Sunday 9 November 2014

Kanak-kanak perempuan Aleppo jadi bintang YouTube

Seorang gadis berusia sembilan tahun telah menjadi bintang komedi YouTube yang menggambarkan dengan kepahitan realiti di Syria.

BEIRUT: Seorang kanak-kanak perempuan berusia sembilan tahun menjadi bintang saluran YouTube setelah membawakan watak dalam satu siri program yang menggambarkan tentang kepahitan realiti kehidupan seharian di kawasan-kawasan yang dikuasai pemberontak di Aleppo, Syria.

Dia yang dikenali sebagai Rasha melakonkan watak "Umm al-Abdo Halabiya", seorang suri rumah tangga yang terpaksa tinggal di dalam bandar itu yang bergelora dengan keganasan selama tiga tahun.

Di dalam program 30 episod itu, kesemua watak-wataknya dibawakan oleh kanak-kanak yang memainkan peranan sebagai orang dewasa dan ia telah ditontoni oleh puluhan ribu pengguna Internet.

Video dari saluran berita BBC Trending ini memaparkan lakonan Rasha yang membawa watak sebagai 'Umm Abdo al-Halabiya'
Antara babak yang mendapat perhatian penonton adalah babak ketika Umm Abdo berdebat dengan Presiden Syria, Bashar al-Assad dan mengkritik kumpulan pemberontak yang cuba untuk menggulingkan Bashar.

Walaupun masih muda, Rasha menunjukkan kematangannya dengan meniru gaya wanita tradisional Syria yang lazimnya kehidupan mereka banyak berkisar tentang gosip.

Kanak-kanak berpipi tembam dan berambut perang itu berlakon bersama-sama kanak-kanak lain yang memainkan watak-watak seperti pemberontak dan jiran.

Di dalam satu episod, Umm Abdo dilihat memakai pakaian tradisional dishdasha (jubah) dan berbual di telefon dengan adiknya, yang tinggal di kawasan kejiranan yang dikuasai rejim di Aleppo di mana masalah ketiadaan bekalan air semakin menjadi-jadi.

"Adakah anda juga mencuci pakaian dengan menggunakan tangan?" dia bertanya, sebelum menambah: "Saya sangkakan pengikut setia seperti kamu seorang yang manja!”.

Dalam episod yang lain, Umm Abdo menjemput dua wanita ke rumahnya, di mana salah seorang daripada mereka sedang mencari jodoh buat anaknya, seorang pejuang pemberontakan.

Pernikahan itu bagaimanapun tidak diteruskan kerana tuntutan mas kawin adalah dalam matawang dolar atau emas oleh Umm Abdo.

Pengarah siri itu, Bashar Hadi memberitahu AFP dia memilih untuk membuat persembahan secara santai tentang kehidupan tragik di Aleppo kerana ia akan terus menusuk ke hati penonton.

Dia berkata video-video terbabit adalah untuk menghilangkan kesedihan penduduk dan membuat penonton tersenyum walaupun perang saudara di Syria telah meragut lebih 180,000 nyawa.

Bandar Aleppo telah berpecah kepada kawasan kerajaan dan pemberontak sejak serangan besar-besaran dilancarkan oleh pemberontak pada bulan Julai 2012.

Bashar berkata dia memutuskan untuk mendapatkan pelakon kanak-kanak untuk memainkan watak di dalam programnya untuk memberi gambaran yang lebih jelas mengenai kesengsaraan rakyat Syria. - AFP 

Toyota Corolla Altis 1.8G officially introduced, RM119,900


The Toyota Corolla Altis 1.8G, which we reported on last month, has now been officially introduced. The variant replaces the 2.0G in the model lineup. To recap that in our initial report, the 139 PS, 173 Nm 2ZR-FE 1.8 litre unit takes over from the 145 PS, 187 Nm 3ZR-FE 2.0 litre mill – the seven-speed CVT transmission remains in place.

The 1.8G now features black combination leather upholstery as that found on the range-topping 2.0V (the 2.0G’s seats were fabric, like the baseline 1.8E). The car also gets smart entry and push-start ignition, as does the baseline 1.8E – both it and the outgoing 2.0G had keyed-ignition when the model was launched in January. The instrument panel has also been upgraded, with Optitron meters now to be found.

Additionally, the door handles now have a chrome finish and inside, illumination has been added for the centre console cup holders and front foot well. The halogen headlamps are now equipped with auto on/off operation, and the the 1.8G – which rides on 16-inch alloys and 205/55 tyres – also features a two-DIN DVD player with six speakers and a seven-inch touchscreen. Safety kit includes two airbags, though VSC is still not available.


The 1.8E also gets most of the new bits as well – aside from the smart entry and push-start ignition, the base variant now has illumination for the cup holders/front foot well, chrome door handles and auto on/off mode for the headlamps in its kit mix.

