Beware of your belongings!

【Citizen Provided】

Beware of your belongings!

Keep your awareness on your belongings especially your handbag, laptop bag, wallet, and valuable items when you are dining in a restaurant or cafe.

Video below shows the incident happened in a restaurant which located in one of PJ shopping malls.

Credit to: James

Big news for small wallets

The issue is unavoidable. Everybody is talking about the various price hikes. And the joke is that the only thing that is not going up is our salary.

SIX days into the new year and it is obvious that the newsmaker for 2014 will be ...(drum roll, please)... price hikes!

Barring any major sex video scandal or street protests, price hike stories will top the news this year.

The issue is unavoidable. Everybody is talking about electricity tariff hike, sugar subsidy withdrawal, lower fuel subsidy, higher toll rates, GST and higher prices, water tariff hike and transport hike.

The joke is that the only thing that is not going up is our salary.

I welcomed the new year with the worrisome thought that my purchasing power has shrunk. Whenever I think about it, I’m reminded of what my mum used to complain about in the 1980s.

“Nokonini noh limo nohopod ringgit (RM50 has shrunk),” she would complain after her weekly shopping at the Donggongon tamu near Kota Kinabalu.

“I use to be able to buy everything (a week’s shopping budget for a family of six) for RM50 in the tamu (weekly farmers’ market in Sabah) but now RM50 can’t buy you anything.”

Whenever she complained, I would roll my eyes.

Now, 30 years later, I’ve become my mother. Lately, I’ve been complaining that RM100 can’t buy you anything.

Actually, RM100 can buy me a tankful of RON95 for my Proton Exora. But that would probably last me for four or five days of driving from home to office and back, and weekend drives.

For sure, RM100 can’t buy me much when I go for grocery shopping for a family of four. The other day, I was in an upmarket supermarket in Subang Jaya. My wife bought our normal weekly supplies and the bill came up to RM470.

Shocking, as our weekly grocery bill in that supermarket was usually around RM300.

“Must be the (three packets of) imported tortilla chips,” my wife told me.

The grocery bill shocker made me think that I should stop my middle-class thinking. In this tough year, I need a working class mindset.

That means goodbye Australian beef, hello beef from India.

Where can you find beef from India that is cheaper than the beef imported from Australia?

The hypermarket.

“I might change where I go for my grocery shopping,” I told a colleague of mine.

“I do my grocery shopping at a hypermart in Kuchai Lama (in Kuala Lumpur). This place is even cheaper than the branded hypermart. It sells things at wholesale prices. The vegetables and fish are affordable,” said my middle-class colleague.

“If you want even cheaper prices, go to this hypermarket in Sri Sentosa (in Kuala Lumpur). This is where the hawkers go for their shopping.”

“But how is the place? Comfortable kah to go shopping there?” I asked.

“If you want ‘glamour’ (If you want some place fancier), then you don’t go. The hypermart in Sri Sentosa doesn’t have air-conditioning. But it is bearable, especially when you are in the frozen food section,” he said.

“I might go,” I said.

But at the back of my mind, I knew that times are not that bad and at the most, I’ll shop at hypermarts like Giant and Tesco.

I also thought, “OMG, Kuchai Lama and Sri Sentosa really sound working-class. I want to shop in Bangsar and Subang Jaya.”

Actually, I grew up in a middle-class family that spent money like a working-class one, so it should not be a problem for me to switch my mindset. (That’s in theory.)

Growing up in a frugal family should have taught me a thing or two about saving.

My late dad cut my hair to save money. Wonder what he would think if he knew I paid RM58 (plus shampoo) for my five-year-old daughter Apsara’s back-to-school bob hairstyle.

When I was a student, it was “first to Bata then to school” but for Apsara’s school shoes, I bought her a pair of RM159 Stride Rites (children’s footwear from the United States).

Eating out was a big event for the family. We ate at a Chinese restaurant once a month. Back then, ordering a Coca Cola was a special treat for me. Now, it is Japanese dinner once or twice a week.

My parents (and some families in my middle-class neighbourhood at Taman Kinamount in Kota Kinabalu) raised chicken in their backyards. It was traumatic for me to eat the family pet, especially after witnessing how daddy slaughtered it with a kitchen knife.

I, however, don’t think I’ll ever rear my own chicken and slaughter them just to save a few ringgit.

With the electricity tariff hike, I’ve noticed I’ve become my mother. She nagged us to switch off electrical appliances when we were not using it. Again, I would roll my eyes, thinking what was the big deal; it was only electricity.

Now karma has struck back. I get nervous when the two air-conditioners are switched on. I also try to cut unnecessary electricity usage.

(Oops! as I’m writing this article, I just noticed that the 42-inch television is on and nobody is watching. I’ll go and switch it off.)

If I – a middle-class person – feel the price hikes, I wonder how the working-class is coping.

Perhaps, my Malaysians of the Year 2014 will be the working class who survive the price hikes.

Thieves fit four cows into modified car

KULIM: Two men had to abandon their Proton Wira that had been modified for cattle rustling after it broke down in Kampung Siam, Sungai Seluang, Lunas, near here.

The car with the back seat removed was loaded with four cows rustled from a cattle farm in Sungai Lembu, Bukit Mertajam.

Kulim deputy OCPD Deputy Supt Chin Soo Song said the farm owner lodged a report on the missing cattle at the Lunas police station at 5am yesterday.

The thieves had taken the Butterworth-Kulim Expressway in making their escape. But after the Lunas toll plaza, they came across members of the public who were helping the owner to find the animals.

