Alexander Borodai kembali ke Rusia, orang baru pimpin pemberontak Donetsk

Pemimpin pemberontak Donetsk, Alexander Borodai yang berunding dengan kerajaan Malaysia berhubung nahas MH17 dilaporkan telah kembali ke Rusia.

KUALA LUMPUR: Pemimpin pemberontak Donetsk, Alexander Borodai yang berunding dengan kerajaan Malaysia berhubung nahas MH17 dilaporkan telah kembali ke Rusia dan tempatnya kini digantikan oleh orang lain, lapor The Washington Post.

Akhbar itu memetik kenyataan Vladimir Antyufeev yang mengatakan beliau adalah pemangku ketua baru kumpulan pemisah wilayah yang digelar sebagai Republik Rakyat Donetsk.

Laporan The Washington Post itu menyebut Borodai "ke Moscow untuk berunding dengan individu yang tidak dinamakan" dan tidak jelas apakah beliau akan kembali ke Donetsk.

Borodai ialah warga Rusia dan pernah menetap di Moscow. Beliau sebelum ini pernah kembali ke Moscow dan tidak membuat sebarang penyerahan kuasa secara umum.

Belum diketahui sama ada Borodai akan kembali semula dari Moscow kali ini.

Antyufeev pada Isnin menyalahkan kerajaan Ukraine sebagai dalang yang menyekat akses pasukan penyiasat antarabangsa daripada masuk ke lokasi nahas MH17.

Antyufeev menggesa suatu siasatan yang ditaja oleh Persatuan Bangsa-Bangsa Bersatu (PBB) ke atas tragedi MH17 dan menolak sekeras-kerasnya tuduhan Amerika Syarikat dan Ukraine bahawa Rusia membekalkan senjata kepada pemberontak.

Sebelum ini, pihak PBB berkata insiden penembakan pesawat Malaysia Airlines MH17 'mungkin boleh disamakan dengan jenayah perang'. - Astro Awani

The plant pot that aims to keep you focused at work

Statera by Fabrica. - AFP Photo

We all know how hard it can be to keep our work/life balance in check, but one design group has come up with a green reminder to help keep stress at bay.

"Statera" is a desktop décor item which uses the therapeutic properties of plants to improve work environments and boost mental well-being.

Featuring two ceramic pots conjoined by a metal structure which is supported by a stone base, the piece can be filled with complementary plant pairings such as Gardenia and Golden Pothos or Peppermint and Philodendron.

The brainchild of design and communication research center Fabrica, Statera's name is a derivative of the Latin world for ‘balance'. 

"One of the many ways plants can benefit our work life is by increasing productivity," explains the studio. "Shifting our attention to an indirect or effortless form of engagement can refresh us.

"Plants can offer this type of absorbing, restorative distraction."

The design also aims to help to clean the air and combat the effects of headaches, drowsiness and loss of concentration that can be caused by the amounts of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) and CO2 emitted by computers and printers.

Statera will be available to purchase from September. - AFP RELAXNEWS 

China siasat Microsoft

China sebelum ini mendakwa AS telah melancarkan 100,000 serangan siber setiap bulan yang menyasarkan laman ketenteraan milik mereka.

BEIJING - Badan Pentabdiran Negara bagi Industri dan Perdagangan (SAIC) China pada Selasa melancarkan siasatan terhadap sistem operasi Windows gergasi perisian AS, Microsoft, sehari selepas para pegawai membuat pemeriksaan mengejut di beberapa pejabat Microsoft di China.

Pengawal selia anti monopoli menghantar kira-kira 100 pegawai pemeriksa ke pejabat Microsoft di Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou dan Chengdu pada Isnin dan mengambil dokumen dalaman dan merampas dua komputer.

"Pengawal selia itu juga menyiasat naib presiden dan pengurus kanan Microsoft dan membuat salinan penyata kewangan dan kontrak syarikat itu," kata SAIC dalam satu kenyataan dalam laman webnya.

SAIC berkata ia juga merampas dokumen, emel dan data lain daripada komputer dan server Microsoft.

"Siasatan tidak dapat diselesaikan kerana beberapa kakitangan utama Microsoft tidak berada di China atau tidak dapat dihubungi," kata badan pentadbiran itu.

