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IPOH ECHO WISHES ALL OUR READERS Your Voiceechoecho In The Community A HAPPY & PROSPEROUS CHINESE NEW YEAR issue 91 February 12-28, 2010 PP 14252/10/2010(025567)

POLO GROUND THE NEW GIRL POMELO FARMERS – IS A SOLUTION ON THE BLOCK OF TAMBUN GET POSSIBLE? THEIR LAND – FINALLY GO ONLINE www.ipohecho.com.my Pg 3 Pg 8 Pg 9 FOR THE LATEST NEWS. WE UPDATE REGULARLY PROSPERITY, ABUNDANCE AND SUPERSTITIONS GALORE

hinese New Year is the most significant of all the traditional Chinese festivals. It is an auspicious start Cto the year and at this time the Chinese are on their best behaviour. Not to do so may prove catastrophic. There is no room for open hostilities. Every one is gracious and willing to forgive and forget. By embracing a spirit of goodwill and spreading joy and peace they experience moments of blessed calm and sheer bliss. It is a highly commendable way to begin the year. Chinese New Year, falling between 20th January and 20th February of the Gregorian calendar each year, would be mundane and a nonentity without the accompaniment of traditions and age-old taboos and superstitions. They are still practised although many Chinese with modern ideas regard them with scepticism. Nevertheless, Chinese New Year traditions and customs remain robust because they provide continuity. They bridge the divide between past and present and in this way offer the Chinese a sense of identity. continued on page 2 2 IPOH ECHO FEBRUARY 12-28, 2010 Your Voice In The Community TRADITION AND TABOO COMBINE TO USHER IN CHINESE NEW YEAR

but no- to the spirit and people re- ity. To cut them up into the floor during tice the ciprocate warmly. Quaint pieces spell disaster for the first 5 days s t a t e l y baskets of oranges and the family. Long noodles of Chinese b a m b o o tangerines, which sounds are cooked uncut and eaten New Year, en- plant that in exactly like with relish. They sym- joy talking of c o m m a n d s the word gold and whose bolise a healthy long life death, telling an enviable position colour is similarly bright, which is the ultimate aim ghost stories, acci- Spruce-Up are a must-have as they are of every one. Dried oys- dentally break crockery, in the house. It signi- far and wide Chinese New Year brings symbols for abundance, ters with black hair fungus shed tears of sadness or fies steadfastness, com- converge to have a with it a rich and unique happiness and wealth. which sounds like ‘good quarrelling or fighting. The patibility and longevity. reunion dinner and join in collection of superstitions Besides, they add a touch affairs and prosperity’ in sick are not spared either. Delightful plum blossom the festivities. People do that is of considerable in- of radiance and cheerful- Cantonese, is another fa- They have to get dressed which symbolizes reliabil- not let off fireworks these terest. First, a few weeks ness to the place. Pretty vourite. and sit in the living room ity and perseverance occu- days as they are banned, prior to Chinese New Year circular trays of candy A note of caution: because bad luck will be- pies a place of honour too. favouring instead a video the whole house is spruced which sit demurely on white “Tofu”, though fall them if someone de- Other flowers that are much recording of a display of up. Tenacious bad luck that coffee-tables are believed nutritious, is taboo. We are cides to greet them while sought after and loved are fireworks which is shown lurks in nooks and crannies to bring people together told that the twin terrors of they are in their bedrooms. pussy willow, peony and over and over. is meticulously dispatched and are aptly named Trays Misfortune and Death go Then their condition will narcissus. According to On the 1st day of with broom and mop or of Togetherness. They hand-in-glove with “Tofu”. deteriorate and the progno- the Chinese, bright flow- Chinese New Year married the ubiquitous vacuum strengthen and sweeten re- Some see no possible sis is poor. (Perhaps psy- ers and plants are emblems adults give “Lai See” cleaner. This allows good lationships. justification but the verdict chology plays a part.) And of reawakening. Unsightly which is a small red packet luck to flow into the house is “Tofu” stays out of the woe betide the one who presence of plastic and ar- with money enclosed, to smoothly. If the house is Food Do’s and Don’ts menu. Fear of these two leaves knives and scissors tificial flowers will -gener children and unmarried not only spic and span but Food is the order of the day. dark and destructive forces around the house. Their ate a torrent of disapproval relatives for good luck. The also shining with warmth More food is consumed is real. good fortune will be torn and criticism. 5th day is “Open Business and colour, more good luck during Chinese New Year asunder or cut to shreds. Day” and some people are will be attracted to it. Then than at any other time of Taboos Auspicious Words and ready to go back to work. A the family will have suf- the year. At this time they Superstitions and taboos 15 Days to Celebrate Condiments lion dance team is invited ficient good fortune to see spend lavishly on food and are so deep-rooted that Chinese New Year is Doors too act as vehicles to perform a lion dance for them comfortably through eat day and night to their to carry the message of reopening business. the year. heart’s content. However, goodwill. Happy wishes The celebration of food is not chosen in a hap- such as “May the star of “Yuan Xiao” festival on Emblems of hazard fashion. Different health, happiness, wealth the 15th day officially Reawakening kinds of food have differ- and longevity shine on ends Chinese New Year. Second, abundant live ent significance and they you” are written on glossy The Chinese eat glutinous plants and flowers adorn need to be thought about red pieces of paper and rice balls which symbolise the living room. They rep- and prepared carefully. For pasted prominently on unity. The other days of resent new life, new growth example, a whole fish and front doors. These heart- the 15-day celebration and healthy mental, emo- chicken must be cooked warming greetings create are generally spent on tional, and spiritual devel- intact. They represent a sense of joy and hope. visiting temples to pray to opment. One cannot help completeness and prosper- Pleasing words do wonders different gods, dropping in on friends and visiting Get your FREE copy of the Ipoh Echo from: places of interest. On the Canning Gdn: Ariff Store, 40 Jalan Lee Kwee Foh. it is difficult to disregard celebrated for 15 days. 16th day of Chinese New New Wing Fook Merchant, 56 Jalan Lee Kwee Foh. them. Some superstitions The Chinese take a well- Year everyone goes back Lourd Enterprise, 7 Lorong Cecil Rae. are really quite daunting. deserved break and re- to work with vigour and Ipoh Gdn: Denis JaZZ Bistro (Mon closed), 26 Persara Ipoh 1. It is believed that bad luck turn home to their loved vitality. They now look Muhibah Hair Stylist, 103 Jalan Dato Lau Pak Khuan. clings stubbornly to those ones. On Chinese New forward to the New Year Mama’s Home Baked Bread Stall (after 7 pm),JAMES Aneka GOUGH Selera. who insist on sweeping Year Eve family members YEW SOOK MOY Ipoh Gdn South: Pasar Mini Manaf, 17 Jalan S.A. Lingam. First Gdn: LSF Sun Li Hardware Sdn Bhd, 50, Jalan Ng Weng Hup. KOON YEW YIN SCHOLARSHIPS FOR Labrooy Road: LSF Sun Li Hardware Sdn Bhd, 16A Jalan Labrooy. FINANCE/ACCOUNTANCY DEGREES Meru: Golf Reception Counter, Meru Valley Golf & Country Club. New Town: Kedai K.S. Maran (nxt Maybank), 212 Jln Sultan Idris Shah. Pre-degree or Foundation Course Chan Sam Lock Photo Studio, 77-81 Jln Sultan Idris Shah. Pays for all the fees and cost of living until the PTPTN loan Pooran Enterprise (opp Super Kinta), 5 Jln Dato Onn Jaafar. is secured. S.Y. Dry Cleaning & Laundry, 1 Jln Chung Thye Phin. Criteria: Simee: Newsvendor (morning), Opposite Simee Market. • Students must be accepted by UTAR Tmn Ipoh Jaya: Rasu Enterprise, 271 Jalan Gunung Rapat. • Total family income is less than RM2,000 per month. Tmn Tambun: Bawal Jaya Enterprise, 66 Psrn Desa Tambun 7, Desa • No payback, only the commitment to help other poor students Tambun. when financially solvent after graduation. Tiger Lane: Perak Academy, 28 Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah. Golf Club Road: Fitness Junction, 2 Jalan Kelab Golf. Send request with IC details, proof of family income to: SITIAWAN P.N. Book Centre, 7 Jalan Dato Ahmad Yunus. [email protected] Your Voice In The Community IPOH ECHO February 12-28, 2010 3