“They then accelerated but their car broke down a short distance away, forcing them to abandon the vehicle,” he told reporters here.

DSP Chin added that the public and a team from Pertubuhan Perihatin Kemasyarakatan Daerah Kulim found the animals at 7am in Kampung Siam, about 15km from where they were stolen.

Those with information on the thieves are urged to contact Kulim CID chief Asst Supt C. Tharmalingham at 04-490 6222 or the nearest police station. — Bernama

Malaysia's New Year fireworks display dazzles Britons

PETALING JAYA: Malaysians have always looked forward to the glorious New Year countdown fireworks display at the Petronas Twin To­­wers.

But this year, the dazzling show made headlines not only in Malaysia, but in Britain as well when daily newspaper The Times featured a front-page photograph of the fireworks yesterday.

Captioned “In with a bang”, the photograph noted how Malaysia rang in the new year eight hours before London with a fireworks display at the iconic twin skyscrapers.

The photograph is of large pink and red fireworks against the backdrop of the partially-lit Twin Towers.

Nikesh Mehta, a British diplomat stationed in Malaysia, tweeted a picture of the newspaper’s front page and added “happy New Year to all and congrats KL for making the front cover of The Times. Great pic of the fireworks and the Towers!”

Another shot of the brilliant fireworks near the Twin Towers also made it to the BBC, which collected photographs of New Year celebrations from across the globe.

Social media abuzz over Guan Eng's new ride

GEORGE TOWN: The new official car of Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng — a Mercedes-Benz S300L — continues to draw attention on social media.

Netizens have widely shared a news article by a Chinese daily in 2008, which reported Lim’s criticism of the Terengganu government’s decision then to get a fleet of Mercedes-Benz as official cars.

While some commented that Lim had not walked his talk, others accepted his explanation that he had gotten the car at a much cheaper price.

According to the Facebook posting, Lim had told a press conference in July 2008 that Terengganu’s decision to get Mercedes-Benz as official cars was not thoughtful.

The cost of living is high and the people are suffering but the Terengganu government is spending RM3.43mil to get Mercedes-Benz as official cars.

“This shows that when the people are suffering, Umno leaders are enjoying themselves,” he was quoted as saying in the report.

He had also said Terengganu should have considered cars manufactured by Japan, which were cheaper.

Asked about the Facebook posting, Lim said he was not sure if the Terengganu state government had applied for tax exemption for their cars.

“Anyway, I am willing to accept criticism from any party,” he said.

The original price for a Mercedes-Benz S300L is RM657,218 but Lim obtained his new official car for RM298,263.75 after tax exemption and a special discount of RM100,000.

The purchase of the new car had been criticised by Barisan Nasional politicians and even DAP’s Pakatan Rakyat partners.

Thousands revel in world fiesta party in downtown KL

KUALA LUMPUR: Thousands of tourists and shoppers flooded Jalan Bukit Bintang here to witness the BBKLCC Tourism Association’s World Fiesta party.

The street party featured processions of vibrant floats and a parade of hundreds of costumed dancers representing the diverse colours and culture of the world’s different regions.

BBKLCC is a trade association which represents nine malls here, and it is partnering with the Tourism and Culture Ministry to organise the street party.

The street party is part of the activities leading up to Visit Malaysia Year 2014.

The Mardi Gras-like festival started its pre-show at 5pm on Saturday.

A spectacular fireworks display then lit up the Kuala Lumpur sky and revellers danced to the music of deejays Joey G and Jesse Voorn.

Those staying late were not left in a lurch as Prasarana extended its LRT services until 1am yesterday.

BBKLCC’s members such as Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Suria KLCC, Fahrenheit88, Starhill Gallery and Lot 10 also organised promotions and giveaways throughout the day, with RM120,000 worth of prizes.

Tourism Malaysia chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen, who officiated the event, revealed that the Prime Minister himself will declare Visit Malaysia Year open on Jan 4.

Schumacher 'critical' after skiing fall

LYON, France (Reuters) - Retired seven-times Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher was in 'critical' condition with head injuries after an off-piste skiing accident in the French Alps resort of Meribel, his agent said on Sunday.

The 44-year-old German was in hospital in Grenoble and under the care of Professor Gerard Saillant, a brain and spinal injury expert who is also president of the International Automobile Federation (FIA) Institute.

"He suffered head trauma with coma that needed prompt neurosurgical treatment," Schumacher's agent Sabine Kehm said in a statement late in the evening, which a hospital official read to reporters.

"He remains in a critical condition."

A hospital official declined to give more details but said more information would be given on Monday.

Christophe Gernigon-Lecomte, the director of the Meribel ski resort where Schumacher has a vacation home, said earlier that the former champion was wearing a helmet when he fell and hit his head on a rock at around 11 a.m. local time.

He added that the German had been conscious while being transported first to a local hospital in Moutiers before then being transferred to Grenoble.

"He was conscious but very agitated while being taken to hospital," said the director.

In Germany, Schumacher's accident topped news bulletins, with the bestselling tabloid newspaper Bild reporting on its website: "Schumi fighting for his life".

Bild reporters also said that Ross Brawn, the Briton who worked with Schumacher at Ferrari and Mercedes as technical director and team principal respectively, had arrived in Grenoble.

SHOCK AND PRAYERS

The Formula One community, and the wider world of motorsport, reacted with shock and prayers on social network Twitter for the champion to win his biggest battle.

"If anyone can pull through, it's him," said Britain's triple Indy 500 winner Dario Franchitti, who is still walking on crutches after a huge crash in October that ended his racing career.