Agensi berita Xinhua melaporkan pada Jun tahun lepas, SAIC telah menyiasat aduan daripada perusahaan bahawa Microsoft menggunakan kod jualan tie-in dan kod pengesahan dalam sistem operasi Windows dan aplikasi Microsoft Office menyebabkan isu-isu ketidakserasian perisian.

Ia berkata Microsoft bersetuju untuk bekerjasama dengan kerajaan berhubung siasatan itu.

Pada November tahun lepas, perancang dan pengawas ekonomi China, National Development and Reform Commission melancarkan siastan ke atas Qualcomm Inc, pengeluar cip mudah alih terbesar dunia yang berpangkalan di California bagi menentukan sama ada ia menggunakan kedudukan pasaran dominannya untuk mengenakan yuran paten tinggi dan memutuskan bahawa Qualcomm mempunyai monopoli. - Bernama

Didesak letak jawatan, Khalid Ibrahim kunjungi Nik Aziz

Kunjungan Abdul Khalid dilihat satu usaha untuk mendapatkan 'restu' Nik Abdul Aziz

KUALA LUMPUR: Kunjungan Aidilfitri Menteri Besar Selangor, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim ke atas Mursyidul Am PAS, Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat dilihat bukan hanya sekadar mengeratkan silaturahim.

Sebaliknya, kunjungan Abdul Khalid, yang kini mendapat tekanan partinya sendiri, PKR, supaya melepaskan jawatan, dilihat sebagai satu usaha untuk mendapatkan talian hayat.

Sejak malam tadi, timbul cakap-cakap dikalangan pemerhati politik, kunjungan Abdul Khalid itu bertujuan mendapatkan sokongan daripada bekas Menteri Besar Kelantan itu.

Namun Abdul Khalid menerusi laman Facebooknya menyatakan beliau mengunjungi Nik Abdul Aziz di kediamannya di Pulau Melaka, Kota Baru sekitar pukul 3 petang Selasa.

"Berkunjung sempena Aidilfitri ke rumah Datuk Tuan Guru Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat.

"Walaupun kelihatan uzur, beliau masih gagah berbicara. Terima kasih atas kesudian menerima kunjungan," tulis Abdul Khalid di Facebooknya awal pagi Rabu.

Posting di Facebook Abdul Khalid yang memuatkan gambar kunjungan beliau ke atas Nik Abdul Aziz

Pemerhati politik melihat kunjungan Abdul Khalid ini bertujuan menyatakan penghargaan dan terima kasih kepada Nik Abdul Aziz atas sokongan yang diberikan selain untuk mendapatkan 'restu'.

Menjelang Aidilfitri baru-baru ini Nik Abdul Aziz dalam satu kenyataan media memberikan sokongan terbuka kapada Abdul Khalid untuk kekal sebagai Menteri Besar Selangor.

Sokongan yang dinyatakan Nik Abdul Aziz itu selaras dengan pendirian presiden PAS, Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang yang turut menyatakan sokngan supaya Abdul Khalid dikekalkan menerajui Selangor.

Di laman Facebooknya, Abdul Khalid turut memuatkan gambar beliau mengunjungi Menteri Besar Kelantan, Datuk Ahmad Yakob.

- Astro Awani

Wan Azizah willing to assume post of Selangor MB

Wan Azizah said the office of the menteri besar was a heavy responsibility and she considered it a test. - File Pic

BUTTERWORTH: Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail today expressed her willingness to assume the post of Selangor Menteri Besar.

The Kajang state assemblyman said she would abide by the decision of the party on the matter. PKR had decided to have Wan Azizah replace Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim as the menteri besar.

Wan Azizah said the office of the menteri besar was a heavy responsibility and she considered it a test.

The PKR president spoke to reporters after a 'tahlil' session and donation of 'zakat' (tithes) to orphans, along with her husband Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the Permatang Nibong Mosque here.

Meanwhile, Anwar said PKR had decided to have Abdul Khalid replaced but he was staying on perhaps because he felt he had the support of certain quarters.

Asked about PAS' support for Abdul Khalid, Anwar said he would have discussions with PAS leaders but added that there was no indication that PAS would leave the Pakatan Rakyat coalition.

PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang and PAS spiritual leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat have come to the defence of Abdul Khalid, saying he should remain in office until his current term expires. - Bernama

FORMER BOSS OF FIVE STAR TOURS NOW SERVES DRINKS IN HAWKER CENTRE

Ken Lim Cheng Chuan, 55, the former transport tycoon in charge of Five Star Tours, is now just a drink server at a local coffee shop.

