www.ipohecho.com.my echoYour Community Newspaper Serving the people of Ipoh,echo , Sg.Siput,Taiping, , , issue Kampar, , Air Tawar, , Lumut and . FREE for collection from our office and selected outlets, on 1st & 16th of the month. 30 sen for delivery to your house by news vendors within . RM 1 prepaid postage for mailing within , and Brunei. 68 FEBRUARY 16-28, 2009 PP 14252/10/2009(022651) NEWS OUR DAYS OF INFAMY A TALE OF TWO CITIES PERAK 1- 4 6 PROBLEM 7

OUR DAYS OF INFAMY

Photos by James Gough, Amy, Aduka and Rosli Mansor

More pics at ipohecho on line Name: JESSICA LEE JIUN -XIU Occupation: STUDENT Hobbies: BALLET, READING & OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES What have we done to deserve this??? The quality I admire most: SELFLESS-NESS 2 IPOH ECHO February 16 - 28, 2009 Your Community Newspaper

Feb 6 - Nizar outside the State Secretariat Feb 6 - Nizar’s desk emptied

Feb 3 - Sultan’s coronation parade

Feb 5 - Ipohites gathered at Nizar’s residence to hear him out

Feb 6 - Protesters outside Ubadiah Mosque K Kangsar Feb 6 - Boy passed out after being gassed Feb 6 - Protesters pleading with Raja DiHilir Your Community Newspaper IPOH ECHO February 16 - 28, 2009 3

Feb 7 - Chinese New Year open house organised by Parti Gerakan Feb 8 - Nizar addressing Hindu devotees during Thaipusam

Feb 7 - Dr Zambry arriving at SMK Yuk Choy hall

Feb 8 - Nizar on his walkabout during Thaipusam

Feb 7 - Lighting candles to mark the “demise of democracy” Feb 10 - Ladies in black mourning the “demise of democracy”

Feb 8 - Ipohites gathered on the lawn of MB’s residence listening to speeches by ’s stalwarts

Feb 9 - Umno Youth organised a rally at Sultan Abdul Jalil padang to show support for the Sultan and the new BN-led state government 4 IPOH ECHO February 16 - 28, 2009 YourBy CommunityG. Sivapragasam Newspaper

PUBLISHER Ipoh Echo Sdn Bhd (Regd No 687483 T)

No 1 Jalan Lasam 30450 Ipoh Perak Darul Ridzuan Tel: (605) 249 5936 Fax: (605) 255 2181 Email: ipohecho.jag@ gmail.com

EDITORIAL Fathol Zaman Bukhari James Gough

GRAPHIC DESIGN/ PHOTOGRAPHY Rosli Mansor Ahd Razali Azril Aryandi Bin Zambri

MARKETING & DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Ramesh Kumar

PERMISSION AND RE- PRINTS Materials in Ipoh Echo may not be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher Nizar: “I shall return” Zambry: “I will remain” PRINTER Konway Industries Sdn Bhd Plot 78, Lebuhraya Kampong Jawa And what does the future 11900 Bayan Baru, Pulau Pinang Tel: (604) 644 7507 hold for us???

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Ibu Pejabat Polis Daerah (IPD) 05 2451 500 999 (emergency) Ipoh General Hospital 05-253 3333 Ipoh Ambulance 05-522 2506 993 (emergency) Ipoh Fire Brigade 05-547 4444/994 (emergency) Perak Immigration Dept EDITORIAL 05-5017100 LET’S MOVE ON Perak Water Board “Histories are full of examples of the fidelity of dogs than of friends”. 05-254 6161 This famous quote by British poet Alexander Pope (1688 - 1744) Ipoh City best describes the tragedy befalling Nizar and his men of steel. The Council(Complaints) impropriety, not so much the absence, of the infamous trio is the raison 05-255 1515 d’etre for the downfall of the Nizar Administration. Perak Anti-Corruption Loyalty binds people to a cause. It is one of the many factors that Agency unites people and keeps them true to the spirit of their organisations. In 05-253 1982 a fighting unit, loyalty, esprit de corps and comradeship keep soldiers State Secretariat on their toes. The parade square is the place where soldiers listen and 05-253 1957 respond to orders. Drill sergeants bark orders down the line. The shrill Railway Station voice of the sergeant keeps the squad moving in unison. When he says 05-254 7987 left turn the squad turns left and when he says halt, the men halt. Airport In battle the same applies. The platoon commander is the prime 05-312 0848 motivator. The outcome of a firefight involving two opposing sides depends on how well the commander commandeers his men. Officers Registration Department are allowed, by convention, to shoot any of their men who abscond in 05-528 8805 battle. Cowardice is a heinous crime punishable by death. Tenaga Nasional Berhad General George S. Patton said, “There is a great deal of talk about 05-253 2000 loyalty from the bottom to the top. Loyalty from the top down is even Lembaga Air Perak more necessary and less prevalent.” 1800-88-7788 Leaders demand loyalty from their subordinates but seldom do they Directory Service give the same to their underlings. This could be one reason why the 103 trio became turncoats. Jamaluddin’s and Osman’s corruption cases are up for mention. The burden of guilt weighs heavily on them. Feeling Rakan Cop abandoned and isolated, they leapfrogged. Hee’s tiff with her party 05-240 1999 hierarchy is legendary. She felt cheated when bypassed by more junior Perak Women for members. This prompted her to revolt. Women Society The die is cast. There is no turning back. Get the right candidate for 012-521 2480 the right post. Avoid postmen, meter readers, clerks and those of loose 012-505 0547 moral bearings. There are enough professionals to choose from. You 05-5469715 (office) have lost the battle but not the war. So move on. Your Community Newspaper IPOH ECHO February 16 - 28, 2009 5

