Selected articles also available at KPerak website www.ipohecho.com.my www.kperak.com.my YOU’RE INVITED TO A PUBLIC FORUM ‘RESTRUCTURING ’S LOCAL COUNCIL’ Your Community Newspaper April 20, 2008, 9:30am, Syuen Hotel Admission free echoechoServing the people of Ipoh, , Sg.Siput,Taiping, , , Kampar and Batu Gajah

FREE for collection from our office and selected outlets, on 1st & 16th of the month. issue PP 14252/10/2008(007226) April 1-15, 2008 30 sen for delivery to your house by news vendors within Perak. 47 RM 1 prepaid postage for mailing within , Singapore and Brunei. A YEAR AGO - WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT THIS POSSIBLE? (Come to think of it, who would have thought it possible a month ago?) Stories on pages 2, 3 and 4

(From L to R) Perak’s new Menteri Besar, Mohammad Nizar, Perak PKR state chairman, Zulkifli Ibrahim, State PAS commissioner, Ahmad Awang, DAP adviser, , DAP Perak Chief, Ngeh Koo Ham. Photos by : Rosli Mansor  IPOH ECHO April 1 - 15, 2008 Your Community Newspaper YOU VOTED FOR CHANGE REMEMBER THESE WINNING PLEDGES (You Never Know!)

PKR PAS DAP

Ngeh Koo Ham Zulkifli Ibrahim Mohammad Nizar

On the Reform of Legislative Institutions A Constitutional state for All A Trustworthy, Just and Lean Government Restoration of local government elections; abolition of the appointment system of Senate; denial of the two-third Keadilan believes that the spirit of the Constitution *Strengthen the Watchdog agencies like the Anti-Cor- majority of the ruling parties in the Parliament and State and the rule of law must be honoured in deed, and not ruption Agency (ACA), Auditor General Department, Assemblies. only in words. True adherance to the Constitution and Commission for Human Rights (Suhakam), the Election principles of universal justice will ensure the rule of law Commission (EC) and others, by placing them under the On the Reform of the Electoral system and an independent judiciary as well as guarantee that the Restoration of the “one-person-one-vote” system of con- basic human rights and dignity of all are prorected and Parliament and equipping them with better mandate and stituency delineation; expansion of voting rights to all upheld. A constitutional state affirms the need to reject resources. citizens aged 18 years or above; restoration of the in- all forms of racially divisive politics and pave the way dependence of the Election Commission; creation of an for a society that holds unity, justice and mutual respect Tender Board placed under the jurisdiction of the Par- electoral culture that is clean, fair and free. above all. liament.

On Economic Development A Vibrant, Prosperous Economy for All *A Prudent Financial and Transparent Management of the Due emphasis is to be given to distributive justice; op- Economy position to environment destruction; opposition to “Party Keadilan’s Malaysian Econimic Agenda espouses our be- *Ensure that the price of petrol and diesel be reduced and Capitalism”; replacement of the ethnic quota system with lief that if we are to compete globally and ensure a vibrant maintained at a reasonable price as to suppress inflationary a policy of “merits and needs”. growth, discriminative policies that only enrich the elite pressure on all goods and services. must be replaced with a policy that ensures assistance to *Reduce income and equity disparity between the haves On Labour all poor regardless of race. For Malaysia to and have little by focusing on acquiring education-cum- Implementation of minimum wage opposition to unlim- stand amongst giants like South Korea, Taiwan and Sin- skills and actual income increment. ited import of foreign labour; defence of workers’ rights gapore, we must play by the rules of the global game as to free association; promotion of workers’ solidarity well as eliminate corruption and wastage. Defend the Safety of Lives and Dignity and Security on Property Through Waging War-On-Crime On Social Welfare A Safer Malaysia for All Implementation of health care and other social security *Turning the Royal Police Force to a professional body policies; protection of the aged, the disabled and the poor Endemic mismanagement of the police force for political that are both citizen-friendly and crime-bustering savvy against absolute poverty. ends, internal division and tolerance of a culture of cor- through beefing up the force, better service scheme and ruption have all crippled the ability of the police to serve upgrading professional training and retraining. On Education and protect ordinary Malaysians. Countless children and *Putting in place Best Practices in all ministries and gov- Implementation of a seamless system of education; loved ones have now tragically fallen victim to this fun- ernment agencies and governmentlinked companies so as full recognition of the right to mother tongue education; damental failure of the authorities to guarantee our se- to enhance transparency, accountability and performance. opposition to the 1996 National Education Act. curity. Keadilan envisions a police force that is profes- sional, neutral, better deployed, better trained and better Empower Total Education as a Transformational On Ethnic and Cultural rights equipped to realise their primary goal of patrolling our Force Cultural democracy; ethnic equality; national integration streets and keeping Malaysians safe from every harm. through equality, tolerance and understanding. *Awarding scholarship to deserving students based on An Affordable Malaysia for All merits. On Mass Media *Increase the seats availability at the public universities. Creation of a free, fair , accountable and responsible mass As Malaysia is a net exporter of oil, sudden and dramatic media; opposition to the monopoly of information and hikes in petrol prices only reflect subsidies of an insa- Ethical, Fair and Clean Mass Media Policy manipulation of news. tiable appetite for corruption in the ruling party. Keadilan promises to lower the price of petrol in line with higher *Reform National Mass Media Policy as to make acces- On Agriculture Petronas profits as well as manage the prices of basic sible information to the rakyat that are both fair and bal- Non-ethnic-based reform to land-reform; rental control; goods to ensure a consistent, steady supply. Tolls and tar- anced. expansion of agricultural loan; reduction of agricultural rifs will also no longer be raised unreasonably only to taxes. satisfy conglomarates and corporate interests. Environmental-Friendly Policy

On Environment Better education for All *To construct a smart water drainage system which reduc- Opposition to any economic policy that destroys the en- es the cost of agricultural products whilst at the same time vironment; the right of Orang Asli to develop and enjoy Malaysian university rankings are slipping below the optimise the use of water. their natural resources; all major development of natural 200 mark and children are leaving the national school *To protect rain catchment areas, preserve jungles and resources like the construction of mammoth dams must be system in droves, we must seriously re-evaluate govern- wild life. subject to strict monitoring and assessment. ment policies. Keadilan will allow institutions of learning the freedom to engage the best practices that raise the National Integration and Unity Policy On Women standard of education, pay educators the salary their pro- Participation of women in all levels of decision-making; fession deserves, and enable universal access to scholar- *To formulate a working integration policy strengthened opposition to all laws that discriminate against women. ships and higher quality education for all. Only then can and based on mutual-respect and non-prejudiced religious we brighten the future of Malaysia and her children. understanding between all the racial groupings and reli- gious affiliations. Your Community Newspaper IPOH ECHO April 1 - 15, 2008 

www.ipohecho.com IPOH echo Your Community Newspaper From the Editor’s Desk by Fathol Zaman Bukhari LET THE SHOW BEGIN

The new programme’s director - Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin - displays a determined mood