"Come on Michael, give us one of those race stints at pure qualifying pace to win through, like you used to. You can do it," said Schumacher's former Benetton team mate Martin Brundle.

Former Ferrari team mate Felipe Massa, who suffered a near fatal head injury at the 2009 Hungarian Grand Prix, said he was praying for his friend.

Schumacher is the most successful Formula One driver of all time with a record 91 race victories in an extraordinary - and frequently controversial - career spanning more than two decades.

He won his first two titles with Benetton in 1994, the year when Brazilian triple champion Ayrton Senna died in a crash at the San Marino Grand Prix, and 1995.

The German then took five in a row with Ferrari between 2000 and 2004 in what now seems a golden age for the Italian team who named a square after him at their Fiorano test track.

Schumacher left the sport last year after a less successful three-year comeback with Mercedes following an earlier retirement from Ferrari at the end of 2006. He lives in Switzerland with his wife and two children.

Liow set to unveil MCA appointments

KUALA LUMPUR: The MCA will unveil the appointments of its new secretary-general, treasurer-general, state liaison committee heads and other posts on Jan 2.

Party president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said he would also set key performance indicators (KPIs) for each of the office bearer in order to effectively deliver the transformation plan for the MCA.

For the past few days, there has been speculation on the appointments of office bearers but I urge all to be patient.

“We will announce them on Jan 2 after the central committee meeting that day,” he said during his first official day of work as party president at Wisma MCA here yesterday.

Liow said his focus was to implement the MCA transformation plan and the appointments of office bearers were the “vehicle” to deliver the commitments made to the Chinese community.

I have outlined nine important tasks in my manifesto and so I will create the vehicle for it on Jan 2.

“I want to create a very exciting journey for the MCA,” he said, adding that the MCA Youth and Wanita MCA wings were raring to go and start work.

Among the nine points in Liow’s manifesto in the Dec 21 party elections are to reaffirm MCA’s position as a founding member of Barisan Nasional, boost inter-racial communication and to institutionalise Chinese education.

Liow won the race for the president’s post, defeating Gan Ping Sieu and Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat.

He thanked community leaders, Chinese guilds and associations for their support of the party and promised that it would not disappoint them.

On calls from community leaders for the MCA to rejoin the Cabinet, he said they would be looked into but for now, the focus would be on the transformation plan to strengthen the party.

Top 20 trips for 2014

Here’s your list of National Geographic Traveler’s top 20 trips for 2014.

FROM the wildlife refuges of Rwanda’s rainforests, a cacao trail in Ecuador to the “immutable, imperishable” city of New Orleans, National Geographic Traveler’s list of top places to visit in 2014 eschews trends and travel statistics.

Curated by the National Geographic Traveler magazine’s network of global experts around the world, the Best Trips 2014 list is meant to reflect “what’s authentic, culturally rich, sustainable-minded and superlative in the world of travel today.”

Here’s the picks for 2014 (in alphabetical order):

Alentejo, Portugal

Arbil, Iraq

Bolaven Plateau, Laos

Cacao Trail, Ecuador

Cape Verde

Cathar country, France

Cordoba, Argentina

Derawan Islands, Indonesia (readers’ choice)

Guyana

John Muir Trail, Scotland

Liechtenstein

Nahanni National Park, Northwest Territories, Canada

New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Northern Territory, Australia

Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda

Puglia, Italy

Ranthambore National Park, India

Riga, Latvia

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, USA

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Sochi, Russia

Electricity tariff & property assessment hikes will hurt plastic industry: MPMA

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Plastics Manufacturers Association (MPMA) has expressed concerns that the 16.85% increase in electricity tariff for the industrial category from Jan 1, 2014 will hurt the industry.

“Given that electricity is the second largest cost component in the manufacture of a plastic product, the drastic increase in electricity cost will cause plastic products made in Malaysia to be less competitive and, consequently, exports will be adversely affected,” MPMA's president Lim Kok Boon said.

“In 2012, Malaysia exported RM10bil’s of plastic products, which represent 62% of the total industry sales of RM16.1bil. Electricity cost is the second largest cost component for the manufacture of plastic products meant for export, after the cost of resins (raw materials),” elaborated Mr Lim.  

The 16.85% increase in electricity cost would translate into approximately 30% reduction in profit margin for the exporters of plastic products. The export sector is so competitive that exporters are operating at net profit margins of between 3% and 4%. 

“Other export-oriented and energy-intensive manufacturing industries in the country would also be expected to be similarly affected," he added.

Lim also pointed out that the proposed increase in valuation of property and assessment rates by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall and Ipoh City Council was excessive and unreasonable.

“Some of our members are hit by a 600% increase, which is far too drastic,” he stressed. 

Many residents had voiced their concerns and objections to the assessment rate increase for their houses but the business sector has been silent so far. This is probably because they are not aware of such increase as many of them are just tenants in a business premise and they do not own the building.

“But when the landlords are forced to pay a higher assessment fee, they will pass it on to the tenants,” elaborated Lim. 

According to Lim, plastics manufacturers are already facing drastic cost increase following the increase in minimum wages which would be fully implemented effective from Jan 1, 2014.

“While we understand the Government's need to rationalise subsidies and increase assessment rate, a sudden and huge increase would have serious adverse effect on the manufacturers. The recent announcement on the proposed toll increase will be further  a burden to our members," added Mr Lim.

He said that the Government should look at gradually increasing the electricity tariff increases over a reasonable period and any rate increase should not exceed 10%.   

In addition, Mr Lim said that over the years, MPMA has been requesting the Government, as well as Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), to extend the off-peak rates to all the plastics manufacturing companies as this would assist in mitigating the impact.  