MUSINGS by See Foon Chan-Koppen [email protected] LAUGHTER YOGA Laughter is the shortest distance between two people. ~Victor Borge here is ‘Fake it until you make it’.” Very little faking is required, as I discovered ove over apples, when I attended one of Mit’s not your one- Jeya’s laughter sessions a-day that keeps the doc- recently. Just watching all tor away but laughter. So your fellow participants says Jeya Jeyaratnam, a performing some of the laughter coach who has exercises as directed is recently returned to Ipoh enough to send you into after many years in the howls and shrieks of UK. laughter. It appears that laughter is the best medicine, as Drop Inhibitions scientists have discovered. You do have to leave your Research has shown that inhibitions at the door Rotary Club laughter workshop Jeya (centre) chortling side-splitting belly laughs though and be prepared to the same abdominal and age we become more dour times a day. A few minutes ity. Employees at Volvo in can boost the immune look a bit silly. I had res- facial muscles as a gentle and careworn. And we be- of laughter gave him an Sweden, Emirates Airlines system and pump the ervations about making a yoga session would. For come more susceptible to hour or more of pain-free in Dubai and the Western blood full of endorphins fool of myself when I ac- the next hour, she had sickness and the more de- sleep. Australian Government – nature’s own opiates cepted the invitation to us blabbering gibberish, bilitating diseases. In an ABC television inter- have all reported good re- and natural pain-killers join Kinta Properties staff dancing the twist, mowing view, Professor Lee Berk, sults from laughter therapy – and suppresses levels at the one-hour laughter an imaginary lawn and Laughter Cures who has studied laughter classes. Hewlett Packard in of epinephrine, the stress session. But as I watched acting as various animals. Over 25 years ago, Dr and medicine for the past Denmark even noted a 40% hormone. A dose of Jeya take charge, dressed Soon we were all laughing Norman Cousins in his 18 years, explained that increase in sales following laughter can also lower in her army fatigues, sports like the proverbial hyena. book Anatomy of an laughter increased the a year-long laughter pro- blood pressure, encourage shoes and looking like a Apparently research has Illness described how Natural Killer Cell activity, gram. better sleep and even tone drill sergeant, complete shown that children laugh watching Marx Brother the cells that destroy virus- Jeya, who is also a up stomach muscles. with regulation whistle, I up to 400 times a day but movies helped him recov- es and tumors. Laughter in- certified health and fitness put my inner cynic aside over the same period, we, er from a life-threatening creased a disease-fighting instructor, has found that Faking it and joined in. stressed out, gloomy adults, tissue disease. Cousins protein, B-cells, the source laughter therapy has many “The body doesn’t And so it is that within raise a chuckle barely 14 made it a point to enjoy a of a disease-destroying an- helpful applications. She know whether you’re gen- a few minutes I found times – proof that as we hearty belly laugh several tibody, and T-cells which has used her feel-good uinely finding something myself walking around the help cellular immune re- techniques to help Scottish funny or not,” says Jeya. room , clapping my hands COMMENTS PRICE LOCATION sponse. sufferers from the Bipolar “The important thing is with fellow participants RESTAURANT + (RM) RATING – Hearty laughter also Organisation Glasgow, that you’re working your and chanting “ho ho ho” Restoran 21 Psrn ‘roti’ is exercises the lungs and improve their self- muscles, taking in more and “hee hee hee” in chicken Nasi Greentown 5 bigger, curry 1.00 circulatory system and esteem and lift feelings of oxygen and creating a feel- various levels of fake glee. Kandar Greentown flaky, average increases the amount of depression. good high. Even if you Apparently, this exercise Pesanjung Business Centre ‘sambal’ oxygen in the blood. Locally in Malaysia, have to force it, the motto is designed to stimulate (24 hrs) is spicy Jeya has worked with the Mumbai Origin Nursing College in Penang, FOOD Restoran texture 149 IGB curry a bit ROTI CANAI Nasi good The concept of Laughter Yayasan Sultan Idris Shah, Industrial watery, ‘roti’ Kandar Centre, Off Jln with nice 0.80 Yoga began in Mumbai, Daybreak, Kami Wellness soft hy is it that the Mahayudin Kuala Kangsar flavour, India when Dr. Madan Centre, Sarawak Oil and (24 hrs) good Kataria, a family physi- Kinta Properties Holdings. Wfoods that are bad gravy for you always tastes so cian, saw the benefits of Ipoh is fortunate to good and the foods that laughter on his patients’ have Jeya return to our are good for you taste Greentown 15 Psrn good fish ‘roti’ not physical and mental health midst where she can benefit like sawdust? Take for Salam Greentown 7 curry flaky and set up the first laugh- many with her laughter instance, your regular roti Corner Greentown enough 0.80 ter club in 1995 with his therapies. (24 hrs) Business Centre yoga instructor wife. The canai. It is made of white with dhal gravy and a fish idea has now spread into flour, water and lots of or chicken curry. Some a global phenomenon with At the height of some kind of shortening shops will also give you a laughter, the universe is 54 Jln Lee curry over 5,000 laughter clubs – maybe ghee or maybe spicy ‘sambal’ if you ask Restoran 0.80 Kwee Foh, & ‘roti’ flung into a kaleidoscope not. It has practically no Habib around the world. nicely. It is not advisable Canning average of new possibilities. (or very little) nutritional to attempt to make a ‘roti’ Garden Laughter Therapy for ~Jean Houston value whatsoever – but it unless taught in the art of Business tastes sooo good! There roti canai tossing – unless 58 Jln Lee curry a bit Recently international are very few places where of course you want a head Restoran sour, ‘roti’ For more information: Kwee Foh, 0.80 businesses have intro- you can have a meal for cover of oily dough! Aleef Canning could be email Jeyamalar Jeyarat- 80 sen? Roti canai is not Garden softer duced laughter therapy nam: jey_jeyaratnam_3@ usually a home-cooked Email your favourite workshops as a way of hotmail.com food – it is always store recommendations to: Our next food review will be boosting staff morale and [email protected] increasing productiv- Tel: 012 538 6366 bought accompanied IPOH’S FAMOUS ‘KUEH TEOW’ (Kai Si Hor Fun) ADVERTORIAL Py Homes….THE BETTER HOMES roperty developer profession and the key price you pay you will are based on the con- Makmur project at design. PPy Homes has person in Py Homes. get a better home thus cept of lifestyle. Good Sungai Siput applies Py Homes believes been in the property The company was making it a “value for concept does not neces- an open concept. that Perak especially business for 15 years. founded by Mr Chan money”investment In sarily mean expensive. In every stage of Ipoh has a special ad- It has a wide range Peng Yong, a rubber its effort to brand it- Some customers prefer development they al- vantage for the compa- of products from low planter back in the six- self it is determined compartmentalization ways try to give to the ny. It understands the cost homes to semi- ties and has since di- to provide customers while others prefer market what they want. peculiar needs of the detached units and versified to oil palm with quality homes at open spaces and fewer Like trying to blend in market. A developers bungalows.This is cultivation and milling choice locations and walls. This aspect is with the environment. track record is very im- because “every level and property develop- good infrastructure. also applied when de- Their project at Suria 1 portant to the consum- of product has a cus- ment. Passion, innova- signing the interiors. Avenue, Jalan Gopeng ers. The most important tomer” so says its In line with its tion and fresh ideas are Giving the homeowner was given stronger col- marketing strategy is Managing Director motto “The Better very important in this flexibility allows them ours while the Lintang still by word-of-mouth Mr Chan Hoong Home”, Py Homes business. Their prod- to individualise their Makmur project was referrals they get from Mun, an engineer by believes that for the ucts being introduced homes Their Lintang treated with a timeless satisfied purchasers. 6 IPOH ECHO February 16 - 28, 2009 Your Community Newspaper