Mr Lim declared bankruptcy last month shortly after his tour company, Five Stars, shut down.

He explained that the biggest hit to his former business was the opening of the two integrated resorts in Singapore.

When Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa opened up in 2010 bringing casinos to Singapore, his business fell about 70% as bus tours to Genting were formerly his business's main revenue flow.

When his business took the hit in 2010, he tried to expand further in Malaysia instead of giving up and scaling down.

As a result, the business fell into cash flow problems and wound up in January this year shocking many as they were suddenly left without transport to make it back to Malaysia for Chinese New Year.

Mr Lim had hung on until the very end, but couldn't make it and he personally filed he police report when declaring bankruptcy.

For several months after his business collapsed, Mr Lim simply rested at home but now he is working at his relative's coffee stall serving drinks.

He explained that he stands for over 10 hours every day and the work is hot next to the stove all day. He admitted he was exhausted but he also had cheerful spirits, commenting that the work was still good thanks to its central location.

This made it easy for him to visit the court and the insolvency & public trustee's Office which he had to visit regularly to settle his financial matters.

He also said that it was close to the CPF building which he also visited regularly to try and pay off his former employees' outstanding contributions.

Five Stars Tours was set up by Mr Lim and his four brothers in 1990 and it grew rapidly to have 8 branches in Singapore in 2013.

Mr Lim also indicated that he hasn't given up. He said "just give me 10 years" but he said that right now, he wasn't looking at starting anything new yet. - TheRealSingapore.com

Facebook is killing its Gifts service

Mark Zuckerberg's experiment in social network retail has finally come to an end: on August 12th, Facebook Gifts will close forever. 

The company's gift feature grew from its acquisition of the social gifting app Karma, selling teddy bears, socks and chocolates drop shipped directly to your Facebook friends. 

Eventually Facebook discovered that gift cards took the lion's share of sales and discontinued physical gifts altogether. Now the company says it's refocusing its resources on programs that help businesses increase sales through Facebook, rather than selling product themselves. 

So, in short, the "Buy" button is here to stay, but you'll have to enable your friends' Starbucks habit elsewhere. - Engadget

Majority wants Abdul Khalid to be retained as MB

The majority of Astro AWANI readers want to see Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim retained as the Selangor Menteri Besar.

KUALA LUMPUR: The majority of Astro AWANI readers want to see Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim retained as the Selangor Menteri Besar following the political dilemma in Pakatan Rakyat.

According to a poll conducted by Astro AWANI on Monday, 62.42 per cent want Abdul Khalid Ibrahim to remain in his post.

A total of 9.11 per cent people want to see PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail as the Selangor Menteri Besar while Selangor PAS commissioner Iskandar Abdul Samad received 4.64 per cent votes and PKR deputy president Azmin Ali received 4.34 per cent votes.

19.49 per cent people however voted that they do not want any of the four names suggested in the poll as the Selangor Menteri Besar.

The change of the Selangor MB was an extention to the ‘Kajang Move’ decided by PKR leaders since January 15, which saw Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim naming Dr Wan Aziziah as the new candidate for the Selangor MB post.

However, Abdul Khalid said that it was better that the Selangor State Legislative Assembly (DUN) was dissolved to get the peoples mandate on the Selangor MB issue.

When asked if the DUN should be dissolved 66.08 per cent said the DUN should not be dissolved while a mere 33.92 per cent said it should be dissolved.

A total of 50.04 per cent of people were of the opinion that Pakatan Rakyat will be heading for 'splitsville' after Hari Raya Aidilfitri while 31.74 people said it would not.

The possibility of Pakatan breaking up began when PAS President Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang and PAS spiritual leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat defended Abdul Khalid to remain as the Selangor MB.

PAS leaders have however been ordered not to make any statements on the Selangor MB issue and to await the decision which will be made during the PAS central meeting scheduled for August 10. - Astro Awani 

'Saya akan kahwin tahun depan'

Abil Fikri Ahmad

SHAH ALAM – Akui masih belum menemui calon untuk dijadikan isteri, namun Abil Fikri Ahmad, 45, yakin bakal mendirikan rumah tangga tahun depan.

Pernah mendapat perhatian rakyat Malaysia tahun lalu gara-gara tindakan nekadnya berhenti kerja demi menjaga isterinya, kisah Abil meruntun jiwa yang mengikuti perkembangannya.