A delicate nine-day im- dissolved. uty MBs would be decided insider the problem was a useful indicator of coa- the State Secretariat may passe ended with the M u l t i - l i n g u a l some days later. Even so, brought about by Perak lition cohesion going for- be a tedious task for the March 17 swearing-in of Mohammad Nizar Jamal- such a delay was unfortu- PAS who made a secret ward. uninitiated. Some docu- engineer and Perak PAS uddin, 51, seems the right nate. pact with the DAP on the As Perak’s electoral ments may have been sys- Secretary, Mohammad choice for the post. His exco seat allocation ques- dust settles the immedi- tematically destroyed by Nizar Jamaluddin as the credentials are indeed im- THE FORMULA tion. As a trade-off for the ate challenge facing the now. But nothing is impos- state’s 10th Mentri Besar pressive. What is more, MB’s post, PAS agreed to Perak DAP-Keadilan- sible. (MB). he exudes a charm that The 6-3-1 formula allow the DAP to take eight PAS state government is What will the political Whether the manifes- will endear him to both seems to strike a chord seats while the remaining to be a viable government ramifications be as a result tations of discord preced- rakyat members and gen- with the three political par- two would be shared by for all Perakians - , of the revelations that in- ing the event were as dra- eral Perakians alike. Not ties in the coalition. The PAS and Keadilan. And Chinese, Indians, Orang evitably must occur? matic as the nation’s politi- even his political oppo- formula is the allocation of this was made in spite of Asli and others. Only time will tell. cally controlled press liked nents could deny this. His the ten executive-member Keadilan having won sev- Witch-hunting is definitely to portray them, remains to mannerisms, as seen dur- (exco) seats - six for DAP, en seats to PAS’s six in the MEETING not an option. However, be seen. But there can be ing interactions at public three for Keadilan and one legislative assembly. EXPECTATIONS exposing the ills, the ex- no denying that the raison seminars and forums, are for PAS. Deputy MB 1 will cesses and the abuses of d’etre for the pause that impeccable. Furthermore, come from the DAP while INDICATOR OF It must be a govern- the predecessors is certain- didn’t impress was brought he has a knack of connect- Deputy MB 2 will be from COHESION ment that can meet the ly a must. Let it be a lesson about by uncertainties in ing with crowds and this Keadilan. expectations of the rakyat, to all. the ultimate choice of can- clearly places him ahead Unfair allocation of The degree to which a true government of the didate for the MB’s post. of the pack. the exco seats threatened this aberration lingers as people, by the people for CHANGING LAWS? The Democratic Act- The March 17 cer- to disrupt the loose alli- an irritant or, alternatively, the people. The mistakes ion Party (DAP) had the emony was exclusively for ance forged before the is effectively brushed aside of the past administration As laymen we must largest number of seats the Mentri Besar’s post. 12th General Election. in the broader interests of are simply too glaring. place our faith and trust from among the tripar- The posts of the two dep- According to a Keadilan governance, will provide Sifting through the files at in the ruling coalition. tite Barisan Rakyat (BR) We should not be un- and by power of numbers duly distracted by words alone the candidate should such as “Islamisation”. be theirs. However, the “Talibanisation:, “hudud” state constitution says oth- “telekong” etc. erwise. The person chosen Changing laws is for the job should be a not something as easy as Malay Muslim. changing under garments. A ruling coalition with EXERCISING only a simple majority can- DISCRETION not undertake whims and fancies. Moreover, Islamic Further complicating laws are constitutional. the picture was a separate, Changing them re- generally unappreciated, quires sanction by parlia- and yet to be invoked pro- ment. vision in the same constitu- We need also to as- tion enabling the sultan to suage fears brought about exercise discretion in pick- by the disgruntled few, ing someone other than a those who had so much to Malay Muslim should the loose and lost. It’s time for need arise. a change of programme. Fortunately, by the So let the show begin. time the formal swearing- The Ipoh Echo will in ceremony took place at be watching, listening and Istana Iskandariah, Kuala reporting, fairly and ob- Kangsar, before the Regent jectively, without fear or of Perak, Raja Nazrin Shah, favour and with no politi- the controversy - publicly ( L to R) Mentri Besar, Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin, DAP adviser, Lim Kit Siang and DAP Perak cal bias whatever. Exciting over-played or not – had Chairman, Ngeh Koo Ham, at the post swearing-in press conference. times lie ahead.  IPOH ECHO April 1 - 15, 2008 Your Community Newspaper