Pricing, as reported earlier, is RM119,900 on-the-road with insurance for the 1.8G, which makes it just over RM3k cheaper than the outgoing 2.0G (priced at RM123,000 when the Thai-built 11th-generation Corolla was introduced here). The 1.8E goes for RM115,900 (OTR, with insurance), up from the RM114k when introduced, while the 2.0V continues on at RM136,000.

- Source: paultan.org

Over 1,000 rakyat witness the Johor royal couple wedding


The solemnisation was conducted by the Johor Mufti, Datuk Mohd Tahrir Samsudin. - Photo from Astro Awani


The couple were seen leaving Istana Bukit Serene at 8.20pm in a vintage Mercedes convertible limousine. - Bernama Photo

Heavy rains in the city did not deter more than 1,000 people from viewing the 'live' telecast of the Royal Wedding between Tengku Mahkota Johor, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim and Che' Puan Khaleeda Bustamam, at the Istana Besar here Saturday night.

The public began filling the grounds of Dataran Bandaraya Johor Baharu as early as 5pm to witness the ceremony which was shown on two giant screens put up by the Johor Baharu City Council.

Members of the public were seen lining the three-kilometre stretch of road between Istana Bukit Serene and Istana Besar to get a glimpse of the royal couple.

The couple were seen leaving Istana Bukit Serene at 8.20pm in a vintage Mercedes convertible limousine, accompanied by 10 police outriders and members of the Johor Military force in full commando fatigues.

Meanwhile, at the Istana Besar, dignitaries were seen entering the palace grounds from 7.30pm.

The royal couple arrived at Istana Besar at 8.52pm, welcomed by the beating of 1,500 kompang (hand held small drums) led 'bunga manggar' (flower decorations on a stick) holders.

The wedding ceremony began at 9.20pm with the arrival of the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Almarhum Sultan Iskandar and his consort Raja Zarith Sofiah Sultan Idris Shah.

It was followed by the arrival of the Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and his consort Paduka Seri Baginda Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha; as well as the Sultan of Pahang, Sultan Ahmad Shah and the Sultanah of Pahang, Sultanah Hajah Kalsom.

The Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong and wife Ho Ching were then seen entering the hall followed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and wife, Puan Sri Norainee Abdul Rahman.

The royal couple then entered the hall with Tunku Ismail wearing dark-blue royal regalia while Che' Puan Khaleeda wore a white dress.

Johor Mufti Datuk Mohd Tahrir Samsudin was then seen reciting the prayers before the blessing ceremonies of "merenjis" and "tepung tawar" were started by the Sultan of Brunei, followed by his consort, the Sultan of Pahang and the Sultanah of Pahang, the Sultan of Johor and Raja Zarith Sofiah, as well as the Sultan's grandmother, Enche Besar Hajjah Khalsom.

The ceremony ended with blessings by Che' Puan Khaleeda's mother, Aziyah Abdul Aziz.

- Source: BERNAMA 

Ruling safeguards transgender women from harassment - says transgender singer, Rozz

"I dress as a female for work," said transgendered woman Rozz Ritzman. - Photo courtesy of Rozz Ritzman

KUALA LUMPUR: The landmark Court of Appeal ruling that transgenders will now no longer be punished for cross-dressing has received an all-round thumbs up from transgender women in the country.

The verdict overturns a 2012 High Court ruling, which had dismissed the challenge by three appellants over their arrest four years ago under the law, stating the appellants must adhere to the law as they are Muslims and born male.

The appellants -- Muhammad Juzaili Mohd Khamis, Shukor Jani and Wan Fairol Wan Ismail -- had been arrested (in Negeri Sembilan) several times for violating the state enactment which led to them filing a judicial review to declare the Syariah Act unconstitutional.

“It’s a relief for many, I am sure, to know that they are now able to get to and from work without facing the threat of being arrested looming over their heads," said club performer, Rozz Ritzman.

"The majority of the transgendered who live in this country are not prostitutes or criminals - they are people, like you and me, who have real jobs to go to,” said the 30-something Rozz.

Rozz recalled an incident which took place in Negeri Sembilan not too long ago when a wedding reception was marred after it was raided by the state religious officials.

The raid led to the arrest of transgendered 'mak andams' and some of the guests, said Rozz, adding that the arrest was allegedly due to them “dressing the wrong way.”

"It was absolutely outrageous,” said Rozz, who is well-known for his melodious and raspy vocals and has a huge following among music aficionados and regulars at his shows.

"I dress as a female for work," said Rozz, who is regularly seen donning flamboyant dresses, classic Egyptian kohl eyes and thick lashes for his largely sold-out gigs.

In his typical straightforward demeanour, Rozz nonchalantly admitted that life isn't entirely a bed of roses.

"Nobody will ever be able to fathom how it feels to be ostracized, marginalized and looked down upon on a daily basis, simply for being born the way we are. Some of us don't even have family to turn to. It is not an easy life.

Rozz added: "Some of us lucked out and managed to survive through the all the harassment and bullying, and graduated from school and find ourselves jobs which in itself is already a feat, given the circumstances, should we not be assured safe passage for us to go about our daily lives?