Isterinya, Allahyarham Fauziah Muhamad terlantar menderita penyakit saraf otak mendapat perhatian khusus si suami hingga saat akhir menghembus nafas pada 2 April tahun lalu.

Sejak kembali sendiri, Abil akui kerap ditanya tentang mencari pengganti namun beliau menepis istilah tersebut.

“Ramai yang tanya, tak nak cari pengganti ke? Bila saya dengar perkataan pengganti, saya kata saya tak cari pengganti kerana Gee ini tidak ada orang yang boleh ganti.

“Kalau saya nak cari jodoh, saya cari yang baharu. Bukan saya nak kata awak (isteri yang baharu) itu rendah nilainya, tidak. Masih isteri saya tapi isteri yang baharu,” katanya kepada Sinar Harian Online dalam satu pertemuan, baru-baru ini.

Menurut Abil, meskipun masih belum mempunyai calon isteri, namun dia dapat merasakan bahawa dirinya akan berkahwin tahun depan.

“Saya ada cakap dalam tahun depan saya kahwin. Selalunya apa saya cakap, saya buat. Insya-ALLAH, mungkin tahun depan saya kahwin. Cuma calonnya belum ada.

“Kalau saya rasa saya nak kahwin, saya akan terus tanya. Saya tidak praktikkan diri untuk bercinta sebelum kahwin,” katanya.

Ketika ditanya mengenai cara menghargai pasangan baik suami mahupun isteri, Abil berkata, perkara itu tidak sukar.

“Saya tak rasa susah untuk seseorang menghargai pasangannya. Kalau tak hargai pasangan anda, kenapa berkahwin?

"Kenapa pilih si dia sebagai teman hidup? Itu jadi persoalan.

“Adakah mencari pasangan hidup itu satu perkara yang suka-suka?

"Oh sukalah, bila dah buruk nanti kita tukarlah. Bila dah buruk, kita buanglah tepi longkang. Ia tidak begitu,” katanya.

Jelasnya, menghargai pasangan itu sepatutnya bermula daripada saat sah kedua-duanya menjadi suami isteri.

“Menghargai daripada mula sah menjadi suami isteri. Maksudnya, sebelum sah pun kena hargai sebagai teman tapi menjadi wajib menghargai pasangan itu apabila sudah diisytihar menjadi suami isteri.

“Jangan risau tentang bergaduh sebab Tuhan akan jadikan satu pergaduhan itu. Tuhan akan bagi kehidupan yang sukar di pertengahan perjalanan kita. Tak apa. Kerana Tuhan suruh kita belajar,” katanya.

Beliau juga menasihatkan agar suami isteri menjadikan pasangan mereka sebagai kawan baik supaya bebas berbincang segala masalah. - Sinar Harian 

'Mother, father, please forgive me ...' Diya

Diya only has one wish: her parents' forgiveness in order for her to move on with her life.

KUALA LUMPUR: Mother, father, please forgive me,” pleaded Diya, an underaged teenager who is currently a resident of the Taman Seri Puteri Shelter in Cheras.

Just as Muslims in the country are joyously celebrating Hari Raya Aidilfitri with their loved ones, Diya could do nothing but only stare into space -- pondering on what the future holds for her. And her unborn child.

At 16, Diya is nine months pregnant by her boyfriend, who is coincidentally her neighbour.

Diya's heartwrenching tale started after her parents found out about her pregnancy. She was then dispatched to the shelter and since then her parents never visited her.

Diya said, her mother had often warned her of the intimacy with her 18-year-old boyfriend but she never heeded her mother’s advise.

“He had taken me to a house close to his friend’s hostel. In the beginning, I had refused his advances but later gave in,” she said.

Upon learning of her pregnancy, the young couple tried to get an abortion but the effort turned futile.

“He suggested that I should opt for an abortion. I didn’t know what to do but I tried drinking Coke, swallowed Panadol pills and even ate pineapple hoping it would affect the pregnancy and lead to

miscarriage,” she added.

Finally, Diya plucked the courage to inform her parents but just like any conventional parents would react, she got scolding from them, asking her to ensure that her boyfriend would take full responsibility of his wrongdoing.

“After my mother asked me about my period, she then told my father who understandably asked me who the father of the unborn baby. My father met with my boyfriend and asked him to take responsibility of the child.