PUBLISHER

Ipoh Echo Sdn Bhd Editorial By Siva Pragasam (Regd No 687483 T) Thinking Aloud

No 1 Jalan Lasam 30450 Ipoh Perak Darul A PERAK GOVERNMENT Ridzuan LOOKING TO Tel: (605) 249 5936 Fax: (605) 255 2181 FOR PERAKIANS EMail: ipohecho.ndr@ A NEW ORDER gmail.com Turn in your party hats and put on your EDITORIAL On April 1, 1946, the British established the Malay Union. This set off nationwide protests, inspired Perak hats Fathol Zaman Bukhari nationalism and ultimately culminated in indepen- Nisha Devina Roy dence. It must be remembered that this was im- For as long as I can re- subsequent political de- Perak and its people. mediately after a global conflict that exposed the member, Perak has been feat, severely affected Their entire allegiance GRAPHIC DESIGN/ vulnerability of colonial powers. under the control of the Perak’s influence in the must be to the people of the PHOTOGRAPHY The Malay Union issue was but a catalyst and Central Government. national arena. Along state and when they make the ensuing events were part of a rolling wave of Though our state has with these events went the decisions on the affairs of Rosli Mansor Ahmad always had an independ- state’s social and econom- Perak it must exclusively Razali reassessment that questioned the relationship between the colonial powers and their subjects worldwide. ent political structure with ic decline. be in the interest of the ter- MARKETING & Similarly, half a century later, the Hindraf and a Chief Minister, local ritory they have promised DISTRIBUTION other demonstrations are appealing to the conscience Ministers and a legisla- VISION TO to serve. Their respective MANAGER of society for change in the political philosophy of this ture, its affairs inevitably EMPOWER parties may have nominat- nation. The recent national and state elections saw the became dictated by the ed them, but it is the peo- Ramesh Kumar ruling party lose its two-thirds majority in parliament Central Government. The Tan Sri’s reading was ple who have empowered political party that adminis- that Perak UMNO should them. PERMISSION AND RE- and its controlling position in five states. PRINTS It should be recognised that this event was, in no tered the nation from Kuala empower itself and be- Perak now has a rare small way, brought about by the global phenomenon Lumpur also controlled the come more assertive with- opportunity to develop and Materials in Ipoh Echo may of empowerment through advances in information state governmental appa- in the overall ruling party. sustain a Perak-centric cul- not be reproduced technology. ratus. As members of the This would have required ture that, no matter what in any form without the state government owed Perak Malays to present a government may follow, written permission of the A few days after the State Elections, 9 out of the 15 newly elected members of the State their appointment and ten- united force – a difficult it will uncompromisingly publisher ure to the Prime Minister, task considering their het- think of Perak’s interests Assembly decided to form the local Government PRINTER without the approval of their party’s national leader. their first obligation was erogeneous composition. first. There can be no argument that the Raja of Perlis was to him, rather than to their In offering this solu- Though the repre- Konway Industries Sdn constitutionally correct in recognising the claim of electorates. tion and projecting it for- sentatives may serve their Bhd the majority members elected to the state’s legislative This situation has sel- ward, Tan Sri Abdullah’s party, their primary objec- Plot 78, Lebuhraya Kam- dom worked in Perak’s fa- argument rested on the tive must be the progress of pong Jawa assembly. But it is noteworthy that this was the first time such a prerogative had been exercised. vour. premise that, somehow, the state and the well-being 11900 Bayan Baru, Pulau There can be no deny- UMNO would always re- of its citizens. Pinang Political structures are showing signs of switching ing that the state was a pre- main Perak’s dominant They will, in fact, Tel: (604) 644 7507 from being shaped ‘top down’ to ‘bottom up’. Changes are coming fast and furious. So far reactions have mier one prior to Merdeka. political force. serve their party best if they been knee-jerk or driven by traditional thought. This Its wealth of natural re- The invalidity of focus on achieving this pri- Useful contacts may not be sufficient. sources, economic activi- this assumption was es- mary objective rather than During the course of the last century several ties and human capital not tablished in a most dra- promoting separate party Perak Main Police Staion nations in the third world have been experimenting only enriched Perakians matic fashion on March agendas. 05-245 1222 with various forms of political and economic structures. but provided an important, 13. Three parties, two of 999 (emergency) Communism, as a political system and socialism as initial thrust to the nation whom, ironically enough, SWITCHING THEIR Ipoh Main Police Station a socio-economic tool, have failed in almost all the along the journey to its advocate a Malaysian HATS 05-253 2222 countries that adopted these approaches. current status. Malaysia concept, have Ipoh General Hospital On the other hand, democracy as a political taken control of the state. Those taking office 05-253 3333 design and capitalism as an economic device continue A STATE should never forget that the IN DECLINE ANSWERABLE AND three parties have joined Ipoh Ambulance to be less than perfect. Perhaps it is time that nations, in a world that ACCOUNTABLE forces to form a stable gov- 05-522 2506 Sadly, during the last ernment. 993 (emergency) is rapidly becoming borderless and dominated by information, craft new forms of social, political and half century, Perak has In assuring the Sultan When they sit in the Ipoh Fire Brigade economic order more relevant and appropriate for this been in decline. Today it of Perak that they were to- assembly or on the execu- 05-547 4444 new age. is among the least pro- gether in the task of form- tive committee, they need 994 (emergency) But as the nations of the world move closer to gressive of all Malaysian ing a stable government, to remove their party hats Tenaga Nasional Berhad each other and individuals get exposed to and need to states. they accepted responsibil- and replace them with their 15454 deal with an ever expanding global community, there Why? ity to be answerable and Perak hats. Lembaga Air Perak has arisen a desperate desire to preserve individual There have been lim- accountable directly to the Perak must be per- 1800-88-7788 identities. ited resources directed Ruler and his subjects. ceived by the three parties The Deputy Prime Minister often speaks of this way from the National This is how it should that form government as a Directory Service Government. Our territory be. joint-venture project. The 103 ‘Glocalisation’ as a means of going forward. ‘Think globally and act locally’ he exhorts. is rarely included in major The Perak Govern- project is to turn Perak into Rakan Cop Still, the process of ‘Glocalisation’ requires a national projects. Indeed, ment’s first and one and a progressive state. 05-240 1999 cultural mind shift – to adopt, embrace, deal with and what little development only duty is to the people Perak Women for react to new ideas. Such a process cannot be realised that occurs here these days of Perak. The people of WORKING IN Women Society by limiting it to only the economic and social spheres. is undertaken by parties Perak have elected their CONCERT 012-521 2480 It needs to be extended to include the political located outside the state Government and expect 012-505 0547 quarter. boundaries. its members to do what is The success of this Only by individuals and communities actively Perak has been - and best for the local elector- project will require them participating in decisions affecting their lives can they still is - fading. ates. to work in concert, finding pursue truly positive, creative, lateral, proactive and Tan Sri Abdullah They would not, for common gounds to realise www.ipohecho.com.myAdvertise in innovative avenues of analytical thought. Ahmad, former head of example, appreciate their this mission. If they pri- IPOH the New Straits Times Government subjecting oritise their party’s interest echoYour Community Newspaper This demands transforming current political arrangements to ensure individuals and communities organisation, traces the themselves to the dictates against that of the project Classifieds are involved in the decision-making process when it state’s problems to a group of party leaders in , there is little doubt the comes to matters directly affecting their lives. of early leaders – most or . project will fail. Appointments In turn, it would require decentralisation of prominent among whom Perhaps the change au- political authority. was Dato Panglima Bukit SOLEMN DUTY gers a new beginning where Gantang. He accuses the Call: Perhaps an audit needs to be conducted of all each state government is the various functions that are required for managing group members with hav- The elected represent- independent and takes the Ramesh Kumar a successful, progressive nation. These could be ing been ahead of their atives, sitting in the Perak responsibility for charting Marketing Manager divided into categories, then packaged and allocated time. State Assembly, owe a the state’s future with the to various levels of the transformed political structure The Tan Sri main- duty primarily to the King Central Government’s role Tel : (605) 2495936 for implementation. tains that UMNO’s rejec- and the people of Perak. It limited to macro issues and tion of Dato Panglima’s is their solemn duty to do coordinating the efforts of Fax : (605) 2552181 “Malaysian Malaysia” vi- all they can and be totally the states to ensure opti- Mobile : 016 5531092 sion, along with the man’s devoted to the progress of mum results. Your Community Newspaper IPOH ECHO April 1 - 15, 2008 

Your Concerns Thumbs Up WHERE CAN THE AN AFFIRMING EXPERIENCE CHILDREN PLAY? A treasured helmet reinforces further Brother Vincent’s faith They cannot go where mosquitoes and in Perakians leeches reign Brother Vincent Corkery was born in Making my way as usual from Ireland and first came to Southeast SMI to OMPH in Ipoh Garden Asia in 1952. He was principal and some mornings ago on my bicycle, director of St Michael’s Institution I caught a sudden shower of rain. from 1972 to 1975. He returned to the I took shelter at a nearby bus post from 1986 to 1988. Retired, he stop to put on my plastic rain proof currently resides at the La Salle Cen- and was soon on my way again. On tre in Ipoh. He has always maintained reaching the church, I realised I had his profound belief that Malaysians left my precious cycle helmet on the are arguably warm, friendly and hon- bench at the bus stop. Not easy to est. He shares a little story to back up get a replacement. his view. The helmet mentioned was I resigned myself to the loss. brought back from England during However, on my return journey an one of his many trips there. “I treasure hour later - the rain had stopped - I it a lot as it is not sold here,” Brother was quietly thrilled to see my helmet Vincent explains.“ I feel safer wearing as I approached the bus stop. It was it when cycling.” still there, waiting for me. A plus for the morning commuters of Ipoh. The former principal and director, St Brother Vincent Michael’s Institution, with his helmet.

The sad state of a playground, one of many cases Issues To Watch

A playground for each DENGUE THREAT housing area appears REASONABLE EXPECTATIONS to be a government re- Warning the children quirement. Parents and has not been difficult. They Congratulations, New Leaders. Now, prove yourselves. children, after all, need a themselves feel no desire place where they can re- to brave the tall grass just they were of the way the go to other states to pursue system must be completely lax and enjoy one anoth- to reach play equipment Seenivasagam brothers their studies. revamped.There has been er’s company outdoors. that have been so badly managed Ipoh municipal- Upon completion of talk about building a new It is a good idea that maintained they can only ity. their studies they opt to bus terminal at Meru Raya has, in many cases, suffered be unsafe. Would you start settle and work in those but it has remained just in the implementation and There is another trying to regain places. Stop the brain that: talk. maintenance levels. worry our neighbourhood some of that lost drain. Take the playground faces presently. Even if glory? Would you Meeting the Public next to my house in Bandar we and our children avoid engage the people in Job Opportunities Baru , for instance. this useless playground, Here is a list of major an open dialogue and The members of Just look at the photos I it remains a threat to our problems and issues spe- listen to what they have to Ipoh is known as Gabungan Air Perak, an have taken and decide for health. Dengue cases are cific to Perak which you say? retirees’ paradise. What NGO, had wanted to meet yourselves. on the rise – places that have to address. Yes, these would you do in terms of the former MB. All efforts Where can the children breed mosquitoes must be problems have been ac- Redevelopment of Ex- job creation for the young? to get an appointment with enjoy themselves? The looked into and cleaned cumulated over the years Mining Land him came to naught. grass is overgrown; in thoroughly. and cannot be resolved Flooding The new MB and his many cases, the grass is Perhaps the Ipoh overnight. Nevertheless Over the past four Exco Members must be taller than the toddlers! Echo could help remind you have to make a start. years, I have attended a Carry out a compre- more accessible. The team Parents have told whoever is in-charge of number of seminars and hensive study and ensure should also regularly visit their children to give the such an eyesore about Regain the glory of discussions on the above. that the problem of flood- all places in the state. The playground a wide berth. his or her duties to the tax Perak Nothing ever materialised. ing is effectively solved. public should have an op- It is plain common sense. paying public. portunity to air their hopes, No child should be allowed What happened? Tertiary Education Public Transport suggestions and griev- to cavort with mosquitoes, LFC Presently Perak is poor ances. leeches and the occasional Bandar Baru Tambun and under developed. Old Every year, thousands of Public transport in snake. 31400 Ipoh timers talk of how proud school leavers from Perak Ipoh is in a shambles. The A. Jeyaraj

