www.ipohecho.com.my IPOH Your Community Newspaper echoechoServing the people of Ipoh, Chemor, Sg.Siput,Taiping, Kuala Kangsar, Gopeng, Kampar, Batu Gajah, Air Tawar, Sitiawan, Lumut and Teluk Intan.
FREE for collection from our office and selected outlets, on 1st & 16th of the month. issue PP 14252/10/2008(007226) July 1 - 15, 2008 30 sen for delivery to your house by news vendors within Perak. 53 RM 1 prepaid postage for mailing within Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei. They came from near and far for a very special occasion
Their presence represented the most formidable Fathol Zaman Bukhari’s report - page 2 gathering of its kind ever witnessed in Perak Photographs by Rosli Mansor IPOH ECHO July 1 - 15, 2008 Your Community Newspaper They were days for remembrance And events that themselves will never be forgotten By Fathol Zaman Bukhari
The central group last year. However, it was were all members of a first in Ipoh for John and the National Malayan Maria although they have and Borneo Veterans been to Malaysia on sev- Association Australia eral previous occasions. (NMBVA). There were Stan, as it happened, 55 of them, including lost an item of luggage spouses and children. filled with mementos They represented the meant for their Malaysian biggest contingent of its counterparts in Ipoh. It kind ever to set foot in went missing on the trolley Ipoh. he was pushing at KLIA. They came to How unfortunate it was for commemorate the 60th in the bag was his jacket anniversary of the and his service medals. start of the Malayan “The thief will be very dis- Emergency and, naturally, appointed with the loot,” to pay respects to fallen he laughed. comrades. They were accommo- Ages ranged between dated at the Syuen Hotel 59 and 82. The oldest, although a few had picked Tom Turnbull, served the Royal Ipoh Club out of God’s Little Acre at Batu Gajah. The last post sounds as British veterans dip the association flag. with the Police Force here nostalgia. Placing them un- when the Emergency der one main roof allowed one at the Taiping Lakes ployed in Johore, Sarawak the second Saturday of while Brian Selby did so was declared on June 18, for better supervision by Garden. “I will raise this and Sabah to prevent intru- each June is organised by for NMBVA. 1948. The youngest in local organisers. matter with the Australian sions by Indonesian irregu- the Malaysian Palm Oil From Batu Gajah the the gathering, 59 year-old High Commissioner, Mrs. lars and regulars. Association. This year it visitors’ next stop was Steve Toon, was formerly A WEEK’S Penny Williams, and re- was held on Saturday, June Kem Syed Putra (Tambun with Britain’s famous PROGRAMME quest that the Australian SPECIAL 14. Camp). Coldstream Guards. Government takes over up- SIGNIFICANCE Several wreaths were He served in Sarawak The NMBVA’s com- keep of the cemetery from laid to honour the fallen REMEMBERING THE during Konfrontasi, 1963- plete programme covered the Commonwealth War The Remembrance heroes. The OCPD Batu GURKHAS 65. a full week from Tuesday, Graves Commission,” said Day service at God’s Little Gajah, representing the Then, of course, there June 10 to Monday, June Brian. Acre in Batu Gajah had its Royal Malaysian Police, In the camp is an al- were the many senior 16. Transportation to des- The involvement of own special significance. laid the first wreath most-forgotten Gurkha diplomatic representatives tinations of interest was Australian troops in the Lay buried in this well pre- followed by the High cemetery where the remains from Britain, Australia, provided by two 42-seater Malayan Emergency began served cemetery are numer- Commissioners of the of over a hundred Gurkha New Zealand, India and buses. in 1950 by way of Royal ous planters and policemen, United Kingdom, Australia, soldiers and dependents are Nepal, not to mention the First stop for the Australian Air Force air- foreign and local, killed India and Nepal. Lt-Col buried. They came from military attachees. programme came on craft and personnel based during the Emergency. Fridaus Abdullah laid one The NMBVA is an Thursday, June 12 - the in Singapore. Dakota air- The service, observed on on behalf of the military continued page 9
The memorial service at Taiping led by Brian Selby and honouring The sons of well know expatriate planter, Dato Carl Bek-Nielsen, lay wreaths fallen serviceman Pte Ben Hallard in tribute to planters who died during the Emergency Adelaide, South Australia, Kamunting Christian craft were used to ferry based organisation with Cemetery. Here some 38 troops, drop supplies and branches in all Australian Australian soldiers killed leaflets. states. It is an integral part during the Emergency are As the Emergency pro- the Returned Services interred. The Association gressed so did their roles. League of Australia. The had picked one grave to In 1955, troops from 2 Association’s President, honour with a wreath. Royal Australian Regiment Brian (Snowy) Selby, “Our choice this year took part in search and de- Secretary, John Plenty and is Pte Ben Hallard from stroy missions alongside Treasurer, Stan Pjangka Perth. He served with 2 local and Commonwealth were present along with RAR and was killed on infantrymen. wives. All three men June 24, 1957. We dedi- The Indonesian served with the Australian cate the wreath to his Confrontation began with Artillery Regiment in the niece,” said Brian after a the Brunei Revolt in 1962, early 1960s and were sta- simple ceremony at Ben’s two years after the end of tioned at Terendak Camp, graveside. the Emergency, and ended Malacca. The cemetery was a in 1966 when President John Plenty, inci- little unkempt with over- Sukarno was ousted by dentally, is married to a grown lallang and grass. General Suharto. Malaccan lass, Maria. It does not reflect a true Australian and Com- Brian and Stan were here war cemetery like the monwealth troops were de- Gurkha Pipers from Brunei prepare to play the lament at Batu Gajah Your Community Newspaper IPOH ECHO July 1 - 15, 2008
www.ipohecho.com From the Editor’s Desk IPOH echo By Fathol Zaman Bukhari Your Community Newspaper CLOSING IN ON 100 DAYS Our MB calls a press conference It’s most disheartening ing the Chief Ministerial when your predecessor, post. “We have to spend besides refusing to ac- less,” he said. He had done knowledge defeat, refuses away with new staff cars to hand over his job as although approval for re- well. Taking on the re- placements had been given sponsibility as CEO of a by predecessor Tajol Rosli. state once considered the “Even if the cars are old we richest in the country can can still get to our destina- be a daunting task if you tions, a little slow though.” lack support and empa- He expressed hopes thy. What you require is that the media would treat determination, not ideal- his administration with ism. fairness. These are the difficul- “They don’t highlight ties faced by newly minted our good points. I seldom Menteri Besar of Perak, see pictures of me giv- Dato’ Seri Mohamad Nizar ing aids to the poor,” he Jamaluddin. He made this sighed. Inadequate cover- revelation to reporters dur- age had forced him and YEAR-LONG MAIL DELIVERY ing an interview in the run- his executive councillors up to his first 100 days in to give ceramah at night in OF THE IPOH ECHO office. reveal the details on July the previous govenment. the kampongs. You can have the Ipoh Echo mailed directly to your house The meeting, at his of- 7, the date that marks the “They have to go under Perhaps the media or place of work. All you need to do is deposit RM24 with fice, on Tuesday, June 17 state government’s 100 and above the counter to and those who still doubt us and we will do the rest. The amount is postage fee for was devoid of officialdom days in power.” get their deals through,” Nizar’s sincerity should the delivery of 24 copies of Ipoh Echo for a year. Those normally associated with Investors had shown said Nizar. have a better look at them- interested please call our office at 05-2495936 or 016-553 1092 for more details. the former administration. interests in the tourism, Reducing the RM40 selves before commenting. A number of deals with manufacturing and petro- million budget deficit Ipoh Echo, as always, When posting a cheque, it should be made out to investors had been made. leum sectors. The same incurred over the years will exercise impartiality ‘Ipoh Echo Sdn Bhd’ and posted to No 1, Jalan However, the details were investors were turned off was one of the promises and objectivity in its re- Lasam, 30450 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia. kept under wraps. “We’ll by the “hanky panky” of Nizar made upon assum- porting. SINGAPORE ON LINE By Andrew Symon IPOH – A CENTRE FOR HIGHER EDUCATION There are many good reasons for a local campus Ipoh as a university city? tion. There can be no bet- lation and religious diver- Should this be the vision ter way of rejuvenating the sity and tolerance. Ipoh it- for Ipoh in the decades centre than having a cam- self would provide a good ahead? For some years pus and student housing in part of student demand in now local people have its heart. its own right. wrestled with the critical Ipoh geographically If you are introduced question as to how Ipoh is very well placed. It is to Malaysians - doctors, might be revitalised. easy to reach from other lawyers, financiers, busi- Historically, Ipoh parts of Malaysia and ness leaders, teachers, flourished on riches further afield. And while academics and journal- generated by what at one having a quiet location ists - in the US, Australia, stage was the world’s where the quality of life is Singapore as well as else- largest tin industry. high and costs low, it is far where in Malaysia, there’s But long gone are the from isolated. When com- more than a good chance days when such natural pared, say, with successful that