"Constitutional right is given to all Malaysians, we are just asking for the same. We are not asking to be allowed to marry, we are not asking to be given special privileges, we are just asking to not being harassed by the authorities. We are asking for the people who are supposed to protect us, to not treat us like we are criminals," said Rozz.

"The overturning of the syariah court decision safeguards their rights to go to work and earn a decent and honest living without facing harassment," Rozz concluded.

The Court of Appeal, on Friday declared unconstitutional a provision in the Negeri Sembilan Islamic religious enactment which made it an offence for Muslim males to dress and behave as women.

A three-man bench led by Datuk Mohd Hishamuddin Mohd Yunus said section 66 of the Shariah Criminal Enactment violated Articles 5, 8, 9, and 10 of the Federal Constitution.

The law, said Hishamuddin in an interview with The Malaysian Insider is the effect of denying the appellants and other sufferers of GID [Gender Identity Disorder] to move freely in public places.

Perak Mufti Tan Sri Dr.Harussani Zakaria described the landmark Court of Appeal ruling that transgenders will no longer be punished for cross-dressing as going against Allah’s teachings.

The decision by the Court of Appeal, said lawyer Syahredzan Johan towards the three sections of transgenders as unconstitutional does not mean that the enactment in other states are revoked.

In an interview with Astro AWANI, Syahredzan stated that the decision by the Court of Appeal provides the opportunity for the transgendered punished under the similar enactment to challenge it (the decision) at the Civil Court.

- Source: Astro Awani

We just want to be treated equally - transgender activist, Nisha

Transgender activist, Nisha Ayub (R) greets her colleague outside the court of appeals in Putrajaya on November 7, 2014.

KUALA LUMPUR: Fear, discrimination and imprisonment - these are the harsh social realities that transgender women in the country have to tolerate each time they step out of their homes.

The recent news that the Court of Appeal struck down a state law that forbids Muslim men from dressing up as women -- citing it as unconstitutional -- came as a pleasant surprise for the transgender community in Malaysia.

“I'm happy and thankful with the judgment,” said Justice For Sisters advocacy manager Nisha Ayub.

Gone are the days, said Nisha that transgenders in the country had to live in fear.

“We were discriminated for years when it comes to education, job and healthcare. We haven’t been given equal rights.”

Nisha, in a phone interview with Astro AWANI said that the transgender community seeks for equality – to be honoured the same rights as any other citizens of Malaysia.

“This is just the tip of the iceberg. Yes, the ruling is a victory for us but we have to do much more to move forward. We are not asking for special treatment, all we ask for is to be treated as equal citizens,” said Nisha, who has been advocating for gender rights since 2006.

On Friday, a three-man panel led by Justice Datuk Mohd Hishamudin Mohd Yunus ruled that Section 66 of the of the Syariah Criminal (Negeri Sembilan) Enactment 1992 violated Articles 5, 8, 9 and 10 of the Federal Constitution.

The ruling comes on the heels of an appeal sought by three Muslim transgenders to have Section 66 declared unconstitutional.

They claimed the provision violates their constitutional right to freedom of expression, movement and their right to live in dignity which the court ruled in favour.

“The appellants are part of the society, living normal life. They did not harm anyone nor did anything bad. For them to be sent to prison just because of their identities is a violation of their rights as Malaysian citizens based on the Federal Constitution,” Nisha added.

The ruling has triggered an outcry, among Muslim groups, calling for the decision to be challenged.

“We have been informed by our lawyers that this could happen. And if it does, we will appeal the case again at the high court. We have prepared all the documents and statements. We will fight to the end.”

In an earlier interview with Rozz Ritzman, the transgender club performing said decision is laudable and comes as 'shield' of sorts in safeguarding transgender women from harassment.

- Source: Astro Awani

McLaren MP4-12C Spider is taken out for one last hurrah…


McLaren MP4-12C Spider
Engine: 3799cc, 8-cylinder V engine, 32v, DOHC, VVT, twin turbo, 616bhp @ 7500rpm, 600Nm @ 3000-7000rpm 
Transmission: 7-speed Seamless Shift dual-clutch Gearbox (SSG), rear-wheel drive
Performance3.3secs 0-100kph, 9.2secs 0-200kph, 329kph, 11.7l/100km, 279g/km CO2
Weight1376kg

McLaren has ceased production of the 12C. But before it gets driven into the sunset, we see what the fuss is all about

Days like these are always special. Just the notion of driving cars that cost well over a million always bring with it a level of pre-charged adrenaline. The car of the day is the McLaren MP4-12C Spider, not the latest and brightest of McLarens but it deserves a cave-wall drawing for future generations to wow over. Prior to this, the only other production car McLaren has pushed out of Woking is the venerable McLaren F1; road car and not the Formula One car, obviously.