“My boyfriend deliberately ignored my father. He took matters into his own hand and lodged a police report. My boyfriend was detained by the police for nine days. His family then met my father, asking him to withdraw the police report to solve the matter amicably. After much persuasion, my father relented and eventually withdrew the report,” said Diya.

But, this is not the first time the teenager had engaged in sexual activities.

Since his release, Diya’s boyfriend, who is a drug addict has disappeared, leaving her to struggle with the misery all by herself.

Diya, however realises that she is made of sterner stuff and is adamant in continuing with her life and can only hope for it to improve.

When asked what her future plan for the baby, Diya said that she plans to give her baby up for adoption and live with her elder sister.

“I’m really sad. I really regret over the things that I had done. My parents disowned me and had never tried to reach me. Only my sister came to visit me.

“I’m also sad that I would have to give up my baby for adoption but I want to continue with my studies for a brighter future," said Diya who was previously studying at a MRSM.

For now, Diya has only one wish: for her parents' forgiveness ...

“Mother, I would like to apologise for what I have done. I really hope she will forgive me. Every day I pray that one day my parents would forgive me and accept me back,” she said while holding back her tears.

Diya also made a promise to herself that she will now be careful in making friend and will not repeat the same mistake again.

Diya is among 28 inmates at the Taman Seri Puteri Shelter in Cheras which provides protection for unwed pregnant underage mothers under Section 55 of the Child Act 2001.

The institution is aimed at giving hope for teenage girls who got themselves pregnant at a very young age, provide protection and rehabilitation for them so they can live among society and care for their child.

The girls will also undergo counselling and given religious education and guidance.

Most of the inmates at the shelter engaged in sexual activities out of wedlock or were raped by family members or others. - Astro Awani 

Insiden tembak jatuh MH17 terang-terang cabuli undang-undang antarabangsa

MH17 ditembak jatuh di timur Ukraine

NEW YORK: Insiden penembakan pesawat Malaysia Airlines Penerbangan MH17 di timur Ukraine adalah secara 'terang-terang mencabuli undang-undang antarabangsa', kata seorang pakar perundangan berpusat di New York yang menyediakan khidmat guaman mengenai undang-undang antarabangsa.

Pakar itu memberitahu Bernama dengan syarat identitinya dirahsiakan bahawa Pesuruhjaya Tinggi Bangsa-bangsa Bersatu bagi Hak Asasi Manusia (UNHCHR) Navi Pillay mungkin betul dalam pentafsiran tindakan itu menyamai jenayah perang.

Beliau berkata keadaan akan menjadi lebih jelas apabila semua fakta Navi, pada Isnin berkata insiden penembakan pesawat MH17 adalah jenayah perang dan menggesa supaya siasatan segera dan menyeluruh dijalankan terhadap insiden itu.

Beliau membuat komentari itu semasa Misi Pemantauan Hak Asasi Manusia Pertubuhan Bangsa-bangsa Bersatu ke Ukraine mengeluarkan laporan baharu yang menggesa semua pihak lebih berhati-hati untuk mengelakkan pembunuhan dan kecederaan orang awam.

Insiden penembakan pesawat MAS itu masih dibahaskan secara hangat dalam kalangan para pegawai diplomatik dan penerbangan di Amerika Syarikat.

Majlis Keselamatan Bangsa-bangsa Bersatu telahpun menggesa pada 21 Julai supaya siasatan antarabangsa dijalankan mengenai insiden itu dan mendesak kumpulan pemisah membenarkan penyiasat, pakar teknikal dan lain-lain memasuki kawasan tragedi.

Penerbangan MH17 dari Amsterdam ke Kuala Lumpur bersama 298 penumpang terhempas di timur Ukraine pada 17 Julai.

Pesawat Boeing 777-200ER itu dipercayai telah ditembak jatuh menggunakan peluru berpandu permukaan ke udara. Bagaimanapun, tiada mana-mana pihak yang mendakwa bertanggungjawab terhadap tindakan kejam itu. - Bernama

A night at the clinic...and more

Here's wishing a Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri to all Malaysians celebrating this joyous occasion.

Just hours away before the first day of Syawal, my mum and I was driving around our housing area, scouring for a clinic that was open as most shops and businesses had called it a night by then.

After what seemed to be an endless drive from my home, and close to giving up, we found what we were looking for - Poliklinik Cahaya.

We stepped into the clinic, illuminated under harsh fluorescent light, and were greeted by a long queue of people – some staring languidly – after what has been a long wait, I suppose. But I felt most of us were glad that at least one clinic was available.