SME users would be worst affected as they are not eligible for any off-peak period tariff discount under the Tariff D (low voltage users) category, unlike the medium and large users which are eligible under the Tariff E category. 

“We have submitted memoranda to the authorities several times, requesting TNB to extend its off-peak rates to all the plastics manufacturing companies in the Tariff D category, and extend the off-peak electricity tariff to cover full days of Saturdays and Sundays for all categories of TNB users, but unfortunately they were all rejected," said the MPMA President.

Lim Kok Boon called on all the relevant authorities to seriously consider our appeal on extending the off-peak rates to all the plastics manufacturing companies.

The plastics industry is a capital-intensive industry. The investments for production lines can cost up to several million ringgit.  There is therefore a high fixed cost attached to a machine in the form of depreciation amortisation and the financing cost of acquiring the machine. 

Such costs are fixed, which means that the costs are incurred regardless of whether the machine is in operation or left idle. Consequently, it is necessary to operate such machines on a 24 hours/seven days basis in order to absorb and amortise the fixed cost over a higher output so as to reduce unit cost.

“As such, they are “ideal” customers for TNB due to their consistent consumption pattern throughout the whole day, which would help to utilise TNB’s capacity in a more efficient manner,” Lim explained.

He warned that the increase in electricity cost would cause the export of plastic products to shrink.

In addition, exporters are beginning to feel the adverse impact of the withdrawal of the Generalised System of Preferences (GST) status by the European Union for Malaysia effective Jan 1, 2014,” he added.

Najib: Protect Malaysia's name

MECCA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the country can achieve greater success in future if Malaysians staying abroad kept Malaysia’s good name and image.

The Government’s desire was to make Malaysia a successful, modern and progressive Islamic nation, but based on Islam’s sanctity and rules, he said here yesterday.

He said among the successes achieved were the participation of Malaysians in big as well as mammoth projects overseas, including here where they were involved in the Masjidil Haram (Grand Mosque) extension project and building of the Abraj Al-Bait Towers, also known as the Mecca Royal Hotel Clock Tower, at a height of 602m.

“Hence, if we remain as a cohesive and united Islamic community, we will achieve excellence in future,” he said during a gathering with Malaysians at the Felda D’Saji Restaurant here.

Najib hoped that Malaysians, in Mecca on business or pilgrimage, would continue to protect Malaysia’s good name and image.

On the restaurant, which is located near the Grand Mosque, Najib said business at the eatery run by Felda has been going well.

The placement of the restaurant was based on an idea by Najib, who is in charge of Felda.

Najib said the restaurant’s location was a good way to introduce Malaysia to patrons from other countries.

On another matter, Najib congratulated the Malaysian contingent for exceeding the target of 40 gold medals at the 27th SEA Games in Myanmar.

“The target of 40 gold medals has been achieved. Congratulations to the Malaysian athletes for their earnest efforts in making the country proud,” he said in his Twitter posting.

The SEA Games ended on Sunday after it officially began on Dec 4.

The Malaysian contingent exceeded the target of 40 gold medals set by the National Sports Council by winning 43 gold medals, 38 silver and 77 bronze medals. — Bernama

We will not be cowed, say Danok folk

DANOK: Barely 24 hours after two blasts rocked this border town, life bounced back to some semblance of normalcy for the locals although most, if not all, the tourists have left.

It may take months before the town returns to its bustling self, but the locals are determined not to be cowed by the bomb attacks.

Traders, hawkers and others in the town between Malaysia and southern Thailand remained unperturbed as they went about their business.

Rojak seller Nur Hidayah Abdullah, 51, was busy slicing fruits at her stall directly opposite the blast scene.

Business is a bit slow but we will not back down.

“Most of us have only one source of income. And if hawkers like us decide to shut down our business temporarily, what are the people here going to eat?” she said.

Over at Paradise Spa, a stone’s throw from the scene, a masseuse, who wished to be known only as Ann, voiced the same sentiment.

Usually we have up to 35 customers or more daily, but sadly today, we had only eight.

“I am sure the situation here will improve soon,” the Thai national added.

Danok mayor Kecha Benjakarn assured tourists that the town was safe, saying everything was now under control.

We have beefed up our security and we will be conducting checks on all suspicious vehicles.

“All those injured were Thai nationals comprising mostly traders.”

Six people were treated at the Sadao Hospital, 17 at the Padang Besar Hospital, and four at the Songkhlanakharind Hospital.

Two who were seriously injured were later transferred to the Haadyai Hospital, he told a press conference yesterday.

Kecha added that the affected areas – Tanrattanakorn 1, Tanrattanakorn 2 and the vicinity of Oliver Hotel, where the blast occurred – would be reopened to the public within a week, after police completed their investigations. The hotel is closed for now.

Meanwhile, Malaysian deputy consul-general to Songkhla Mohd Rozaimi Harun advised Malaysians to avoid visiting the border towns until the situation was secure.

He said Malaysians should not visit the three affected border towns and also Betong, Tak Bai and Sungai Golok.

Abdul Karim Mahmud, 50, a spokesman from the Songkhla Governor’s office, believed it would be at least two months before the tourists came back to Danok.

“December, especially Christmas, has always been a peak period for Danok traders. Although it is unlikely that such a thing will happen again soon, tourists are afraid for their safety,” he said, adding that security had been tightened with military and police personnel on standby round-the-clock.

A check by The Star showed the immigration checkpoints on both sides to be fairly empty with only a few tour buses and vans making their way to Haadyai, about 50km north of Danok.