Very soon, you won’t be able to buy the 12C new. McLaren has ceased production of the 12C and the test car is just one of the very few that remains unsold in Malaysia. The sale-torch has been passed on to the 650S, which was launched a few moons ago. So, with its rarity now at an all-time high, needless to say, I was quite beside myself when I was given the chance to take it out for a drive.

And what a drive it will be. In my head, I conducted a series of assaults on the twisted B-roads with equally courageous explorations of the accelerator pedal; braking only when I absolutely had to. Yes, the drive will be nothing short of epic even if I will only have the keys for less than half a day. Except…


The big day starts with me sitting shotgun in the 12C Spider for reasons I do not wish to elaborate for it is frivolous and not worthy of mention. It is just one more thing dumped into an bursting mailbox of really bad juju that seem to always find me in August. Every year, the same month, my stars go out of alignment. I won’t elaborate further. I am well-irritated, kicking myself repeatedly, while envying my chaperone for the day whom is behind the wheel – you didn’t think McLaren would release the 12C to me without supervision, did you? Soon, I tell myself, my rear will get snugged in the hot seat.

Thomp-thomp! The wheels of the 12C just crashed in and leapt out of what could possibly be a deep pothole. But before the horrible sound emanating in the cabin can sufficiently die out – fhwomp! – the supercar gloriously sails across a large speed bump. This time, the ensuing sound is a horrible crunch and I am convinced that something had just come loose; just as how a budget compact car would sound. Since this car isn’t a budget compact, I wonder if some pampering is needed to ride on these roads.

Turns out, no pampering is needed. In spite of the horrific noise, I feel almost nothing. The chassis is barely bothered by the poor excuse of a well-tarred road. The noise, as I am told, is amplified because of the hollowed out aluminium extrusions and castings that is bolted to the all carbon MonoCell and composite body panels. The sound waves bounces around inside and makes the noise more dramatic than it really is. The ProActive Chassis Control would have dissipated the impact forces into the atmosphere, making the ride luxuriously supple. I can already imagine the McLaren being used for the daily commute – it is that comfortable. The chassis’ talents are not just limited to the supple ride, mind you. There’s so much more layers to peel off.


Finally, I cross the threshold of the MonoCell and slip into my destined seat for the rest of the day. Doors closed and I feel like I am in a capsule cockpit that won’t look out of place in a science fiction movie. I take in the scenery. It’s like a savannah; acres of flat leather-wrapped land punctuated by three turbine-inspired air conditioning vents and a mound of perforated leather that drapes the large RPM dial flanked by two small coloured LCD screens. Important information like how much fuel you have left and how far you’ve travelled is televised here.

Even the centre stack only houses a large, vertically mounted touch-screen LCD, fancily named IRIS. Below that are switches that dial in the different powertrain and suspension modes, and the all-important button to bring the new settings to life. Normal, Sport and Track – or N, S, T – are my only choices. Simple, yet enough to tell me what I would be getting myself into.

I ease the 12C onto the highway; sailing over all manner of road conditions. Quickly, I decide that it is futile to see anything meaningful out of the rear windscreen other than the two buttresses that take up about 75 per cent of the tiny rear window. Rearward viewing is solely dependent on the large and very far out wing mirrors. Yet, it is through that remaining 25 per cent of the rear window that I spy drivers whipping out their phone-cameras for a quick shot of the 12C. 


I do understand the need for picture taking because: 1. the 12C is rare, and 2. the McLaren does cut a rather sharp shape, better with the hard top stowed away but I’m not going to get sunburnt on account of style. The thin front splitters, wide bonnet, narrow and low A-pillars that sling to the rear in one swift line, and the striking side intake pods all conjure elements of a reptile’s head. 

However, while the design is provocative, it isn’t as evocative as I’d thought it would be. There are no breathtaking elements that lead to a climatic visual drama apart from the said intake pods and high exhaust pipes. Italian supercars cut the eye better. McLaren not only admits the plain design but also boasts that what you see is shaped by the wind and governed by engineering; no add-ons simply for the sake of styling. I wonder if there is an elegant mathematical formula that explains the 12C’s shape. Or some quantum physics theory that explains how this car can seemingly bend time and space.

Perhaps there is a specific science applied that gives the tyres its own gravity well because the grip is phenomenal. Hitting speeds of over 200kph simply heightens the stability of the 12C and you’ll run out of straight road before reaching the Vmax of 329kph. 


The engine behind me is a potent twin turbo-charged 3799cc V8 engine that hits maximum horsepower at 7500rpm and has a wide maximum torque range between 3000 and 7000rpm. By then, 616bhp and 600Nm of torque would have been translated to teary-eyed excitement and wide-eyed terror. 3.3 seconds to get to 100kph, or 3.1 seconds with the Corsa tyres fitted. More than capable, then, of conquering the task of scaling up everyone’s favourite mountain pass.