After registering, I plopped down in the middle of a long, red-coloured cushion chair, stretched against the narrow pathway of the clinic, while I take in the many faces around me.

On my right was a Malay family of four – with two young sons decked in a navy blue and cobalt green Baju Melayu, respectively.

‘Adik’ in the cobalt green was jumping up and down the cushion – definitely not the one in need of a doctor, I thought.

Standing across them by the wall was a Chinese family of three – a grandmother carrying a baby and the baby’s mother, trying her best to cajole the young one not to cry.

Seated between the two families was a couple from Indonesia; the mummy had her baby wrapped up in sarong under her arms.

"Baby boy?" asked the grandmother, nudging at the baby in the sarong, now awake and wide eyed.

"Perempuan (Girl)," said the Indonesian lady.

“Hah, macam lelaki (like a boy),” she exclaimed, followed with a loud laughter, triggering a giggle among the parents and other patrons nearby. They continued discussing about the babies.

Standing on my left was another Chinese family – this time, a grandfather, his daughter and a young girl with tight short curls, a bit unusual for a Chinese, I thought.

‘Fish,’ said the grandfather as his grandchild tapped excitedly on the aquarium located by the entrance of the clinic.

Shortly after, 'Adik' came rushing down the long aisle, screaming incomprehensible words, before arriving at the aquarium with a huge smile and joined the little girl in their fish spotting endeavour.

Meanwhile, over in the examination room at the back of the clinic, I spotted a big burly Indian man, helping his mother to an oxygen breathing device.

More patrons walked in and out. Faces from different walks of life.

It had been more than half an hour of waiting. I was getting anxious, amidst the chattering and mixture of babies laughing and crying.

Then, a young Malay man walked in with blood stains on his white sneakers, followed by a very concerned looking Chinese uncle. I suspect there had been a motorcycle accident. We quickly made way for the young man to get into the emergency room.

Just as that happened, my name was called and I went in to see the doctor.

Five minutes later, I came out and took a seat nearest to the medicine dispensary.

Another family of three then walked into clinic – the father in light orange Baju Melayu took a seat next to my mother, with a sour faced little girl on his lap.

‘Anak demam ke(Is your child sick)?" he asked my mum.

He and my mother started talking to each other, presumably about each other's daughters, as I stood at the counter with the clinic assistant explaining the prescription for my illness – a menu of fever, sore throat, flu and cough.

Just before we left, we wished Selamat Hari Raya to the family my mother had been chatting with. They reciprocated with the same greeting and a warm smile.

By now, you might be thinking why have you spent five minutes to read a story about a trip to the clinic.

Indeed, there is nothing out of the ordinary about this story – just a few families, in need of a doctor, at the same time, while sharing stories, greetings and laughter among each other, regardless of age and race.

For me, it's a reminder to be appreciative that even in such mundane activity, there is diversity and that there is always room for conversations.

As I sat there in the clinic wheezing in my breathing, it felt quite good in my heart to know that most of us were talking and engaging with one another.

No need for expensive, soppy TV ads – such a scene reflected harmony and respect in the simplest way, I thought.

Here’s wishing a speedy recovery to the families I met at the clinic.

And Selamat Hari Raya to the Muslim community, and also to all Malaysians who are on work duty during these few special days to serve the needy.

- by Astro Awani, Cynthia Ng

Google shows what you can do near your hotel

When you land in a strange new city, your first instinct may be to see what there is to do near your hotel. 

However, searching Google for nearby attractions can be a hassle if you don't remember your hotel's name or address by heart. That memorization is no longer necessary after today, though -- Google has updated its search engine to use the booking confirmation in your Gmail as a locator. 

If you want to look for a late-night diner, all you have to do is ask Google to "show restaurants around my hotel." You can also get directions to or from your accommodations, so you should reach a welcoming bed (or your flight) just a little bit faster. 

The addition makes the most sense if you're using voice search in one of Google's mobile apps, but any traveler can give it a spin. - Engadget

Sebanyak 139 kematian direkodkan dalam tempoh lapan Hari Op Selamat 5

Op Selamat akan berakhir pada 4 Ogos.

KUALA LUMPUR: Sebanyak 127 kemalangan maut yang mengorbankan 139 orang direkodkan di seluruh negara dalam tempoh lapan hari sejak Op Selamat 5/2014 dilancarkan pada 21 Julai lepas.

