www.ipohecho.com.my echoYour Community Newspaper echoServing the people of Ipoh, Taiping, , and Kampar. FREE for collection from our office and selected outlets, on 1st & 16th of the month. issue PP 14252/10/2008(007226) February 16- 29, 2008 30 sen for delivery to your house by news vendors within . 44 RM 1 prepaid postage for mailing within , Singapore and Brunei. BEHIND THIS GREEN GATE LIES A DEEPLY MOVING STORY

AND THESE ARE THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE IT HAPPEN Nisha Devina Roy’s story - page 2

Photographs by Rosli Mansor  IPOH ECHO February 16 -29, 2008 Your Community Newspaper CARE GIVING IS THEIR BUSINESS It’s non-governmental, non-religious and non-profit. It’s also inspiring, as Nisha Devina Roy finds out THE PERAK PALLIATIVE CARE SOCIETY

Left to right: Sumathy A/P Arumugam, Leong Lai Peng, Devi, Phan Mun Yee and Nancy Koh. It is the Perak Palliative had its teething problems, over it with a positive Care Society. Arguably, but nearly 13 years on, the attitude that will make no other charitable PPCS has become a pillar, them appreciate what organisation would have a meaningful addition to is left of life. In a way, a better grasp of the Perak life. we help each other. We words need, isolation and The nurses work help them alleviate their hope than the staff of five closely with the Palliative symptoms and they help who toil quietly from Care Unit of the Ipoh us by demonstrating that their headquarters in Hospital. Dr. Boon Chai there is a point to what we Lebuh Woods in Ipoh’s Peng, honorary medical are doing.” Canning Garden area. director oversees their She adds: “We have Sister Nancy Koh, work which is always to maintain a disciplined Nurse Sumathy A/P demanding – there are view. Compassion is Arumugam, Senior Nurse always new cases referred there but our work must Phan Mun Yee and Centre to them and it is difficult be performed with an Coordinator Leong Lai to turn them down. unsentimental vision, Peng, assisted by general It is a group with otherwise, our patients will factotum Devi, confront an undeniable mission lose heart. We don’t want the issue of life and death initially etched by Dame that to happen. We want daily. It is, they say, their Cicely Saunders, founder them to remain dignified. job. Anyone who takes of the Hospice Movement: That’s what everyone a closer look at their ‘You matter because you wants.” everyday schedule would are you, and you matter most likely refer to it as a until the last moment of BEYOND THE CALL vocation. your life. We shall do all OF DUTY “It is important that we can, not only to help patient may be magnifying was convened. The staff would be too taxing. The decided Lumut was a good all of us cherish life and you die peacefully, but also Aside from the small concerns and decision was relayed and destination and swiftly show our appreciation for to live until you die.’ usual medical help and reading more from what is explained to Hong Ching. organised a trip. it until the very end. We It is, by all standards, assistance given, the said or done in his midst. But it did not end Nurse Sumathy help our patients maintain a big mission. It is not just presence of a PPCS Misunderstandings occur. there. The nurses asked declares: “We have this view,” quips one of the a matter of parting with nurse can prove useful in The PPCS nurse where else he might wish meetings, but we cannot nurses. They are palliative cash, handing out gifts and bridging gaps between then goes beyond the call to go. He thought long and talk around in circles. Our care specialists who draw organising charity fairs. a patient and the rest of of duty and becomes a hard, then smiled, “ The patients need things and we strength from one another. For the doctor, the nurses the family. Illness has a listening board. Many beach. . .” cannot afford to waste time They exchange notes daily and the volunteers who way of creating tension times, the patient ends up Another meeting belabouring issues.” and together examine the keep the PPCS running, a in a household and often confiding more in his or Tee Hong Ching cases they are handling. different temperament is a point is reached when her nurse. enjoyed Lumut very much “They work very hard, needed. A compassionate communication becomes “This is okay,” Sister always on call,” attests yet unsentimental view has Nancy Koh pursues, “at and was very responsive Devi as she prepares least, we know that we throughout the excursion. morning coffee. The staff have not made them feel In his words, he was are comparing notes and they are a nuisance. The overjoyed. plotting out the day. The more they share their After the outing, his phone rings incessantly. sentiments with us, the condition deteriorated better it is. That means, very rapidly and soon A DISCIPLINED VIEW they remain interested. after he passed away. His That’s quality of widow, in her grief, PPCS was formed in life.” found consolation in October 1994 to answer an the memory of the important community call WISHES joyful time in for specialised care giving. Lumut. After It was registered and then P a t i e n t s that, she given charitable status in s o m e t i m e s said, her June, 1995. The Palliative convey their h u s b a n d Care Unit in the Ipoh wishes not to appeared General Hospital could their immediate to be serene. not cope with growing Nancy Koh and Sumathy Arumugam review one of their families but to She was grateful that numbers of terminally ill cases. the nurses or the Hong Ching believed he patients many of whom to inform their care giving. stilted and difficult. The volunteers. There mattered to others until were still comparatively “We believe in hope,” family members may feel was the case of Tee the end. self-sufficient and preferred Sister Nancy Koh says, put-upon – something they Hong Ching who to stay home. “but we are also realistic. may deny but which could said that his last wish A decidedly important We want our patients to be manifested in various was to go to Genting void had to be filled and be reconciled with the dire little ways, like staying Highlands. The request (continued on the private sector readily truth of whatever illness away, keeping silent or was deliberated on and it page 11) stepped in. The beginning they have, then prevail simply not listening. The was decided that the drive Your Community Newspaper IPOH ECHO February 16 -29, 2008 

www.ipohecho.com IPOH echo Your Community Newspaper Those interested in helping The Perak From the Editor’s Desk by Fathol Zaman Bukhari Women for Women Society and those in need of help can contact the society at these numbers: EMPOWERING WOMEN 012-5212480 and 012-5050547. NO! TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE If you think domestic victims are shielding the and children as to their violence is only confined perpetrators of inhumane rights in protecting to those at the bottom treatment! Reporting the themselves against sexual half of the social ladder, case to the authorities harassment and physical think again. Cruelty is construed as being abuse. – both physical and detrimental to the family Dr Sharifah and her psychological – cuts across unit. Silent sufferers may be team have conducted all social boundaries. It scared, not just of incurring several seminars and does not differentiate the further wrath from their discussions where both rich from the poor. oppressors, but, ironically, sexes are represented. The Your friendly neigh- of losing the relationship success of these group bour or your timid-looking with these people. It is a interactions has given colleague can be an abusive psychological issue that PWW members a renewed husband or partner. needs to be addressed. sense of purpose and pride. There are no identifi- There are also the very sad Dr Sharifah Halimah Like all other non- able marks to separate them cases when women think governmental organisations from non-violent members they have no choice – the problem is so widespread in Malaysia, funding and of society. A person’s financial aspect hems them and further propped up staffing are problematic. explosive behaviour is in. What would happen if by cultural and religious “Getting volunteers is usually concealed behind they run away? Who would taboos. indeed difficult,” says a facade of polite or even support the children? How Sharifah. “PWW is amiable manner in public. would they cope? THE PWW operating with the barest Only those who are closely Domestic violence minimum but we survive associated with the person is a truly complex social Ipoh is fortunate to nonetheless.” would be aware of his problem. have a group of concerned unkind ways. A caring society must citizens led by Dr Sharifah BOLD ATTEMPT institute measures to contain Halimah, an obstetrician MAJOR HURDLE the problem. The setting up and gynaecologist, that The society organised of the Women, Family and helps undertake the its first fund-raising dinner Despite the passage Community Development responsibility of caring at a leading Ipoh hotel in of a law by Parliament Ministry helmed by Dato’ for victims of domestic 2007. They managed to in 1994 to criminalise Seri Sharizat Abdul Jalil in abuse. Her brainchild, The collect a substantial sum acts of violence against 2004 is a step in the right Perak Women for Women from a sympathetic public. women, children and the direction. Society (PWW) was “It is a really bold defenceless, there still A ministry is now formed in December, 2003. attempt, as we’re rather exist instances of abuse devoted to and handles The society is managed inexperienced,” volunteers that go unreported for women’s affairs. But there by a number of dedicated Miss Yip, the society’s reasons best known only to is still a hitch. There is volunteers who operate secretary and a founding the victims. Herein lies a little that Sharizat and her from a house in Ipoh member. PWW currently major problem. Their own officers can do when the Garden. has around 80 members Over the years, the and plans to recruit more in group has cared for scores the months ahead. of battered women and Members pay an annual children. PWW provides fee of RM10 and get to counselling services and participate in the society’s temporary shelter for activities. Many are victims of domestic abuse. housewives who dedicate It works closely with the their time and energy for a Perak Legal Aid Bureau in noble cause. cases where legal recourse “We owe them plenty is required. for without them PWW is a non-starter,” adds Yip. RAISING AWARENESS The PWW requires volunteers to help run its The society’s focus awareness programmes, today is the creation of write articles, do Dr. Sharifah and members of PWW awareness among women counselling works etc.