www.ipohecho.com.myIPOH From the Editor’s Desk Fathol Zaman Bukhari echoYour Voice In The Community POLO GROUND – IS A SOLUTION POSSIBLE? he concept of a public regularly. City Council’s and much maligned visi- Roshidi Hashim him- Tpark in the eyes and enforcement division tors and residents of Polo self or to his boss, State minds of seems swooped down on the il- Ground? How can they get Executive Councillor for slightly clouded. There is legal traders and overnight the authorities to act? And Local Governments, Dato’ this mistaken belief that they were all gone. It was a how must they go about Dr Mah Hang Soon. Dato’ business and healthy pur- huge relief to the residents getting the authorities to Mah has been attributed suits co-existed harmoni- living nearby. act? for resolving many out- ously in parks. Nowhere is The eviction exer- standing issues concerning this notion so evident than cise, however, was a mere Options citizens’ rights and needs. at Ipoh’s iconic Taman slap on the wrist, all bark One possible way is to In fact, on reading one Rekreasi Sultan Abdul no bite, so more hawk- form an action committee reader’s complaint about Aziz aka Polo Ground. ers joined the fray. They consisting of all residents the loud music emanating Over here health buffs jos- returned with bigger vans living near Polo Ground. from the park on week- tle for space with itinerant and larger tables. Since it List all the complaints you ends, Mah informed Ipoh hawkers on wheels mak- was taboo to do business in have and go on a signature Echo that the problem ing it a sight to behold. the morning they swarmed campaign. Even the health would be tackled imme- Perhaps it is a Malaysian the grounds when the sun buffs can do their part by diately. The Mayor’s tu- way of life where hawking set. Circumventing the law forming an ad hoc commit- run padang programme is is ingrained in our culture. seemed a better option than tee. Get Peter Choong, the his commitment towards Or could it be simple eco- confronting city council councillor for Zone 14, to making Ipoh a livable city. nomics, as one reader puts head-on. It became a cat act. Let him do your bid- Roshidi’s “turning vision it, “where there’s demand and mouse game between ing a signatory of the United sponding to demands by ding, for after all that is his into reality” promise is there’s supply.” enforcers and hawkers Nations Rio Declaration Ipohites? Reasons are responsibility. still fresh in our heads. The problems posed much to the chagrin of on Environment and aplenty. Apathy tops the Ipoh City Watch by hawkers, vandals and park users and residents Development in 1992, has list. Next is our favourite (ICW) a non-governmen- Lasting solution noise polluters prompted alike. This went on for attempted (but failed) to Malaysian malaise, tidak- tal organisation formed in A lasting solution is not another reader to implore awhile. Today, with little adopt and implement a apa attitude and finally, a November 2002 dedicated impossible. City Council succinctly to return the or no enforcement, these programme for sustainable feeling of déjà vu. Why to improving the quality of should take cognisance of park to its former gran- “pesky” hawkers flaunt the development at local coun- bother, the problem does life of Ipohites can be of Ipohites’ growing concern. deur, one which is “free law with impunity. cil level. This is referred to not affect me and further help. Although the NGO A public park should oper- from hawkers, vandals, as Local Agenda 21 (LA more, no one is complain- does not take issues on ate like park, a quiet place vermin, noise pollution Legislation 21). The three legislations, ing. And one other excuse an individual basis it can to relax and to exercise. and traffic”. Is there a solution to the LA 21 and MBI-sanctioned so freely expressed, “depa provide the much needed Don’t turn this 27-acre problem? Three legisla- by-laws, are sufficient to pun nak cari makan” (they guidance in preparing a green lung into a ‘pasar Short-Lived Eviction tions namely, the Local make amends for the gross too want to eat). These are case. Lawyer Augustine malam’ or a site for jambo- These are real problems Government Act 1976, injustice that has wrought the reasons why we have to Anthony is the current ree-like gatherings. For the which require solutions the Town and Country havoc on visitors and resi- put up with a sight which president of ICW. record, Polo Ground was not knee-jerk reactions. Planning Act 1976 and dents living near the Polo have become common- gazetted a park in 2005. In 2007, the unsightly the Street Drainage and Ground. place at almost all public Another possible op- We are already into vista caught the atten- Building Act 1974, dictate parks in the country. tion, and a practical one the second decade of the tion of HRH Sultan Azlan how a local council should Apathy and Tidak-Apa So what options are too, is to make direct rep- new millennium. Let’s Shah who jogs in the park be managed. , be- So why is MBI not re- left for the hard-pressed resentation to Mayor Dato’ move on. ADVERTORIAL “LOVE IS THICKER THAN WATER BUT MONEY IS THICKER THAN LOVE”

