a compulsory passing subject, but make sure the quality of English teachers is improved first.
'Tourism industry stands to gain'
The tourism industry will be among the first to benefit if English language is made a compulsory pass subject at SPM level.
A roaring session likely in Parliament tomorrow
Parliament resumes tomorrow after nearly a three-month break, with a new face, a crop of old guard and explosive issues that are set to rock the august house.
Cleaner air, thanks to heavy rains
KUALA LUMPUR: The haze eased up over parts of the country, thanks to heavy showers yesterday morning.
Offer to help Jakarta fight forest fires
SHAH ALAM: The government is willing to assist the Indonesian government in putting out its forest fires, which have contributed to the worsening haze condition in the peninsula.
'Primary' history takes off 2010?
Primary school pupils may be studying Malaysian history as early as January.
'Results can only be seen later'
IPOH: The impact of the first and second stimulus packages, totalling RM67 billion, which were announced by the government can only be seen in the third and fourth quarters of this year, said Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Husni Mohamad Hanadzlah.
Take precautionary measures, travellers urged
The Foreign Affairs Ministry has appealed to Malaysians intending to travel overseas, especially countries affected by influenza A (H1N1), to take extra precautionary measures.
NSTP Fund for Gaza: Stars raise RM60,000
PETALING JAYA: Singer Anita Sarawak's long green sequined dress, which she wore to the Anugerah Bintang Popular Berita Harian (ABPBH) 2006, was auctioned for RM4,000 at the ABPBH 2008 for Gaza charity event here yesterday.
Decision to use English criticised
KUALA LUMPUR: The decision to use English in the teaching of Science and Mathematics was criticised yesterday by Gerakan Mansuh PPSMI (Movement Against the Policy of Teaching Science and Maths in English). The movement's representative, Datuk Dr Hassan Ahmad, said there was a need to do away with the policy as it benefited only a few in the urban areas. He said the movement would submit a memorandum at Parliament House on Feb 17.
Seremban Umno makes history
SEREMBAN: The Seremban Umno division yesterday made history as the only division in the party to hold three meetings after the first two attempts failed. The first meeting on Nov 9 was postponed after a fight broke out. The second meeting on Dec 27 was postponed. Yesterday, Seremban Umno division chief Datuk Ishak Ismail retained his position, which he had held since 1988, when his opponent, Mohd Nor Awang, did not qualify to contest after facing bribery allegations.
MIC lodges report against blog
PETALING JAYA: Putera MIC yesterday lodged a police report at the district police headquarters here against a blog allegedly containing insults and seditious remarks about the Indian community. Putera MIC information chief A. Premnath said he came to know of the blog's existence on Friday. "The blog, which uses the name and photograph of a legendary local actor and singer, contains several postings that incite hatred against the Indian community in this country."
Jeanne's garden a treasure trove
PUTRAJAYA: Make your garden a living pharmacy, and an edible one at that.
Not all 9 1As will land scholarships
PUTRAJAYA: There will be no automatic scholarships for those who score nine 1As and above in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examination this year.
Mobile way to offset carbon debt
How can the mobile phone, a seemingly unassuming gadget, help you reduce your colossal carbon footprint? Quite a number of ways actually, as CHAI MEI LING finds out from a recent eco meet in Singapore organised by Finnish tech giant Nokia
Convergence is good for the planet
YOU probably have not thought of this, but the fact that you're using a mobile phone alone is a green move.
Tips on 'greening' your phone
HOW to use your mobile device in the most energy efficient way:
'He's not disabled, he has special ability'
KEMAMAN: People with a disability should not be referred to as "disabled" but rather "people with special ability", said Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek.
MB: Youth programme has lost its vigour
JOHOR BARU: Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman found it difficult to contain his emotion when he discussed the Rakan Muda programme.
Najib: Let us work together
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak wants all to work together to make Malaysia a better place.
Couple finds maid hanging in room
KAJANG: A couple woke up to find their 23-year-old Indonesian maid hanging from a beam in the kitchen of their house in Jalan Reko, here, early yesterday morning.
Roger Tan appointed water commissioner
KUALA LUMPUR: New Sunday Times columnist and lawyer Roger Tan has been appointed a member of the National Water Service Commission.
Pint size Izzat gets Chelsea invitation
From Zaharah Othman in London
Deedat - Malaysian tennis star on the rise
KUALA LUMPUR: His commitment and passion to become a world-renowned tennis player showed itself when this 14-year-old opted for home-schooling so that he could practice four hours a day, five times a week.
Boost for medical tourism
MALACCA: Things will look up for health tourism in the historical city soon with the opening of the refurbished Malacca International Airport in Batu Berendam.
Airport with a history
MALACCA: The Batu Berendam Airport has historical significance, as it was the very place Tunku Abdul Rahman landed on Feb 20, 1956, following his historic trip to London.
Hadi's idea of unity talks stirs the hornet's nest
FROM the moment Pas president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang suggested that the party form a unity government with Umno, there has been discord brewing in opposition circles.
Students of S'pore varsity impress Rosmah
SINGAPORE: The prime minister's wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, who visited the National University of Singapore (NUS) High School of Mathematics and Science on Friday, was impressed by the students' knowledge and ability in science and mathematics.
Hafiz comes out tops in AF7
KUALA LUMPUR: Popular reality show Akademi Fantasia crowned its fifth male winner yesterday after two years of female domination.
The evolution of TOMOK
HE turns 25 today. His birthday wish? Success, health and wealth!
Youth group: Don't pressure Perak sultan
IPOH: Political parties, non-governmental organisations and the public are urged not to pressure the Sultan Azlan Shah of Perak to dissolve the state assembly.
Obama salutes Najib
KUALA LUMPUR: United States President Barack Obama has congratulated Datuk Seri Najib Razak on his appointment as prime minister and said he looked forward to working closely with Najib in the years ahead.
Govt's gift to teachers on their special day
KUALA TERENGGANU: Teachers could not have asked for a better gift on their day -- the announcement of an increase in the number of graduate excellent teacher and principal posts.
Teaching is their passion
KUALA TERENGGANU: Even as a young man Phua Seng Tiong understood the importance of moulding young people into useful members of society. It was for this reason the 64-year-old retired teacher entered the profession in 1970.
12 more detainees infected
BUKIT MERTAJAM: Twelve more detainees at the Immigration Department illegal immigrants detention camp in Juru were down with leptospirosis yesterday.
Stamp of appreciation for the palm tree
KUALA LUMPUR: A collection of special stamps and first-day covers with the palm theme will be sold on Tuesday, said Pos Malaysia stamp and philately unit head Yasmin Ramli.
SPOTLIGHT: Website receives 10,000 signatures
KUALA LUMPUR: When Lee Nian Ning and two others died in a bus crash in Slim River last year, their family and friends set up a website called 'Bus Crash No More'.
19 money traders lose licences
KUALA LUMPUR: Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) has revoked the licences of 19 moneychangers.
A better estate life in future?
By Jason Gerald Johnjasong@nst.com.my
Top student beaten up in van
JOHOR BARU: An 18-year-old student, waiting at a bus stop outside his school at Stulang Laut here, was forced into a van and punched by several people before he was dumped at the gate behind the school.
Woman dies in pre-dawn fire at home
By Lee Shi-Ianshiianlee@nst.com.my
End of the road for Amylea
SHAH ALAM: Contestant Amylea Azizan was voted off popular 8TV's reality talent show One In A Million Season 3 on Friday night.
If you have the cash, they will fly you there
A HELICOPTER or a turbo-prop plane to take you on a holiday?
IGP furious at Raja Petra over 'beating' video
KUALA LUMPUR: The country's top cop yesterday rubbished a video posted on the website, Malaysia Today, allegedly showing police brutality during an interrogation.
RM1 billion fix to ease city traffic snarls
KUALA Lumpur city is expected to get a much-needed RM1 billion to fix 10 congestion hotspots.
RM600m boost for economy
Low-cost houses to be built to benefit poor, low-income group.
MUSAWAH: Islam does not discriminate
For five days, beginning Friday, more than 250 Muslim scholars and thinkers from 48 countries were in Malaysia, demanding for equality and justice in the Muslim family, through laws and public policy. The first Musawah — Arabic for ‘equality’ — is a knowledge-based movement that will brings together interest groups to discuss why change is possible within Islam, and why equality and justice are possible from the Islamic perspective. ANIZA DAMIS speaks to Musawah project director Zainah Anwar
Defaulters of child maintenance, beware
KUALA LUMPUR: The Family Support Unit of the Syariah Judiciary Department will go on a manhunt for divorced fathers who do not pay their children maintenance, next month.
SHUIB ON SUNDAY: No looks, sounds good, the 'late' Lan
FOR Meet Uncle Hussein and Lan, the lead singer, it could not have come at a better time.
UPFRONT: Not just for the wealthy
THE new and distinct breed of Malaysian houses, with their crisp designs are not just luxury homes for the wealthy. Modestly-sized homes, such as terrace or link houses, are also able to accommodate these designs, local architects and designers insist.
Parliament set for 'fireworks'
PARLIAMENT convenes tomorrow for the King's royal address and in keeping with the occasion, all his majesty's elected representatives are expected to be at their civil best.
Nizar attends royal banquet
KUALA KANGSAR: Former Perak menteri besar Datuk Seri Nizar Jamaluddin attended the Perak royal banquet at Istana Iskandariah here last night.
Khairy calls for meeting
KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin has proposed a meeting between candidates for the Umno Youth chief and deputy chief posts to reach a consensus that whoever wins next month's party polls can take over the campaign machinery for the Bukit Gantang and Bukit Selambau by-elections.
A way to end money politics
UMNO should drop the quota system, introduce direct elections and return to its past to better serve its members.
Abusive lorry driver on the run
PETALING JAYA: As a father, he is supposed to protect his children.
Will it affect football matches?
LONDON: The British government is discussing whether an escalation of the influenza A crisis could lead to football matches and other sporting events being cancelled.
SPOTLIGHT
Bad times, fewer donors
"LOOK at our board," she said, pointing to the whiteboard which details the orphanage's activities for the month.
The Kampung Boy's world in music
KUALA LUMPUR: It's been a long journey for the Kampung Boy, whose perspective on Malaysian life entertained and enthralled readers for decades.
MAT REMPIT PROBLEM Street racers riding out with certs
THEY join the college in Kajang with the unsavoury reputation of street racers and when they leave they have a certificate to take them places.
MAT REMPIT PROBLEM Penang police score success
IT'S all in the numbers and they point to success against the Mat Rempit in Penang.
MAT REMPIT PROBLEM Two national runners hurt
RECKLESS and dangerous riding by Mat Rempit caused two promising national middle distance runners, Amran Raj and Mathialagan Subramaniam, to be hospitalised after they were involved in an accident on Friday.
MAT REMPIT PROBLEM Coming together to ground them
The Mat Rempit still rule the roads, and brazenly at that. This menace cannot be wished away with the present un-cordinated efforts by different groups, sociologists tell ARMAN AHMAD
MAT REMPIT PROBLEM Parents share blame too
MANY parents may not realise it but they are encouraging their children at a young age to become Mat Rempit.
RHB-NST Spell-it-right Challenge Min Jin to share his prize money
SEREMBAN: The words "reunion", "receivership" and "bankruptcy" yesterday won Kenneth Wu Min Jin, 11, RM1,000 and a place in the RHB-New Straits Times Spell-It-Right Challenge national finals in Kuala Lumpur on Aug 8.
Penanti By-Election: Umno, BN steering clear of Penanti
PEKAN: Umno and Barisan Nasional will stay out of the Penanti by-election completely -- it will not even send teams to either campaign or monitor it.
Penanti By-Election: 'I was offered money not to file papers'
BUKIT MERTAJAM: Independent candidate Aminah Abdullah yesterday alleged that Parti Keadilan Rakyat leaders had offered money to her not to file nomination papers to contest the Penanti by-election to be held on May 31.
Resignation of Port Klang Free Zone boss confirmed
KUALA LUMPUR: Port Klang Authority (PKA) chairman Datuk Lee Hwa Beng yesterday denied that the board of directors had given general manager Lim Thean Shiang until June 5 to reconsider his decision to resign.
Colombo grateful for help
COLOMBO: The Sri Lankan government has thanked Malaysia for helping internally displaced persons (IDPs) taking shelter in camps in the country's north.
Seething over foreign cabbies
GEORGE TOWN: Taxi owners who allow foreign drivers to use their permits face stern action, which could include losing their permits.
Taxi fares likely to go up soon in Penang
BALIK PULAU: The Federal Government has proposed a fare hike for Penang taxi drivers, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz.
Nizar seeks full bench to hear appeal
IPOH: Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin will ask for a full bench of at least nine Federal Court judges to hear his appeal on whether he or Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir is the rightful menteri besar of Perak.
Spell-It-Right Challenge: Parents, teachers spell out their hopes for competition
KUALA TERENGGANU: There is strength in numbers.
Spell-It-Right Challenge: Reading NST proves to be a winning habit
MALACCA: Twelve-year-old Allyna Ng Ming Yi of SK Convent Infant Jesus 2 was the pride of her school yesterday.
'209,675 jobs to be available'
KUALA LUMPUR: The Human Resources Ministry has identified a total of 209,675 potential jobs to be created in the country this year.
FAUZIAH ISMAIL: PM Abdullah not surprised by missed GDP target
PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said he was not surprised the country missed last year's gross domestic product (GDP) target of five per cent. Last year's GDP came in at 4.6 per cent, with the fourth quarter growth at 0.1 per cent.
Costly lesson for businessman
African conmen make off with US$100,000.
MP among 17 held over fracas
KUALA LUMPUR: Seventeen people, including Kapar member of parliament S. Manikavasagam, were arrested in a fracas involving supporters of P. Uthayakumar and police yesterday.
Careers in the police and armed forces just a click away
SHAH ALAM: JobsMalaysia, the Human Resources Ministry's employment portal, is now offering job opportunities in the police and armed forces.
Nor Mohamed: Global recession will bite hard
GEORGE TOWN: Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop yesterday said people should brace themselves for challenging times that could last until next year.
No lack of jobs in Penang
GEORGE TOWN: Several thousand job vacancies will be created in phases over the next two years following the inflow of more than RM10 billion in investments into the state last year. InvestPenang executive committee chairman and director Datuk Lee Kah Choon said Honeywell International, through its business group Honeywell Aerospace, which invested more than RM100 million here last year, was hiring staff. He said even InvestPenang had outsourced some 2,000 jobs.
MB: Retrench as last resort
ALOR SETAR: Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Azizan Abdul Razak has proposed that employers find a better solution to retrenching workers in the worsening economic situation. Speaking to industry representatives here yesterday he said employers should understand and consider the workers' burden especially of those who had families. "I hope employers use retrenchment as a last resort," Azizan said at the state National Halal Industry Development Dialogue and Seminar. -- Bernama
Loan priority for retrenched
PEKAN: Retrenched workers can apply for loans under the micro credit scheme to venture into agricultural activities, Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed said. The ministry has applied for an additional allocation after most of the RM400 million disbursed through the Agrobank was taken up by those who participated in the agricultural sector. "Priority will be given to retrenched workers who are interested in agriculture, aquaculture and livestock breeding."