Time to make real what I imagined earlier. Expeditions of the right foot on the throttle let speed gather in a very controlled and calculative manner, and sensitive to a fault. You could be gentle and let it accumulate momentum or be heavy-footed and smack the throttle down with full force. Either way, the engine doesn’t bark whenever you kick down a cog nor howl whenever you accelerate. Also, the rear won’t break traction just for smokes; it is all prim and proper, and very polite. 

But go fast is what the 12C Spider excels at. Going from double to triple digits takes less time than blinking your eyes, although you don’t want to. A corner charges into view and I hit the brakes, hard. Coming down from speeds close to 200kph is a white-knuckle experience; a peek at the rear view mirror shows the air brake is fully deployed. The rear wing is now angled vertically to create a parachute effect as well as harvest massive downforce to stabilise the rear under braking. The brakes must be glowing red hot by now. 


I am told that the way the rear wing works is part of the Technology Upgrade. Current 12C owners with active manufacturer’s warranty can opt to upgrade free of charge. But it is just not under hard braking, the Active Aero now works with increased frequency whenever it senses the car needs more stability. If this sounds familiar, this technology is pulled directly from Formula One.

Back on the throttle and up the technical sections of the road. Just as quick, the rear wing drops letting air flow through uninterrupted. Once more, speed is being amassed just as quick as the fast approaching dark omen of a rain cloud.

As if on cue, water starts splattering on the windscreen; the universe decides that August should bring me more grief. The weather turned sour before becoming very wet. The roads are now polluted with dihydrogen monoxide although that did not deter the 12C Spider one bit. But should I slow down? Maybe not.


Confidence surges through the steering, the front cars slow down, and I switch lanes at an instant and gun the engine. Somewhere at the back of my neck, tiny hairs stand. This is good; very good indeed.

In this wetness, it is fear and amazement all wrapped into one explosive emotion. To be honest, I am afraid, yet there is a huge part of me that wants to explore the edges of this massive wet grip. Instincts take over and I work with the car to track a series of corners at speeds that I normally don’t find myself in, much less in the wet. I do wish the conditions are dryer.

I get what the McLaren is all about. Woking didn’t set out to create Britain’s version of the Ferrari or Lamborghini. There isn’t logic, or money, in copying an Italian. Instead, the 12C brings its own interpretation on what a supercar should be and in that sense, the 12C has managed to carve out its own notch in the history books in a very British, very special way.

The weather didn’t let up and instead envelope the road with a heavy blanket of fog. No chance to take photographs at this point in time, a reschedule must take place. In any case, it is time to dive back in… yes; the day is turning out just as planned.


- Source: Astro Publication

Laluan Tapah-Cameron Highlands dibuka untuk kenderaan ringan

Laluan Tapah ke Cameron Highlands dibuka semula untuk semua kenderaan ringan pada pukul 4.20 petang ini.

Ketua Polis Daerah Cameron Highlands, DSP Wan Zahari Wan Busu berkata kenderaan berat bagaimanapun tidak dibenarkan melalui laluan itu.

"Ini kerana dikhuatiri kenderaan berat yang melalui laluan berkenaan akan menjejaskan laluan terbabit seperti berlakunya gegaran dan menyebabkan tanah runtuh.

"Bagaimanapun kenderaan berat disarankan untuk ke Cameron Highland melalui laluan Simpang Pulai," katanya ketika dihubungi Bernama hari ini.

Beliau berkata laluan Tapah ke Cameron Highlands setakat ini telah dibersihkan daripada kesan tanah runtuh, namun kerja-kerja membaiki struktur laluan masih diteruskan di beberapa lokasi.

- Sumber: Bernama

Transgender: Menteri saran buat rayuan


Jamil Khir Baharom

KUALA LUMPUR - Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom hari ini menyarankan Pihak Berkuasa Agama Negeri membuat rayuan ke Mahkamah Persekutuan berhubung isu transgender - lelaki Islam berpakaian seperti wanita.

Jumaat lalu, Mahkamah Rayuan mengisytiharkan sebagai tidak sah ketetapan Undang-Undang Syariah Negeri Sembilan bahawa lelaki Islam berpakaian seperti wanita adalah perbuatan jenayah.

Jamil Khir berkata, langkah itu (rayuan) bagi menjaga kepentingan agama Islam, selain ia melibatkan kewibawaan Pihak Berkuasa Agama Negeri.

"Ia juga untuk menunjukkan ketegasan pihak berkuasa agama Islam negeri dalam membendung aktiviti yang cenderung kepada amalan lesbian, gay, biseksual dan transgender (LGBT) dalam kalangan masyarakat Islam," katanya dalam satu kenyataan di sini.

Panel tiga hakim mahkamah tersebut memutuskan Seksyen 66 Enakmen Jenayah Syariah (Negeri Sembilan) 1992 adalah tidak sah di sisi perlembagaan kerana ia mendiskriminasi lelaki Islam yang menghidapi keadaan dikenali masalah identiti gender (GID) dari segi perubatan.