Ketua Polis Trafik Persekutuan Bukit Aman Senior Asisten Komisioner Mohd Fuad Abd Latiff berkata dalam tempoh itu juga sejumlah 10,349 kemalangan direkodkan.

"Sebanyak 117,957 saman dikeluarkan kepada pesalah trafik atas pelbagai kesalahan manakala bagi kesalahan menggunakan laluan kecemasan sebanyak 1,598 saman dikeluarkan," katanya kepada pemberita di sini hari Selasa.

Sementara itu, mengenai makluman orang awam kepada pihak polis sebelum meninggalkan kediaman sempena Hari Raya, Mohd Fuad berkata sebanyak 19,421 makluman diterima.

"Sebanyak 24,440 rondaan telah dilakukan untuk mengawasi rumah-rumah yang ditinggalkan sempena perayaan kali ini," katanya.

Mohd Fuad turut menegaskan agar orang ramai tidak memandu di lorong kecemasan bagi memberi laluan kepada pihak berkaitan untuk menggunakan laluan kecemasan itu.

Op Selamat selama 15 hari, yang berakhir 4 Ogos ini, dilaksanakan sempena Aidilfitri, dengan tujuan mengurangkan kadar kemalangan jalan raya khususnya kemalangan maut, melancarkan aliran trafik dan mencegah jenayah. - Bernama

Penjelasan Zuhdi berhubung Whatsapp bocor

Dr Mohd Zuhdi Marzuki,

KESYAHDUAN hari terakhir Ramadan telah dicemarkan oleh tindakan segelintir pihak dalam Pas, membocorkan maklumat perbincangan yang sangat sulit dan rahsia dalam kumpulan Whatsapp AJK Pas Pusat.

Tindakan tersebut telah membangkitkan 'fitnah yang sedang tidur' pada hari yang sepatutnya ditumpukan kepada ibadah sebagaimana nasihat Mursyidul Am Pas.

Tindakan membocorkan maklumat perbincangan itu dipercayai dilakukan oleh salah seorang ahli yang ada dalam kumpulan Whatsapp AJK Pas Pusat, sekaligus menunjukkan sikap yang sangat buruk pada individu tersebut.

Ia dilakukan untuk memalitkan nama saya dengan gerakan untuk membawa Pas keluar dari PR, setelah saya melakukan beberapa kritikan keras ke atas Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim berhubung kemelut isu MB Selangor.

Sebenarnya maklumat perbincangan yang dibocorkan itu adalah respon saya kepada permintaan ahli-ahli perbincangan supaya mengemukakan analisis senario (scenario analysis) tentang cadangan seorang pimpinan kanan Pas yang mengusulkan Pas keluar dari PR.

Usul Pas keluar dari PR itu telah disokong kuat oleh tidak kurang 10 orang anggota dalam kumpulan Whatsapp itu, yang sebahagian besar mereka amat rapat dengan Anwar Ibrahim.

Mereka menyambut usul keluar PR yang dicadangkan itu, dengan ada yang menambah, mesyuarat Pas Pusat pada 10 Ogos akan datang hendaklah mendahulukan perbincangan usul ini daripada membincangkan kemelut isu MB Selangor.

Terdapat juga yang menyarankan, Pas lebih baik bersendirian supaya ahli-ahli Pas lebih bebas mengkritik dan mencegah kemungkaran sebagaimana ketegasan Pas yang dikenali sebelum ini.

Berikutan dengan perbincangan itu, saya mencadangkan supaya dibuat analisis senario apa yang akan berlaku jika Pas keluar PR dari segi kerajaan negeri yang Pas bersama di dalamnya, situasi penerimaan ahli-ahli dan lain-lain.

Cadangan itu dialu-alukan dan mereka meminta saya mengemukakannya.

Disebabkan permintaan tersebut sayapun mula melakukan analisis ringkas tersebut dengan mengimaginasi senario yang akan berlaku jika Pas keluar PR.

Untuk melakukan analisis senario ini, selain daripada memerlukan fakta-fakta semasa, daya imaginasi penganalisis juga harus diambil kira.

Dalam maklumat perbincangan yang dibocorkan itu, saya memaparkan senario yang akan berlaku sekiranya Pas keluar PR, dari segi kedudukan kerajaan negeri Selangor, dan kebebasan Pas untuk berhadapan dengan DAP dan lain-lain pihak seumpamanya yang boleh dikecapi semula selepas keluar PR.

