œ  INSIDE page TELLING IT AS IT IS Year-end celebrations 3 expected to be muffled page Cops: No Covid outbreak 4 among Genting staff ON WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 16, 2020 No. 7682 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) www.thesundaily.my ON HIGH ALERT ... A soldier and a Felda auxiliary police canine tracker unit patrol a beach yesterday during an operation to check on illegal immigrants and encroachment in Tanjung Batu, . – BERNAMAPIX

Foreign labour blunder

█ BY ALISHA NUR MOHD NOOR demand for migrant workers. [email protected] The Malaysian Trades Union Congress oExperts: Proposal to add conditions, raise (MTUC) and MEF also agreed that instead of ETALING JAYA: Two proposals – one to raising the levy, the government should focus impose new conditions on the levy would increase costs instead of solve on “trimming the fat” in the migrant workforce, recruitment of foreign workers and and that means deporting “unnecessary” another to raise the levy on them – have migrant worker issue workers rather than holding them at detention Pbeen quickly shot down by stakeholders and centres. experts. These “unnecessary” workers are Rather than helping to solve the labour infrastructure development. Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) presumably the undocumented ones who, problem in , they will only increase However, according to the Malaysian president Tan Sri Yong Poh Kon to gradually according to MTUC president Datuk Abdul costs to businesses and even disrupt supply Employers Federation (MEF), the knock-on raise the levy on each foreign worker from Halim Mansor, currently numbered around chains, both of which are unaffordable, effect of higher levies, from runaway cost RM150 currently to as high as RM430. He said three million. especially in times of crisis. increases to businesses shifting operations this would discourage employers from looking However, a proposal for businesses to pay for Malaysia’s over-dependence on foreign offshore, would be too much to bear. offshore for workers. the deportation of illegal migrant workers has labour cannot be overstated. The 3D MEF executive director Datuk Shamsuddin However, professor at the Faculty of drawn strong objections from FMM. (dangerous, difficult, dirty) jobs are almost Bardan told theSun that raising levies could Economics and Administration in University Its president Tan Sri Soh Thian Lai entirely taken up by foreigners given that force some companies to move their operations Malaya, Evelyn S. Devadason, said in a recent pointed out that employers who Turn to are reluctant to engage in such to countries where cheap labour is readily report, a similar move in 2005 had failed to are bringing in foreign workers — work, underling the significant role migrant available. achieve the desired effect because rapid through proper channels are page 3 worker play in Malaysia’s economic and He was responding to a proposal by former economic expansion continued to feed the already paying for a bank 2 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | DECEMBER 16, 2020 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

SEEKING BLESSINGS ... Prime Minister Tan Sri and members of the Cabinet recite a doa at the Parliament lobby yesterday. – BERNAMAPIX

Programme to help Only half the battle won single mothers, youth THE Companies Commission of Malaysia will The RM322.54 billion Supply Bill, tabled any time. formulate a suitable method to enable youth and oPassing of Budget 2021 on Nov 6, is the biggest ever for Malaysia. However, he does not rule out the single mother entrepreneurs to benefit from a free Describing it as an unexpected turn of possibility that the Muhyiddin administration business registration scheme, the not representative of events, political analyst Khoo Kay Peng said would last its full term “but this would be was told yesterday. the passing of the Budget does not prove that possible only through some form of political Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister invincibility, say political the government has majority support. bargaining”. Datuk Seri said the effort “It does not seem to have consolidated the Jeniri said the passing of the Budget has would spark business interest and encourage more analysts government’s majority and this means new secured Muhyiddin’s chances to continue as participation from the two groups. elections are still definitely on the plate if the prime minister. “(This can) generate additional income that can Covid-19 pandemic can be contained.” “The main objective was to bring him support their daily lives and in turn, boost the █ BY SHIVANI SUPRAMANI However, he said the Opposition has down but this has not panned out.” growth of the business sector in the country,” he AND NICOLAS ANIL remained fragmented, with no clear MP said said during question time. [email protected] leadership, adding that MPs who have shown Muhyiddin would continue to face pressure He was replying to (PH-Rasah), their dissatisfaction with Muhyiddin have not only from the Opposition but also from who wanted to know if the commission has PETALING JAYA: Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) chosen to allow a status quo. within his own camp. provided any assistance for persons with first budget squeaked in by a narrow margin Another political analyst, Prof Dr Awang “He may have no choice but to give in to disabilities (PwD), women, youth and students at the Dewan Rakyat yesterday, an indication Azman Awang Pawi, said the point remains some of their demands. That means he can be who have just started their businesses. that Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s hold on that PN has managed to maintain its position pushed into a corner and made to make For PwD, Nanta LInggi said they could take power remains precarious. as the government. unpopular decisions,” he said. advantage of the 1 PwD 1 Business Scheme Most analysts and political stakeholders “However, what is certain is that the Bukit Melawati state assemblyman (S1OKU1P), which has been made available by the are of the view that yesterday’s vote was hardly Budget received the requisite votes more on Juwairiya Zulkifli said while it is unfortunate commission since Oct 23, 2012, to register new an indication of support for Muhyiddin as the need to ensure that the welfare of the that the Opposition lost, it showed that the businesses and to renew business registrations for prime minister. people is protected, that workers are paid on prime minister does not have a majority. free. The lone contrarian voice, Prof Dr Jeniri time and the country continues to develop,” “It has even reached a point where they The minister said the commission also Amir, who is senior fellow at the Malaysian he said. allowed people under quarantine to breach encourage full-time students at public and private Council of Professors, noted that this gave He said this should be distinguished from the standard operating procedures to make higher education institutions to register their Muhyiddin the opportunity to consolidate his any support that Muhyiddin may have for his sure they have the numbers,” she said in businesses for free via the 1 Student 1 Business position in the driver’s seat. leadership. reference to the appearance of Health Scheme, which was introduced on Jan 1, 2017. Budget 2021 passed its third and final “That can only be ascertained through a Minister Datuk Seri , Human Nanta Linggi said the ministry, through the reading at the Dewan Rakyat with 111 in vote of confidence.” Resource Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan commission, has implemented eight inclusive favour. A total of 108 voted against it, and one Awang Azman said the slim majority was and Batu MP P. Prabakaran during the voting initiatives to reduce the burden and pressure faced MP, of Gua also an indication that the PN government is process for the Supply Bill despite being by traders and corporate sectors due to the Covid- Musang, was absent. still fragile and uncertain and could collapse under home surveillance order. 19 pandemic. – Bernama RM15b spent on Recovery efforts continue MPs in PPE had permits wage subsidies despite downgrade to enter Dewan THE Wage Subsidy Programme over the past THE three MPs who created an uproar by nine months involved an allocation of more MALAYSIA’S economic recovery efforts in stable and we recorded a high demand (Bid to appearing at the Dewan Rakyat despite being on than RM15 billion, said Deputy Finance 2021 remains on track despite a downgrade in Cover Ratio) which was 2.6 times more than home surveillance orders (HSO) had been granted Minister I Datuk Abd Rahim Bakri. its credit rating, according to Finance Minister the value of the offer for the 10-year MGII permission to do so. As of Oct 31, the government had Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz. bonds (Malaysian Government Investment Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Azhar Azizan channelled RM12.5 billion under the “The Budget initiatives will continue (to Issues) issued last week. Harun said the trio had permits from Health programme, helping 2.7 million workers and push) the recovery momentum and are “(On Monday), I announced that eight Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham more than 330,000 employers, he said. expected to contribute to the gross domestic venture capital fund managers from the Abdullah allowing them to participate in the “Given that many workers are still affected product growth target of between 6.5% and United States, South Korea, China, Indonesia voting process from Monday to tomorrow. by the Covid-19 pandemic, especially in the 7.5% next year,” he told the Dewan Rakyat. and Singapore have agreed to invest in Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba, tourism sector, the government has extended Fitch Ratings has downgraded Malaysia’s Malaysian start-up companies with an Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M. the Wage Subsidy Programme for an credit rating from A- to BBB+, but he said the investment value of up to RM1.57 billion. Saravanan and P. Prabakaran (PH-Batu) created an additional three months specifically for the rating agency also projected a 6.7% growth in “In simple words, investor confidence in uproar when they entered the Dewan in personal tourism sector, including the retail sector, by the local economy although many have the country’s long-term capital market protective equipment (PPE) on Monday. providing RM600 per month for workers considered the projection “too optimistic”. remains strong,” he said. Earlier, Datuk Seri (PH-Port earning RM4,000 and below. “Other institutions such as the IMF On good governance practices, Tengku Dickson) had asked for an explanation regarding “The number of employees eligible to (International Monetary Fund) have forecast Zafrul said any appointment of board the presence of the three MPs. Azhar explained receive the wage subsidy per employer has a growth of up to 7.8%, which is higher than members (to government-linked companies), that they would be escorted to the public gallery of also been raised from 200 to 500,” he told the the government’s projection. This generally including politicians, is made on the basis of the Dewan Rakyat during the voting process. Dewan Rakyat yesterday. shows confidence in the capabilities of the suitability in terms of qualifications, He said the exception is not new and had also He was replying to a question from Datuk Malaysian economy to bounce back,” he said experience and expertise. been accorded to patients under surveillance to Dr Mohd Hatta Md Ramli (PH-Lumut) on in response to a question from It also takes into account the policy of attend funerals or visit patients at hospitals. whether the government was planning to (PH-Bagan) during question time. inclusion and diversity under the Malaysian Azhar said he also allowed the MPs to wear increase the number of wage subsidy Lim wanted to know what measures the Code of Corporate Governance 2017. PPEs in accordance with Standing Order 41(F) and recipients and extend the programme tenure government would be taking to address the “Besides that, based on the status of the taking into account the health and safety of until the end of the pandemic. Fitch downgrade, Bernama reported. company, political appointments need to go everyone. He also announced that Adham had Abd Rahim said the additional RM1.5 Tengku Zafrul said since the Fitch through various screenings such as by Bursa completed his HSO on Monday while Prabarakan billion allocated for the programme was announcement, there has been no knee-jerk Malaysia, the Securities Commission, Bank can return today after his HSO period ended expected to benefit 70,000 employers and reaction from the market. Negara Malaysia, the Malaysian Anti- yesterday. For Saravanan, his quarantine period 900,000 employees. – Bernama “The FBM KLCI and the ringgit remained Corruption Commission, police and others. ends tomorrow, he added. – Bernama theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | DECEMBER 16, 2020 3 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS Drones used for Muffled year-end parties surveillance in █ BY SHIVANI SUPRAMANI “Business is so unpredictable [email protected] oWhile hoping for a better 2021, restaurant-bar now, compared with last year,” she LAHAD DATU: Security said. surveillance from Felda Sahabat to PETALING JAYA: Resto-bars, the owners are not optimistic about coming The situation is no different at the Tambisan in Tungku near here has only booze-serving nightspots that Country Barn Restaurant and Pub in been intensified with the usage of are still allowed to operate, are Christmas and New Year events Subang. Like most family-run and drones by the Armed Forces. bracing for a muted, even sombre, standalone outlets, it are just as badly Commander of the 13th end-of-year party. affected, according to its director Infantry Brigade, Brig-Jen Abdul While many are relieved to see the crowd would also present a as required by the government, has Jeffrey Bhagwan. Razak Hussain said two drone end of one of the worst years on headache. forced some businesses to close “We have had to review our teams have been tasked with record, things are not looking too rosy “It is not easy to keep everyone a down. overhead costs and that meant strengthening surveillance in the new year either. metre apart from each other. It’s just Cynthia Seow, who owns Naughty cutting down staff strength.” activities in Ops Pasir Pesisir For starters, social distancing is human nature to mingle.” Nelly’s, has been struggling to make He expects the New Year’s Eve Pantai and Ops Cegah Pati (OCP) still a must to curb the spread of For Vimal Balan, who owns Where enough money just to cover the rent celebration to be less lively than in Daratan throughout the area. Covid-19, so these nightspots are Else Sunway Pub, the year started for her two outlets in SS15 and USJ9, previous years, but “we are hoping for “The drone teams have been likely to see fewer revellers. with a promise but the pandemic has Subang Jaya. the best”. assigned to keep an eye on the far Richfield Corner, a resto-bar in literally extinguished all hopes that “Over and above that are the utility Country Barn used to host “live” and inaccessible trails, including Taman Universiti, has seen a 40% the good times would roll on. bills and workers’ salary,” she said. music performances in front of big in the mangrove forests. They have drop in patronage since the For a resto-bar that depends “Business has been bad. When the crowds but all that has fizzled out. been assisting in operations beginning of the year. heavily on walk-in customers, the restrictions were eased in August, we Despite his troubles, Bhagwan currently being conducted with “We have not seen as many pandemic has dealt his were hopeful that there would be a acknowledged that the musicians are the Eastern Sabah Security customers as we did in previous establishment a severe blow. recovery but our clientele has even worse off. Command (ESSCom),” he told years,” managing director Allan “We have had no time to adjust to remained small.” “They used to give us such reporters when met at the Tanjung Gunalan told theSun. the situation and as a result, we have Seow said some of her regular wonderful music. Labian post in Tungku yesterday. He said if travel restrictions been burdened with fixed costs but customers have made plans for small “We adhere to the standard He said surveillance was continue, as they did during the zero income,” he lamented. gatherings during the Christmas and operating procedures as required intensified to detect smuggling Deepavali holidays, footfall will not He said having a restaurant New Year’s Eve celebrations, but she under the conditional movement activities, illegal entries and cross- be as heavy as before. licence has helped a little but a worries that there may be last-minute control order. This applies for all border crimes in the area. But Gunalan pointed out that a big reduction in seating capacity by 50%, cancellations. festivities,” he added. He added that Ops Pasir Pesisir Pantai was launched following Ops Daulat in 2013, covering Felda Sahabat until Tambisan, with eight SHOW OF SKILL ... First Regiment Royal Rangers posts set up. servicemen participating in an anti-riot drill at Camp He said the creation of OCP Wardieburn in yesterday. – BERNAMAPIX Daratan was coordinated by ESSCom to beef up surveillance and security, apart from enhancing checks and profiling of existing residential areas, in a bid to address illegal immigrant issues. OCP Daratan from Felda Sahabat until Tambisan is an integrated patrol by the Armed Forces, General Operations Force, People’s Volunteer Corps and Felda auxiliary police in hotpot areas. – Bernama Plans to boost tourism in MALACCA: The state government plans to introduce direct flights from Kota Kinabalu in Sabah and to via lost-cost carrier Firely to boost its tourism sector. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali said a proposal has been presented to Firefly through a meeting with Malaysia Academician Ungku Abdul Aziz dies Airports Sdn Bhd yesterday. Malacca Airport was KUALA LUMPUR: Academician together. May his soul will be a consultant to the United Nations represented by its manager Royal Prof Ungku Abdul Aziz Ungku showered with blessings.” and Unesco. Mohamad Nazri Mat Khalib and Abdul Hamid passed away yesterday. Ungku Abdul Aziz, who was born After receiving his early education Firefly was represented by its sales He was 98. in London on Jan 28, 1922, is the at the Batu Pahat Malay School, he division head Muizzuddin His death was confirmed by his father of former Bank Negara furthered his studies at Raffles Mahmud, Bernama reported. wife, Rahaiah Baheran, who is the Malaysia governor Tan Sri Dr Zeti College before pursuing tertiary “The meeting is significant in former vice-president of Angkatan Akhtar, who is now the chairman of education at Universiti Malaya. The our efforts in attract Firefly to Koperasi Kebangsaan Malaysia Bhd Permodalan Nasional Bhd. academician received his PhD from expand its flights to Malacca. (Angkasa). He served as vice-chancellor of Waseda University in Tokyo. Among the routes discussed were An Angkasa spokesman said: “I Universiti Malaya from 1968 to 1988, He was also awarded the title of Kota Kinabalu-Malacca and have received information from his and was behind the establishment of “Royal Professor of Economics” on Malacca-Penang. wife, Rahaiah Baheran, that Royal Angkasa and pilgrims fund, Tabung June 17, 1978, and named “National “I believe this meeting will be Professor Ungku Abdul Aziz breathed Haji. Cooperative Figure” in July 2002, followed by more thorough his last at about 4pm. Ungku Aziz, who was related to apart from winning the Fukuoka IV discussions and hopefully, it “Let us recite surah Al-Fatihah the royal family, also served as Asian Culture Prize in 1993. would help to boost the state’s flights and tourism sector,” he said in a Facebook post. It was previously reported that the operations of the airport in MTUC: Comprehensive review of process needed Batu Berendam had to be suspended until next year in view guarantee of RM250 to RM1,500 restrictive and would tax privilege would not help to their social problems and cultural of the Covid-19 situation and per worker. From employers financially at a time overcome the current labour differences, factors that have been expected to resume with the The bank guarantee is to front when the country is struggling shortage. disruptive to Malaysian society. Malacca-Penang route managed cover the cost of repatriation page to survive the economic fallout “Larger corporations still need As MTUC pointed out, a by Malindo Air. when the need arises. of Covid-19, he said in a the support of SME in their supply comprehensive review of the entire The state government is also Soh welcomed an announcement statement issued on Monday. chain to support their operations,” he process – from sourcing and reported to be in discussions with by the government that businesses He said allowing only big pointed out. recruitment to management and AirAsia on whether to continue its would now be allowed to fill up corporations to bring in foreign On the one hand, migrant repatriation – is essential. operations at the airport after the vacancies with new foreign workers. workers but denying small and workers are essential. On the other, So is the political will to make that low-cost carrier announced its However, the conditions are very medium enterprises (SME) the same they are costly. With them also come happen. withdrawal early this year. 4 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | DECEMBER 16, 2020 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS Johor Sultan achieves 1 million followers on Facebook JOHOR BARU: The Sultan of Johor According to the post, Facebook is contributions made by the Ruler and social media account which was aged 25 to 34 accounting for 59%, it Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar has one of the social media accounts the Johor royal family, but is also a activated on May 31, 2015, hit the one said in a statement. hit the one million followers mark on used by Sultan Ibrahim to reach out platform for the people to share their million followers mark at 8.37am Sultan Ibrahim’s popularity his official Facebook page. to Johoreans, aside from Instagram views and ideas, Bernama reported. yesterday. soared on social media after he began The Johor Ruler expressed and YouTube. Meanwhile, the royal family Of the total, 321,118 are from sharing matters related to his official gratitude over the matter in a posting The Facebook page not only official media and communications Johor, 103,745 from Kuala Lumpur duty as well as his hobbies such as uploaded on the page yesterday. highlights activities and office, the Royal Press Office, said the and 46,585 from Singapore, with men cooking and sports, it said. Prison population to be reduced Kuala Lumpur becomes KUALA LUMPUR: The Joint Committee of People’s Well-Being has agreed with a proposal to reduce the total capacity of inmates in prisons to curb the spread of Covid-19. Covid-19 epicentre Dewan Negara president Tan Sri Dr Rais Yatim said the matter was decided after the second meeting of the committee the death toll to 422. A total of 1,084 recoveries yesterday, which was also attended by oOf 1,772 daily new infections, 696 recorded in Federal were also recorded. Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Azhar Azizan Senior Minister (Security) Datuk Seri Ismail Harun and Home Minister Datuk Seri Territory, with 629 from existing coronavirus clusters Sabri Yaakob said the wearing of face masks is . only compulsory in crowded public places. Rais said he was informed that prisons “There are many public places including were overcrowded. PETALING JAYA: Kuala Lumpur has emerged “Sixty-two cases in were from parks and if you are alone there, it is not “The Home minister said about 11,000 as the latest epicentre of Covid-19 infections as existing clusters, 165 from close contact necessary to wear a mask. In crowded markets, illegal immigrants will be deported within a the Federal Territory accounted for 696 of the screenings, three imported and 273 from other buses and LRT, it is a must to wear face masks,” period to be set by the ministry next year. 1,772 new cases yesterday. Covid-19 screenings,” Health Director-General he said at a media conference. “A total of 10,000 inmates, serving A total of 629 cases from the capital were Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said in a “But if you are alone or there is physical sentences of not more than three years, from existing clusters, 31 from close contact statement yesterday. distancing between those present, for example have been sent to rehabilitation centres to screenings, eight were imported cases while 28 “In Sabah, 52 of the cases were from existing in restaurants, it is not necessary to wear masks undergo training in various fields such as were detected through other screenings. clusters, 137 from close contact screenings and as you can’t eat with masks on.” construction, carpentry and plantation or Of this figure, 567 were from the Damanlela 71 from other screenings.” Ismail Sabri made this clarification after a the 3D sector with the support of the private construction site cluster involving the fifth and Of the new cases recorded, 12 were viral social media report of an individual who sector,” he told reporters after the sixth generations of the infection. imported, while the remaining 1,760 were local was summoned for not wearing a face mask, committee’s meeting at the Parliament Selangor had the second highest number of transmissions. although he was alone in a public area. building. cases (503), followed by Sabah (260), Noor Hisham said the latest development The wearing of face masks was made The committee has proposed that (110), Negri Sembilan (67), Johor (48), Penang took the total number of infections in the compulsory in crowded public places from Aug outdated procedures be resolved, so this (34), (20), (11), (eight) country to 86,618, with 14,515 of them being 1, and offenders are liable to a RM1,000 fine needs legislative action or amendments to (seven), Malacca (five) and active cases. each under Act 342 (Prevention and Control of the law, he added. – Bernama (three). There were three fatalities yesterday, taking Infectious Diseases Act 1988). Cops: No outbreak among staff at highland resort BENTONG: Police have refuted allegations that about 1,500 workers in Genting Highlands have been housed at a hotel in the resort after testing positive for Covid-19. Pahang police chief Datuk Seri Abd Jalil Hassan said the screening of all the workers conducted by the Health Ministry came out negative but they were placed at the hotel to undergo mandatory 14-day quarantine. “The move (quarantine) was taken by the management of Genting Highlands after consultation with the Pahang Covid-19 task force committee to facilitate efforts to look after the welfare of their staff,” he said at a media conference at the Bentong district police headquarters yesterday. The allegation had made its rounds on social media since Monday. Abd Jalil also rubbished reports that WHAT’S BREWING ... Tan Loon Chuan, Genting Highlands had been placed under who owns the Chuan Hoe coffee powder lockdown, stressing that the public can still factory, busy processing coffee beans the visit the area but they must comply with the traditional way at his premises in set standard operating procedures (SOP). Kampung Jawa in Klang yesterday. He said only three localities in Bentong, – ASYRAF RASID/THE SUN namely Ria Apartment, Amber Court Apartment and Rumah Kongsi Kampung Semaut have been placed under an enhanced movement control order (EMCO) from Dec 10 to 23. He said about 2,363 residents in the three localities gave their full cooperation and Persons with disabilities to get communications unit complied with the EMCO. The allegation that Genting Highlands KUALA LUMPUR: A proposal to set up a information does not only reach the PwD Centre director Dr Zaiton Mohamad said PwD management is “hiding” its positive Covid- communications unit for persons with community but also their guardians or parents.” have often been neglected and marginalised, 19 workers at a hotel to avoid losses has been disabilities (PwD) by the Communications and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Faculty of but the proposed channel would give them easy making its rounds on WhatsApp and Twitter Multimedia Ministry has received positive Social Sciences and Humanities senior lecturer access to information on education and matters since Monday, Bernama reported. response. Dr Aizan Sofia Amin, who lost a leg to cancer, of interest to them. On the Covid-19 quarantine and The Malaysian Association for the Blind described the move as a first step towards SarawakFM radio presenter Corinna Jul, treatment centre at the Pahang Sports (MAB) said this would offer the PwD becoming a caring society. who has been physically disabled since the age Complex indoor stadium in Kuantan, Abd opportunities to improve themselves and help The recipient of the Tokoh Pekerja Negara of five, said the ministry needs to study in Jalil said 131 low-risk Covid-19 patients from them become more independent. award for the “OKU 2019” category said she has greater detail the objective of setting up this unit the Jalan Genting cluster in Bentong are MAB chief executive officer George Thomas always dreamt of having a society that to ensure it benefits all concerned. currently being housed there. cited lack of information as a reason that PwD understands and treats the PwD community On Dec 3, Minister of Communications and He said 94 monitoring teams with1,525 are not aware of programmes and policies with respect, not just sympathy. Multimedia Datuk said the members of the security forces have been initiated for their benefit. Universiti Malaysia Sabah Alumni Affairs ministry would set up the unit to improve deployed in Pahang to monitor SOP “The government should ensure that the and Students with Disabilities Management communication with the group. – Bernama compliance in public areas and factories. theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | DECEMBER 16, 2020 5 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