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Perak Pioneer THE WAY Established in 1894 ‘The oldest and most IT WAS . . . widely circulated 100 YEARS AGO newspaper in the THIS FORTNIGHT Perak Pioneer F.M.S’

Tuesday, could be given until the unless the said judicial of- event stretches their gen- the Raja had travelled ex- Sultan had replied, thanking 7th April receipt of a report thereon ficer is himself a European erosity to an enormous tensively throughout the the High Commissioner from the British Minister specially empowered to degree and appeared to be country and studied and and the Resident General 1908 at Bangkok. The British hold such trials. When the quite cheerful under the observed exhaustively the and the various ladies and Indians, on the receipt of statute law of India, from burden of such an invasion condition of his country- gentlemen who had rejoiced Editorial this intelligence, lost no which they hail, has had of visitors. men in order to ameliorate with him on this occasion time in holding an indig- such exceptional provi- and endeavour to better of conferring honour, The British Indians at nation meeting to protest sions for the last half a * * * * * their conditions. If he had festivity and rejoicing, the Bangkok are reported to be against the proposed treaty. century, it would, we think, any anxiety as to how to Raja Muda then replied. greatly perturbed at the an- On the first reading of the be futile on the part of the fulfil his onerous duties, he He said that he was fully nouncement that negotia- report of the proceedings British Indians to raise a Wednesday, had no further to look for aware of the arduous and tions are pending between of this meeting it might racial question which can- 8th April, typical examples than the difficult position he was the English and Siamese have been considered that not be possibly settled in late holder of the position called upon to fulfil, but Governments, for the ces- the Indians were alarmed their favour. 1908 and to His Highness the he would endeavour, on sion by the former to the at the prospect of going Sultan, both of whom had all occasions, to perform latter of the extra-territori- under the foreign and alien * * * * * Festivities At accomplished the work his duties honestly and al jurisdiction exercised of jurisdiction of the Siamese with honour, tact and abili- faithfully. In speaking of them. The Siam Observer, tribunals. But such was far Kuala Kangsar ty. During the last 30 years the probable devclopment which was at consider- from being the case. The Festivities at the country had made rap- of the country he able pains to ascertain the Indian speakers expressed Kuala Kangsar 11 id, nay, even inconceivable remarked that the present truth of the rumour, made their readiness to go under progress, and it is probable Government officers what appeared to be an au- 1 Siamese jurisdiction. But At 8 pm on Monday last that after the next 30 years were not so accessible as thoritative repudiation of their most serious griev- there was a Gala Dinner a similar result may be ex- in the old days of rapid this statement. It declared The auspicious double ance was that the European at the Istana Nagara After pected. The rapidly chang- development, prosperity that no such negotiations – nay triple event of the British subjects are not to dinner H.E the High ing economic condition of and progress, nor did he were in progress either marriage of Rajah Abdul be handed over at the same Commissioner remarked affairs required a man of think that they were as in London or Bangkok. Rashid, a son of H.H. the time to Siamese jurisdic- in the course of an address ability, experience and au- sympathetic and well Finally it sought to as- Sultan and the installation tion. They have raised the that it was just a year since thority to guide them and acquainted with the Malay, suage the ‘fears’ of the of Dato Muda and the Raja cry of race distinction and he had the pleasure of mak- he thought the person best as the early pioneers had British Indians that a treaty Muda, has just been cel- resent it as a violation of ing the now Rajah Muda, suited for the postion was been. whereby British Indians ebrated at the pretty little the British constitution, Rajah Bandara. Since he the new Raja Muda. were handed over to a ju- town of Kuala Kangsar. and appeal to the terms of had received that honour Afterhis Highness, the * * * * * risdiction, to which the the Queen’s Proclamation This place, which is usu- European British subjects of 1858 which have no ally deplorably quiet, has were no subject, would bearing whatever on the been stirred to unusual be unconstitutional and question of extra territorial life. The streets have been as such invalid. But the jurisdiction which is regu- thronged with Malay beau- doubts which were thrown lated by treaty or capitula- ties in their picturesque out by our Siamese con- tion, and not by statute law. garments, and almost dan- temporary as to the exist- The Bangkok orators are gerous with a multitude of ence and progress of such either oblivious or igno- motor-cars. Over a thou- negotiations, have been rant of the fact, that under sand school children were finally removed by the provisions of the Indian brought into the town, and official admission by the Criminal Procedure Code at every available corner Colonial Office, in answer European British subjects was stationed the bullock to a question in the House are absolutely exempt carts that had brought the of Commons, that such from the jurisdiction of little folks and their par- negotiations were actu- every judge or magistrate ents. The hospitality of the ally in progress, and that in British territory or the residents of Kuala Kangsar no particulars of details Protected Native States, is well known, but such an

BATU GAJAH BECKONS . . . and Sally Tooke returns to her birthplace Sally Tooke was born in and sent to join his artillery 1955. Tooke encouraged studies. Upon obtaining rejoined the department where the present Batu Gajah. Her father regiment in Singapore. Senathi to further his his degree, Senathi as a geologist. At about Department of Mineral and was working as a chemist Upon British capitulation, the same time, Mohamad Geosciences is located. at the Geological Survey he became a prisoner of Amran was employed He completed his mission Department which he war (POW) and was among in the department as an in 1957 and returned to had joined in the late those sent to work on the office boy. Tooke prodded England. But he kept up 1930s. When the war infamous Burma Death Amran to sit for the various a correspondence with erupted, Sally and her Railway. He survived the departmental exams that Senathi and Amran who mother were evacuated ordeal and when the war got the youthful employee remember Tooke as an to Australia. They would ended, Tooke went back to promoted. Amran retired exemplary officer. They return to Malaya in his old job in Batu Gajah. as a Geological Assistant say he cared for the welfare 1947. There he would make life- (Super Grade) in 1992, of his subordinates, an W. A. Tooke was a long friends. after serving almost forty exception in a long line of Reserve with the Royal Senathi Rajah was years in the geological returning British colonials Artillery and when the a Malaysian geologist department. who were “aloof, arrogant Japanese landed in Kota who started working as In 1956, Tooke was and downright patronising Baru on December 8, a laboratory assistant tasked to set up the Ipoh 1941, he was mobilised to Tooke sometime in Sally and Michael in front of the former Tooke home. Geological Laboratory see opposite page Your Community Newspaper IPOH ECHO April 1 - 15, 2008 

Ipoh: Facts and Fancies by Ho Tak Ming APOTHECARIES – COLONIAL DAYS’ NOT QUITE FULLY-FLEDGED DOCTORS An epithet was required to separate the surgeons trained in British universities and the products of colonial medical colleges