The Thai border towns of Danok, Padang Besar and Sadao were rocked by pre-Christmas bombings on Sunday, leaving a horrifying trail of mangled metal, burning vehicles and bloodied limbs and bodies.

Danok is especially popular among Malaysians and is dubbed the best entertainment town in Thailand.

From food courts to discotheques and massage parlours, Danok has it all.

The town is a favourite spot for men for its cheap alcoholic beverages while Malaysian women love the town for its wide array of cheap apparel and lingerie.

A good spa and massage that could cost hundreds of ringgit back home can be obtained for a fraction of the price.

Danok is usually crowded from Thursday to Sunday, with Kedahans thronging the town during their Friday-Saturday weekend while those from Perak and Penang come in during the Saturday-Sunday weekend.

Universiti Utara Malaysia students, too, often go to Danok as their campus in Sintok is just a 15-minute drive away.

Egypt PM declares Brotherhood 'terrorist' group

CAIRO (AFP) - Egyptian Prime Minister Hazem Beblawi has declared the country's Muslim Brotherhood movement a "terrorist" organisation, state news agency MENA reported Tuesday, quoting the premier's spokesman.

Beblawi's remarks came just hours after a car bomb ripped through a police headquarters in the city of Mansoura, north of Cairo, killing at least 14 people, mostly policemen.

Scores more were wounded in the attack, medics and officials said.

"Prime Minister Beblawi has declared the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organisation," MENA quoted the premier's spokesman Sherif Showky as saying.

Egypt's military-installed authorities have often accused the Muslim Brotherhood of funding and training militants who regularly launch attacks on security forces in the restive Sinai Peninsula.

Upbeat mood at end of AGM

KUALA LUMPUR: The mood was upbeat as MCA leaders wound up the party’s two-day annual general meeting (AGM) here.

Deputy president Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong sang the praises of the four party vice-presidents – Datuk Lee Chee Leong, Datuk Dr Hou Kok Chung, Datuk Chua Tee Yong and Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun – by pairing their names with Mandarin phrases that rhyme together.

The delegates chose Chew Mei Fun because they want the party to exude fragrance (fen fang).

Hou Kok Chung was chosen because we did not forsake the country (guo jia). Guo rhymed with the middle name of Dr Hou.

The delegates picked Lee Chee Leong to reflect (liang chu) the courage of the party members and a bright future (guang liang) for the party.

They also gave the blessing to Chua Tee Yong because they need a leader with bravery coupled with wisdom (you yong you mou).

If you are hungry, then you need to add some side dishes (liao) to make it tasty (hao wei). Liao rhymed with the surname of the party president, Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, while wei refers to none other than himself (Wee).

Dr Wee also urged rumour mongers to stop their act, especially when it comes to attempting to create a divide between him and Liow.

Please stop driving a wedge between Liow and me. There must be unity right from the top to the bottom.

“We must train our guns against Pakatan Rakyat, not at our comrades,” he said, adding that Liow is a leader who possesses a strong sense of righteousness and humility.

Chua gave his assurance that those from his faction would close ranks and support the new leadership.

Congratulations to all the office bearers. This is only the beginning of a tough journey ahead since we are the party’s appointees for the next three years.

The coming three years will be crucial. We should gear towards the coming general election. We don’t have any capital for party infighting.

“We should look at ways of revitalising ourselves and retain those capable leaders who lost in the (party) elections,” he said.

Chua also described former party president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek as a leader with integrity, who fulfilled his promise not to seek re-election.

Dr Hou said members must unite and fight for the party.

We are facing challenges and pressure from all quarters, from the Opposition to the Chinese community.

“This is why we must unite.Otherwise it would be too premature to talk about strategies or ideologies. Eventually everything will come to nought,” he said.

Chew reminded the party that highlighting past good deeds can only do so much. “We must not brag about our past contributions. The people no longer buy that anymore.”

MCA Youth chief Chong Sin Woon said: “While we keep fighting for the sake of the Chinese community, our political rivals have managed to win the hearts of all races.

“We must go back to the tenet of MCA’s founding members – to have a fair and just society,” he stressed.

Wanita chief Datuk Heng Seai Kie said members must unite to strengthen the party, or the party risks fading into oblivion.

Danok blasts: ‘Burning cars and blood everywhere’

BUKIT KAYU HITAM: Burning vehicles and bloodied limbs greeted Douglas Alexis as he approached the site where a car bomb went off in Danok.

Alexis said a jeep was burning and the blast had badly damaged the ground floor of Oliver Hotel where several shops were located.

“There were five to six people lying on the ground outside the hotel. Some looked like they had had their hands and legs blown off,” he told The Star.

Alexis, who was on one of his weekly trips to Danok to visit his wife and child who live in Roi Phat about a kilometre away, said he was walking with friends about 200m from the hotel at about noon when he heard a loud sound and “something like firecrackers going off.”

At first I thought it was the sound of shooting, because there is a shooting range nearby.

“However, when I went closer I saw the hotel building and its surrounding area badly damaged and there was smoke all around,” he said.

The 35-year-old, who is in the transport business in Penang, instinctively knew a bomb had exploded. After all, he had been in the midst of the Lee Garden bomb explosion three years ago in Haadyai.

He said policemen arrived at the scene quickly because the police station was close by.

The area around the hotel was cordoned off for several hours as police and army personnel scoured the streets to secure the area.

Customers at other nearby hotels were also evacuated.

“We are not under lockdown, but most places and shops in the affected area are closed and security is tight. It looks like the place is under military control,” he said.