Ordinary people, extraordinary lives ‘Molecular fingerprint’ milestone The patient-specific and time- background was very much oM’sian doctor leads research team to map out unique nature of the barcode is the transferable in many other fields, such central dogma of personalised as the medical field, which is what I am ‘human QR code’, using only single drop of blood medicine, which would pave the way for focusing on at the moment.” the next generation of molecular He added that there is to ascertain individual’s health medicine. one achievement that he “We believe this is the next big (and was most proud of. In disruptive) thing to the medical world as 2014, he was listed as █ BY SHIVANI SUPRAMANI “An NMR or MRI machine is known it can help us understand new things in one of the Top 100 [email protected] to cost millions and is physically large. a way that was not possible before. We Global Thinkers under My team and I have come up with a low are the first few pioneers in the world the category “Healers”. A Malaysian, Dr Peng Weng Kung (pix), cost, benchtop-sized simplified embarking on this game-changing “Top 100 Global is leading an international research version.” medical research,” Peng said. Thinkers is an group in developing a new technique to Instead of whole-body imaging, the Before joining INL in 2017, he was a annual list that map out “molecular fingerprints” of a team’s focus is on micro-volume research scientist at the Massachusetts recognises the single drop of blood, which is akin to imaging with a single drop of blood. Institute of Technology (MIT), but was world’s pre- generating a medical “QR-code” for an “A single drop can hide a ‘sea’ of physically based in Singapore under the eminent thought individual. information about a person’s health. Singapore-MIT joint programme. This is leaders and This technique utilises This is a sci-fi like moment when you the first MIT research laboratory to be intellectuals. a home-developed Nuclear Magnetic realise that a range of diseases may be located outside Boston in the United “Some of the Resonance (NMR)-based micro identified based on a droplet of that States. recipients of the scanner. molecular fingerprint,” he told theSun. Peng started his career research in award were “This is probably one of the most Due to the complexity of the barcode, Quantum Physics. M a r k important milestones in the history of the team had to employ machine- “I started to ‘build’ benchtop-sized Zuckerberg and magnetic resonance since magnetic learning techniques to decipher hidden NMR from the experience I gained in Jack Ma, so to be resonance imaging (MRI),” said Peng, codes. He added that this “barcode of PhD study in Japan,” he said. on the list with who is with the International Iberian blood” does not just identify if a person “Back then, we were supposed to these people is Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) in is healthy or not, but also the subtle generate a quantum bit from solid-state exhilarating,” he Braga, Portugal. differences in the blood of a person. NMR. I soon realised that my physics said.

Shafien (left) showing the seized AK-47 rifle and 126 shotgun cartridges during a press conference yesterday. – BERNAMAPIX Ex-Perak exco’s rape case to be tried in High Court : Former Perak executive councillor Paul Yong Choo Kiong, who has been charged with raping an Indonesian maid, has been granted his request to be tried in the High Court in Ipoh. A three-member panel of the Federal Court, chaired by Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, allowed Yong’s appeal for his case to be transferred from the sessions court to the High Court yesterday. The trial was to have proceeded at the sessions court but has not commenced pending the disposal of the transfer appeal. Tengku Maimun, who sat with Federal Court judges Datuk Seri Mohd Zawawi Salleh and Datuk Mary Lim Thiam Suan, made the ruling after the panel read the written submission filed by Yong’s counsel. There was no objection by the prosecution against Yong’s appeal. “This is our unanimous decision as we find no error in this appeal. “The appeal is allowed, the order of the Court of Appeal is set aside.” Couple held for having AK-47 assault rifle and ammo The case is to be transferred to the High Court,” said Tengku Maimun, who fixed Dec 21 KOTA BARU: Police arrested a couple and “The husband claimed that a man from Act 1971 and Section 8(a) of the Firearms Act for the case to be mentioned at the High Court. seized an AK-47 rifle and 142 rounds of Tanah Merah had given him the rifle five years 1960, which carries a jail term, fine and Earlier, deputy public prosecutor K. Mangai ammunition in a raid on a house in Kampung ago,” he added. whipping. informed the panel that she was instructed to Bahagia, Kuala Krai on Sunday. “He also claimed that it was used only to He said the couple tested negative for take the position not to object to Yong’s appeal. Kelantan police chief Datuk Shafien Mamat shoot wild animals such as elephants that drugs, and police are in the process of tracing Yong’s counsel, Datuk Rajpal Singh, said the said the raid was conducted at 3.10am in often encroached into his rubber the man who had given the rifle to the couple trial would begin in the High Court as both response to a tip-off from the public. smallholding. and selling them the ammunition at RM15 a parties had come to “an agreement in the He said a search conducted at the house “He admitted he had shot two elephants,” round. adversarial system” as raised in the dissenting after the two 50-year-olds were arrested Shafien told a press conference at the The couple are being remanded until judgment in a 2-1 majority decision by a three- yielded the weapon, along with 16 rounds of Kelantan police headquarters yesterday. Saturday to facilitate investigations. member panel of the Court of Appeal. 5.56mm calibre bullets and 126 rounds of 12- The last time the gun was used was two Shafien said the case will also be referred On Feb 10, Court of Appeal judges Datuk bore cartridges. Neither had a licence or years ago. to the Kelantan Wildlife Department in light of Yaacob Md Sam and Datuk Seri Kamaludin Md permit to be in possession of firearms. The case is being investigated under the man’s admission that elephants had been Said dismissed Yong’s appeal on grounds that Shafien said the couple are Malaysians. Section 8 of the Firearms (Heavier Penalties) shot. – Bernama there was no appealable error by the High Court in rejecting his application to transfer the case to the High Court. Justice Datuk Rhodzariah Bujang, who Cops to act against red light offenders dissented, said in an adversarial criminal justice system, the court must respect the decision KUALA LUMPUR: Those who habitually run a parcel delivery services, appear to be the “We wish to remind all motorists to adhere arrived at by the defence and prosecution. red light, beware. Traffic police launched a main culprits. to road traffic laws and those caught beating On Nov 26 last year, the Ipoh High Court special operation nationwide yesterday to Azisman said statistics show that 69,267 the red light will either be issued with dismissed Yong’s transfer application under bring such offenders to book. summonses were issued nationwide against summonses on the spot or have their vehicle Section 417 of the Criminal Procedure Code. Federal police traffic investigations and motorists last year for running a red light. registration number recorded for further Yong, 50, who is former Perak exco for enforcement department director DCP Datuk Between January and November , 52,170 action.” housing and local government, public transport, Azisman Alias said motorists are ignoring summonses for the same offence were issued. Offenders can face a fine of up to RM2,000 non-Muslim affairs and new villages, pleaded traffic light rules and offences related to Motorcyclists topped the statistics as almost or imprisonment of up to six months under not guilty at the sessions court in Ipoh to the beating the red lights are on the rise. 50% of the summonses were issued against road traffic laws,” he said. – by Charles charge of raping his 23-year-old Indonesian Motorcyclists, especially those in food or them. Ramendran maid. – Bernama 6 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | DECEMBER 16, 2020 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS Singapore to allow business travel

conditions for those wishing to visit transmission, the ministry said. debut in Asia in May after being oLimited number of visitors from all countries the city-state, which has escaped the The announcement came a day moved from its usual home in the coronavirus relatively lightly. after Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong Swiss ski resort of Davos to Singapore, can stay up to 14 days from mid-January Travellers must undergo virus warned that the city-state had no over coronavirus safety concerns. tests before leaving their home choice but to ease restrictions or risk Singapore will face challenges country, on arrival in Singapore and losing its status as a global hub. hosting an event that usually attracts SINGAPORE: Singapore will allow apply for stays of up to 14 days from regularly during their stay, and must “Trade and travel are our thousands just five months from now. business travellers and visiting mid-January, the trade ministry said. reside and conduct meetings at lifeblood,” he said. “The segregation concept can be officials from all countries to enter Singapore already had locations selected by the “The longer our own borders stay applied when we have the WEF,” said from next month as the financial hub arrangements allowing in selected government. closed to travellers, the greater the Wong King Yin, a tourism specialist at seeks to recover from a coronavirus- visitors from countries including Arrangements are being made for risk of us permanently losing out as Nanyang Technological University. induced downturn, authorities said China and South Korea, but the new visitors to hold meetings with their an international hub, consequently The January launch would allow yesterday. scheme marks a significant easing of guests in specially-designed meeting hurting our livelihoods,” he added. authorities time to test the system Under the new arrangements, a travel curbs. rooms outfitted with air-tight glass Meanwhile, the annual World before the WEF event, she said. limited number of travellers can However, there are strict panels to reduce the risk of Economic Forum (WEF) will make its – AFP/Agencies New strain warning as London tightens curbs LONDON: The British capital faces tougher Covid- 19 measures, with a new coronavirus variant emerging as a possible cause for rapidly rising infection rates, the UK government said. Health Secretary Matt Hancock said London, and parts of three surrounding counties, would move into the highest of three levels of restrictions in force across England from today. Pubs, bars, restaurants and other hospitality venues will have to close, except for takeaway food, as will theatres and other venues in the entertainment sector. Members of different households cannot mingle indoors, although people can still meet in groups of up to six in public places. Shops and schools can remain open. “This action is absolutely essential, not just to keep people safe but because we have seen early action can prevent more damage and longer-term problems later,” Hancock told Parliament. In some areas, cases are doubling every seven days, he said, warning: “It only takes a few doublings for the NHS (National Health Service) to be overwhelmed.” London had already seen a “sharp rise” in daily cases and hospital admissions, and there is concern about the “new variant” of the coronavirus initially detected in southeast England, where cases are now rising the fastest, officials said. England’s Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty stressed there was no evidence that the variant is more dangerous, infectious or able to evade testing. He also cautioned against blaming it for the Lindsay is inoculated with the coronavirus vaccine by Dr Michelle Chester from Northwell Health at Long Island Jewish Medical Centre in New Hyde spike in cases across the country’s southeast. Park, New York on Monday. – REUTERSPIX “The variant may or may not be contributing to US races against time, begins first vaccinations that,” Whitty said at a press conference.” – AFP GERMANY WANTS QUICKER NEW YORK/WASHINGTON: A New York city wrote in the caption of a photo of Lindsay that US distribution sites, with a number of VACCINE APPROVAL intensive care unit nurse became the first he posted on Twitter. hospitals launching immunisations BERLIN: Germany is pressuring EU person in the United States to receive a Similar scenes played out at select immediately. authorities to speed up the approval of a coronavirus vaccine on Monday, as the hospitals in other cities, including Los “This is a race against time,” said Greg coronavirus vaccine as it battles a surge in nation’s Covid-19 death toll crossed a Angeles, where California Governor Gavin Adams, chairman and CEO of the Kaiser BRIEFSinfections, reports said. Angela Merkel’s staggering 300,000. Newsom applauded as a Kaiser Permanente Foundation Health Plan Inc. office and Germany’s health ministry want Sandra Lindsay, who has treated some of emergency room nurse took a jab on live In Washington, Raymond Pla was one of the European Medicines Agency to bring the sickest Covid-19 patients for months, was television. five frontline workers at George Washington forward the approval date for the Pfizer- inoculated at Long Island Jewish Medical “It’s been an incredible morning. It’s University Hospital to receive the vaccine. BioNTech vaccine to Dec 23 from Dec 29, Centre in Queens, New York City, an early historic,” said Dr Leonardo Seoane after he As an anesthesiologist in a slammed German newspaper Bild said yesterday, epicentre of the country’s coronavirus received a shot at Ochsner Medical Centre in emergency department, he had to handle citing unnamed sources. The delay was outbreak, receiving applause on livestream New Orleans, where he has led some of the Covid patients’ ventilators, one of the riskiest raising questions over “the European with New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. clinical trials. jobs in the pandemic. Union’s ability to act”, Bild quoted a source “It didn’t feel any different from taking any The made-for-TV events were part of a A single word captured what it meant to as saying. Berlin’s irritation is more acute as other vaccine,” Lindsay said. “I feel hopeful broad campaign by public health authorities him: “Hope.” BioNTech is a German firm and the country today, relieved. I feel like healing is coming. I and political leaders to reassure Americans of “Excitement doesn’t give the appropriate is preparing to go into partial lockdown hope this marks the beginning of the end of a the vaccine’s safety as they launched a amount of deference and respect and honor today, with non-essential shops and very painful time in our history. national immunisation programme of to the sacrifice of my colleagues in healthcare, schools to close. – AFP “I want to instill public confidence that the unprecedented scope. some of whom have gotten sick, some of vaccine is safe,” she added. By day’s end on Monday, vaccine whom have died,” said the visibly emotional CHINA NOT TRANSPARENT, “This is what heroes look like,” Cuomo shipments had made it to nearly all of the 145 52-year-old.– Reuters/AFP SAYS BRAZIL SAO PAULO: Brazil’s health regulator Anvisa said that China’s health authorities are not Teachers should receive priority: Unicef transparent in authorising emergency use of Covid-19 vaccines. Brazilian President Jair UNITED NATIONS: The head of the United vaccinated,” she said. one in five schoolchildren globally, or 320 Bolsonaro, a consistent critic of China, has Nations children’s agency, Unicef, called “This will help protect teachers from the million children”. repeatedly cast doubt on the CoronaVac yesterday for teachers to be among those virus, allow them to teach in person, and We must “do everything in our power to vaccine being developed by China’s given priority access to the Covid-19 vaccines. ultimately keep schools open.” safeguard the future of the next generation. Sinovac Biotech Ltd, saying its “origin” made “The Covid-19 pandemic has wreaked According to Unicef, at the peak of the first This begins by safeguarding those responsible it untrustworthy. Meanwhile, in Sao Paulo, havoc on children’s education around the wave of the pandemic at the end of April, for opening that future up for them,” Fore said. Brazil’s most populous state, authorities globe. Vaccinating teachers is a critical step “school closures disrupted the learning of “The consequences of extended, missed or have made a hard bet on the vaccine, with towards putting it back on track,” Unicef chief almost 90% of students worldwide.” impaired education are steep, especially for Governor Joao Doria saying the state Henrietta Fore said in a statement. Assuming that schools are not the main the most marginalised. The longer children expected to start vaccinating its residents in Teachers should be “prioritised to receive driver of community transmission, Unicef remain out of school, the less likely they are to January. However, Sao Paulo will not be able to begin using the vaccine until it is the Covid-19 vaccine, once frontline health said in its statement that unfortunately, return, and the more difficult it is for their approved by Anvisa. Reuters personnel and high-risk populations are classes currently remain closed for “nearly parents to resume work,” she added. – AFP – theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | DECEMBER 16, 2020 7 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