Father, son held over murder
GEORGE TOWN: Police yesterday obtained a seven-day remand order for a 41-year-old man over the murder of his 7-year-old daughter three years ago. His 16-year-old son has also been remanded for seven days.
Threat posed to economy by climate change
KUALA LUMPUR: Climate change will shrink the global economy by 20 per cent, according to the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM).
'Freeze licences of outsourcing firms'
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) yesterday called on the government to freeze licences to outsourcing companies dealing in migrant labour, due to rampant abuse and "flooding" the country with redundant workers.
Birds and bees... and bats
IT stood no chance against the trap.
School to get new hostel for remote area students
TUARAN: Once a month, a teenager who aspires to become a teacher guides her brother on a four-hour trek in the forest back to a packed hostel where 16 children share a room.
Dayaks: We're not lain-lain
KUCHING: "We are not 'dan lain lain', we are Dayaks!"
Ministry studies possibility of school health screenings
PUTRAJAYA: Health screenings will be imposed on schools if the influenza A (H1N1) threat there increases.
Haryz scores a surprise win
SUBANG JAYA: Mohamed Haryz Izzudin Mohamed Rafy had not expected to get into the finals of the RHB New Straits Times Spell-It-Right Challenge, much less win it.
Husni: No negative impact on economy
LUNDU: The influenza A (H1N1) pandemic has not had a negative impact on the country's economy, Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Husni Mohd Hanadzlah said yesterday.
Gerakan veep gets three-year suspension
KUALA LUMPUR: Gerakan vice-president Huan Cheng Guan was suspended from the party for three years for his declaration of wanting to leave the party and openly attacking the party and its leadership.
'An attempt to finish off my political career'
GEORGE TOWN: An infuriated Huan Cheng Guan yesterday lashed out at the Gerakan leadership's decision to suspend him and described the move as a clear attempt to finish off his political career.
Ong, Lim set to slug it out over PKFZ tomorrow
KUALA LUMPUR: The ongoing verbal spat between Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat and DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang over the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) is set to spill over to Parliament tomorrow.
Edison Chen excites KL fans
KUALA LUMPUR: Controversial Hong Kong superstar Edison Chen Koon Hei made a special appearance in Bangsar Baru here to launch the first Malaysian outlet of his boutique yesterday.
CIMB gives a helping hand at rugby field
MALACCA: Entering the premises of SMK Dang Anum in Merlimau, one is surprised by the activity on the school field.
Snap a picture and win up to RM100,000 for your cause
KUALA LUMPUR: Struggling non-governmental organisations now have a chance to earn much needed funds of up to RM100,000 with just a click of the camera.
Building a better nation through values
ASIAN Youth Ambassadors (AYA) founder and director Kenneth Chin is a man with a big dream and absolute faith in young people.
Puzzled over US move
PUTRAJAYA: He is disappointed and a little puzzled by the United States' government recent move to list Malaysia as one of the top trafficking offenders in the world.
Going down to ground to get the true picture
EXCERPTS from the interview with Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.
New approach to combat crime
PUTRAJAYA: There will be zero tolerance for Ah Long, Mat Rempit and snatch thirves, as well as open discussion with the public and stakeholders under the Home Ministry's new "clampdown and open up" approach for the nation's safety and security.
MACC 'can probe Sivakumar'
IPOH: Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Perak director Bahari Md Zin said that the commission could investigate the state's assembly Speaker V. Sivakumar under Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009 to find out if he had used his office or position for any form of gratification, be it personal interest or that of his associates, when he suspended Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir and six other exco members on Wednesday.
Website reported to the police
IPOH: Canning state assemblyman Wong Kah Woh lodged a police report yesterday against pro-Umno website www.mykmu.net for making provocative statements which implied the intention to "murder" state assembly Speaker V. Sivakumar. "According to the Kamus Dewan, the word 'nyahkan' used by the website editor means to 'destroy' or 'cause to disappear', he told reporters. Wong urged the police to investigate thoroughly because the article reeked of racist sentiments and seemed written with the intention to provoke racial hatred.
Tunku Ali to be proclaimed Tunku Besar
KUALA PILAH: Tunku Ali Redhauddin Tuanku Muh-riz, the eldest son of Yang di-Pertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir of Negri Sembilan and Tengku Aishah Rohani Tengku Besar Mahmud, will be appointed the ninth Tunku Besar Seri Menanti in a ceremony at Istana Besar Seri Menanti today.
Singaporean ships seized at sea over illegal fuel transfer
KOTA TINGGI: Two Singaporean-owned ships were impounded after being caught transferring their marine fuel cargo near the coast of Pengerang here on Friday.
Missing clerk's possible trail
GUA MUSANG: Police believe they have found the trail of a bank clerk who went missing while returning from an expedition to Gunung Yong Yap near Pos Brooke last Sunday. Gua Musang police chief Ahmad Termizi Haq said Mohamed Hassan Ayat Zainuddin, 28, was believed to have walked from the mountain to Kuala Mu, before heading to the Perak border. He said the search was currently focused on the trail. Mohamad Hassan is a clerk with RHB Bank in Bangi, Selangor. -- Bernama
Being ready when disaster strikes
SHAH ALAM: Imagine a pandemic hitting the country and all your workers quarantined.
Staying dry before the flood strikes
A ‘flood map’ has been drawn using satellite images from the worst floods to hit the nation in the last five years to help the government come up with mitigation measures, writes SONIA RAMACHANDRAN
Jaya Disaster: Move out order for 12 families
PETALING JAYA: Residents of 12 houses next to the Jaya Supermarket building have been told to evacuate.
Come celebrate national Kaamatan open house
KUALA LUMPUR: This year's national Tadau Kaamatan (harvest festival) open house is poised to be another jazzy affair filled with music and cultural performances of the Kadazandusun and Murut communities of Sabah.
Beauty mums take centre-stage
IT used to be that the top fashion and beauty models were super-skinny teenagers. But there is a new breed of Malaysian wives who are trying their luck at the glamorous world of modelling, putting young girls to shame.
Tip-off from US helps cops save 12 women
KUALA LUMPUR: Tip-offs are a norm for the police, but not one that comes all the way from the United States.
Lifting hopes in cancer fight
KUALA LUMPUR: The smile on the faces of some 500 cancer survivors reflected the hope and support they felt when 5,000 people gathered to take part in the 16-hour Relay for Life Kuala Lumpur 2009 yesterday.
Shuib On Sunday: Ha, ha, ha, now it's... Ten, Ten, Ten
THERE was a time when A.R. Badul and R. Jaafar, together with their sidekicks Param and Lim Goh Poh, were Laughter Malaysia Inc, the men who made Malaysians laugh.
I Remember When...: It started with a ping-pong match
In 1974, then prime minister Tun Abdul Razak Hussein dramatically altered the political landscape in Southeast Asia by forging diplomatic ties with China. Former minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Michael Chen, who will be visiting China again with current Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, tells ARMAN AHMAD about the trip Najib’s father made 35 years ago
Idol runner-up wows crowd
PETALING JAYA: American Idol runner-up for Season 7, David Archuleta, wowed the 5,000 strong-crowd with his strong tenor vocals and boyish charm at his special showcase, held at the Sunway Lagoon Theme Park Amphitheatre yesterday.
Porsche suspect detained for 60 days
By Lee Shi-Ianshiianlee@nst.com.my
`Thinner' case: Protesters want probe
KLANG: Some 100 people protested in front of the district police headquarters here yesterday over the case of a detainee who was said to have drunk thinner.
3 Malaysians badly hurt in India crash
KUALA LUMPUR: Three of the nine Malaysian tourists injured in a road accident in northern India on Friday are reported to be in a serious condition.
Motorcyclist killed in collision with barrier
KUANTAN: A family of four got out of their multi-purpose vehicle in the nick of time after a collision with a motorcycle yesterday. The vehicle burst into flames in the 4.30am accident.
Chor to meet PM over PKFZ issues
KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Chor Chee Heung will meet Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak soon to explain his position in relation to the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) issue.
I REMEMBER WHEN... Dad was a jungle basher
MY father, a police officer, was posted to Johor Baru in 1951 when I was five years old and my brother and I were sent to live with our maternal grandmother
Ibrahim Ali a 'widower'
KUALA LUMPUR: Pasir Mas member of parliament Datuk Ibrahim Ali said yesterday he preferred to be a "widower" after having been "divorced" (rejected) by the two main Malay political parties. The MP, who is an independent in the Dewan Rakyat although he won the seat on a Pas ticket in the general election last year, said this when commenting on Kelantan Pas secretary Datuk Taqiyuddin Hassan's statement asking him to declare his loyalty. Pas is unhappy over his criticism of the party and leaders.
Review of ethnic relations module
KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Higher Education will review the effectiveness of the ethnic relations module introduced in 2007. Deputy director-general of the Higher Education Division, Prof Datuk Mohd Yusof Kasim, said the review would be done this year. "The feedback from private and public institutions of higher education has been encouraging," he said after officiating a colloquium on intercultural awareness titled "Towards Coexistence In Multicultural Malaysia".
'Sultan's unity call directed at all Malays'
SHAH ALAM: The Sultan of Selangor's call for Malays to stand united despite their political differences was directed at all Malays and not just the community in Selangor, Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said yesterday.
Police officer caught with his pants down
BUTTERWORTH: The deputy chief of a police station who had his zipper down and a woman teacher were detained for indecent behaviour by religious department officers yesterday.
Don't question sultan's decision
IPOH: Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Zambry Abd Kadir yesterday promised to do his best to carry out the mandate by Sultan Azlan Shah to lead the state administration.
Healer raped me, claims housewife
RAWANG: A young housewife who sought treatment from a healer was drugged and raped instead.
Gritty girl beats all odds to score 9 1As
IPOH: Even before Tzai Siew Kein started schooling, she knew that she wanted to be a doctor.
Bouncing back to health
WHO would have thought a kid's toy could start one of the hottest fitness trends in Malaysia?
Zodiac animals made pretty
A FAMILY of cows gathers around a table laid with green grass for their Chinese New Year reunion dinner.
This 66-year-old is not slowing down
KUALA LUMPUR: At 66, retired teacher Adnan Osman is going for broke.
What it takes to run the world's toughest foot race
THE Sahara desert marathon began in 1986, and since then over 10,000 men and women have competed.
Legoland will be boon for kids, tourism
The five Legoland theme parks in the world are the ultimate destination for families with young children, with guest satisfaction scores exceeding 95 per cent. The sixth park is to come up in Johor.
Four killed, nine hurt in accident
ALOR STAR: Four members of a family were killed and another seriously injured in an accident involving three cars near Pekan Langgar here yesterday.
Mystery over duo who fled car after crash
MUAR: Who are the two men who ran off after an accident and what was in the bag that one of them was carrying?
Dengue hotspots
PUTRAJAYA: Fifty-four areas in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Pahang and Perak have been identified as dengue hotspots.
Khalid: We want minister's views
SHAH ALAM: The letter to the Energy, Water and Communications Ministry to terminate the 30-year concession agreement of Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor (Syabas) was drafted after careful consideration of the National Audit Report.
Attacked over 'comfort women'
KUANTAN: Twelve Vietnamese workers attacked a team of Immigration Department officers when their rented house in the Gebeng industrial area was raided yesterday, all because of two "comfort women".
Flood victims get new homes
TUMPAT: The smiles are back on the faces of 14 families who lost their homes in Pulau Teluk Renjuna near here during the big flood in the state at the end of 2007.
Faiz ready for space adventure
PUTRAJAYA: Angkasawan Major Dr Faiz Khaleed said he is physically fit for more missions, despite the violent assault on him in November 2007, which nearly cost him his hand.
Two local teams get podium finish in scrabble meet
KUALA LUMPUR: Four Malaysians bagged the second and third places in the New Straits Times Astar Scrabble Challenge International on Friday.
SPOTLIGHT: Global warming: Is it really man's fault?
Last month's Earth Hour brought more than just green knowledge and awareness - it reopened the debate on climate change, with both global warmers and its band of sceptics riding on it to renew their arguments. CHAN MEI LING hears
THE MARCH 8, 2008 WATERSHED: Close ranks and start delivering on promises
AS I see it, after a year the scale is slightly tilted towards Pakatan Rakyat. The recent developments in the country, especially in Perak, do not augur well for Barisan Nasional.
Ruler: Curb white collar crimes
SERI MANJUNG: Sultan Azlan Shah of Perak wants police to focus on the rising menace of white collar and commercial crimes to ensure the country's investment, trade and economic climate continues to attract investors and businessmen.
Man buried alive in landslide
IPOH: A Myanmar man was buried alive in a landslide as he was fixing pipes yesterday at the project site of the General Operations Force camp in Pengkalan Hulu, 280km from here.
2 more buildings likely in danger
GEORGE TOWN: The latest reports of damage to Gurney Park caused by the RM650-million Gurney Paragon project has raised fears over the state of two other buildings within and adjacent to the project site.
Babysitter held over suspected abuse
JOHOR BARU: Police have picked up the 34-year-old babysitter who allegedly abused an 8-year-old boy in her care.
Residents dream on even if it's fool's gold
ALOR STAR: It is unlikely to be gold, but residents of Kampung Jelutong in Pendang near here, are not giving up their dream of striking it rich.
Guan Eng gets a deadline
GEORGE TOWN: Outlawed Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) legal adviser P. Uthayakumar has given the state government one week to save the endangered Kampung Lorong Buah Pala.
Kelantan wants green golf course
KOTA BARU: The state government is inviting proposals from investors to build an environment-friendly golf course in the state, with the Lojing Highlands as one of the possible sites. State Local Government, Tourism and Culture Committee chairman Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan called for offers after opening the Kelantan Amateur Open Golf Tournament here yesterday. He said the golf course could bring more tourists to the state. He said tourist arrivals were expected to drop from more than five million last year to 4.5 million this year.
Driver was high on drugs
KUALA TERENGGANU: The motorist who knocked down a traffic policeman with his car was high on drugs. State public order and traffic chief Superintendent Alias Hashim said the 27-year-old man was arrested after he tested positive for ganja. Corporal Azli Husin, 44, was attempting to stop a group of road thugs at a roadblock on Thursday, when a Proton Wira hit him from the opposite direction. Azli suffered severe injuries to the head, chest, shoulder and neck.
Abdullah: Cyber threats no small matter
CYBERJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said he was confident that the International Multilateral Partnership Against Cyber Threats (Impact) would be able to leverage on Cyberjaya's various advantages to its benefits.
Vote with conscience for reforms
DATUK Seri Najib Razak will call for structural reforms within Umno and the government at this year's general assembly.