he recent legal battle over the validity of 2 competing TWills of Nina Wang, one of Asia’s richest women concluded with a Court ruling in favour of the 2002 Will over the one in 2006. The 2006 Will held by her lover makes him the sole heir of her entire estate estimated to be RM44.8 billion. The 2002 Will left Wang’s fortune to a Charitable Foundation which was set up by her and her late husband. The court ruled that the signature of the 2006 Will was highly skilled simulation. Presuming that one has such wealth, one could take some preventive measures to minimize some of the potential problems. To ensure that the Will is valid, one option is to appoint a minimum of 2 trustworthy individuals to be joint Executors. One can have a maximum of 4 Executors. The other option is to choose an established and reputable Trust company like ROCKWILLS TRUSTEE BERHAD that have the expertise, knowledge, security, continuity and accountability to execute your wishes. Having chosen your Executor, it is always important to clearly state the distribution of the assets to the beneficiaries in theWill . This enables your executor to carry out your instructions easily without any problems. To prevent doubts arising from a case such as Nina Wang’s estate, it is important to engage professionals who are experts in Estate Planning to prepare your Will. When a Will is completed, the execution involves 3 parties. One is the Testator (the owner of the Will). The other 2 parties are the witnesses who are not beneficiaries or their spouse. The witnesses are to be present when the Testator signs his Will and the Testator must witness the signing of the 2 witnesses. When the Testator signs his Will witnessed by 2 witnesses, the Testator must be of sound mind to know the contents of the Will and distribution, and not under duress so that he is making this Will voluntarily. When this exercise is completed, it is important to keep your Will with a reputable company providing Will custody services. This will prevent the Will being lost, damaged or tampered with. Taking the above preventive steps will solve problems that occurred in Nina Wang’s Will and it will ensure that your instructions are carried out. Lastly, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all my readers a very “HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR” and looking forward to “Making Your Wishes Come True”. Peter Lee is an Associate Estate Planning Practitioner (Wills & Trust) with RockWills International Group. He is also an Islamic Estate Planner providing Wills & Trust services for Muslims. He is based in Ipoh and can be reached at: 012-5078825/05-2554853 or [email protected]. 4 IPOH ECHO FEBRUARY 12-28, 2010 Your Voice In The Community Mariam Mokhtar PUBLISHER THINKING ALOUD Ipoh Echo Sdn Bhd (Regd No 687483 T) OUEEN BEE SYNDROME No 1 Jalan Lasam 30450 Ipoh Perak Darul LETTING DOWN THE FEMININE SIDE Ridzuan Tel: (605) 249 5936 Fax: (605) 255 2181 Email: editorial@ipohecho. When one reads to ‘darjah 5’, in a sekolah com.my publications like Fortune agama. These women are or Time, women shun bright, hard-working and EDITORIAL leadership and power ambitious. They did not Fathol Zaman Bukhari erak BN Exco Dato’ mainly because of lack ability. They lacked G. Sivapragasam Hamidah Osman motherhood. But in our opportunities and funding. Jerry Francis announced recently Exco’s case, it is from Otherwise they would P contact and meetings have lifted themselves REPORTER that a female politician James Gough could not become Menteri with Sultans or religious out of depressing poverty. Besar, in Perak, or any department officials. This It would have altered GRAPHIC DESIGN other Malaysian state, is ridiculous. We have the social landscape, for Rosli Mansor Ahd Razali because of ‘royal protocol achieved much in educating women can and do, make and meeting with religious women, equipped them a huge difference. MARKETING & with physical and mental For generations, DISTRIBUTION department officials’. MANAGER Her short-sighted tools and empowered them. women in modern Malaysia Ramesh Kumar remarks are irresponsible Hamidah’s proposal stops struggled to reach the peak and damaging. She may them dead in their tracks. of their professions, their WEB ADMINISTRATOR have considered that with It’s pointless telling them paths usually obstructed Titus Raj one brush stroke she could to work hard if they can’t by prejudice or tradition. extinguish the dreams of qualify for the top prize. Assuredly, they will PERMISSION AND RE- Where is the incentive or dominate in the workplace, PRINTS many women who aspire Materials in Ipoh Echo may to be future Malaysian encouragement? this decade. They not be reproduced leaders. She won’t succeed possess several skills and in any form without the though because women Educating Women achieve better academic within her political circle. gender equality. written permission of the are too smart for that. Malay girls were given qualifications. They excel But are we witnessing adept Hamidah’s remarks publisher Inadvertently, she exposed access to formal education at teamwork, leadership political manoeuvring and symbolise the waste of a herself as someone lacking in 1885. The Chinese skills, communication and PRINTER sinister manipulations at golden opportunity. What Konway Industries Sdn vision, clarity and ambition had already established emotional intelligence. work? Now that she has happened to motivation, Bhd and certainly no role model community schools from They also exhibit better worked her way up, is sound judgement and Plot 78, Lebuhraya for Malaysian women. the early 19th century. resilience and integrity. she simply protecting her vision? Who can we Kampong Jawa Indian children in the exalted position? Is she depend on to provide a 11900 Bayan Baru, Law Says Yes estates progressed when Our Own Worst preventing other women good role model? Hers Pulau Pinang Renowned constitutional the 1923 Labour Code Enemies? from rising up the ranks is a spectacular failure of Tel: (604) 644 7507 law expert Abdul Aziz compelled employers to Inexplicably, the notable and in essence, stifle their leadership. Bari claimed that women, build schools. These are rise in the professions fails aspirations? Could she be USEFUL CONTACTS or even non-Malays and important milestones in to explain the dearth of suffering from the Queen Ipoh Echo provides non-Muslims, could the history of Malaya (and women in top positions in Bee Syndrome in that she a forum for views legally become MBs. Malaysia). Education was politics, the professional refuses to be surrounded and opinions of the Ibu Pejabat The Sultan, or head of the catalyst for social and bodies or armed forces. by competitors of the same Perak community. Polis Daerah (IPD) state, could dispense with political change. Is it the work-life balance sex? Publishing this article 05 2451 500 the prerequisites for the I need only to talk to my issue? Or is it because, For ages, women does not mean we elderly women relatives, as in Perak, other women 999 (emergency) position of MB and invoke blamed men for hindering endorse or share a particular constitutional who register extreme become our own worst their careers, and for the the views of this Ipoh General Hospital proviso, if it transpires that regret and sadness at being enemies? difficulties in achieving columnist. 05-253 3333 only unsuitable Malays denied the opportunities This Exco member Ipoh Ambulance are available, no Malay- that we take for granted has given lame excuses 05-522 2506 Muslim assembly persons today, like education and why women are ineligible ANNOUNCEMENTS 993 (emergency) exist or no suitable males job openings. Most of to become MB. We are not them went to school up privy to communications Ipoh Fire Brigade are available. World Champion Lion Dance Performance by the 31- 05-547 4444/994 time world champion Kun Seng Keng Lion and Dragon Dance Association from Muar, Johor, at Bandar Baru Sri (emergency) Klebang’s Parklane Residences launching ceremony on Perak Immigration Dept Tuesday, 16 February 2010 at 10.00am. In conjunction 05-5017100 with the launch, there will also be horse and carriage Perak Water Board rides and face painting for children, appearances by the 05-254 6161 “God of Prosperity”, and activities for the whole family. Ipoh City Council Call 012-5008018 or 019-5133315. (Complaints) Gopeng Museum: February 15 launches its Corporate 05-208 3378/9 Logo at 2pm. Feb 16-28: Antique Clock Exhibition Perak Anti-Corruption featuring more than 85 antique and table clocks from Agency the early 1900s. The Museum is located at 28 Eu Kong 05-253 1982 Street, Gopeng. For details call 05-3597828. State Secretariat Feng Shui Outlook on 2010 Talk by Feng Shui master 05-253 1957 Professor Thong Ka at Bandar Baru Sri Klebang’s Railway Station Parklane Residences Show Homes on Wednesday 17 05-254 7987 February 2010 at 11.00am. Prof. Thong will provide Airport tips and guidance based on a person’s zodiac signs for 05-312 0848 2010 and will also be giving away limited copies of his Registration Department book and providing personal Feng Shui consultation. For 05-528 8805 information, call Jacky at 017-5045689. Tenaga Nasional Berhad Perak Lectures “The Conquest of Happiness” by Mr. Koon Yew Yin on Friday, February 26, Syuen Hotel, Ipoh, 05-253 2000 commencing at 7.30 pm. For details call: Perak Academy Lembaga Air Perak – 05-5478949 or Wai Kheng – 016-5518172; Fax: 05- 1800-88-7788 5496675 or Email: [email protected]. Directory Service MBI-sponsored Ipoh Aerobathon 2010 will take place 103 at Stadium Indera Mulia, Sunday, February 28, 7.30 am. Attractive cash prizes for 13 winners. Entrance fee RM30 Perak Women for Women Society per person. Registration forms available at Jabatan Hal Ehwal Komuniti (Level 7) MBI. Call Pn Jamuna/En 012-521 2480 012-505 0547 Anuar/Pn Elly at 05-2085577/05-2083246. 05-5469715 (office) Perak Women for Women Society (PWW) Research/ survey on domestic violence. For more information AA Ipoh please contact PWW’s office at 52, Jalan Sultan Azlan 019-574 3572 Shah, or call 05-5469715. 017-350 8361 Your Voice In The Community IPOH ECHO February 12-28, 2010 5 MUSINGS ON FOOD [email protected] by See Foon Chan-Koppen SEEFOON LANDS SMOOTHLY IN HER FISHING EXPEDITION fairly decent toilet facili- the festive Chinese New it was wild boar; again at taste of this last dish is Year season espe- ties though, located in an RM15 per portion, great similar to the much sought outhouse away from the cially the first few value. But do order in ad- after home concoction, the days when most restaurant, complete with vance as they don’t always ‘Tsoi Keok’ or chop suey sink and running water. Chinese restau- have stock. We then whose origins came from rants are closed. Though basic in amenities, tucked into left over banquet food. the kitchen and the vari- With the advantage kam- This had the right touch of ample parking ety of menu items more of tanginess from than make up for its they space, Sunny’s is set to ish has always been the asam keping be a hit this coming fes- lack of glam- and the chillies never Fan auspicious sym- our and in c l o s e ! tive season. bol for the Chinese, as added the appro- Ipoh, as all priate degree of The good news is that can be witnessed by the we Foodies they’ll be open throughout ubiquitous Koi ponds that piquancy to the know, it’s dish. abound in homes in Ipoh. the food that Sunny Seafood Beer Garden For those unable to afford counts. Good news for CNY Zanway Nursery fish ponds, there is always Lot 139474, Jalan Raja Musa Mahadi, 31650 Ipoh pong According to its proprie- that over-copied version Value for money Sunny Chang: 012-558 1313 chicken tor, Sunny’s is open from of the swimming carp or Back to the fish: I was To order: Ms Lee 016-557 0608 cooked in rice 12 noon till whenever, and Koi in all its myriad hues given a choice of live wine (the post-partum adorning many a wall of Haruan (snakehead), wild Chinese staple for ladies) a offices and homes. The Tilapia or wild Lampang dish I’m usually not partial reason for its popularity (I searched for an English to as I have always found lies in its symbolic signifi- name and came up empty) the rice wine too sweet for cance because the Chinese and knowing the first two, my taste but in this case, word for fish, yu, sounds I settled for the third, the the sweetness was just per- like the word for riches or Lampang. And was I well fect – RM30. The dishes abundance, and it is be- rewarded. The fish was big kept coming: steamed lieved that eating fish will enough for our group of homemade fish balls RM9 help your wishes come seven and the best bonus for 10 pieces; fried Tang true in the year to come. was the humongous roe Hoon (bean thread noo- And combined with an- that came with the fish. Of dles) and Beehoon (rice other word yi, it signifies course one can never be noodles) RM9 each; duck smooth passage or riches sure to get a fish with roe that was steamed, then and abundance will come but this Lampang, caught roasted (tasty but a tad smoothly. Fish is steamed in the wild and kept alive tough) RM48 for a whole whole especially during in a tank was steamed to duck. Following all this the Chinese New Year pe- perfection, its flesh smooth was the crème de la crème riod, as cutting up the fish and succulent, and the roe, of the evening: the Crab with Bean-thread Noodles, two very large crabs bub- bling in its own juices with the bean noodles soaking it all in – RM53. We left groaning from the table, promising to re- turn at proprietor’s Sunny Chang’s pleas. This we did the following week with alacrity and savoured their twice fried Kway Teow (rice noodles) with salted egg yolk RM22 (delecta- ble); their crab fried with will mean cutting off abun- firm and with not a hint salted egg yolk (good but I dance. So with the festive of fishiness or muddiness. preferred the clay pot ver- season approaching I went At RM45 per kilo, it was sion with bean noodles) fishing..... figuratively that great value for money. RM 42 for three smaller is... with my Foodie friend crabs; their mutton curry Ginla Foo, and discovered Crème de la Crème with its unique Chinese Sunny’s restaurant. Next came what I thought touch that beats most Indian Situated at the en- was a soya braised belly curry houses hands down trance to Taman Saikat pork dish. I was surprised RM30 and their stewed in Gunong Rapat, Sunny by the springiness of the pork knuckle with mustard Seafood Beer Garden is skin though, as the meat greens, only available if essentially a shack with ta- was fully tender and to my ordered in advance; RM42 bles and chairs. There are surprise discovered that for the whole knuckle. The 6 IPOH ECHO FEBRUARY 12-28, 2010 Your Voice In The Community