NZ OFFERS TO BROKER PEACE DEAL WELLINGTON: New Zealand’s Electoral College confirms new foreign minister said yesterday the country would BRIEFSbe willing to help negotiate a truce between neighbouring Australia and regional Biden as next US president heavyweight China, who are caught in an escalating trade and diplomatic spat. Nanaia his victory just hours earlier, Biden told the Mahuta, 50, said hosting the oShuts door further on Trump’s unprecedented efforts to bitterly divided country: “It’s time to turn the high profile Asia Pacific page.” Economic Cooperation (Apec) overturn results before it was rejected by Supreme Court “I’m convinced we can work together for the summit next year presented good of the nation,” he said. an opportunity for New Trump continues to maintain that he was Zealand to bring both parties WASHINGTON: Joe Biden said US democracy Biden praised voters for casting ballots in cheated of victory, even if his lawyers have not to the table. “Do I believe that proved “resilient” against Donald Trump’s record numbers on Nov 3 despite fears of persuaded one court that they have a case. there might be an opportunity “abuse of power” after the Electoral College Covid-19 and “enormous political pressure, Meanwhile, Trump announced in a tweet for New Zealand to create a confirmed him as the next president on verbal abuse and even threats of physical that Attorney-General (AG) William Barr will Monday, shutting the door further on violence” against those running the election. resign before Christmas, ending their feud a different environment and unprecedented efforts to overturn the results. “The flame of democracy was lit in this little over a month before the president leaves have a conversation? Yes, I In his first extended attack on Trump since nation a long time ago. And we now know office. do,“ Mahuta said in an the election, Biden said in his hometown of nothing, not even a pandemic or an abuse of The two had clashed over Barr, saying the interview with Reuters in Wilmington, Delaware, that the president and power can extinguish that,” Biden said. Justice Department had not found widespread Wellington. “And I think his allies “refused to respect the will of the “Our democracy – pushed, tested, voter fraud that the outgoing president says is to hosting Apec might well be people, refused to respect the rule of law, and threatened – proved to be resilient, true, and blame for his loss to Biden. the opportunity ... but both refused to honor our constitution”. strong.” Deputy AG Jeff Rosen will replace Barr parties will have to be willing Biden was referring to a Republican lawsuit, Biden said Trump has had full opportunity officially on Dec 23. Barr’s fall from the to come together and concede supported by Trump, that sought to overturn to contest the results in court and “in every president’s good graces underscores just how in some areas where they are the results in several key states, before it was case, no cause or evidence was found to reverse quickly a trusted hand could garner nothing but currently not seeing eye to rejected unanimously by the Supreme Court or question or dispute”. praise from the boss one day and be on his eye,“ Mahuta said. last Friday. With the Electoral College having formalised naughty list weeks later.– AFP/The Independent

KABUL DEPUTY GOVERNOR KILLED ‘Reasonable’ to believe Duterte Heavy rain forces KABUL: A bomb attack in Afghanistan’s capital city evacuations killed the deputy governor of committed crimes in drug war: ICC Kabul yesterday, security in Australia officials said, adding that a MANILA: The office of the International recognise the jurisdiction of the ICC,” Harry sticky bomb was attached to Criminal Court’s (ICC) prosecutor said there is Roque, Duterte’s spokesman, said at a press SYDNEY: Australia’s northeast coast was his car by unknown assailants. a “reasonable basis” to believe that crimes conference. smashed by heavy rains, wild winds and Mahboobullah Mohebi, the against humanity were committed during The report, issued on Monday, said “the huge seas for the fifth straight day yesterday, deputy governor was Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on office is satisfied that information available forcing widespread evacuations. travelling with his security drugs. provides a reasonable basis to believe that the As water levels continued to rise due to guards when the blast Since taking office in 2016, Duterte launched crimes against humanity of murder, torture and the heavy overnight rains, shutting low-lying occurred. Two guards were a bloody anti-narcotics crackdown in which the infliction of serious physical injury and roads, New South Wales (NSW) state injured in the blast. No militant thousands had been killed, sparking global mental harm as other inhumane acts were emergency services directed hundreds of outrage and criticism from rights groups. committed” between 2016 and 2019. residents to move to safer places. group has made an immediate Duterte had at times lashed out at what he Many people targeted had been on a drug The cyclonic conditions have swallowed claim of responsibility for the said were international efforts to paint him as a watch lists compiled by authorities or had beaches and submerged large swathes of blast. A deputy provincial “ruthless and heartless violator of human previously surrendered to police, while a heavily populated regions between NSW council member was killed in a rights” and unilaterally withdrew the significant number of minors were victims, the and Queensland state borders. similar attack in Ghor earlier Philippines from the ICC’s founding treaty in report said. Data showed that 5,942 suspected Quiet seaside suburbs were battered by yesterday. Last week a 2018. The presidential office yesterday drug dealers had been killed as of the end of the storm with high seas destroying some of government prosecutor was dismissed the report as speculative and legally October, though rights groups suspect the death the most famous beaches along the coast, shot dead while he was on his erroneous. toll to be much higher, and thousands more had including the main beach at popular tourist way to work. – Reuters “They can do what they want. We do not died in shadowy circumstances. – Reuters spot Byron Bay in northern NSW. The storm also whipped up thick sea foams, a rare event, along the beaches in Gold Coast that lured families and children to play in the bubbles, footage on social media showed. Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology said the heavy rains are expected to weaken but warned isolated thunderstorms may still generate localised heavy falls triggering flash floods. Australia is passing through a summer expected to be dominated by the La Nina phenomenon, typically associated with greater rainfall and more tropical cyclones – a sharp contrast to the massive bushfires that razed the country last summer. – Reuters Japan ‘Twitter killer’ sentenced to death TOKYO: A Japanese man, dubbed the “Twitter killer”, was sentenced to death by a Tokyo court yesterday for murdering and dismembering nine people he met online. Takahiro Shiraishi, 30, admitted killing and butchering his young victims, who he met on the social media platform. His lawyers argued he should receive a prison sentence because his victims, aged between 15 and 26, expressed suicidal thoughts on social media and so had consented to death. But according to public broadcaster NHK, the judge said, “None of the nine victims consented to be killed, including silent consent.” “It is extremely grave that the lives of nine young people were taken away. The dignity PURRFECT CHRISTMAS ... An employee dressed in a Santa Claus outfit surrounded by cats rescued off the streets of Catgarden in Seoul, South Korea. of the victims was trampled upon,” the judge – REUTERSPIX reportedly added. – AFP 8 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | DECEMBER 16, 2020 SPEAK UP

COMMENT by Anis Chowdhury and Jomo Kwame sundram Intellectual property monopolies block vaccine access UST before the World Health Assembly there is “no indication that IPR issues have been (WHA), a May 18 open letter by world a genuine barrier … to Covid-19-related leaders and experts urged governments to medicines and technologies” as the UK Jensure that all Covid-19 vaccines, dismisses the proposal as “an extreme measure treatments and tests are patent-free, fairly to address an unproven problem”. distributed and available to all, free of charge. The Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations Director- Pious promises General claims it “would jeopardise future Leaders of Italy, France, Germany, Norway and medical innovation, making us more vulnerable the European Commission called for the to other diseases”, while The Wall Street Journal vaccine to be “produced by the world, for the denounced it as “A Global Covid Vaccine Heist”, whole world” as a “global public good of the 21st warning “their effort would harm everyone, century”, while China’s President Xi promised a including the poor”. vaccine developed by China would be a “global Citing AstraZeneca’s agreement with the public good”. Serum Institute of India (SII) and Brazilian The United Nations Secretary-General also companies, other opponents assert that insisted on access to all when available. The voluntary mechanisms should suffice, insisting WHA unanimously agreed that vaccines, the public-private COVAX initiative ensures fair treatments and tests are global public goods, and equitable access. but was vague on the implications. But the US has refused to join COVAX, part of As Covid vaccines have become available, the WHO-blessed, donor-funded Access to nearly 70 poor countries are left out. Many more Covid-19 Tools Accelerator (ACT-A), ostensibly people will be infected and may die without committed to “equitable global access to vaccinations, warns the People’s Vaccine innovative tools for Covid-19 for all”. Public subsidies is not the case, this is only a partial solution at Alliance, advocating equitable and low-cost Like most other life-saving drugs and vaccines, best. access. Intellectual property fraud Covid-19 vaccines and treatment technologies But with the massive funding shortfall, even As the rich and powerful secure access, poor The Doha Declaration only covers patents, owe much to public investment. Even the these modest targets will not be reached. To countries will leave out most people as only one ignoring proprietary technology to safely Trump administration provided US$10.5 billion date, only US$5 billion of the US$43 billion in 10 can be vaccinated in manufacture vaccines. to vaccine development companies. needed for poor countries in 2021 has been 2021, making a mockery of Meanwhile, there is not Moderna’s vaccine emerged from a raised. the Sustainable enough interest, let alone partnership with the National Institute of Health Development Goals’ over- “Like most other capacity among leading (NIH). Research at the NIH, Defence Profitable philanthropy arching principle of “leaving pharmaceutical companies Department and federally funded university As of mid-October, while 18 generic no one behind”. life-saving drugs and to produce enough vaccines, laboratories have been crucial for rapid US pharmaceutical companies had signed up, not a safely and affordably, for vaccine development. single major drug company had joined WHO’s Waiving WTO rules vaccines, Covid-19 everyone before 2024. Pfizer has received a US$455 million German Covid-19 Technology Access Pool (C-TAP) to The authors of Want Despite the Doha government grant and nearly US$6 billion in US encourage industry contributions of IP, Vaccines Fast? Suspend vaccines and treatment Declaration, developing and EU purchase commitments. AstraZeneca technologies and data to scale up worldwide Intellectual Property Rights countries are still under received more than £84 million (US$111 sharing and production of all such needs. (IPR) argue that IPR are the technologies owe much great pressure from the EU million) from the UK government, and more Meanwhile, a few companies have main stumbling block. and the US. The rules than US$2 billion from the US and EU for “voluntarily” given up some IPR, if only Meanwhile, South Africa to public investment. allowing “compulsory research and via purchase orders. temporarily. Moderna has promised to license and India have proposed licensing” are very But although public funding for most its Covid-19 related patents to other vaccine that the World Trade restrictive, with countries medicine and vaccine development is the manufacturers, and not enforce its own patents. Organisation (WTO) temporarily waive its required to separately negotiate contracts with norm, Big Pharma typically keeps the monopoly But their pledge is limited, allowing it to enforce Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property companies for specific amounts, periods and profits they enjoy from the IPR they retain. its patents “post pandemic”, as defined by Rights (TRIPS) rules limiting access to COVID- purposes, deterring and thus often bypassing Moderna. 19 medicines, tools, equipment and vaccines. those with limited financial and legal capacities. Voluntary mechanisms inadequate Besides profiting from licensing in the longer The proposal – welcomed by the WHO South Africa cited the examples of COVAX seeks to procure two billion vaccine term, Moderna’s pledge will enable it to grow Director-General and supported by nearly 100 Regeneron and Eli Lilly, which have already doses, to be shared “equally” between rich and the new mRNA market its business is based on, governments and many civil society committed most of their COVID-19 antibody poor countries, but has only reserved 700,000 by establishing and promoting a organisations around the world – goes beyond cocktail drugs to the US. In India, Pfizer has vaccine doses so far, while the poorest transformational drug therapy platform, the Doha Declaration’s limited flexibilities for legally blocked alternative pneumococcal countries, with 1.7 billion people, cannot afford yielding gains for years to come. national emergencies and circumstances of vaccines from Médecins Sans Frontières. In a single deal. Meanwhile, rich countries have AstraZeneca has announced that its vaccine, extreme urgency. South Korea, Pfizer has forced SK Bioscience to secured six billion doses for themselves. researched at Oxford University, will be But Brazil, one of the worst hit countries, stop producing its pneumococcal conjugate Thus, even if and when COVAX procures its available at cost in some locations, but only until opposes the proposal, together with the US, the vaccine. targeted two billion vaccine doses, less than a July 2021. Meanwhile, Eli Lilly has agreed, with EU, the UK, Switzerland, Norway, Canada, To be sure, patents are not necessary for billion will go to poor countries. If the vaccine the Gates Foundation, to supply – without Australia and Japan, insisting the Doha innovation, with the Harvard Business Review requires two doses, as many – including Gavi, demanding royalties from low- and middle- Declaration is sufficient. showing IPR law actually stifling it. Meanwhile, the Vaccine Alliance – assume, this will only be income countries – its (still experimental) The Economist has condemned patent trolling, enough for less than half a billion people. Covid-19 antibody treatment, but did not The empire fights back which has reduced venture capital investment Meanwhile, ACT-A’s diagnostics work seeks specify how many doses. The US insists that IP protection is best to in start-ups and R&D spending, especially by to procure 500 million tests, only a small fraction Indeed, as Proudhon warned almost two ensure “swift delivery” while the EU claims small firms. of what is required. Even if fully financed, which centuries ago, “property is theft”. – IPS

LETTERS [email protected] Duty and responsibility of states to preserve quality of water

THE Association for Community and Dialogue The Environment and Water Minister seems to Research has shown that half a century of rare Goal 15 that Malaysia is part of, which is to (Acid) is appalled by the statement of be political and even ignorant about the impact earths mining and processing has severely protect and promote sustainable use of terrestrial Environment and Water Minister of rare earth element mining in water catchment damaged surface vegetation, caused soil erosion, ecosystems, sustainably manage forest, combat that the Kedah Government’s decision not to areas and its impact on water to states like pollution and acidification, and reduced or even desertification, and halt and reverse land conduct any rare earth element (REE) mining at Penang and Kedah. eliminated food crop output. degradation and halt biodiversity loss. water catchment areas in the state was a big The potential damage to the environment It affects the environment by inducing loss of Acid would like to remind the environment sacrifice and suggesting the Penang government and its resulting health impact on people cannot biodiversity, contamination of surface water and minister that all this protection is not a sacrifice or compensate for it. be merely measured in dollars and cents. leakage of chemicals from mining sites that could can be compensated with money. It seems that He said this in response to a question from There is no such thing as sacrifice on the part result in detrimental effects on the health of the Tuan Ibrahim lacks the depth of wisdom on the (PH Tanjong) in the dewan of the Kedah government, but duty and population. environment. rakyat on the ministry’s measures to preserve responsibility between states to preserve the Furthermore, such mining whether it happens and prevent any pollution in the water substance and quality of water that is used for in water catchment areas or elsewhere in Kedah Ronald Benjamin catchment areas in Ulu Muda forest reserve. the common good of people. would basically violate sustainable development Ipoh theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | DECEMBER 16, 2020 9 SPEAK UP

COMMENT by Muzaffar Syah Mallow LETTERS [email protected] An unyielding passion Unity government is for community service JUST slightly more than a month country. ago, my neighbor and friend, A week before he passed on, I Mohammed Rashid Abdul Ajij, told him that I had just returned from enquired about my age. And when I Brickfields where I had gone to lend told him my age, he spontaneously moral support to an unemployed difficult, yet possible replied that he was much younger engineering graduate who sells tea than me. I jokingly told Rashid in that masala for a living. Rashid HOUGH the proposal of that can behave professionally, put stop a no-deal Brexit spearheaded case he will have to see me off first, immediately said to me, “I am proud having a unity government aside their political differences as by UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson. before he retires from this world. He of my fellow engineer earning a in the country is tough to put much as they can, work together In the United States (US), the idea just smiled at my response. living honourably.” into practice, all political and, most importantly, put all their of a unity government has been So, it was with a sense of I once told him that if there was a Tfactions in the country can at least efforts into controlling the spread of carried out during the American profound shock and sadness that post for the Mayor of Bangsar Park, consider forming a unity Covid-19. Civil War (1861 – 1865) when while relaxing on the morning of 6 he would definitely win hands down. government in order to put an end to What is a national unity Republican Abraham Lincoln ran December, I was informed that He always had a perpetual smile on the ongoing political turmoil. government? A national unity his second term as a National Union Rashid has passed on after his face for anyone he met and Malaysia needs political stability government, government of government with Democrat Andrew succumbing a massive cardiac arrest frequently chatted with them, albeit in order to control the spread of national unity, or national union Johnson as his vice-president. while he was at his hometown in for a short while at times. Covid-19. government is a broad coalition Since the American Civil War, Taiping. Rashid was only 56. I noticed his public relations skills Ever since we witnessed the government consisting of all parties there has never been a national Looking at the manner in which during the times when we did work change of government in February, (or all major parties) in the unity government in the US in the Rashid used to walk, I always thought for the Bangsar Park Residents our country has been in political legislature, usually formed during a traditional sense. However, there that he was the embodiment of Association (BPRA), going from uncertainty. time of war or other national have been several instances during physical fitness- especially being an house to house, coaxing residents All these political uncertainties emergency or national crisis. national disasters or wars the two ex-army officer. and collecting their no objection occurred during a time when the Inside this unity government, major political parties in the US, I had known Rashid since my signatures for our gated and guarded whole world, including us, was just every political faction willingly sets namely the Republicans and the return from Stockholm in July 2014, community. Rashid always had a few facing the Covid-19 outbreak. aside political differences and works Democrats, have briefly rallied but his wife Khadijah and her family minutes to spare talking to our To date, millions of peoples have together for the sake of the nation around their president and put aside have been known to my family and I, residents. been infected with the virus and and people. their political differences such as ever since we moved into Bangsar Even when we encountered over a million people have died from The idea of a unity government is during the Japanese attack on Pearl Park in 1973. unfriendly residents, Rashid could still the infection all over the world. not new as it has been implemented Harbor in 1941, the assassination of Rashid belonged to a rare breed manage his usual affable smile and Malaysia is also not immune to the in many countries all over the world, John F. Kennedy in 1963, and the of Malaysians. In an era when there is was cool and composed. virus. including a few fully developed Sept 11, 2001 attacks. so much racial polarization in our He once told me that being an Though our country has been countries. In reality it would be difficult for country, Rashid towered above and ex-army officer, he was always able to control the outbreak over the Among the countries which have all political parties in the country to crossed the ethnic and religious passionate about the security for last few months, the past few weeks implemented a unity government come together, set aside their divide by being a friend to all Bangsar Park. It was this fervidness has seen a drastic increase in the include Afghanistan, Croatia, political differences and form a unity residents, irrespective of their race that motivated him work tirelessly number Covid-19 cases, especially Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Republic government due to years of political and religion. How I wish there were towards attaining our goal, despite after the Sabah state election last of Ireland, Italy, Kenya, Lebanon, rivalry, however having a unity more people like Rashid in Malaysia, the hurdles we are still encountering. September. Luxembourg, Namibia, Nepal, government in the country might especially among our politicians! Unlike many who seek glory and There have been many Palestine, South Africa, South still work if every politician and An old boy of Royal Military attention and have an agenda, suggestions put forward to end the Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Sweden, political party is willing to put the College (RMC) in Sungai Besi, Rashid Rashid was always in the background ongoing political turmoil in the and Zimbabwe. interests of the nation and the held the rank of a Captain in the doing work for BPRA, not once in any country, which includes calling for a In the United Kingdom (UK), the people first. Royal Signal Corp and was way seeking any form of recognition. snap general election as well first national unity government in In order for us to successfully mechanical engineer by profession. Besides working enthusiastically suspending Parliament. the country was the Ministry of All control the spread of Covid-19, there By any measure, Rashid defied all for BPRA, Rashid in his own quiet way Calling for snap general election the Talents that led the UK for about cannot be any room for political the odds stacked against him and used to help a less fortunate resident is not a good idea to push forward as a year after the death of William Pitt instability and uncertainty within bucked the trend. He did not come living along the same road. I only it can increase the number of Covid- the Younger in 1806, during the the country. from a privileged background and came to know about this act of 19 infections in the country that is Napoleonic Wars (1803 – 1815). By having a unity government, we had to borrow a pair of shoes to kindness recently. already reeling from a high number The Asquith coalition ministry can put all our focus into dealing attend his RMC interview. His Rashid, you have left an indelible of cases. The recent Sabah state presented a brief national coalition with the spread of Covid-19 and relatives even told him he was too mark on the residents of Bangsar election should be a good lesson for (1915–1916) in the UK during World protecting the safety and health of thin to join RMC. But being a man of Park and BPRA. You will always be us all. War I (1914 – 1918). everyone. steely determination, he proved all remembered for your selfless service The call to suspend the In 2019, the idea of a government the sceptics wrong when he was and passionate commitment to Parliament is also not a suitable call of National Unity was even Muzaffar Syah Mallow is a senior accepted into the RMC. make Bangsar Park a better place to to make as it can jeopardise the proposed by UK politicians, lecturer of Faculty of Syariah and Rashid was determined to serve live for all our residents. democratic parliamentary system. including the then Labour leader Law at Universiti Sains Islam the country and be part of the army. What our country really needs Jeremy Corbyn and Liberal Malaysia (USIM). Comments: His famous tagline which he always Benedict Lopez now is a government and opposition Democrats leader Jo Swinson, to [email protected] mentioned was duty, honour and Kuala Lumpur 10 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | DECEMBER 16, 2020 MEDIA & MARKETING Championing Usher in a brighter 2021 the rights of oHeineken is bringing an Dutch DJ duo W&W. people living epic virtual New Year’s Eve with HIV countdown to your homes PUAN Sri Tiara Jacquelina is a Malaysian HIS December, Heineken encourages film and stage icon and arts advocate, Malaysians to usher in the new year in best remembered for producing, the comfort and safety of their homes, directing and starring in award-winning by bringing an electrifying countdown productions such as Puteri Gunung Tparty experience to all living rooms, with the Ledang and Ola Bola the Musical. Heineken Starclub NYE Live countdown event. She is also an astute dealmaker, After a year filled with unexpected successful entrepreneur and creator of circumstances, Heineken aims to connect unique Glamping resorts like Tiarasa Malaysians to end the year on a memorable Escapes in Janda Baik. Tiara has now note, while enjoying social experiences added a new feather in her cap by responsibly. joining the Malaysian AIDS Foundation Heineken also sends a rallying call to all (MAF) as a member of its Board of Malaysians to connect with one another in a Trustees (BoT). record-breaking attempt at the longest virtual Her involvement comes at a very cheers. This will culminate in the epic crucial period for MAF due to the Heineken Starclub NYE Live countdown event devastating impact of the Covid-19 on Facebook that promises to bring elevated pandemic on the country’s economy as music experiences, fireworks from a location of well as Malaysians living with HIV, which popular choice and premium ice-cold beer to left many without livelihoods and your doorstep. Headlined by W&W, the Dutch impoverished. DJ duo are known for their commercial, big- With her extensive and proven track room house and trance beats. Local talents are record in the entertainment, leisure and also set to be a part of this explosive tourism industries, Tiara will bring a countdown, featuring the likes of DJ Blink, DJ great wealth of experience and valuable duo BATE and live band Saint Kylo. contribution in helping the Malaysian The four-hour live streaming event will see AIDS Foundation to forge forward giveaways of 20 specially curated Heineken during these trying times. NYE goodie boxes with exclusive merchandise, “It is my honour and privilege to Heineken and Heineken 0.0. The event will Heineken mini home bar. Thirty of the most exclusive Heineken be on board, and to serve a also feature on-screen promo codes entitling creative submissions will have the one-of-a- merchandise. The limited community I think can relate to viewers to RM30 off on drinkies.my, all night kind mini home bar delivered to their homes, edition Heineken mini home bar me. My heart goes out to long. along with your favourite ensures you keep the party spirit people living with HIV, “With the pandemic throwing a H e i n e k e n alive while counting down to especially the women and curveball for year-end celebrations, we beers and 2021. children who desperately wanted to make sure that consumers and o t h e r Ready to raise a couple need our support to cope their loved ones are able to celebrate the of ice cold Heineken in the with the poverty and usual festivities of ushering in the new year, record-breaking attempt pressure of stigma and with the same hype and festivities, in a safe for the longest virtual discrimination,” said way. To encourage connection in a year cheers? Tune into the Tiara. of distancing and to end the year on a Heineken Starclub NYE “Of all the different memorable note, we invite our Live countdown event on hats I have worn, and the consumers to cheers with each Facebook, as you different roles I have other in an attempt to achieve celebrate the year end played, this role will be the longest virtual with friends and family most challenging cheers,” said Pablo and Heineken! because it could Chabot, Marketing potentially change and Director of For more information even save lives. I will do H e i n e k e n and updates, log on to my best to fulfil my M a l a y s i a the Heineken website commitment as a Berhad. at trustee of the MAF B y www.heineken.com/my board, and want to learn being a or follow Heineken on more about the latest part of the Instagram H I V / A I D S l o n g e s t (@HeinekenMY) and developments, so I can be virtual cheers, Facebook (https:// a good advocate.” Malaysians also www.facebook.com stand to get their Kyren /HeinekenMYS/). Tiara says this role will be hands on the Thomas of most challenging. limited edition Saint Kylo. DJ Blink. CAREERS Ready for a career change in 2021?