Indian youths in gangs a concern
KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Senator T. Murugiah will meet Indian non-governmental organisations soon to discuss ways to eradicate gangsterism. He said Indians made up the majority of some 100,000 people involved in gangsterism in the country. The discussion would focus on preventing Indian students from getting involved in gangsterism, he said after opening the Malaysian Indian Civic Society delegates meeting here yesterday. -- Bernama
EPF 'must release investment info'
KUALA LUMPUR: The National Union of Bank Employees (NUBE) has urged the Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) to make public all its investments in light of the dividends declared over the past few years. NUBE general secretary J. Solomon said EPF could make its investments public on its website. He said the move would allay contributors' concerns about their investment. He said EPF's explanation about its dividends, which was justified due to the economic crisis, was not compelling enough. -- Bernama
RON 95, Euro 2M on sale on Sept 1
JOHOR BARU: The new RON 95 petrol and Euro 2M grade diesel will be available by Sept 1. Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad said the price for both upgraded fuel would be the same as their previous grades. The announcement to replace the current grade of fuel was made last year. "RON 95 will be priced the same as RON 92, which is RM1.70 per litre," he said after opening a seminar here yesterday.
Gerakan urges Lim to reveal quit reasons
GEORGE TOWN: The state Gerakan has criticised Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng for his refusal to divulge the reasons leading to the resignation of Deputy Chief Minister I Mohamad Fairus Khairuddin yesterday.
Battle for supreme council seats hots up
KUALA LUMPUR: Although the focus is on the contests for the Umno deputy president and vice-presidents' posts in the party elections on Thursday, the contest for the 25 supreme council seats is also interesting.
Wong meets MB to discuss her future
SHAH ALAM: Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim has finally met Bukit Lanjan state assemblyman Elizabeth Wong to discuss her political future and her status as a state executive council member.
Indian women 'uninterested' in business
KUALA LUMPUR: Most Indian women in the lower-income group are more interested in watching Tamil movies on television than taking advantage of the business opportunities available to them.
Stop demands... it's time for contributions
PUTRAJAYA: "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country."
Visits by Australia's PM, foreign minister
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and his Australian counterpart, Kevin Rudd, will discuss and exchange views on bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest during the latter's working visit to Malaysia tomorrow.
Throw a coin, make a wish
KUALA LUMPUR: Throw a coin into the country's tallest Liuli crystal fountain in front of Pavilion Kuala Lumpur and make a wish.
3.7m yet to register as voters, says EC secretary
KOTA BARU: Some 3.7 million of the country's population who can register as voters have not done so, said Election Commission (EC) secretary Datuk Ngah Senik.
Body found inside burnt car
KUALA LUMPUR: The charred remains of a person were found in a vehicle that caught fire at a parking lot of Skyvilla Apartment, Serdang Jaya, here yesterday.
Society must play its part
STOPPING violence in schools should be a community effort.
Spare the cane, go for positive discipline methods
ACCORDING to Help University College's Department of Psychology adjunct professor Prof Datin Dr Noran Fauziah Yaakub, positive discipline techniques should be employed against aggressive students.
Equip teachers with the practical know-how
THE curriculum at teacher training colleges and universities falls short of providing skills to teachers to understand and prevent violence in schools involving students, according to a unionist.
Tips to making schools a bully-free environment
MANUAL Guru: Pencegahan Buli Di Sekolah (Teacher's Manual: Preventing Bullies in School) is a comprehensive guide that aims to help teachers, students and parents develop practices that will foster a healthier environment in schools and not encourage bullying among students.
Public nod for English
KUALA LUMPUR: The Education Ministry has received positive feedback from the public on the proposal to make it compulsory to pass the English language subject in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examination.
Expo to encourage diving among locals
KUALA LUMPUR: While the renowned diving spots like Pulau Sipadan, Pulau Perhentian and Pulau Tioman are known internationally, they still remain unknown to Malaysians.
Fair gets positive response
KUALA LUMPUR: Response to the second day of the inaugural Malaysian Domestic Tourism Fair was promising with the number of visitors and sales picking up towards the later part of the day.
Report: Malaysia's tourism still bright
DUBAI: Malaysia was among several destinations that still reported encouraging results in terms of tourist arrivals for the first four months of this year, amid an overall decline in numbers globally.
Kit Siang admits to problems in Kedah
ALOR STAR: DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang has admitted there are problems between Kedah DAP and the state Pakatan government led by Pas.
Youths to assist police in crime unit
KUALA LUMPUR: Police yesterday launched a pioneer volunteer crime prevention unit comprising 211 youths from the Sentul area, the first such unit in Malaysia.
PJA 1 nets RM73,000
BUTTERWORTH: A businessman here paid RM73,000 for the vehicle registration number PJA 1 for his Mercedes Benz.
Pool system for insuring old cars
BACHOK: The Ministry of Finance is looking at implementing a pool system for insurance companies in order to counter the problems faced by car owners in getting insurance for cars older than 10 years.
'Most runaway cases involve boyfriends'
KUALA LUMPUR: Most girls who run away from homes are persuaded to do so by their boyfriends, according to the MCA Public Services and Complaints Department.
MIC to woo Indians with help from NGOs
KUALA LUMPUR: While the now fragile Pakatan Rakyat is trying to "resuscitate" its support from the Indian community, the MIC has been moving silently on the ground, wooing disgruntled Indians who are angry with the handling of several issues by the opposition coalition.
Murugiah: Let media cover assembly
IPOH: Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Senator Datuk T. Murugiah has offered to mediate with the Perak state government to relax the new rules governing media coverage of the state assembly sitting that starts on Thursday.
31 foreigners held in ops
BUKIT MERTAJAM: Police detained 31 foreigners, including three women, for various immigration offences during an eight-hour operation in Seberang Prai Tengah on Friday.
Duke toll starts tomorrow
KUALA LUMPUR: The Duta-Ulu Klang Expressway, which was partially opened to traffic on Jan 9, will begin toll collection at 12.01am tomorrow. In a statement, Kuala Lumpur North-East Expressway Consortium said the toll rate for cars is RM2, while it's RM3 for double-axle lorries. For three-axle lorries, taxis and buses, the rates are RM4, RM1 and 70 sen, respectively. Other sections of the expressway are scheduled to open within the next two months. -- Bernama
I Remember When... Teluk Busung was all mangroves and the catch was plentiful
He's in his 50s and spends every spare time he has now with a United Nations Development Programme regeneration project in Terengganu. But 54-year-old Tengku Azam Mat tells SEAN AUGUSTIN about the 70s when the mangroves were flourishing and crabs aplenty
I REMEMBER WHEN... `I cooked for Rahah when she was carrying Najib'
Veteran politician Tun Fatimah Hashim, 85, speaks to Arman Ahmad about Tun Abdul Razak Hussein and his family as well as serving under him as Minister of Welfare Services
Boy drowns in resort pool
SEREMBAN: A 6-year-old boy was found drowned at a swimming pool in a Port Dickson resort near here on Friday.
Burnt to death in van crash
PASIR PUTIH: A 17-year old student died when the van he was in burst into flames after ramming into a tree in Kampung Gong Kulim here yesterday.
Teenager dies in pipe bomb blast
KUALA LIPIS: A 17-year-old boy died when a pipe bomb exploded in his hands by the banks of Sungai Kuala Putus on Friday.
Najib vows to stop human trafficking
KUALA LUMPUR: Acknowledging that Malaysia was being used as a transit point for human trafficking, Datuk Seri Najib Razak said yesterday the government would check the menace.
Najib to visit Sabah tomorrow
KOTA KINABALU: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak will be in Sabah for a two-day official visit tomorrow.
Najib's walkabout at Kadazan do
KUALA LUMPUR: A surprise visit by Datuk Seri Najib Razak to the 14th Harvest Festival added to the festive cheer at Pesta Kaamatan yesterday afternoon.
Don't raise chicken prices, says Muhyiddin
PAGOH: Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin cautioned poultry suppliers not to take advantage of the increased demand for chicken because of the influenza A scare.
Hisham warns troublemakers
KLUANG: Do not take your resentment to the streets and disrupt public order.
Karpal hits out at Pas
GEORGE TOWN: Pas' obsession to set up an Islamic state following the call by its council of Islamic scholars for the top two party posts to be held by ulama is not a step in the right direction, DAP national chairman Karpal Singh said yesterday.
Ex-Tanjung Puteri rep Ali dies
JOHOR BARU: Former Tanjung Puteri assemblyman Datuk Ali Mohamed, 68, died yesterday after suffering from an intestinal tumour.
Air travellers from 3 countries to be screened
KUALA LUMPUR: Beginning yesterday, airline passengers arriving from Hong Kong, Denmark and South Korea have to be screened for influenza A as the virus has spread to the three countries.
No justice without legal aid
Most people charged with a criminal offence can’t afford a lawyer to argue their case, SONIA RAMACHANDRAN learns. What justice can there be when it’s expedient to plead guilty?
SHUIB on SUNDAY
I who have nothing
SHE still has the looks. Her acting skills and her singing have not deserted her either. But Norish Karman is baffled.
Zambry: State reps will be safe
PASIR SALAK: Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir has assured that police would ensure the safety of all 59 Perak assemblymen attending the state assembly sitting on Thursday.
'Scout values can serve all'
KUALA LUMPUR: The principles and philosophy espoused by the scout movement should be emulated by everyone in a multi-racial country, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said yesterday.
Spell-It-Right Challenge: Her only regret is she can't compete next year
KUALA TERENGGANU: Winning top prizes at the RHB New Straits Times Spell-It-Right Challenge is becoming a habit for Nurul Azzah Abd Aziz.
'Polls not the answer'
IPOH: Calling for elections whenever there is a problem is not the answer, Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said yesterday.
I Remember When... A trolley bus took me to the ferry
Former sports commentator A. AZIZ IBRAHIM recalls riding the trolley bus and taking a ferry on his daily two-hour commute to work as a temporary teacher in Sungai Dua, Butterworth
Lecturer, sister held over death of maid
PETALING JAYA: A part-time lecturer at Universiti Malaya and his sister were detained by police yesterday to facilitate investigations into the death of an Indonesian maid.
MCA Youth slams bloggers
KUALA LUMPUR: The MCA Youth criticised some bloggers and an online petition supporting the "One School for All" campaign.
Kayveas running out of patience
KUALA LUMPUR: "Don't make me angry. You won't like it when I'm angry." No. These are not quotes from the comic character The Incredible Hulk.
'Not all are road thugs'
SEREMBAN: The "road thugs" (samseng jalanan) label given to Mat Rempit, youths with a penchant for street racing is a bit too much, said Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek.
Police seize DAP computers
KUALA LUMPUR: Police made an inspection at the DAP's head office in Seksyen 20/9, Petaling Jaya, near here yesterday and confiscated computers and computer components believed to have been used to print flyers containing elements of sedition.
Robbers offered loot in return for family's safety
KUALA LUMPUR: A woman's negotiating skills with robbers saved her family from harm in Selayang Baru, here last Thursday.
Sultan to get treatment in S'pore
KOTA BARU: The Sultan of Kelantan Sultan Ismail Petra Ibni Almarhum Sultan Yahya Petra is reported to be in stable condition following treatment for a heart ailment.
Woman, 26, goes missing
KUALA LUMPUR: A 26-year-old woman went missing after she decided to go looking for her friends who were picnicking at the Kubang Gajah waterfalls in Kampung Kemensah in Ulu Klang yesterday. The woman, known only as Aishah, had arrived at Institut Budaya Baru Melayu, Selangor in Kampung Kemensah at 2.30pm and had called one of her friends to find out where the waterfall was located. A friend said they waited for Aishah but she never turned up. A search is under way.
'Crown Jewel' ready by 2012
NUSAJAYA: Touted the "Crown Jewel" of Iskandar Malaysia, the new Johor administrative centre here is expected to be operational by 2012.
NGO launches scheme to 'adopt' 317 war orphans
KUALA LUMPUR: Yayasan Wanita Islam (Yati) launched its two-year Adopt the Palestinian Children programme on Friday to raise funds for 317 children whose parents had died during the Gaza conflict. In this programme dubbed "Papa", the public can contribute between RM350 and RM3,500 yearly to provide clothes, food, build schools and counselling to help the children recover from the tragedy. Papa director Datin Nor Azlin Ibrahim said the money collected would be distributed equally to each child. She said Yati was working with non-governmental organisations Al-Solah Al-Islamiyiah Society in Rafah and Qariah Athfal SOS in Gaza to help more poor and orphaned Gaza children. Yati expected to help 1,000 children in two months, she said.
SHUIB ON SUNDAY From princess to principal
WHO will be the Akademi Fantasia principal this season?
SUNDAY INTERVIEW 'I can put Najib's plans into action'
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department in charge of Islamic Affairs Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is one of the top three nominated candidates in the historic nine-man race for Umno's three vice president posts. Zahid, who is also Perak Umno deputy chief, talks to DAVID YEOW about his chances, the generational shift in Umno's leadership and the recent regime change in Perak
Dept goes the extra mile for the retrenched
KUALA LUMPUR: The global economic slowdown cost 14,827 Malaysians their jobs between Oct 1 and Feb 16 this year.
In his father's footsteps
THE apple never falls far from the tree and golf pro Noh Young-Min is a testament of that saying.
Ministry to probe Kugan reports
KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry will conduct an independent inquiry into the two post-mortem reports on the body of A. Kugan, a suspected car thief who died while in police custody.
More homes for poor
PUTRAJAYA: More houses will be built for the hard-core poor in Sabah and Sarawak.
Tioman airport to get facelift
KUANTAN: Pulau Tioman will not get a new airport but will, instead, have its present airport upgraded.
Muthu has enough forms, says MIC
KUALA LUMPUR: MIC headquarters is not sabotaging the attempt by Datuk M. Muthupalaniappan to challenge Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu for the party presidency.
Johor makes name for itself as a 'tree state'
JOHOR BARU: Though busy with its economic expansion plans, Johor has not forgotten the environment.
Orang utan experts meet on Tuesday
KUALA LUMPUR: Experts on the conservation of orang utan will deliberate for two days from Tuesday on efforts to ensure the continued survival of the primate, which is considered vulnerable and endangered.
MAS offering huge discounts
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysia Airlines Travel Fair 2009, which will be held from Feb 10 to 19, is offering over one million seats at discounts of up to 70 per cent. In a statement here yesterday, Malaysia Airlines said tickets could be purchased via its website, through travel agents or its ticketing offices across Malaysia and in Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam. MAS said it would set up counters at KL Sentral during the 10 days of the fair. -- Bernama
Investors assured of good returns
MUADZAM SHAH: Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB) will offer more units and assures its investors that they will get competitive returns despite the economic slowdown.
NUTP urges govt for upgrade
KUALA LUMPUR:The National Union of Teaching Profession (NUTP) has urged the government to streamline the grading for senior assistants in secondary schools to DG48. Its president Hashim Adnan said this would balance the Education Ministry's efforts to upgrade the management and administration of schools aimed at creating students and teachers of excellence. Hashim also urged the 450 school inspectors to be increased and to upgrade them to DG41. -- Bernama
Left with bittersweet memories
SEPANG: They were there only for two weeks, but their short stay in the Gaza Strip has left the Mercy Malaysia's medical team with a lifetime of memories.