Address all feedback to editorial@ipohecho. com.

Restoration Of Old Furniture

Art Antiques & Wood Collectibles Add : No. 11, Lorong Cecil Carvings Rae, Canning Garden, 31400 Ipoh, Perak. Souvenirs & Picture h/p: 016-550 7155 Gifts Frames tel: 05-546 3326  IPOH ECHO February 16 -29, 2008 Your Community Newspaper

PUBLISHER Your Concerns Editorial Ipoh Echo Sdn Bhd (Regd No 687483 T)

No 1 Jalan Lasam TRULY REPAIRING 30450 Ipoh Perak Darul Ridzuan HYPERMARKETS THE IPOH PADANG – Tel: (605) 249 5936 Fax: (605) 255 2181 AND AN ILLUSION EMail: ipohecho.ndr@ gmail.com MEGAMALLS

EDITORIAL On November 7, 2007 their economy. We feel that social and Apparently the sit- Fathol Zaman Bukhari the Star reported that the economic structures need Nisha Devina Roy Perak State is actively uation is the same in many to be tailored to sustain courting Carrefour to regions like Akita where the local community. GRAPHIC DESIGN/ set up a hypermarket downtown areas have There can be little doubt PHOTOGRAPHY in Greentown, Ipoh. emptied, factories have that hypermarkets will Apparently State Secre- closed and an exodus to assist the consumer in Rosli Mansor Ahmad Tokyo of youths seeking Razali tary Incorporated (SSI) being able to offer more a commercial entity of jobs has left behind towns efficient pricing. MARKETING & the State Government that are predominantly On the other hand, DISTRIBUTION has offered one hectare of for the elderly. such enterprises will Citizens of Ipoh MANAGER land to the hypermarket contribute very little may feel that this story chain for this purpose. in creating income Ramesh Kumar has a familiar ring to it. It also appears that for members of the They are not mistaken. Levelling exercise on the padang. Note FMS Bldg beyond. PERMISSION AND RE- if negotiations are local community. The successful SSI will Perak’s state capital is PRINTS imbalance between pro- On January 15, 2008, Yes, said the tractor construct the building going through a similar duction and consumption I was standing on the driver, they were there Materials in Ipoh Echo may and lease it out to experience. There is little will inevitably impact terrace of the Royal to scrape the damaged not be reproduced Carrefour. doubt many small stores, on the multiplier effect Ipoh Club when surface, fill it with sand in any form without the Ironically on the unable to compete with of monetary supply and this scene unfolded and level the grounds. He written permission of the same day the New Straits the hypermarket, will be publisher circulation which will, in before my eyes: there said it was a simple job Times devoted its Biz forced to cease business. turn, adversely affect the was a tractor on the and they had a month to Focus centre-spread It may also affect the PRINTER damaged playing field complete it. to a story of citizens existing supply chains local economy. This may not be a good thing. and a motorised roller Repairing the Padang Konway Industries Sdn of Noshiro, a city in that now support these appeared to have begun is simple? If you have Bhd Japan’s northern coast in small businesses putting There is also another its work. There was seen the damage done, Plot 78, Lebuhraya Kam- Akita prefecture, quietly an end to other local spectrum to this kind a massive pile of sand you would not call it a job pong Jawa protesting the construction enterprises. of development. The 11900 Bayan Baru, Pulau on one side, ostensibly – it would be a mission! of a megamall in their The question that feeling is best illustrated Pinang part of the morning’s Think of the damaged city. It is reported that really needs serious by quoting Joe Ong who Tel: (604) 644 7507 schedule. underground system. a proliferation of chain consideration is how returned to settle in Ipoh The latest issue of What about re-turfing, re- stores outside the town Carrefour or mega after spending most of his the Ipoh Echo had barely configuration, re-painting. has already forced the commercial houses of working life in England. Useful contacts hit the streets with my What about the final closing of about half of this kind will affect the “When I left England, take on the neglected makeover? Perak Main Police Staion the city’s once teeming economy not only Ipoh I thought that I was at piece of magnificent real We have been 05-254 1222 central shopping district and other state capitals, last escaping from the estate. I had asked: Does eagerly waiting for 999 (emergency) and the megamall is seen but other towns that hypermarket hype but it Anybody Care About Our the mission to repair by the community as the exist away from the appears it’s followed me Ipoh Main Police Station Padang? Ipoh Padang since the 05-253 2222 final nail in the coffin of dominant urban centres. here,” he lamented. Now, these activities! mayor’s announcement Ipoh General Hospital I wondered: Had God on Monday, November 05-253 3333 finally answered my 12, 2007. Ipoh Ambulance By Siva Pragasam prayers? Was this a I am not privy to the 05-522 2506 Thinking Aloud coincidence? extent of the construction 993 (emergency) The tractor began work needed but from Ipoh Fire Brigade scraping the top of the what I have seen of the 05-547 4444 SUICIDE: A TERRIBLE TREND severely indented surface; work in progress, the the roller was doing its much touted RM200, 000 994 (emergency) Two days before Christ- the highest cause of death in love. levelling job. I decided to repair bill is nothing but Tenaga Nasional Berhad mas, 2007, a 21 year in the country after cardio STRESS wait until the men went an illusion. 15454 old girl from a middle vascular disease. MANAGEMENT for their coffee break. Lembaga Air Perak income family preparing Fathol Zaman Bukhari 1800-88-7788 to enter university, NEEDED STEPS Reality is – and always jumped from the roof of will be – that there is no Directory Service a multi-storey building The message should way to remove all causes 103 HOW SAFE IS THIS? in Ipoh and ended her worry us and if urgent of stress. The answer lies Rakan Cop life. steps are not taken to arrest not in removing the cause 05-240 1999 On her arm were what must be assumed of the stress but in teaching Perak Women for the words ‘I cannot live to be a growing trend, it children in particular – and Women Society without you’ together with could very well develop people in general – to 012-521 2480 a phone number. into a culture that will manage stress. 012-505 0547 be extremely difficult to Recently I had the DEVASTATION eradicate. fortune to observe an Stress is a subjective organised camp for about Her parents, ab- emotion. Some can 70 children aged between Advertise in solutely devastated, kept withstand tremendous 6 and 14 all suffering from IPOH ECHO repeating that they could stress and even treat it as cancer. It was a revelation not comprehend how a challenge, often rising of the indomitable human Classifieds she could have so easily to meet it with resolve and spirit. Each and every child Appointments dismissed her family who determination. was an inspiration and a had loved and taken care reminder of the value and ESCAPE ROUTE Call: of her for her 21 years and preciousness of life. acted with such finality Perhaps a more Ramesh Kumar on the break of some new Others collapse under productive approach to its weight and surrender. Marketing Manager relationship. the stress problem would On the December 29, Sometimes they choose be to train our young Lorry operators should adhere to guidelines covering Tel: (605) 2495936 2007 the Star Newspaper the ultimate escape route to withstand all manner the ferrying of goods from one place to another. Bulk Fax: (605) 2552181 reported University Sains – death. of pressures. One way deliveries in open cabins should be sufficiently secured Moblie 016 5531092 Malaysia Professor See But stress can originate of doing this might be and immobilised with and by materials of sufficient Ching Mey predicting that from a variety of sources to expose them to those strength to make sure they stay in place through winding in 10 to 15 years suicide ranging from academic having far more reasons to roads and busy traffic. will take second spot as failure to disappointment be disappointed with life. PK Your Community Newspaper IPOH ECHO February 16 -29, 2008  Thumbs Up