PUBLICATION DATE 19 JANUARY, 2021 (Tuesday)

Speak to theSun’s Sales team now for special deals on BOOKING & STORY DEADLINE 5 JANUARY, 2021 (Tuesday) digital, video and print advertising. MATERIAL DEADLINE 15 JANUARY, 2021 (Friday) WEDNESDAY SECURITIES SDN. B HD. 197201001092 (12738-U) DECEMBER 16, 2020 A Participating Organisation of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad A Trading Participant of Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Berhad Editorial: Tel.: 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7785 2624/5 Participation Bought Sold Net Email: [email protected] % RM m RM m RM m Advertising: Tel: 03-7784 8888 Fax: 03-7784 4424 47.2 Institutions 2318.4 2417.8 -99.4 Email: [email protected] 35.3 Retail 1838.7 1700.3 138.4 17.5 Foreign 859.6 898.6 -39.0 Sun11.28 1.42 182.23 BIZ1.89 44.60 142.53 5.38 28.90 100.0 5016.7 5016.7 0.0 KLCI STI HANG SENG SCI NIKKEI TSEC KOSPI S&P/ASX200 Preliminary stats (excluding trade amendments). For final data, please refer to www.bursamalaysia.com Source: Burs Malaysia 1,674.02 2,856.72 26,207.29 3,367.23 26,687.84 14,068.52 2,756.82 6,631.34

KL MARKET SUMMARY December 15, 2020

INDICES CHANGE ‘Quiet’ period belies fierce FBMEMAS 12,009.00 +77.07 FBMKLCI 1,674.02 +11.28 CONSUMER PRODUCTS 610.75 +4.35 INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS 177.65 +1.20 CONSTRUCTION 181.55 -0.96 competition among telcos FINANCIAL SERVICES 15,951.70 +37.38 ENERGY 939.58 -7.02 TELECOMMUNICATIONS 656.58 +0.63 plans aggressively priced at RM30/35. If this HEALTH CARE 3,674.13 +49.03 o Major players dangle new offers in postpaid segment attractive offer is prolonged, it could lead to TRANSPORTATION 785.19 +4.25 some subs downtrading from higher-end PROPERTY 737.69 +1.84 while MVNOs join fray in prepaid space: CGS-CIMB plans, slow down prepaid-to-postpaid PLANTATION 7,391.89 +49.30 migration and trigger a response from FBMSHA 13,296.90 +88.37 Maxis/Celcom,” it noted. FBMACE 10,691.30 +223.20 PETALING JAYA: Telecommunications discount is fairly substantial (5-17% across In terms of fibre offerings, CGS-CIMB TECHNOLOGY 66.28 +0.98 companies (telcos) remained relatively eligible postpaid plans). said Digi’s home fibre plans that are priced quiet during the October to December “[This] may add to the overall more attractively versus Maxis’s and TM’s TURNOVER VALUE period, compared with the June to competitive pressure though it, by itself, is may not overly shake up competition as it is 9.962 BIL RM5.015 BIL September period, but overall competition unlikely to spark off a fresh round of price aimed at the lower- and upper-end of the stayed intense in the postpaid segment with cuts in the market,” it said. market, while its offer to bundle in its new offers mainly in the form of short-term, In addition, Digi’s special offers under its unlimited postpaid plan for a discounted 5 MOST ACTIVES tactical promotions. Jendela Youth packages will not have any price involves the hassle for non-Digi December 15, 2020 During these campaigns, Celcom and substantial impact on the competitive subscribers to switch providers. Digi offered plan discounts for three to 12 landscape as it is only confined to Sabah “Digi also released business fibre plans STOCK VOL CLSG (sen) +/– (sen) months, mainly to acquire subscribers or and ran for a short period of one month. targeted at SMEs that are cheaper vs. HUAAN 1,425,661,700 20.5 +4.5 upsell them to higher-quota packages. It also views Celcom’’s move to raise its unifi/Maxis but offer fewer enterprise YONGTAI 479,528,800 35.5 +7 Celcom also raised the speed cap and speed cap as unlikely to shake up competition features. Celcom launched 300/500Mbps AT 390,472,900 18 +0.5 hotspot quotas for MEGA Unlimited passes in a material way, but does indicate a fibre plans with 11-15% introductory XOX 370,864,900 10.5 UNCH to become competitive with Digi’s and a persistently heightened level of competition. rebates for the first 3 months, which we TRIVE 333,642,800 1.5 +0.5 notch more attractive against Maxis’ As for the prepaid segment, the research believe should be a short-term promotion comparable plans. house noted that competition stayed to generate some market traction, given its In a note, CGS-CIMB Research said while intense in October to December as relatively late entry.” 5 TOP GAINERS Digi’s promotion of plan discounts may help Maxis/Celcom continued to push unlimited Overall, it said it prefers the fixed to December 15, 2020 drive the acquisition of new postpaid subs offers, while mobile virtual network mobile segment, given its multiple growth and the upgrade of its existing prepaid subs operators (MVNOs) entered the space. drivers and more benign competition. It is STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) RM to mid- to higher-end postpaid plans, for the “While Digi kept away from unlimited, it retaining its neutral call on the sector with CARLSBG 1,452,800 23.96 1.76 overall mobile market, the RM10 monthly launched ‘limitedtime’ 20/40GB prepaid its top pick being TM. MPI 128,900 24.98 0.98 NESTLE 40,200 137.40 0.90 HEIM 524,100 22.88 0.64 F&N 27,700 32.50 0.56 ILO report: 81 million jobs lost in Asia-Pacific 5 TOP LOSERS BANGKOK: Some 81 million jobs are lost December 15, 2020 from the Asia-Pacific labour markets as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic while STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) RM women and young people are KLCC 1,858,300 7.14 0.20 disproportionately hit, according to a report MI-CJ 10,000 0.40 0.17 by the International Labour Organisation RHBBANK 10,551,700 5.69 0.16 (ILO). TOPGLOV-C69 2,000 1.57 0.16 The report on “Asia–Pacific Employment PETRONM 1,384,900 5.74 0.15 and Social Outlook 2020 (APESO 2020): Navigating the Crisis Towards a Human- centred Future of Work” said overall EXCHANGE RATES DECEMBER 15, 2020 working hours in Asia and the Pacific decreased by an estimated 15.2% in the Foreign currency Bank sell Bank buy Bank buy second quarter and by 10.7% in the third TT/OD TT OD quarter of 2020, relative to pre-crisis levels. 1 US DOLLAR 4.1200 3.9930 3.9830 The report said labour income was estimated to have fallen by as much as 10% 1 AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR 3.1250 2.9990 2.9830 in the Asia-Pacific region in the first three 1 BRUNEI DOLLAR 3.0870 2.9960 2.9880 quarters of 2020, equivalent to a 3% loss in 1 CANADIAN DOLLAR 3.2260 3.1380 3.1260 gross domestic product. 1 EURO 5.0120 4.8480 4.8280 “According to preliminary estimates, in absolute numbers, an additional 22 million 1 NEW ZEALAND DOLLAR 2.9320 2.8230 2.8070 to 25 million persons could fall into working 1 SINGAPORE DOLLAR 3.0870 2.9960 2.9880 poverty, which would push the total 1 STERLING POUND 5.5000 5.3240 5.3040 number of working poor (living on less than 1 SWISS FRANC 4.6310 4.5230 4.5080 US$1.90 a day) in the Asia-Pacific region to The ILO report says women and young people are disproportionately hit in a shrinking labour between 94 million and 98 million in 2020,” market in the Asia-Pacific. – AFPPIX 100 UAE DIRHAM 113.4500 107.5200 107.3200 it said. 100 BANGLADESH TAKA 4.9610 4.6200 4.4200 The report said working-hour losses “Low levels of social security coverage employment. 100 CHINESE RENMINBI 63.0000 60.5000 N/A were also influenced by the millions of and limited institutional capacity in many Sara Elder, senior economist at the ILO 100 HONGKONG DOLLAR 53.7000 51.0000 50.8000 people moving outside the labour force or countries have made it difficult to help regional office for Asia and the Pacific and into unemployment as job creation in the enterprises and workers back on their feet, a lead author of the report, said the report 100 INDIAN RUPEE 5.6900 5.3400 5.1400 region collapsed. situation compounded when large showed a clear picture of young people and 100 INDONESIAN RUPIAH 0.0303 0.0273 0.0223 “It is estimated that the regional numbers remain in the informal economy,” women being pushed out of work 100 JAPANESE YEN 3.9640 3.8380 3.8280 unemployment rate could increase from she said. compared to other workers. 100 NEW TAIWAN DOLLAR 15.7000 N/A N/A 4.4% in 2019 to somewhere between 5.2% The report said most countries in the “With increased unemployment, young and 5.7% in 2020,” it said. region saw a larger decline in working hours workers are likely to find it difficult to 100 PAKISTAN RUPEE 2.6200 2.4400 2.2400 ILO assistant director-general and and employment for women than men. compete for new jobs. When they do find 100 PHILIPPINE PESO 8.7000 8.1900 7.9900 regional director for Asia and the Pacific, It said women were more likely to move work, it may well be a job that does not 100 QATAR RIYAL 114.3500 108.5600 108.3600 Chihoko Asada Miyakawa, said Covid-19 into inactivity than men while young people match their aspirations. Millions of women 100 SAUDI RIYAL 111.0100 105.3800 105.1800 had inflicted a hammer-blow on the had also been especially affected by have also paid a high price and it could take region’s labour markets, one that few working-hour and job losses. The youth years for those who have exited the labour 100 THAI BAHT 14.3100 12.6900 12.2900 governments in the region stood ready to share in overall employment loss was three force to return to full employment,” she said. Source: Malayan Banking Berhad/Bernama handle. to 18 times higher than their share in total – Bernama 12 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | DECEMBER 16, 2020 SUNBIZ Widad, Rinani BLand to buy 88.26 acres in deal to market Covid of freehold land in Pahang vaccine tablet is located near its Berjaya Hills Resort, and is oGroup plans to undertake a residential development proposing to undertake a residential PETALING JAYA: Widad Group Bhd has development project on the land signed a memorandum of collaboration project comprising terraced houses to be built over three comprising terraced houses to be built over with Rinani Dynamic Sdn Bhd in a period of three years. relation to the distribution, marketing years The land was acquired by Deru Klasik in and sale of oral Covid-19 vaccine tablet 2004 for RM30.76 million. The audited net developed by US-based Vaxart Inc. book value of the Land as at Dec 31, 2019 in Widad is principally involved in PETALING JAYA: Berjaya Land Bhd’s land measuring approximately 88.26 acres the books of Deru Klasik is about construction activities and integrated (BLand) wholly owned unit Berjaya in Pahang for RM38.45 million from Deru RM30.76million. facilities management services. Engineering Construction Sdn Bhd has Klasik Sdn Bhd. “Based on the preliminary plan of the Rinani is the local representative in proposed to acquire a parcel of freehold In its Bursa filing, the group said the land proposed development, the estimated gross Malaysia for Nasdaq-listed Vaxart, with development cost and gross development respect to its ongoing development of an value are RM250.81 million and RM380.2 oral based (tablet) Covid-19 vaccine million respectively. The estimated gross named VXA-Cov2-1. The appointment profit is about RM129.39 million to be of Rinani was made by Majoritas Global recognized over the duration of the Limited, a company incorporated in proposed development,” it said. Hong Kong, who in turn is Vaxart’s global The proposed acquisition is also representative for Malaysia. expected to be an opportunity for Berjaya VXA-CoV2-1 is a single-dose Covid- Engineering Construction to increase its 19 tablet vaccine candidate which Vaxart land bank for future development. believes can be conveniently distributed In addition, the development cost is and administered without the need for expected to be funded through borrowings cold-chain storage and distribution. and internal funds of the BLand Group. The Under the agreement, Rinani will be proposed acquisition consideration will be collaborating with Widad in the funded through the group’s internal funds distribution, marketing and selling of the and/or borrowings. vaccine and other Vaxart products in The proposed acquisition is not expected Malaysia. Widad stated that it is ready to to have any material effect on the earnings, support Rinani Dynamics objective of net assets and gearing of the group for the ensuring that people of Malaysia would current financial year ending June 30, 2021. be among the first to receive Vaxart’s Nevertheless, it is expected to contribute vaccine, when it receives the FDA and positively to BLand Group’s earnings once EUA clearance for commercialisation. completed. The vaccine candidate is expected to be The land, which is located near Berjaya Hills Resort, presents an opportunity for Berjaya Engineering The proposed acquisition is expected to entering Phase II of clinical trials. Construction to increase its land bank for future development. – BERJAYA HOTEL WEBSITE be completed in first half of 2021. Widad managing director Datuk Mohd Rizal Mohd Jaafar (pix) said Widad is determined to support Rinani’s effort in pushing Ecofirst Consolidated aims to raise George Kent Q3 profit Vaxart’s vaccine in Malaysia, to ensure that the nation would RM28.85m via private placement have access to what could be helped by robust the most practical and PETALING JAYA: Ecofirst Consolidated Bhd is proposed development of 1,098 units of sustainable vaccine for a mass proposing a private placement of up to 79.04 serviced apartments, 40 units of commercial water meter business vaccination program. million new shares at an indicative issue price and retails shop lots, four units of department “Vaxart’s vaccine’s two of 36.5 sen per share to raise RM28.85 million as store and two units of business space. PETALING JAYA: George Kent (Malaysia) biggest merits is first, development expenditure for the group’s Ecofirst has already paid 10% of the Bhd posted a net profit of RM10.65 million for that it is designed to projects and land acquisition. purchase price. The balance of the proceeds its third quarter ended Oct 31, 4% higher than trigger mucosal In a Bursa filing, the group said the earmarked for development expenditure for RM10.26 million in the previous immunity, which is placement is being undertaken to the U9 project and land acquisition shall be corresponding quarter primarily due to the first line of primarily y finance the development utilised for the development of the group’s strong water meter sales in the group’s local defence against expenditure of its U9 Project as well as projects. and export markets. airborne viruses to acquire a piece of land in The U9 project is expected to be completed Its revenue went up 8% to RM78.91 such as Covid-19, Damansara Damai, Selangor. by 2024. million from RM72.91 million. providing total “Moving forward, EcoFirst Group The group is also in the final stages of For the nine month period, net profit protection from believes that the proposed private negotiation to purchase a piece of land in dropped 34% to RM23.12 million from infection altogether placement should contribute Damansara Damai. The group has already paid RM34.82 million a year ago, while revenue and second, being in positively to EcoFirst’s consolidated RM1.4 million earnest deposit, and RM5.6 fell 26% to RM188.38 million from RM253.41 tablet form, makes it earnings in the future as and when million of the proceeds raised from the million. the most “user-friendly the development on the said lands proposed placement will be used to pay the Commenting on the group’s performance, vaccine, creating a generates returns,” it said. balance of the deposit, while RM2.9 million of chairman Tan Sri Tan Kay Hock said demand hassle free, painless In October, Ecofirst entered into a the proceeds has been earmarked for for its water meters continues to outstrip experience, one which conditional sale and purchase associated costs. supply. I feel the people would agreement with Modern Peak Sdn Bhd to The proposed private placement is expected “We are already planning to expand our be more encouraged acquire a piece of land in Seksyen U9 in to be completed by the second quarter of next capacity to produce precision parts for our to take.” Shah Alam for RM42 million, for the year. water meters, so soon after purchasing the licence from Honeywell last year. We are also working to ensure the timely delivery of our construction projects. Malaysian Re: Asean to miss out on US$400b GDP growth in 2020, 2021 “We are optimistic of our prospects, given our ongoing operating and long-term plans. It KUALA LUMPUR: Asean markets will miss out resilience as balance sheets remained strong representing 30 regional and international is our strategy to become a one-stop purveyor on gross domestic product (GDP) growth of and the insurers continued to serve their clients insurance and reinsurance companies, of water meters. We are actively growing our roughly US$400 billion (RM1.6 trillion) in 2020 digitally while operating remotely throughout intermediaries, policymakers and trade product portfolio through partnerships with and 2021 as compared to 2019 due to the Covid- the crisis. associations. other manufacturers. The expanded range 19 impact, according to latest publication by “Asean insurers have made extensive efforts “It draws upon the pulse of insurance will accelerate our penetration into more Malaysian Reinsurance Bhd (Malaysian Re). to cushion the effects of Covid-19 and various executives operating in the region on how the markets around the world.” The Asean Insurance Pulse 2020, which was lockdown measures implemented throughout pandemic has shaped their markets, mitigate He added that its long-term licence launched virtually yesterday, is the fourth the region. measures undertaken by the regulators during agreement with Honeywell enhances its edition of Malaysian Re annual regional “Jointly with other regulatory authorities, the crisis and how the outbreak has control over component supply and Thought Leadership Publication. insurers and associations have establish a fundamentally changed the region’s insurance production costs. It also gives the group the In a statement, Malaysian Re said to balance voluntary Covid-19 test fund, allow for industry,” he said. right to sell water meters to 15 new territories that loss, governments have thus far supported premium instalments or continue to provide He added that the publication became a in Asia. the region’s economy with investment and protection while policyholders had to delay symbol of collaboration amongst the regional Its home-grown smart metering policy measures of slightly more than US$427 their premium payments,” he said. insurance community as well as an established technology is undergoing real-world tests billion. Meanwhile, Zainudin said Asean Insurance reference for the regional insurance leaders in through POCs and pilot projects with state President and CEO Zainudin Ishak said Pulse 2020 was developed based on in-depth charting their business strategies moving water authorities. It is pursuing other such Asean insurers had demonstrated their structured interviews with executives forward. – Bernama opportunities, both locally and in the region. theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | DECEMBER 16, 2020 13 * SUNBIZ