Timber merchant in stable condition
KOTA BARU: Malacca timber businessman, How See Man, 52, who was viciously hacked by three robbers armed with parangs in Bukit Lanjut, Gua Musang yesterday, is reported to be in a stable condition at the Kuala Krai Hospital.
Regulating fitness industry
GEORGE TOWN: Complaints about unqualified fitness instructors and centres being abandoned after collecting money have prompted the Federal Government to expedite the tabling of the National Fitness Bill.
Liow: Dengue deaths on the rise
PUTRAJAYA: Some 6,240 dengue cases and 16 deaths were recorded up to Feb 4 this year, a 55 per cent increase compared with 3,407 cases and nine deaths recorded in the same period last year, Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said.
More doctors wanted
KUALA LUMPUR: Government hospitals are in need of more medical officers and specialists.
MB Khalid: Lexus used for official duties
SHAH ALAM: The Lexus used by Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim is a personal car used for official matters.
Working to register births promptly
KUALA LUMPUR: The government will introduce a new mechanism to ensure all child births are registered promptly.
Teenager falls to her death
SEREMBAN: A Form Five teenager was found lying in a pool of blood, believed to have fallen from the 14th floor of the Templer Flats in Jalan Tun Dr Ismail, near here, yesterday morning. Tan Wei Xian, 17, from Taman Permai was found by passers-by on the first floor of the flats at around 7am. A police spokesman said they found the victim's handphone, wallet and a packet of cigarettes on the walkway of the 14th floor, where the victim was believed to have fallen from.
That plaque must go, says Ipoh council
IPOH: The Ipoh City Councilhas ordered the demolition of a marble plaque erected by the Pakatan Rakyat opposition assemblymen to mark the controversial state assembly emergency sitting on March 3.
Trio caught for violating hunting permit
PEKAN: They had acquired the licence to shoot only 100 flying foxes but the three hunters said they got carried away during a hunting trip and ended up bagging another 28.
Jamaludin pulls out of Umno V-P race
KUALA LUMPUR: Former minister Datuk Seri Dr Jamaludin Jarjis has dropped out of the race for one of the three vice-president's posts in Umno.
Judge me by my actions, says Najib
KUALA LUMPUR: New Umno president and prime minister-in-waiting Datuk Seri Najib Razak wants the rakyat to judge him by his actions and not by the malicious and baseless lies spread against him.
WOMEN OF INDEPENDENCE: 6ways to the top
SHE is a household name in Japan.
SHUIB ON SUNDAY: The Prince and the golden shower
WHEN Prince William, the future king of England, took a break from his polo match last November to direct a golden shower at a fence, he was surely most relieved.
A sober taste of Sabah through 'lihing'
EVERYONE in Sabah knows what lihing is.
Revoke ban on dailies, Karpal tells Guan Eng
GEORGE TOWN: DAP national chairman Karpal Singh wants Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng to lift the ban on the New Straits Times and the Utusan Malaysia from attending state functions.
'Spitting' sparks fight in school
MUAR: Two Form Three pupils were injured and another fainted when a group of students from the same school entered their classroom and hurled objects, including stones, at them.
The president's new men and women...
PEOPLE are already calling her the "rose among the thorns" as she is the sole woman elected into the 25-member Umno supreme council.
Bitter-sweet moment for grieving husband
JOHOR BARU: It must have been hard for Suhaimi Mohamed Dasok.
Obey the law, says IGP
BAHAU: Police have advised all parties to obey the law during the three by-elections on April 7.
'14 have paid by-election deposits'
SUNGAI PETANI: With a day to go before nominations for the Bukit Selambau state by-election, 14 potential candidates have paid deposits to the Election Commision.
4 candidates likely in Batang Ai
LUBOK ANTU (Sri Aman): The Batang Ai state by-election may see a four-cornered fight, with two independents likely to join the Barisan Nasional and Parti Keadilan Rakyat candidates.
Neighbour rapes 10-year-old
KUALA LUMPUR: The family of a 10-year-old girl did not think anything of her frequently visiting her immediate neighbour until Thursday when they came to know what happened.
Snake bite? Autopsy on boy, 11
KUALA LUMPUR: The actual cause of death of 11-year-old Wan Muhammad Amir Dahalan will only be known when the autopsy report is ready, said Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL) director Datuk Dr Zainiah Mohd Zin yesterday.
Another dugong dies
PASIR GUDANG: Dugong deaths in the waters off Johor are occurring again.
Two missing doctors found dead in ravine
KUALA LUMPUR: The bodies of two doctors missing since Wednesday were found yesterday in a ravine near the Klang Gates in Ulu Ampang.
Best student plans to become a lecturer
PUTRAJAYA: Growing up with a widowed mother and without any siblings, Janina Saheb has not led a charmed life. However, she does not let that keep her down.
End to trigger-happy gang
TAIPING: The three men who died in a shootout with police at the Bukit Merah Laketown Resort on Friday and their three accomplices who were arrested were members of a robbery gang.
Cops hit me, robbery suspect claims
KUALA LUMPUR: A 30-year-old man has lodged a report claiming he was abused by four policemen while in custody, less than a week after the death of A. Kugan.
THE MARCH 8, 2008 WATERSHED: What the politicians say
Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad: THE government has been discharging its duties well since the last general election. So many (good) things have happened which have not been highlighted in the media.
Daughter, two sisters sexually abused
KLANG: A father is a protector. So is an elder brother. But two cases last week show even protectors can become predators.
Online club brings Indian welfare issues to the fore
KUALA LUMPUR: A Yahoo discussion group on the welfare of Malaysian Indians is attracting hundreds of postings daily.
Quality Malaysian artwork on show
KUALA LUMPUR: The Iskandar Malaysia Contemporary Art Show (Imcas) 2009, which will showcase about 1,000 works of more than 100 Malaysian artists, is set to place Malaysia at the forefront of the regional art market.
Carjacker speeds off with boy
SUBANG JAYA: A customer who was filling up his car up at a petrol station yesterday could only watch as a man jumped into his car and drove off with his 7-year-old son inside.
'Poor' Rocket sales grounded
GEORGE TOWN: Penang DAP has decided to cancel the selling of the party's newsletter, the Rocket, by poor people under its hard core poor programme.
Student dies after home goes up in flames
NIBONG TEBAL: A 14-year-old girl was killed when a fire razed her family's wooden house at the Sungai Chenaam hard core poor housing scheme here yesterday.
PM: Resolve language issue before it gets out of hand
KUALA LUMPUR: The prime minister wants the Education Ministry to decide quickly whether Science and Mathematics should continue to be taught in English.
Four men assault driver and attendant, hijack lorry
KUALA KUBU BARU: Four men assaulted a lorry driver and his attendant with metal rods and hijacked the vehicle in Ulu Bernam yesterday.
Vietnamese robbers shot dead
GEORGE TOWN: Police shot dead five Vietnamese robbers during a high-speed car chase on the Butterworth-Kulim Expressway (BKE) early yesterday.
Bukit Selambau candidate to have Umno's full backing
KUALA LUMPUR: Umno will give full support to any candidate from the Barisan Nasional coalition to contest in the Bukit Selambau by-election on April 7, Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Najib Razak said yesterday.
Social contract 'lies in charter'
Royal address by the Raja of Perlis on the occasion of the launching of the special seminar on the Federal Constitution on friday
Education close to Rahah's heart
SINTOK: When Tun Rahah Mohd Noah was growing up, access to education was limited, especially for women.
Only 100 take up postgrad study offer
KUCHING: Only 100 graduates have applied for the financial assistance provided under the second economic stimulus package to do postgraduate studies.
Elephant kills smallholder
GRIK: An elephant trampled to death a man who was working in his rubber smallholding at Kampung Tanjung Rimbun on Friday.
Rosnah: Don't take us lightly
KUALA LUMPUR: Noting that there had been efforts by certain quarters to write off the youngest movement in Umno that she now heads, Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin said the wing would get to work on correcting negative perceptions about it.
Ipoh-S'pore flights get the nod
IPOH: The cabinet has approved flights between Sultan Azlan Shah Airport here and Singapore.
Rubisa, Zizi voted off AF7
KUALA LUMPUR: Rubisa Tiasin and Zizi Tahil became the latest casualties of season seven of popular reality talent show Akademi Fantasia 7 (AF7) yesterday.
AirAsia has what it takes to be on top
KUALA LUMPUR: AirAsia's recognition as the "World's Best Low Cost Airline" is evidence that a Malaysian company has what it takes to be top of the world.
Ghani: We'll ensure forest link remains
JOHOR BARU: The state government is keeping an eye on the development of Sungai Mas forest, said to be an integral part of the Endau-Kluang and Endau-Kota Tinggi Wildlife Reserve.
Temples no longer sacred for robbers
By Lee Shi-Ianshiianlee@nst.com.my
Bukit Gantang By-Election: Positive signs for BN here, says Mukhriz
JERLUN MP Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir spends five minutes with JENNIFER GOMEZ after his cycling campaign stint in Kampung Sungai Mati
IMF: Room for more stimulus packages
KUALA LUMPUR: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said there was still room for countries in Asia like Malaysia to embark on bigger stimulus packages to boost domestic demand and promote economic growth.
Cuepacs seeks meeting with Najib
MALACCA: Cuepacs will meet Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak soon to make proposals to improve the civil service and improve the welfare of civil servants.
Dr M backs PAC probe
KUALA LUMPUR: Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad supports the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) move to scrutinise Proton Holdings Bhd on the controversial sale of Italian motorbike manufacturer MV Agusta.
Ibrahim wants 'proposal'
KOTA BARU: Pasir Mas member of parliament Datuk Ibrahim Ali said yesterday he was not in a hurry to apply to join Umno and instead would wait for the party to make the first move.
Online job website that retirees can go to
KUALA LUMPUR: Pensioners who are interested in getting post-service employment in either the government or private sector should register themselves with JobsMalaysia.gov.my, an online government-run employment site.
Tribute to my dearest Mak
MAK passed away at 1.10pm on April 30, 29 days shy of her 90th birthday.
Najib grateful to his mother for her love
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak yesterday paid tribute to his mother, Tun Rahah Mohd Noah, and all other mothers on the occasion of Mothers Day today.
Subramaniam eyeing comeback as MIC No 2
KUALA LUMPUR: Former MIC deputy president Datuk S. Subramaniam is looking at making a comeback to main- stream politics as he seeks to go for the party's number two post.
In the mood for jazz despite flu scare
MIRI: It's May and it's that time of the year when jazz lovers from Brunei, Singapore and Indonesia join their Malaysian brethren at Brighton beach here.
NSTP Fund for Gaza: Mystery man gives RM4,000
KULAI JAYA: An anonymous donor chipped in with RM4,000 for the NSTP Fund for Gaza during a four-day donation drive at SMK Kelapa Sawit here.
Time to fulfil vows
KUALA LUMPUR: Thousands of Lord Murugan devotees thronged Batu Caves yesterday, the eve of Thaipusam, to climb 272 steps leading to the cave temple in an act of penance.
A SUCCESSFUL WOMAN: Sakie Fukushima
FOR someone who has reached the pinnacle of success, it is hard to imagine that Sakie Fukushima's biggest demon was a lack of self confidence.
Lost in the maze of Perak suits
KUALA LUMPUR: Several suits filed in relation to the Perak constitutional crisis have made it difficult for the public to follow court proceedings.
Children to enjoy greater protection
KANGAR: Two new policies are being drafted to safeguard the welfare of children and ensure protection from neglect, abuse, violence and exploitation.
Reform package entails allowing 60,000 to vote
KUALA LUMPUR: Future Umno leaders will not be decided by about 2,600 delegates, but by about 60,000 more.
Muhyiddin seeks PM's forgiveness
KUALA LUMPUR: Newly elected Umno deputy president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday pledged to be a loyal No. 2 to party president Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
NewsFocus on KPI: Setting meaningful targets key to making it work
Key performance indicators are metrics designed to evaluate how well an organisation performs in meeting its stated goals. Launching his '1Malaysia, People First, Performance Now' agenda, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak announced that KPIs would be instituted for Cabinet-level positions as well as the civil service they command. YONG HUEY JIUN and SHERIDAN MAHAVERA examine the promise and potential pitfalls of KPIs in that context.
SCIENCE: In pursuit of sustainable energy
THE government has just announced the creation of the Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry to spearhead the country's sustainability agenda. This ministry has been tasked to champion Malaysia's pursuit of alternative and renewable energy.
YOUR MONEY: To invest or to speculate
Aiman, Andy and Ashanth, who have decided to defer the decision of buying a car, are now into investments in the market. Let's see if we can get a tip or two from these young pros.
Abdullah: Respect Najib's leadership changes in party
KUALA LUMPUR: Former Umno president Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has called on party leaders and members to respect the leadership changes made by his successor.
List of state Youth chiefs next week
SEREMBAN: Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin said yesterday that the new Youth chiefs at the state level would be announced next week.
Dressing the part important, too
KUALA LUMPUR: Being a Wanita or Puteri delegate to the Umno general assembly can get rather unglamorous. In fact, it can get quite ugly, wth the long hours, late nights and the pressure.
RTM urged to air religious shows during prime time
KUALA LUMPUR: Government broadcaster RTM was yesterday told to show religious programmes during prime time.
Shafie: Sabah Umno a force to be reckoned with
KUALA LUMPUR: There was a time when Sabah Umno members were regarded as lackeys of Peninsular Malaysians. There was also a time when they could not even rent halls to hold gatherings and had to plead for support from the people in the eastern state.
Gimmicks and bargains to get a sale
KUALA LUMPUR: As he stood high on the chair, shouting: "Lelong! Lelong! Baju kurung murah" at the top of his voice, Mohd Hamdi Nawawi drew giggles and curious stares from shoppers.
Shahrizat grateful to mentors
KUALA LUMPUR: Newly elected Wanita Umno head Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil paid tribute to "teachers" who had given her valuable lessons on how to become a good leader.
Driving schools told to upgrade circuits
JOHOR BARU: The Road Transport Department wants driving schools to upgrade their driving circuit to provide a better training ground for drivers. It hopes this can be done despite the current economic downturn.
Shuib On Sunday: Hey, good looking, what’s cooking!
HER lamb shanks were exquisite. Her pasta with chili api was simply tantalising.
Paraquat Poisoning: Ban lifted,more cases of poisoning
THE National Poison Centre Universiti Sains Malaysia said the number of cases reported on paraquat poisoning has been rising steadily after the ban on the toxic herbicide was lifted in November 2006.
Paraquat Poisoning: Reaching out to get it banned
THE Round Table on Sustainable Palm Oil Process (RSPO) could help get paraquat banned in Malaysia.