Alexis said he is worried because Danok has not been known to be the target of attacks unlike towns like Patani and Narathiwat.

An escalator technician identified as Keong, meanwhile, had been looking forward to his bak kut teh lunch when the bomb went off.

I couldn’t have been more than 100m away from where the bomb went off. I felt the impact and it was like someone pushing me.

“It was deafening and earth shattering,” said the 26-year-old.

Keong and his colleague had only minutes earlier parked their car in front of the Paragon Disco next to the hotel and were placing their order at the restaurant across the road when the explosion occurred.

“I turned around and I could see shattered glass and building debris falling down,” he said when reached on the phone yesterday.

Keong said everyone in the restaurant and neighbouring premises ran to the main road about 100m away.

I heard some people screaming but I didn’t see any injured or dead people.

“I was not sure what happened. Some said it was due to gas leak. The police cordoned off the area soon after the incident,” he said.

“My colleague and I are really fortunate to escape unscathed,” he said.

The two had arrived in Danok on Thursday in the car belonging to their supervisor to work on a project.

Car owner Wong Jit Weng, 33, said he received a call from Keong at about 1.45pm to inform him of the blast.

“They had visited Danok twice in the last two months to work on the project,” he said.

The magic of Christmas

Is Santa Claus real? Or is he just a man in a red suit? What would you tell the little ones when they ask?

CHRISTMAS celebrations are steeped in traditions passed from generation to generation. Santa Claus is probably part of children’s favourite Christmas memories because he brings presents on a reindeer sleigh for those who have been good all year long. A few families share how they celebrate Christmas and what it means to them.

Spirit of giving

WHEN Tristan turned six, his friends told him Santa did not exist.

“He got really upset. One day he just came home and asked: ‘Is there really a Santa?’ I wasn’t prepared for that at all. I didn’t know how to say, ‘No, he doesn’t exist’, because that sounded so blunt. I had to quickly think up an explanation,” says mother-of-four Sasha Joanne Wee, 36.

That was a year ago, and the former accountant decided there was no two ways about it – honesty is the best policy.

“I told him Santa exists. He was St Nicholas and he used to give to the poor. He was the one who started the spirit of giving. After he was gone, his spirit lived on. Everybody remembered what he did and that’s how he remained alive during Christmas.”

Thankfully, Tristan accepted that explanation (though he did tell his younger brother and sister, aged five and four, that Santa was dead). For a lot of kids who grew up believing in Santa, it is surprising to find out he is not real.

“My parents told me about Santa very early on. It was a matter-of-fact kind of thing, and he was just like a character in stories. It’s the same for my husband. But I believe that for some people, what they remember about Christmas is the whole magic of Santa. There is no right or wrong, just what’s best for the family,” says Sasha. While Sasha prefers to go easy with the truth, her husband, Sheldon Wee, feels that it’s only logical to cap magic to a certain age.

According to the 37-year-old entrepreneur, parents should keep it real.

“Children grow really fast these days and they’re very smart. You can’t hide them from bad words and bad movies because they are going to find out on their own. When your child questions the existence of Santa, it’s always best to be honest and open. There’s no need to hide anything because he’s going to find out you’re lying to him and he’s not going to come to you the next time.”

The message you should be sharing with your children is that Christmas isn’t about Santa coming to visit; it’s about the spirit of giving, adds Sheldon. 

Countdown to Christmas

CHRISTMAS is the holiday the Jeremiah children look forward to the most.

Their excitement and anticipation start as soon as their family tree goes up. Michelle Long and her husband Raphael Sidney Jeremiah involve their children in the festive preparations; from decorating the Christmas tree to baking cookies and wrapping presents.

Hannah (left) and Aiden (far right) look forward to Christmas all year round with mum and dad, Michelle Long and Raphael Jeremiah Hannah and Aiden look forward to Christmas all year round with mum and dad, Michelle Long and Raphael Jeremiah.

Long and Jeremiah have explained to their children, five-year-old Hannah Marissa and two-year-old Aiden Zachary that Christmas is celebrated to observe the birth of Jesus Christ. Curious Hannah, however, cheekily questioned her mother recently, “How many times is Jesus born, then, mummy?” remembering that she has celebrated Christmas a few times with her family.

“We had to explain to her, that just like her birthday, Jesus has a birthday each year too,” laughs her mother, who was quite tickled by her child’s curiosity.

Both Aiden and Hannah believe that if they are good all year, Santa will leave them presents on Christmas Eve.

“If I am naughty, Santa won’t come and visit. Santa also says I should be thankful and happy with any gift I receive. I shouldn’t demand for this and that,” says Hannah who is hoping to find Monster High dolls in her stocking this Christmas. Hannah is also curious about how Santa will come into their house, since it doesn't have a chimney.

Each year, her parents come up with creative answers. “We give her interesting answers because we think both Hannah and Aiden are too young to know the truth about Santa,” says Long. As long as they have fun with the idea and it doesn’t cause them any harm, it’s OK for them to still believe in the existence of Father Christmas.

“When they are older, they learn to figure things out on their own. For now, they are just too precious for us to tell them the truth,” explains Long.

Hannah and Aidenare taught that Christmas is about giving, receiving and sharing.

They bake gingerbread cookies and distribute them to their friends and family. This year, the family distributed party bags to refugee children there.

Let the magic last

SHELDON’S aunt, Deirdre Theseira and her family, are happy to keep Santa well and alive.

The youngest two in her family, Miguel and Manuel Gomes, aged 12 and eight, are strong Santa supporters. Each Christmas Eve, the brothers would leave a glass of milk and a plate of cookies for Santa. The reindeer, too, will get a carrot.