Bursa adds new F&N buys stake in Sri Nona four stocks to F4GBM, removes two PETALING JAYA: Bursa Malaysia Bhd’s Companies for RM60m FTSE4Good Bursa Malaysia (F4GBM) Index has seen four new inclusions and two exclusions to its constituents, following its semi annual review. oAims to be stable and sustainable F&B leader For the latest review period of December 2020, following the revisions, the total number in Malaysia, with halal food as new pillar of growth of constituents are 75. All constituent changes take effect at the start of business on Dec 21, 2020. PETALING JAYA: Fraser & Neave Holdings beverages (ginger tea powder), desserts The four inclusions are: AirAsia Group, Eco Bhd’s (F&N) direct wholly owned subsidiary (pudding and jelly powder), jams and World Development Group, Hibiscus Petroleum Awana Citra Sdn Bhd has entered into a spreads under the Nona and Lee Shun Hing and KLCC Property & REITS – Stapled Securities. conditional share sale agreement with two brands owned by the relevant Sri Nona Meanwhile, Bumi Armada and Sunway vendors, Siew Yun Sing and Tong Saw Man, Companies units. Construction Group were deleted from the for the acquisition of a 2.37% in Sri Nona “The proposed acquisition is in line with brand to F&N’s portfolio of renowned constituent stocks. Companies for RM60 milllion cash. F&N’s ambition to be a stable and brands and will serve as a platform to build “Bursa Malaysia and FTSE Russell continue to The principal activities of Sri Nona sustainable food and beverage leader in on and expand into more food segments,” conduct outreach programmes to companies to Companies are the manufacture, Malaysia, with halal food as our new pillar of the group said. encourage and support them in improving their distribution and sale of rice cakes (ketupat), growth. The investment will add an The proposed acquisition is expected to environmental, social and governance (ESG) condiments (oyster sauce and paste), established Malaysian household food be completed in the first quarter of 2021. disclosures and practices. The increase in the number of constituents is a reflection of the PLCs benefitting from these programmes and catalysing their efforts towards ESG best practices,” Bursa said in a statement. Lessor BOCA says AirAsia X restructuring The F4GBM Index measures the performance of public listed companies (PLCs) demonstrating strong ESG practices and was favours Airbus, calls for debt-to-equity swap launched in December 2014 with a total of 24 constituents. The number of constituents has KUALA LUMPUR: Lessor BOC Aviation Ltd grown to 73 (+204%) as at last index review in (BOCA) has asked a Malaysian court to June 2020. dismiss AirAsia X Bhd’s debt restructuring scheme as it rules out a debt-to-equity swap and gives too much power to Airbus as a creditor, an affidavit filed by a top BOCA HPP Holdings executive shows. AirAsia X (AAX), the long-haul unit of hopes to raise budget airline AirAsia Group, has proposed to reconstitute US$15.3 billion (RM61.2 RM31.9m from IPO billion) of debt into a principal amount of RM200 million and have the rest waived. PETALING JAYA: Offset packaging printing The airline, which has posted losses since specialist HPP Holdings Bhd is looking to raise June 2019, said the alternative was to face proceeds of RM31.9 million from its proposed liquidation with no returns to creditors. It is ACE Market initial public offering (IPO). now seeking court approval to convene a The IPO will entail 19.42 million shares for meeting with creditors to vote on the the Malaysian public at 36 sen each. scheme. Thirty million shares will be set aside for In an affidavit filed at the Kuala eligible directors, employees and business Lumpur High Court on Nov 26 associates, 19.83 million shares will be offered seen by Reuters, BOCA chief via private placement to selected investors and operating officer David Walton the remaining 39.42 million shares for said the restructuring was A BoC Aviation model plane Bumiputera investors approved by the unfair as it writes off 99.7% of at its office in Singapore is International Trade and Industry Ministry. claims without offering creditors shown in this photo Of the total proceeds, RM13 million will be an equity stake. illustration. – REUTERSPIX utilised towards capital expenditure such as BOCA became one of Norwegian Air’s top acquisition of printing machines, RM7.8 million shareholders in May after agreeing with other for repayment of borrowings, RM5.2 million as lessors to convert debt to equity. The airline working capital and RM2 million for sales and sought bankruptcy protection last month Australia, the main creditors have been engaged in legal action, while Airbus marketing expenses. The remaining RM3.9 after failing to get more state support. current financiers, lessors and suppliers, not declined to comment citing confidentiality. million will be for defrayment of IPO expenses. Walton also questioned AAX’s unfair debt plane manufacturers based on orders. Last month, a court in Britain ordered Group managing director Kok Hon Seng said calculations, given most of the amount was AAX’s restructuring plan needs approval AAX to pay BOCA US$23.4 million for the group is working to further diversify its tied to aircraft orders from Airbus SE that from creditors holding at least 75% of the total outstanding aircraft lease liabilities. BOCA customer base and is in discussions with several have not been delivered. value of the debt. registered the foreign judgment in Malaysia leading brands who are establishing their AAX had previously disclosed that BOCA A source with direct knowledge of the matter last week. manufacturing facilities in Malaysia. had challenged the restructuring, but had not has told Reuters that Airbus has nearly 75% on AAX announced on Monday plans to raise “ We hope to conclude negotiations with these given the reasons for it. its own, giving lessors relatively little say. US$123 million through a rights issue from new customers soon. Our capacity expansion from “Aircraft purchase commitments cannot Walton said BOCA should be categorised existing shareholders and share subscription this IPO is timely to capture these opportunities. be considered as an accurate assessment of as a financing creditor separately from an from new investors. We are very optimistic of our prospects and have the accrued and crystallised debts,” Walton equipment manufacturer like Airbus as they The fundraising however is contingent on put in place strategies to capture the rising said in the affidavit supporting the lawsuit by have different interests. approval for the restructuring scheme and at demand and a larger market share.” BOCA. AAX did not immediately reply to a least a dozen creditors have filed objections Affin Hwang Investment Bank Bhd is the In other recent restructurings such as Thai request for comment. to it. AAX said it will continue to engage with principal adviser, sponsor, sole underwriter and Airways International PCL and Virgin BOCA declined to comment, saying it is creditors to allay their concerns. – Reuters sole placement agent for HPP Holdings’ IPO. Passenger movements at MAHB airports in November down 84% from a year ago

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd’s international aircraft movements contracted by decline of 97.8% over November 2019 with international aircraft movements at KLIA declined (MAHB) network of airports recorded 1.8 million 68.3% and 80.8% respectively. 113,000 passenger movements. Domestic and by 91.4% and 88.6% respectively. passengers in November 2020, a decline of 84.2% Airports in Malaysia registered 300,000 international passenger movements registered a “Malaysia’s November traffic performance compared with November 2019, mainly due to passenger movements in November 2020, a drop of 97.3% and 98% respectively. November particularly, for the domestic sector was impacted the Covid-19 lockdown extension affecting traffic 96.4% year-on-year drop due to the extension of passenger movements for KLIA Main Terminal by the extension of CMCO that was also extended recovery. the conditional movement control order (CMCO). and klia2 decreased by 96.7% and 98.8% to all states in Peninsular Malaysia (except for Domestic and international passenger Domestic and international sectors recorded respectively. , Pahang and Kelantan). movements recorded 1.3 million and 500,000 200,000 and 78,000 passengers with a decline of The last-12-month passenger movements for “Nevertheless, KLIA welcomed the return of passengers with a decline of 78.3% and 90.6% 94.5% and 98.2% respectively. Overall aircraft KLIA Main Terminal recorded 8.8 million Cathay Pacific Airways with one flight weekly, respectively compared with the same period in 2019. movements in Malaysia decreased by 82.5%. passengers, a decline of 69.6%. Meanwhile, klia2 after a three-year absence. In total, there were 58 On a last-12-month basis, the total MAHB Domestic and international aircraft movements recorded 10 million passengers, a fall of 69.8% scheduled and charter airlines operating at KLIA network of airports fell by 61.9% with 53.6 million were lower by 78.9% and 88.1% respectively over over the same corresponding period last year. to 64 international destinations in 35 countries, passengers. Overall aircraft movements dopped November 2019. Overall aircraft movements at KLIA decreased by including cargo flights to 21 countries in by 73.2% over November 2019. Domestic and KLIA passenger movements recorded a 89.5% over November 2019. Domestic and November,“ MAHB said. 14 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | DECEMBER 16, 2020 SUNBIZ UK unemployment rate rises to 4.9%

said in a statement. The number of UK “The latest monthly tax numbers oSince the start of pandemic in March, number Since the start of the UK redundancies meanwhile soared show over 800,000 fewer employees pandemic in March, the number of by a record 370,000 in the three on the payroll in November than in of payroll employees has fallen by 819,000 payroll employees has dived by months to October, despite an February, with new analysis finding 819,000 – with more than a third of easing in the last month of the that over a third of this fall came this slump in the virus-plagued period. from the hospitality sector. LONDON: Britain’s unemployment The reading for the three hospitality sector. “Overall we have seen a He added: “While there was rate has risen to 4.9% as a record months to the end of October The ONS stressed however that continuation of recent trends, with another record rise in amount of jobs were wiped out by compared with an unemployment the largest falls in payroll staff were a further weakening in the labour redundancies in the latest three the coronavirus pandemic, official rate of 4.8% for July-September, the experienced at the start of the market,“ said ONS director of months as a whole, they began to data showed yesterday. Office for National Statistics (ONS) deadly Covid-19 crisis. economic statistics Darren Morgan. ease during October. – AFP Baidu plans foray into electric car production BEIJING: China’s Baidu Inc is considering making its own electric vehicles and has held talks with automakers about the possibility, said three people with knowledge of the matter, the latest move in a race among tech firms to develop smart cars. The search engine leader, which also develops autonomous driving technology and internet connectivity infrastructure, is considering contract manufacturing, one of the people said, or creating a majority-owned venture with automakers. The initiative would be a step up from internet peers such as Tencent Holdings Ltd, Amazon.com Inc and Alphabet Inc, which have also developed auto-related technology or invested in smart-car startups. Baidu has held preliminary talks – without reaching any decisions – with automakers including Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co Ltd, Guangzhou Automobile Group Co Ltd and China FAW Group Corp Ltd’s Hongqi, on a possible venture, the people said, declining to be identified as the talks were private. Baidu established autonomous driving unit Apollo in 2017. The unit mainly supplies technology powered by artificial intelligence and work with automakers such as Geely, Volkswagen AG, Toyota Motor Corp and Ford Motor Co . Baidu operates autonomous taxi service Go Robotaxi with safety drivers on board in Beijing, Changsha and Cangzhou, and plans to expand to 30 cities in three years. It gained approval last week to test five cars in Beijing without safety drivers. Building cars would represent a dramatic Indian ride-hailing firm plans to make two million electric two-wheelers a year for Asia, Europe and Latin America. - REUTERSPIX development in Baidu’s push to diversify income streams as growth plateaus in its core search business, where revenue grew just 2% Ola to build world’s biggest scooter factory in India last year. – Reuters NEW DELHI: Uber rival Ola plans to build The factory will help make India a promote electric vehicles by expanding from the world’s largest scooter factory in India, “manufacturing hub for electric vehicles” as ride-hailing to making scooters itself. aiming to make two million electric two- Ola gears up to launch its e-scooters in the This year Ola announced plans to hire over ExxonMobil sets new wheelers a year for Asia, Europe and Latin coming months, the company said. 2,000 people for its electric business, bringing America. Motorbikes and mopeds, which are much in General Motors veteran Jose Pinheiro to emissions cut plans The Indian ride-hailing firm, which has cheaper than four-wheelers, are hugely head its manufacturing operations. financial backing from Japan’s SoftBank, said popular in India’s congested cities, with sales In May the firm, which is active in India, NEW YORK: ExxonMobil announced on on Monday it will create 10,000 jobs and outselling those of cars many times over. Australia, New Zealand and Britain, acquired Monday it will reduce its emissions over the invest US$325 million (RM1.3 billion) in the But they also add to air pollution and Ola Dutch electric scooter maker Etergo, next five years bowing to growing public plant in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. hopes to profit from government efforts to reportedly for US$250 million. – AFP pressure from activists, including the Church of England, to make changes. The US oil giant said in a statement that by 2025 it will cut emissions from upstream Fed will be tested in 2021 as vaccines boost US economic outlook activities, which includes oil drilling and extraction, by between 15% and 20% compared WASHINGTON: If 2020 was the year the economy reaches full employment and 2023. to the 2016 levels. Federal Reserve overhauled its game plan for inflation hits 2% and is on track to exceed it. That’s consistent with the new framework It also will cut its flaring intensity by 35% to supporting the US economy, 2021 will be the Re-upping that bold promise this week if the economy hasn’t achieved sustained 2% 45% as well as methane intensity by 40% to 50%, year its new approach gets tested should a won’t seem out of place amid the alarming US inflation by then. and aims to achieve a World Bank goal of coronavirus vaccine deliver the lift that many rise in Covid-19 cases and deaths that The problem, said AllianceBernstein eliminating routine flaring by 2030, the company analysts expect. threatens to stall a still-partial recovery. The senior economist Eric Winograd, is that “the said, describing the moves as consistent with In its final policy meeting of the year this labour market has regenerated only about market may be tempted to look at a cyclical goals outlined in the Paris Climate Agreement. week, the US central bank is expected to keep half of the 22 million jobs lost since the upswing ... and conclude that the Fed will “These meaningful near-term emission its key overnight interest rate pinned near pandemic began. respond as it always has, by starting to reductions result from our ongoing business zero and to signal it will stay there for years to But next year, when a full rollout of new tighten.” planning process as we work towards industry- come; many analysts also expect new coronavirus vaccines is expected to make it If traders begin pricing in earlier rate hikes, leading greenhouse gas performance across all guidance on how long the Fed will keep up its gradually safer to dine out, travel, and resume the Fed would need to react, either by our business lines,“ ExxonMobil chairman and massive bond-buying program. other activities put on hold during the crisis, correcting the market’s misperception CEO Darren Woods said in the statement. The super-easy monetary policy is part of a the Fed’s new framework will be tested. verbally or, if needed, by tweaking its bond- The company is facing an activist long-term strategy the Fed adopted in August Economic growth is expected to pick up, buying program to push down further on shareholder push to get it to act more forcefully to help it navigate a world of persistently low and job gains with it, both views that are likely longer-term borrowing costs through on reducing carbon emissions, led by interest rates that limits the central bank’s to be reflected in fresh economic projections purchases of longer-term securities. investment firm Engine No. 1 and supported by options for fighting downturns and makes it released after the Fed wraps up its two-day If the Fed issues new guidance on its asset California State Teachers’ Retirement System, difficult to hit its 2% inflation goal. meeting today. purchase program this week, it may need to the second-largest pension fund in the US. The idea is to counteract any unhealthy But the central bank’s so-called “dot plot” leave the door open to doing exactly that, in Last week, the campaign announced four downward drag on prices by letting the of interest rate expectations, included in those part as insurance against any market board of director candidates for the firm, citing economy run hotter than in the past. The Fed projections, will likely show most overreaction to an improving economic the need to slash emissions and fears for the now plans to keep rates near zero until the policymakers still see rates at zero through outlook next year. – Reuters firm’s long-term future. – AFP theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | DECEMBER 16, 2020 15 LIFESTYLE

CELEBRITY CAUSES Subashini with her adopted dogs (from below) Edward; █ BY S. TAMARAI CHELVI Crystal; and Shanti.