Saya menggunakan bahasa imaginasi untuk menggambarkan senario tersebut.

Berikutan dengan penjelasan ini, saya menegaskan saya tidak termasuk dalam senarai mereka yang menyokong usul keluar PR itu.

Semoga dengan penjelasan ini, nama saya dapat dibersihkan daripada tanggapan buruk pelbagai golongan ekoran sikap segelintir pihak di dalam Pas yang membangkitkan fitnah yang sedang tidur.

Sekian, salam Eidul Mubarak dan Maaf Zahir Batin.

____________________________________________________________________

Dipetik dari Facebok Dr Mohd Zuhdi Marzuki, Pengarah Operasi PPP

Orang perempuan jangan gelak kuat

Bulent Arinc berkata wanita tidak patut ketawa kuat di tengah-tengah orang ramai.

Timbalan Perdana Turki, Bulent Arinc mencetuskan kontroversi apabila mengatakan golongan wanita tidak sepatutnya ketawa kuat-kuat di khalayak ramai.

Beliau yang merupakan salah seorang pengasas Parti Keadilan dan Pembangunan (AKP) yang kini memerintah republik itu membuat komen tersebut semasa menyentuh tentang keruntuhan moral masyarakat moden.

"Lelaki sepatutnya berakhlak dan wanita juga mesti berakhlak. Mereka harus tahu apa yang bermaruah dan apa yang tidak," kata Arinc dalam satu ucapan pada majlis penutup Ramadan.

"Wanita tidak patut ketawa kuat di tengah-tengah orang ramai dan patut memelihara maruahnya pada sepanjang masa," katanya.

Kenyataan itu memancing kemarahan golongan wanita Turki yang mengutuk timbalan perdana menteri itu melalui media sosial. Mereka meletak foto yang menunjukkan mereka gelak besar dengan hashtag #kahkaha and #direnkahkaha yang kemudiannya viral.

AKP sebelum ini dikritik kerana cuba menghakis fahaman sekular yang menjadi asas kenegaraan republik itu yang dimulakan oleh Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.

Arinc juga menyelar keruntuhan akhlak yang menyebabkan masyarakat terjebak dengan dadah dan pelacuran. Laporan media di Turki menyebut beliau juga mengecam program drama televisyen Turki yang menggalakkan cara hidup yang tidak bermoral. Beliau juga menyebut tentang ketagihan dadah jenis sintetik yang kini jadi antara gejala sosial yang serius.

"Kita harus kembali kepada al-Quran. Akhlak kita sudah mundur ke belakang. Kita sudah jadi masyarakat yang berbeza," kata Arinc.

Beliau juga menyentuh tentang penggunaan telefon yang berleluasa di kalangan wanita yang menggunakannya untuk bersembang yang bukan-bukan misalnya "bertukar-tukar resipi masakan."

Kenyataannya itu menghangatkan lagi ketegangan politik menjelang pemilihan presiden pada 10 Ogos ini yang akan ditanxdngi oleh Perdana Menteri Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Pesaing Erdogan, Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu turut menyindir Arinc di Twitter.

"Kita perlu mendengar ketawa gembira wanita," tulisnya.

Kumpulan blogger anti Erdogan sebalik mengkritik dengan lebih keras.

"Berhenti mengajarkan kami moral. Hitung berapa banyak duit yang kamu sudah curi," kata seorang pengguna Twitter, merujuk kepada tuduhan rasuah yang dilemparkan kepada Erdogan dan kelompoknya tahun lalu. - Agensi

Heavy rainfall causes flash flood in some parts of Singapore

Heavy rainfall over many parts of Singapore this afternoon caused flash flood at MacKenzie Road, Kramat Lane and Bassein Road. - File Pic

SINGAPORE: Heavy rainfall over many parts of Singapore this afternoon caused flash flood at MacKenzie Road, Kramat Lane and Bassein Road.

In a statement, PUB, the national water agency, said the heaviest rainfall was recorded at Handy Road with a total rainfall of 95.4mm from 2.10pm to 4pm.

It peaked between 2.30pm and 3pm, with a rainfall of 49.4mm.

PUB said the flash flood was due to intense rain which overwhelmed the drainage systems in the areas.

The localised flash flood subsided in less than 25 minutes and the roads remained passable to traffic. -Bernama