they are from Ipoh resources wealth could American university cit- but left for their university assure Ipoh’s future. ies, which are often in the studies and careers. Many So what might create middle of nowhere in the of these expatriate Ipohites a new era of prosperity? mid - west of the US, Ipoh would no doubt jump at the Some are pushing the tour- is just a a mater of hours chance of helping foster ism industry. Others say by road from the beaches their home town as an edu- that Ipoh and Perak should of Penang and the major cation and training centre. promote themselves as A good example of heightened educational activities locally are the developments taking business (and airport) cen- They would act as advi- homes for food processing place at the Ipoh International School. tres of Kuala Lumpur and sors, and influential lobby- and niche high technol- Singapore. ists, linking and promoting ogy manufacturing. These stitutions (the importance hub has not been ignored it. Singapore’s very high Ipoh’s ambitions with rel- thrusts certainly have merit of technical training for elsewhere. rental and other living costs TRUMP CARD evant organisations, com- and have been put forward trades, health and other Singapore leads the must be a disincentive to panies and government in various documents, industries is often over- region in terms of its am- students. If they can even Ipoh’s trump card in agencies, and providing such as one prepared a few looked) to set up campuses bitions and the extent to find accommodation at the a campaign to fashion the bequests and endowments. years ago for Perak by the in the city. which it has gone down moment, they would be do- city as an education and Some might even re- Institute of Southeast Asian The benefits would the track in realising them. ing well! training centre is the com- turn as teachers, lecturers Studies in Singapore. be enormous, not simply Singapore has attracted an This is where Ipoh munity’s long held and and researchers! for say, food, hospitality array of prominent foreign has clear advantages. Cost deep regard for education. THE BENEFITS and other retail business. universities, especially of land and accommoda- Ipoh has the right culture Andrew Symon is a Other industries could be from the US, which part- tion and other living costs for a university city. And Singapore-based writer But strangely, no one stimulated through new ner local institutions for would be low. The central there is a reservoir of good and researcher/consultant. seems to have embraced availability of trained the offering of various geographical focus for the will that could be tapped From Australia, he has the idea of Ipoh as an edu- graduates. Longer term, courses. education hub should be Ipoh has a strong edu- been working throughout cation centre for students there could be R&D spin- But while Singapore the old central city area. cational base and tradition. Southeast Asia since from all over Malaysia and offs for industries from a Inc always does these This area has enormous Ipoh boasts some of the 1992 for both business the wider Asian region. strong research orientated things well, the island character – the Padang, the best primary and second- and government as well Ipoh would partner with university. state’s high and ever in- old imperial buildings and ary schools in Malaysia as writing for a range a foreign university and Of course, the idea creasing cost structure the old China town. But it – which are a legacy of the of newspapers and also technical training in- of becoming an education must be working against is crying out for restora- city’s earlier wealth, popu- magazines. IPOH ECHO July 1 - 15, 2008 Your Community Newspaper
PUBLISHER EDITORIAL We are Ipoh’s most
Ipoh Echo Sdn Bhd HANDLING MATTERS OF PUBLIC CONCERN effective voice. (Regd No 687483 T) Ipoh Echo is an inde- For almost nine months we have been trying to elicit a for- No 1 Jalan Lasam issue of the alleged bag-snatching suspect when discussing pendent community 30450 Ipoh Perak Darul mal response from Ipoh’s Police department concerning the vital requirement for police transparency. Once more, newspaper published by Ridzuan reports that one of its officers has allegedly been caught our enquiries were rebuffed by the authorities with the Perakians for Perakians. Tel: (605) 249 5936 red handed in the act of bag snatching. Malaysia Crime suggestion that investigations were still underway. It is distributed free of Fax: (605) 255 2181 Watch, a prominent website, claimed on September 11 This sort of approach by the police is simply not good charge. Our costs are de- EMail: ipohecho.ndr@ last year that “Perak police chief, Datuk Zulkifli Abdulah, enough. frayed by advertisements gmail.com confirmed the suspect was a policeman.” Perhaps that department has missed receiving the placed by businesses and On November 21 , when we first formally inquired EDITORIAL message that times are changing. private individuals within about these reports, we were told by a senior officer: If the police refuse to provide legitimate information the state. They see the Fathol Zaman Bukhari “Better you don’t interfere. Investigations are still to the public, we feel we must. big advantage in dealing Nisha Devina Roy underway” We reported this exchange in our May 1-15 A young rookie policeman attached to the Manjoi with us – our fortnightly edition emhasising that the Ipoh Echo had never in the Police Station has indeed been charged with bag- publication gives their GRAPHIC DESIGN/ past, nor would it ever in the future, interfere in police snatching. ads more mileage at PHOTOGRAPHY investigations. The officer concerned is now currently under less cost. So, next time Rosli Mansor Hj. Ahmad But we went on to make the point that, as a suspension. His case is due to be heard at an Ipoh Court you want to buy or sell Razali community voice, this paper had a duty to pose to the hearing in the near future. a house, a car, a dog or a various authorities questions of legitimate public concern. Regrettably, this information did not come to us cat, please call our MARKETING & We argued that allegations of a Perak policeman being through the Ipoh Police press office. Classifieds at: DISTRIBUTION questioned as a suspected snatch-thief was indeed a The process now calls for a fair and open trial to (05) 549 5936 MANAGER matter of substantial public concern. Still no statement establish the guilt or innocence of the suspect. was forthcoming from the police. or 016 553 1092 Ramesh Kumar Meanwhile, the police department has only itself to Again, in our June 1-15 edition, we raised the same blame for the damage it has incurred over this issue. Ramesh Kumar PERMISSION AND RE- PRINTS THINKING ALOUD By Siva Pragasam Materials in Ipoh Echo may not be reproduced in any form without the CREATING A PERAK TOURISM CENTRE written permission of the publisher THAT ACTUALLY GETS RESULTS The bureaucrats fuzzed and fumbled with the idea before and – predictably – did nothing PRINTER
Konway Industries Sdn The new Perak State ket. 9.1 billion in receipts and Penang makes a point of The personnel who will Bhd Government has identi- The concept requires provided employment visiting the Batu Ferringhi manage the centre would Plot 78, Lebuhraya Kam- fied Tourism as an activ- substituting our current for 132,000 people. And strip. be articulate, well trained pong Jawa ity it intends to promote strategy of promoting all this potential lies just What has been pro- and knowledgeable in all 11900 Bayan Baru, Pulau for the state’s economic Perak ad hoc through par- across Perak’s border. posed – and ignored - is that we have to offer. They Pinang growth. This is not sur- ticipation in one or two-day The suggestion is to the development of a com- would act as Perak’s ambas- Tel: (604) 644 7507 prising considering the exhibitions targeting an market Perak in Penang plex of buildings set in a sadors. In addition to pro- wealth of tourist attrac- undefined, elusive market. by creating awareness of landscape of tropical flora moting our state they would Useful contacts tions that exist here and This approach has consist- all the tourist products and representing Perak’s 130 also assist the visitor with the lack of effort applied ently generated negligible experiences that our state million year old rainfor- travel and accommodation Perak Main Police Staion to promoting them in the results for us in the past has to offer. In furtherance est. The complex itself arrangements. A return 05-245 1222 past. bus service could operate 999 (emergency) Hopefully, concrete from this location which, of Ipoh Main Police Station steps will now be taken to course, would be geared to 05-253 2222 turn good intentions into tourist traffic requirements. reality. The objective is to en- Ipoh General Hospital During the tenure of tice the visitor who is al- 05-253 3333 the last government, the ready in Penang to take a Ipoh Ambulance Perak Tourism Association day or two to visit the sev- 05-522 2506 made a proposal to estab- eral attractions in Perak. 