Come Christmas morning, there will only be crumbs and an empty glass left behind. And at the foot of the boys’ beds would be Santa’s gifts for them, taken off a wish list mailed to the North Pole.

Favourite day: The Gomes children loves Christmas celebrations. 

The Gomes children love Christmas celebrations. They would leave a glass of milk and a plate of cookies for Santa each Christmas Eve.

“We started this tradition from the time my kids were born. We never really explained it. On Christmas Eve, we would just say that you have to go to sleep otherwise Santa won’t come. If you’ve been good, Santa will come and bring you a present at night,” explains Theseira, 47.

“There were a few times when we saw costumed Santas at different malls and my kids had asked why there were so many of them. My answer was: Well, Santa is really busy and those are his helpers, just like the elves.”

She tells her children, “The day you stop believing in Santa, is the day the magic stops. Santa won’t be coming by anymore after that.”

But no matter how hard parents try, children eventually grow up and discover that Santa doesn’t slide down the chimney.

Theseira’s eldest, Tatianna, 15, was about 11 when she came to realise that Santa’s gifts were probably from her mother.

“I remember I used to like reading this series of books. One day, my mum asked me which books I had and which ones I didn’t. And on Christmas morning, I received the ones I didn’t have, supposedly from Santa. That’s when the realisation hit,” Tatianna recalls.

“I was a bit disappointed. But after a while, the thought of a sleigh flying couldn’t be real and I used to always wonder how Santa came into the house because we didn’t have a chimney. So I just accepted that.”

Tatianna still receives presents for Christmas, just not from “Santa” anymore.

“Compared to when I was younger, the excitement I’d feel about Christmas is very different. I used to have a tough time going to sleep on Christmas Eve. I used to try peeking to see if I could catch Santa. When I woke up I would quickly go to the end of my bed to see what Santa has given me. I would take everything and lay it out on my bed and then go running to my mummy and daddy saying: ‘Look what Santa brought me!’ I guess that’s one of the childhood experiences I miss most. I think I would’ve liked it if I could still believe in Santa.”

Tatianna has since kept the “secret” to herself. “I still feel that sense of magic when it comes to Santa. Whenever my brothers talk about Santa, there’s like this special light in their eyes, and I didn’t want to spoil it for them.”

Theseira says: My parents did Santa for us as children. It’s something I’ve just passed down to my own children. I think it’s a nice aspect of Christmas, that you’re getting a surprise from Santa. If you’ve been bad, you obviously don’t get what you ask for. So it also serves as a form of motivation to get them to be good the whole year, or make promises of wanting to be good.

“I don’t feel like I’m deceiving my kids. I think when they do eventually uncover the truth, they aren’t going to be angry at me, because that’s the magic of Christmas. There are so many horrible things happening in the world these days, I think parents will go to any extent just to hold on to a tiny bit of magic, even if it’s just for Christmas.”

‘The ghost of Christmas’

AMIDST the festivities, Sharon Bright is determined her sons Shawn Sanjay Raj, nine, and Shane Shanjeev Raj, three, learn the true meaning of Christmas.

“To my sons, Christmas really is about gifts, toys and cookies. It’s a little easier with my elder son since he learns from his teachers and friends in school,” says Bright.

But they have also been attending Sunday school and know about its religious meaning.

“The boys have also been taught to pray and think of the less fortunate on this special day,” she says.

But Bright also encourages her younger son to believe in a little magic.

Sharon Bright with her two boys, Shawn (L) and Shane 

Sharon Bright with her two boys, Shawn (left) and Shane, to whom Christmas is all about gifts, toys and cookies.

“I don’t see any harm for my boys to grow up with some made up stories. Shane is only three and I want his growing years to be memorable.”

While Shawn is well aware that Santa is just a myth, Shane believes that Santa is really the ghost of Christmas.

“Shane’s explanation is that Santa is all white and since bad children don’t get presents, he must be a ghost!” she shares. Both boys agree presents is the highlight of Christmas and they usually write up lists of things they want.

“This year, my eldest son Shawn, slipped me a note telling me what he wants for Christmas is a Samsung S4, complete with smiley faces and a Christmas tree. Unfortunately, his request is going to receive a rather large ‘No’ note in return,” exclaims the cheeky mother.

“We all really look forward to Christmas. I enjoy the day off and being surrounded by my family and children,” says Bright.

Zacharevic draws again in Johor Baru

JOHOR BARU: Graffiti artist Ernest Zacharevic, whose Taman Molek wall art depicting a robber waiting for his victim drew the ire of the city hall, made a comeback with another drawing at Jalan Pahang here.

His latest work depicted a Lego woman and a boy riding a bicycle on a wall which was previously vandalised with nondescript words.

The new artwork was also rather similar to his popular Little Children On A Bicycle mural on Armenian Street in Penang.

Ardent fans of his work were seen thronging the street to snap photos of the fresh painting just hours after he drew it.

Nearby shop lot owners claimed that Zacharevic started working on his art on Wednesday evening, but was forced to stop when the owner of the premises did not allow him to proceed.

Clerk T. Jaya, who works just a few doors away from the wall art, said that the owner of the building stopped Zacharevic from painting the wall just as he started drilling holes into it to hang the bicycle.

I heard a loud drilling sound and decided to check and saw the owner and Zacharevic arguing over the matter.

“Zacharevic was forced to stop painting when the owner asked him to produce a valid permit from the city council,” she told reporters when met at Jalan Dhoby here yesterday.