LETTERS EDUCATION COSMOPOINT ‘COLOUR YOUR We reprint some of our reader’s comments from our online paper. Go to http: //www.ipohecho.com.my/ to read more. The views expressed in these letters are not necessarily shared by the Editorial Board. LIFE’ ART EVENT We reserve the right to refuse or modify the letters we publish. o s m o p o i n t International College STOP THE CRUELTY they watched from coffee every town each time the C of Technology (CICT) or- TO ANIMALS shops, grocery shops, clin- food supply and funds for ganised an art event called A group of big, burly men ics, banks, the market, their tigers in Zoo Negara are “COLOUR YOUR LIFE” in red fatigues descended homes, this violent, almost depleted? at their Ipoh Campus re- on Teluk Intan yesterday surreal scene unfold before There are many ani- cently. The event was of- morning (14.1.2010) and their very eyes during the mal loving non-Muslim ficiated by YB Mohamad went on a rampage against busiest time of day in this and Muslims in Teluk Zahir b Dato’ Abdul Kadir, stray dogs and unlicensed usually peaceful town. Intan and throughout the Chairman of Education, dogs. They hunted down The caught animals were Malaysia who are very Higher Education, ICT, the unsuspecting, defence- dumped unceremoniously, disturbed and concerned Human Resources, Science less preys, using a lasso dead or alive, into a truck with this inhuman method & Technology. on a long pole to drag the and when questioned by of checking the stray popu- The purpose of this The Principal of and graphic design gradu- dogs into a truck, breaking a witness in a housing es- lation. Also, is it mere co- event is to introduce the CICT Ipoh, Pn Nor Adela ates are always in demand the necks of some in the tate, one of the men said incidence that this should basic concept of graphic Dinyati said the event is by the local organisations. process. they had been mobilized happen just two weeks af- design and multimedia to encourage interest to Since the event re- The screams, terrified from KL for Zoo Negara. ter new dog licenses were to the SPM and STPM graphic design, animation ceived overwhelming re- shrieks of these creatures Apparently, the carcasses issued by MBTI? We hope leavers who are currently and multimedia amongst sponse from the locals, pleading for their lives and are to be fed to the tigers at the authorities will provide waiting for their SPM and the youngsters and to Cosmopoint will organise for some vestige of hu- our National Zoo! We find some explanation to the STPM results and who showcase the job oppor- “Colour Your Life” Tour in manity towards their plight this a little hard to swal- concerned residents of this haven’t decided on which tunities for graduates. Pn other Perak districts such were heart wrenching and low. If it is true, does that town. course to pursue for their Adela also added that the as Sitiawan, Teluk Intan disturbing. Traumatised mean these men in red uni- Traumatised ISPCA further education. Cosmopoint’s multimedia and Taiping soon. children and adults were forms from KL will carry Member seen crying helplessly, as out stray dog-cleansing in WHICH IS THE LEGITIMATE PERAK For more reader’s comments on all topics plese go to: INDIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE? www.ipohecho.com.my here are two factions of 30 years and assessment has this, he had written to MBI TPerak Indian Chamber not been paid for the past 14 requesting them to remove CHINESE NEW YEAR & VALENTINE’S DAY of Commerce (PICC), one years and the building has the signboard in Kumar’s ROUNDUP headed by B.K. Kumar and not been maintained. Kumar office and it was done. the other by Sultan Abdul said that he has written to However, during Thaipusam, RESTAURANTS Khader. Press briefings MB Dato’ Seri Dr. Zambry the signboard was put up Beacon Point were made recently by both Abdul Kadir to revoke the again and MBI has been 41 Lintasan Perajurit 6, Taman Perak, Ipoh. Tel: 05-5469916 parties. grant and wait till the case informed of this violation. www.beaconpoint.com.my Kumar said that the is settled. He also plans to He accused Kumar of falsely Valentine’s Day Dinner on Sunday, 14 Feb. judgment on the injunc- write to the Prime Minister claiming himself as President tion applied by his faction to intervene and settle the is- of a chamber that does not Citrus Wine & Dine on the rival faction would sue amicably. officially exist and issuing 38-46 Laluan Ipoh Perdana, Ipoh. Tel: 05-5451010 be given in March. He sees Sultan Abdul Khader press statements which are Chinese New Year a la carte Specials. From 16 Feb. no justification for Dato’ refuted the allegations made not true. The grant given by Valentine’s Day 4-Course Set Dinner. 14 Feb – RM80++ per person. Call for S. Veerasingam, Advisor by B. K. Kumar. Sultan Dato’ S. Veerasingam was reservations. for Indian Affairs to give a agreed that the Chamber purely based on the facts grant of RM200,000 to the has its own building, but provided to him and there David’s Diner other faction for purchase it has not been maintained is nothing sinister about B-G-1, Greentown Square, Jalan Dato Seri Ahmad Said, Ipoh. Tel: 05-2425733 of their own building now, due to financial constraints it. Sultan said the case is (Reservations: 019-5575733) since the case for deciding and action is being taken coming for hearing in March Chinese New Year & Valentine’s Dinner Specials. Main Course: Set 1 – Grilled which is the legitimate fac- to sell it. Sultan added that and if the judgment is against shrimp; Set 2 – Pan-fried Cod fish; Set 3 – BBQ Rib; Set 4 – Rack of Lamb. All sets tion is coming up for hear- in spite of the pending his faction, the committee include: appetizer, soup, sides, drinks & dessert. ing in March. He said that court case, the injunction would resign en bloc. Dato’ S. Veerasingam is bi- against him was lifted on And so the feuding ased. Kumar informed that the basis that his faction was continues. HOTELS PICC has its own building recognised by ROS as the AJ HERITAGE in Lahat Lane for the past rightful Chamber. Following Jalan Raja DiHilir, Ipoh. Tel: 05-242 8888 ext 2 RM68 nett per person; RM45 nett per child below 12 years. Family Reunion 8-Course www.heritage.com.my Chinese Set Dinner. 13 Feb, 6.30-10.30 p.m. Imperial Set – RM888 nett per table of 10 Chinese New Year Set Menus RM888 nett per table (complimentary 1 30ml bottle persons; Diamond Set – RM688 nett per table of 10 persons. Brandy) & RM688 nett per table. CNY Yee Sang Promotion – raw fish/jelly fish/ Valentine’s Day 5-Course Candlelight Dinner (The Bistro). 14 Feb, 7-10.30 p.m. – salmon/abalone – RM168 per portion & RM88 ½ portion. RM188 nett per couple consists of: appetizer, soup, granita, main course & dessert and Valentine’s Day 5-Course Western Set Dinner (Polo Café, Level 2). 12-14 Feb, a complimentary glass of wine. 7-10.30 p.m. – RM138 per couple with complimentary glass of sparkling juice & rose for ladies). TOWER REGENCY 6-8 Jalan Dato’ Seri Ahmad Shah, Greentown, Ipoh. Tel: 208 6888 (Reservations: ext IMPIANA 6148) 18 Jalan Raja Dr Nazrin Shah, Ipoh. Tel: 05-255 5555 (Reservations: ext 8009) Chinese New Year Dinner (Grand Ballroom, Level 1) Set Menus at RM688, RM788 & www.impiana.com RM888 nett per table with complimentary 2 bottles house red wine and door gifts. “Fatt Choy” Hi-Tea.13-16 Feb, 12-4.30 p.m. – RM45 nett per person; RM28 nett Valentine’s Day 5-Course Dinner (Cinnamon Hall, Level 6). 14 Feb. 7-11 p.m. – per child below 12 years. Properity Buffet Dinner. 13-16 Feb, 6.30-10.30 p.m. – RM170 nett per couple with complimentary pint of red wine. Your Voice In The Community IPOH ECHO February 12-28, 2010 7