Paraquat Poisoning: Deadly, just a teaspoonful
IF you consume, accidently or otherwise, just a teaspoon of paraquat, you will be dead for there is no known antidote for this toxic herbicide.
Paraquat Poisoning: So easily available
Plantation workers and others breathed a sigh of relief when paraquat was banned in 2002. But the highly toxic herbicide has made a comeback and this has many quarters worried, writes SHANTI GUNARATNAM
Ghazi preaches virtues of creativity
There are many old things in Datuk Ghazi Sheikh Ramli's office but they serve a purpose, writes ARMAN AHMAD.
Education boss, but last to know of bullying incident
KUCHING: A reported bullying case in a secondary school in her constituency last week left Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister's Office Datin Fatimah Abdullah red-faced yesterday.
Johor to be self-sufficient in rice with padi-farming venture
JOHOR BARU: Johor is going big on padi cultivation. The state government has identified a 2,833-hectare site in Sembrong for the venture, which is aimed at increasing the state's food output.
MB: Logging at Ulu Muda won't affect environment
ALOR STAR: Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Azizan Abdul Razak has given an assurance that the proposed logging project in the Ulu Muda forest reserve will not affect the environment.
RM300,000 heist at jewellers
KUALA LUMPUR: Two gunmen escaped with RM300,000 worth of watches, jewellery and cash from a store in The Mall shopping centre yesterday. Two employees of the M&L Watch and Jewellery store were closing the shop at 7pm when the robbers struck.
12 dropped from Penang councils
GEORGE TOWN: Twelve councillors who were appointed from among political parties, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and district officers have been dropped from the Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP) and Seberang Prai Municipal Council (MPSP).
Pistol-whipped in pre-dawn robbery
KUALA LUMPUR: When Tay Poh Yang was awakened early yesterday, she was horrified to see a bloodied face staring at her.
Foreign workers first to be let go
KOTA KINABALU: Employers planning to retrench should focus on their foreign workers before targeting local workers under the "ForeignWorkers First Out" principle.
MB warns of disciplinary action
KEMAMAN: Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said said yesterday that any Barisan Nasional assemblyman who tables a motion of no-confidence against him will face disciplinary action, including expulsion.
Bitter-sweet reunion with Baizon
KOTA KINABALU: Rubbing away the tears, he gripped his foster brother's thin hand -- happy to be reunited with him after four months, but devastated by the news 16-year-old Baizon Abas may not make it to his next birthday in December.
SPOTLIGHT
Are small firms weathering the storm?
Customers are staying away. Sales are dwindling. Workers fret about job security. The New Sunday Times has been tracking five small and medium businesses to see how the economic downturn has affected their operations since January.
Rep held under ISA might resign
SHAH ALAM: Kota Alam Shah state assemblyman M. Manoharan said he was considering vacating his seat.
Conversion laws face major test
KUALA LUMPUR: The Court of Appeal's decision to refer the case involving the custody and conversion of the sons of S. Shamala and Muhamad Ridzwan (Dr Jeyaganesh C. Mogarajah) to the Federal Court last Tuesday has given rise to some interesting issues.
Soi Lek a Barisan stalwart: Najib
KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional chairman and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak denied reports that MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek might join the opposition.
Dept probes worker's 'slavery' claim
KUALA LUMPUR: Human Resources Minister Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam said yesterday the Manpower Department had launched a probe into the claims of an estate worker that he was allegedly treated as a slave.
PKFZ Scandal: Tee Keat slams opposition for 'shutdown' call
KUALA LUMPUR: Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat yesterday expressed his disappointment over suggestions by some opposition members that the government should close down the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) to cut its losses.
Najib: Stability key to overcoming crisis
By Noor Adzman Baharuddin and Adib Povera
Mussen ready for battle
KUCHING: The Barisan Nasional candidate for the Batang Ai by-election is state Agriculture Department engineer Malcolm Mussen Lamoh.
Heavy burden awaits Umno delegates
KUALA LUMPUR In about 10 days from now, the country's biggest party, Umno, will hold its elections which will determine the party's leadership as well as that of the country.
Ganesan pledges to work hard to win seat
SUNGAI PETANI: Kedah MIC deputy chairman Datuk S. Ganesan, 49, vowed to work hard to recapture the Bukit Selambau state seat.
Winds of change will help Ismail
TAIPING: Ismail Safian believes he can win back the Bukit Gantang parliamentary seat for Barisan Nasional.
Disability not an excuse for them
MALACCA: Being born with impaired vision did not prevent Nurhidayah Daud from excelling in her studies.
Win some, lose some on integrity front
HAS there been a decline in corrupt practices in the past five years?
Ooh, she's too hot for some...
SOME liked it, some didn't.
SPOTLIGHT
9 ways to stay afloat
A CHECKLIST by small business expert and BBC Radio Four presenter Liz Barclay:
Sri Lankan teen's captive ordeal
KUALA LUMPUR: For eight months, 14-year-old Dil Ruckshan was held captive in a flat in Sentul, forced to do housework and beaten every time he asked to speak to his grandmother in Switzerland.
SPOTLIGHT
Surprising who you can rope in
A TRIAL Original Bootcamp in Malaysia was not the easiest programme to set up.
SPOTLIGHT
Get yourself booted into health
FIFTEEN seconds to go, move it. Go, go, go... 3, 2, 1. Steady!
RHB-NST Spell-it-right Challenge Hunt for top speller begins
SEREMBAN: The hunt for the RHB-New Straits Times Spell-It-Right National Primary Champion 2009 began here yesterday when over 20 primary schools with 80 students participated in the first leg of the nationwide spelling competition.
AZMI ANSHAR
Lat the Malaysian unifier
Theclosest construct for ethnic melding in Malaysia has been the big feasts hosted by monarchs, politicians, chief executive officers, corporations and Malaysians with a big heart under the ingenious idea of the national open house.
Up-to-date facilities at Mantissa College
Communication Production, Business Management, Accounting and Corporate Training courses.
Special unit to curb car thefts
A NATIONAL body was established in 2007 to tackle the rising number of car thefts.
Anak Mami takes 'Zaiton' in her stride
SHE is not exactly a novice, though she is more of a singer than an actor.
`Youths should look for niche jobs'
KUALA LUMPUR: School leavers have been advised to look beyond traditional jobs.
Fatter because of junk food
PETALING JAYA: A survey shows that Malaysians aged 30 and above are more likely to be obese, diabetic and suffer from high blood pressure compared with those in the same age group 10 years ago.
Residents cry foul over project
SUBANG JAYA: Chan Sek Woo, 47, feared something bad would befall his family one day.
Thieves embrace globalisation
Malaysian car car thieves are now taking orders from car buyers in far-off countries, with the most sought-after vehicles being 4x4 pick-up trucks, writes LEE SHI-IAN
Thieves sent to Japan for 'courses'
CAR theft syndicates are investing in their members by sending them on courses.
Arizal gets his jersey
SEPANG: He had always wanted his own football jersey.
'Stop excessive politicking and help the economy'
GEORGE TOWN: Gerakan has called on all Barisan Nasional component parties as well as the opposition to stop excessive politicking and instead work together to help the economy.
Mini budget to focus on retraining retrenched staff
TASEK GELUGOR: The retraining of laid-off workers will be among the main focus of the mini budget to be announced by Finance Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak on March 10.
Sivarasa stopped from entering Sarawak
KUCHING: Sarawak Immigration stopped Parti Keadilan Rakyat vice-president R. Sivarasa from entering the state yesterday.
Three Uniten students killed in collision
BATU PAHAT: Three students from Universiti Tenaga Nasional (Uniten) in Muadzam Shah, Pahang, were killed when the Perodua Kancil they were in collided with a Mercedes Benz at Km9 Jalan Labis-Yong Peng yesterday.
Ex-hubby sent to jail over child support
WHEN her ex-husband refused to pay for their children's maintenance, Jenny, a nurse in Penang, was forced to go to the extreme. She dragged him to jail, literally.
'Appropriate for Selangor Sultan to slam rudeness'
SHAH ALAM: It was appropriate for Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah to feel disappointed at the rudeness displayed against the Sultan of Perak, Umno vice-president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said yesterday.
Ministry sec-gen lodges report over khalwat rumour
KUALA LUMPUR: Information Ministry secretary-general Datuk Kamaruddin Siaraf yesterday lodged a police report over a rumour that he had committed khalwat (close proximity) with a television personality recently.
Their idols keep 'em swinging
THEY all have their golfing idols and and not everyone wants to be a Tiger Woods.
Customs lick drug attempt
CHENNAI: A trader who attempted to smuggle about 15kg of ketamine to Malaysia in four ice-cream makers, found his efforts licked by Customs Department investigators at an airport in west Bengal.
Spare this hill
LIKE a cat with nine lives, Bukit Larut has yet again survived another ordeal from the claws of development.
Danger looms when there's too much rain
THERE are two things bad for hillslopes -- loose soil and endless rain.
Expert: Study the impact of hill projects
THERE is more than meets the eye, an engineering professional says of any project.
Cocoa's `mind altering' experience
THERE is a new Harvard Medical School study that suggests that cocoa is good for your brain function. It may help make you more alert, feel good and improve memory.
Parents should emulate potters
In our last article, our three women friends talked about their trips around the world -- from Disneyland in United States to Paris and back to UK (Ulu Kelang).
Turning tobacco for better use
HOW many people know that most of the vaccine production facilities in the world reside in the developed countries? And do you know that even if the full vaccine production capacity in the West is deployed, the amount produced is not sufficient to cater to the demand there. Never mind supplying to the rest of the world.
SHUIB ON SUNDAY: Can't get enough of Siti
YES. I am paying the price of her success. I wanted to give my sister Talhah a Siti Nurhaliza treat by taking her to the Satu: Konsert Ekslusif Siti Nurhaliza at Istana Budaya.
Khaled: Boys just love polytechnics
JOHOR BARU: Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin came to the defence of the boys yesterday, saying the low university enrolment was due to the high enrolment of boys in polytechnics.
FATHERS DAY: Dad's box of pictures
His dad figures prominently in his life, and not just on Fathers Day. ARMAN AHMAD digs into the photographs that take him down memory lane
'Get teachers, only then switch'
KUALA LUMPUR: Teachers will only support any move to make a pass in English compulsory in the SPM if there are enough qualified teachers to teach the subject.
Teaching perceived as a woman's job
KUALA LUMPUR: Teaching has lost its appeal because it is perceived as a woman's job.
This forklift is no ATM opener
SERDANG: A man used a forklift to ram into an automated teller machine in a petrol station here but gave up when it got stuck to the wall.
Dutch Lady celebrates success
PETALING JAYA: After studying hard all of last year, Joanne Wong Wai Yi's 9 A1s and 2Bs in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) was reward enough for the 18-year-old.
People make no effort to keep rivers clean
SHAH ALAM: Malaysians are still not making a conscious effort to protect and preserve the waterways, a meeting here was told yesterday.
Negri Umno liaison secretary to quit
SEREMBAN: Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan yesterday confirmed that state Umno liaison secretary Datuk Azman Hasan was resigning due to health reasons.
Using Net to woo young
PONTIAN: Umno information chief Ahmad Maslan said the party is aware of the important role of the new media in moulding the political minds of the young, and will use cyberspace to attract voters.
Aussie envoy in KL to stop refugees
MELBOURNE: The Australian government's security adviser, Duncan Lewis, is in Kuala Lumpur to try to stop the flow of asylum seekers to Australia. From Malaysia Lewis will fly to Sri Lanka, The Age newspaper reported yesterday. Lewis had warned that people-smuggling must be tackled "at source", the newspaper said. Scores of asylum seekers from Afghanistan and Sri Lanka are crossing from Malaysia to Indonesia in fishing boats and preparing to sail to Australia. -- Bernama
Dr M calls on Najib to pick clean cabinet
KUALA LUMPUR: The people will reject prime minister-in-waiting Datuk Seri Najib Razak if he appoints those tainted by money politics to the cabinet, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said yesterday.
Driving interest at Facon fair
KUALA LUMPUR: The A1 simulator was the top draw at the Facon Education Fair this year.
3-month wait for results stays
KUALA LUMPUR: The Education Ministry will not review the three-month wait for the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) and Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination results as there are many procedures to go through.
Minister: STPM students' claims will be probed
MALACCA: The Higher Education Ministry will investigate claims by three Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia students in Perak that their online university applications have been changed without their knowledge.
Public all for direct-voting proposal
IT is seen as an individual's opinion, but the direct voting for posts in Umno, proposed by Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, has got the endorsement of the public.
Will it be digital or manual?
KUALA LUMPUR: The Umno management committee will make a final decision on whether to adopt the newly- proposed digital vote counting process or stick to the manual method for the party election.
Sothinathan eyeing deputy president's post
PORT DICKSON: MIC vice-president Datuk S. Sothinathan yesterday announced he will be contesting the party's deputy president's post.
Gazette allowing use of word 'Allah' rescinded
KOTA KINABALU: The Home Ministry has rescinded a government gazette that allowed conditional use of the word Allah in Christian publications with immediate effect.
A digicam for your best shot
KUANTAN: Pssst! Want a chance to meet Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and win a digital camera?
Institute chief says she's being stalked
KUALA LUMPUR: P. Chitrakala Vasu, the chief executive officer in the eye of the Maju Institute of Educational Development (MIED) storm, came out yesterday to tell her side of the story.
Top Puteri Umno candidate under probe
PUTRAJAYA: A candidate for a top Puteri Umno seat is hot on the party disciplinary board's radar.
Ahmad Said: I will not be intimidated by Pakatan
MIRI: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner stands by his recent announcement of strong evidence that Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim had misused his powers.
Lower electricity tariffs
TAMPIN: The government will announce soon a reduction in electricity tariffs that will take effect from March 1.
UPFRONT: A Garden of Eden in Kepong
The national heritage status that FRIM is set to receive is a recognition of its importance, writes ELIZABETH JOHN.
More for your money when you choose organic
IN reality, "organic food" is food that is grown in nature without human intervention. Indeed, until about 150 years ago, all food was organic.
Passport holders to get renewal notice
KUALA LUMPUR: From Tuesday, renewal notices will be sent by post to holders of expiring passports.
Finas' RM3m deal to produce programmes
KUALA LUMPUR: The National Film Development Corporation of Malaysia (Finas) and AETN All Asia Networks (AAAN) yesterday signed a cooperation deal worth RM3 million to produce eight hours of original content featuring three genres of documentaries, crime and investigation, history and biography.
Couple held over stabbing of kids
MUAR: Police detained a couple at a house in Taman Sri Emas 4 on Friday in connection with the stabbing of three young children on Jan 12.
Penang Bridge to go up a notch
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Bridge will be upgraded to class C or D from the present class F when the bridge's expansion work is completed in August, said Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop.
Ministry keeps open mind on SPM subject cap
KUALA LUMPUR: The Education Ministry will listen to contrary views regarding its plan limiting to 10 the number of subjects that Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia candidates can take from next year.