Keputusan Mahkamah Rayuan itu membatalkan keputusan Mahkamah Tinggi yang menolak permohonan semakan kehakiman difailkan tiga lelaki Islam yang bekerja sebagai jurumekap pengantin iaitu Muhamad Juzaili Mohamad Khamis, 26; Syukor Jani, 28; dan Wan Fairol Wan Ismail, 30; bagi diisytiharkan Seksyen 66 adalah tidak sah di sisi perlembagaan.

Jamil Khir berkata, Majlis Agama Islam Wilayah Persekutuan (Jawi) akan memohon untuk mencelah dalam prosiding ini dalam rayuan di Mahkamah Persekutuan kelak. 

- Sumber: Bernama

'Tanya Mahathir siapa Noh'


Azmin Ali

BESTARI JAYA - Menteri Besar Selangor, Mohamed Azmin Ali enggan mengulas dakwaan Pengerusi Umno Selangor, Datuk Seri Noh Omar yang mendakwanya 'cuba tunjuk pandai' berhubung kemelut fatwa terhadap Sisters in Islam (SIS).

Sebaliknya beliau berkata, bekas Perdana Menteri, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad perlu dirujuk untuk mengenali siapa Noh sebenarnya.

“Siapa? Oh.. Dia ada lagi? Saya ingat (patut) tanya Tun Dr Mahathir siapa Noh Omar ini,” katanya kepada pemberita selepas Istiadat Konvokesyen ke-9 Universiti Industri Selangor (Unisel), semalam.

Beliau juga menegaskan mengeluarkan kenyataan rasmi berhubung perkara itu yang mencadangkan Jabatan Mufti Selangor dan Majlis Agama Islam Selangor (Mais) bertemu pertubuhan itu untuk mendapatkan penjelasan.

Noh dilaporkan mendakwa Azmin cuba berlagak pandai apabila mencadangkan satu pertemuan diadakan di antara Mufti Selangor Datuk Mohd Tamyes Abdul Wahid dan SIS berhubung fatwa sesat oleh Jawatankuasa Fatwa negeri itu.

Sebagai menteri besar, kata Noh, Azmin sepatutnya menasihatkan SIS menarik balik kes itu di mahkamah sebagai jaminan untuk mengaturkan pertemuan dengan Majlis Fatwa Selangor.

Menurut Noh, Azmin seolah-olah tidak memahami apa yang dimaksudkan dengan erti kebebasan beragama di dalam artikel undang-undang kerajaan dan seperti merendah-rendahkan jawatankuasa ulama di Selangor.

- Sumber: Sinar Harian 

Tiga pelajar parah, kotak tiba-tiba meletup

Keadaan tangan Mohd Khairul Shahiran yang hancur akibat letupan tersebut.


KUALA TERENGGANU - Tiga pelajar pusat latihan di Gong Badak cedera terkena letupan dalam satu kejadian di Kampung Padang Machang, Manir, di sini, hari ini.

Seorang daripada pelajar tersebut cedera parah pada bahagian tangan kemudiannya dikejarkan ke Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah (HSNZ).

Pelajar berkenaan Nazrin Che Mohamad, 20, Khairul Shahiran Che Ibrahim, 19 dan Mohd Afiq Mohd Misran, 18.

Menurut sumber, maklumat awal diterima mengatakan kejadian berlaku ketika mereka sedang mengemas rumah nenek seorang daripada pelajar tersebut, iaitu Nazrin untuk disewa.

Ketika mengemas, Mohd Khairul Shahiran mengangkat sebuah kotak yang tiba-tiba meletup sehingga menyebabkan ketiga-tiganya cedera.

Akibat letupan itu, kedua-dua tangan Mohd Khairul Shahiran hancur.

- Sumber: Sinar Harian 

Warga Singapura maut, kereta Porsche terbabas

KUALA LUMPUR - Dua lelaki warga Singapura maut apabila kereta mewah jenis Porsche yang dinaiki terbabas dan terbalik di KM3.8 Lebuhraya Kuala Lumpur-Seremban menghala pusat bandar raya, awal pagi tadi.

Pegawai Turus Siasatan dan Perundangan Trafik Kuala Lumpur, DSP S. Markandan berkata, kejadian berlaku kira-kira 2.45 pagi apabila kereta yang dinaiki mangsa hilang kawalan lalu merempuh besi penghadang berhampiran Desa Petaling.

Mangsa dikenali sebagai Kwok Kon Chun, 35, dan Franco Toh, 43, maut di tempat kejadian akibat cedera parah.

"Siasatan awal polis mendapati, semasa kejadian mangsa dalam perjalanan dari Sepang ke pusat bandar," katanya dalam kenyataan di sini hari ini.

Difahamkan, Kwok merupakan seorang pelumba kereta yang sering menyertai perlumbaan di negara ini termasuk Supercar Drag Race di Litar Antarabangsa Sepang (SIC) manakala Franco seorang jurufoto profesional. 