RACING CIRCLE BALINESE VILLAS

he Racing Circle, ten exclusive Tdeveloped by Lagun and unique- Bali Sdn Bhd, is touted ly de- to be the city’s most ex- s i g n e d clusive and enviable ad- bunga- dress. Its unique Balinese lows in Villas accessible via a a private tree-lined natural canopy enclosure boulevard, is among the surrounded by state’s first 24/7 gated environmentally friendly and guarded residences. landscaping and the choice vestment opportunities. It was an ambitious task of 3 types with 10 designs. Phase 1 is sold out and to create an eco-friendly Phase 2 is nearing com- community with envi- TAMAN BERCHAM pletion with limited ronmental conservation IDAMAN units available. in mind. The Villas are Taman Bercham Idaman Irama Properties prestigious homes that is the latest well-planned help to fulfil dreams come with added extras. mixed development project by building spacious They have a practical for a better living environ- terrace houses with af- and comfortable design ment undertaken by Irama fordable prices for those in harmony with and Properties Sdn Bhd. It is wishing to own their surrounded by exotic strategically located along first home or upgrade to flora and fauna and en- Jalan Bercham to Tanjung a better one. Two differ- hanced by serene water Rambutan and Sunway, ent designs of double- formation. and just 1 km from the storey terrace houses new Bercham wet mar- consisting of: 72 units Unique and Functional ket. Other amenities like of Type A1, measuring Design schools, banks and petrol 22 x 75, with 4 bed- The Balinese Villas are stations are easily acces- rooms and 3 bathrooms, spacious and innovative sible and are near Giant wet and dry kitchen enabling entry into the Hypermarket, Jaya Jusco, and 2 family halls; and communal landscape Tesco and the intersec- 18 units of Type A2/ from both the living and tion of the North-South A3 only available with dining rooms. For those Highway. more spacious land size who appreciate quality, Spanning an area of of 24 x 80. Show houses luxurious living, the de- 25,428 sq metres, it con- are open for viewing sign gives allowance for sists of single- and double- from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. modification according storey terrace houses as (Mon-Fri) and 10 a.m. to individual tastes. well as double-storey shop to 7 p.m. (Sat/Sun/pub- Features, Facilities offices that offer great in- lic holidays). and Amenities include: freehold individual titles, Both projects are managed by 24/7 gated and guarded Kinta Real Estate Sdn Bhd community for maxi- 70 Jalan Raja Ekram (Cowan Street), mum security and safety, single point entry and 30450 Ipoh. exit, low density – only 05-242 1881/016 - 520 1881 8 IPOH ECHO FEBRUARY 12-28, 2010 Your Voice In The Community