993 (emergency) lish and operate a Perak Taiping is an hour’s drive Ipoh Fire Brigade Tourism Information with K. Kangsar a little 05-547 4444 Centre in Penang. Sadly, further and Ipoh less than a 994 (emergency) there was no response to two-hour journey. Tenaga Nasional Berhad the idea. The centre could also 15454 organise regular events fo- CREATING A cusing on a variety of state Lembaga Air Perak 1800-88-7788 RALLYING POINT themes – the aim being to publicise Perak and keep it Directory Service It is hoped that the constantly on visitors’ radar 103 new administration will screens. Rakan Cop seriously re-examine this 05-240 1999 highly imaginative sug- SELF-SUSTAINING gestion that, like so many The Rumah Perak in Penang. An excellent rallying point to showcase Perak attractions Perak Women for that should entice visitors to include the state in their itineraries. Women Society other good tourism ideas Measures could be tak- 012-521 2480 over the years, has fallen en to ensure that the centre 012-505 0547 by the wayside. and will continue to do so of the suggestion, the PTA will house and showcase is financially self-sustain- The fact is that the for as long as we persist proposed the establish- all the tourist attractions ing. Sources of revenue creation of a Penang rally- with it. In its place would ment of a Perak Tourism in Perak with photographs, could be obtained from the ing point for Perak visitors be a permanent exhibition Information Centre on videos and accessories that manufacturers and produc- www.ipohecho.com.myAdvertise in could readily be achieved promoting Perak’s tourist the vacant piece of land deliver an emotive feel of ers of products exhibited IPOH with existing resources, lit- attractions in a location that is located in front of our state. Exhibits will in- there, players in the tourism echoYour Community Newspaper echo tle effort and a most mod- where there already exists Perak House along Batu clude indigenous arts and industry (hotels, transport est outlay. Properly deliv- a sizable captive market of Ferringhi in Penang. crafts (labu sayong, pot- operators, tour agents, res- Classifieds ered and managed, such an international travellers. tery, ceramics, aboriginal taurants), and those operat- Appointments establishment could result In 2005, Penang had 3 PLUS POINTS carvings etc) and products ing food outlets at Perak’s in significant tourist traffic million tourists with a per that have provided Perak Batu Ferringhi tourist HQ. for the state. capita expenditure of RM The location enjoys wide recognition (white All that is needed for Call: The rationale for the 1,890 and its forecast for the island’s highest tourist coffee, pomeloes, peanuts, realisation of this project is Ramesh Kumar proposal is anchored on 2008-2012 is 17.4 million traffic both day and night. noodles, etc) for the State Government to two factors – firstly, the tourists with a per capita Several beach-side hotels Included in the com- allocate the vacant piece of Marketing Manager lack of direct access to expenditure of RM 2,000. cater to the visitors and the plex could be an outlet that land in front of Perak House Tel : (605) 2495936 Perak for world travellers; Penang is also the whole area is abuzz with serves Perak beverages for this purpose and either secondly, Penang’s posi- tourism hub of the Northern restaurants and tourist-ori- (coffee, tea, pink guava provide the finances to - es Fax : (605) 2552181 tion as a long established Corridor Economic Region ented shops. Whether they etc) which will also pro- tablish the Centre or con- Mobile : 016 5531092 major destination for the (NCER) where, in 2005, stay in the vicinity or not, vide literature on our peo- international tourist mar- tourism generated RM every tourist who goes to ple, culture and heritage. continued on page 11 Your Community Newspaper IPOH ECHO July 1 - 15, 2008 THUMBS UP PEP SHOULD PERK UP YOUR LIFE Felicia Alexis learns about a programme where young people are taught how to prepare themselves for the competitive world
“Seven times out of plains that as ages of 16 – 30 ble director, actor and pro- ten, people do not get Indians “we are years. Skilled train- ducer, Kamal Hassan. the job based on their too anchored ers from Kuala first interview.” This is by culture, as Lumpur and guest DIFFERENT ROLES the assessment made culture inter- speakers from Ipoh by Ms Pushparani feres in every were the facilitators. The screening of Thilaganathan, one of the aspect of our The speakers were Dasavatharam was sym- chief facilitators of the lives. However, Ms. Pushparani bolic of/to MMIGLOBAL Personal Enhancement we have to T h i l a g a n a t h a n , and their principal beliefs. Programme (PEP), a adhere to dif- Ms. Adeline Chan, The movie required direc- training scheme aimed at ferent roles in Ms. Mohanapriya tor, actor and producer empowering young peo- society – at Sina Raja and Dr. Kamal Hassan to play ten ple. “Self esteem coupled home, we are Jeyabalan. different roles on screen. with ‘preparedness’ does mothers, wives Mr Francis Thilaganathan pointed the trick.” And here, she and daughters, Vijayaselan, director out, again, and rightly, that reckons, is where PEP outside the of vocational serv- many of us do the same in comes in. home, we are ices of the Rotary our everyday lives. Ms Thilaganathan career-driven Club, Greentown, He explained that is also the Principal women.” told Ipoh Echo that there are many roles we are Organiser for Miss Then she the response for the called upon to play and we MalaysiaIndian Global goes back to her Ms Mohanaapriya (extreme right), Miss MalaysiaIndian Global and first workshop was are expected to be good, if (MMIGLOBAL). pet theme: How Ms. Joanna (extreme left), the First Runner up of the Miss MalaysiaIndian encouraging. About not excel, in each. to make a good Global 2007, pose with special guests Dato Haji Thasleem and his wife. 60 participants at- Other grassroots EMBEDDED IN impression that eas such as grooming, en- ganisers, the success of tended, 40 of whom projects which are car- CULTURE will get you that job or that hancing confidence and previous PEP workshops were students. According ried out regularly by prize. self esteem. Participants allowed for the programme to Vijayaselan, the PEP MMIGlobal include: the The pageant is seen to On the principal belief are given guidelines in to be taken to various states. plan is another important ‘Gift Her with Life’ pro- be socially empowering. that first impressions count composing an effective, The first PEP gathering in stepping stone for young gramme which provides It targets young Malaysian in every aspect of our daily impressive and compre- Ipoh was held last June 15 people who need to learn cancer screening and women of Indian or part lives, those involved with hensive resumé. The hon- at the local YMCA. In this to how to present them- mammograms for needy Indian descent. Unlike oth- MMIGLOBAL founded ing of interview skills is instance, MMIGLOBAL selves in society. The PEP women; the Get Real! er conventional contests, the Personal Enhancement also part of the training joined forces with the prepares the young for HIV/AIDS campaign the Miss MalaysiaIndian Programme (PEP). It start- scheme. Moreover, tips on Greentown chapter of what the job world has in which encourages youths Global pageant’s pri- ed out in Kuala Lumpur in poise and posture, as well Rotary Club and the Perak store for them, he added. to accept responsibility mary thrust is the per- the year 2000 and so far as issues relating to repro- Society for the Promotion On June 14, 2008, and adopt safe sexual prac- sonal and professional has benefited more than ductive health have been of Mental Health. MMIGlobal organised tices; the Cross-Culture enhancement of Indian 7000 participants. incorporated into the pro- The Ipoh programme a charity screening of Education programme and women in Malaysia. é The programme gramme. was opened to both males Dasavatharam, the award- Festive Cheer programmes Ms.Thilaganathan ex- encompasses vital ar- According to the or- and females, between the winning movie by reputa- for kids in shelters. OFF TO A FLYING START The aircraft maintenance industry is gaining another 63 certificated graduates, eight of them women
Future graduates in the audience cheer their friends’ achievements The Advance Aeronautics Training Academy has thus far seen 300 gradu- ates pass through its doors. Another gradua- tion ceremony took place on June 19, 2008 at the training academy situ- ated at the Sultan Azlan Shah Airport. The airplanes were Six of the eight. Left to right: AATA grdauates Salbiah bte Abdul Wahid, Noor Hidayah bte Rohizat, moved from the hangar to Noor Baity bte Ishak, Nor Farizan Ruzaini bte Mamat, Faezah Nor bte Zulkuply and Khairun Nasihah bte Huda make way for what was to be an unforgettable mo- Chief (Nig.) edly, “There is more to ton and turbine engines, forward proudly to receive “I love engines, planes and ment in the lives of Class Dr. Tharuma Dorai achieve, the world is your eight were female. their passing certificates. anything to do with the 2008. Ratnasingam (above) oyster.” In a world where en- When asked what it aviation industry. The buzzing of ex- wished all the graduates In a class of 63 stu- gines and power tools are was that made them wish “I plan to take the skills cited graduates and proud well and congratulated dents who completed usually associated with to pursue careers in air- I have picked up much fur- parents filled the air. It was them in his speech. the aircraft maintenance men, it was remarkable to craft maintenance, one of ther – I am so glad I can do indeed a special day. He said rather point- course specialising in pis- watch young women come them spoke up and said, something I love.” IPOH ECHO July 1 - 15, 2008 Your Community Newspaper