Sementara itu, Ketua Pusat Gerakan Operasi Bomba Kuala Lumpur, Samsol Maarif Saibani berkata, sebuah jentera dengan lima anggota dari Balai Bomba Sungai Besi dikejarkan ke lokasi kejadian, sebaik menerima panggilan daripada orang awam untuk mengeluarkan mangsa.

Katanya mayat dihantar ke Hospital Kuala Lumpur untuk bedah siasat. 

- Sumber: Bernama

Van Gaal: Even when fit, Falcao may not start for Man United


Whether it be injury or for reasons of balance, Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has warned striker Radamel Falcao could face a lengthy absence from his top-heavy side as they struggle to find a winning formula.

Colombia striker Falcao, who is earning £285,000 per week, according to media reports, has made five appearances, scoring once, since his season-long loan move to Old Trafford from Monaco on transfer deadline day.

The 28-year-old, who missed this year's World Cup with a serious knee ligament injury, will be absent from the United side for the third game in a row, as they host Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday, because of a calf problem .

Van Gaal had dropped Falcao prior to his injury in favour of using just one striker -- Robin Van Persie.

Now the Dutch coach, who has tinkered with formations so far this season but has decided to use one less attacker in recent weeks to counteract a leaky defence, says Falcao may sit on the bench even if he is fit to play.

"I cannot say when Falcao will be back. It depends on the progress on his injury. It's his calf," Van Gaal told reporters on Friday. "The problem for Falcao is because of balance in the game.


"I cannot judge now because he is injured and I changed him not because of his performance but because of the balance of the team, which is much more important than the individual."

"I have to decide which striker (to use). It's not his fault. With the other system I could play with two strikers, but then the balance wasn't good.

"We had difficulties in the last half-an-hour of games. That's why I have remodelled the structure," Van Gaal added.

"Since then we have less goals in our favour but also less goals conceded. We have also played against the better teams in the Premier League in that time (Chelsea and Manchester City) on an equal level, more or less." 

- Source: Reuters

Charlie Austin (WPR) has TWO goals disallowed in 30 seconds



QPR striker Charlie Austin may have just earned himself an unwanted record: having two goals disallowed in the shortest space of time. 

There were few complaints about the first decision during the Hoops’ clash with Manchester City in the Premier League. Austin had planted a powerful header beyond Joe Hart, only for the flag to shoot up and deny the striker for being about six yards offside.

But what followed was more dramatic and a shade controversial. 

Hart placed the ball down for the resulting free-kick and proceeded to pass straight to Austin. This time there could be no stopping the striker as he controlled instantly and lashed a low shot beyond England’s number one. In his moment of joy, Austin unleashed a rather bizarre chicken dance (think Kevin Nolan, but even more funky). 

But, incredibly, City were protesting again. Hart’s free-kick had somehow skewed off his left foot and onto his right – an infringement that led to another ‘goal’ being chalked out. 

Austin’s time in the spotlight wasn’t over either. Just five minutes later, the forward spurned the easiest chance of the bunch – crashing a first-time effort against Hart – before finally getting on the scoresheet on 21 minutes as the City defence imploded once more. 

- Source: Eurosport 

Chong Wei deserves best treatment in his hour of need - MIC Youth



Chong Wei has claimed all-round innocence in the doping scandal and asked for the National Sports Institute to identify where the forbidden substance came from.

KUALA LUMPUR: World number one badminton player Datuk Lee Chong Wei deserves the best treatment in his hour of need after his urine sample was tested positive for a banned substance, said MIC Youth chief C. Sivarraajh.

Sivarraajh said Chong Wei was an exceptional player and had done lot for the country as well as for the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM).

"We sympathise with him. He (Chong Wei) is our hope and we solidly stand behind him in his hour of need. BAM must give Chong Wei all the assistance that he needs," he said in a statement today.

Sivarraajh said, from now BAM must also establish his innocence and defend Chong Wei.

"He (Chong Wei) says he is innocent and we Malaysians as one, believe him," said Sivarraajh.

Chong Wei was confirmed as testing positive for the banned substance, 'dexamethasone' in the 'Sample B' test conducted at the Oslo University Hospital in Norway on Wednesday.

BAM deputy president Datuk Norza Zakaria told a media conference yesterday that he received the official result from the Badminton World Federation (BWF) on Thursday.

"From our side, we have some justification that the player is innocent. The main priority is to assist the player because he is part of the BAM family. He has done a lot for the country," Norza said.

The sports icon reportedly failed the drug test at the World Badminton Championships in Copenhagen in August.

He has also been suspended from competing indefinitely. 

- Source: Bernama

Anuar Chew terkejut

Anuar Chew Abdullah

SEMENTARA itu, pemenang Pelakon Lelaki Terbaik Drama, Anuar Chew Abdullah yang memenangi kategori terbaik menerusi drama Matahari Terbit Lagi mengakui terkejut dengan kemenangannya itu.

Apatah lagi menurut Anuar Chew, dia tidak mengetahui bahawa tercalon dalam ASK18.