LETTER FROM ULU KINTA THE NEW GIRL ON THE BLOCK Stand aside Michelle Yeoh, a new star is coming to town! ulses are set to race Cheung and can tell jokes fame, will be playing the she died the following Christy’s Tough Pwhen di- like Irene Ang”. And fur- older Chan in this French year before an American Assignment rector Eric Khoo films the ther complicated by the production. publisher could write her When Christy Yow long awaited movie Mei requirement to speak both life-story and make a film. first left Ipoh, she Gui Xiang (The Charming Mandarin and Cantonese Non-pornographic Significantly, Ipoh was aimed to be- Rose), about Malaysia’s and be comfortable with Anyone imagining this to Rose’s transition point. come a stew- Queen, Rose nudity and snake han- be a pornographic mov- The young Wai Cheng ardess with Chan. dling, it is with a sense of ie will be disappointed, adopted the stage name Singapore Having had a diffi- Perakian pride that we ap- though rewarded by the Rose Chan following a A i r l i n e s cult time finding the right plaud Ipohite Christy Yow occasional nude scenes. furious argument with her but failed actress to play the role Wei Min having been cast This movie, depicting sister. Right until 27, she to proceed where stiff criteria like as the leading lady. the life and work of Rose toured Malaya as a caba- b e y o n d “the sultry lips of Shu Chan, also known as ‘The ret girl, until an accident the first Well Endowed Flower of Malaya’, is a at the Majestic Theatre round of Qi, the voluptuous figure to be more beautiful of Fiona Xie, the height The well endowed 23-year- tribute to a grand lady who in Ipoh, launched her ca- interviews. Undaunted, she old affectionately called entertained, enthralled and reer as a striptease artiste. became the brand ambas- and taller, but who had of Beatrice Chia, a shorter stage life. Are and the poise Malaysia Giant Breasts, endeared herself to many It was whilst performing sador for Crocodile with will cut her teeth in the in 1950s Malaya. It is also that her bra-strap snapped. photo-shoots in London the producers searching and complex- for someone to play Rose ion of Gong movie. In interviews, a story of triumph and The crowds went ballistic and Vietnam. Having fea- she was quick to stress preservation. Rose’s life and roared their approval. tured on Harper’s Bazaar Marly? Li, act like Rose’s fans are either M a g g i e that she secured the was tinged with sadness She was nonplussed, “I and Vogue, she then tried role after successfully and the film hopes to cap- dance all night, I sweat so singing, and appeared in dead or in their sixties or beating several hun- ture her courageous and much, nobody claps. My celebrity game-shows. seventies now. Will they dred other candidates charitable spirit as well as bra breaks, they clap”. The Although her acting and recall her raunchy acts? in year-long auditions display her ingenuity and rest as they say is history. physical attributes are ob- Will they be captivated and that it wasn’t generosity. Rose Chan, the Striptease vious assets, one wonders with Christy’s portrayal just her physi- Queen, was born. how she will cope with the of Rose? cal attributes, a Traumatic History daring performances like I am told that my generous 36C, She arrived with her adop- Charity Queen Rose Chan’s python-wres- uncle received the ‘hand- that qualified her. tive mother from Shanghai Throughout her life, she tling act, or her unusual bag treatment’ from his Filming is ex- at 6, was sold for RM3,000 gave generously to charity, stunts of motorcycles rid- then girlfriend for hav- pected to com- at 16, was two-timed by for children and old folks’ ing over her body. Christy ing many boys’ nights mence later this her sister and fiancé at 18, homes. She also danced in has already admitted a out, to see Rose Chan at year in Shanghai. and in a desperate search aid of worthy projects. Her phobia of snakes. the Jubilee Park. Dare I F u r t h e r m o r e , for love and happiness, altruism earned her the ti- ask him if he’ll be given Singaporean ac- married five times be- tle, Charity Queen. She Rose Chan’s bitter permission to watch the tress Irene Ang, fore being diagnosed with even performed in Europe, rival was Ipoh born Rose movie when it is out? of Phua Chu Kang breast cancer at 61. Sadly, and . Marly, who was rumoured YMM

IPOH IN BRIEF Judiciary, the Legislative to the media. Booklets on “think that independence me I am sure there will be and the Executive. Issues the Malaysian Constitution means that they can do others who will take my MY CONSTITUTION CAMPAIGN such as Islamic versus have been printed. Some whatever they please so place.” Secular states, Article 153, 100,000 copies are avail- long as they side with the A lively discussion Rights of Citizenship and able for distribution. They government in power.” He ensued with the panel the Perak Constitutional are in Bahasa Malaysia and ended his speech with this fielding questions from crisis of February 2009, English. The booklets are ominous message – a like- the floor. The subject had necessitated the small and can easily fit into ly prophecy to the many “Separation of Powers: A Council to go back to ba- shirt pockets. “Funding is wrongs committed by bad Constitutional Reality or a sics – understanding the our major problem. But judges. “I shall write their Political Myth” was most Constitution. we’ll find ways to -over obituary when they die, appropriate in the light of The Chairman of come it.” just as I wrote the obitu- events that had befallen the Constitutional Law Perak is the first stop ary of the late Augustine Perak in recent times. Committee of the Bar for Edmund and his team. Paul. And if they outlive FZB Council, Edmund Bon, The state-level campaign will visit every state in the was held at the Royal Ipoh country, including Sabah Club on Friday, February and Sarawak, to keep the 5, 2010. Over a hundred To Advertise momentum going. The participants attended the Call: campaign will continue till campaign cum forum. ealising the need to Constitution Campaign on September 2011. “We’ll Former appeal court judge, Ramesh Kumar Reducate the rakyat November 13, 2009, at the conduct workshops and Dato’ N.H. Chan, delivered 016 5531092 on the significance of the council premises in Kuala seminars in universities the keynote address. Chan Malaysian Constitution, Lumpur. This came in the and colleges with the as- dwelt on the subject of the the Malaysian Bar wake of several controver- sistance of the state bar Independence of Judges. Council, launched the My sial issues involving the committees”, said Edmund “Bad judges,” said Chan, Your Voice In The Community IPOH ECHO February 12-28, 2010 9 IPOH IN BRIEF More pics at ipohecho.com.my POMELO FARMERS OF TAMBUN GET THEIR LAND – FINALLY both Dato’ Seri Ahmad Husni Hanadziah, Member of are eligible but their details have not yet been finalised. Parliament for Tambun and YB Dato’ Rusnah Kassim, Dato’ Seri Husni Hanadziah, who is also the Finance State Assemblywoman for Ulu Kinta. Both Husny and Minister 2, confirmed that the farmers would be able to Rusnah had vouched that the farmers had responsibly receive their titles within 3 months after submitting their toiled the land and had contributed to making the pomelo application. synonymous with the state of Perak. Long time farmer Mr Chow Sun, 74, who is also the Pomelo’s or known commonly as ‘Limau Bali’ has Chairman of the Tambun Pomelo Farmers Association, been grown around Tambun town for over 2 generations. was very happy with the announcement. “I have been ato’ Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir today gave the Pomelo Due to the quality of the fruit it has become a tourist at- growing pomeloes since my father’s time which is over DFarmers of Tambun an ‘ang pow’ they will treasure traction and busloads of tourists stop over at Tambun each 80 years ago. For close to 30 years we have been asking for generations to come. week to savour the fruit. However the land where the for the land and today we have finally been granted our On January 30 2009 Zambry announced that the fruit is grown had always been classified as ‘Temporary request”. state government would be granting the farmers 99-year Occupation Licence’ which was a concern by the orchard When all the euphoria of the morning had quiet- leases to their land. His announcement was greeted with owners who began lobbying for a permanent title over ened down one could hear sighs of ‘at last’ and ‘finally’ cheers by the farmers present. As an added sweetener 20 years ago. being mentioned signalling an end to a drawn-out bat- Zambry announced that the farmers would be exempted An initial total of 62 farmers covering 115 acres tle between the growers and the authorities. An end that from back payment of land premiums. will benefit from this gesture by the state government. brings joy to both parties, especially the growers. This exemption was granted at the request by According to Zambry there are additional orchards which JAG