A CONSTANT THOUGHT PRESENTS FROM THE HEART For the past 14 years, the a case involving a three- nation's three turf clubs Going bald in the name tickets, which were year-old girl whose family and the Pan Malaysian of altruism is a very quickly snapped up by needed another RM20,000 Pools have diligently courageous step and well-wishers, friends and for her to undergo a organised charity when it is taken by a corporate bodies which cochlear transplant costing programmes for the woman - this is part of bought the tickets for their RM80,000. underprivileged prior to the culture - one is doubly staff. “We had to raise the Chinese New Year. This impressed. Shaving off Proceeds from the money for her as the family year’s event was held on her “crowning glory” was dinner this year will was unable to do it,” she Friday, January 25, 2008 exactly what the president be channelled towards at the Perak Turf Club. of the Millennium Heart Guests from various Caring Society did in charity organisations in November, 2002. The Ipoh were treated to a society then needed programme that included urgent financial injection a clown, a lion dance to keep the momentum of supporting various performance and games. Tan Sri Jeyaratnam handing out ang pow to a guest In his welcome charity organisations in address, Tan Sri fortunate. To this end, the 43 charitable organisations the state. Jeyaratnam, Chairman of three turf clubs and the in Perak. Some 5,000 “Seeing the smiles Perak Turf Club, applauded Pan Malaysian Pools are members will benefit from on the faces of the the gathering of people happy to contribute to the this year’s programme. underprivileged when from different racial and community through the Among the recipients we offered them food or religious backgrounds. He annual Chinese New Year are Yayasan Sultan Idris money was well worth the pointed out that festivals programme. Shah, Rumah Orang Tua sacrifice of the ten-minute in Malaysia are filled The annual exercise Kampong Simee, Salvation ordeal and being bald for with merriment but the entails the provision of Army and Befrienders months,” said Datin Jenny Lim Chooi Ying who has headed the society since 2000. The wife of former state assemblyman of Pasir Datin Jenny Lim Pinji, Datuk Chan Kam, did not regret her decision. The recalled. “We mobilised charitable institutions and fund-raising dinner cum our members, organised organisations listed below. hair-shaving event that a fun fair and managed evening managed to raise to send the little girl for Bone Marrow RM78,000. The money was treatment. The transplant Transplant Welfare Fund utilised to provide meals, was a success.” Society – RM2,000 food supplies, medication Lim added that the Klinik Choong Wah and vitamin supplements to society’s members are Perak – RM3,000 inmates of old folk homes unique: “They are ordinary Ray of Hope (Centre and orphanages. folks like hawkers, office For Children with Learning Presently, the society workers and housewives. Disability) – RM1,500 is financially contributing When other people knew Woh Peng Cheang between RM1,000 and more of our society and Seah Haemodialysis Centre RM3,000 monthly to what we were doing, – RM2,000 needy patients at the Ipoh businessmen, lawyers, The Perak Society For General Hospital. It is doctors and accountants the Promotion Of Mental Presentation of mock cheque donating three units of joined in.” Health – RM2,000 wheelchairs, lenses to Ipoh Buddhist Welfare abundance of everything, financial aid to charitable The members’ annual Ipoh. cataract patients and a unit Society – RM2,000 from food to goodies, organisations throughout donations of RM120 Ms Chong Phaik of air-conditioner to the Sekolah Semangat should also remind the the country. The funds are each make up the bulk of Kee, Director of Welfare Paediatric Department at Maju, – luckier ones of the needy used to enhance services generous contributions for Department in Perak, the Ipoh General Hospital. the needy. RM1,500 and the handicapped. for the marginalised was present during the Lim said that, over the Lim said the January Salvation Army Compassion, he said, must such as the disabled, the occasion. She later joined years, the society has also be given sufficient space infirm, senior citizens and 2008 charity dinner was Children Home (Kampar the VIPs in distributing organised numerous health a tremendous success. at all times. The corporate orphans. ang pows and goodies to Road) – RM2,000 screening programmes, The society, after months Ren Ai Buddhist sector, he pursued, has A mock cheque for the participants at the end blood donation campaigns a complementary role RM286,000 was handed of tedious canvassing Welfare – RM2,000 of the hour-long event. and anti-crime seminars and cajoling, managed to to play in making life to Tan Sri Jeyaratnam. The for the public. more bearable for the less money will be disbursed to raise a sum of RM88,626 A. Jeyaraj She gave as an example from the sale of dinner Peter Khiew  IPOH ECHO February 16 -29, 2008 Your Community Newspaper

THE WAY 100 YEARS AGO THIS IT WAS. . . FORTNIGHT

Perak Pioneer Perak Pioneer Established in 1894 ‘The oldest and most widely circulated newspaper in the F.M.S’

Monday, affixed to an automobile or Excellent as the forego- Police, with the result that a The yielding nature of was the punishment meted out th carriage, not used for hire 17 February, 1908 ing regulations undoubtedly detective, who was moving the surface causes much of to them. or trade purposes, shall be are, if carried out in actual about in that locality, collared the earth work to sink, making Editorial of small size and shall be practice, we regret to observe the culprit as he was trying progress laborious and costly. Saturday, affixed (in consultation with that the majority of motor to mount the bicycle and ride But the officers engaged in 29th February, 1908 With the rapid increase in the the owner if he so desires) in cars run through the centre off. the construction stick to their number of motor cars and such a manner as not to be of the road, however narrow, The accused stated in his posts right manfully. An interesting gambling motor cycles, we think that the conspicuous, but at the same and thereby greatly incom- defence that a man took him Nevertheless it is now case was heard on Monday time has arrived for amending time, so as to allow of their mode other traffic. This - in into the house, pointed out the considered doubtful whether last by the Third Magistrate, the Automobile Enactment being readily examined when convenience will be felt to a bicycle to him and charged the through line could be Singapore. of 1903. That Enactment necessary. still greater extent when the him with attempting to steal completed by the end of the The police had made a contained provisions ample The above provisions number of cars increase still it. year as at first anticipated. raid the previous night at a enough to cope with the are diametrically opposed to further, as they promise to do On Saturday last the house in Almeida street and requirements of the day. But those of the corresponding at no distant date. accused was sentenced * * * * * arrested 7 men on a charge of during the five years that have English Act. At home, motor We would commend to three months’ rigorous gambling in a common gaming elapsed since the passing of cars, even when adorned to the consideration of the imprisonment. The Sungei Ujong house. the law a great transformation with a Ducal Coronet , have powers that be the follow- Railway, which is to be One of them, Tan Hok has taken place in the motor to bear number plates in a ing amendments to the * * * * * acquired by the F.M.S. Gee, the son of a wealthy car industry, which has so conspicuous place, so that Automobile Enactment when Government, is to be handed and well-known Towkay wonderfully expanded. they may be easily recognised. it comes up for revision. The Captain Dempster of over on the 1st July next, when was charged with being the The cars on our roads The identity of runaway cars speed at which cars are per- the Sungei Rotan Estate was important improvements occupier of the house. have greatly increased in many a police prosecution mitted to travel through town coming into Taiping on his and alterations on the line The police also seized and multiplied in numbers at home has been made out by roads and turn corners should motor cycle, when a cow will be taken in hand. It is some curious musical to the great comfort and the number there on noted by be strictly limited. The plates belonging to a Malay named anticipated that the line will instruments used in convenience of those using spectators at the scene of the affixed to cars ought to be Sahari, which was grazing, yield an handsome return on accompanying some singing them. But unfortunately numerous motoring fatalities made as large and conspicu- gave chase to him with the the capital outlay incurred in girls who were amusing the with the increased facilities which occur so frequently. ous as those attached to pri- result that the latter was its purchase. gamblers. At the trial the young for locomotion afforded by Here in the Colony and vate cars at home and finally obliged to put on full speed to Towkay said that he kept the this up to date adjunct of a the F.M.S. such accidents are we would urge that drivers of escape its pursuit. establishment that was raided progressive age, there has * * * * * happily rare, and so far there motor cars be compelled un- On Saturday last Sahari for his own amusement. They come over pedestrians and has been no recorded instance der stringent penalties to ob- was charged under Section gambled there sometimes, but occupants of vehicles a sense of a motorist driving off after serve the rules of the road laid 289 of the Penal Code with Friday, it was not a common gaming of insecurity. having run over some unlucky down in the Enactment. knowingly or negligently 21st February, 1908 house. In the result, all the The number of fatal pedestrian, or smashing some omitting to take such order accused were discharged. motor car accidents in the vehicle. * * * * * with a cow in his possession Police News The effect of recent Colony and the F.M.S. has But in case of such an as is sufficient to guard decisions is that gambling is so far been very small. But eventuality, which is neither Police News against any probable danger (Before Mr A. Peck) perfectly legal if carried on it is bound to increase as improbable nor impossible, of grievous hurt from such anywhere in the Colony except the cars running continue the number plate supposed (Before Mr A.H. Peck) animal. A Couple of Drunkards in a ‘common gaming house’. to multiply in number. One to be fixed to the car under He was found guilty By the effect of the paternal of the provisions of the the conditions of the F.M.S. Kuoh Koh Kim, a and fined in the sum of ten Two Tamils named legislation, a rich man may Automobile Enactment No 9 Enactment will be found to be Chinese lady living with her dollars. Sinnatamby and Soosai gamble away a fortune in the of 1903 has been apparently practically useless for securing mother in , left her were up yesterday before the company of his friends at his framed to soothe the tender a correct identification of house on the night of the 11th * * * * * Magistrate on a charge of luxurious home. susceptibilities of the owner the runaway automobile. inst. at about 7 or 8 pm to buy being drunk and incapable But the coolie may not of the private car, irrespective The following very useful some milk. Local and General of taking care of themselves. risk a twenty-cent price among of the consequences to provision of the Automobile When she returned she The former was arrested at his comrades in a dilapidated the pedestrian public. The Enactment is more frequently saw a Celestial, rejoicing in The construction of the Simpang and the latter at shed or shanty. Gambling has following curious stipulations honoured in the breach than the name of Lim Yi Fong, Johore Railway extension Kota at about 9.30 pm on the been far from stamped out in are embodied in the latter part the observance thereof. In all removing a bicycle from the is, we understand, greatly 19th instant. Both of them the Colony, and we should like of Section 7 of the Enactment cases such automobiles shall hall and passing through the impeded in some sections by pleaded not guilty to the to hear what the anti Gamblers in respect of fixing number be driven so as to give as threshold of the house. She the existence of swamps over charge and a fine of one dollar have to say on the demoralizing plates to these cars. much space as possible for the called out for her mother who which embankments have to each with an option of two effects of gambling in the light The plate or plates passing of other traffic. in turn invoked aid of the be built. days in the gaol to grow sober of recent events. Your Community Newspaper IPOH ECHO February 16 -29, 2008 