She added that when asked why was he painting the mural, Zacharevic replied that he was only beautifying an ugly-looking wall.

However, a nearby hair salon owner, who declined to be named, said that he fully supported Zacharevic and even lent him a helping hand.

Apparently, Zacharevic came back later in the evening and completed his artwork at the same spot, though it was still uncertain what the property owner thought of it.

‘Lower toll rate, not raise it’, says BN Backbenchers

PETALING JAYA: The Barisan Nasional Backbenchers Club has called on the Government to stick to its 13th general election manifesto pledge to gradually reduce intra-city toll charges instead of raising them.

BNBBC chairman Tan Sri Shahrir Samad said that while the Government had yet to announce whether or not toll charges would be raised, it should bear in mind its GE13 promise.

“The main point here is that our manifesto states that toll charges will be reduced in stages and because of this the BNBBC hopes there will not be any increase at all,” said Shahrir.

The manifesto stated among other things that Barisan was committed to “the gradual reduction of intra-city tolls” within the next five years. Shahrir, who is Johor Baru Member of Parliament, said there was no immediate plan by the BNBBC to formally take up their reservations against a toll hike with the Government as there has been no confirmation of an increase.

“The issue is still being discussed by the Government and, as things stand, our members comprising MPs from many different constituencies do not all have the same view on the subject because not of all of them have tolled roads in their areas.”

While Barisan backbenchers from Sabah and many parts of Sarawak were not as worried over the prospects of a toll increase as these areas were not affected, other MPs, especially those with seats in the Klang Valley and other major urban centres were concerned, he added.

Shahrir said the Barisan backbenchers who are against a toll increase felt strongly about the issue because the reduction of toll charges was included in the manifesto which they had referred to when wooing voters.

“However, we are also mindful that not raising toll charges will mean that there may be a cost which the Government will need to incur,” he added.

Second wave of rains expected

KUALA LUMPUR: The Meteorological Department has issued a warning that a second wave of monsoon rains that will cause floods is expected to occur from Friday to Monday.

A National Security Council statement said the areas that are expected to be affected are Terengganu (Dungun dan Kemaman), Pahang (Kuantan, Pekan and Rompin) and Johor (Segamat and Mersing).

“People living in low-lying areas should adhere to instructions given by the authorities. They can go online at http://portalbencana.mkn.gov.my/Portal/ to get the latest information on floods nationwide,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, flood victims whose MyKad had been lost or damaged in the recent floods here can apply for a replacement at the National Registration Department (NRD) without having to lodge a police report, said its director-general Datuk Jariah Mohd Said.

She added that they also need not have to pay for the replacement.

“However, they will have to answer several questions posed by NRD officials to verify that they are flood victims,” she said in Kuantan yesterday.

Jariah said that the process to replace the identity cards would take a week.

In Kota Baru, Kelantan Disaster Relief Committee deputy chairman Datuk Makhtar Mustapha said government departments and agencies are gearing up for the possibility of the next wave of floods.

He said 729 evacuation centres had been identified while essential supplies were being stockpiled.

In Kuala Terengganu, families affected by the floods in Terengganu will receive up to RM1,500 aid from the state government, said Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Said.

The maximum RM1,500 aid will be given to victims whose houses were totally inundated by the flood while other flood victims will get RM500, he added.

“The state government is expected to spend RM15mil for the aid. The state’s annual aid for families with schoolgoing children affected by the floods will be increased,” he said after chairing the weekly state exco meeting at Wisma Darul Iman here yesterday.

Ahmad also said the state departments and agencies are fully prepared for the next wave of floods which is predicted to hit the state again this weekend.

Meanwhile, the state Agriculture Department director Md Yusof Maidin said the floods in Terengganu had damaged about 700ha of crops and had caused 856 farmers to lose about RM4.7mil.

He said the crops affected were padi, vegetables, fruit trees and cash crops such as corn, tapioca, mushroom and sweet potatoes as well as nurseries.

Shock over horrifying crash

KUALA LUMPUR: Friends and family gathered to pay their last respects to the six victims of the fatal accident near the Kampung Pandan roundabout.

The bodies of the foreigners – three Filipino women, two female Myanmar nationals and a British driver – were charred beyond recognition when their Nissan Skyline burst into flames after crashing into one of the highway pillars near the roundabout at about 12.45am yesterday.

The Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL) mortuary was filled with crying relatives and friends of the victims, several from Singapore, who came to pay their respects.

Police have identified the driver of the Nissan Skyline as 40-year-old Briton Simon John Hall.

The two Myanmar nationals who perished were Pi Pi, 20, and Esther Sui, 26.

The Filipinas were identified as Siso Aileen, 30, Maileen Montejo, 26, and Mary Grace Macaraig, 24.

It is learnt that Hall was working as a manager in an offshore company in Jalan Tun Razak and was friends with the five women.

Sources revealed the women, with the exception of Siso, were waitresses who worked at a bar in Bukit Bintang here.

Marina, who is a cousin of Sui, said she came to the country in search of work four years ago.

“I am still shocked that she is gone,” she said in between sobs.

She was accompanied by two friends when retrieving her cousin’s body at the HKL mortuary yesterday.

She was devastated after identifying Sui’s body and had to be consoled by friends.

The women’s deaths caused such a huge impact on the community of foreign workers that even distant acquaintances came to show their respects.

One of the Filipinas’ friends, who declined to be named, said the victims were on their way to supper when the accident happened.

City Traffic chief Asst Comm Rusli Mohd Noor said initial investigations revealed that the driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed into the pillars.