IPOH’S ‘NEW’ CITY COUNCILLORS January 29, 2009 Pertama/Taman Rishah. wenty-two Ipoh City Councillors took their oath of The third is 38 year-old Ms Ceylyn Tay Wei Lung Toffice in the presence of Senior Executive Councillor (Gerakan), Councillor for Zone 10: Simee/Ipoh Garden/ for Local Government Dato’ Dr Mah Hang Soon and Ipoh Canning Garden. Mayor Dato’ Haji Roshidi bin Haji Hashim. Councillor Ceylyn is currently the Gerakan Wanita’s In his speech to the Councillors, Dr Mah advised them Head for Ipoh East as well as Public Services Bureau to “go to the ground and work with the people, NGOs and Deputy Chief. When asked about her plans for her zone the council to resolve the problems in the community”. Ceylyn responded that she is planning to “have a dialogue There are three new faces. They are Mr. Wong Kooi with the Police regarding crime in her zone. The dialogue Fong (NGO), 52, appointed the Councillor for Zone should happen before Chinese New Year”. 17: Menglembu/Falim while another Mr. Liew See Fan The duration for the term of office for the Councillors (NGO), 40, Councillor for Zone 6: Jelapang/Taman is 6 months, till June 2010. JAG DiGi LAUNCHES TURBO 3G NETWORK 98% network accessibility in Ipoh by March 2010 iGi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd launched their currently was 68% which will be escalated to 98% Dnewest Turbo 3G Network in Ipoh on 5th February. throughout Ipoh by March 2010. The launch will make available better quality mobile The service is scheduled to expand to Taiping, services at affordable prices to more Malaysians. The new Kamunting and Kampar in the second half of this year. service which was launched by Senior State Executive DiGi has committed RM50 million to the state over the Councillor for Local Government, Dato’ Dr Mah Hang next 3 years as part of its rapid expansion programme.. Soon was held at Indulgence Restaurant. Representing Dato’ Dr Mah, in his address stated that the State DiGi was Albern Murthy, Head of Products and Segment Government was focused on the development of ICT in the Marketing and its Head of Northern Region Siew Chee state and had targeted to elevate the internet penetration in Kong. Perak to 63% by the end of the year. Murthy stated that the current coverage for Ipoh JAG 10 IPOH ECHO FEBRUARY 12-28, 2010 Your Voice In The Community

EARLY CHINESE NEW YEAR FOR THE NEEDY BUSINESS ‘AMBASSADOR’ FOR TAIPING AND PERAK Dato’ Seri V. Jeyaratnam and the guest-of-hon- the Ipoh Echo Newspaper, our was Dato’ Dr. Mah Yee and Beh Yang Toh Hang Soon, Perak State of the Taiping Tourist Executive Councillor. Association, presented the A mock cheque for materials to the European RM188,000 was presented Union Head of Embassy and cheques were also giv- as well as the French en to the representatives Ambassador and other of the charitable organisa- countries’ representatives. tions. Ang pows were giv- Yee, who has taken orty-five charita- Turf Club held in the Turf en to all the guests. on the role as self- Fble organisations in Club recently. Recipients During the colour- recent invitation to a Asam, Taiping to promote appointed ‘ambassador’, Perak received a total of included Rumah Orang ful ceremony more than A piano concert exclu- Perak to members of the hopes to promote Perak, RM188,000 to help im- Tua Kg. Simee, Salvation two hundred guests were sively for Ambassadors, European Union. Armed especially Taiping as a prove the quality of life of Army Children’s Home and treated to a lion dance per- high-ranking Malaysian with the Perak Chinese Town of Culture & Art, 4,700 needy individuals in Bethany Home & School formance and entertained diplomatic staff and se- Chamber of Commerce Peace, Fine Weather, the state under their care for Epileptic Children. by fun games and . lected Malaysian business and Industry’s (PCCCI) Economy and Commerce, during a Chinese New Year The function was of- The function ended with communities, provided latest promotional DVD as well as Information function jointly organised ficiated by the Perak Turf distribution of meal packs an excellent opportunity re business opportunities Technology, through for Yee Siu Kai, the state in Perak, entitled “Silver diplomatic channels, to the by Da Ma Cai and Perak Club’s chairman Tan Sri to the guests. AJ assemblyman for Pokok State Opportunities” and international communities. MCA FETES THE MEDIA Datuk Kong announces 24 CCTVs allocated for Ipoh. proposed by the police and would be installed by the middle of this year. The 24 CCTV cameras are part of the 496 total allocated for the whole country by his ministry. Dato’ Dr Mah had, in his address before Kong, mentioned that crime in Ipoh was a concern, he Malaysian Chinese Government Dato’ Dr Mah mentioning Old Town TAssociation hosted a Hang Soon. The dinner and Bercham as areas of party for the local Media was well attended by the particular focus. on 3rd February at the Bureau Chiefs and their Other than the Tower Regency Hotel. teams of the main stream speeches the night was a The guests of honour media. relaxing and fun evening for the night were the Datuk Kong in his with a karaoke singing Minister for Local Housing speech announced that a competition, men’s and and Government Datuk total of 24 CCTV cameras women’s best dressed Seri Kong Cho Har and had been allocated for Ipoh competition and groups Senior State Executive City and would be placed taking photos by the table. Councillor for Local at strategic locations as JAG Your Voice In The Community IPOH ECHO February 12-28, 2010 11