Ipoh Facts and Fancies by Ho Tak Ming THE WAY 100 YEARS The Silibin Tamil Settlement AGO THIS How a ten-year lease resulted in a disgraceful urban slum In 1905, the Chairman FAILED CLEAN UP ORDERED er, where lived one thou- there was an improvised LAWLESSNESS of the Kinta North OBLIGATIONS sand-odd Tamil coolies, earth drain filled with a IT WAS. . . FORTNIGHT Sanitary Board, Mr This, then, was seen navvies on the roads and slimy fetid coffee-coloured As might be expected, F.W. Douglas, applied Instead the Govern- as an immediate danger to railway, municipal labour- liquid. The only sources there was a state of extreme to the Government for ment left it to the the European colonialists. ers and so forth. of drinking water were lawlessness in the settle- a concession of land at contractors to build the Orders were immediately A long straggly street six hydrants generously ment, with gangs of thugs Perak Pioneer Silibin. houses. The contractors, given for the slum to be with attap huts on both supplied by the Sanitary terrorising the law-abiding He duly requested in turn, failed to fulfil their cleaned up. sides, none of which had Board. Also presented as a citizens, and the police al- a ten-year lease in the obligations and instead The Silibin Settlement any air of permanency, ran gift of the Sanitary Board most helpless in trying to name of two local Indian charged a rent of $1 per was separated into two through this section of the were four latrines to serve enforce law and order. Perak Pioneer Established in 1894 contractors. month for a 60 feet by 40 parts by the railway line. settlement. Children and a population of one thou- The Silibin Tamil This was his objective: feet site to any resident On the Kledang side diverse livestock crowded sand – with the result that Settlement was nothing to centralise living Indian who wanted to of the railway were the the pathway, and, if one few bothered to use them. short of a disgrace to Ipoh. ‘The oldest and most widely circulated arrangements for Indians, build a house. The result Government quarters for were driving, one had to The overcrowding It underlined the fact that mainly the Tamils, who was badly built, flimsy, the Indian clerks employed go very slowly to avoid and overall degradation the Colonial Government had hitherto been scattered attap huts that were let out on the railway and other knocking down something of humanity was scandal- had never bothered to es- newspaper in the F.M.S’ in surrounding Malay to innumerable tenants in departments. There were – animate or inanimate. ous – as many as fifteen tablish a housing policy for kampongs. order that the landlords several blocks of decent There was no drainage men slept in one room, urban Indians. In order to create could recoup their capital barracks and a number of or any idea of sanitation. on a raised shelf that did If the Government was Monday, affixed to an automobile or Excellent as the forego- Police, with the result that a The yielding nature of was the punishment meted out an acceptable Indian as quickly as possible. detached bungalows occu- Rubbish was thrown duty as a bed. The rooms convinced of the neces- th carriage, not used for hire 17 February, 1908 ing regulations undoubtedly detective, who was moving the surface causes much of to them. settlement, the proper G o v e r n m e n t pied by the more highly- out into the lanes for the were merely sleeping cab- sity for the centralisation or trade purposes, shall be are, if carried out in actual about in that locality, collared the earth work to sink, making thing for the Government officials cared little that paid Indians employed in dogs to scavenge, or to be ins, the occupants tightly of the Tamil community Editorial of small size and shall be practice, we regret to observe the culprit as he was trying progress laborious and costly. Saturday, to do would have been the inhabitants of the the Clerical Service and weathered by the sun and packed with little fresh in the general interests of affixed (in consultation with that the majority of motor to mount the bicycle and ride But the officers engaged in 29th February, 1908 to build barracks for the settlement were herded commercial firms. They rain. air to breathe or space to Ipoh, the least it could have With the rapid increase in the the owner if he so desires) in cars run through the centre off. the construction stick to their inhabitants and charge a together like cattle. Indeed, formed a somewhat sepa- move. The men tried to done was to provide proper number of motor cars and such a manner as not to be of the road, however narrow, The accused stated in his posts right manfully. An interesting gambling reasonable rent, thereby they largely ignorned the rate entity. But across DRINKING WATER save as much as possible housing for them. Instead, motor cycles, we think that the conspicuous, but at the same and thereby greatly incom- defence that a man took him Nevertheless it is now case was heard on Monday ensuring proper residential slum they had created until the river and the Sanitary HYDRANTS on rent, and thus had to be it created an urban slum for time has arrived for amending time, so as to allow of their mode other traffic. This - in into the house, pointed out the considered doubtful whether last by the Third Magistrate, supervision. Regrettably an outbreak of smallpox Board sewage works was content with the minimum a permanent underclass of the Automobile Enactment being readily examined when convenience will be felt to a bicycle to him and charged the through line could be Singapore. this did not happen. occurred there in 1913. the Tamil Settlement prop- Outside each house sleeping space. subjects. of 1903. That Enactment necessary. still greater extent when the him with attempting to steal completed by the end of the The police had made a contained provisions ample The above provisions number of cars increase still it. year as at first anticipated. raid the previous night at a enough to cope with the are diametrically opposed to further, as they promise to do On Saturday last the house in Almeida street and requirements of the day. But those of the corresponding at no distant date. accused was sentenced * * * * * arrested 7 men on a charge of during the five years that have English Act. At home, motor We would commend to three months’ rigorous gambling in a common gaming elapsed since the passing of cars, even when adorned to the consideration of the imprisonment. Mistaken Identity The Sungei Ujong house. the law a great transformation with a Ducal Coronet , have powers that be the follow- Railway, which is to be One of them, Tan Hok has taken place in the motor to bear number plates in a Once, when we were young colonial soldiers in Malaya ing amendments to the * * * * * acquired by the F.M.S. Gee, the son of a wealthy car industry, which has so conspicuous place, so that Automobile Enactment when Government, is to be handed and well-known Towkay by Merv Sprague wonderfully expanded. they may be easily recognised. it comes up for revision. The Captain Dempster of over on the 1st July next, when was charged with being the The cars on our roads The identity of runaway cars speed at which cars are per- the Sungei Rotan Estate was important improvements occupier of the house. have greatly increased in many a police prosecution Wednesday was always a the film dis- garrison sol- mitted to travel through town coming into Taiping on his and alterations on the line The police also seized the door but also the entire and multiplied in numbers at home has been made out by bad day for soldiers. Pay played both diers were roads and turn corners should motor cycle, when a cow will be taken in hand. It is some curious musical framework out with one hit. to the great comfort and the number there on noted by Parade was scheduled for Brynner and rearranging be strictly limited. The plates belonging to a Malay named anticipated that the line will instruments used in Dust and wood splinters convenience of those using spectators at the scene of the the following day when Kerr plus his beloved affixed to cars ought to be Sahari, which was grazing, yield an handsome return on accompanying some singing filled the air as we strode them. But unfortunately numerous motoring fatalities we would