"Saya sejujurnya tidak tahu bahawa saya tercalon dan hanya datang kerana di undang TV3. Ini merupakan pertama kali saya tercalon dalam ASK dan menang.

"Apa pun saya berterima kasih kepada TV3 dan juri kerana memilih saya selaku pemenang dan calon lain seperti Pekin Ibrahim, Datuk Rosyam Nor, Taiyuddin Bakar dan Sharnaaz Ahmad juga adalah pemenang untuk kategori ini," katanya yang sudah berkecimpung di dalam industri seni sejak akhir 1980-an lagi.

Anuar Chew yang sudah memeluk Islam sejak tahun 1995 berkata, dia pada awalnya berasa lelah berlakon di dalam drama arahan Azeli Mohammad yang turut dinobatkan selaku Pengarah Terbaik Drama, kerana pengarah terbabit terlalu teliti.

"Dia ambil banyak masa untuk menyediakan set termasuk dari sudut pencahayaan yang berbeza daripada drama lain. Walaupun saya tak suka tapi saya rasa ia sangat berbaloi malam ini (kelmarin)," katanya yang akan muncul dengan filem Seludup, Gila Baby tidak lama lagi.

- Sumber: Sinar Harian

Juan Mata gives United hard-fought win over Palace


Premier League, Old Trafford - Manchester United 1 (Mata 67) Crystal Palace 0

A second-half winner from Juan Mata gave Manchester United a valuable three points in an unconvincing 1-0 win over Crystal Palace at Old Trafford.

The Spaniard's deflected shot after neat build-up play was enough to give United, who otherwise struggled to test Julian Speroni, a win that lifts them into the top six.

Mata replaced Adnan Januzaj in the 63rd minute and was denied a second goal by the post as he made the required impact for Louis van Gaal's struggling side.

He lashed in a shot from the edge of the box after link play from Marouane Fellaini and Di Maria, and possibly following a deflection off Damien Delaney, causing Speroni to misjudge the flight of the ball.

Palace had had the best chance of the first half as Fraizer Campbell pounced on a ball that evaded both Paddy McNair and Daley Blind, but faced with the onrushing David De Gea his touch was just a little too heavy, taking it high.

United dominated possession throughout but did little with it, with the roving Angel Di Maria’s efforts at creativity leading to nothing.

- Source: Eurosport 

Pelakon cilik Puteri Balqis, pecah rekod

Puteri Balqis Azizi

PELAKON cilik berbakat besar, Puteri Balqis Azizi memecah rekod apabila berjaya memenangi kategori Pelakon Wanita Terbaik Drama menerusi drama Balqis di Anugerah Skrin 2014 (ASK2014), kelmarin.

Kemenangan itu sekali gus memperlihatkan kanak-kanak berusia tujuh tahun ini menjadi pelakon wanita termuda yang memenangi kategori berkenaan dan menewaskan nama besar dalam kategori tersebut iaitu Normah Damanhuri, Nad Zainal dan Melly Amelin.

Untuk rekod, Datin Paduka Umie Aida membawa pulang trofi berkenaan menerusi drama Aku Bukan Malaikat, tahun lalu.

Sebelum ini, Balqis pernah memenangi Anugerah Artis Harapan Pantene di Anugerah Skrin ke-16 (2012) menerusi drama Pelarian.

Di temui sebaik menerima trofi terbabit, Balqis yang selesa membahasakan dirinya dengan panggilan Aqish mengakui terkejut sebaik diumumkan sebagai pemenang.

"Ini merupakan kali kedua Aqish tercalon dalam kategori ini, kali pertama tahun lalu. Tapi tak sangka Aqish akan menang tahun ini.

"Aqish memang rasa gembira, teruja dan terkejut dengan kemenangan ini. Aqish nak ucapkan terima kasih kepada kedua ibu bapa Aqish, mama Eirma Fatima yang banyak memberi Aqish tunjuk ajar untuk menghayati watak ini.

"Apa pun, Aqish berlakon bukan kerana nak menang anugerah, tapi Aqish berlakon kerana Aqish mahu penonton fahami dengan lakonan Aqish," katanya kepada media.

Mengakui drama Balqis terbitan Rumah Karya Citra (M) Sdn Bhd itu diolah berdasarkan kisah hidupnya, anak kepada pasangan Azizi Aziz @ Adziz dan Norashikin Mohd Aziz ini mendedahkan drama tersebut tetap mencabar buatnya.

"Boleh dikatakan, 90 peratus perjalanan cerita tersebut diolah dari kisah hidup Aqish, tapi ada jugalah yang ditambah.

"Jadi agak mudah untuk Aqish menghayati watak Balqis itu dengan bantuan mama Eirma, tapi apa pun drama itu tetap mencabar kerana Aqish kena faham dengan karakter, minum banyak air dan masuk dengan karakter itu sebelum memulakan penggambaran," katanya yang mengimpikan untuk membawakan karakter kanak-kanak dirasuk selepas ini.

- Sumber: Sinar  Harian