House For Sale FROM MY ALBUM By Quicksilver SORTING OUT WORLD’S EARLY MAIL CONFUSION Straits Settlements join international postal union Spacious single- storey bungalow In my last column, I men- was necessary within tioned a chap who had to mark the oc- a huge influence in the casion by issu- 15-20 minutes world of stamps and in ing stamps. drive from Ipoh the postal system we now T h u s City Centre. take for granted. stamps of five Lot size His name: Sir Rowland cents value Hill. became avail- 4600sq.ft In 1840, Sir Rowland able on May (25ft X 60ft) introduced the process 20, 1879 and Price RM whereby postage on letters those of seven 165,000(neg) had to be prepaid. This led cents were is- to him being credited as the any form of reliability. rally enough, has done sued a day later. Both these Interested please inventor of the world’s first Delays were horrendous! so on several occasions. stamps were introduced for call:- postage stamp. Order and simplification Chile has also recognised use by releasing stocks of Theva at Hats off to Sir was needed to overcome Henrich’s historical im- the 1st permanent issue’s 8 017-579 0575 Rowland! the appalling postal mess. portance. cent and 32 cent designs. In Not surprisingly, near- Formation of the each case a surcharging ar- ly every government in the ENTER HEINRICH General Postal Union was rangement was applied. OXYGEN PLUS world thereafter jumped on VON STEPHAN a great idea but it soon re- This entailed an over- OXYGENATED the bandwagon of issuing quired refining. Members print affecting the value of WATER SYSTEM postage stamps for their For many years in found that demands being each stamp – five cents on the mid-1800s a German, made on their initial org- the 8 cent value and seven Heinrich von Stephan, nisation quickly surpassed cents on the 32 cent value. had been working to unify its ability to cope. By 1878 These particular stamps postal arrangements in his the General Postal Union – from my album –are fea- 300% More home country. was replaced by what tured below. By 1874, as head of became known as THE Oxygenated the German postal service, UNIVERSAL POSTAL water that he became instrumental in UNION. no one has organising that year’s inter- This unified country- experienced national postal conference by-country postal serv- in Berne, Switzerland. ices and regulations into During this gathering a single postal entity for he pushed for the the reciprocal exchange of 2 internationalisation of his letters. ideas for standardizing It tore down bureau- Ultra Super Trading Sdn Bhd (136757-M) Heinrich Von Stephan the approach to handling cratic barriers and enabled 47 & 49 Jalan Medan Ipoh 2 mail. The result: the the free flow and growth Bandar Baru Medan Ipoh respective countries. By establishment of the of international mail we 31400 Ipoh,Perak the latter part of the 19th Universal Postal Union. enjoy today. Tel 605 5466 568 century the web of separate Henrich was undoubt- The Universal Postal http://www.sc88.com.my postal agreements between edly a man of vision and Union still functions and countries had become so history has rightly recog- celebrates it birthday complex that it began seri- nised his extraordinary every October 9 – World ously interfering with the contribution to the world’s Post Day. The Straits Isn’t this a grand way development of regular postal scene. Settlements became a of taking a peek back in cross frontier commerce Numerous countries member of the Universal time and discovering the and trade. have issued commemo- Postal Union on April 1, wealth of history in our de- Such was the confusion rative stamps honour- 1877. As with any new in- velopment towards nation- that mail deliveries lacked ing him. Germany, natu- ternational membership, it hood? MEMORIES OF THE JINRIKISHA . . . OR THE LANCA Dato Seri Haji Yang Rashdi on the happy years with Nek, Nyang Abas and Tok
When I was a little boy, I pose, both logical and well- Its chief attraction had the privilege of hav- founded. Kuala Kangsar, (or consolation for Art ing two sets of grand- after all, was what my me as a child) was parents. Thus, I enjoyed elders then referred to as tht it was home Antiques & two other homes to visit “a coming-up town.” It Collectibles of Tohmahraja and in both I was doted had some big buildings Indera’s clan. Picture Frames on and made to feel that like the Malay College, Tohmahraja Indera No. 11, Lorong Cecil nothing could go wrong the Clifford School and, was my paternal Rae, Canning Garden, in the world. of course, there was the grandfather. 31400 Ipoh, Perak. My maternal grand- Istana Iskandariah at Bukit I loved both parents lived in Talang, Chandan. There was also my grandparents tel: 05-546 3326 a small village approxi- the Mesjid Ubudiah. but like all chil- h/p: 016-550 7155 mately three miles north of dren, I wanted a Kuala Kangsar. My father’s THE EMPIRE lively break and Distribution of family resided in Padang THEATRE it was very inter- Rengas. Throughout my flyers in ipoh areas Car For Sale esting in Talang. childhood, I perceived jeal- There was the Empire I always looked -3 sen (A4/A5) Mini Car ousy between the parties Theatre, the only timber The favoured vehicle of Dato forward to going Distribution of Enthusiasts and this became apparent structure with zinc roof- Seri’s childhood to town with Nek flyers outside Ipoh 33 year during the festive seasons ing I well remember to this (Nenek, my great and the long school holi- day. It was very popular a bargain it was at the time old Austin Mini – 30 cents for the back grandmother) to shop for areas-6 sen (A4/A5) days. Somehow, one or the among us kids because it the Hari Raya festivities. We also provide 1000cc other would perceive that I fed us an entertainment seats, 20 cents for the mid- dle rows and ten cents for There were very few printing of flyers at Price was overstaying in either feast – Tarzan, Captain taxis plying the roads in house and I got chided. Blood, Laurel & Hardy. the front seats. affordable prices. RM 5000.(neg) In contrast, Padang those days but we were The suspicion that I We went there and had a happy to be ferried by the Call -Sam at : Call:- preferred to spend more good afternoon laughing at Rengas was a very rural and very quiet kampong. 012-586 6112 019-741 3320 days at Talang was, I sup- slap-stick comedies. What continued on page 9 Your Community Newspaper IPOH ECHO July 1 - 15, 2008
Ipoh Facts and Fancies By Ho Tak Ming A GRAND RESIDENCE IN A GRAND ERA The combined driving spirit of two friends Eu Tong Sen Chung Thye Phin To say that Eu Tong Sen Gopeng. When he attained weekend retreat at Gopeng He was invited to FMS to have the honour wealth. The house is built and Chung Thye Phin his majority in 1898 he in- Road with a large stable. the homes of the rich of being addressed as ‘the immediately behind Mr. stood out from the gener- herited a substantial part of “Forest Lodge” be- and famous, attended the Honourable’. He decided Chung Thye Phin’s present al run of Ipoh’s early tin his late father’s vast estate. came famous for both the Coronation of King George to have his country house residence, which is to be miners would be a gross Chung Thye Phin, on sumptuous entertainment V and met old friends, in- at Forest Lodge in the style pulled down and the car- understatement. the other hand, was the given there to important cluding Sir John Anderson, of the great country houses riage drive will go over They were as conspic- fourth son of the famous visitors to Ipoh, and for its Sir Ernest Birch, Sir Frank of England that he had vis- the site. uous among their fellows Capitan China Chung impressive stable of thor- Swettenham and Col. ited. Chung Thye Phin sold Built at a cost of as two white ducks among Keng Kwee of Taiping, oughbred champions. Walker, at the fashionable his half-share to him, and $60,000, “Forest Lodge” a flock of mottled mallards. and was the ablest of his In 1911, Eu Tong FMS Dinner in London. bought Drummond’s Hill was the finest private Both were born with father’s nine sons. in Taiping, a 50-acre estate residence in Ipoh, a ma- silver spoons in their Thus he was the one and the former Residency jestic mansion set amidst mouths. This was in stark anointed to manage the of Sir Hugh Low, as his acres of wooded grounds. contrast to the vast majority Capitan’s business empire. own country house. It was used as the place of miners who came from In 1900, at the age of twen- to entertain visiting dig- China with only the shirts ty-two, he was appointed The Times of Malaya nitaries to Ipoh, often by on their backs and dug their to his father’s seat on the reported in 1913: the Government, cour- way to riches. Perak State Council, which Quite the biggest tesy of the kindness of the Eu and Chung the Capitan had vacated on building being put up in Honourable Mr. Eu. were English-educated account of old age. Ipoh today, next (in splen- During the Japanese Anglophiles with English dour) to the railway sta- Occupation it was used tastes, as opposed to the COMMON INTERESTS Eu Tong Sen fashioned his country house after the tion, is Mr. Eu Tong Sen’s as the residence of the China-oriented outlook of magnificent examples he saw in England. new mansion in Gopeng Japanese Governor of the rest. Each rose to social Eu Tong Sen and Sen went on an extensive He came home loud in his Road. Perak, Mr. Kubota. In prominence in a colonial Chung Thye Phin had com- tour of England. As the praise of the English. This will be a magnifi- 1949 it was sold and was society that valued social mon interests – motorcars, Chinese Member of the cent mansion fit to compare used as the centre for the niceties. racehorses, country hous- Federal Council (acting EU BUYS OUT CHUNG in style and luxury with Perak Islamic Mission es, etc. They were “sworn for the permanent member, some of the finest country Association. With a prom- INHERITED WEALTH brothers” and in 1903 Leong Fee, when he was In April 1912, on houses in England. It will inent crescent moon and when the Ipoh Gymkhana on leave), and one of the Leong Fee’s death, Eu Tong contain a smoking room, star, symbolising Islam, Eu Tong Sen was the Club was founded, decided best known of Malaya’s Sen was appointed the per- library, gymnasium and on the main gable wall, it only son of Eu Kong, the to enter their thorough- millionaires, he was treated manent Chinese Member other appurtenances of was known as the Bulan principal miner and holder breds regularly in the Ipoh with great courtesy and of the Federal Council, and the up-to-date dwelling Bintang Building. It is of the opium monopoly in races. They jointly built a kindness everywhere. thus the only Chinese in the place of a modern man of now a medical centre.