WO years ago, actress Subashini Asokan was left mentally and emotionally affected after she saw a dog, Twhich had been struck by a vehicle, lying by the roadside in Bandar Puteri Puchong under the hot sun, panting for water. “I had no idea how long it was lying there, in pain. Many cars and motorbikes passed by, ignoring the injured dog. No one came to help, no one stopped,” said Subashini. She made a quick call to a friend, who came over immediately and managed to rescue the dog with the help of an animal shelter NGO. A month later, the dog died due to an injury to its spine, which had caused it to become paralysed. “Why do we take their lives for granted? The least anyone could have done was to contact an NGO or bring it to a veterinarian, instead of leaving the poor dog to die in pain,” lamented Subashini. For Subashini, animals are God’s creation, and she is emotionally attached to vulnerable stray dogs. A soft spot for strays “Loving dogs makes me feel like a human. There is a reason why they remember that evidence or proof are here on this planet. This world oActress and animal lover Subashini Asokan urges is very important to make a belongs to them, too,” stressed the 31- report, as it is required under the year-old. Malaysians to show compassion for stray dogs law. Take videos or photos. “I have been feeding stray dogs for Please don’t be ignorant. years. Whenever I see a dog, I make Please be the voice for the sure to feed it, even if it is just that one adult life. I have followed in my Edward was adopted from a voiceless,” she urged. time. I have fed stray dogs around my mother’s footsteps and my love relative who couldn’t take care of him area. I do whatever I can, and I will towards animals, especially dogs, anymore, while Shanti and Crystal A passion for acting continue doing so. Please do feed the grew stronger. I want to help and care were adopted from SAAA. “I love all The charming Subashini is strays whenever you can, too,” urged for them while I still can,” she said. of them very much,” she said. also known for another Subashini says Subashini. passion – acting. She has acting allows her A mission of love Animal advocate performed in various to explore life. – For the love of dogs Now, both mother and daughter are “I consider myself an advocate for projects; two movies, four COURTESY OF Subashini’s love for dogs started on a mission to save stray dogs. animal rights,” said the physiotherapy telemovies, nine music SUBASHINI when she was very young. She was “We care for all the abandoned, degree holder, who supports and videos and three Tamil ASOKAN inspired by her mother Devi’s abused and old animals such as dogs, raises awareness about animal drama series, including devotion to animals. It was Devi who cats, cows, and even rabbits,” said adoption and about donating to Naran, which was aired instilled a love for animals in her. Subashini. animal shelters, through her social during Deepavali recently. “My mother is a huge influence in “We have dogs at our shelter who media platforms. She even “Acting allows me to my life. She rescues strays or any have been severely abused and volunteered in shelters in Kuala explore life, human injured animals, and cares for them. abandoned. My mother runs an NGO Lumpur before her mother set up emotions, body language, The way she showers the dogs with shelter (Shelter for the Abused and SAAA. behaviour and love is just so beautiful. I have Abandoned - SAAA) in Sungai Petani, Although SAAA belongs to her characteristics, watched this ever since I was young,” which was formed in 2016. mother, Subashini makes it a point to depending on the role said Subashini, describing her “Whenever I go back home to donate every month from her which I am playing. mother as a superwoman. Sungai Petani, I will always follow my earnings and to help whenever “The process of “Parents play a very big and vital mother to the shelter to help her, possible. She encourages others to developing a particular role in their child’s life. What parents because she is doing everything by donate in any form, including money, character, from the do or show is what the child will herself – from feeding and cleaning, food supplies, bowls or cages. different looks, fashion, eventually follow. to giving them medication.” is also against animal or even hairstyles, takes “Parents should inculcate love and Running an animal shelter is not cruelty. me out of my comfort compassion for animals from young.” easy. “It takes a lot of sacrifice, “Animal abuse or cruelty is an zone. These values will show in their life dedication, love, compassion, and unforgivable act, which takes place in “I honestly find it in later years, especially when the definitely, huge passion,” she rural and urban areas. Mostly dogs very adventurous. child grows up to become an adult. admitted. are abused. If you ever come across Most importantly, “They will exhibit the same love Subashini herself has adopted any abuse cases, please don’t turn a acting makes my and compassion that they have three adorable furry kids of her own – blind eye or ignore it. Report it to the soul happy.” learned from their parents in their Edward, Shanti, and Crystal. authorities or NGOs, and always Reducing time on social media could help reduce depression risk HOW much time do you spend on because high initial social media use findings. First, the researchers suggest social media each day? Daily use of led to increased rates of depression. that spending too much time on social sites like Facebook, Instagram, However, initial depression did not media might displace time that could Snapchat, or Twitter could have an lead to any change in social media be spent forming more important in- impact on mental health. In fact, use,” explains Dr. Brian Primack from person relationships, achieving research from the US suggests a link the University of Arkansas. personal or professional goals, or just between the time spent on social Published in the American Journal having valuable moments of personal networks and increased risk of of Preventive Medicine, the study reflection. depression. sampled more than 1,000 US adults They also highlight the fact, as This isn’t the first time that between the ages of 18 and 30, whose evoked in previous studies, that social scientists have investigated time spent depression was measured using a media is skewed towards showing the on social media – especially among specific questionnaire. Participants positive aspects of people’s lives, and younger users – and depression. were also asked about the amount of that this kind of social comparison can However, previous studies didn’t time they used social media on affect self-esteem. establish whether depression was platforms like Facebook, Twitter, “These findings are ... particularly responsible for increased time spent Reddit, Instagram and Snapchat. important to consider in the age of on social media, or whether social Covid-19. Now that it’s harder to media was the cause of depression No more than two hours a day? connect socially in person, we’re all symptoms. The scientists found that the young using more technology like social “Most prior work in this area has left adults who spent more than five hours media. While I think those us with the chicken-and-egg question. per day using social media were 2.8 technologies certainly can be valuable, We know from other large studies that times as likely to become depressed I’d also encourage people to reflect on depression and social media use tend within six months, compared to which tech experiences are truly useful to go together, but it’s been hard to participants who used social networks for them and which ones leave them figure out which came first. This new for less than two hours per day. feeling empty,” concludes Primack. – study sheds light on these questions, Several factors could explain the AFP-Relaxnews 16 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | DECEMBER 16, 2020 ENTERTAINMENT New era of Star Wars ALBUM REVIEWS █ BY FADHAL ILAHI ALT DISNEY CO has announced a raft of oLando, R2-D2 get TV spinoff series, Patty new Star Wars content for movie Jenkins to direct next Star Wars movie theatresW and its streaming service, including a feature film from Rogue Squadron, will premiere in while Hayden Christensen will Wonder Woman director Patty movie theatres at Christmas 2023. return as Darth Vader in Kenobi, Jenkins. Kennedy said New Zealand based on Jedi master Obi-Wan The entertainment company director Taika Waititi was still Kenobi, for what Kennedy called detailed 10 new TV shows based writing the screenplay for another the rematch of the century. on favourite characters from the as yet untitled film in the franchise Production on Kenobi is due to sci-fi saga, including smuggler that Disney announced in May. start in March. Lando Calrissian and droids C- The announcements came a Disney also announced a new Rampas Dalam Diam, Rakusan 3PO and R2-D2. year after Disney decided to pause spy series called Andor, featuring Kuasa, and an instrumental song The announcement by the development of further Star Rogue One rebel alliance Kelasi Hiba. Lucasfilm president Kathleen Wars movies, one of the industry’s intelligence officer Cassian Andor Wali Pendekar is a special project Kennedy came during a most lucrative franchises, to focus that started filming in London two by the band to meet the demands of presentation for investors and singularly on TV shows following weeks ago. hard rock fans. This is what you get, follows the success of the Star the relatively disappointing box “This is a new era for Star Wars Copero Viper-style, that is sure to Wars hit spinoff series The office takings for the last and Lucasfilm with expanded COPERO VIPER – WALI please its fans with a passion for the Mandalorian on Disney+ since standalone Star Wars movie, Solo opportunities for continued PENDEKAR heavy sound of music. November 2019. in mid-2018. innovation, high quality story- So, if you ever feel curious about Kennedy said the The Kennedy said two Mandalorian telling and cinematic experiences THE nuances of Copero Viper are listening to some new hard rock Mandalorian, featuring fan spinoff series, called The Rangers of like never before,” Kennedy said. hard rock-based music, and it can’t band, be sure to keep Copero Viper in favourite Baby Yoda, had opened the New Republic and Ahsoka Animated series coming to get much better than this! mind. “an entirely new era for Star Wars” would come to Disney+ at Disney+ in the next few years Some of the influences that can be and the chance to explore some Christmas next year. include A Droid Story, featuring heard from this band are XPDC and SUFFERCATION – ALTERED 25,000 years of history in the Actor and singer Donald Glover the beloved C-3PO and R2D2, and Viper. Of course, as the frontman and galaxy far far away. will reprise his role as the dashing The Bad Batch about experimental bassist of the band, Zuar, is also the THE PAST FUTURE The Jenkins feature film, called smuggler for TV series Lando, clones. – Reuters bassist of XPDC and the founder of SUFFERCATION is a local death Viper. metal band which needs no Some parts of the guitar chords introduction, and is one of the and riffs sound similar to XPDC and pioneers in the Malaysian death Viper. This album kicks off with an metal scene. awesome opener Wali Pendekar and This is the band’s ninth full-length it is probably the best track in this studio album and probably its best to mini-album. date. Meanwhile, Permata Ilahi is a All the songs have great rhythm ballad with spiritual lyrics that feature works with an additional bass touch a simple melodic ambience. from bassist Yan of Lefthanded fame. The song is dedicated to the late JS When Yan plays the bass line, it gives Kevin, a huge figure in the local rock the music a sense of depth you won’t scene. find on 90s recordings helmed by Throughout the rest of the album, iconic death metal groups. all the songs maintain the style and As usual, it’s the guitars and drums quality of heavy riffs, chording, hard- that occupy the spotlight. hitting drums, and structure The band’s guitarist Rob Razak has sounding like XPDC and Viper but in the ability to cram multiple riffs and the vein of Copero Viper. changes into even short stretches. The album was produced with all Rob’s fretboard facility is so reliable the songs written by Zuar himself. In that it’s easy to take for granted and terms of composition and lyrics, almost immediately raises the stakes Zuar’s credibility as a songwriter when it came to complex song should be commended. structures. Wali Pendekar was released in The lyrics touch on current September by Rockstage situations, and what is happening Entertainment and loaded with globally. The album also benefits archipelago elements. tremendously from a modern The album was recorded by Bakri production that gives listeners a Star Wars robots R2-D2 and BB8 and droids C3PO and D-O pose as they attend the premiere of Star Wars: The Rise of Music Works and contains six songs. chance to zoom in on the finer points Skywalker in London. Other songs include Kelasi Hiba, of Suffercation’s music. Swift announces second surprise quarantine album

CHRISTMAS came early for Taylor In her tweet thread, Swift Swift once again collaborated with Swift’s loyal legion of fans, as the indicated evermore – her ninth Aaron Dessner of rock band The popstar dropped her second surprise studio album – would be an National along with producer Jack album of 2020 just months after this extension of that ethereal sensibility. Antonoff. summer’s hit record folklore. “To put it plainly, we just couldn’t The album evermore also, like “I’m elated to tell you that my 9th stop writing songs,” she said. folklore, included a duet with studio album, and folklore’s sister “I’ve never done this before. In the experimental indie artist Justin record, will be out tonight. It’s called past I’ve always treated albums as Vernon, who is the founder of Bon evermore (sic),” the global megastar one-off eras and moved onto Iver. tweeted last Friday, adding she would planning the next one after an album This time around she also also release a music video for the was released. recorded a song with the Los Angeles single willow. “There was something different band of sisters Haim. The album release came a few with folklore. In making it, I felt less Swift’s album release comes amid days before Swift turned 31 on Dec like I was departing and more like I her ongoing battle over her lucrative 13. was returning.” back catalog, and just weeks after she “Ever since I was 13, I’ve been folklore – which earned the star said her first six albums were sold to a excited about turning 31 because it’s six Grammy nominations – also saw private equity firm without her my lucky number backwards, which the the famously introspective Swift knowledge. is why I wanted to surprise you with delve into songwriting from the Swift has sparred publicly with this now. You’ve all been so caring, perspective of others, storytelling in music mogul Scooter Braun whose supportive and thoughtful on my the vein of American folk writers company purchased a majority stake birthdays and so this time I thought including John Prine, Bruce for her earlier work that includes a I would give you something!” she Springsteen and Bob Dylan. decade of chartbusting hits like Shake said. “I loved the escapism I found in It Off. The pop shapeshifter this summer these imaginary/not imaginary tales,” She’s said she’s actively trying to delighted fans with folklore, a Swift said last week. regain control of her master quarantine album that saw Swift turn “I loved the ways you welcomed recordings, and in the meantime has to atmospheric rock while embracing the dreamscapes and tragedies and commenced recording her own new a dreamier aesthetic with 1960s-era epic tales of love lost and found into masters in a bid to undercut the value Laurel Canyon vibes. your lives. So I just kept writing them.” of the originals. – AFP-Relaxnews Swift turned 31 on Dec 13. – REUTERS theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | DECEMBER 16, 2020 17 FASHION

Terrae Banana Fighter Terrae is all about that high impact Fashion design graduate Mandy Yap is activity, low environmental impact life; just as passionate about fitness as she it’s about functionality meets is about being stylish. She founded the sustainability; activewear meets activewear brand three years ago and purpose, and co-founders Azalea and gave it a catchy name, Banana Fighter, Suan Yean are committed to being a to represent its ethos – Fun, Energy part of the change. and Resilience. Launched in July this year, Terrae Yap puts fitness and fashion turns ocean waste into workout staples together in activewear, or one might thanks to its Econyl regenerated nylon, consider it as athleisurewear that which is 100% recycled fibre made would take you from the studio to the from discarded fishing nets and fabric street. scraps. Her activewear is rendered in It’s got incredible recovery power eyecatching designs, like the with the perfect amount of muscular Japanese print art and mesh fabric, compression, making it suitable for all or the collaborative collection Burn activity throughout the day from with local fashion designer lunging to lounging, crunching to Kittie Yiyi in bright brunching. orange. Let’s get physical oSeven homegrown activewear brands to help you achieve your Zeal Launched in fitness goals in 2021 early 2018, Zeal, as its name Livlola itself, particularly amongst the local suggests believes █ BY JASON LIM Fitness and wellness essentials yoga and pilates community. in the ardent brand Livlola is the brainchild of Its activewear is carefully interest and F there is one thing to take best foot forward, starting by Sim Li and Heidi Aw, both who designed with four-way stretch fervour that away from the year 2020, is being physically active. were former pageant queens and elastic, moisture-wicking inhibits in all of that when the going gets Here are seven homegrown models. technology, and ultimately stylish us – the drive tough, the tough get going. activewear brands to get you Starting out as a bag brand, design to achieve the cool and laid- that sparks our IAnd if you really think about it, started before you decide to sign Livlola has made quite a name for back athleisure look. pursuits of passion, life is a performance, so gear up in up for yoga, pilates or even spin starting with its highly functional and your best activewear and put your classes. versatile sportswear to fulfil our fitness goals. In other words, having zeal is the most fundamental way of living that determines success. Zeal’s activewear is primed for performance. They’re supported by innovative fabric blend to maximise any fitness regime and will see you through even the most challenging workout.

Liberty Active build a community of like- Co-founders Rebecca minded women to inspire and be Yap and Hwei-Ming inspired by those around them. Choong launched In fact, Liberty Active is more Liberty Active in 2017 than an activewear brand, it’s a with sportswear lifestyle brand with pieces that are 100% versatile pieces Ryada loose-fit long-sleeve tops, skirt pants, designed and that are designed Modest activewear brand Ryada is as well as sports hijabs that prioritise made in Malaysia. to encompass catered to Muslim women who are two important factors that would As firm the lifestyle of a looking for comfortable sportswear change the game of workouts. believers of woman on-the- pieces that are soft and Its moisture-wicking fabric healthy living, go, and can be breathable, perfect for both low absorbs sweat much quicker and they advocate worn from the and high-intensity workouts. dries up faster, and the fit of the hijab ‘fun fitness’ gym to the Besides the usual line of is versatile, and can be worn either and strive to grocer. sports bras, Ryada tight for intense running activities, or also offers loose for a comfortable feel.

Fitgear Founded in 2016 by ZiKang Tai, Fitgear prides itself as the finest activewear quality with affordable price points. Tai spent more than 16 months on its research and development, from sourcing quality fabrics that would maximise the features of performance-wear, to going through extensive tests to ensure that the t-shirts are durable enough to last a lifetime. It is said that their t-shirts are seven times more breathable than cotton fabrics, are instant-cooling to help maintain a comfortable body temperature, only takes two hours to dry and can retain their original shape even after 1,000 washes. 18 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | DECEMBER 16, 2020 THE RIGHT READ

N the aircraft hold, Alpha Ramazani IN A CAPSULE (below) has stowed a precious cargo. In Europe, its contents may seem banal. But in the capital of the Democratic █ BY S. INDRA SATHIABALAN IRepublic of Congo, they are revered as The bookseller nectar for the brain. Playing Nice The 33-year-old bookseller is bringing with him the latest novels from Europe, 0 Author: JP Delaney along with political treatises, Michelle 0 Publisher: Ballantine Obama’s memoirs, a new biography of Joe of Kinshasa Books Biden and a selection of other books sought by a tiny but devoted following in Kinshasa. THIS book starts off When Ramazani goes on a trip to oA lone fight to help DR Congo’s bookworms with babies switched at Brussels – usually using up his holiday time birth scenario and then – he brings back dozens of kilos (pounds) of turns into something extra luggage, all of it crammed with books. tongue. that’s a bit complicated,” said Ramazani. else. Author Delaney Six thousand kilometres (3,700 miles) But the country’s poverty also makes it of He said he sometimes offered a cartoon weaves a fantastic story later, his suitcases are shepherded through marginal interest for publishing giants used book or a children’s book to zealous that begins with Pete customs, carefully unpacked and the titles to operating in the smoother and wealthier customs officials to help smooth things Riley answering the put on sale at Book Express, Ramazani’s tiny francophone world. over, but never money. door one day to Miles 30-square-metre (322-square-foot) shop, A book that typically sells in Kinshasa for New books are sold in several other Lambert, a total located on a street with bustling bars and the rough equivalent of US$20 (RM81) outlets in Kinshasa, including France’s stranger who gives him pavement terraces. amounts to nearly half of the DRC’s average cultural shop window, the Institut Francais, some shocking news. Despite the extra cost and hassle, his per capita wage, which is US$43 (RM175) as well as by publishing outlets such as Turns out the son that the Rileys have been books are sold at roughly the same price as per month. Mediaspaul and Cepas that are Catholic- raising belong to the Lamberts and vice versa. in Europe, although in the DRC this figure owned. Both families try hard to come to terms with can be many times higher than the average Labour of love what has happened to them and seek an amicable daily income. But the gap in the market has become Fiction is country cousin relationship between both families. The customers “are primarily Ramazani’s to fill. Books that are published in the DRC are Eventually they decide to sue the hospital for intellectuals – politicians, university The books he brings back help to pad out sold at the Grands Lacs bookshop, on a negligence. However the investigation that follows professors, who come only to buy political his main income, which comes from selling main avenue – the biggest book store in the reveals that the switch was more than a simple books, then there are mothers who come in schoolbooks to students at the Belgian country in terms of shelf space. accident. to buy books for their children,” said School of Kinshasa. There is also a thriving market in Some characters are not likeable but with the Ramazani, a father of two. He opened Book Express in Kinshasa, his second- or third-hand books, enlivened by way the story is written, you will be quickly caught It may seem odd that an ad-hoc system home town, in 2019 after working at a street hawkers pitching ancient works on up in their problems and will want to know how to provide newly-published books can exist bookshop in Brussels. He reassured his law, the economy, management and they overcome them. today, at a time of globalised trade and partner, a Belgian, that it was just a “whim”. history. ultra-fast deliveries. Hauling the books back is a labour of But there is little interest in fiction, in a This seems especially so, given that the love. country where for the many poor, every day DRC is a former Belgian colony of some 80 “It’s an eight-hour flight, and then you is a struggle. Eight Detectives million people where French is a national have customs when you arrive – “There’s no demand for general literature,” said 0 Author: Alex Pavesi Ramazani rather sadly, eyeing 0 Publisher: Penguin unsold titles by novelists Amelie Nothomb, Eric- A MYSTERY within a Emmanuel Schmitt and Alain mystery. Thirty years Mabanckou, which he will ago Grant McAllister a probably have to take back on professor of his next flight to Belgium and mathematics and a resell to the publisher. crime fiction writer Kinshasa’s small worked out a theory community of bookworms that all murder hold regular gatherings mysteries follow a in a literary cafe run simple set of rules. by a woman called In the present day, Missy Bangala, we find that McAllister who last week prefers to live the joined with quiet life on a others to launch Mediterranean island and hates company. an association However, Julia Hart, an ambitious editor shows up gathering DRC at his home and informs him that his early work is writers. going to be republished and they must revisit the “This country old stories. needs its As Hart reads the old stories, at first she thinks literature,” she they don’t make sense. But slowly clues begin to said. show, she notices that there are inconsistencies “There’s a that don’t make sense. Upon closer look, she thirst for realises that they are clues to a real murder, one reading,“ said that has remained unsolved for thirty years. Ramazani, who There are lots of red herrings to set the readers spoke of plans (and Hart) off the wrong direction but the ending for a book festival. will surprise you. – AFP-Relaxnews theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | DECEMBER 16, 2020 19 FEATURE

(above) Silvana La Poderosa prays before the fight. Kim with his upcycled stools made (above left) Susana from discarded protective masks. La Bonita fixes her hair before the fight. The face-mask seat