obediently line the troop bar. I won- made as large and conspicu- gave chase to him with the the capital outlay incurred in girls who were amusing the triumphantly towards the with the increased facilities which occur so frequently. up for our weekly pit- of Siamese dered where ous as those attached to pri- result that the latter was its purchase. gamblers. At the trial the young main Station entrance. for locomotion afforded by tance. Gilbert morosely R o y a l Here in the Colony and vate cars at home and finally obliged to put on full speed to Towkay said that he kept the they had got this up to date adjunct of a examined the meagre Children in the F.M.S. such accidents are we would urge that drivers of escape its pursuit. establishment that was raided the money GREAT ESCAPE progressive age, there has * * * * * contents of his wallet, a pale ma- happily rare, and so far there motor cars be compelled un- On Saturday last Sahari for his own amusement. They to drink on a come over pedestrians and while I counted the small roon colour. has been no recorded instance der stringent penalties to ob- was charged under Section gambled there sometimes, but Wednesday Sitting at a small desk occupants of vehicles a sense change in my pockets. It seems that of a motorist driving off after serve the rules of the road laid 289 of the Penal Code with Friday, it was not a common gaming night! close to cells was a short of insecurity. Together, our combined the copy of having run over some unlucky down in the Enactment. knowingly or negligently 21st February, 1908 house. In the result, all the bespectacled Chinese The number of fatal wealth amounted to a lit- the film the pedestrian, or smashing some omitting to take such order accused were discharged. Sergeant who seemed to motor car accidents in the tle over ten Malayan dol- cinema re- vehicle. * * * * * with a cow in his possession Police News The effect of recent MISERY be passionately involved Colony and the F.M.S. has lars. To put it mildly, our ceived was But in case of such an as is sufficient to guard decisions is that gambling is in some routine paperwork. so far been very small. But recreational resources in sepia. eventuality, which is neither Police News against any probable danger (Before Mr A. Peck) perfectly legal if carried on Gilbert He never bothered to look it is bound to increase as were limited. While the vi- improbable nor impossible, of grievous hurt from such anywhere in the Colony except and I were up as we passed. His only the cars running continue The bus fare from sual effects the number plate supposed (Before Mr A.H. Peck) animal. A Couple of Drunkards in a ‘common gaming house’. thrown into a words were, ‘Good Night. to multiply in number. One Minden Barracks to the were lack- to be fixed to the car under He was found guilty By the effect of the paternal large holding Johnny’.’ Good Night, of the provisions of the heart of Georgetown, ing, we mer- the conditions of the F.M.S. Kuoh Koh Kim, a and fined in the sum of ten Two Tamils named legislation, a rich man may cell where Johnny’! Automobile Enactment No 9 Penang was 20 cents and rily hummed Enactment will be found to be Chinese lady living with her dollars. Sinnatamby and Soosai gamble away a fortune in the we found an- Our great escape was of 1903 has been apparently as my comrade explained, along to the practically useless for securing mother in Kamunting, left her were up yesterday before the company of his friends at his other twenty concluded with the help of framed to soothe the tender we had just enough to visit musical of- a correct identification of house on the night of the 11th * * * * * Magistrate on a charge of luxurious home. Deborah Kerr in sepia was not exactly what we had expected. or so pris- the Yellow Bus Company susceptibilities of the owner a city cinema and perhaps ferings of Rodgers and the runaway automobile. inst. at about 7 or 8 pm to buy being drunk and incapable But the coolie may not oners. There were many to whom I would like to of the private car, irrespective have a bottle of Coke! That Hammerstein. Bus Station, we espied a eyed turbaned baton wield- The following very useful some milk. Local and General of taking care of themselves. risk a twenty-cent price among familiar faces - it was like offer my sincere thanks. of the consequences to week The King and I was We succeeded in posse of Royal Military ing Sikhs. To our surprise, provision of the Automobile When she returned she The former was arrested at his comrades in a dilapidated a family reunion! We sat Curiously, the riot police the pedestrian public. The showing and we made a amazing and annoying the Police lounging around the Redcaps offered us up Enactment is more frequently saw a Celestial, rejoicing in The construction of the Simpang and the latter at shed or shanty. Gambling has dejectedly on long gymna- were nowhere to be seen following curious stipulations combined decision to ven- largely Chinese audience. their Land Rover. The Red as sacrificial lambs to the honoured in the breach than the name of Lim Yi Fong, Johore Railway extension Kota at about 9.30 pm on the been far from stamped out in sium benches lined along and one can imagine that are embodied in the latter part ture forth to the Capitol The film was subtitled Cap in Charge asked us Punjabi hordes. the observance thereof. In all removing a bicycle from the is, we understand, greatly 19th instant. Both of them the Colony, and we should like the walls and awaited an they had returned to mend of Section 7 of the Enactment Cinema in Penang Road. in Mandarin, which cer- what we had been doing We attempted to ex- cases such automobiles shall hall and passing through the impeded in some sections by pleaded not guilty to the to hear what the anti Gamblers unknown fate. the cell door. in respect of fixing number Both excited of a celluloid tainly helped some of the and we explained the trip plain our innocence, with- be driven so as to give as threshold of the house. She the existence of swamps over charge and a fine of one dollar have to say on the demoralizing Within a few minutes, The following day, plates to these cars. evening of colour and song more educated masses. to the cinema. Seemingly out success. Bundled much space as possible for the called out for her mother who which embankments have to each with an option of two effects of gambling in the light another five detainees there was not a peep from The plate or plates with Deborah Kerr and Meanwhile the Hokkien satisfied with Gilbert’s unceremoniously on the passing of other traffic. in turn invoked aid of the be built. days in the gaol to grow sober of recent events. joined us. I forget the ex- the hierarchy at Minden Yul Brynner, we eventu- and Hakka speakers were poor rendition of “Getting Police wagon we were act genius who discovered Barracks. Even the Military ally reached Georgetown left to do the best they to Know You’, he kindly despatched to the Datuk that the heavy wooden Police were silent and at sunset. could as they watched Yul offered us a free trip back Keramat Police Station at benches were not secured probably in hiding. waltz a pretty Deborah to our Barracks. This was high speed. There we were to the walls, but he has my Gilbert wrote a long LETDOWN around the Siamese pal- a refreshing gesture that to learn that we were sus- eternal thanks. rambling letter to his ace. we readily accepted. pected of being involved A command decision mother about the episode. Ushered to our cheap- Suddenly, a truck con- in the sacking of the local was made to use one of And me? est house seats we waited taining a mob of armed riot Boston Bar. the benches as a batter- I developed a total for the main feature. High ‘SACRIFICED’ police arrived on the scene. Apparently, during the ing ram. Being young and dislike of Hollywood movies expectation turned to pro- Experience told us that it course of the evening the seemingly invulnerable and anything associated found disappointment On the way home, as would be very foolish to owner had called the po- to small arm fire, we pro- with Wednesdays. when the opening reel of we approached the Yellow argue with a squad of wild- lice when some drunken ceeded to take not only  IPOH ECHO February 16 -29, 2008 Your Community Newspaper