Kinta Notes ble to get through without will to comment on sen- * * * * * in the notice signed by something smashing. tences passed by magis- the Traffic Manager and Mr W. Fenton, the well- trates, and which we may Says the ‘Straits published in the ‘Perak known jockey and trainer, Local & General say we very rarely do. Echo’:– A Chinese bride Pioneer’ from 11th to has started a new idea so We cannot but think, was to-day seen to visit 29th. Those who went at 2 far as a journey to Sungei The following case is however, that those passed her husband’s parents in pm found that most of the Rais (a town situated about reported from Singapore: in the above case are harsh a motor-car instead of the things had been sold at 9 half way to Gopeng) goes. A small Chinese lad and unnecessarily severe. usual carriage and pair. am. The prices obtained Perak Pioneer He is running a dis- and a coolie appeared In our opinion the prin- were therefore poor. tinctly well equipped before the Third cipal party to blame was * * * * * A quantity of rubber bus, drawn by Australian Magistrate, Mr E. E. the puller himself. Why weighing about 20 caties Perak Pioneer horses, to and fro daily at Colman, on Saturday, on did not he keep his mon- A Mismanaged Sale fetched only about $6. a price of 6 cents per mile a charge of theft of sixty ey inside the rickshaw, in To The Editor Had the auction been held Established in per person. cents from under the rug the receptacle, instead of ‘Perak Pioneer’ at the due time it is quite 1894 The conveyance is of a ricksha. There was under the mat? Had there probable that the total sale ‘The oldest and to run in connection with another boy implicated, been no temptation there Sir,- I beg to state that the proceeds would have ex- the local train service, and but he escaped. would have been no theft. Auction Sale of found ceeded the amount real- most widely as soon as it gets regular- The man was and unclaimed property ised. circulated ly known to passengers, sentenced to three months * * * * * advertised by the Traffic I therefore write you newspaper in the should most certainly pay rigorous imprisonment. Manager of the F.M.S. these few lines in the hope handsomely. The lad was sent to the Towkay Loke Yew has Railways, to take place at of realising justice and fair F.M.S’ He is thinking of start- Reformatory for five just concluded a motor trip the Goods Station, Taiping, play. ing another to Tambun years, and in addition, of inspection of his prop- at 2 pm on Satuirday, was THE WAY IT WAS . . . next week, but the road is was given five cuts with a erties at Bentong, Tanjong held by the auctioneer at 9 Yours etc. light rattan. Malim and Serendah. Observer 100 YEARS AGO so bad in some places, it am. would be next to impossi- It is much against our Every one believed Taiping, IPOH ECHO July 1 - 15, 2008 Your Community Newspaper
Musings by See Foon Chan-Koppen A Taste of Childhood Why we may never get away from food Kafe Paprika’s cravings others might consider far out Moroccan Prawns Method With Spices would be if we could all be back to a simpler time, a 1. Remove the shells, legs, satisfied with a peanut but- time when we were not so The prawns can also be heads and entrails from ter/jelly sandwich. I grew spoilt in our eating habits butterflied (use scissors most of the prawns, leave up with a highly developed and not so susceptible to to cut them lengthways a few whole as they look palate. The kitchen was the hypnosis of the mass almost in half, leaving the attractive. Cut along the my nursery and with my media. And we need to pay tails intact), then marinated backs with the point of a grandmother doing all the heed to the fact that we are in the spice mixture before sharp knife and remove See Foon cooking, I learned about raping the planet. grilling for 3-4 minutes; black thread. food by osmosis. From Our insatiable appe- brush with any remaining 2. Heat the olive oil in a the time I was a toddler, tites are also accountable marinade during cooking. frying pan, add the garlic Recently, I watched an I knew the difference be- (and I include myself) for Serves: 4 and cook until it becomes interview on television tween stewed vegetables many culinary sins such aromatic. Stir in the where some celebrity or simply fried greens, the as the near extinction of Ingredients cumin, ginger, paprika and chefs were asked to name juiciness of chicken drum- sturgeons because of our 500 g (1 lb) raw tiger cayenne pepper, heat for some of their favourite stick versus dry breast. penchant for caviar, the prawns in their shells about 30 seconds, then add foods. Expecting to hear There were simpler inhuman force feeding of 4 tbsps olive oil the prawns. Fry quickly, them mention gastro- pleasures too. Freshly geese to fatten their livers, 2 garlic cloves, crushed stirring, until they turn nomic delights like foie cooked rice, mixed with a the physical restraining ( as 1 tsp ground cumin pink. Stir in the coriander gras with black truffles raw egg, soya sauce and in being kept in a narrow ½ tsp ground ginger and season with salt, heat or Beluga caviar (sadly a spoonful of oil which at cage in the dark) of calves 1 tsp paprika for about 30 seconds, then now no longer available), the time before the choles- which are slaughtered very ¼ tsp cayenne pepper serve the prawns with the I was most surprised to terol scare was home ren- early for their tender light Leaves from a bunch of cooking juices spooned hear one chef say, “pea- dered lard. colored meat. The list goes coriander, finely chopped over couscous, steamed nut butter”. Salt potatoes and accompanied She had to be Lemon wedges, to serve by lemon wedges. American, of course. Only the Americans eat peanut butter sandwiches when- they feel peckish. I still re- Fathers’ Day at the Ipoh Club member being offered this Fifty couples celebrated in a quieter fashion, doubtful treat (embellished in contrast to Mothers’ Day with jelly) when I was a teenage student living with a host family in the United States. I had it then and on many other occasions to satisfy my hunger, all the while yearning for some meat and other savoury temptations. Wannabe chefs have made even the once simple and “MOTHER’S pleasurable nasi lemak into a complex and definitely COOKING” more expensive item on the menu.