HOW many disposable masks does it take to make a stool? Kim Ha-neul knows it takes 1,500. Bothered by the waste caused by disposable face masks, many of which are made of polypropylene, the South Korean furniture design student has come up with an eco-friendly solution, (left) Silvana La melting them to make stools he calls Poderosa greets the “Stack and Stack”. crowd before the “Plastic is recyclable, so why don’t fight. we recycle face masks, which are made of plastic?” the 23-year-old said. In June, Kim set up a mask collection box at his school, the Kaywon University of Art and Design in Uiwang city, south of Seoul. He has since gathered 10,000 used masks, and (below) Silvana La has received more than a tonne of Poderosa reacts after defective ones from a factory as well. winning a fight. To lessen the risk of coronavirus transmission, Kim keeps them in storage for at least four days. Then, removing elastic bands and wires, he wields a heat gun over the masks in a Making a comeback mould, melting them down at temperatures over 300 degrees Celsius (570 degrees Fahrenheit). oWinning against the pandemic, Bolivia’s cholita The result? Three-legged stools 45cm (18 inches) recycled from white, wrestlers return to the ring pink, blue and black masks, which Kim displayed in his graduation exhibition. Next, Kim hopes to make other OLIVIA’S cholita wrestlers are who goes as “Gloria La Luchadora” in the furniture pieces from the recycled making a comeback to the ring after ring. masks such as a chair, table or some the iconic female fighters were forced “I’ve been wrestling for about 10 years. I lights. He is also urging the to hang up their billowing skirts and am a single mother of two children, and I have government and private companies to Bbowler hats due to the Covid-19 pandemic. a trade. Because of the trade I am in, I am able recycle face masks by setting up a The indigenous women wrestlers have to dedicate enough time to my children, to separate box for their collection. become symbolic at home and abroad of the take them to school and to study.” In September alone, South Korea power of women, reclaiming the pejorative Torres said that the green light for produced more than a billion face Spanish term “chola” used for indigenous wrestling to resume in late November was a masks for domestic use, government groups and proudly making it part of their blessing, as some spectators were able to data showed. heritage and strength. return to the stands, even if the pandemic was Though the stools are not yet for Hit by the pandemic, the cholita wrestlers far from over. sale, fellow students were impressed are now returning after a nine-month hiatus, “It’s very beautiful to have the public here, by the idea and rough-surfaced but face an ongoing challenge with the who have come out to have a look at fighting design. lucrative tourist crowd still missing from cholitas,” she said. “It has such a strong message,” said matches. “Before the pandemic, we were a part of art student Park Sung-chan, 20. “This “I will show that I am a good wrestler, and the cultural heritage that wasn’t recognised, will remind us what we’ve been not just in the ring. I will also show that I have tourists came from all over the world to see through in 2020 with the coronavirus won against the pandemic, we will recover just us, the fighting cholita luchadores of and is also environmentally friendly.” – what we have lost,” said fighter Patricia Torres, wrestling.” – Reuters Reuters Time is precious FOR more than two decades, Pham clocks, but also in figuring out how He adds that he has yet to see two Van Thuoc has scoured Europe in they work and how to fix them. identical historical clocks even when search of historical church clocks, “I have an Italian made-clock the clocks were made in the same bringing them back to his home in which is the oldest one and dates year by the same manufacturer. Vietnam where he lovingly restores back to the year 1750. Probably the For his efforts, Thuoc has been them. thing I like most about it is that recognised by the Vietnam Records He now has 20 clocks – many of despite being made years ago, it has Association as having the largest which are more than a hundred years stayed true to its purpose which is to collection of public clocks in the old and including one so big it weighs count the time, and it does that country. a tonne – housed in a warehouse in extremely accurately,” he said. And with electronic clocks now Clocks collector northern Thai Binh province where Tracing his passion back to fast replacing mechanical ones in Thuoc shows they fill the air with a cacophony of hearing the chimes of bells from Europe, he hopes his collection can an old church whirring noises, ticking and chimes. French colonial-era clocktowers preserve a sliver of vanishing history. clock from Thuoc, who believes his collection when he was a boy, Thuoc said he The clocks remind him, he says, of Europe at his is one of the largest in the world, said once spent two years befriending a “how valuable time is, and that I home. the thrill of building it up lies not just European owner before convincing should treasure every minute and in the hunt to find beautiful old him to part with a particular clock. every second.” – Reuters 20 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | DECEMBER 16, 2020 FEATURE Moving forward with confidence oModel Iman Mohamed believes every experience can shape you into a better person

█ BY BISSME S. slowly breaking long-held stereotypes in the modelling world, MAN MOHAMED never that to be ‘beautiful’ means to be fair- imagined she would enter the skinned. modelling world. During her Over the years, she has also gained teenage years, she received confidence to love herself more. Iharsh comments about her weight and her dark skin tone. The What advice can you give to young comments made her insecure. models out there? “I suffer from low self-esteem,” “Modelling may look easy and remembers the 31-year-old Kuala glamorous to many people out there. Lumpur-born Iman, who has an “But it takes a lot of research to Indian-Malay mother and Sudanese know your market, and there are long father. hours of shoots. You have to learn to “I was always looking for ways to be vulnerable in front of the camera be accepted by the community.” for you to give the right expression. It was her mother, Sarah Daud, “Never ever do something that who never stopped reminding her to makes you feel uncomfortable, and be proud of her roots and to embrace learn to speak up when you are not her uniqueness. happy. At the end of the day, you “My mother was my pillar of want to be passionate and satisfied strength during those moments,” she with what you do.” says. Her big break started when her How do your friends describe you? Iman says her greatest strength lies in her determination to turn goals into reality. childhood friend, actress Diana “My friends say that I am one of the – COURTESY OF IMAN MOHAMED Danielle invited Iman to be a part of most generous people they have met, Diana’s first Luxuria Beauty as well as being very family oriented. weaknesses? You love to travel. What are some campaign in 2015. “I’m the bubbliest in the group “My greatest strength lies in my of the countries you have visited? That opened several doors for and they love that I am always able to determination to turn goals into “Some of the places I have visited Iman. Three months later, Iman was ease and soothe their worries. But I realities. My weakness is that I trust are Egypt, Paris, London, Qatar, given the opportunity to be featured think they’re just being too nice to people wholeheartedly, too easily, Bali and Phuket. Travelling is so in InTrend magazine. me.” and then get disappointed in the end. therapeutic to me. Since then she has modelled for I’m sort of gullible in that sense.” “You feel alive when you several well-known brands. She is What are your strengths and your discover a new place, new people Describe your childhood years. and new adventures.” “My father is a businessman and my mother was a stay-home mum What is the best country you during the fundamental years of my have visited so far? life. I have one older brother who is 34 “Turkey. The food was glorious. I and one younger brother who is 27. love the smell of their spices. My older brother is into trading, while Their architecture was simply my younger brother is a freelance amazing, like the Blue Mosque graphic designer. and Hagia Sophia. I cannot “My parents always encouraged express enough about the beauty me and my two brothers to always of their handpainted Turkish play outdoors with our friends – plates.” swimming in the club, playing football, having picnics and visiting What is the philosophy of your orchards to collect fruits. We often life? have family gatherings over the “We go through so many things in weekend.” life and that itself is an experience. Good or bad, How do you keep yourself fit? everything we see and learn is “I am a true foodie. Skipping meals is what shapes us. You need to do a major ‘no’ in my book. I have tried a the things that make you happy, few of those diets, and none of them provide a helping hand to our worked. Exercise is my main priority. community with the aim to I turned my house into my own gym. make a difference. Leave your I enjoy going for a run and a breezy past behind, focus on the walk in the park.” present, and live for the future.” Anti-racism ad sparks outcry in Japan A NIKE advert prowess. more products from you.” director Barbara Guinet said in highlighting It had been liked more than Another Japanese user wrote: the statement. racism and 50,000 times on Nike Japan’s “Isn’t sport about having fun? Is it Several biracial Japanese bullying in Japan YouTube channel by Dec 2, but fun to use it to take out your athletes, including Osaka and has caused a stir on also disliked by over 30,000 frustrations?” NBA basketball player Rui social media, with some viewers – many of whom accused But others praised the advert. Hachimura, have risen to users even calling for a the sportswear firm of anti- “This great ad has really prominence in Japan in recent boycott of the company. Japanese sentiment. touched my heart,” wrote one. “It’s years. Nike, which sponsors One scene shows a girl wearing just like Nike. I want people to Osaka, who has been an biracial Japanese tennis star traditional Korean clothes being believe in themselves as they are outspoken advocate for racial Naomi Osaka (left), stared at by passing businessmen, and look to the future.” justice, wore masks bearing the released the two-minute while another shows a group of Nike Japan did not names of black victims of police commercial earlier this girls surrounding a classmate immediately respond to a request brutality in the United States on month, and racked up whose father is black and for comment. A statement her way to victory in the US Open more than 14 million touching her hair. released with the video said it was earlier this year. views on Twitter within Osaka, who was born in Japan based on testimonies of young But she has also had to deal its first 48 hours. to a Japanese mother and a father athletes who have struggled to with racial insensitivity in Japan, The Japanese- from Haiti, makes a cameo accept their natural identities, whom she hopes to represent at language clip, titled appearance as a biracial girl and focused on three teenage girls next year’s Tokyo Olympics. “Keep Moving: Yourself, watches her on a smartphone. who faced discrimination and An ad campaign by one of her the Future”, shows three The video sparked online bullying. sponsors once depicted her as teenage girls of mixed or debate, with some calling for a “Nike for a long time has light-skinned in a cartoon, while a non-Japanese heritage boycott. listened to minorities, supported TV comedy duo suggested she being bullied at school “Goodbye Nike,” one Twitter them and voiced our views about “needs some bleach” because she before finding confidence user wrote in Japanese. “Our causes that meet Nike’s values,” is “too sunburned”. – AFP- through their football household won’t be buying any Nike Japan’s senior marketing Relaxnews theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | DECEMBER 16, 2020 21 * SPORTS

302 Jobs ‘Bring it on’ Australia plot India’s downfall OP-RANKED Australia are plotting revenge in their first day- 322 Notices night Test against fellow powerhouse India tomorrow, as both teams grapple with injuries and selection dilemmas. Virat Kohli’s men clinched their maiden series in Australia in 2018- T19, triumphing 2-1, but the hosts were without leading batsmen Steve Smith and David Warner who were serving year-long bans for ball- tampering. Smith, the world’s No. 1 batsman, is back and in form, although in a massive blow Warner has been ruled out of the opening Test with a groin injury. “It’s a great rivalry… bring it on,” Australia coach Justin Langer said yesterday ahead of day one at Adelaide Oval, where more than 20,000 fans – 50 capacity, due to coronavirus restrictions – are expected. “We have a very senior team now and can’t wait to get the show on the road.” 322 Notices Despite losing the last series, Australia head into the four-Test showdown, where DALAM PERKARA AKTA the Border-Gavaskar trophy and ICC World SYARIKAT 2016 Test Championship points are at stake, with DAN an apparent advantage before a ball is DALAM PERKARA SEHATI PERTIWI SDN. bowled. BHD. [200401014505 They are the world’s most successful (653008-H)] team in day-night Tests, having played (Dalam Penggulungan Syarikat Secara Sukarela seven and won the lot, including four in Oleh Ahli) Adelaide. In contrast India, who were long NOTIS RESOLUSI reluctant to embrace the concept, remain NOTIS DENGAN INI DIBERI novices, playing just one day-night Test in bahawa dalam Mesyuarat Kolkata last year. Pemegang-pemegang Saham syarikat SEHATI They thrashed Bangladesh in just over PERTIWI SDN. BHD. yang two days, limiting their exposure to twilight telah diadakan di No. 9, Jalan conditions where visibility can be an issue Indah 16, Taman Cheras and the ball tends to swing as the sun sinks. Indah, 56100 Kuala Lumpur, W. P. Kuala Lumpur pada 15 India did enjoy a day-night warm-up in Disember 2020, Resolusi Sydney at the weekend, where Shubman Khas seperti berikut telah Gill (65), Mayank Agarwal (61), Rishabh diluluskan: - Pant (103 not out) and Hanuma Vihari (104 PENGGULUNGAN SYARIKAT not out) all capitalised. SECARA SUKARELA OLEH India’s two best batsmen, Kohli and AHLI Cheteshwar Pujara, sat out the match but “BAHAWA Syarikat ini Vihari insisted their lack of pink-ball cricket digulungkan secara sukarela would not hinder them. menurut Seksyen 439(1) Akta Syarikat 2016 dan En. YAP “We’ve played a pink-ball Test before, so KAI WENG yang beralamat di they’re used to it… I’m sure being the No. 9, Jalan Indah 16, Taman professionals they are, they’ll be very well Cheras Indah, 56100 Kuala Lumpur, W.P. Kuala Lumpur equipped,“ he said, while admitting getting dilantik sebagai Pelikuidasi used to day-night cricket was “a challenge”. – untuk tujuan penggulungan AFP tersebut.”

Tarikh: 15 Disember 2020 ANG BEE SIAN Bowlers can Pengarah

IN THE MATTER OF IN THE MATTER OF THE IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 take 20 wickets: BEDFORD DEVELOPMENT LIMITED THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND A AND AND IN THE MATTER OF L IN THE MATTER OF IN THE MATTER OF SEHATI PERTIWI SDN. BHD. KIAH LIONG MARKETING FRANCIS S.K. TAN SDN. BHD. [200401014505 (653008-H)] SDN. BHD. (731616-K) (179166-D) Rahane (Members’ Voluntary Winding-Up) (Members’ Voluntary Winding-Up) (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING UP) L At an Extraordinary General Meeting At an Extraordinary General Meeting INDIA will miss experienced paceman Ishant of the members of Kiah Liong of the members of Francis S.K. Tan NOTICE OF CREDITORS Sharma when they take on Australia in the 7 2020 CHOO KWONG Marketing Sdn. Bhd. duly convened Sdn. Bhd. duly convened and held YEE of A-29-8 MENARA UOA BANGSAR, JALAN and held at 7-A Lorong Pulau Tikus, at 7-A Lorong Pulau Tikus, 10350 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the upcoming four-Test series but their bowling 10350 Penang on 11th December Penang on 11th December 2020, the creditors of SEHATI PERTIWI SDN. attack is more than capable of taking 20 BANGSAR UTAMA 1, BANGSAR, 59000 KUALA 2020, the following Special following Special Resolution was duly BHD. which is being voluntarily Resolution was duly passed:- passed:- wound up, are requested to, on or wickets against the hosts, vice captain Ajinkya LUMPUR L before the 15th day of January, 2021 1. THAT, the company will be 1. THAT, the company will be to send in their names and addresses Rahane said yesterday. liquidated by way of members’ liquidated by way of members’ with particulars of their debts and 7th December 2020 voluntary winding up. voluntary winding up. claims and of any security held by The 32-year-old Ishant, who has played 97 2. THAT, Mr Lau Kim Seong (I/C 2. THAT, Mr Lau Kim Seong (I/C them, and the names and addresses Test matches, was a vital cog in India’s 2-1 No.481123-07-5089) of KS Lau No. 481123-07-5089) of KS Lau of their solicitor (if any) to YAP KAI CHOO KWONG YEE & Co., Suite 12-A Gurney Tower & Co., Suite 12-A Gurney Tower WENG, the Liquidator at No. 9, Jalan victory against Australia in their previous trip Office, 18 Persiaran Gurney, Office, 18 Persiaran Gurney, Indah 16, Taman Cheras Indah, 56100 L Kuala Lumpur, W.P. Kuala Lumpur and Down Under in 2018 but has been ruled out 10250 Georgetown, Penang be 10250 Georgetown, Penang be if so required by the notice in writing to appointed as Liquidator to act for appointed as Liquidator to act for the said Liquidator, or by their solicitor of this series due to a side strain. the purpose of winding-up the the purpose of winding-up the or personally to come and prove their “We do really have a very strong attack,” company’s affairs and distributing company’s affairs and distributing debts or claims at such time and place CALL TO PLACE its assets. its assets. as shall be specified in such notice or Rahane told reporters ahead of tomorrow’s in default thereof they will be excluded Chuah Chuan Thye Dr. Francis Tan Seow Kee from the benefits of any distribution opening day-night Test in Adelaide. Director Director made. “Yes we will definitely miss Ishant, (he) CLASSIFIED ADS Penang Penang 16th December 2020 16th December 2020 Dated this: 15 December 2020 being a senior fast bowler. But guys who are YAP KAI WENG here… they all are really good, experienced KLANG VALLEY IN THE MATTER OF THE IN THE MATTER OF THE Liquidator COMPANIES ACT 2016 COMPANIES ACT 2016 and know how to bowl in these conditions. It PENANG | KEDAH AND AND is all about getting that momentum. IN THE MATTER OF IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 KIAH LIONG MARKETING FRANCIS S.K. TAN SDN. BHD. AND “I do believe that we have the attack to get PERAK | PERLIS | PAHANG | SDN. BHD. (731616-K) (179166-D) IN THE MATTER OF (Members’ Voluntary Winding-Up) (Members’ Voluntary Winding-Up) SEHATI PERTIWI SDN. BHD. 20 wickets,” he said, adding that they had yet KELANTAN [200401014505 (653008-H)] NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY to finalise their starting 11 for Adelaide. TERENGGANU the Creditors of the abovenamed the Creditors of the abovenamed WINDING UP) The pitches in Australia offer more pace Company, which is being voluntarily Company, which is being voluntarily MS. Shoba wound up, are required on or wound up, are required on or NOTICE OF RESOLUTION and bounce for bowlers and present a before 15th January 2021 to send before 15th January 2021 to send different challenge for Indian batsmen, who TEL: 03-7784 8888 in their names and addresses and in their names and addresses and NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT a the particulars of their debts and the particulars of their debts and General Meeting of the members of grow up playing on surfaces offering low SEHATI PERTIWI SDN. BHD. duly FAX: 03-7784 4424 claims and the names and addresses claims and the names and addresses convened and held at No. 9, Jalan bounce and more spin. of their solicitors (if any) to the of their solicitors (if any) to the Indah 16, Taman Cheras Indah, undersigned, the Liquidator of the undersigned, the Liquidator of the 56100 Kuala Lumpur, W.P. Kuala Rahane had no concerns about playing said Company, at Suite 12-A Gurney said Company, at Suite 12-A Gurney Lumpur on the 15 December 2020, MALACCA | N.SEMBILAN Tower Office, 18 Persiaran Gurney, Tower Office, 18 Persiaran Gurney, the following Special Resolution set out short-pitched bowling but said the batsmen 10250 Georgetown, Penang and, 10250 Georgetown, Penang and, below was duly passed:- would need to adapt to changing conditions MR. Rajah if so required by notice in writing if so required by notice in writing from the said liquidator, to come in from the said liquidator, to come in MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING UP during the twilight period in the day-night personally and be represented by personally and be represented by TEL: 012-628 2844 “THAT the Company be wound up test. the solicitors, to prove the said debts the solicitors, to prove the said debts voluntarily pursuant to Section 439(1) FAX: 06-764 2051 or claims at such time and place as or claims at such time and place as of the Companies Act, 2016 and that “Last time when we came here in 2018 the shall be specified in such notice or in shall be specified in such notice or in Mr. YAP KAI WENG of No. 9, Jalan Indah wickets were really challenging… but we default thereof they will be excluded default thereof they will be excluded 16, Taman Cheras Indah, 56100 Kuala from the benefit of any distribution from the benefit of any distribution Lumpur, W. P. Kuala Lumpur be and adjusted to those wickets really well,” he said. JOHOR BAHRU made before such debts or claims made before such debts or claims is hereby appointed as liquidator of are proved. are proved. the Company for the purpose of such “As a batting unit we can adapt to any MS. Anne Lim winding up.” LAU KIM SEONG LAU KIM SEONG situation, any condition. I am not too TEL: 013-770 6699 Liquidator Liquidator Dated this: 15 December 2020 concerned about short balls, it’s all about Penang Penang having a positive mindset as a batsman.” – FAX: 07-355 5549 16th December 2020 16th December 2020 ANG BEE SIAN Director Reuters 22 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | DECEMBER 16, 2020 SPORTS