The earliest doctors to drew up uniform Medical Medical Officer. The first Wong I Ek (LMS man the State Medical Registration Regulations, batch of exams was held in Hongkong, passed exami- Service of the Native defining the qualifications 1905. Certain senior doc- nation in 1905). States were apothecaries, of doctors. tors like Drs. Nicholas and If the Assistant who were graduates of Pereira of Perak were ex- Medical Officers were colonial medical colleges. WEEDING OUT empted from having to sit unhappy working in the They were placed in a for the examination. Government service, they different category from It was a move to weed In 1907, the number could opt to be private the physicians and sur- out unqualified persons, of medical practitioners medical practitioners. geons, who were trained such as retired hospital in Perak registered under Private dispensaries were in British universities. dressers who had opened the Medical Registration becoming popular in Ipoh The British did not ac- dispensaries, especially Ordinance 1906 was 22, around the turn of the cen- cord the apothecaries the in the smaller towns. A comprising of 13 European tury. honorific title of ‘doctor’. Medical Council with doctors and 9 Asian doctors. The Asian doctors also disciplinary powers was The Asian doctors were: G DR. WONG received half the salaries of their European coun- The first Chinese terparts. doctor qualified to prac- Ipoh Hospital did not tise medicine in Ipoh, and have its own District sur- also the first Asian private geon until 1894, having to practitioner, was Dr. Wong share with the other dis- I Ek. He was trained at trict hospitals. The resi- the Hong Kong College dent Apothecary, Dr. FW of Medicine. After work- Nicholas, did a superb job ing at the Alice Memorial single-handedly. In fact, Hospital there, he joined the from the hospital admis- Perak Medical Department sions, Ipoh Hospital was as an Apothecary. a more important than In 1903, he opened the Batu Gajah Hospital. The Ipoh Dispensary in Ipoh European Hospital was at and later established two Batu Gajah and hence re- other branches in the town. quired a full-time Surgeon He advertised in the news- to be stationed there. An apothecary’s collection of healing potions paper: Dr. Wong I Ek ABOLISHED established. Assistant Abraham Assistant Lee Chai Dispensary, No. Surgeons and Apothecaries Surgeon (Madras Medical 51, Treacher Street, Ipoh. The title of ‘apoth- who had been working College); JEG Lesslar Consulting hours; 8 am ecary’ was abolished in the in the State hospitals for Assistant Surgeon (Madras – 12 noon; 1 pm – 5 pm Colony in 1901, and the not less than six months, Medical College); S daily. Urgent cases will be holders became known as and who desired to be Manickam Assistant treated at any hour. ‘assistant surgeons’. This registered under the new Surgeon (Calcutta); K Lee Chai Dispensary is left was a sore point among Regulations enabling them Matsutake Licence con- open till 9 pm every night. the apothecaries, espe- to practise medicine, sur- ferred by the Prefectural Thus, it is very convenient cially the graduates of the gery and midwifery in both Government of Nagasaki to patients who cannot Madras Medical College. territories, had to sit for a (passed examination under otherwise procure medi- They thought it gave the special examination held the Medical Registration cines after the usual office impression that their di- in Singapore. After they Ordinance, in 1907).; FW hours. plomas were inferior to had been registered, they Nicholas (Registered British ones. In truth, it would be called Assistant as Assistant Surgeon under Dr. Wong jointly ran was another illustration of Medical Officers. The Government Service);. DB a hospital for Chinese the colour bar rearing its European Surgeons, who Pereira (Registered prostitutes with the District ugly head in Malaya at the were granted exemption, as Assistant Surgeon under Surgeon, Dr. Duncan beginning of the twentieth were designated Medical Government Service; Quah Cooper. Dr Wong became century. Officers. The Head of the Sin Keat (LSA London); a wealthy and an influential In 1906, both the Perak Medical Department Saw Ah Choy (Passed member of the community. Colony and the FMS was to be styled the Senior examination in 1907) and

Batu Gajah. . . continued from opposite page especially when dealing correspond with Senathi. with the locals”. The two Sally and her hus- recall how Tooke “mixed band, Michael Biggs, were freely with his subordinates in Ipoh in early February. regardless of their skin Biggs was a Captain with colour”. the Gurkha Regiment and was stationed at Rasah MAIN CONVENT Camp, Seremban, in 1957. GIRL Sally remarked on “Batu Gajah’s transfor- Sally was tutored at mation”. So much has Main Convent Ipoh for a changed since she last set period of time. She stayed foot there – half a century at the convent’s hostel and ago! spent weekends in Batu Senathi (standing, left), Hj Razali and Amran (right) But her birthplace Gajah. She left to study with Michael and Sally at Kelab Golf Kinta, Batu Gajah. beckons. She plans to visit in England in 1950. But by the letters her father, on had mentored. After again in 2009. over the years, she was his retirement, exchanged her father’s death in kept interested and curious with the Perakians he 1999, Sally continued to A. Jeyaraj  IPOH ECHO April 1 - 15, 2008 Your Community Newspaper