Which led to me Taste was paramount. on. thinking about childhood The seed of dependency I remember when nasi tastes and how our pal- on what the Japanese call lemak was a simple banana ates are programmed at an “Umami” (the taste sensa- leaf packet of rice with a early age. Watching Jamie tion on the tongue which is dollop of sambal, half a Oliver in Italy confirmed synthetically duplicated to- boiled egg and few ikan my suspicions. Here he day using MSG instead of bilis. Today, while it is still Coaxed by the emcee, Juliet, a few couples took to the dance floor and was, this celebrity chef natural ingredients - which possible to buy the occa- competed in the balloon dance contest. who, in my books, is one of cheaper food establish- sional small packet, most About fifty fathers and an Egyption belly dancer draws and games such as a the most innovative chefs ments use ) was sown in stalls overwhelm you with their spouses celebrated who is currently perform- beer drinking competition. on TV, cooking Italian my taste buds at the tender a choice of beef or chicken Fathers’ Day at Royal ing in KL. She asked for There was also the bal- dishes in different small age of one. rendang, squid, prawns Ipoh Club. The Band “audience participation”. loon dance contest where villages in Italy. He was and other delectables. All played oldies, praising A couple of senior fathers few couples participated. bringing regional cuisine BACK TO A SIMPLER embellishments which fathers. accepted her invitation and Dr. Christopher was from one area of the coun- TIME we don’t need, neither for The highlight of the danced with her. voted Father of the Year. try to another. Widening health nor our purses. night was a belly dance The evening’s cel- the local horizons so to Over the years, alas, I used to think that performance by Nancy, ebration included lucky A. Jeyaraj speak. But he never got the the simple gastronomic there was no way I could approval of the crowd un- pleasures have eluded me, ever become a vegetarian. til he cooked according to having been seduced by I’m beginning to feel dif- the local Mama’s recipe. the lure of the exotic, the ferently. Then he was lauded as a glamorous, the faddish and Having discovered great chef! the new. And they were that it takes the same In everyone’s mind, made even more alluring amount of water to raise mother’s cooking is al- by the “Umami” appeal, one kg of beef for our ta- ways best. “Mother” could especially when accom- ble as the equivalent of The founder that One Special Album. than any of the old players be grandmother, aunty, panied by the label : “No one year’s daily shower- of SuperStar Butik Mr Teo is a relentless and in the industry. maid or whoever did the MSG added”. ing, I’m preparing myself Pengantin Melayu, Mr. effective teacher. The team If you are interesed in cooking. The critical years I became a serious to slowly wean myself off Teo, studied in Taiwan says he is more exacting photography, make an ap- for conditioning of our “Foodie” on a culinary meat. Fish will be a lot and then ventured into than the clients! pointment with the bridal taste buds begin the mo- odyssey to seek out the harder to give up but with the photography business Mr Teo’s selfless ap- house and explore the ment we’re weaned from best in dining experiences. the rate of pollution of our locally and overseas. proach to teaching and possibilities of starting a the bottle and have our first All these pleasures of oceans, that too may come This was 20 years ago. business has resulted in an new career. taste of solids. If peanut the palate are seductive off my shopping list. Now, his expertise ever expanding creative SuperStar welcomes butter and jelly sandwich- when food is abundant I’m ready to atone is shared by SuperStar enterprise. The Chinese/ enthusiastic additions to es were what you were fed and the economy is thriv- for my culinary excesses photographic team. They Western type wedding its staff. Its Malay wed- as a child, you’re going to ing. But given the state of and along the way, I have have learned from him house today incorpo- ding division will be mov- be craving peanut butter as the world financial situa- discovered a few excel- the best ways of captur- rates Malay weddings. ing to a bigger showroom an adult. Even if you’re a tion, oil prices and the cur- lent vegetarian restaurants ing great moments for SuperStar is doing better in the Greentown area. celebrity chef. rent food crisis, perhaps, it in Ipoh. Join me in a new How simple life is time for all of us to go gourmet journey anyone? Your Community Newspaper IPOH ECHO July 1 - 15, 2008
Remembrance . . . continued from page 3 NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN In memory of the 2,478 civilian victims of the Malayan Emergency, 1948 - 1960
Smokehouse on smokehouse burning bright On plantations in the night Slashed trees as far as the eye can see Strategy in an Emergency
Children calling, cries and wails Trapped in train blown off the rails Families search amid debris To rescue in an Emergency
Buses, cars and trucks ablaze Glowing in the smoking haze Travellers need to pay the fee On roads in an Emergency
Wires are cut towards Lenggong Ask the linesmen to go along Night or day whatever may be Britain’s military attache’ to Malaysia, Colonel P.A. Edwards, MBE, lays a wreath They’d go in an Emergency at a Gurkha grave in Kem Syed Putra, Tambun. the various Gurkha bat- cance. The presence of the importance attached to Victims taken in the night talions which were once High Commissioners line- these recent commemo- Others too must view the sight billeted in the camp also up this year lent credence rative events. Perak’s Terror was to be the key known as Sulva Lines. to the occasion. tourism authorities must To rule in an Emergency The memorial service at Remembrance Day take note as well. this site began in 2004. services in Taiping, Batu Assistance, in all We would gather here each year Initially it was an exten- Gajah and Tambun will available forms, should Remember them within our prayers sion of the Batu Gajah grow in strength and stat- be given those who have They stood naked unlike we service. However, since ure. Therefore, it is im- taken the initiative to or- Well armed in an Emergency 2006 it has assumed its perative that the state gov- ganise such a memorable own identity and signifi- ernment takes heed of the series of gatherings. TOM TURNBULL
Memories . . . continued from page 6 The jinrikisha is part of our heritage. Somebody should do AMBUSH ON IJOK ROAD IN SELAMA a more in-depth study touching on the lives of the men who earned their living pulling it . . . Tom Turnbull recalls a 57-year-old amazing bluff lanca, a mode of trans- On the “drive” to China where they came that saved five brave men portation that was said to town and back, Nek invari- from, their dialects. They have originated in China ably admonished me not are part of our heritage. Police Lieutenant G. near Stoughton Estate. bush position. The firefight or Japan. The Colonials to be restless and give our As a teenager, I had Mundy and his driver, was still intense. Ernie and called it jinriksha. In lanca man a harder time gone to thriving Ipoh, Special Constable (SC) Ernie Kilford was his men scrambled up the Kanji, Jin signifies man; pulling our “vehicle”. We this time with Tok, my Mat bin Man, were nurtured and seasoned slope. He carried no cut- riki means strength while returned home laden with Padang Rengas grand- killed instantly when lass but what followed was sha is a cart, thus, “man bags of rice and flour and father. He was buying a Communist terrorists a masterly example of how labour cart”. all the other things that new Morris Eight for the opened fire on them in an to lead a landing party. He were needed for a proper princely sum of EIGHT ambush near Stoughton moved rapidly towards the UNIQUE Hari Raya celebration. We HUNDRED DOLLARS! Estate on May 23, 1951. enemy roaring orders to INNOVATION had sugar, milk and cof- But, of course, this was Sergeant Wahab bin phantom forces encircling fee. For everything, Nek 60 years ago! We went to Osman and four SCs the enemy. There were no The lanca was a very would spend between 10 Ipoh Motors which, I un- comprising the escort less than 15 guerrillas in good example at man’s and 12 dollars! In time, I derstand, still exists. were wounded. Under the fight and they swiftly talent at unique innova- was to learn that my great I recall that day. The heavy enemy fire, the dispersed into the swamps. tion. It had a seat for two grandfather, Nyang Abas (a roads were busy – there wounded Wahab brought Wahab and his besieged on a shaft attached to two retired penghulu) received were different makes of his Bren gun into action, men were pleased when re- huge slim steel wheels. a pension. It was THIRTY car to observe, some of covering his men while lief came. Each wheel could easily TWO DOLLARS per men them plying as taxicabs. they sought cover, before have been four or five feet sem! There were few lancas. joining them. UNLUCKY DIPLOMAT high. The lanca had a col- Over the years, I was The cars now intrigued On the other side were lapsible canvas cover and in and out of Talang and me more. I was proud of members from the 9th Sir Henry Gurney Ernie Kilfod was post- the cart had a foot rest witnessed the gradual de- the fact that I could tell Independent Platoon based ed shortly after the incident and a small area for one’s mise of the lanca. We had the difference from one at the Kedah border. They in the Navy during the while Sgt Wahab and his shopping items. relatives in Kota Lama model to another. There were experienced, well Second World War. He men men were admitted I truly enjoyed Nek’s Kiri, 3 miles south of were the Austin Seven and armed and also cocky. With served as a boatswain, a into the Taiping Hospital preparations for Hari Kuala Kangsar and on the Austin Eight from the UK; reasons, of course, for ear- job that required him to to recuperate and later re- Raya. I always asked to way there was a dilapidated there was the American lier they had ambushed and land on shores or to board turned to their posts at the be brought along when shack where rickshaw pull- Overland Whippet and killed Sergeants Webb and ships. Selama Police Station. she did her marketing. ers gathered. To this day I the Fiat Orlando import- Wernham in the Bintang On these occasions he Wahab was posted For these special shop- retain the vivid picture of ed from Italy. Cars from Hills behind Kg Masjid. would lead the party bran- out as an Inspector and the ping expeditions, Nek lancas being repaired or Japan and Korea would They once again made dishing a cutlass, a weap- aide-de-camp to the Police required two lancas. She gathering dust while the dominate only 50 years good use of the ground. on few of us in the Police Commissioner. used two pullers – one men smoked their weird- later. The ambush was sited Mess realised had survived I left for the United tall (Panjang) and the looking pipes. In later years, I would along a stretch of road sail. Ernie drew guffaws Kingdom for a break on other short (Pendek). Nek overhear conversations with a high bank on one from his listeners. Ernie October 7, 1951. Two other was always courteous PART OF OUR about new millionaires in side and a marsh on the was quite a raconteur. police officers, also return- to them but to their cha- HERITAGE the motor business being other. The position offered ing to the UK, boarded the grin she addressed them probably descended from a good view of the killing AMAZING BLUFF train at the Ipoh Railway as towkay – she did not I feel very nostalgic lines of hardworking im- ground. Station that evening know any better. The re- when I think of the lanca. migrant rickshaw pullers. Back at the Selama At Selama, Ernie when the appalling news turn trip for each lanca did It would be good, I think, And my thoughts would Police station, Police quickly mustered three reached us that Sir Henry not cost Nek more than a if somebody could study once again stray back to Lieutenant Ernie Kilford men, the only available at Gurney, the British High dollar. Each way took 45 the subject matter further the days of Nek’s shop- was informed by a Malay the station and drove down Commissioner, was killed minutes or more, depend- – the rickshaw pullers and ping trips and her favour- villager from Ijok that Redang Panjang Road un- in an ambush on the road ing on the weight of one’s their difficult lives as- im ite towkays – Panjang and terrorists had been sighted til he came close to the am- to Fraser’s Hill. purchases. migrants, the provinces in Pendek. 10 IPOH ECHO July 1 - 15, 2008 Your Community Newspaper
