Gender segregation at live shows: "why only now?" - Jennifer Thompson

The second edition of the guideline was released by Jakim last week after being approved by the 107th National Fatwa Committee Conference recently.

KUALA LUMPUR: “We have not done it before, so why should we do it now?”

Local concert organiser, Jennifer Thompson raised the question as a response to a set of guidelines by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) for artistes and entertainers to perform in the country.

The veteran industry player stressed such ruling should be extensively discussed with the responsible quarters first before it being implemented.

“We need to place sufficient and coherent thoughts before its implementation. There should be an open discussion especially when we live in an open multi-cultural and multi-religious society,” she said when contacted by Astro AWANI Saturday.

The second edition of the guideline was released by Jakim last week after being approved by the 107th National Fatwa Committee Conference in February.

Part of the rules includes the segregation of male and female audiences and performers at 'live shows' held in the country.

“We need to place sufficient and coherent thoughts before its implementation ”- Jennifer

Jakim also stressed that music and lyrics should not boast any elements of “worships” which are considered sacred to believers of other religions. 

Recording Industry Association of Malaysia (RIM) when contacted said a meeting with take place to discuss the new guideline pertaining to the gender segregation.

President Norman Abdul Halim said the meeting will by organised by RIM and involve other music associations.

“The meeting will discuss the Jakim guideline where we will decide on the next course of action,” said Norman.

The President and Group Chief Executive Officer of KRU Records, however refused to issue a personal stance on the matter citing that the body responsible for giving out licences to stage concerts in Malaysia is the Central Agency for the Application for Filming and Performance by Foreign Artists (Puspal).

“We will refer to PUSPAL to ensure the new guideline does not breach the current rules,” he said.

The guideline can be downloaded on Jakim’s website. The incident involving a K-pop group and a group of fanatic female fans during a KL concert in January have drawn brickbats from religious bodies.

The fans – who donned the headscarves – on stage was heavily criticised as their action were deemed “un-Islamic”.

- Source: Astro Awani 

Hyundai Veloster Turbo launched in Malaysia, RM148k

We’ve heard about it for so long, and seen the car at KLIMS 13, JPJ and testing on the road, so with a big shout of “Finally!” we welcome the Hyundai Veloster Turbo to Malaysia. Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) officially revealed the coupe (or hatchback, depends on how you see it) at its new Bangsar showroom this morning.

The Veloster Turbo is making its debut here in mildly facelifted form, along with a non-turbo version. But let’s focus on the more interesting proposition. Our Veloster Turbo is powered by a 1.6 litre T-GDi (turbocharged gasoline direct injection) four-cylinder engine with 186 PS and 265 Nm of torque from 1,500 to 4,500 rpm. 0-100 km/h is done in 8.0 seconds while top speed is 214 km/h. 

If you’re wondering, 186 PS/265 Nm is also what Europe gets, a slightly lower state of tune than the domestic South Korean market’s 204 PS and 270 Nm. 

For the first time, the twin-scroll turbo motor is paired to a dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Introduced with the facelift, the seven-speed DCT is also found in the Sonata Eco in the USA as well as facelifted versions of the i30 hatchback and i40 sedan/wagon. Steering wheel paddle shifters are provided for manual override. 

The 132 PS/158 Nm 1.6 MPI naturally aspirated Veloster carries on with a six-speed torque converter automatic gearbox without the shift paddles. 

The Malaysian Veloster range will now have three variants – 1.6 Premium, Turbo and Turbo Sport. All Velosters ride on 18-inch alloys with 225/40 rubber, front McPherson struts, rear torsion beam suspension, front ventilated discs and rear discs. The steering system is electric, or motor driven in Hyundai-Kia speak. Six airbags, ABS, ESC and hill start assist are standard across the board.

Also standard for all are LED daytime running lights, panoramic sunroof, Supervision cluster, seven-inch touch screen stereo with AUX/USB/Bluetooth, keyless entry with push start button, Flex Steer, auto air con, auto headlamps, leather seats and reverse camera. 

The Turbo model adds on paddle shifters, HID headlamps, ECO guide, powered driver’s seat and “pure leather” seats with grey “Turbo” side trim. Turbo Sport has all of the above, plus racing decals and orange side “Turbo” trim for the seats. Five colours are available, including the factory matte black “Young Gun” in the and Sunflower yellow. 

The CBU imported from South Korea range starts from RM129,067 for the Veloster 1.6. The Turbo is priced at RM148,119, and the Turbo Sport RM151,746, all on-the-road with GST, without insurance. As usual with HSDM, buyers get a five-year or 300,000 km warranty.

- Source: paultan.org