Musings by See Foon Chan-Koppen Food Odyssey – part 2 WHERE A COFFEE BREAK The Glue That Binds IS A CULTURAL EXPERIENCE Food is one of the permanent interests people can enjoy together Before you start but not sugar. This means protesting, I am aware that the roasted coffee that coffee is not beans are a lighter shade considered food, but I See Foon of black because there’s no just have to talk about caramelized sugar, hence this tasty beverage here. the name “white coffee”. I am currently on re- group while Western veg- binds my friendships! ily for themselves. Unless I am talking about Ipoh Lately, 3-in-1 satchets of treat in a remote area etarians, by and large, fall This leads me to wonder they’re Oriental and they coffee. Why? Purely white coffee are being sold of southern France. As into the former. This prob- if many of my readers out happen to be living in the because it is world in supermarkets and you I sit huddled by the ra- ably accounts for their food there share this delicious West! In that case, let the famous, it is from Ipoh can go to franchised outlets diator in this small stone tending towards the whole- revelation? food festivities begin. and it tastes great! called “Ipoh Old Town” house which once was a some and bland while the I cook for my friends. One cannot write coffee shops. water mill and goes by Oriental taste is not quite I invite them to interesting EXISTING about food in Ipoh and the romantic name of the so healthy but rich in fla- new food finds that I DICHOTOMIES neglect to mention the best THE ORIGINAL Moulin de la Fourtoune, I vour. discover. I share my foodie accompaniment to your am listening to the howl- At present, I am the discoveries when I travel. This is not about cre- meal, a cup of Ipoh White But where do you go for ing wind which is preva- only Oriental person here I bring back calling cards ating chasms between East Coffee. the original? The best can lent this time of year. in this retreat centre and I from great restaurants. and West but the dichoto- Starbucks and Coffee be found in the few coffee It is 10 in the morning have volunteered to pre- I send food to friends mies exist and I know it Bean, these places do not shops located opposite the and breakfast is over. The pare all the meals . . . not whenever I’m cooking. well, having been married do it for me. It isn’t loud, Kinta Heights flats in Ipoh dishes have been cleared out of pure altruism, I con- I even pack a cold bag to Westerners (yes plural) there are no old town along Jalan and I have just tidied the fess, but more from “food- with homemade curry with very different gusta- marble topped Bandar Timah such small kitchen. ie-ism”. Or is it gluttony? rempah, chilly sauce and tory preferences. wooden tables as Sin Yoon Loong At this time, in an Why do ALL my homemade sambal belacan Food does not only and the waiters restaurant (with a ideal world, I should be Oriental friends love food? which I then put into my bind my friendships but do not shout branch along Jalan sitting down to my reading I don’t know of a single suitcase with my clothes I’m convinced that it influ- your order to the Bendahara), Nam and contemplation. But my person whom I consider when I travel long distance ences my choice of where guy making your Heong restaurant mind is focusing on food to be a friend, who isn’t to Europe! to live. coffee. Also, (Distributor of the instead - what shall I pre- I can still remember there isn’t Chinese toast 3-in-1 Ipoh Old Town pare for lunch? The fresh like it was yesterday when with butter and kaya (egg White Coffee), Xin Yuan organic spinach that some- my Ipoh crony brought me jam). Hoong and Xin Yuan Foong one kindly brought or the to “The House Of Mirrors” (All open mornings and white plump asparagus I or Kong Heng where I had AN EXPERIENCE afternoons only). These bought in the Sunday mar- my first taste of Ipoh hor coffee shops are likely to ket yesterday? fun. It was love at first If you really want to be crowded during teatime, My mind is on a gas- bite! ‘experience’ Ipoh, then especially on weekends. tronomic merry-go-round Many an evening have a cup of white coffee Food-wise, you can get as I devise creative ways to have been happily spent during tea time. You fried noodles, satay, congee prepare and serve delicious a foodie. Is it a platform Every time I visit my sitting outdoors at “Bald will not just get a cup of and kuih sold in these coffee vegetarian food using reci- on which we attract each dearest friend in the UK, Man” (translated literally coffee, but also a cultural shops. But make sure you pes from my mental reper- other, something in com- my suitcase is laden with from the ) with experience. order some tasty toasted toire of meat-based dishes. mon? the aforementioned condi- our potluck white wine What about the coffee bread with butter and kaya I find myself ponder- Most of my meetings ments. and whisky, tucking into though? Ipoh white coffee to complement a truly good ing this question of food as with friends are always Coming to this isolat- claypot crab rice, bouncy beans, unlike other local cup of white coffee. it relates to people. around food, be it break- ed retreat, there is bound fish balls and his famous (Malaysian) coffee beans fast, lunch or dinner. No to be tucked away in my herbal chicken. are roasted with butter LIM SI HOWE TWO GROUPS sooner have we finished a bag, the ineluctable Baba’s As dish after dish ar- meal than the next topic of curry powder. rives, the whisky and white I’ve discovered that what else to eat, and when, Now this does not hap- wine flowing, moods mel- people do fall into two cat- comes up. Even as we’re pen with Westerners! They low and tongues loosen. BIRTHDAY BOY egories: Those who eat to eating, we’re discussing may bake an occasional Bonding occurs live and the ones who live the food we’re eating or cake or bring some home- whether it is sitting in an GETS HIS WISH to eat. Without apologies, something else we had on made cookies. Unless it’s a outdoor coffee shop in Michael Kitzig left Germany. I - and most Orientals - I some other occasion. Food charity function where it’s or a Michelin Malaysia in 1972 but Michael, a psychiatrist, know belong to the latter is apparently the glue that potluck, it is every fam- star restaurant in Paris. his love affair with the was a lecturer in a technical country has not secondary school 2 litres (8 cups) water Scoop the fat from top of ered 10 minutes. waned. To this in Kuantan, 30g butter stock. Slice the bread. Melt day, he nurses from 1-tablespoon oil Heat butter and oil in extra butter, add garlic, vivid mem- 1968 to 1972. 4 Large onions, thinly sliced, large sauce- pan, add the and brush onto each side ories of the “ T h e Kafe Paprika’s extra sliced onions, cook over of the bread. Place onto first roast main reason ¼ cup plain flour low heat until onions are an ungreased oven tray, duck din- for making the French Onion Soup 1 small French bread stick golden brown and soft; this bake in moderate oven ner he had long journey 45g butter, extra will take about 20 minutes, until bread is dry and in a res- is of course The browning of the 2 cloves garlic, crushed stir occasionally. Add flour, crisp. Sprinkle slices with taurant at to enjoy this onions and a good beef ¼ cup grated Parmesan stir over heat for1 minute. Parmesan cheese, bake Canning a m a z i n g stock are the important cheese Add 5 cups of the stock, stir further 5 minutes. Place G a r d e n , Michael and Jutta meal,” he parts of this recipe. This constantly over heat until slices in serving dishes, Ipoh dur- volunteered. soup is best made and To make the stock: mixture boils and thickens. top with hot soup; Serve ing one of his return vis- “After this, we would served immediately. Any Combine beef, the chopped Reduce heat, simmer cov- immediately. its. be exploring the many leftover stock can be fro- onions, bay Last February, Ipoh interesting destinations in zen for several months. leaves, parsley, Echo met up with Michael, Malaysia,” he added. This recipe is unsuitable peppercorns and who was celebrating With Jutta, he was to freeze or microwave. water in large his 60th birthday at his planning to visit Cameron Serves: 6 saucepan, bring favourite Ipoh eatery, the Highlands, Seremban, stock to the boil, Hong Kong Restaurant and 375g gravy beef, chopped reduce heat, in Jalan Lee Kwee Foh in Bahru. 2 onions, chopped cover, and sim- Canning Garden. They were stopping by 2 bay leaves mer gently for He was with his in Singapore before taking ½ cup parsley sprigs 3 hours. Strain, fiancee, Jutta Kcahsen. a flight home. 2 teaspoons whole black cool, refriger- Both are from Osnabrueck peppercorns ate over- night. , a city in Lower Saxony, PK Your Community Newspaper IPOH ECHO April 1 - 15, 2008 

GIVE YOURSELF SPACE FOR TRANQUILLITY Create an environment where you can retreat from the day’s disturbing thoughts

Feng shui is an ancient of feng shui to create a pos- art and science devel- itive flow of energy around oped over a few thousand the garden. years ago in China. This will create a Feng shui is based harmonising and soothing on Taoist vision and atmosphere there. The understanding of nature, results will benefit your particularly on the idea family life. that the land is alive and Once you apply the filled with energy or ‘chi’. feng shui formula in this Feng means wind”and section, you will see a vast shui means water. improvement in the energy In Chinese culture, level of the rest of the sur- gentle wind and clear wa- A limited space can be transformed into a little oasis. rounding environment. ter have always been asso- You and your family ciated with harmony, good FENG SHUI IN YOUR your mind and soul, and will be enticed to spend harvest and good health GARDEN to re-energise after a hard more time together and - thus feng shui came to be day’s work. share uniting sentiments. associated with good live- The garden has been A peaceful garden Feng shui will have lihood and fortune. used for centuries as a area, whether sizeable or a tremendously positive Chi is an invinci- place for relaxation and consisting of only a few impact on your life. ble living energy through contemplation. potted plants can be cre- Try it! which the universe, earth, In today’s hectic and ated to provide a sanctuary environment and our own stressful lifestyle, the gar- for relaxation of the mind © Richard S. W. Tan 2008 lives flow and are formed den has become a more and soul. Email: gfs@garden- and shaped. important place to relax One can use the power fengshui.com.my