LETTER FROM ULU KINTA writer’s email: [email protected] A TALE OF TWO CITIES Merits and demerits of two airports of similar size, one in London and the other in Ipoh ne is a city in the OKinta Valley. Urban * Annual maintenance population, 630,000. on runways, navigational Its airport is the Sultan equipment and other fa- Azlan Shah Airport cilities will be an integral, which is surrounded by expensive and necessary housing estates and is expense. close to mountains. The other city is London, Other Malaysian in the Thames valley of airports need not fear Ipoh the United Kingdom. stealing the thunder from Population 8.3 million. them. We only want our Most Malaysians are only London City Airport Sultan Azlan Shah Airport fair share of development, familiar with London maximum exposure with Heathrow or London water of the Royal Albert pollution. Maybe they, like option is to copy LCY and men used to fly on the ear- respect to international Gatwick. When AirAsia and King George V docks most Malaysians are apa- utilize STOL aircraft. LCY ly morning flight to Kuala trade and tourism and the flies to the UK, it will to the north and south re- thetic to change; maybe has progressed by leaps Lumpur and return in the right to attract foreign land at London Stansted, spectively. There are no they have left it to their and bounds because of evening. If this flight is re- investment. to the north of the city. covered maintenance fa- elected representatives to STOL airplanes. instated, then KLIA should To date, London City Very few of us will have cilities for aircraft and decide; maybe the consen- Airlines that previ- be ideal as it has fast links Airport (LCY) is the UK’s even heard of London cargo facilities include a sus is that the government ously operated in Ipoh, into the city centre. leading business airport City Airport (LCY), the bonded warehouse and will always get its way re- like MAS and AirAsia, with twelve airlines serv- fifth largest international air-conditioned storage. Its gardless of their opinions; have maintained that the * As competition escalates ing over 30 destinations airport serving London, passenger facilities include or maybe they await jobs numbers of passengers between rival airlines and across the UK and Europe, after Heathrow, Gatwick, disabled access/facilities, generated by the airport re- going through Ipoh were budget carriers, interna- and connections to the rest Stansted and Luton. a business centre, VIP juvenation. insignificant and non-prof- tional destinations could of the world through ma- LCY is situated 10 lounge and Tourist Help So, Ipoh airport has itable. But what if we uti- make a comeback to Ipoh. jor European hubs. The km to the east of the city Desk. now seen another setback. lised smaller aircraft and Tourists and local travel- similarities of London City centre, or 4 km from the In the United Kingdom, Are the wider interests of combined this with a more lers could fly direct to-and- Airport and Ipoh Airport site of the 2012 Olympic there is a Government’s Perak being considered? workable flight schedule? from Ipoh saving time and are the single runway, Games and only 6 km Aviation White Paper We need investment, busi- Fokker Friendships or the money over unnecessary runway length and weight from Canary Wharf, a which requires airports ness and trading opportu- Skyvans, Twin Otters, or stopovers. restrictions, and limita- business district of London to make maximum use of nities. We welcome tour- the ATR-43 which is al- tions imposed on it by its where UK’s three tallest existing runways. By stark ists and we are determined ready part of the MasWings * Airline companies can- surroundings. The use of buildings stand. Like Ipoh contrast, all those previous to improve our inadequate fleet, are already in use in not operate on a seasonal STOL aircraft has brought airport, LCY is a single- assurances from both the transport links. Malaysia. capacity only. We could vital business and growth runway airport. The only Federal and state govern- In an ideal world, Businessmen used to maintain improved con- to London. difference is that LCY ments, about our Ipoh air- there would have been fly up and down regularly, sistency in passenger num- We too could enjoy has Short Take Off and port seem like another pie better options. And if we treating the airplanes like bers with aids such as in- the benefits brought about Landing (STOL) airplanes, in the sky. could have started again, a taxi service. But not any ternet booking, advanced by our airport which is which propelled its growth Again, the decision to then we would have built more! Fresh orchids from bookings or imposing se- conveniently located on and success. Unlike LCY, make this airport achieve the airport away from hilly , bound for Japan vere penalties for cancel- the doorstep of our indus- Ipoh only operates during its full potential is up in slopes and distant from were once common air- lations to act as deterrents. trial heartlands. the day or when visibil- the air. There has been residential areas. So we are cargo. Improved streamlining of It is the function of ity is good. The runway argument, and counter ar- where we are and all I can Should the govern- flight schedules have to be both the Federal and Perak length of LCY is 1,508 m, gument, with various al- see is a waste of resources. ment grant us the go ahead generated. governments to make big an elevation of 6 m and a legations and denials flung Ipoh should not be content with the proposal to use strategic decisions to inject grooved concrete surface. between Putrajaya and to accept that the airport STOL aircraft, then major * Necessary improvements life back into Ipoh airport Correspondingly, the Ipoh Ipoh. This does not augur operates mainly as a flying upgrading and improve- will also have to be done and continued dithering of airport has a runway length well for the people of Ipoh/ school. ment work on the airport on firefighting facilities, the sort we have seen is no of 1,798 m, an elevation of Perak. Our determination The principal argu- is essential. Among them cargo handling, buildings, longer an option. 40 m, and an asphalt sur- and dream, to fly high in ments are not convincing. are: drainage, runway lighting, face. terms of tourism, to make We are not comforted by infrastructure and the like. YMM In its first year of op- Ipoh an international hub the fact that Ipoh has been * The main consideration eration in 1988, LCY han- for transport, air cargo, and chosen as a key destination has to be that of safety. dled 133,000 passengers the rest of it, are blown sky for railway transportation. There are severe restric- with flights to Europe. By high. It is frustrating to see an tions on the runway length 1990, the number of pas- Suggestions have in- airport, which has served us at Ipoh and this becomes sengers doubled. In 2006, cluded a runway extension well since its early begin- critical in the event of an LCY served 2.4 million which is impractical un- nings, being sidelined and emergency or when land- passengers (79,000 aircraft less we ‘flatten’ the -sur underutilized. Moreover, ing has to be aborted and movements). In contrast, rounding hilly areas or do why shouldn’t we benefit ample clearance is needed Ipoh served 115,300 pas- a compulsory purchase of from a well defined trans- for an emergency take-off. sengers in 2003 but subse- the housing land around port strategy of air, rail quently went into gradual the airport – both options and road? We are pain- * Navigational equipment decline. In 2006 it served being extremely prohibi- fully aware that the double will have to be overhauled only 65,000 passengers tive. Others have proposed tracking project will be to incorporate the latest (800 aircraft movements). relocating the airport else- ready soon and the roads instrument landing system By 2002, LCY opened where within Perak. And are very congested. I don’t (GPS technology) as the a jet centre for corporate a few have lamented that see why we should lose out current one at Ipoh uses an aviation and by 2005, as passenger numbers to airlines flying into rival obsolete tracking system. it had fast rail links to through Ipoh are not com- airports on the mainland Canary Wharf and the mercially viable, then the and Penang? At this rate, it * Past repair work and re- City of London. Stringent Ipoh airport project, ought will be many years before patching jobs have result- rules are imposed on noise to be scrapped altogether. we finally reap more eco- ed in a very rough surface, pollution from aircraft op- I am however amazed nomic returns and when which passengers into Ipoh erations and because of the at the absence of disap- the recession ends, we may in the past may recall and limitations of the runway proval and dissent from find that others are better identify as noisy aircraft and the steep glide slope, the communities living placed competitively than tyres when taxiing towards the types of aircraft are under the immediate flight us. the terminal. Nevertheless, limited. For environmental path about increased noise, The only credible al- complete resurfacing of reasons, helicopters are de- pollution and local road ternative, and a view that the runway surface will be nied access. congestion. Similarly, has been previously es- necessary. Operations are re- there has been little or no poused by several people, stricted during the day and objection from environ- is that we promote Ipoh * Half empty airplanes weekends to give residents mentalists about carbon airport as it is, that is with- going to and from Ipoh relief from noise. dioxide and nitrogen oxide out a runway extension, or will bleed an airline dry. LCY is surrounded by emissions as well as noise airport relocation. The best Professionals and business- Your Community Newspaper IPOH ECHO February 16 - 28, 2009 S 1

A RULER OF THE PEOPLE ultan Azlan Shah pointed as Assistant State execution stages, nonethe- place for political ceramah is all ears when it Secretary of Perak. In 1955 less he made it his business is being well received by Scomes to dealing he joined the legal service to be informed. He dis- all concerned. with the common people. and that began his meteoric penses advice as he deems Sultan Azlan Shah is a Perakians know this well rise from a magistrate to fit based on his better judg- keen sportsman. His interest and they all look forward being the Chief Justice of ment. This has worked fine in sports knows no bounds. to meeting their beloved Malaya and eventually as with the administrators. Hockey is his favourite, an sultan when he comes a Lord President in 1982. In The changeover of interest he actively pursued calling or when he drops 1965 he held the distinction government following the during his school days. by unannounced. as the youngest judge in the March 8 General Election He was the past President The 34th ruler of Perak Commonwealth at the ten- saw Sultan Azlan Shah of the Malaysian Hockey has a soft spot for his royal der age of 37. playing his pivotal role as Federation. subjects, regardless of their Sultan Azlan Shah’s ruler. He was never impul- At the special inves- race, creed, age and politi- ascension to the Perak sive in selecting the rightful titure ceremony to com- cal leaning. Ordinary folks, throne began when he was Mentri Besar but allowed memorate his coronation young and old, are accus- appointed Raja Kechil sentiments and emotions at Istana Iskandriah, Kuala tomed to his demeanour and Bongsu in 1962. In July to cool before making his Kangsar on February 3, a feel well at ease in his pres- 1983 he was made Raja choice known. Being the number of his hockey as- ence. When dealing with Muda and upon the death head of Islam in the state sociates were awarded the the state on matters relating of Sultan Idris Shah on His Royal Highness is in- Darjah Kebesaran Dato’ to the rakyat’s well-being, January 31, 1984, he was strumental in maintaining a Seri Azlanii (DSA) which Sultan Azlan Shah will use installed level head where sensitive carries the title “Dato Seri”. his wisdom to express his on February 3, 1984. His issues are concerned. The This is testimony of his af- judgment and thoughts. Royal Highness became the recent edict by the National finity for the game. His Royal Highness ninth Yang DiPertua Agong Fatwa Council on the ban- Sultan Azlan Shah Sultan Azlan Shah was born and held the position for ning of yoga by Muslims tied the knot with Raja in 1928. He was schooled five years from April 26, is a case in point. He had Perempuan Perak, Tuanku in his hometown of Batu 1989 to April 25, 1994. warded off negative com- Bainun Mohammad Ali in Gajah and, like all royalties As the reigning rul- ments by insisting that the 1955. They met when he of yore, joined the Malay er of a prosperous state, matter needed his approval was studying at Lincoln’s College Kuala Kangsar be- Sultan Azlan Shah makes beforehand. The controver- Inn and she was attending fore pursuing his law degree the welfare of the rakyat a sy surrounding the alleged a teaching course at the at Lincoln’s Inn. He was priority. He insists on being christening of by na- Malayan Teachers’ Training admitted into the English briefed by the powers-that- tional mariner Dato’ Azhar College, Kirkby. Bar on November 23, 1954. be on developments that Mansor in November 2006 The royal couple is Upon his return to Malaya are taking place in the state. was also averted through blessed with five children, he joined the Malayan Although not directly in- his counsel. His insistence two sons and three daugh- Civil Service and was ap- volved in the planning and that mosques not be made a ters. S 2 IPOH ECHO February 16 - 28, 2009 Your Community Newspaper