‘Crazy Guy On A Bike’ Musings by See Foon Chan-Koppen TAKE A LOOK IN YOUR BAG A VISA SCARE According to one theory, the age of innocence ends at two. After that, we spend our lives packing and unpacking a bag.

in the bag, I’ve always to school age, the bag IRONIES lugged my own luggage, is quite large and quite opened my own doors and full. Then our teachers In relationships, chances fought my own battles. See Foon make their contribution: are that the very qualities But now she’s out of the “Good children obey the that draw a couple to each bag, and it’s amazing how rules”. So we take our other in the first place are As I sit staring at the individuality and stuff that the very same ones they screen, waiting for into the bag. Other kids have each buried in their inspiration, my attention in class laugh at you when respective bags. And, is drawn to the sight of you say something stupid, as experts on human of varying hues so speaking up is bagged relationships will testify, and plumage, foraging as well. these qualities are usually for food. I am living in a I grew up watching my the ones that are identified part of Ipoh where nature grandmother berate my as sources of conflict later is still abundant – not yet aunt for her stupidity and on in the relationship. Drenched but now closer to home . . . ready to be swallowed up slowness, so these went For example, the man by the city. into my bag, at an early who was attracted to ‘Bike for Malaysia’ Hann made it to the border age. Is it any wonder that what he saw as his wife’s cyclist Law Tzou-Hann by 6.30pm. According to I have this conscious I am often raging about warmth and vulnerability, breathes a sigh of relief the young engineer, this yearning to linger over the “stupid people”? may later redefine as he arrives on South meant cycling non-stop for view. these same attributes East Asian soil. So far 11 hours. Kudos to Tzou- Which leads me as intrusiveness and young Law has pedalled Hann for his remarkable reflecting on our countless doormat-like dependency. about 24,798 kilometres. perseverance! unconscious yearnings. Or, if attracted to her He is heartened by the He is understandably many chivalrous men pop What about the things we independence, vitality and thought that, daily, he is very glad. He quips: “Not out of the woodwork to don’t allow ourselves to intelligence, he may later getting closer to his goal bad eh!” offer genuine assistance yearn for and have put away see his wife as domineering. – completing his cycling when I need it. I have no into the deep unconscious Similarly, the woman who tour of the globe in aid of difficulty admitting that Those who wish to part of ourselves? once valued her partner for his favourite charities. some knotty tasks baffle The American poet and his reliability, may, further It has taken him three donate to Law Tzou- me and seek help when philosopher, Robert Bly, down the line, condemn months to cycle across Hann’s Charity Ride necessary. once put forward a “bag” him as being predictable China. These days, I even feel in aid of: theory of the unconscious, and boring. On February 1, 2008, compassionate when I meet a view of life that I’m The dynamics of what Tzou-Hann was flipping SMK St a woman who apparently particularly partial to. Until the age of about goes on during the initial through his passport, just George Taiping has cotton wool between 20, Bly believes, we are attraction, if we go by to view all the stamps her ears, and marvel at the Development Fund; BAG THEORY occupied with deciding Bly’s theory, is that the of places he had been to way men rally around her the National Cancer what parts of ourselves to very qualities that attract and feeling content with helplessness. Bly suggested that up put into the bag, and the us are the very same ones how much he had so far Society of Malaysia; to the age of two, we are remainder of our lives is that we have put in our accomplished. the MAA- glowing balls of energy spent trying to recover own bag. And the longer MEDIcare Kidney JOLTED with multifaceted, 360- them. we leave them there, the Charity Fund degree personalities. But, Then, dragging that more they fester. with time, we begin to invisible, dead-weight Then, wham! He should send their notice that our parents bag behind us, we wonder ENDLESS TASK suddenly discovered that contributions to: don’t like certain parts of why we’re always tired his visa for China was OGA- the ball. They say things and why some situations And me? In my bag expiring the next day, like “Can’t you be still?” repeatedly haunt us. Or we there used to be a helpless But the task of sorting February 2, 2008. With Longwayhome or “It isn’t nice to hit your wonder why certain things female. In the past I would through my bag is a 200 kilometres to cycle Charity Ride, c/o brother”. To keep our just aren’t fun or are plain bristle visibly at male monumental one, and will before he reached the No 36, Ist Floor, China – Vietnam border, parents’ love, we put that difficult. Have you ever attempts to put me down probably continue until I Jalan Pasar, 34000, active, assertive part into seen a one or two-year- with lines like “Don’t draw my last breath. he started to worry like this imaginary “ bag” we old toddler getting low on worry your pretty little So, any brave “Ipohite” never before! Taiping, Perak, carry behind us. energy? Or complain of head over it”. out there willing to join me Starting at 7.30am on Malaysia. By the time we get boredom? To keep that “bimbo” in looking into our bags? February 2, 2008, Tzou-

fry on both sides until simmer 3 minutes. in moderate oven for about Kafe Paprika’s Navarin of Lamb browned. 1 ½ hours or until lamb is Noisettes are lamb ⅓ cup plain flour Remove from pan. Top and tail beans, cut tender (or microwave on shortloin chops with the 1 litre (4 cups) water Drain all but 2 tablespoons beans into 5cm lengths. Cut MEDIUM for about 30 bone removed, the “tail” 2 chicken stock cubes of fat from pan. celery into 5cm lengths. minutes). Serves 6. wrapped around and ⅓ cup dry red wine Add onion and garlic secured with toothpicks. (optional) to pan, stir constantly over Combine noisettes, If you have any This dish will improve in 2 tablespoons tomato heat until onion is lightly beans, celery and carrots questions, please call flavour if cooked the day paste browned. Add flour, stir in large ovenproof dish, Nurina on 012 373 5020. before required. Keep 1 large sprig fresh constantly over heat until top with sauce, cover, bake Kafe Paprika’s covered in refrigerator. rosemary mixture is This recipe is 2 teaspoons fresh browned. Stir unsuitable to thyme leaves (or ½ in water and freeze. teaspoon dried thyme crumbled stock leaves) cubes, wine and INGREDIENTS 250g green beans tomato paste. 2 sticks celery Stir constantly 1 tablespoon oil 250g baby carrots over heat until 30g butter mixture boils 6 Iamb noisettes METHOD and thickens. 1 onion, chopped Add rosemary 2 cloves garlic, Heat oil and butter in and thyme, crushed frying pan, add noisettes, reduce heat, Your Community Newspaper IPOH ECHO February 16 -29, 2008  MAXWELL’S LEGACY Unspoilt surroundings make the oldest hill station in Malaysia a soothing favourite by Rizal Abdullah Many people – especially those who lived in Taiping in the 60s and 70s - still refer to Bukit Larut as Maxwell Hill. The reference is invariably tinged with affection for the hill station – the oldest in Malaysia – is associated with calming remembrances: the cool, lush rainforest of the Bintang Range, the unspoilt area leading up to the summit, the deep gullies, the little streams and the sound of icy- cold water gushing down mountain slopes. A tourist has recorded his exuberant praise for the retreat: “The surrounding country with its groves of evergreen is very much like Switzerland’s in summer except, perhaps, the country is greener and more thickly wooded.” Another comment, from a fitness freak who conquers the first three- kilometre steep stretch daily, is less effusive but more direct and definitely vehement: “We do not want Bukit Larut to be another Fraser’s Hill, Away from it all. Untouched by what its devotees disparangly refer to as ‘human design’. They want it left alone. Genting or even Cameron if we want entertainment, to be “different from the thunderstorms are regular Highlands. If we want HOW DIFFERENT? town, the Lake Gardens, we will go to Genting. other hill stations”, they occurrences and guests to see flowers and the suburbs of Simpang We want Bukit Larut to are voicing their fear of are told to observe normal vegetables, we will go to When Taiping folk talk and the 19-kilometre road be different.” the resort being subjected safety rules when caught and about wanting Bukit Larut between Simpang and to massive redevelopment Port Weld (now Kuala in the open. schemes. They Sepetang). A bonus is Maxwell Hill – Bukit want the place to the scenic picture of the Larut – is for those who remain as pristine ragged coastline between desire a genuine tranquil and “unmolested” and retreat. There are neither as it had been in Penang. entertainment facilities 1884 when it was nor organised activities. established by the RESPITE Visitors who want to colonial officer, go trekking should George Maxwell. There are only seven seek advice from the The only access bungalows at varying resort management and up the summit is a heights for guests who acquire the services of single tarred road wish to stay overnight. experienced guides. built shortly after For accommodation, the Pacific War advance bookings and and completed in reservations should be WALK OR TAKE THE 1948. A natural made. Camping in the LAND ROVER canopy formed open anywhere in the hills by giant trees and is absolutely prohibited. The brave can walk. towering ferns The temperature The braver still can be provide needed can drop to as low as ferried up in specially shade on hot 15°C so you are well- fitted Land Rovers which sunny days. On advised to bring warm negotiate the 92 hairpin a fine day, the clothes. Taiping and bends without changing summit rewards the surrounding hills gears or slowing down. the brave and the are reputed to be the These awesome trips are adventurous with wettest part of Malaysia. managed efficiently by the panoramic Expect a downpour the Larut Matang District There is abundance of tranquiil spaces. view of Taiping anytime. Lightning and Office (05-8077241). 10 IPOH ECHO February 16 -29, 2008 Your Community Newspaper