YEAR-LONG MAIL DELIVERY OF THE KOK MING’S DREAM IPOH ECHO You can have the Ipoh Echo mailed He wants to be a first-class chef and he is toiling directly to your house or place of work. All you confidently towards this goal need to do is deposit RM24 with us and we will do the rest. The amount is postage fee for the I completed my SPM in tions. After I had made up December, 2006. I had al- my mind, they liaised with delivery of 24 copies of Ipoh Echo for a year. ways dreamed of pursu- the Australian institution I Those interested please call our office at ing my tertiary education chose and sent an applica- 05-2495936 or 016-553 1092 for more overseas. Friends had tion on my behalf. They details. been e-mailing me ex- arranged for my student citing news from abroad visa and all relevant mat- qualified and experienced. 5-star hotels in Sydney as a and I wanted to see how ters, including accommo- The facilities and practice kitchen hand. well I could manage on dation. I just had to hand kitchens are well equipped. In dealing with col- my own. Fortunately, my in the required documents Apart from the theoreti- leagues and customers, family proved support- such as result transcripts, cal sessions, we are made I’m also improving my ive of my plans. etc. I was impressed by to work in the commercial communication skills. I My first priority was the professional way my kitchen to gain real life have been so fortunate to Australia. It was affordable case was handled. So working experience. We have friends from all over and its geographical prox- much stress was avoided. are encouraged to work the world. They’ve helped imity to Malaysia appealed A farm-stay was part of a family holiday. part-time in the commer- me broaden my mind. I am to me. I didn’t want to be BROAD TRAINING cial kitchen. As my lectur- never bored. so far away from home. I ers keep saying, nobody Chefs are in demand also had a distant relative I started attending will ever gain experience in Australia right now. I there and as he was already Holmes Institute in Sydney in the hospitality industry feel my career started from a permanent resident, I in April, 2007 for a two- from sitting in a classroom the first day I arrived in thought he could be a very year course which will all day. Holmes. I feel challenged, good guide for me. earn me a ‘Certificate III in Currently I’m work- excited and motivated. Hospitality (Commercial ing part-time in one of the VIRTUALLY STRESS- Cookery) and a Diploma of Choong Kok Ming FREE Hospitality Management’. I have been in Interested parties: please call us today to enjoy our When it was time for me Australia now for nearly special promotion! to go, I approached WEL a year and I love it. It is Contact Person: Ms Janez Lim on 05-241 3603 Education Emterprise for a very beautiful country Address: (Head Office): No 23, Level 10 (3rd Floor) Jln guidance. They provided and the people are fiend- Tun Sambanthan, 30000, Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia. me detailed information ly. Holmes Institute is an Address (Branch: Level 3, Suite 26, 301 Castlereagh on costs, programme struc- excellent place for the Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia tures and course possibili- course I have chosen. The Email: [email protected] ties which enabled me to teachers are kind and help- Website: www. welgroup.org compare and weigh my op- The proximity of Sydney allows for regular visits. ful apart from being well 10 IPOH ECHO April 1 - 15, 2008 Your Community Newspaper

SAFETY MEASURES, AT LAST YOUNG PERAK Three pedestrain bridges planned for schools A section of interest and action Students and teachers of for the youth of our state three schools which are located along busy roads, can now look forward to crossing the Jalan Sultan Iskandar Shah, Jalan Sultan Idris Shah and Students from participating schools Jalan Kuala Kangsar are invited to share their thoughts safely. Three pedestrian with others. Contributors may write bridges, costing RM2.1 about or photograph things/events million, will be construct- ed for SMK Sam Tet, outside their respective institutions SJK(C) Yuk Choy and of learning. Human interest stories, SMK Yuk Choy. Some 7,154 students and teach- observations and reflections are wel- ers will benefit from these come. facilities. In his address to E-mail articles to – teachers and students, then In a city where zebra crossings don’t seem to matter, something has to be done to state education director protect the lives of schoolchildren. [email protected] Hussain Harun said the attn: Peter Khiew government was mindful of the daily risks faced by pedestrians in the named TIMELY RESPONSE areas. The bridges, he con- Small issues matter a lot to most people tinued, should allay the constant fear of parents whose children have to cross the roads to get to their classrooms. Concerms have been raised before about the likelihood of pedestrians being knocked down by speeding vehicles and inconsiderate drivers. The ground-breaking ceremony was attended by Datuk Ho Cheng Wang in his then capacity as state exco Public Infrastructures and Utility chairman and Yuk Choy students, in colourful costumes, prepare to welcome guests to the ground- state Road Safety Council breaking ceremony of the three bridges. chairman.

Puan Rogayah bte Pilus, principal of SK Marian Con- ‘CELEBRATION COUNTDOWN’ vent receives the donation from Parti Gerakan represen- Everyone is geared towards making 2009 a memorable year for Andersonians tative Lee Kian Fei. Former Canning state assemblyman Vincent Hooi-Wy Hon looks on. Anderson School is near- It was a momentous occasion attended by Damaged chairs, desks former Canning state ing its centenary year and prominent old boys like and spoilt items in the assemblyman Vincent big plans are being laid to Datuk Seri Mohd Tajol toilets in schools – these Hooi Wy-Hon identified make it an extra special Rosli Mohd Ghazali, were some of the con- the affected schools and time for all – old boys, popular cartoonist Datuk cerns parents highlight- visited them. educators who had at one Mohammad Nor Khalid ed at the Gerakan com- Hooi presented time or other been con- aka Lat and corporate fig- munity service centre in RM20,000 each to SJK(C) nected with the school, ure Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Ipoh Garden recently. Chung Tack, SK La Salle, present day teachers and Helmi Ismail, who is also R e s p o n d i n g , t h e SK Marian Convent students. and SK Ho Seng Ong Cleaning Solution Services Methodist. He said the contribu- tion should enable head- masters to acquire new desks and tables, or a few Former MB Datuk Seri Tajol Rosli exchange greetings Is The Drudgery units of computers for with students students to use in their re- uphold the Anderson tra- initiating the construction Of House Cleaning dition. He spoke of the of a new building to Getting You Down ? source centres. SK La Salle headmas- legacy passed on by pred- replace the current Old Then Here’s Good News ? ecessors who are now Andersonians’ Clubhouse You Can Now Live In ter Lai Kum Ming said the donation came in handy corporate giants, political - a spot famous among Sparkling Cleanliness For figures and community gourmets for its northern The Most as the school has plans to Modest Of Outlays. build a “reading hut” . leaders. Indian cuisine CSS Will Come To Your Home According to Lai, the Costing at RM2.1 mil- Or Office With Professional “hut” would be situatied NEW NECKTIES lion, the new clubhouse Local Cleaners, You Can in a “strategic” point in Creative old boy: Cartoonist Lat contributes his share is scheduled to be ready by Relax. He also sponsored December, 2009. An 8 Hour Thorough Servicing the school compound. He to the day’s programme. Cost A Mere RM 60 added that it would be a the newly-designed blue Anderson School Ipoh Call Now:- conducive reading spot as To ensure the success the organising committee neckties for all Anderson turns a hundred years old Daniel Kow “pupils like to read and of the centennial Bash, a chairman. school students. He on Feb 8, 2009. 012-512 8855 discuss things” outdoors. ‘Countdown Celebration’ Datuk Seri Tajol Rosli called on them to wear Lawrence Lam Lai also said the was held to usher in offi- former Perak Menteri the ties every Wednesday E-mail all feedback 012-523 8680 school was also consider- cially the grand prepara- Besar, shared memories as a tribute to the school’s 012-301 1680 to ipohecho.ndr@ ing replacing desks and tions for the institution’s of his student days. He great tradition. *4 cleaning session entitles you to The old boys are also gmail.com a RM 10 Jusco Voucher chairs. Big Year. advised the students to Your Community Newspaper IPOH ECHO April 1 - 15, 2008 11

BENEDIKT’S BATTLE TO BE, OR NOT TO BE? One man’s spirited fight to . . . still the FMS QUESTION save the Gopeng Pipeline It’s been over a month velopments. Trouble was, since Ipoh’s historic wa- the news was not good; tering hole, the FMS Bar not hopeless, mind you, and Restaurant, closed but definitely not good. its doors after 101 years ‘I last spoke to the of dutiful thirst quench- owner on March 3 but that ing. discussion didn’t get far.

Only Benedikt Schwarzacher seemed to appreciate the historical value of the Gopeng pipeline.