Investiture ceremony for 25 recepients of a special award Your Community Newspaper IPOH ECHO February 16 - 28, 2009 S 3 S 4 IPOH ECHO February 16 - 28, 2009 Your Community Newspaper Your Community Newspaper IPOH ECHO February 16 - 28, 2009 S 5 S 6 IPOH ECHO February 16 - 28, 2009 Your Community Newspaper Your Community Newspaper IPOH ECHO February 16 - 28, 2009 S 7 S 8 IPOH ECHO February 16 - 28, 2009 Your Community Newspaper Your Community Newspaper IPOH ECHO February 16 - 28, 2009 7

PARENTING by WERN SZE GILL [email protected] It’s Not All About Punishment The dream of most parents is to have a “well disciplined” child. In the Asian culture, it is common that when a child misbehaves, punishment is used as one of the tools to get the child to conform to what is deemed as acceptable behaviour

do so they won’t,” says Dr child is subject to different of their choice. ignore it. The dream of most parents Shan. As someone puts it, rules and expectations.” •Be Firm and Stay in is to have a “well disci- “It’s 90% Prevention and “At the end of the day, Useful Discipline Tips Control. Use a firm tone plined” child. In the Asian 10% Reaction”. parents must stay calm and Here are some ways of voice when you tell culture, it is common that The word discipline in control of discipline in to help reduce undesirable the child what he needs when a child misbehaves, comes from the root word the home. Sometimes kids behaviour in children: to do. Work out problems punishment is used as disciplinare, which is to act out in order to gain the •Use Time Outs. Have patiently as they come up. one of the tools to get the teach or instruct. Hence attention of their busy par- the child be alone for a few Punishment involving child to conform to what is ‘discipline’ refers to a sys- ents. Parents should take minutes to help him calm verbal reprimands is used deemed as acceptable be- tem of nurturing that pre- time to reinforce desirable down. commonly by parents. Dr Shan Narayanan haviour. pares children to achieve behaviours with frequent •Use Words. Speak However, if used frequent- “Discipline is defi- self-control, self-direction, praise and ignore trivial calmly with your child ly and indiscriminately, used commonly by many nitely not all about pun- and caring for others. misdeeds,” says Dr Shan. and work out the problem they lose their effective- families here at some time. ishing the child,” says Parents need to under- together. ness and become reinforc- “Finally, none of us Hospital Fatimah commu- Know Your Child stand their children, their •Change the Activity. ers of undesired behaviour are perfect parents,” says nity paediatrician Dr Shan “In this fast moving stage of development and E.g., if your child starts because they provide at- Dr Shan. “In teaching dis- Narayanan who is also the world, both parents work their needs. Strategies scribbling on the wall, stop tention to the child. cipline you have to make Perak Medical Association in order to keep the fam- that help promote good be- him and offer him papers Corporal punishment time for your child despite Chairman. “Effective dis- ily going. As such, today’s haviour include providing to scribble on instead. is controversial especially your busy schedule. In cipline involves the mod- parents are stressed, tight regular positive attention •Fix Up. When a child in the Western culture as dealing with difficult be- eling of character and for time, and during tense and communication, lis- does something wrong, it can sometimes be in- haviour you have to under- teaching of acceptable be- moments, tempers can tening carefully when chil- have him fix the problem. terpreted as child abuse stand the situation and deal haviour.” flare making the situation dren express their feelings, •Ignore. Some depending on the sever- with it appropriately. We “Discipline isn’t what worse. In many homes, the and allowing kids to make misbehaviour is done to ity of the physical pain. all make mistakes, but with you do when children grandparents and maids choices and help them get attention. The best Nevertheless, spanking re- experience we get better at misbehave; it’s what you are the main carers. The evaluate the consequences way to deal with this is to mains one of the strategies parenting.” THINKING ALOUD G. SIVAPRAGASAM PERAK PROBLEM February brought not only the year of the Ox but political confusion to Perak

hen Pakatan gates the exercise of peo- them conscious of their will not remember nor need to be pragmatic and the current government to Rakyat (PR) ple’s rights. The fact is rights, to be critical and be care which political party demonstrate responsibil- ensure that the interest of Wtook Perak the such legislation does not more assertive. This they was in power at what pe- ity. the people take priority. vision was that we were at exist and is resisted by no could have achieved by riod. But what will be re- What the people want The government too need last evolving into a true de- less than the leader of PR engaging the community membered will be the time more than anything else is to reach out and engage mocracy with a two-party himself. Objecting to such as active participants in the when the political land- peace and stability, an op- the opposition members in system – a situation where legislation on one hand but decision-making process. scape changed. portunity to lead a decent their efforts. the people would possess attempting to implement it It would have been a mo- It may be true that the life and a future for their For the future PR a real power to make a on the other hand by get- mentous achievement. Not current change could have children – basic needs that needs to reorganise them- choice of governors. ting undated resignation only did they fail to do this been brought about by a are currently under threat selves into a force. They In less than a year letters appears to be not but have evidently exclud- no-confidence vote at a by the current global eco- need to bring into their the PR government has quite just. ed from this process even state legislature sitting but nomic downturn. Creating fold not only people who collapsed and Barisan Whatever the legal or those that shared power when will the session be instability will only go to are informed, knowledge- Nasional (BN) has taken moral arguments may be, with them. It is amazing called and at that sitting compound the situation. able and capable but who control of the state. The sit- the irrefutable fact remains the change that comes over will the three ‘independ- What they need to do im- possess honour and integ- uation has generated much that the three members people once they get into ents’ be allowed to vote mediately is to work with rity. emotion both amongst the from PR had deserted them positions of power. and who will govern until detractors as well as sup- and have declared support Today PR needs to the session takes place. porters of the two sides. for BN. Instead of blaming realise that all they have Let’s face it BN whether There can be little ar- others for the result of this lost is the power to gov- by fair or unfair means gument that the manner in action PR need to look at ern. They still command now has the numbers. It which themselves and examine in the legislature a seri- must not be forgotten that (BN) took power in Perak why this has happened and ous number of members after the elections whilst leaves much to be desired. take measures to prevent enabling them to be a BN did not attain clear Increasing their numbers its recurrence. Selecting most effective opposition. majority they did have the by taking into their faction, principled people as their After all it was not as if most number of legislators a couple of individuals election candidates may be they were returned with an in the assembly and PR at who are facing corruption a good start. overwhelming majority at that time was nothing more charges and a lady whose The people had grant- the last elections. The dif- than a loose association reason for changing camps ed PR the opportunity to ference between PR and structured not so much as is not so much principle as govern the state and the BN in reality was marginal to take power but to get as personal, will not improve least they could have done and could very well have many of them as possible the BN’s reputation and was to discharge this trust turned out the other way. elected. It is not a case of indeed may have conse- by ensuring that they sus- Before the general elec- PR having a massive ma- quences. However, having tain authority for their tions their objective was jority losing its power but said that, PR should be term. All they had to do to deny BN a two-third more a case of power shift the last ones to complain. was to keep their legisla- majority and it is no secret between two parties of al- They have since the gen- tors loyal. Not being able that the election result was most equal strength. In the eral elections, been threat- to manage their own mem- a major surprise. circumstances, dissolution ening to do this very thing bers may reflect on their Despite their sur- with the probability of that they have become a readiness to manage the prise and differing poli- uncertainty and instability victim of. state. They should perhaps cies amongst them, it was may not be the most pru- Hopping to another apologise to the people for quite remarkable how they dent course. party after being elected not keeping their part of managed to organise them- All their current ac- under the banner of one the bargain. selves to form the govern- tion – insisting that they party amounts to frustrat- After the election, ment. In spite of their loss are still the legitimate ing the object of the elec- other than consolidating of power recently their government and going on tion process – the very their foundation to sustain achievement has delivered road shows does not help foundation of democracy. power, the one important to the people an alternative the democratic cause and Legislation needs to be thing that PR could have and this is what is signifi- may even prove counter- introduced to prevent this given the people of Perak cant and needs to be cul- productive to their objec- from happening for it ne- is empowerment – to make tured. Future generations tive in the long term. They 8 IPOH ECHO February 16 - 28, 2009 Your Community Newspaper