SAYA ANAK BANGSA MALAYSIA DIRT VIGILANTES AN ENTHUSIASTIC magine a Malaysia counterparts are not bound Iwhere one is not iden- by such law. They can be RESPONSE FROM tified by his race, the re- tried under both civil and ligion he professes, the shariah laws. The spirit of Haris CITY COUNCIL language he speaks and the the Constitution has been Ibrahim political party he is affili- highjacked by the nation- ated to. And where privi- alists who claimed that leges normally accorded Article 153 (pertain- to the rich, the influential ing to Malay and and to those who walk the native rights) is corridors of power, are all binding and totally absent! At the rate is irrevocable. things are going now such They have, Utopian ideals will never however, over- come our way. After over looked Article 50 years of Independence 136 which su- THUMBS UP we are nowhere near the persedes the re- goals set by the nation’s quirements in Article lowed by . poh City Council is of rubbish and clogged He added residents founding fathers. 153. These uncertainties Ipoh was its third. Ishowing some deter- drains. Lorry-loads of rub- need to be civic conscious- Racial polarisation has will only make Malaysians The SABM forum mination to keep the city bish and unwanted items ness and restrain from changed the way we treat more confused and coupled was held at Excelsior clean, but the residents ap- were carted away. throwing rubbish indis- one another. The public with the impasse over the Hotel, Ipoh, on Saturday, pear to be unenthusiastic “The City Council is criminately so that the sector is being dominated use of the word “Allah”, February 6, 2010. Over a about it. also responding to requests estimated 20,000 illegal by one race while the pri- the future looks bleak for hundred participants took In response to Ipoh from various areas around rubbish dumps throughout vate sector by another. the rakyat. part. It was an eye-opener, Echo’s call (IE87 issue) on the city”, said an offi- the city could be cleared Minorities are being rele- Saya Anak Bangsa especially to the young- the people to co-operate in cial. “We are having busy eventually. gated to being second-class Malaysia (SABM) was sters who were given the keeping the city clean, the weekends now.” JERRY FRANCIS citizens having to survive formed to address these true version of the nation’s residents’ group of Taman on crumbs and handouts. uncertainties in a civi- history. Haris is passionate Tinggi near Silibin planned Ketuanan Melayu (Malay lised way. The movement about making Malaysia a a gotong-royong to clean Supremacy) is a favourite consists of like-minded safe haven for everyone. up their housing estate. buzzword of the Malay Malaysians who share com- When asked what motivat- The City Council en- nationalists. They have mon goals and aspirations. ed him to start the move- thusiastically sent about 30 unilaterally declared that They envisage a Malaysia ment, he replied, “It began of its employees and two “the Malays must have po- devoid of festering prob- after the candlelight vigil Lorries to participate in the litical power to dominate lems relating to race, re- in PJ. We were hounded by clean-up on January 23. the economically powerful ligion and politics. They the Police.” He felt that the But, disappointingly only Chinese in order to keep subscribe to the principles energy of all peace-loving a handful of the residents the Indians where they of liberty, equality, democ- Malaysians should be turned out. are”. racy and diversity. Lawyer galvanised. With number Nevertheless, the un- Islamisation is slowly blogger Haris Ibrahim comes strength, he rea- deterred City Council em- making its way into our (People’s Parliament), soned. “We’re all volun- ployees, who were armed living rooms and is impact- the founder and leader of teers. Race, religion, col- with brooms, spades, ing the way we think and this movement will, in the our and sex do not matter.” cangkul (hoes) and wheel- act. Malays being Muslims months ahead, go around With such a spirited man at barrows, went ahead with cannot practise any re- the country to spread the the helm, SABM is set to their task. They left af- ligion other than Islam gospel. The movement’s make waves. ter ensuring that Taman while their non-Malay first stop was fol- FZB Tinggi had been cleaned A NEW HEART FOR THE NEW YEAR r. Then Tad Choy vessel to be used for by- surgery for lung disease, assist him in his future Msuffers from a pass. An intra aortic bal- making only small key- by helping him obtain a heart condition and loon pump was used in this holes in the chest. hawker’s licence from wanted to lead a healthy case to support the heart in Non-invasive cardiac the relevant authorities. life. The 56-year-old, a Mr. Then who was a high procedures available at This will hopefully help poor unlicensed hawker risk patient. Pantai Hospital Ipoh in- Mr. Then get back on his from Simpang Pulai, Other procedures clude echocardiogram, feet and continue to lead Kampung Kepayang, routinely carried out by Stress Echo, Dobutamine a better life”. He contin- is also diagnosed with Dr. Farid on other patients Stress Echo, 24-hour hol- ued, “It has always been having diabetes and include repair of leaky or ter monitoring, treadmill PHI’s commitment to hypertension. Mr. Then narrowed mitral and tri- stress test and 24-hours give back and reach out could not afford to pay for cuspid heart valve, surgery ambulatory blood pressure to the community as part cost of the heart surgery. to cure atrial fibrillation, monitoring. of our Corporate Social With very little income (most common cause of Dr. Dilshaad Ali, Responsibility efforts. the whole family lives Left to right – Dr. Philip Ho, Cardiologist, Mr. Then stroke in society), using CEO of Pantai Hospital Being a socially responsi- at Mr. Then’s father’s Tad Choy & wife & Dr. Ulf Farid radiofrequency generator Ipoh said, “It is our hope ble healthcare provider is dilapidated house. to align the correct elec- that we help Mr. Then im- one of the main objectives Their combined to his dire need of medical lease of life to Mr. Then. trical pathway through prove his life and also of PHI and the Pantai income is less than attention his wife, Madam His condition is now very the heart, left Ventricular Group”. RM2,000. His wife Kang Chew Ching had to stable and he feels much Remodelling surgery for Madam Kang Chew borrow from their relatives better than before the oper- heart failure after previous Ching, 49, is a housewife to support his medical ation. Mr. Then was most big heart attacks, surgery Echocardiogram and their children Then expenses. grateful to Pantai Hospital for dilating major blood Chin Yin, 23, and Then Mr. Then’s plight for Ipoh whose intervention vessels and video-assisted Chin Yew, 20, can only heart surgery was brought had brought him back afford to contribute to the attention of Pantai from the brink of immi- RM200 a month. The Hospital Ipoh (PHI). On nent death. eldest son works as a 26th January 2010, Mr. The Coronary Artery construction worker and Then underwent a success- Bypass operation per- the other works in an ful Coronary Artery Bypass formed by Dr. Farid is one amusement centre. Mr. Graft operation performed that is routinely done in Then has an 18-year-old by Dr. Ulf Farid Myrhe, the hospital. Using a heart daughter, Then Qu Yan Pantai Hospital Ipoh’s lung machine to assist, ar- who has just completed Consultant Cardiothoracic teries were used instead of her Form 5 studies at Surgeon. Mr. Then was veins for better long term SMJK Perak Girl’s chosen due to the urgency function, the harvesting of School. She is currently of his condition and fam- which was done endoscop- jobless and wishes to ily situation. The surgery ically (using video camera pursue her studies in lasted for about 4 hours and a scope) using a small Law or Medicine. Due and has since given a new incision 3-5 cm to get the 12 IPOH ECHO FEBRUARY 12-28, 2010 Your Voice In The Community

COMMUNITY NEWS TOURIST CENTRE SIGNBOARD BLOCKED BY TREE

THUMBS DOWN

rection to the centre is located at the junction of Jalan Maharajalela and Jalan Bandar. It is good to plant trees in the city cen- tre which adds beauty to the surrounding, but trees should not block sign- boards. The Landscaping Department of Ipoh City Council must trim the trees regularly. There are many other similar examples in the city. A tourist maybe at the junction eagerly seeking the direction to the centre and yet not realising that it is just about 50 metres he signboard blocked Perak (Perak Tourist away. Tby a tree reads Pusat Information Centre) with A. JEYARAJ Penerangan Pelancongan an arrow showing the di- ONE GOOD TURN young boy, barely 28. “We’ll fol- A into his teens, can low up with treat- now look forward to a ment at his house meaningful future af- upon discharge. ter his plight received Hopefully, NGOs the kind of attention his and individuals parents have never ex- will come for- pected. Eleven year-old ward to provide Mohd Ihsan Mohd Tahir the assistance re2 from Kampong Tengah, needed”, he im- Trong suffers from epi- plored. A FITTING dermolysis bullosa, a According chronic skin condition to the hospi- FINALE characterised by peel- tal’s consultant he year-long Anderson ing skin and open sores. dermatologist, School centennial He was born with the Dato’ Dr Ratti, T celebration came to a ailment and is skinless the skin ail- close on Sunday, February from the knees below. As ment is con- 8, 2010, with a most fitting a baby he was placed in genital and is finale. A firework display an incubator and had to not something on the school field marked endure great pain. rare. “It’s he- the end of the grandest Pantai Hospital Ipoh, reditary and celebration ever organised in exercising its corpo- may have been by the school. Present to rate social responsibility, passed on by do the honour was DYAM took Mohd Ihsan under the parents. Both are first Raja DiHilir Perak Raja renowned cartoonist, and the media. Kudos to its wing and warded cousins”, he revealed. him for observation and Those wishing to ex- Jaafar bin Raja Muda Dato’ Mohammad Nor the organising committee treatment. “He’s in the Kelab Bakti Gunong tend a helping hand please Musa, a former student. Khalid, popularly known helmed by Dato’ Seri intensive care unit, since Keledang had promised contact Ipoh Echo, 605- At lunchtime earlier in the as Lat. The much touted Dr Mohd Helmi Ismail Monday, January 25”, a motorised wheelchair 2495936 or email: ipohe- day, the Raja DiHilir Perak time capsule containing and ably assisted by said Dr Dilshaad Ali, for Mohd Ihsan. “We’re [email protected], presented awards to seven materials pertaining to Dato’ Dr Anwar Hassan, CEO Pantai Hospital dur- focusing on ways to lessen for details. “Andersonians of the the centennial celebration President of the Old Boys’ ing a press conference at the boy’s misery as a cure Century” for their lifetime was placed at a spot in the Association. the hospital’s boardroom is not a possibility”, said contributions to society. school foyer witnessed on Thursday, January Dr Dilshaad. FZB Among them was world- by guests, staff, students FZB