Until very recently, you privilege was not to reported this to the police. District and Land office had to drive literally last. In November of Gopeng Bhd subse- indicating that the property under a massive pipeline 2007, Benedikt received quently sent Benedikt a was sitting on Government perched on a steel a letter from two men. letter claiming his fencing land, contractors moved platform to get to orchid He recognised them as was “incorrect” and the in to dismantle the pipe. Hopefully not the last farewell. Nephew with the loyal grower’s Benedikt residents of the kampong. pipeline was outside his Benedikt’s grant and the and popular FMS waitresses, Florence (left) and Iris. Schwarzacher’s front The men were informing boundary. surveyor’s report did not door in Gopeng. him that the pipeline was That was news to seem to matter. The hope then was “I was in the FMS The 14km-long pipe to be cut up and sold as Benedikt who promptly The day it happened, that loyal patrons could, for a final clean-up before was almost a hundred scrap metal. The notice appointed a surveyor who Benedikt was not home in three to four months, handing over the keys and years old and its history ostensibly came from happened to be the same but his wife and his resume relieving parched he walked in. was linked with the rich Gopeng Berhad. man used by Gopeng Bhd. visiting parents were. palates in those familiar “We had a pleasant heritage of Perak. It was Shocked, Benedikt The findings were in favour They pleaded with the surroundings. This now conversation but he was the bonus Benedikt took voiced his concerns to of Benedikt – everything contractors but their words seems highly unlikely. obviously too busy at the into consideration when the courier about the was in order and “the land fell on deaf ears. Renovation work time to start talking about he first came to view the impropriety of cutting up under the pipe belonged to Protesting, Benedikt’s planned by the owner for a renewed contract with area. The fact that part of something of historical Benedikt”. mother even sat on the distinctive corner build- me,” related Nephew. ing overlooking Ipoh’s pa- February 29 last was dang has yet to begin. the FMS’s closing date. What is more, hoped- The bar and restaurant for negotiations for re- were crammed with mem- sumed operations between ory-chasing customers all the building’s owners and day. the internationally recog- They were rollicking nised former FMS propri- final hours, tinged with etor Pan Chee Ein – the sadness. famous “Nephew” – have Since then Nephew yet to get off the ground. has been deluged with que- ries on when the premises VISIT will reopen and whether he will be on hand to do the The 74 year-old honours from his familiar Nephew dropped by the stool behind the bar. Echo’s offices at No 1 Jalan He promises the Echo Lasam the other day to will be the first to know the bring us up to date with de- news – good or bad. All that remains By this time, the pipe but that, too, On February 7, the not assist. Benedikt realised he also proved futile. At 1:44pm, contractor returned to On February 7, needed lawyers. They Benedikt’s wife lodged a remove the remaining 2008, the pipe was totally immediately dispatched a police report. pipes. removed from Benedikt’s message to Gopeng Bhd. Two police personnel Benedikt immediately property. The concrete The letter informed the were promptly sent to the drove to the Police station stumps where the pipe company that the fencing area to stop the work. to report the contractor had once sat were all that was “correct” and that their By evening, fifteen was trespassing again. remained. On contractor’s orders, workers dismantle the platform. client would be applying workers had been arrested There, he was shown Benedikt is now for a writ of injunction but half of the pipe on a letter from the Deputy claiming from Gopeng the Gopeng pipeline would significance and selling against trespassing. Benedikt’s land had been Public Prosecutor’s office Berhad the scrap metal run through his property the spoils as scrap metal. However, by mid removed. referring to an earlier value of the pipe (which he proved very attractive. He The sentiments were not December 2007, the pipes On February 5, police report made by his wants replaced). thought: how many people appreciated. Benedikt outside of Benedikt’s Benedikt’s lawyers wife on January 31. He is also filing would have the privilege recalls the messenger property had already been applied for an injunction No criminal action charges for criminal of living literally next to having made a threatening removed. to prevent contractors was found. The record was trespass and claims for history, day after day? remark which the orchid On January 31, 2008, from further entering his stamped NFA (No further damages on his property. The pleasurable farmer took seriously. He with a letter from the property. action). The police could JAG

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PACKAGE A Sometimes, this job isn’t In even better -Digital Perm with Cut & Hair Treatment to win for Perak and to Carlos has too bad. I started this provide an scored 18 goals perspective it means PACKAGE B article sitting on a beach Torres earns in a week Rebonding with Cut & Hair Treatment exciting and in 18 games in Paradise Island in the what a first year nurse in PACKAGE C and is the Maldives. We had won, UK earns in 10 years or -Colour with Cut & Hair Treatment second 3-1, so life was good. But a graduate teacher in 8 PACKAGE D it got a bit harder later years! -Highlight with Cut & Hair Treatment with a 31-hour journey The whole morality Visit our salons at any of these locations (open daily):- back to Ipoh. debate about this is S32-33, 2nd Floor Ipoh Parade,Ipoh. We are currently endless. Once again my Tel:- 605- 254 4887 (10:00am-8:30pm) on a programme of argument is, don’t blame 5, S.A Lingam, Ipoh Garden South,Ipoh. 12 games in 35 days, the player for taking the Tel:- 605- 545 7780 (10:00am-8:00pm) punishing physically wage, as we would all 15-4,Jalan Kledang Timur 1, and psychologically. In take it, but blame the Bandar Baru ,Ipoh. essence, we are a victim entertaining person who gives him this Tel:- 605- 282 1994 (10:00am-8:00pm) of success as we have product for amount. qualified to represent fans. Also it Many people lay Malaysia in the AFC Cup was good leading the blame on Roman and we are still in the to read goal Abramovich for inflating Malaysian FA Cup. i n the wage market for Add our coming everybody, including second in the players in Malaysia. Malaysian Super At Perak we work League. So to a budget that far, we have means we do won 6 of not go into the : the twelve red and we games and work as a a six game business unbeaten run with our has included i n c o m e t r a v e l l i n g equaling thousands of o u r kilometres. A better consultation process the Ipoh Echo the sad scorer in the country. But expenditure. Sounds like between State and national state of the Ipoh Padang that is a different issue. common sense, but that is body would certainly be a renovation. The reality is that the a phrase that is sometimes bonus! We were told in player has now adjusted to forgotten in football. November that it would climate, food and playing Fans have to realise MOANING FOR A be free to use as a training style and is showing his the real world of football CAUSE venue again in December. true ability. that we see on television I am writing this in late is totally unsustainable Recently, I was told March and the Padang still “GET A TORRES!” and out of reach of any I moan a lot about the looks like a bomb site. team in Malaysia. quality of training and This has had a knock One fan said to me: So can we get twelve playing facilities in Ipoh. on effect. Amateur games why don’t we get someone games out of twelve in this scheduled for the Padang like Fernando Torres of 35-day period? We are half Picture Restoration Of Wood Well, if wanting high had to be re-scheduled Liverpool? way there. This a credit to Frames Old Furniture Carvings standards is a crime, then I am a criminal! for other pitches which Well, the simple the professionalism of the If wanting to win and are now deteriorating at a answer is that Fernando players. They have learned greater rate. Torres earns 140,000 UK how to ‘recover” and look Antiques & Souvenirs & do everything possible Art to prepare for a win is a Now, on the subject pounds a week, (approx after themselves off the Collectibles Gifts crime, then, again I am a of fans who have made 980,000RM a week) which pitch. criminal. news in the football press in reality means he earns We only have a small Add : No. 11, Lorong Cecil Rae, Canning Garden, I believe it is my recently. Perak had a lot of more in a day than our star squad so we need every 31400 Ipoh, Perak. responsibility to do criticism about our striker players earn in their whole player possible. Let’s hope Carlos Caceres. annual contract. this continues. h/p: 016-550 7155 tel: 05-546 3326 everything that is possible

Despite budget constraints and other niggly issues that affect training and schedules, Perak footballers have done well. Carlos Caceres has acclimatised and is scoring for the state. Above photos were taken during the match against Penang. Perak won, 3-1.