YOUNG PERAK FREE MEDICAL SCREENING by PETER KHIEW A meaningful learning experience Teachers and students from schools are invited to write about their It was a learning experi- also dispatched a similar respective institutions of learning. ence for 36 nursing stu- team to Batu Caves. E-mail articles to: dents from Masterskill “Providing medical [email protected] Ipoh Campus when they assistance is one of the attended to some 3,000 college’s corporate social people at its booth during responsibilities. We have TEA CEREMONY Thaipusam celebration in acquired two state-of-the- Foreign students adopted Ipoh on February 8. art ambulances for this The trainee nurses purpose,” he said. The col- conducted free medical lege, said Nitthiyanathan, check-ups for the throng provided scholarship and of devotees visiting their donations worth over booth. RM50 million. Mr. Nitthiyanathan Lachumanan, marketing manager of Masterskill College of Nursing & Health – Ipoh Campus, said that the college had

Chan posing with the exchange students brellas. Members of the school’s Wushu Club put up a robust lion dance and martial arts performance. Former student Teoh Mei Sim show-cased her Chinese calligraphy talent. Teoh, whose ambition is to be an accountant, bagged an award at the Japan Open Judith Sierp from Germany serving tea to her International Calligraphy “father” Ho Yeong Song Competition recently. Five foreign exchange It has been a tradition dents. students under the AFS with SMJK Poi Lam to “By organising this intercultural programme celebrate Chinese New event, students, teachers were “adopted” by host Year with everyone, stu- and support staff of all rac- families. dents, teachers, lab as- es, who do not celebrate They underwent the sistants, gardeners and Chinese New Year, would customary acceptance office workers, irrespec- be able to appreciate the ritual of a tea ceremony tive of race. significance of the lunar between the students and Principal, Chan Weng new year,” he said. their adoptive parents. Keong, said the approach Students came dressed The students stayed has been adopted by the in traditional costumes of with their Chinese parents school as a form of edu- all races. for a week during Chinese cation in Chinese customs Some brought bou- New Year. and tradition for the stu- quets and colourful um- OUR CONCERN BAZAAR OR BIZARRE What actually do they want? A bazaar in its original refinement or simply something bizarre? was fascinating to design for the bazaar and & Partners, was construct- It learn about the pub- of a multi-storey building ed at a cost of $500,000 lic hearing held recently with all manner of facilities and opened in 1962. It was to revive the Yau Tet Shin including a giant green- a circular block described Bazaar. Some 400 people house filled with flowers. as having a projecting shell attended the meeting at Whatever happened to the roof and balcony terminat- Syuen Hotel Ipoh. There idea of a restored Yau Tet ing in two gradual ramps. was apparently agree- Shin bazaar? Located on Cowan Street ment on two matters – Now perhaps it is time it soon became a landmark the bazaar be restored to remind readers about the known to the locals as as Ipoh’s icon and that it original and popular bazaar Pasar Bulat (the circular maintains its unique oc- which bore the name of the market) or pat-kok lau (oc- tagonal shape. No misun- famous miner and entrepre- tagonal villa)” *. Pasar Bulat circa 1979 derstandings there! neur who developed Ipoh Although famous You may wonder why New Town in 1909. The throughout Perak and fur- want. Do they want a Yau I found this fascinating, bazaar was built to replace ther afield for its range tions seemed far more Tet Shin look-a-like bazaar Advertise in but that is really simple for a sprawling and dilapidat- of suitcases and travel- bizarre, sited as it would with a range of local prod- you cannot restore some- ed market that was never ling bags, it also had three be ‘midst the shophouses ucts and food with ‘equal thing that has been com- very successful. In 1960, Chinese restaurants (the of Ipoh Town’ and bear- opportunity’ for all as the pletely demolished, nor the Ipoh Town Council in- most famous named Chow ing no relationship to the meeting seemed to agree, can you maintain a shape vited architects throughout Kee), record shops, an ice firm agreement made at or do they want something that is no longer there. Malaya and Singapore to cream parlour and stalls the meeting for a restored akin to a multi-storey ‘Life Surely what they really submit designs for a pro- selling Perak’s famous octagonal bazaar. I wait Centre’ with a wide range Appointments mean is to rebuild the ba- posed Yau Tet Shin Market pomeloes and groundnuts. in anticipation for the of performing arts, a con- zaar in the same shape and and Shopping Centre (yes The few tourists that we outcome. vention centre, an aquari- Call: style as it was. That would a contest!). enjoyed in those days in- um, a cooking school, and meet the above agreement “The winning design, variably found their way * Adapted from the book Ramesh Kumar the giant greenhouse etc., completely. based on the requirement there. “Ipoh: the Town That Tin as suggested. Marketing Manager But even that was not that ‘each shop lot trader Now may I sug- Built” published for the The headline in The so, because there was then should have equal oppor- gest that those driving Ipoh Municipal Council 016 5531092 Star suggests they want talk of a contest for local tunity’ and submitted by this project make up their in 1962. their bazaar back again, Tel: and foreign architects to Architect Booty Edwards minds exactly what they but the meeting sugges- come up with a winning WR (605) 2495936 Your Community Newspaper IPOH ECHO February 16 - 28, 2009 9

More pics at IPOH IN BRIEF ipohecho on line LEGITIMACY ACROBATIC NIGHT A DESERVING BREAK

Perak Indian Chamber of Commerce President, A.M.S. Ipoh City and Country Club ushered in Chinese New Year Consultants and staff of Hospital Pantai Putri Ipoh took Yegambaram, announced that his faction is the legitimate with a bang. The management brought in an acrobatic time off to entertain some very special guests on February organisation approved by the Registrar of Society. He troupe from China specially for the occasion, which was 2 in conjunction with Chinese New Year. Some 47 produced documents to substantiate his claim. The splinter held at the club‘s lobby on February 1. Members, staff orphans from Precious Gift Home and Rumah Maahad group, headed by B.K. Kumar, is not recognised by the and guests were enthralled by the Chinese acrobats and Darul Salam were feted and entertained to a lion dance Registrar and, therefore, does not represent the Indian magicians. They also witnessed a lion dance performed performance. The CEO of Pantai Putri Ipoh, Dr Dirshaad business community, said Yegambaram. The Chamber by the Ma Ching Cultural Society of Ipoh. At the end of Ali, welcomed the guests and later presented them with will appeal to the state government to create a fund worth the show Club Chairman, Tan Sri Yom Ahmad, took to the angpows. RM10 million to provide micro-credit facilites to those in stage and presented angpows to all the performers. the community wishing to venture into business. REPORT AGAINST NEW MB