Latest Funeral Trend: Bringing out the gem in you
Why opt for conventional burials when you could, at the end of your days, live on forever as a sparkling gem, no less, writes CHAI MEI LING
Latest Funeral Trend: The green revolution continues... even in death
GOING green has become not just a way of life, but in death, too, in some parts of the world.
A RM35,000 lifeline for the sick from CIMB
KUALA LUMPUR: Bedridden and unable to speak, N. Balasingam, never thought he would recover from his severe stroke in 2004 that left him paralysed on the entire left side of his body.
Radicare in tie-up with Atlas
PUTRAJAYA: Radicare (M) Sdn Bhd is collaborating with Atlas Copco to improve its competency, especially in hospital support services.
Body of student, 15, found in undergrowth
SANDAKAN: The body of a 15-year-old student, with stangulation marks, was found in an undergrowth at Batu 17 Jalan Labuk yesterday, two days after she was reported missing.
Help on the way for low-income earners
ALOR STAR: The government will introduce a plan soon to help people earning a monthly income of less than RM3,000 to improve their livelihood.
In this race, the kids are ahead
Kids are becoming media savvy at a younger age compared with a few years ago. AUDREY VIJAINDREN learns that Malaysian youngsters as young as eight are not afraid to try new gadgets and adopt them it into their for everyday use
Take leave, DAP man in graft probe told
KLANG: A Subang Jaya DAP municipal councillor, accused of taking money from a developer, has been told to go on leave pending an investigation by the party disciplinary committee.
Cyberspace guardians
CyberSecurity Malaysia who? A vast majority of Internet users do not know that there is a public agency tothat look after Malaysian cyberspace. safe? Agency boss Lt-Col (R) Husin Jazri tells CHANDRA DEVI how they dogo about doing their job
SPOTLIGHT: For Sepang, it looks good beyond 2015
WAN Zaharuddin Wan Ahmad, the Automobile Association of Malaysia AAM vice-chairman who has had some experience handling the J-circuit in Johor, answers a few pertinent Malaysian F1 questions.
A treat of 1,000 art pieces
JOHOR BARU: The Iskandar Malaysia Contemporary Art Show (IMCAS), which is the country's biggest showcase of contemporary artwork, is underway here.
SPOTLIGHT: Day or night, the race will go on
QUESTIONS on timing, safety and the future were raised after the 56-lap F1 Malaysia GP at the Sepang International Circuit was reduced to 32 laps by rain last week. M.K. MEGAN talks to SIC chairman Datuk Mokhzani Mahathir.
Hadzil lives to tell the tale of the elephant attack
KUALA TERENGGANU: Mohd Hadzil Awang is thanking his lucky stars that he escaped an encounter with a wild elephant with just broken ribs and a broken leg.
Man found stabbed to death
RAWANG: The body of a man bearing tattoos was found dead near a mining pool in Bandar Country Homes yesterday.
Bodies of 2 who drowned found
KOTA BARU: Two students who went missing in Bachok and Tumpat on Friday were found drowned yesterday.
12 held over burning of flags
KOTA KINABALU: Twe-lve men, including one who claims to be a descendant of the Sultan of Sulu, were arrested in Lahad Datu yesterday for burning six Sabah flags during an illegal assembly.
Hishammuddin: Let teachers take part in politics
KUALA LUMPUR: Newly elected Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein has suggested that educationists, particularly teachers in group A, be allowed to get involved in politics.
Amend ISA to fight terrorism, says MCA
KUALA LUMPUR: Wanita MCA yesterday proposed that the Internal Security Act be amended and renamed Anti-Terrorist Act to indicate its functions are strictly to curb terrorist activities .
I Remember When... Malaysia took on W. Germany at Olympiastadion
Former sports commentator A. AZIZ IBRAHIM recalls that memorable day of Aug 26 in 1972 when the Malaysian football team stepped onto the Olympiastadion pitch after the opening ceremony of the Munich Olympics
I Remember When... It was Malaysia Boleh
With the university that bears his moniker now well established in far flung Botswana and Lesotho, Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing's name is associated with creativity and excellence for students and citizens in the two African states. The creative director, entrepreneur and educationist tells KOH LAY CHIN about the time when as he was just a student he who had to hide his artistic inclinations from his mother, his climb to becoming one of Malaysia’s well known creative thinkers, and the time he helped the legendary Nelson Mandela
Tourism players sound red alert
With everyone worldwide tightening their belts, the question arises whether enough is being done to keep the tourists coming to Malaysia, writes SHANTI GUNARATNAM.
1977 turmoil prepared SMEs to face new crisis
Most SMEs in Malaysia learned some hard business lessons after the 1997 Asian financial crisis. How does that experience compare with the current global economic and financial turmoil? The results of a recent survey offer some clues, writes SHAREEM AMRY.
Shuib on Sunday: When reality bites...
IT’S that time of the year again. Reality TV shows like One In A Million,
Akademi Fantasia and American Idol are back.
International Children's Day of Broadcasting: My story, my life
If you have only 60 seconds to tell a tale so poignant, what would your story be? Why, only those which delve into the greatest of dreams and hopes, like what 20 teenagers have shown in their videos, writes CHAI MEI LING.
International Children's Day of Broadcasting: A voice for the young
THEONEMINUTESJR is a global video initiative that helps young people between the ages of 12 and 20, especially those who are underprivileged or marginalised, to express themselves in 60-second videos.
MCA Diamond Jubilee: 'I didn't create the problem'
KUALA LUMPUR: Embattled MCA deputy president Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said that MCA members, delegates and the Chinese community were mature enough to know that the current party problem was not created by him.
MCA Diamond Jubilee: Getting on with the work at hand
MCA celebrates its 60th anniversary today with pomp and pageantry as well as an ambitious plan to turn the party around.
MCA Diamond Jubilee: Another struggle, 60 years on
The MCA celebrates its diamond jubilee anniversary today as the de facto political vanguard of the Chinese community. Interestingly, the organisation was actually founded not with politics in mind but charity, writes DAVID YEOW.
Aishah: Najib won't fail the people
KUALA LUMPUR: She knew the family of the country's second prime minister, Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, very well.
Review the Internal Security Act - will seek views of rakyat'
KUCHING: The people will be consulted in the government's effort to review the Internal Security Act.
Recognising young for overcoming great odds
THE Asian Youth Ambassadors (AYA) Dream Malaysia Awards have proven year after year, since their inception in 2005, that they are not your run-of-the-mill awards.
Planning 'big makan' with husband
TAIPING: Hours before roosters crowed the break of day, a mother hurried her two daughters into a car and rushed from Shah Alam to Kamunting near here.
'Second bridge project on track'
GEORGE TOWN: Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop is confident the second Penang Bridge will be built without much problem.
Man-made island to save Tanjung Piai
PONTIAN: The state government is considering building a man-made island off Tanjung Piai, at the southernmost tip of mainland Asia which is experiencing coastal erosion.
'Penanti will get a professional'
KEPALA BATAS: Barisan Nasional will field a service-oriented local professional if it decides to contest the Penanti by-election.
Najib to chair his first BN council meeting
KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Najib Razak will chair his first Barisan Nasional supreme council meeting tomorrow -- and what a meeting it will be.
Staff cry foul over govt overtime
JOHOR BARU: Are civil servants being shortchanged of their overtime payments?
Kedah DAP to blame for Pakatan split
PAKATAN Rakyat can no longer make Barisan Nasional, and especially Umno, the scapegoat for the troubles between DAP and Pas in Kedah.
Umno Youth, Pas to hold 'discourse'
PUTRAJAYA: Umno Youth has agreed to hold an intellectual discourse with its Pas counterpart.
Football among new symbols?
PUTRAJAYA: Umbrellas are out and briefcases are in, said the Election Commission.
Perak mufti: Stop people travelling to high-risk countries
SHAH ALAM: Perak Mufti Tan Sri Harussani Zakaria urged the government to act more strictly in curbing the spread of influenza A (H1N1) virus by banning Malaysians from travelling to high-risk countries for the time being.
11 infections after conference
KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 239 influenza A (H1N1) patients have been discharged from hospitals nationwide while 87 patients were still warded, said Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican.
Pas: We want Umno to attack Nik Aziz
KUALA KRAI: Menteri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat likening Umno to communists and Ayah Pin is a Pas strategy, Pas claimed.
It was called Hulu Kelantan Timur
FORMERLY known as "Hulu Kelantan Timur", the Manik Urai constituency has more than 30,000 people, most of whom are Malays.
UiTM students' grasp of 1Malaysia pleasing
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak is very impressed with the warm response of Universiti Tek-nologi Mara (UiTM) students to the 1Malaysia concept.
Abdullah: Najib will always do what's best
TELUK INTAN: Former prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has described as "bold" Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's move to further liberalise the economy.
Cabinet retreat enters Day Two
PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and his cabinet ministers yes - terday continued their retreat at a hotel in Subang Jaya, here.
King tells cadets to better themselves
ALOR STAR: Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin yesterday called on the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) to continue developing its human capital to mould highly skilled officers and personnel.
Taking a firm stand on bullies
THREE years after the Education Ministry embarked on a programme to put an end to the vexing problem of bullying, the problem continues unabated.
Tunku Mahkota leads tour to meet the needy
JOHOR BARU: Some 40 government department heads accompanied the Tunku Mahkota of Johor on a four-day journey yesterday to meet people living in the interior
Zoom Mulu a crowd-puller
KUALA LUMPUR: Sarawak's eco-tourism offerings are growing in popularity, judging from the strong demand for the 'Zoom Mulu' package.
SHUIB ON SUNDAY: 1.2 million and still counting
IT was not for nothing that his song, Hanya Kau Yang Mampu, became one of the most downloaded songs last year.
SHUIB ON SUNDAY: 7 Days with MJ
WHEN Michael Jackson set foot on our soil in 1996, he seemed to have it all.
Ex-PMs a boost for Umno
SUNGAI PETANI: Umno will see a return of its glory days with former party presidents Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi working together to help Barisan Nasional (BN) face the next general election.
'Gangster gals' face expulsion
JOHOR BARU: Two female students of Bandar Penawar Sports School in Kota Tinggi will be expelled if police investigations prove they are gangsters.
11 undergraduates bag MIA awards
KUALA LUMPUR: Perseverance and a passion for accounting.
From anxious speaker to great orator
DATUK Idris Shaari Mat Aris recalled yesterday how he was tickled when Datuk Seri Najib Razak delivered his first speech as the member of parliament for Pekan in 1976.
Najib given responsibility early
One was his teacher who has closely watched his climb to the country’s top post. Another is his cousin and colleague, who continues to work with him in Umno and the government. KOH LAY CHIN talks to Vincent Fernandez and Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein about who both have the same assessment of new prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak
Seeking Green hotels
It’s not just about spas and bathtubs when staying at a hotel these days. More and more Malaysians are choosing hotels with Green policies that are helpful to Mother Earth, discovers AUDREY VIJAINDREN
Green Hotels: 'A gimmick' to pacify guests
CENTRE for Environment, Technology and Development Malaysia chairman Gurmit Singh said that, overall, hotels were not doing much to help the environment except to use it as an advertising gimmick.
Green Hotels: They go the extra mile
THERE are not many guests who enquire about their environmental policies, but one hotel receives support for its ongoing efforts.
Father and son killed in blaze
KUANTAN: A Thai father and son were killed in a fire that razed their rented house in Simpang Pandan 1 yesterday morning.
Penanti By-Election: Four-cornered fight for Penanti seat
BUKIT MERTAJAM: The Penanti by-election on May 31 will see a four-cornered fight with Parti Keadilan Rakyat's Mansor Othman taking on three independents.
Najib: 1Malaysia is for all
PEKAN: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak yesterday stressed that the 1Malaysia concept was to bring the country's multiracial society together to create a united, strong and successful nation.
Two new consuls in France
TWO newly appointed French Honorary Consuls General to Malaysia, based in Lyon and Marseilles, will help boost the number of French tourists to Malaysia.
Influenza A: All 208 declared free from flu virus
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians can breathe a sigh of relief as the two people who contracted infleunza A (H1N1) and 208 people suspected of it are free of the dreaded virus.
Fleeing snatch thief nabbed
KUALA LUMPUR: Quick action by a family friend enabled the capture of a fleeing snatch thief after he had attempted to grab the handbag of the wife of national badminton men's doubles coach, Rexy Mainaky, on Friday.
Celebrities spread awareness of AIDS
KUALA LUMPUR: Viewers may have a different perception when an artiste appears on television and talks about AIDS, rather than seeing a doctor or an expert discuss the issue.
'Don't back resolution by Sri Lanka'
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia should not support a draft resolution tabled by Sri Lanka at the United Nations calling for member nations not to interfere in the internal affairs of Sri Lanka, MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said yesterday.
First it was sex, now Peeping Toms
KUANTAN: The expose on the sex romps among teenagers in Teluk Chempedak here has raised another concern -- the Peeping Toms in the area.
Bukit Gantang By-Election: Ong vows to sort out land issues with KTMB
KUALA SEPETANG: MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat has promised to resolve problems over land faced by the Chinese community here once and for all.
Bukit Gantang By-Election: Nizar hit hard by 'stooge' tag
TAIPING: The tag "Chinese stooge" has got former menteri besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin's camp worried as campaigning in Bukit Gantang passes the midway mark.
RTD in 18-hour joint operation
JOHOR BARU: Thirty nine illegal immigrants, two vans ferrying schoolchildren and two tour buses were stopped for various offences during the first day of a joint operation by the state Road Transport Department.
Influenza A (H1N1) 'not deadly'
KUCHING: There is no reason to panic over influenza A (H1N1) as it is not a deadly virus, says a senior lecturer at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), who specialises in swine diseases.
Trainees in ward now down to 25
KUALA LUMPUR: The number of Road Transport Department (JPJ) Academy trainees in Malacca Hospital's isolation ward for meningitis has dropped to 25.
Ministries to work together
GENTING HIGHLANDS: Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein pledged to cooperate with the Health Ministry in its efforts to prevent the spread of the influenza A (H1N1) virus.
Extra caution at all NS camps
The National Service Training Department will increase measures to ensure all 80 camps nationwide are free from the influenza A (H1N1) virus or meningitis.
'Second bridge project on track'
GEORGE TOWN: Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop is confident the second Penang Bridge will be built without much problem.
PPP sacks Murugiah
KUALA LUMPUR: Embattled PPP former Youth leader and Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Senator Datuk T. Murugiah, is now party-less.
Man who put Anson Wong behind bars
He has prosecuted dozens of the world's most notorious wildlife crimes, including one which involved a Malaysian mastermind. But US attorney Robert Anderson tells CHAI MEI LING he is far from being a celebraqted environmental figure.
Man with the magic fingers
AFTER years of excruciating piano lessons, many music students anxiously wait to complete their final grade, vowing never to play to the tune of another staccato or allegro for the remainder of their lives.