YOUNG PERAK AN INSIGHT INTO THE WORLD OF JOURNALISM Students from participating schools are invited to write about Peter Khiew reports on the first Ipoh Echo and Media Masters Publishing or photograph Sdn Bhd - sponsored Young Perak Writers’ Workshop things/events outside their Photographs by Rosli Mansor respective institutions of learning. Eleven students from consistency were raised E-mail articles to: three secondary schools by the attendees and dis- [email protected] had an exceptionally cussed. Both Ward and noteworthy and memo- Miraflor gave illustrations attn: Peter Khiew rable morning on the how the problem could be first day of their mid- surmounted. They explored year school holidays. the subject of a broad and Equipped with their writ- extensive vocabulary. ing instruments, exami- “Recognise the im- nation pads and enthu- portance of language and siastic spirit, Fourth and its correct usage,” Norma Fifth formers from SMK said. “Conduct a closer as- Ave Maria, SMK Raja sociation with the diction- Workshop participants learning the importance of Perempuan and SMK St ary. Pay attention to the a community newspaper. Michael, definitely made corrections made on your Publications for 16 years and gave examples. He the right decision to par- writing attempts. In time, and was founding edi- stressed the importance of ticipate in the inaugural your work will improve. tor of Female, Living and research. He also spoke on Ipoh Echo’s journalistic Good writing gives much Silver Kris, SIA airline the need to be organised workshop, themed “How pleasure, to you and to magazine. She also co-au- and focused. to Spot a Story”. The your recipients.” thored Faces of Courage, Ward exhorted the programme is co-spon- Norma categorically detailing the life and times teenagers to start remem- sored by Media Masters stated that while it is imper- of the Malayan World bering that good writing Publishing Sdn Bhd. ative to stress the conven- War 11 heroine, Sybil sets an objective, be it tions, being overanxious Kathigasu and her family. informative or entertain- about rules could impede ment, and therefore is a the process of producing a A RESPONSIBILITY responsibility. creative and natural piece of work. She emphasised Mr Ian Ward, a re- RESULTS that other variables con- tired war correspondent tribute to the production who wrote for the Daily SMK Ave Maria of powerful and effective Telegraph, London, re- teacher Ms Bulbeer Kaur compositions. ported on Asia for 27 praised the workshop high- Choose a subject mat- years. In total, he covered ly. She said Ipoh Echo has ter that suits you best, she 13 wars and conflicts, in- successfully reached out to advised. Then, she added, cluding the India-Pakistan the educational institutions the writer needs to be both war, Vietnam and the by launching the writing Ms Bulbeer Kaur organised and focused: second Emergency. He workshop. “Gather your thoughts and shared some of his har- She later told Young Two outstanding bring them to heel before rowing experiences with Perak that the students and prominent speakers, you start scribbling away.” his young audience and from her school learned Singapore-based writ- In the beginning, she pur- through his talk imparted much and were producing ers and former Australian sued, an outline of the log- his deep passion for good more effective and livelier journalists, Mr Ian Ward ical sequence of thoughts journalism. He spoke to articles after attending the and Ms Norma Miraflor is essential. She gave il- them about ‘spotting a workshop. were invited by Ipoh Echo lustrations. Otherwise, she story’. “This is one workshop to conduct the workshop. warned, one could either Ward, author of my colleagues and our The participants were in- overwrite or be repeti- Singapore-published his- students are looking troduced to Ipoh Echo tious. torical tomes “The Killer forward to eagerly in editor, Mr Fathol Zaman They Called A God” , future”, added Bulbeer, Bukhari who sat with them “OBSERVE. BE “Snaring the Other Tiger”, who teaches English. and answered questions ANALYTICAL.” and “The Battlefield A student said that during the tea break. Chief Guide to the Fall of other outfits impose hefty reporter Nisha Devina Roy “There are so many Malaya and the Surrender fees for such programmes. gave the teenagers a tour things you can write about of Singapore”, advised He remarked that Ipoh of the editorial offices and your school – think of the the participants always Echo has truly proved it- explained to them the in- aspirations, achievements to endeavour and learn a self to be a community tricacies of publishing a and the sentiments of your strategy that should bring newspaper by conducting community newspaper. classmates and your teach- greater focus to their writ- such a useful and ben- ers. Listen. Observe. Pay ing. He expounded on this eficial workshop without EXCHANGING attention. Try to ana- charging a fee. THOUGHTS lyse situations. Read. Additionally, the par- Look around you, ticipants were encour- The first session was there must be an aged to visit the Reading remarkably inspiring with item, an issue, Room which Ipoh Echo Norma leading the discus- that can make it and Media Masters have sion and making the stu- to the next issue started. dents talk about what made of Ipoh Echo,” Ipoh Echo would like them anxious when called c o u n s e l l e d to express our sincere upon to write compositions Norma who gratitude to Mr Ian Ward in their respective classes. was Group and Mdm Norma Miraflor The students opened Editor of for their excellent presen- up and volunteered that M P H tations. Their passionate “the panic button got a n d inspiring nature www.ipohecho.com.my Call: pressed” by various factors. and approach IPOH The anxiety was almost al- to writing left echoYour Community Newspaper echo Christine Tang ways associated with con- a lasting im- cerns about “getting good pression on the Advertise in Executive grades”. They said each youthful partici- writing assignment came pants at the work- Classifieds Tel : (605) 2495936 (rightfully) with “admo- shop. We hope both can Appointments Fax : (605) 2552181 nitions about getting the continue to assist future Mobile : (016) 5450320 grammar right”. Participants from SMK St Michael examine a programmes for Young Worries about tense title in the Reading Room Perak. Your Community Newspaper IPOH ECHO July 1 - 15, 2008 11
SINGING THEIR WAY TO THE TOP Creating a tourism . . . continued from page 4 Talented teenagers from Ipoh International School emerge champions in April competition Ipoh International School emerged North Zone Champions in the Pesta Kokurikulum held by the Ministry of Education last April 21 at the Institut Latihan Perindustrian, Kepala Batas, Penang. The competition was organised specially for the private schools of Perak, Penang, Kedah and Perlis. The IIS choir members are students from the interna- tional and KBSM streams. They are trained by Mrs Judy Louis and Mrs Ann Kong as part of a year-long co-curricular programme. For the recent competition, Gennieve M. Macam deftly conducts the youthful choir from IIS. the choir’s and their teach- A permanent exhibition at Rumah Perak featuring tourist ers’ efforts were further training session. Pusakaku”. They followed the student conductor. Mr attractions such as Gua Tempurung (top left), Belum fine-tuned by the coach- The IIS choir gave a it up with by an interna- Emile Dominic Xavier Forest (top right) and the Sam Po Tong (above) should ing given by Mr Lee Shiak superb, heart-rending per- tional piece of their choice gave the piano acompani- tempt international travellers already in Penang to drive Yao. Mr Lee was on hand formance of the Malaysian – “We Are the World”. Ms ment. down and spend a few days in the state. for every Thursday choir patriotic song “Tanah Gennieve M. Macam was A series of talks struct the structure them- destinations with little time entitled “Learning selves. In either case the or interest in receiving pro- CHORAL SPEAKING RUNNERS-UP Beyond Schooling- Perak Tourism Association motional information. Bringing out has offered to participate In either case, it will Runners-up attest to the wonderful bonding that in the planning, develop- serve no purpose. It may be resulted in harmony Children’s True Potential” ment and operation. more prudent to apply the Organised by Kelab The previous ad- resources to establish cen- Bakti Gunung Ledang ministration had plans to tres similar to the one pro- Date: Saturday, July, establish tourist informa- posed for Penang in other 5, 2008 tion centres at the north locations – Kuala Lumpur, Time: 9.00am - and south entry points of for instance - where there 12.00pm Perak. We hope this is not already exist high volumes Venue: Hotel Seri implemented. These cen- of tourist traffic. Malaysia, Ipoh tres would generate little In the meantime, how- Admission: F.O.C or – more likely - no re- ever, nothing offers better For enquiries and turns whatever. Travellers prospects for boosting our confirmation before on the highway are either tourist traffic than develop- 3/07/08 already coming to Perak ment of the Batu Ferringhi E-mail: or rushing to pre-planned location. kelabkeledang@ On June 19, at a workshop on tourism organised by yahoo.com the Perak Tourism Association, the State Secretary of SMS: 016-5536515 or Perak gave his assurance that he would support the 016-4140810 project outlined in the above article.