USHERING NEW YEAR THE HoSt @ HORLEY STREET

It has become customary for Ipoh’s leading photo studio, Another hotel will be erected in Ipoh within the next 24 A report was filed at the Perak branch of the Malaysian Chan Sam Lock Photo and Bridal Palace, to usher in the months. It will be named the HoST, as it is located at the Anti-Corruption Commission on February 12 by the state Chinese New Year with a feast and a lion dance. The Year junction of Horley Street and Jalan Veerasamy. It will be DAP leaders. The report cited the new Mentri Besar, of the Ox said Chan Boon Chin, the managing director, a joint-venture project between MBI and developer, Cita Dato’ Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, for abusing his power was no exception. He had invited over 500 guests, most Hidup Sdn Bhd. When completed it will have a 3-storey by appointing three non-elected politicians and one state of whom were his regular customers, to join in the merri- shop lot and an 8-storey hotel. The hotel is located close assemblyman to the posts of advisors with the status of ment. “I believe in giving rather than just taking. Keeping to the Kinta Riverfront. Its presence will help enhance executive councillors. There are no such provisions in the my customers happy is important in this very competitive tourism activity at the heart of the city as well as improve state constitution for such appointments, said the DAP business,” he said. The lion dance performance, held a property values. The announcement was made during a leaders. The appointments which come with remunerations couple of days after Chinese New Year, was all part of signing ceremony recently. Mayor Roshidi Hashim signed and related perks will cost the state treasury almost RM 1 the ritual to bless the premises and to ensure continued on behalf of MBI while Cita Hidup Sdn Bhd’s Chairman, million a year. “This is a waste of public money,” said prosperity. Dato’ Dr Abdullah Fadzil Che Wan, inked the document Nga Kor Meng, Perak DAP Secretary on behalf of the developer. PEAK SEASON BLUES A NOSTALGIC TRIP GUESS THE NUMBER

One of the attractions that holiday makers looked forward Twelve former members of The Loyal Regiment, North Everyone held their breath when a total of 2,732 mandarin to during the recent festive holidays was taking a train Lancashire, whose battalion was stationed in Ipoh during oranges were filled into the cargo bed of a Mitsubishi ride to Kuala Lumpur and back. Many did just that as the between 1952 to 1955, took a Trition Lite. Dealer and principal of Ipoh-based F.A. some had never been on a train before. For Fong Poh trip down memory lane recently. Their return was made Automobiles, Freddy Goh Choon Liang, said that the Kuan (MP for Batu Gajah) and her husband, it was to try possible through the efforts of writer and ex-member of the cargo bed could take over 4,000 oranges when filled to out the new service. However, her efforts proved futile battalion, Freddy Hudson, and his acquaintances in Ipoh. the brim. He came up with the novel idea when discussing as purchasing tickets was too time consuming. Only one The veterans, in their early seventies, are still alert and with colleagues on ways to attract buyers to acquire the ticket counter was opened. The reason given was staff sprightly. Their wish to visit their old camp was fulfilled pick-up model. A competition to guess the right number shortage. This was confirmed by KTM Intercity Executive when they were taken to Kem Syed Putra (Tambun Camp) of oranges was held at the showroom recently. The winner Officer, Sabri Muhammad. According to Sabri, new staff, on a day trip. The visitors were greeted on arrival by Lt- who guessed the right number of fruits walked home currently undergoing training in Batu Gajah, would only Col Firdaus Kuah, the Commanding Officer 2nd Battalion with a 21-inch colour television. He estimated a total be available on March 1. Another grouse was the ticketing Royal Ranger Regiment. Firdaus took them on a guided of 2,688 oranges, 44 short of the original number. The online system. It was slow and also erratic. This problem tour of the battalion’s survival village. The village has guessing game was judged by four independent judges would be addressed said Corporate Communications much to offer - traps to snarl wild animals, edible plants including two from Ipoh Echo. Visitors were entertained Officer, Shariza Embi. KTM had started a weekend and medicinal herbs. On the way out the old timers stopped to luncheon and yee sang before commencement of the service effective January 24.The KL-Ipoh shuttle service by the Gurkha cemetery to pay their respects. competiton. now operates 7 days a week. 10 IPOH ECHO February 16 - 28, 2009 Your Community Newspaper

@ Send your letters to the Editor Ipoh Echo 1, Jalan Lasam, 30450 Ipoh or fax to 05-2552181 or email to [email protected]. LETTERS TO EDITOR Letters must have writer’s full name, address and phone number. A pseudonym may be included. mail /email

ODE TO TAMBUN in which the images were to create heightened sense cause earth movements and Conservation works like the ROCK PAINTING executed, including the of awareness amidst a the generation of noxious construction of footpaths, It is the fervent hope of solid forms alongside the critical mass of concerned gases and substances signage and amenities many that the local and As I crested the little ridge ‘x-ray’ skeletal versions, citizenry who would be that will jeopardize these often do more harm than federal authorities fan off my heart was pounding and the apparently ideally beholden to step priceless relics. good especially when the passion of local heritage a crescendo in my chest, different weathering and forth as stakeholders of these are done ad hoc. I societies and academia in not because of the record superimposition of images these national treasures. Although it is heartening to may sound condescending executing conservation time I bounded up the seem to suggest that this Museums with their note that local authorities but if the artifacts alone programmes that live up steps, but after years of site was utilized over a controlled and secured like MBI and JWN are are not reason enough to to the charter of protecting asking and searching, prolonged span of time and environment are the taking steps to promote trudge up the hill, visitors priceless artefacts for I’m about to finally come perhaps even by different ideal vehicles for the the Tambun rock cliff may turn their attention on the benefit of societies, face to face with hitherto groups of people. preservation of priceless paintings, priority should the surrounding environs present and future. It is Malaysia’s most important Ever since my first artifacts, but the removal be made to secure the site and devise their own ironic that left on its own, and remarkably enigmatic trip to the site, subsequent of these items from their first before promoting entertainment which may the rock cliff paintings of rock painting. Awash with visits have been gripped original locations at once it, which will inexorably culminate in vandalism. Tambun and its environ anticipation and adrenalin with apprehension and diminishes the holistic accelerate the degradation have endured a couple of rush, I stood rooted in awe tinged with anxiety that significance of the sites and of the site. Already graffiti has millennia, and most likely at the majestic tableaux this priceless and important adjacent localities within a defaced swaths of the rock to last just as long into the of ancient paintings heritage could be facing historical enclave. Rock Most archaeological sites face, some menacingly future, but with misguided purported to be inked at imminent destruction in paintings and megaliths and its surroundings are close to the actual ancient and haphazard conservation least 2000 years before. the name of progress, are also not conducive to fragile and cannot sustain paintings. Fragile residual efforts, it is unlikely to last As my eyes focused on development or even more relocating and thus present busloads of visitors artefacts yet un-assessed, beyond the decade. each image, I realized that ironically, conservation unique challenges to their trampling about in an lying about near the ledges, in many instances there efforts. preservation. Certainly this uncontrolled manner. have been irretrievably It is with a heavy heart and are traces of faint shapes The main charter of is the case with the Tambun Humidity and carbon turned into dust beneath forlorn gaze as I took my lying underneath. When museums and antiquities rock cliff paintings. Thus dioxide from respiration hordes of trampling feet. leave of the site. I know not I peered deeper into the is undoubtedly the it is imperative that the will literally erode the Piles of sand, construction if the paintings will hold superimposed shapes, preservation and immediate surroundings paintings. It would also be material, and the movement their own until my next familiar images of local conservation of historical are secured as buffers a fatal mistake to improve of heavy machinery will sojourn, or perhaps they too fauna began to emerge sites and artifacts for against encroaching accessibility to hitherto further aggravate damages will take after their artists like apparitions across research, presentation activities that will cause unassailable locations as it to undiscovered treasures and vanish into the mists of the chasm of time and and education to benefit irreversible and untold will place the artefacts at that could very well time and place. rejuvenate the spirit of the community and society. damages. Even remote the peril of curious hands slumber inches below the place. The manner and style The objective would be activities like quarrying can and intentional vandalism. present surface. Cheah Soon Tatt, Penang