Former prime minister, politicians blooming nicely
TUN Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali and Puan Sri Norainee Abdul Rahman, wife of Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhiyiddin Yassin, are blooming beautifully under the current hot spell.
Siti Hasmah still reigns supreme in the orchid world
THE award-winning Vanda Tun Dr Siti Hasmah still reigns supreme in the orchid world.
For the Tunku, love and lots of care
FOR 46 years, the Dendorium Tunku Abdul Rahman was nurtured with loads of love and utmost care.
Popular hybrids created by Mardi
* Aranda Doctor Siti Hasmah was developed in 1994 from a cross between Aranda Christine "Alba" and Vanda Boom Mark Gold. The first offspring started flowering in July 2002.
40 held over stealing tangar
SANDAKAN: More than 40 people have been arrested in the past two years for illegally extracting tangar, the bark of a species of mangrove, from forest reserves.
Hospital denies presence of young Orang Asli mums
KUALA LUMPUR: Hospital authorities have denied a claim that Orang Asli girls, as young as 11 and 12, gave birth at Cameron Highlands Hospital.
Mangroves - making it right
THERE'S something riveting about a budding patch of green rising up from a bed of mire.
Riding in a tongkah
MUCH of the fun that came with the site visit was in riding a tongkah.
The firm tsunami nudge
THE role of mangroves as the first line of defence against erosions, storm surges and rising sea level has long been known, but it was the Asian tsunami in late 2004 that gave countries more than a nudge in the right direction.
Don't sleep on it!
MICHAEL Chiew used to get sleepy while driving outstation on business trips.
Cutting through the jungle of health facts
EGGS were once "slow suicide over breakfast". Now they are considered health food!
Chua: Unity talks will benefit nation
PASIR PUTEH: MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Chua Soi Lek feels the proposed unity government between Pas and Umno would stabilise the country's political situation.
Tracing missing 15,000
MARANG: The National Anti-Drug Agency is tracing 15,000 drug addicts who have failed to report for follow-up rehabilitation after leaving drug rehabilitation centres and prisons nationwide.
Appreciate your dad, says PM
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians, especially the younger generation, were yesterday reminded to show appreciation to fathers and father figures.
'Good values vital for youths'
RAWANG: The country's future generations should not only possess good academic results but also be equipped with character and leadership to face challenges as future leaders of the country.
DPM: Shape young with music
PUTRAJAYA: Music is an integral element of the co-curriculum as it not only helps shape character, but also promotes human capital.
Man detained after body found under bridge
KUANTAN: Police detained a 30-year-old man after they found the body of an old man with stab wounds in the head under the Sungai Triang bridge in Triang yesterday.
Syed Hamid to chair Petronas?
IPOH: Petronas adviser Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said yesterday he had heard that someone could replace chairman Tan Sri Hassan Merican.
Girl Guides bid farewell to Jeanne
KUALA LUMPUR: The former prime minister's wife, Tun Jeanne Abdullah, was honoured yesterday for her time and work to hone skills of girls and women nationwide by Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor.
Siblings' plight touches Zambry's heart
IPOH: His father died six months ago, his mother is missing, and his step-mother -- the only person left to take care of him -- is unemployed.
Man shot dead in Manila
KUALA LUMPUR: A Malaysian tourist was shot dead by a robber in Angeles City, the Philippines, on Thursday.
THE PKFZ ISSUE PART 2: 'Converting land status increased its price'
FOURTEEN years ago, a little-known property developer bought 405ha of land in Pulau Indah, Selangor, from a local cooperative for an average cost of RM3 per sq ft.
Enid Blyton path to winners' podium
The 12-year-old, who races through a book a week, spelled "captious", "gratuitous" and "judicature" correctly to take home RM1,000 and a certificate.
RM2b oil and gas park might be free trade zone
PEKAN: The government will consider designating the new RM2 billion Tanjung Agas Oil & Gas and Maritime Industrial Park in Tanjung Agas here as a free trade zone (FTZ) once it is fully operational in 2016.
Automated first at Tanjung Agas shipyard
PEKAN: The country's first fully automated shipyard will be operational at the Tanjung Agas Oil & Gas and Maritime Industrial Park here in 2013.
Ling: Call me, I'll be there
PETALING JAYA: Former transport minister Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik says he has nothing to hide and is ready to appear before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to explain his role in the controversial RM4.9 billion Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) project.
Biometrics to stop multiple voting
PUTRAJAYA: Serial voters will be stopped at the next general election if the Election Commission's plan for a new computerised biometric identification system is realised.
Khalid's lawyers seek info from MACC about allegation
KOTA BARU: Lawyers of Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim have written to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission for an explanation on the statement by its chief commissioner that there was strong evidence that Khalid had misused his powers.
King, queen on state visit to Chile, Uruguay
PETALING JAYA: Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Nur Zahirah left yesterday on a state visit to Chile and Uruguay.
Zambry heads awards list for Perak ruler's birthday
By Brenda Lim brendalim@nst.com.my
Woman found stabbed to death
KUALA LUMPUR: A 25-year-old Indonesian woman was found stabbed to death at an apartment in Taman Sri Sinar, Segambut, here yesterday. Her naked body was found in the master bedroom. Her employer, a 68-year-old man, found the body at 5pm. He had gone there to check on the woman, who worked as a cleaner in Kepong, after she failed to turn up for work yesterday morning and did not answer her phone. The apartment belongs to the employer. -- Bernama
Drugs found at accident scene
IPOH: Police found two packets containing heroin weighing 616g where an accident occurred that claimed four lives at Km379 of the North-South Expressway on Friday night. State police chief Datuk Zulkifli Abdullah said police had not ascertained whom the drugs belonged to or whether it was from the Proton Waja or the BMW involved in the accident. District police chief Superintendent Mohd Ali Nayan said the accident happened when one of the drivers tried to overtake. -- Bernama
26,000 vie for USM entry
GEORGE TOWN: At least 26,000 students who passed their STPM, diploma and matriculation examinations nationwide sat the Malaysian University Selection Inventory (MUNSYI) examination yesterday.
All-round skills to be focus of new curriculum
By B. Suresh Ramsuresh@nst.com.my
Power tariffs depend on oil
KUALA SELANGOR: Tenaga Nasional Berhad will retain the present electricity tariffs as long as the price of oil, gas and coal remained unchanged. President and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Che Khalib Mohamad Noh said TNB's concern was to ensure effective use of electricity. "TNB had a meeting with the prime minister (Datuk Seri Najib Razak) recently to discuss the issue. I told him that we will try to retain the electricity tariff," he said after opening a TNB smart programme seminar. The government had announced a 3.7 per cent reduction in electricity tariff from 32.5 sen/kWh to 31.31 sen/kWh starting March 1.
'HIV test to protect couples'
KANGAR: The requirement for couples wanting to marry in Perlis to go for blood test is not to cause them inconvenience, state Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Jafperi Othman said. He said the test was made compulsory to safeguard the interests of Muslim couples and their marriage. After getting the results of the test, and if the partner was found to be a HIV carrier, it would be up to the couple to decide whether or not to continue with the marriage. He said seven potential brides and bridegrooms were detected as HIV carriers last year and three of them went ahead with their marriage. -- Bernama
New times for RTM news
KUALA LUMPUR: RTM is changing its news programming. Prime news Nasional@1 (Bahasa Malaysia) will be aired on TV1 at 8pm tomorrow instead of 9pm. The news broadcast would be extended to one hour every Monday to Saturday while on Sunday, it would end at 8.30pm, the station said. Another Nasional@1 broadcast is from 12am to 12.30am. Nasional@1 (Mandarin) will be aired from 6.30pm to 7pm, Nasional@1 (Tamil) from 6pm to 6.30pm and Nasional@1 (English) from 8pm to 8.30pm all on TV2. Wilayah@1 will be from 6pm to 6.30pm on TV1. On Sundays, the 30-minute Warta Serumpun begins at 8.30pm instead of 10.30pm while Global@1 will be extended to one hour from 11.05pm.
Sukuk bond issue increased
KUALA LUMPUR: The Finance Ministry has increased the size of the Sukuk Simpanan Rakyat 01/2009 bond issue due to overwhelming demand. "Malaysian citizens 21 years and above may still apply for the sukuk at all commercial banks, including Islamic banks, Bank Rakyat, Bank Simpanan Nasional and Agrobank until May 13," the ministry said in a statement on Friday. Detailed information is available at www.treasury.gov.my and www.bnm.gov.my/sukuksimpanan or contact Bank Negara TELELINK at 1300 88 5465. -- Bernama
Lat's 'Kampung Boy' gets the orchestra treatment
KUALA LUMPUR: Lat's animations will be coming to life at the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas (KLCC) on May 1-2 through "Lat's Window To The World".
More prominence for Sabah, Sarawak cultures
SIBU: The ethnic cultures of Sabah and Sarawak is to be given more prominence in the mainstream Malaysian culture to properly project the real Malaysian community and culture.
Mat Rempit assault, rob 3 foreigners
PETALING JAYA: Seven Mat Rempit assaulted and robbed three foreigners near Damansara Specialist Hospital on Thursday.
3 ministers to look into conversions
By Minderjeet Kaurmkaur@nst.com.my
Tomok takes RM1m in One In A Million
SHAH ALAM: For the first time, popular reality talent show One In A Million 3 (OIAM3) has seen a male winner. He is New Boyz lead singer Shah Indrawan "Tomok" Ismail, 25, of Rembau, Negri Sembilan.
PM Abdullah leaves his mark in Darfur
KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will leave a humanitarian legacy in Darfur -- one of the world's worst conflict zones -- when he steps down as prime minister next month.
ADIBAH all heart and talent
SHE is one big girl, a girl with a big heart and loads of talent.
I REMEMBER WHEN: I spoke Klingon in the 'spit room'
MY "first contact" was in a dream, one cold and rainy night. I was asked to board an unusual craft that beamed me up into space.
Go digital or starve
IT'S impossible to hop onto any bus, train or Light Rail Transit and not find a mobile phone, MP3 player or iPod in sight. The world is embracing all sorts of gadgets and gizmos and the digital era is here.
Villa Minda Sihat's noble cause
KUALA LUMPUR: Depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, separation anxiety disorder; these are just some of the few categories of mental illnesses that affect an individual.
Manohara and her prince make surprise appearance at wedding
KOTA BARU: Guests at the wedding of the son of Pas vice-president Datuk Husam Musa were surprised when Kelantan prince Tengku Temenggong Tengku Muhammad Fakhry Petra and his wife, Cik Puan Temenggong Manohara, made an appearance.
Certain benefits now tax-exempt
KUALA LUMPUR: Many allowances, perquisites and benefits-in-kind, from travel and childcare allowances to the purchase of traditional medicine, have been exempted from tax with effect from the 2008 assessment year to help the people cope with the trying times.
3 students bag gold medals
GEORGE TOWN: Three Kedah secondary school students who bagged gold medals at a prestigious international inter-school environment competiton in Finland arrived home yesterday.
New school of thought encourages excitement
KUALA LUMPUR: Pre-schoolers will want to attend school if teachers put more thrill into their classes.
Nursing a campus to excellence
IPOH: With the ability to cater to 15,000 students, the Masterskill Nursing and Health Sciences College here is expected to address the shortage of nursing and healthcare professionals in the country.
Know the power suckers in your home
An online energy calculator will soon reveal the culprits behind your astronomical monthly power bill, writes CHAI MEI LING.
Rush for AirAsia jobs at fair
KUALA LUMPUR: It would seem that AirAsia Bhd is not only a hit with air travellers, but also a hot favourite among job seekers as well.
Hello, the Merc is no scam
MALACCA: In these days of scammers and fraudsters, it was a twist to the story of a lecturer being informed via SMS that she had won a RM350,000 Mercedes Benz.
SAVING little for retirement
HAROLD makes a good living as a top sales professional in a multi-national corporation.
Najib visits Sultan of Kelantan at hospital
KOTA BARU: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak made a brief visit to see the Sultan of Kelantan Tuanku Ismail Petra, who has been warded at Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital (HUSM) here since Thursday.
We're not to blame for delay, says CEO
BUTTERWORTH: Penang Port Sdn Bhd yesterday denied it was the cause of the delay of the RM2 billion Penang Sentral bus terminal project.
Hisham: Meet panel and move on
GENTING HIGHLANDS: Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein dismissed allegations by former ISA detainee P. Uthayakumar that his freedom could be shortlived as he was served a notice to appear before the detention camp's advisory panel.
Government looking into Manipal
500 Malaysian students told to remain calm.
Ministry to open 222 cyber cafes
NIBONG TEBAL: The Youth and Sports Ministry will open 222 Rakan Muda cyber centres nationwide by June to encourage better integration among youths from different racial and religious background.
RM30m grant for shared services centre in Penang
GEORGE TOWN: The Federal Government has approved a RM30 million grant towards the establishment of a Shared Services Centre (SSC) at the Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC) in Bayan Baru near here.
Goodbye, Abang Mokhtar
"PLEASE don't celebrate your birthday in Kuala Lumpur. Do it here (in Johor Baru)."
Debt-free women
BEING barefoot and pregnant is a thing of the past, as more women take control of their lives by taking control of their finances.
Muhammad Ali towered over me
Badaruddin Ahmad, a steadfast Umno member since 1960, tells ARMAN AHMAD what the political party was like in the days of his youth when money politics was unheard of and members were truly committed to improving the lot of the Malays
Umno was all about volunteerism
An Umno member since 1962, Abu Seman Ali is the number two man at the Seri Indah branch in Cheras. He says things were a bit different in the party in those days
Three need aid for heart surgeries
GEORGE TOWN: Three families here are appealing to the public to help fund their children's heart surgeries at the Gleneagles Medical Centre.
'Attack nothing to do with politics'
IPOH: Police yesterday denied reports posted in a few pro-opposition blog sites which claimed that Kuala Kurau assemblyman Abdul Yunus Jamhari, from Parti Keadilan Rakyat, was assaulted by a group of men on Friday night.
PPP president to defend post in June polls
KUALA LUMPUR: People's Progressive Party (PPP) president Datuk M. Kayveas will defend his post in the party elections set to be held in the first week of June.
The young, too, CAN feed the poor
They are putting millionaires to shame by taking time to design and stack 10,000 cans of food in building one of the largest sculptures in the country and feed the needy. AUDREY VIJAINDREN talks to college students who have their hearts set on putting their talent to good use
Ghani: Federal Govt will decide on bridge
PONTIAN: Johor will leave it to the Federal Government to decide whether to revive the bridge project to replace the 85-year-old Causeway that links Johor Baru and Singapore.
Bitten, stung, stunk out, but they're still at it
EVERY other month, Elizabeth Butod scrunches her nose, rolls up up her sleeves and gets down to the dirty work of scooping elephant dung at the national zoo.
Seventh body found
JOHOR BARU: Fishermen have found the body of another victim of the boat which capsized off the coast of Pengerang, near Kota Tinggi last Tuesday.