A HEARTWARMING NOTE FROM TAIPING YOUNG PERAK An e-mail to Young Sura to send you an those who received an and others to greater A section of interest and action Perak from Mr Wong article by our student award from the Perak heights. Thank you.” for the youth of our state Tuckee, a teacher at – Luqman Hadi Director of Education Here you are, Mr SM Sains Raja Tun bin Azahar – who on December 27, Wong Tuckee. We find Azlan Shah, Taiping, emerged as one of the 2007. He has been in the story inspiring and started it all. top 10 students from this school since 2005. of great human interest. Students from participating schools Perak in the recent We hope that you We look forward to are invited to share their thoughts He wrote: “I have PMR examinations. will find the article getting more stories with others. Contributors may write been instructed by Attached is the story useful and publish it from you and your students for the Ipoh about or photograph things/events my principal - Puan for your perusal. in your newspaper to Rahimah bte. Mohd Luqman was one of further motivate him Echo. PK outside their respective institutions of learning. Human interest stories, observations and reflections are EXCELLENT NEWS FOR PUAN RAHIMAH’S SCHOOL welcome. E-mail articles to – Premier school SM Sains Raja Tun Azlan Shah in [email protected] Taiping is a school that attn: Peter Khiew makes the state very proud. The school performed remarkably well in the PMR examinations (2007) SCHOOL BAGS with 80 students out of a total of 109 scoring straight FOR THE As. The other 29 students missed straight As but NEW YEAR had Bs. In other words, none of the students of the school got a C or below for any of the subjects they sat for. Congratulations to principal Puan Rahimah Mohd Sura and the team of committed teachers for an excellent job!

OBJECTIVES Luqman and friends from SM Sains Raja Tun Azlan Shah celebrate. They are aiming very hard to become the state’s best school. In fact, they want to beat Malay College in Kuala Kangsar! A feat which is not impossible Lead up to New Year was a bright one for these pupils. to achieve if the students Some 200 needy pupils a caring society. They and teachers continue to of SJK (C) Pasir Pinji 1 wish to participate in aim high. Nevertheless, and SRJK Pasir Pinji alleviating the plight of as Mr Wong said, the 2 were the appreciative the needy. recent results were an recipients of new school In his address, he achievement the school bags from the Sate exhorted his young community can be truly MCA. The children had audience to study hard. proud. been looking forward to He advised them never The school in replacing their worn- to allow poverty to hinder Taiping has always been out ones. them from dreaming big consistently doing well The primary school- and achieving goals. in the PMR examinations children, aged between 8 The school bag- throughout the years. The Luqman with an understandably proud Puan Rahimah. Raja Nor and 12, were selected by giving gesture came in 2007 results were not just their achools on the basis conjunction with the lead- a flash in the pan thing. of their families’ income. up to this year’s Chinese One of the school’s State MCA vice-chairman New Year celebrations. top achievers was Luqman and Ipoh Timur’s MCA More new school bags Hadi. His unabashed division chief Datuk were given to pupils from ambition is to be the future Chew Wai Khoon said SJK (C) Sam Chai, SRK Prime Minister of this that in giving out the Perempuan Methodist, country! school bags, his party is SJK (C) Ave Maria, SJK He is in the right place. clearly demonstrating its (C)Yuk Choy and SJK At present, he is attending a school that grooms leaders. contribution in promoting (C) Chung Shan. Teachers have always encouraged students to aim high and act accordingly YEAR-LONG MAIL to achieve their long-term DELIVERY OF THE objectives. Luqman has taken all IPOH ECHO the opportunities here to You can have the Ipoh Echo mailed prepare himself for high- Raja Nor and schoolmates show off their well-earned certificates. directly to your house or place of work. level leadership. He is the All you need to do is deposit RM24 president of the French the academic as well as in Izzuddin. Her parents are incurable diseases. with us and we will do the rest. The Club at school - he speaks extra-curricula activities. bank officers in Taiping. Raja Nor is actively amount is postage fee for the delivery of excellent French, apart Her ambition is to be a involved in extra-curricular from English and Malay. ANOTHER ACHIEVER doctor. activities. She is an all- 24 copies of Ipoh Echo for a year. Those He commands great respect She hopes to be a doctor rounder. She enjoys sports interested please call our office at 05- from his peers because Another high flyer who will carry out further and games. She is a member 2495936 or 016-553 1092 for details. of his discipline and his from the school is Raja research to find cures for of the school debating team ability to do well in both Nor Syamim Raja Mohd some of the world’s current as well. Your Community Newspaper IPOH ECHO February 16 -29, 2008 11

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TELLING IT LIKE IT we try to be understanding, would help her deal with she is very ill, but she IS but we neither patronise matters better and enable has accepted it and has nor condescend.” her to make further plans. decided to confront it with Nurse Phun Mun Yee I went with Nurse “False hopes,” some style. I commend her explains that there are Phan to to talk pursues Nurse Phan, “do bravery.” instances when families to the immediate family of a disservice. They make Sem Peen’s reaction put so much hope that their a patient who was fading people go on living in to the presence of a loved ones will get better. rather fast. The daughter denial – the patient, the reporter and the news that “This does not usually had travelled from Norway family, everybody. What is her photograph was to be happen,” she remarks. “It to be with her parent. After more important is for the taken was heartwarming. is better to face reality a long and quiet chat with truth to be faced squarely She asked to be excused. because things get resolved Nurse Phan, she was over- and handled bravely, with “Give me time,” she said, when people realise that come with sadness but dignity.” “I want to look beautiful!” they may not have much was grateful to have been Before she fell ill, time left. We never lie to “guided towards a better ‘MAKE ME LOOK Sem Peen was very glam- BEAUTIFUL’ orous. The cancer has cur- tailed much of her former On a Thursday, Sister lifestyle but, with Nurse Nancy Koh and I visit Nancy’s encouragement, Nurse Nancy Koh giving words of reassurance 58-year-old Chong Sem she tries “to keep up”. She to Sem Peen who was shocked at the sight of a snake Peen. She is one of PPCS has just had a pedicure. in her backyard. Sem Peen is still able to look after “success stories”. Sem The nurse is buoyed by herself and has, with the encouragement of the PPCS, Peen came from the brink this observation. worked out a “contingency plan” for herself. She has a to be an example of how The bond between neighbour who looks out every morning to see whether one can learn to adapt to care giver and patient is Sem Peen has opened her door. If the door is open, very obvious. It is inspir- it means Sem Peen is OK. If it’s not, the neighbour ing. While Nancy Koh comes across to check on her. changes the bandage on Sam Peen’s wound, the latter talks about the PPCS group of ladies who gather LIVE EVERY and its volunteers. She on a weekly basis to sew MOMENT informs me about the tea and turn out handicraft parties where patients are Now a treasured photograph in a family album: Tee items which are sold. The The staff and volun- taken out for a day so they income collected helps teers of the Perak Palliative Hong Ching with his wife, grandson and daughter in may have some fun, so that Lumut. with ongoing fund-raising Society do more than hand they may smile. for the PPCS. She out medical supplies and We talk as more pic- also makes dispense advice. tures are taken. Sam Peen regular visits Their kindness Sem Peen’s favourite says, ‘Make me beautiful!’ to the is constant; photograph, one she Palliative their efforts shares with every visitor. DYNAMIC Care Unit are low-key. VOLUNTEERS at the Ipoh But following the restrictions of grave H o s p i t a l . them around illness. It was not an easy The PPCS has an R e c e n t l y, is a lesson in road. Left on her own by enviable support group and Mrs Daniel what they per- her husband and daughter a few dedicated volunteers won a form best – the when she was diagnosed who go the extra mile in P u b l i c gift of caring. with nose cancer, Sem Peen augmenting the efforts of The self-ef- had slid into depression. the regular staff. facing and energetic “It took a long while Volunteers help by nurses who sally forth to coax her into becoming driving patients to their from the big green gates positive and try to be doctor’s appointments or of the PPCS headquar- cheerful,” Nurse Koh their patients’ children to ters at Lebuh Woods relates. “ But after many school as well as in grocery make one see that it is visits and when she saw it shopping. Volunteers the basic things that re- really mattered to me that also assist in providing ally matter. That time is Tee Hong Ching seen here with his grandson said he was she should be cheerful, emotional support to the best gift you can give overjoyed. It made a big difference that people unrelated she came round and patients and their families. people. That a smile and an to him cared about his last wishes. became more responsive. Mrs Jemima Daniel Service Award from the Rotary Club of Kinta. She encouraging word can go She began to open up and has been a volunteer since a long way. That touch is patients, or give them false donated the gift cheque to understanding of the situ- gradually, the old spark 1996. She is a member of important. That life, every hopes. We try to be gentle, ation”. This, she added, came back. She knows the ‘Patchwork Gang’ – a the PPCS. minute of it, counts.