MOTHER NATURE And just as you could count no stone unturned to save ticular property used to on me never to disappoint me. be an exclusive place of I refer to your feature you, I also thought I could And even when the residence and its value was “In The Shade of the Old count on you if anything chain saw blasted through derived also from the mag- Tropical Trees” (Ipoh were to happen to me. the air and I knew my nificent trees which stood Echo Issue 64) and where When the first engi- time was near, even then right in front of the apart- the writer decries the in- neers came to survey the I thought you would put ments. discriminate felling of area and said they wanted yourself between the steel When the trees were tropical trees. In the last to build a road and I was of the saw and the warmth cut to facilitate the con- paragraph, she expressed in the way, I thought you of my bark so that I could struction of the flyover the wish that trees could would come and tell them live. Even then I did not and to install the traffic talk. Well, if any one of the that there was no way want to believe that you lights, the Mahkota Wira decade or century old trees you’d let them chop me would not lift a finger to apartments were suddenly that have been cut down down. save me. You said you exposed to the noise and could talk, I believe this is And when they cleared loved me, but you let me danger of traffic on a main what it would say. the grass and moved the die.” road. The market value “I truly was an awe- bulldozers in to dig the There used to be a row of the apartments fell and some piece of Nature’s fresh earth and pave it with of majestic trees which residents reacted either by handiwork. You could stones, still I hoped you lined the road at the junc- decreasing the rent or sell- to see if there was a way anyway. not stop raving about the would tell your family, tion of the old Tambun ing out and moving to a the flyover could be built The point is – you majesty and beauty of my relatives, friends, and any- Road, and Tiger Lane. different area. without felling the trees can be sad and sorry, feel countenance. You enjoyed one you could get hold of. Besides being beautiful, Although these resi- as a casualty of the devel- alarmed, shocked and out- countless hours of pleasure And if none of them were the trees provided protec- dents might have been opment. Residents prob- raged, but feelings never and happiness under the willing to lend a hand, still tion and cooling shade unhappy about the situ- ably assumed that nothing change anything. Action soothing breeze and cool- I was sure you would let to the Mahkota Wira ation, I wonder if they could be done and that the does. ing shade of my leaves. no venue unexplored and Condominium. This par- actually took any steps trees could not be saved Marisah Abdullah, Ipoh

OXYGEN PLUS OXYGENATEDWATER SYSTEM Enriched with 300% more Oxygen than regular water Water no one has experienced before Since 1985 20-30 ppm

2 100-120 ppm ANDERSON SCHOOL yee sang and karaoke with Lee Ean Keong (a pi- we had to entice and coerce IPOH Caroline Lee (Wong Mee lot) and Kok Wai Sum still him to sing “Mary Had Yong), Lee Ean Keong, maintained their athletic a Little Lamb” and “Baa Thank you for featur- Steven Yen Siew San, Kok physiques. Baa Black Sheep”. ing Anderson School in Wai Sum, Ho Gan Sum, Caroline Lee is hav- We ended in the wee Get Energized Ipoh Echo Issue 67. For Guru Sagoo and spouses. ing a hard time keeping hours of the morning just the past months I have I have not met them “wags” at bay at each of like the good old days Hurley Marketing Sdn Bhd been in touch with former for over 39 years and what his port of call. in “Staying Alive” and (148706-K) Andersonians while on my a surprise when I found all We had a fine time sang the Anderson School 47 Jalan Medan Ipoh 2 trip to Australia and New are looking fit and ladies tossing yee sang and wish- anthem, “To Strive, To Bandar Baru Medan Ipoh Zealand. looking lovely without a ing everyone good health Seek, To Find and Not To 31400 Ipoh,Perak The recent being the spot of a wrinkle, or be- and longevity. During the Yield”. Tel : 605 5466 568 Chinese New Year celebra- ing toothless granny and karaoke session, Kok Wai Fax : 605 5496 968 tion at the Club, PJ having Email: [email protected] grandpa. Sum was very bashful and S K Ong, Kuala Lumpur Hot and Cold Your Community Newspaper IPOH ECHO February 16 - 28, 2009 11

IPOH FACTS AND FANCIES by HO TAK MING

KEEPING FAITH IN IPOH We should credit these colonial officers for keeping faith in Ipoh. Without their foresight Ipoh would have languished far behind he early British au- district capital transferred ture from Ipoh to take one in any position of au- Ernest Birch greatly it grabbed everything for Tthorities did not from Batu Gajah, and to up an important appoint- thority, with the exception resented control from itself). For years and years know what to do with have Lumut developed as ment as Imperial Chinese of Ernest Birch, the British Kuala Lumpur. He lik- after Federation, KL was Ipoh. They could not its seaport, with a railway Immigration Agent in Resident of Perak from ened Federation merely to developed disproportion- countenance the aspi- connection. Hong Kong for the recruit- 1904-11. He had the great- a “business arrangement ately to all the other towns rations of a town they Only a handful of the ment of labour to South est faith in Ipoh. It was on for the better administra- in the FMS, Ipoh included. regarded as an unruly British had faith in Ipoh. Africa, he said, “If it were his advice that Yau Tet Shin tion of the four States (of And that too, out of the mining camp, so unlike The first of the faith- not for the Chinese, Ipoh built New Town. To build a Perak, Selangor, Pahang Federal coffers to which the official towns that ful was William Cowan, would be non-existent and complete town in the face and Negeri Sembilan)”. Ipoh contributed the most! they had created, such as the Protector of Chinese, the FMS would have been of the general view outside Federation was brought in The High Gods promised to Taiping, Batu Gajah or Perak. He had been as- a trackless waste.” that Ipoh would fade out initially (in 1896) to bring make Ipoh the Commercial even Kuala Lumpur. The sociated with the town When Rev W.E. of existence as soon as the an end to the quarrels be- Capital of the FMS, while conventional wisdom since 1883, when the Horley came to Ipoh in tin in the was tween the four British KL remained the Official then prevailing in official country was in its infancy June, 1895 to start the worked out, required cour- Residents who each and all Capital. But nothing came circles was that the tin in and Kinta on the verge of Anglo-Chinese School, the age. desired to be little kings in out of that promise. All the the Kinta Valley would bankruptcy. He had faith District Magistrate, R.D. The old towkay, how- their own States. things that Ipoh asked for be worked out in ten or, in the unruly Chinese Hewett, told him that if he ever, was a man of both However, the choice – the transfer of the district at the most, twenty years’ mining coolies, who were wanted to start an English courage and foresight. of Kuala Lumpur as capital from Batu Gajah, time. rushing in to work the tin school in Kinta, it should When New Town was Federal capital was an the development of a sea- Ipoh had sprung up mines, and who could just be at Batu Gajah, the dis- completed in 1908 in the unmitigated disaster for port at Lumut with railway like a mushroom overnight, as easily have turned the trict capital and up till then midst of a great slump in Perak. Ipoh was then the connections to Ipoh, the and like a mushroom, could Kinta Valley into a place the principal and most im- the price of tin, the major- only town to pose a ri- transfer of the State capital wither away and die just as of anarchy, like Larut was portant town in Kinta. The ity of the acres of new sho- valry to KL (Taiping was from Taiping – things that quickly as soon as the tin only a decade earlier. By Government obviously had phouses stood empty for already past its heyday, would indeed make Ipoh in its environs was worked his fair treatment and con- doubts about the future of months. It was an item of and no longer a threat). the Commercial Capital out. The Government was cern for their welfare, he Ipoh. However, Rev Horley news to record that “anoth- When he first visited Ipoh of the country, were not thus reluctant to invest it earned their trust. In grati- had more faith in Ipoh than er shophouse in the New as British Resident, Ernest given. with public buildings of tude, they called him Tuan the Government. His faith Town has been occupied” Birch made a prophesy to The ambitions of Ipoh architectural splendour. Kawan. Because of the was justified when Ipoh even though the rent was the townspeople that Ipoh before the First World War, The only such build- continual influx of Chinese rose rapidly to become only $15 per month. As the would develop into one of when it was at the peak ings built before the mining coolies, by the the second city of the price of tin recovered, New the most important towns of its prosperity from tin, First World War were the early years of the twenti- Federated Malay States, Town slowly filled up. in the FMS – if not the were thwarted by Kuala Railway Station and the eth century, the Chinese and the Anglo-Chinese If not for Yau Tet Shin’s most important town. Lumpur. Because KL did Town Hall-Post Office formed eighty percent of School one of the greatest complete lack of English, Ernest Birch did not not keep faith with Ipoh, complex, and that, only the population of Ipoh. At schools in the country. Sun Kai Cheong (‘New anticipate the machina- the consequences for the as a compensation for re- a farewell dinner given to R.D. Hewett’s scep- Town’) might well have tions of the High Gods in tin mining capital of the jecting the town’s peti- William Cowan in 1904 tism of the viability of been known as Birchtown the Federal Capital (or the country in the post-war tion in 1909 to have the on the eve of his depar- Ipoh was shared by every- today. Federal Octopus, the way years would be disastrous. Call: CHEERS TO THE AGED Ramesh Kumar Advertise in Marketing Manager A corporate giant’s responsibility to the needy and the aged 016 5531092