I REMEMBER WHEN... Kebun Nyior was where little rascals had fun
The local school boasted of P. Ramlee as an old boy. A. SHUKOR RAHMAN also remembers when Tuanku Bainum who was a resident and when the Tunku came a-visiting on football matters.
I REMEMBER WHEN... Federal Highway was constructed
The Federal Highway started out as a simply four-lane highway with limited access. G. RAMASAMY, a British citizen visiting Kuala Lumpur almost 30 years later, remembers the challenges he faced when working on the highway in the 1970s.
I REMEMBER WHEN... Brickfields was a safe cocoon
The Brickfields of the 1950s and 1960s was a child's delight providing hours of fun. BALAN MOSES takes a walk into time back to the halcyon days of his childhood.
'Not a problem for Khairy'
w: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin had stated his willingness to concentrate on party activities although he was not given a cabinet post.
MCA moves to improve services
KUANTAN: All MCA ministers and deputy ministers will be monitored and evaluated by a special committee.
`Untouchable' Siti yes but... NABIL IS THE MAN
LADIES and gentlemen... and the winner is, the Untouchable Datuk Siti Nurhaliza.
Passionate about community work
KUALA LUMPUR: His old Nokia 6070 is now under repair after being flooded with messages since Wednesday.
With Shafie, there's renewed hope
EARLY last year, the New Sunday Times ran a story on a poverty-stricken couple in Sabah who fed their baby daughter with a mixture of rice and water instead of milk, in a one room leaky-roofed home which did not have power and water supply.
Feeding the soul and stirring the mind
THEY committed all the blunders they could make.
Zambry: There is no crisis
IPOH: Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir yesterday stressed again that his position as head of the state government was crystal clear.
Businessmen want to contest by-elections
IPOH: The nomination and polling days are still a long way off but Bukit Gantang Umno division committee member, Abd Razak Baba, 49, has offered himself as a candidate for the Bukit Gantang parliamentary by-election.
We have been fair, says MACC
PUTRAJAYA: Accusations by Pakatan Rakyat leaders that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission is practising double standards is nothing new, senior commission officials said yesterday.
New bishop to boost unity and tolerance
KUALA LUMPUR: The new head of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia promises to forge greater inter-religious tolerance and understanding between the different faiths in the country.
Another co-op based bank in July
KUALA LUMPUR: Bank Persatuan Malaysia Bhd, would be gazetted as a cooperative bank this July.
Families in flats flee a tragedy
CAMERON HIGHLANDS: It is a tragedy waiting to happen here, much like the Highland Towers disaster 16 years ago.
Aslinda's personality shines
KUALA LUMPUR: Her intelligence and witty personality when answering questions earned Aslinda Nurziati Amir the top spot in the Berita Harian Personality Choice Awards (BHPCA) yesterday.
MIC wants Perak speaker's post
Party has made a representation to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, says Samy Vellu.
New initiative to strengthen partnership
FOLLOWERS of South Korean dramas at home and in most Asean member countries may have heard of this volcanic island about 100km off the southern tip of the Korean peninsula, about an hour's flight from Seoul.
Malaysian Football: Residents get the the ball rolling
THEY take their role as residents' association seriously. They are also dead serious about their football academy.
Robber shot dead during gems heist
GEORGE TOWN: A robber was shot dead and a female gold outlet assistant sustained injuries during a robbery at a jewellery outlet in Bukit Jambul Complex here last night.
270 women leaders gather in Pahang
KUANTAN: A total of 270 participants have gathered here since yesterday to take part in the ninth Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW) area conference for Southeast Asia and the Far East.
Missing student found dead
TEMERLOH: A female student at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Kerayong, Bera, who went missing a week ago, was found dead, believed to have been murdered, at the Mentakab industrial area near here, early yesterday.
PM: Stop the feuding and focus on economy
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has called on everyone to stop political feuding and focus on boosting the country's economy.
No contest good, says Anwar
KUANTAN: Pakatan Rakyat will be more than happy if Barisan Nasional decides not to contest the Penanti by-election.
Call to reveal quarries' probe report
GEORGE TOWN: Penang Gerakan Youth has called on the DAP-led state government to release findings of its investigation into the alleged quarries' scandal in the state.
Nazri slams Ngeh for criticising court ruling
KUALA KANGSAR: Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz has hit out at Perak DAP chairman Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham for questioning a Federal Court ruling pertaining to Perak.
SHUIB ON SUNDAY The CILI API we will never forget
HIS splendid rendition of Liza Minnelli's Big Spender that won him the 1976 Bintang RTM launched him big time into the world of Malaysian showbiz.
SUNDAY INTERVIEW 'How can anyone call me a racist?'
A front-runner in the Umno vice-presidency race, Umno Youth chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein sees the current political scene as exciting and hopes for changes that will mirror the coming-of-age of youth and nations worldwide. He speaks to KOH LAY CHIN
Jakim wants to question Hilmi
PUTRAJAYA: Like the police, the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) is also waiting for Bukit Lanjan assemblywoman Elizabeth Wong's ex-boyfriend Hilmi Malek to return home.
Vote for charity with Samsung
KUALA LUMPUR: More than 10,000 online votes have been cast and the Samsung Hope is still counting.
Excitement over Wong's pictures and Perak
THERE was much excitement and anticipation as the Dewan Rakyat reconvened for its first meeting of the year with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's Royal Address.
Party struggle comes first
ALOR STAR: Wanita Umno head Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz and her deputy-turned-rival Datuk Seri Shahrizat Jalil agreed yesterday that the contest for the wing's top post will not divide its members.
Advice to heed Standing Orders
KUANTAN: The suspension of Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir and six state executive council members by the Rights and Privileges Committee of the state assembly is against the Standing Orders, said Pahang state assembly Speaker Datuk Seri Wan Mohamed Razali Wan Mahussin.
Noisemakers ignorant, says Perlis prince
KANGAR: The Raja Muda of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail says constitutional ignorance and shallowness about the founding of the nation are the main contributors to the present public uproar.
Defy speaker, Youth wing says
PASIR MAS: Umno Youth wants Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Zambry Othman and six state executive councillors to defy their suspension from the state assembly and to attend its session when it was called. Party deputy youth chief Datuk Khairy Jamaluddin said their suspensions were not based on the law and regulations but, rather, it was a political decision by Speaker V. Sivakumar. "I hope the first subject of discussion when the assembly meets is about replacing the speaker. Otherwise, he will continue to hamper the government's work," he told reporters at Lemal, here, yesterday.
Racial acceptance vital, says Najib
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak yesterday called on Malay-sians to move from racial tolerance to acceptance because it can strengthen the country.
Cartoonist and scholar among award recipients
KUALA LUMPUR: Nori Abdullah, daughter of former prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, yesterday accepted the Seri Setia Mahkota Malaysia (SSM) award which carries the title "Tun" on behalf of her late mother, Datin Seri Endon Mahmood, from Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin at the Istana Negara here.
PM glad blog postings opinionated but civil
KUALA LUMPUR: Despite his hectic schedule, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak spent some time responding to comments from visitors to his blog.
Rosmah on Astro show
KUALA LUMPUR: The prime minister's wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, will talk of her vision in an interview with Astro Awani tonight.
Penang's sole Indian village under threat
GEORGE TOWN: Residents of Kampung Lorong Buah Pala in Bukit Gelugor, who are facing the possibility of losing their homes on Thursday, want the Pakatan Rakyat leaders to make good their promise to save the village.
Aussie is 7th H1N1 victim
KUALA LUMPUR: An Australian student has tested positive for influenza A (H1N1), becoming the seventh reported case in Malaysia.
Fuad Stephens remembered
KOTA KINABALU: Five years ago, squatters working at nearby construction sites were among those watching a simple memorial service at the Double Six Monument in Sembulan near here.
MIC study aid for 240 not given PSD scholarships
KUALA LUMPUR: The MIC is offering partial study aid to students who have failed to secure Public Service Department scholarships.
'Satisfied' Husam accepts defeat
SHAH ALAM: Kelantan state executive councillor Datuk Husam Musa, in accepting his defeat in the contest for the deputy presidency, is satisfied to know that his political views were shared by other party leaders.
Perak on everyone's mind with 'black' campaign
SHAH ALAM: Perak was not far from the hearts of the thousand-strong delegates, who unanimously supported a black armband and headband campaign to demand the dissolution of the Perak assembly.
Nash's win a big boost for ulama
SHAH ALAM: The conservative ulama faction in Pas received a huge boost in its proposed pro-unity talks with Umno following the re-election of deputy president Nash-aruddin Mat Isa.
Hadi not giving up on unity govt idea
SHAH ALAM: Pas president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang is not giving up on the idea of a unity government with Umno despite strong opposition from its partners in Pakatan Rakyat.
'Delegates picked a good mix'
SHAH ALAM: Newly elected vice-president Salahuddin Ayob said the election results showed that the delegates were wise in choosing a balance between the ulama and professional groups in the party.
Road to success filled with temptations
COMPLAINTS that party activists and workers were demanding money, that the party was being infiltrated by opportunists and that its leaders were only good at being orators are probably things one would hear at an Umno assembly.
Seeking balance between public, private rights
ARE we coming to a time where a child may be dying from a disease but the person owning intellectual property rights to a medicine may choose not to give it to you?
Cutting losses and limiting liability
THE Education Ministry will be able to publish books in Braille if publishers deem them unprofitable under a review of intellectual property laws.
'No crime if it's for personal use'
THE police can arrest you if you have three copies of a pirated DVD or CD version of the latest movie in town of the same title.
BN Perak government will serve until courts decide
KUANTAN: The Barisan Nasional state government will not be sucked into Pakatan Rakyat's latest bid to remove them through Perak state assembly Speaker V. Sivakumar's call for an emergency assembly meeting on Tuesday.
Greater leeway will be given to varsities, says DPM Najib
KUANTAN: Local universities will be given greater autonomy to decide the policies and day-to-day running of their institutions.
Ahmad Said to remain as MB
KUALA TERENGGANU: Datuk Ahmad Said will remain as Terengganu menteri besar, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said yesterday, ending speculation that he was about to be replaced after only a year in office.
Umno to opt for new approach
SHAH ALAM: Umno will review the role of its leaders and embark on more people-centred programmes to improve its delivery system, party president Datuk Seri Najib Razak said yesterday.
Do some soul-searching, Bar told
SEPANG: Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan yesterday told the Bar Council to do some soul-searching before questioning the arrest of the five lawyers on May 7.
Expenses cloud joy of having triplets
KANGAR: Ice-cream seller Muhammad Hanuar Hussin, 35, and his wife Fatimah Tuan Ahmad, 30, had two children. They then tried eight years for a third one.
PM's visit to boost Malaysia-Kuwait trade ties
ONE of the world's richest countries, Kuwait is a land of opportunities, especially for foreigners who make up two-thirds of its three million population.
Najib: Give the young chance to lead
By Joseph Sipalansipalan@nst.com.my
Youth wing pledges support
KUALA LUMPUR: Umno Youth pledged its undivided support for Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Razak and deputy president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
These birds are nesting in durian trees
KUALA TERENGGANU: The next time you see a durian tree, do not just covet the fruit but keep your eyes peeled for a hornbill!
Umno leaders get standing ovations
KUALA LUMPUR: Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi did not allow the delegates to warm their seats for too long throughout his winding-up speech by asking delegates to give standing ovations to Umno leaders.
SHUIB ON SUNDAY Give him a break, people
IT was a spontaneous reaction. Comedian Nabil got up from his chair and hugged the people around him when the MC announced that he was the winner of Berita Harian's Most Popular Artiste award
SHUIB ON SUNDAY Surely the guys are better
ARE they really?
SHUIB ON SUNDAY They are hot yet taken
IT has became clear at the Anugerah Bintang Popular Berita Harian 2008 that aside from the artistes, the fans too have come a long way.
The taxman giveth
KUALA LUMPUR: It was good news for more than half a million taxpayers last year.
SPOTLIGHT: `I talk about hypocrisy'
He ran under the Pas flag at the last general election, now sits as an independent in Parliament, speaks his mind, and criticises anyone he so chooses. But, now, Pas has asked him to resign as a member of parliament, re-contest and win under his own banner. ANIZA DAMIS speaks to Pasir Mas MP Datuk Ibrahim Ali, and learns that the man is just a misunderstood frog.
Pattani Malays marking 150-year bond to land
BATU Kurau, a small Perak town at the foot of the undulating Titiwangsa Range, is certainly no match for its more prestigious and historically-rich neighbour Taiping, about 20km to the south.
SHUIB on SUNDAY: First-hand account of life in Palestine
YOU have seen the countless vivid images of Palestinians being brutally attacked in Gaza. Now here is a chance to hear first-hand what it is like to live under constant fear.
SHUIB on SUNDAY: When kids stole the limelight
The recently-concluded Anugerah Juara Lagu was the best that had ever been staged by TV3 in a long time.
SHUIB on SUNDAY: Get set for flurry of new albums
THE music industry may be experiencing a slump, but local record companies are undaunted. They are willing to take risks and release more albums. But really, with the new media and downloads now the in-thing, is it still viable for record companies to invest so much in an album?
Two nabbed over ketum drinks
BUKIT MERTAJAM: Police have arrested an unemployed couple for processing ketum leaves into drinks at their house in Bukit Tengah here on Friday.
RM400,000 boost for clean loos
GEORGE TOWN: The home-stay programme has been given a boost by the Tourism Ministry when a grant was approved to spruce up the toilet facilities of all participating houses nationwide.
One million pamphlets to raise awareness of Palestinians
KUALA LUMPUR: Jamaah Islah Malaysia (JIM) will hand out one million pamphlets across the nation to boost awareness of and support for the Palestinian cause.
Indonesian man stabbed to death
KUALA LUMPUR: An Indonesian construction worker was stabbed to death at Kampung Malaysia Raya in Sungai Besi yesterday
Gantry toll system to take effect 2010
TAMPIN: The much anticipated gantry toll collection system to help ease traffic congestion is expected to take effect next year.
Focusing on six action areas
THE 17th Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers (17CCEM) in Kuala Lumpur will be the biggest ever meeting of its kind since the first conference was held in Oxford 50 years ago.
Email from a reader
Dear sir,
Prominent unionist Chin Leong, 62, dies
GEORGE TOWN: Prominent unionist Lim Chin Leong died on Thursday after suffering from a short illness. He was 62.
Petronas forms partnership with Fomca
KUALA LUMPUR: Petronas has formed a smart partnership with the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Association (Fomca) to educate the public on their spending habits as a means of weathering the current global economic crisis said Petronas vice-president (corporate services) Ahmad Nizam Salleh today. The campaign will also include the public, to derive long-term benefits in educating and creating awareness among consumers.
'Have separate consumer affairs dept'
By Sonia Ramachandransonia@nst.com.my
Rais: Protect cultural values, national security
KUCHING: Media practitioners in the country should be more responsible when publishing reports on the cultures of Malaysia's multi-racial and multi-religious society, besides placing importance on national security.
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