“A United World At Peace - Through Education” - the theme the IIS group explored from January 2008 and presented in the April 21 contest in Penang. Yet another feather was ploring, experiencing and a.m.,” recounted Victor added to the cap when expounding from the third Tyng. “ Everyone turned up the Ipoh International week of January 2008. on time. It was a day of full School’s Choral Speaking “We enjoyed every attendance and concentra- Team was named North moment of the training ses- tion – without fail. Zone Runners-Up at the sions and the competition,” “It attests to the strong Pesta Kokurikulum or- reported Emmavathie school spirit that has been ganised by the Ministry Ravi, the student conduc- nurtured in all of us through of Education last April tor. “It was a wonderful team-building.” 21 at the Institut Latihan bonding experience for all Again, the teachers Perindustrian,Kepala of us. We had to submerge who devoted much extra Batas, Penang. self to create a harmonious time and effort into orches- “It was a truly enrich- overall effect.” trating the truly impressive ing and meaningful ex- “It was truly English entry deserve praise. perience for our students brought to life,” comment- Ms Nurulashkeen Md because they helped bring ed Abdul Kareem Jaafar. Anis and Ms Ann Marie to life our school’s vision “Pronunciation, articula- Devadason were ably as- - A United World At Peace tion, rhythm and fluency sisted by Ms Jane Looi and – Through Education,” – we polished all of these Mr Daniel Prakash. said their coach, Ms Anne for a shared purpose.” Mr Lee Soo Mee led Marie Jesudason. It was “We left Ipoh at 5 am the IIS contingent (Choir the theme of the choral in order to reach the com- and Choral Speaking teams) script they had been ex- petition venue by 7.45 to the Pesta Kokurikulum.
Perak Koshiki Karate-do Open Championships - 2008 Date: August 17, 2008 Venue: Wisma Majlis Sukan Negeri Perak Those interested in participating, please contact Shihan Neoh Then Immediate Vacancies for : English Teachers Hock (012-5783822) or e-mail [email protected] Send your applications with full resume current and expected salary and recent Closing Date June 15, 2008 photograph to: [email protected] or contact us at 05-5469 398 12 IPOH ECHO July 1 - 15, 2008 Your Community Newspaper Sport by Steve Darby SHOULD WOMEN COACH WOMEN? Steve Darby explores a delicate issue
The female participation than the power factor. (As nation. ticipation continues coach would be a disas- rate in football is grow- any golfer will tell you). The world evolution through both development ter for the inexperi- ing rapidly, a tangible Tactical awareness and enced adolescent example of this being “vision” in the game are female player. the 64% growth rate in mainly learned through Fortunately, re- female players in both playing as often as possi- search is showing football and futsal, the in- ble. that coaching styles are door version, alone. The However, at the elite also evolving. Improved questions must be posed level, the psychological coach education pro- however with this growth approach would seem to grammes emphasise peo- - are female coaches differ, and, at times, be ple orientation as a more more suited to coaching confusing. In interviews, prominent philosophy than female players than male International Female task orientation. coaches? If so, are there Players claim they want pace. Also they should have enough female coaches? to be treated in the same HER GAME intelligence to understand The football’s dilemma is manner as elite male play- that self esteem plays a vital only a reflection of sport ers and in fact want to be The player must be part in skill development. and society in general in coached by males. Yet, in- made to feel that she be- The role modelling in- Malaysia. The contents terviews with male coach- longs to the game of foot- fluence however adds a dif- of this column can be re- es of International Female ball - she must feel that it ferent perspective to this ar- lated to other sports and Football Players (from a is her game, as opposed to gument, for this is a major transposed to many areas number of countries) also of the female game and programmes and through a female playing a man’s influence on the continued of life. reveal that these players its political acceptance raised awareness of the game. This shift in the participation of the player. The above questions react differently to criti- and encouragement by game, a new and more im- perception or attitude of Identify talented fe- are, of course, complex. cism - they take an obser- the International govern- portant problem may oc- the female player is vital if male players and encour- Any male author has to vation on play as personal ing body, The Federation cur. This growth will be at the sport wants these new age and assist them to be wary of being either comment. Also, it has been of International Football the beginner level. Quite participants to stay in the participate in coach educa- accused of being patron- suggested that directions Associations, (F.I.F.A) often, as research will re- game and reach the elite tion programmes. Henny ising or being politically to tasks are interpreted has led to a growth in the veal, the beginner female level. Oldenhove, an elite female and culturally incorrect. differently. Directions are self esteem and ambition participant is at the teen- A key coaching fac- hockey coach, described Of course, any view from followed rigidly and often of elite players. There’s age adolescent stage of tor in this scenario is the the lack of female coaches a male author will have without creative intuition the World Cup and an development. Therefore, role modelling effects of in predominantly amateur been influenced by an up- from the player. These re- Olympic medal to play the role and attitude of the the coach. It would seem sports being due to it being bringing in the male con- sponses are not criticisms, for; also, they now have coach at this stage in the essential the adolescent often their third priority . . . servatism of sport. As Hay but perceptions and cause a career path to follow. In player’s life. female sees a successful after work and their home. 1993 states: “Sport was, behaviour modification of Europe and the USA, many If the influx of new fe- female as the role model Should women coach and remains an extremely the coach. females are professional. male players is quite likely coach. Many young fe- women? A definite, Yes! conservative social institu- As coaching gender This was the male football to be at a low skill level males are hindered by the At all levels of the game. It tion.” equity programmes evolve scenario in the 1970s and and be at a stage where belief that they cannot leaves the perceptive reader in Malaysia the present there is no reason to sug- self esteem is improve, when they see a with another ongoing ques- THE ELITE LEVEL few elite female coaches gest that this trend should a vital factor, talented male player dem- tion - should elite women are given opportunities; not continue. then the right onstrating a skill. coaches go on to coach elite If the game of foot- female players will even- If the growth in fe- type of coach In an objective analy- male players? Immediately, ball is analysed into its tually have the choice of male par- is vital. The sis the gender of a a range of cultural and components of technique picking the best person to traditional coach for the begin- historical influences are (Biomechanics) and fit- coach them. It is therefore author- ning female player is raised. ness (Physiology), male essential that the elite fe- i t a r- irrelevant. All that This reveals, once and female players, par- male football players are i a n matters is that they again, that coaching is a ticularly at the elite level, targeted, encouraged to t a s k are sensitive to the mirror of society in general enjoy the same approach- enter into the coaching orien- specific needs of and once again emphasises es. The International system, then supported and tated the player and the importance the role and Female Player works to nurtured to r e a c h have the pa- the style of the coach is to physiological training pro- the top. tience to en- sport in general. grammes devised by FIFA Semantics sure that skill Coaching educational- programmes and the per- will dic- d e v e l - ists in football and, in sport formance indicators are tate if this o p m e n t in general, must constantly comparable to those of is called is al- evaluate philosophical elite males. The techniques fast track- lowed to questions and produce the of the game are skill-based ing or progress answers that are appropri- and the timing of a strike p o s i t i v e at the ap- ate to a constantly evolving of a ball is more important discrimi- propriate society.