Residents of the Simee Home For The Aged had reasons to smile for a special occasion. A lion dance performance, ac- robatic and martial arts displays were arranged for the benefit of the in- mates ranging in age be- tween 65 to 99 years old. After the 10-minute performance, they joined the organisers in the sym- bolic tossing of the yee sang, welcoming another auspicious lunar year be- fore being treated to a sumptuous luncheon. The treat was given by corporate giant, F&N Coca-Cola (M). On hand Dato’ Kamal later to entertain the inmates gave ang pows to the resi- was, Dato’ Kamal Harun, dents and donated money National Corporate Affairs to the home. Each year the Manager. leading soft drink manu- “These are some of facturer celebrates Chinese the special moments in life New Year at a designated that we should not take for institution for the aged in granted as there are those the country. This is its sec- who don’t have the op- ond visit to Ipoh. The first portunity to celebrate such was to the Salvation Army festivities with their loved Perak Home for the Aged ones, “ he said. in 2005. PK 12 IPOH ECHO February 16 - 28, 2009 Your Community Newspaper

COMMUNITY NEWS AZALINA OTHMAN

More pics at VISITED PANGKOR ipohecho on line Tourism Minister officiates Pangkor jetty terminal ourism Minister Dato’Sri Azlina TOthman paid a working visit to on February 9. The objective of her one- day visit was to observe the progress of tourism- related projects under the 9th Malaysian Plan. She took the opportunity to meet those involved in the tourism industry. According to statis- tics compiled by Tourism Malaysia, the number of visitors to Perak in 2007 stood at 1.8 million. Out of this, 700,000 were for- eigners. In 2008, between the months of January and September, the state re- ceived 1.9 million visitors Azlina launching the Pangkor Island jetty terminal upgrading project Azlina with Rohana Abdullah from Teluk Gedung of which 500,000 were foreigners. This represents sites in Perak under the 9th grading works on the is- opment projects at Teluk ated the upgrading works nal before ending her short a 7.4 percentage increase Malaysian Plan. Pangkor land’s jetty terminal. The Dalam Resort. She offici- of the island’s jetty termi- visit. over the same period in received RM13.5 million final phase of the improve- ROSLI MANSOR 2007. of the total amount to im- ment works will be com- A sum of RM60.3 prove tourist facilities on pleted in March 2010. HOME SWEET HOME million was allocated to the island. Most of the Azlina was briefed on upgrade existing tourist money is reserved for up- the island’s tourism devel- At long last a place to call home THAIPUSAM 2009 Giving thanks and acts of penance to Lord Muruga Thaipusam is celebrated in a big way in Perak, especially here in Ipoh. Devotees from all over the city and from the sur- rounding areas throng the Hindu temple at Gunung Cheruh to pay homage to Lord Muruga. They carry colorful ka- vadis, pal kodam (milk Kak Kiah (R) posing with Puan Zabaidah (L) infront of her house pots) and pull chariots as Smashing coconuts in the path of the passing chariot Kak Kiah or better owned by her relatives, known as the “Pucuk Paku is close to the Kampar - acts of penance to Lord Woman”, who appeared trunk road. Muruga. in a feature piece in Ipoh It has a bedroom, kitchen The main chariot Echo Issue 52, had her and an attached toilet, fa- bearing the deity of Lord dreams of owning a house cilities that were lacking Muruga is drawn through fulfilled. Ipoh Echo paid in her old “lean-to”. Puan the streets of the city late her a surprise visit recent- Zabaidah was reluctant in the night. This has been ly. Beaming with joy, she to reveal the actual cost the practice in Ipoh since stressful these days. She gladly posed in front of her of the house when asked. time immemorial. Large still picks pucuk paku to new house with her bene- “It’s my sedekah (gift) to crowds line the streets sell but only when it suits factor, Puan Zabaidah Jalil. a gutsy lady who has suf- where the chariot passes. her. “I am more settled Kak Kiah’s cosy but mod- fered enough,” she said Jalan Sultan Idris Shah now,” she remarked. est little wooden abode, with much humility. on the night of February More pics at built on a piece of land Kak Kiah looks less ipohecho on line 8 was transformed into a HMA fairy land filled with lights ANNOUNCEMENT and glitter. As the chariot passed, devotees smashed PERAK ISLAMIC INFORMATION CENTRE coconuts in its path as they The Perak Islamic Information Centre cordially invites those wishing to know more gave thanks for answering about the religion (non-Muslims included) to a group discussion with Islamic scholars. their prayers. For appointments please call Dr Mohamed Amir bin Meera Hussain at 019-3815563 For three years in suc- (mobile). E-mail: [email protected] cession, Chan Sam Loke Photo Studio, had been do- SEMINAR ON PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE ing its part for the prosper- Learn to conduct seminars and meetings the right way. Toastmasters YMCA and ity of the city. This year, Ipoh Toastmasters Club will organise a seminar on the subject matter on Saturday, said Chan Boon Chin, February 28, 2009. Seminar will be conducted by Dunstan Chan. Venue and Time: was no different. “Over Perak Medical College, Greentown, Ipoh between 9 am to 5 pm. Entrance: RM45 per RM3,000 was expended person inclusive of lunch and tea breaks. Those interested please call Cheah Tong Kim to purchase coconuts, or- at 017-487 3980 or Pak Peter at 019-574 3572. anges and peanuts for the occasion. We pray for sta- HEALTH TALK AND HEALTH CAMPAIGN bility since the state is in Kinta Medical Centre, Ipoh will organise a health talk and health campaign on Friday, a political turmoil.” Chin February 27, 2009. Venue and Time: Kinta Medical Centre, Jalan Chung Thye Phin, is optimistic that stability Ipoh between 8.30 am to 1 pm. Admission: Free. For details please call Kinta Medical will prevail once normalcy Centre at 05-2425333. returns. HMA