CULTIVATE THE READING HABIT with changing trends and years. Good books are a technological advances, BEGIN NOW good source of knowledge. you have fallen far behind They are a big help. your more diligent peers. It is never too late to For example, if I record These days, the basic rule would be able to find your You will remain begin. Try this for yourself 30 years of learning – is: “To earn more, you way out of Misery Street. PERSISTENCE employable only when you and give yourself a month’s mistakes, failures, lessons must learn more”. You cannot mortgage your keep up with the changing trial period. learned – between the There is an old saying education, but you can use Of course, everything world. Try reading for an covers of a book, all you that “knowledge is power”. it to start new ventures, is easier said than done. hour a day on an area need is a week to have an In my opinion, knowledge even from scratch. You have to keep trying; of your choice or your idea of what life could be! is only potential power. Think of this: the most you have to keep learning. chosen field. Soon you So, reading is the first It becomes power only powerful weapon you And, after learning, be will notice that your life step in improving your when you are able to apply have is your mind. Isn’t it persistent. You must never is beginning to change. mind and your life. it in your daily life. ironic that nobody could say, I have learned enough. That’s because your mind It is an easy leisure to detect it immediately when I now know everything. is opening up. You will cultivate – you do not need ALWAYS YOURS you walk into a roomful Look: What you The key to success is see more opportunities and to organise a group! of strangers? Or you can learned 20 years ago is no curiosity, resourcefulness possibilities around you. As Alvin Toffler once Your education – your walk past security borders longer sufficient to get you and the belief that life must Research has shown said: “The illiterate of the knowledge – is always without having to declare through present demands involve certain risks. that the average adult reads 21st century will not be yours. You may lose per- it. But, once past those at the workplace. Imagine what you can less than one book a year. If those who cannot read sonal property, your house, borders, the same mind can If you are an engineer achieve if you had all the you were to read a book a and write, but those who your car, the furniture and help you build and acquire and if you had your knowledge and are able week, that would add up to cannot learn, unlearn, and the money you’ve hidden things; it can help you education in the 1970s and to apply it in the various 52 books a year and about re-learn.” under the bed – but you attain new heights. you have failed to keep up aspects of your life. 500 books in the next ten Harry Seggu 12 IPOH ECHO February 16 -29, 2008 Your Community Newspaper

Sport by Steve Darby SO YOU WANT TO BE A PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALLER part 1 Then start believing in hard work . . .

I am often asked by game. The best defenders young players or even “nick the ball”; they “mark their parents – what does in advance” or “inside to it take to be a professional out”. They intimidate for- footballer? It has always wards with strength and been a popular question, never show pain. When especially now that it jockeying, “watch the ball can be such a lucrative . . . not the feet of the for- career with players such ward”. Try to force the as John Terry earning up forward wide or even bet- to RM130,000 a DAY! ter towards his own goal. It’s easy to say the Try to win the ball when simplistic clichés such as you have cover. Watch Ba- skill, fitness, mentality resi, Vidic, Carragher. or even luck. In reality, if it’s broken down into its Clockwise: Rooney. Beckham, DRIBBLING required components, it’s Drogba, Giggs, Ronaldo, quite a complex process to Zidane and Torres. A player who can “take reach the top. Perhaps the a great asset. Watch Batis- ercises should with the next touch. The people on” or “do people” most important aspect is tuta, Shevchenko, Raul. be done before majority of high level foot- can destroy any team shape hard work! and after train- ball is played at one and as they pull players out of I believe you can divide STRENGTH/POWER ing for maxi- two touch. You get in the position if they have gone the game into four main mum effect. line of flight of the ball, re- past somebody. Watch areas – physical, mental, Essential ingredient lax the controlling surface Giggs. The key factors are technical and tactical. of a modern player. “He TECHNICAL and keep the ball moving. change of pace and direc- This two-part document doesn’t get knocked off the QUALITIES the more important this is. You should try to receive tion. The best dribblers is given to all young Perak ball” – “he wins tackles” You “keep the ball” at the the ball with your body keep the ball between their players in an attempt to – “he can look after him- HEADING highest level. The qualities in a position that you can feet so they can go either “football educate”. self”. Measured by Gym of a pass are its accuracy, always see the opponent’s way and often keep the tests. Strength is gained by A difficult skill and of- i.e. to feet, or in front of a goal. Watch Zidane. ball going when they are PHYSICAL ten underrated. Watch Ron- player, and its weight – can tackled. The great players QUALITIES aldo. Strong neck muscles the receiver pass or shoot TACKLING know when to stop drib- will assist this skill, plus first time. Watch Kaka, bling and when to pass. AEROBIC CAPACITY confident technique: “You Fabregas. The best defenders Dribbling is encouraged in head the ball…it doesn’t come off the pitch with the final third and THEIR The ability to “run head you”. Watch the ball “clean shorts”. Go to penalty box. all day”, “good engines”, right onto your forehead. ground as a last resort measured by bleep testing. – when you are on the SHOOTING This is the ability to cover ground you are out of the long distances in a game “If you don’t shoot you i.e. Beckham –10km per don’t score” – be prepared match. Gained by either to shoot, have confidence. long distance running or The best shot in the world playing games at a high is no good if it is wide so intensity. Watch Maldini, the most important thing Cafu, Rise. weight training and ply- is not power but accuracy! ometric work. You get to The majority of goals are ANAEROBIC the ball first, jump high- scored from 1 or 2 touch. CAPACITY er, can protect the ball As the ball comes, relax, better and get injured get the ball “out of your The ability to run fast less. Watch Drogba, Tor- body” and “watch the ball “he’s like lightning”; “he res, Rooney. hit your foot”. The ball gets there first”, i.e.Thierry goes where your head goes. Henry. FLEXIBILITY Watch Torres, Viduka, Van Measured by sprint CONTROLLING Nistelroy. tests through light gates. Helps with the range of Gained by sprint training movement, reduces injury. PASSING Your first touch Next issue: Tactical quali- and weight training. The Gained by stretching and of a ball should allow ties and mental discipline ability to repeat sprints is core work in the gym. Ex- The higher you play you to pass or shoot you would need.

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