ENNIS welcomed a first Daniil Medvedev and US Open men’s Grand Slam finalist Alexander Zverev SHORTS champion from outside the underlined their potential. “Big Three” since 2016 in Thiem’s first major win in his Great year for McLaren, TDominic Thiem during a 2020 fourth final was followed by Thiem time says Brown campaign with compelling Russian Medvedev’s victory in the storylines despite the Covid-19 Austrian breaks ‘Big Three’ hold on season-ending ATP Finals, which MCLAREN boss Zak Brown hailed his pandemic wiping out almost half was held for the final time in team for snatching third place in the the season, including Wimbledon. Grand Slams in virus-hit 2020 London before moving to Turn in constructors’ championship and The women’s tour also found Italy for the next five years. forecast that their 2021 drivers’ line-up new young champions in American coronavirus. hitting a line judge with a tennis On the women’s tour, Kenin, 22, will be the most exciting in Formula Sofia Kenin and Iga Swiatek of In August, the season resumed ball. won the WTA Player of the Year One. Poland, while world No. 1 Ash in Italy amid strict health measures Djokovic, however, recovered award after her Australian Open A jubilant Brown said McLaren had Barty’s season came to an abrupt and controlled “bubbles”, a strongly from his ignominious exit victory and runner-up finish at “a great year” after Lando Norris and his halt in February as she opted not to blueprint that allowed the US Open in New York to win the Rome Roland Garros to 19-year-old Ferrari-bound teammate Carlos Sainz travel out of Australia for the rest of and the rescheduled French Open Masters and also reached the Swiatek, who became the youngest finished fifth and sixth in the Abu the year because of the pandemic. to be held. French Open final, where he went French Open women’s winner for Dhabi Grand Prix. Organisers breathed a sigh of It was at the fanless Flushing down to arch-rival Nadal. He ended 28 years. That success enabled the former relief when fears of disruption to Meadows that Thiem ended the the year as the men’s No. 1 for the The year also marked the champions to secure an estimated the Australian Open from bushfire iron-grip of the triumvirate of Rafa sixth time. comeback of twice major winner extra €5.5m (RM26m) in prize money smoke receded just before the Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Nadal’s 13th crown at Roland Victoria Azarenka, who won her after climbing from fourth on a day year’s first Grand Slam but less than Federer on Grand Slams, the first Garros was his 20th major and tied first title since 2016 at the Western & when the team also announced a two months later they faced a much major won by a player outside the him for the most men’s titles with Southern Open when Naomi Osaka major investment – reported to be more complex problem. trio since Stan Wawrinka’s 2016 Federer, who played the Australian withdrew injured. around €200 million (RM960m) – from The professional tennis circuit triumph in New York. Open before two knee operations Two weeks later the pair met American consortium MSP Sports was forced into shutdown in early Thiem’s triumph was, however, ended his season. again in the US Open final but this Capital. March as countries went into aided by the absence of Nadal while While Djokovic and Nadal time it was the Japanese who “It was a good day,” beamed Brown, lockdown and closed their borders Djokovic lost his fourth-round showed they will continue to be emerged victorious, picking up her the team’s executive director. to contain the spread of the novel match by default after inadvertently leading contenders in 2021, Thiem, third Grand Slam trophy. – Reuters “Actually, it has been a great year after a difficult period in the public spotlight – a truly team effort by everyone.” Brown forecast that the arrival of Champ Kim in no hurry Daniel Ricciardo from Renault to race alongside Norris would give McLaren “the most exciting line-up in F1 next to leave Houston year” on and off track. “Lando has come off a great first US WOMEN’S Open champion Kim A Lim year and is now really coming of age likes the Champions Golf Club venue so much and Daniel is a seven-time winner.” she said she wants to put up a tent and stay a few more days. With two weeks quarantine … but still far from Mercedes awaiting her back in South Korea it is no surprise she is reluctant to leave Houston. MCLAREN are still years from closing Kim, making her US Women’s Open debut, the gap to Formula One champions rallied from a five-stroke deficit in the final Mercedes and runners-up Red Bull round to seal her first major title with a one- despite enjoying their best season shot victory, tying the record for the biggest since 2012, according to team principal comeback in the tournament’s history. Andreas Seidl. The 25-year-old’s victory continued her “We need to stay realistic. Despite country’s domination of the tournament in the good result we have this weekend recent years, with nine of the last 13 US and, despite the great outcome for us Women’s Opens being won by a South Korean in the championship side with P3, I golfer. think we know exactly where we are,” Kim said it took her some time to adjust to Seidl told reporters. the different conditions at the course. “There’s still a huge gap to the cars “Back home there’s no Bermuda grass, so it in front, especially the Mercedes. took some time for me to get used to it,” said “The team this year, under the Kim, who birdied her final three holes to sign leadership of (technical director) James for a final-round 67. Key, has produced a very competitive “But I love this golf course, love this car, a great step forward compared to environment. I even said earlier I want to last year,” said Seidl, who joined last actually put a tent up here and stay a few year. more days.” “Still, we know what the gap to the Kim was trailing leader Amy Olson by two Mercedes is. It is not something we will shots through 15 holes when she caught fire close from one year to the next year. on a cold morning. We still know that we have a lot of The outcome was a heartbreaking for deficits within the team in terms of Olson, who was mourning the passing of her organisation, in terms of infrastructure, father-in-law, who died unexpectedly on which we need to close first. Saturday. “It will take time. But I’m confident “Coming out this morning I had no idea that if we do the right things on the what to expect,” said Olson, who finished her team side, we can close these gaps in round of 72 with a birdie. some years.” “It just makes you realise how much bigger life is than golf. But I’m pleased with my finish Hamilton wants deal overall.” It was the third top 10 finish at a major for done by Xmas Olson, who is still searching for her first win on South Korea’s Kim A Lim poses for a LEWIS HAMILTON wants his the LPGA Tour. photo with the trophy after Formula One future resolved by World No. 1 Ko Jin-young of South Korea winning the 75th US Women’s Christmas. birdied two of her final three holes to finish Open Championship at Champions The seven-time world champion, tied for second alongside Olson. – Golf Club Cypress Creek Course in 35, is out of contract with Mercedes Reuters/AFP Houston, Texas yesterday. – AFPPIX at the end of this month. But after he finished third at the season-concluding round in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, Hamilton said All-Brit heavyweight rumble set for next year discussions over an extension to his current £40m-a-season (RM212m) ANTHONY JOSHUA’S promoter Speaking after the victory, Hearn “I had a good chat with him (Bob championship of the world. deal with the sport’s all-conquering Eddie Hearn has claimed the Briton confirmed he would attempt to make Arum) last night. It’s positive,” Hearn “A few small issues to iron out, but team will now begin. could face Tyson Fury in May 2021 secure a bout with Fury next, telling said. “I think we’re all in the same I think we can start look at drawing up “I plan to be here next year, and I after he held “positive” talks with Sky Sports: It’s the only fight to be position. We want to move forward contracts and try to get this moving. ought to be here next year,” said Fury’s American promoter Bob Arum. made in boxing. with the fight, quickly as well, which is “Here on both sides, every Hamilton. “As a team, we have more Joshua successfully defended his “It’s the biggest fight in British good news for fans. member of each team wants to do to do together – more to achieve WBA (Super), IBF, WBO and IBO boxing history. I promise you, he “Just trying to solve any remaining this fight. We all acknowledge this is both in and outside of the sport. heavyweight titles on Saturday with a wants it. He’s the best heavyweight in issues of the fight, of which there the biggest fight in boxing, this is the “I hope we can begin discussions ninth round KO victory over the world. Less talk, more action. Let’s aren’t many, to be honest with you, best fight for both guys. this week and then hopefully get it mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev. get it done.” and try and move forward collectively “This is for the undisputed tied up before Christmas.” The win means AJ is set for an all- Hearn has since offered an update to let the governing bodies know that heavyweight championship of the Hamilton’s boss Toto Wolff , the British undisputed heavyweight title on negotiations, telling Sky Sports we plan to stage this fight probably in world. Why are you in the sport, if you Mercedes team principal, said: “It is fight with Fury, who holds the WBC News there are just “a few small issues May, and we would like this to be for don’t want this fight?” – Express going to happen. There is no reason belt. to iron out”. the undisputed heavyweight Newspapers it is not going to happen.” theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | DECEMBER 16, 2020 23 * SPORTS

█ MARK CRITCHLEY

NOTHER day at Old Trafford, another game where Manchester United Devils’ home discomfort fail to score from open play. ADonny van de Beek’s late, face- Why Manchester United are goal-shy at Old Trafford saving striker in the 3-1 defeat to Crystal Palace back in September seven goals from open play. So why have just three of their 19 respect for us than we’ve had before.” football, but they have long- remains the only Premier League goal It’s not as if United have simply top-flight goals come at Old Trafford? All three of those examples check established issues with breaking that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have stopped scoring altogether, either. Solskjaer had a convincing theory: out. down mid-table and bottom-half scored at home outside of Bruno “If you compare our goal tally from that it is not only down to the quality Whereas Paris Saint-Germain and opponents. Fernandes penalties. last season to now, we’re way ahead of opposition they have faced, but RB Leipzig came to Old Trafford and Solskjaer’s top-six rivals appear to It is a run that takes in more than in the amount of games that we’ve also the conservative approach that played their own game, United’s know how to go to Old Trafford, limit seven-and-a-half hours of football, played in scoring goals,” Solskjaer those opponents have taken. domestic opponents of a similar his chances to hurt them on the break including the visits from Tottenham, pointed out in his post-match press “I think bigger teams have set their calibre have adapted theirs. and come away with at least a point. Chelsea, Arsenal, West Bromwich conference. He was right. stall out to defend against us and Solskjaer’s analysis – that “good The lack of goals from open play at Albion and the worst Manchester United have scored 40 goals after they’re happy with a draw,” he teams come here and are happy with home is in part just a quirk of the derby in recent memory. 19 games in all competitions this claimed. a clean sheet” – is correct. And that’s a schedule and should be corrected The same struggles in front of goal season, compared to 27 at the same “If you look at Chelsea, they came problem for United. once more porous defences visit, but were not seen in Europe where, even stage last year. And they have 19 goals with a back five and defended. They Under his management, United the lesson from United’s struggles at though United suffered a chastening in the League after 11 games, six more were happy with a point. Arsenal were have generally impressed in big Old Trafford so far this season is that group stage elimination, they scored than they did after the same number happy with a point and got lucky with games which suit their preference for they are finding it more difficult to 10 times at Old Trafford including last season. a penalty. Manchester City had more counter-attacking, low-possession beat the very best. – The Independent Klopp hails ‘true No January exit for Pogba: Agent TOUCHLINES MANCHESTER UNITED midfielder Paul Pogba will not leave the club SOUTHAMPTON are keen to sign in January, reckons his agent Mino Raiola. Manchester United’s English leftback legend’ Houllier Super-agent Raiola claimed earlier this month that Pogba’s time Brandon Williams, 20, on loan in January. CURRENT Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp at United was “over” and that he had to leave the club. But he has paid tribute to former Reds boss Gerard now clarified those comments. WALES forward Gareth Bale, 31, is keen on Houllier, who died aged 73 on Monday, calling Speaking to Tuttosport in early December, Raiola said Pogba a swansong season at Real Madrid follow- the Frenchman a “true coaching legend”. was not happy at Old Trafford and needed a fresh start ing his loan spell at Tottenham Hotspur. Houllier won four major trophies, including elsewhere. an unprecedented treble in 2001, during a six- “I can say that it’s over for Paul Pogba at Manchester ARSENAL are ready to listen to offers for year spell as manager of the Premier League United,” Raiola said. Switzerland midfielder Granit Xhaka, 28, giants. “Paul is unhappy at Man Utd. He isn’t performing as he’d after he was sent off for grabbing “He is a true Liverpool legend and he is a like and as we expect. He has to move, he has to change Burnley’s Ashley Westwood by the throat true coaching legend,” Klopp, who has won the scenery.” during Sunday’s defeat. Champions League and Premier League titles However, he now says he expects Pogba to move at the with Liverpool, told the club’s website. end of the season, not in January. WEST HAM UNITED can sign Lyon’s “He was really influential in the game. A “I should have said summer,” Raiola said. “It’s hard for great Brazilian centrehalf Marcelo, 33, for free great coach, but a human being who gave you players to move in January. We’ll see what happens in the next summer. a really warm feeling when you were around summer. The world has changed a lot. him. For all of us it is a big loss and a really sad “Pogba will have a great future. In England they’re very INTER MILAN’S Denmark midfielder day.” sensitive when you speak about Pogba. Christian Eriksen, 28, is ready to turn Houllier helped Liverpool become a “I expressed what I think, my opinion. Nothing down a Premier League return and hold consistent force in English football again after a sensational. I think that’s clear.” out for a move to Paris St-Germain. barren spell in the late 1990s. United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Last season’s Premier League triumph under backed his midfielder after the MANCHESTER UNITED’S plans to sign Klopp ended a 30-year wait for a top-flight Manchester derby and says he Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman League title, while Liverpool’s only other major is fully focused on playing have been dealt a blow by the German honours in the 90s were the 1992 FA Cup and for the club. club’s chief executive Karl-Heinz 1995 League Cup. “I said during the week Rummenigge saying the 24-year-old Houllier lifted both those trophies, as well as that this is a team game Frenchman is not for sale. the UEFA Cup, during his third season in charge, and Paul is part of this before his side also beat Manchester United to team,” Solskjaer said. ARSENAL playmaker Mesut Ozil, 32, has win the 2003 League Cup. “He’s just focused on not agreed a deal with Turkish side “I met him before I came to Liverpool and I performing when he gets Fenerbahce and is still open to a move to knew him a little bit then,” said Klopp, who took a chance. That’s the good Major League Soccer in the United over at Anfield in 2015. thing about Paul. States. DC United, LA Galaxy and Inter “When I arrived here, one of the first Pogba spoke out about Miami all interested in the German. messages I received – and I didn’t even know he speculation over his future had my number – was from Gerard Houllier. on his Instagram page BAYERN MUNICH are still keen on signing “He was really supportive from the first day. over the weekend. Barcelona’s Netherlands midfielder Frenkie Between now and then, always messages came “I’ve always fought and de Jong. However, the Spanish giants are in after big games, big defeats, big wins and all will always fight for refusing to consider selling the 23-year-old, these kind of things. Manchester United, my despite needing to offload players to ease “In between, Gerard really texted and told teammates and the fans. their financial pressure. me, ‘That was right… that was wrong… I know Bla bla is not important. The the situation…’ and all this kind of stuff. future is far, today is what ARSENAL’S French defender William “He was a really, really, really nice and gentle matters and I am 1000% Saliba, 19, is keen for a loan spell else- person. I miss him now already.” involved!” – Express where in England rather than a return to Houllier, who also coached the French Newspapers France in January. national team, Paris Saint-Germain and Lyon, SIDENETTING was instrumental in the development of Liverpool’s former Melwood training centre. Injury could have been happen. But I’m here to sincerely apologise to and wishes nothing but success.” “Melwood at the time was a really modern worse: Neymar Neymar. Like all Brazil’s footballing public, I place and that was because admire his football and I hope it’s nothing Mour’s Chelsea car boot exit of him – he was a really BRAZILIAN star Neymar gave fans a reassuring serious.” modern coach, he played message yesterday after undergoing tests on JOSE MOURINHO was smuggled out of a specific way of the ankle he injured in Paris Saint-Germain's 1-0 Luiz pours cold water on Chelsea’s training ground in the boot of one of football,” added Klopp. Ligue 1 defeat to Lyon at the weekend. Neymar his assistant’s cars following his sacking in – AFP left the field on a stretcher in apparent agony on Arteta bust-up rumours December 2015. The Portuguese manager’s Sunday but on Instagram he said: “It could have REPRESENTATIVES of Arsenal defender David second spell at Stamford Bridge ended been worse.” PSG had earlier said “the clinical Luiz have hit back at claims the defender is no following nine defeats from their opening 16 opinion following a left ankle sprain sustained longer on speaking terms with manager Mikel Premier League games, leaving the defending last night, is reassuring”. “These tears, it’s the Arteta. Reports emerged of a bust-up between champions 16th and just one point above the pain, the fear, the worry, the surgeries, the the two following Arsenal’s latest Premier relegation places. The Athletic revealed that crutches and other bad memories,” Neymar League defeat at the hands of Burnley. Luiz, 33, Mourinho exited Chelsea’s Cobham training wrote on his Instagram story alongside a picture has not been included in the Arsenal squad for base following his dismissal on Dec 17 in the of him in tears clutching his ankle. It was a their two most recent Premier League matches boot of goalkeeping coach Silvino Louro’s SUV reference to previous injuries he has suffered – after suffering a head injury against Wolves. after the press and photographer gathered at notably twice breaking his foot – since joining According to football.london, the relationship the gates. A “decoy’ car was sent out with a the French champions in 2017. “It could have between the two men has “soured” with liaison officer sitting in the front seat with a been worse, but once again, God saved me from neither one speaking directly to the other hoodie pulled down to cover his face and with something serious,” added Neymar. “I’m going to currently. However, the player’s representatives an expensive watch visible to draw the Klopp recover and return as soon as possible.” Lyon’s have responded to the claims with the photographers and reporters assembled away Brazilian midfielder Thiago Mendes, who was following statement: “David Luiz strongly from the entrance. It allowed Mourinho to sent off for the foul that resulted in Neymar’s denies this story about him and Arteta and escape soon after by crouching down in the injury, apologized on Instagram. “Mistakes insists he has a good relationship with Arteta boot of Silvino’s car. QUOTE OF THE DAY He is a true Liverpool legend and he is a true coaching legend. He was really influ- ential in the game. A great coach, but a human being who gave you a really warm feeling when you were around him. For all of us it is a big loss and a really sad day.” Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp reflects on the passing of Gerard Houllier WEDNESDAY • DECEMBER 16, 2020 Gruelling season leaves Champions League wide open

█ MIGUEL DELANEY game’s greatest. The other ties don’t quite have the same IN NORMAL TIMES, when the Champions Champions League Round of 16 draw stakes, but do have many elements that nicely League draw is populated by some of the set the stage. most senior figures in European football, 1st leg: Feb 16 / 17, 23 / 24 Head-to-head 2nd leg: Mar 9 / 10, 16 / 17 Perhaps the most balanced fixture is there is usually a warning regularly uttered at Mönchengladbach GER W1-D2-L3 Manchester City ENG Atletico Madrid vs Chelsea, that involves a the event. Did not play Last season Quarter-final clash of philosophies on a few levels, as well That is, as enticing as the last-16 line-up Final 1977 Best finish Semi-final 2016 as the return of Diego Costa. can seem, it is impossible to put too much RB Leipzig against Liverpool meanwhile stake in it because so much can change in the Lazio ITA Bayern Munich GER might be the liveliest clash, with a lot of two months until the actual games. That is Did not play First meeting Winner frenetic running into open spaces. Much will never going to be truer than this season. Quarter-final 2000 6-time winner also be made of Jurgen Klopp again facing We already have a situation where none of another philosophical successor in Julian last season’s champions are leading the tables Atletico Madrid ESP Chelsea ENG Nagelsmann. in the five major domestic leagues – the first Quarter-final W2-D3-L2 Last 16 Atalanta meanwhile have a real chance to time that has happened after this many games Final 1974, 2014, 2016 Winner 2012 upend Real Madrid, while Borussia since 2003-04, and before that, 1996-97. Monchengladbach should fancy their chances As with so much in football right now, this Leipzig GER Liverpool ENG of at least putting it up to Manchester City. is going to be an especially unpredictable Semi-final First meeting Last 16 Pep Guardiola’s team don’t currently look Champions League knockout stage. The usual Semi-final 2020 6-time winner like any closer to ending his long drought in rules just don’t apply. Porto POR Juventus ITA this competition. He actually looks further It is right now a hugely enticing away than ever. Champions League draw, of course. There are Did not play W0-D1-L4 Last 16 Much of that, however, is based on the a series of genuinely engaging ties, and one Winner 1987, 2004 Winner 1985, 1996 most current form. blockbuster. Barcelona ESP Paris St-Germain FRA By the time these games come around, all That blockbuster – Barcelona vs Paris Quarter-final W5-D3-L3 Final of these clubs will have played almost six Saint-Germain – is usually a pairing so 5-time winner Final 2020 months of the most gruelling season ever frequently picked out that it can be tedious, seen in the modern game. It won’t be so much but the specific context of this season makes Sevilla ESP Dortmund GER survival of the fittest, as perseverance of the it so compelling all over again. Did not play W1-D1-L0 Last 16 least injured. The Catalans face their greatest crisis in a Quarter-final 1958, 2018 Winner 1997 The unique nature of this Covid- generation, with so much uncertainty constricted season indicate that this season’s surrounding the greatest player in Atalanta ITA Real Madrid ESP Champions League campaign could favour generations in Lionel Messi. Quarter-final First meeting Last 16 those struggling in their title race. The usual Paris Saint-Germain, up against the club Quarter-final 2020 13-time winner rules may not apply. who they have previously had such a complex Bayern Munich and Liverpool may well be about, have the opportunity to reduce Barca QUARTER-FINALS SEMI-FINALS CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL exhausted, or too stretched by domestic to the same kind of trauma they had in 2017. Apr 6 / 7, 13 / 14 Apr 27 / 28, May 4 / 5 May 29, Istanbul, Turkey challenges. It may actually end up making Neymar and Kylian Mbappe can many of the ties even more enticing. – The meanwhile really announce themselves as the Sources: UEFA, Gracenote © GRAPHIC NEWS Independent

in the old sense – externally and internally, we need that. “Since we arrived here we have been changing, changing, changing, now is time to be stable and together at the same time.” Results may be heading in the wrong direction on the pitch, but Edu has seen enough off of it to be convinced Arteta is the right manager to lead the club Gun change? forward. “The way I see things is very simple,” he added. String of poor results has sparked talk of Arteta’s future “It’s normal and easy to be driven by the results. But for me, the main P TO NOW, there hasn’t been a single months under Arteta. point is when I see something in indication that Arsenal are having That raises questions about discipline, and which I can see the future, see any doubts about Mikel Arteta. The bigger questions about the response the where we go, the way we’re thinking has been to persist with him, Spaniard is getting. building things, I’m sure we’re Ucome what may. There’s then the football itself – and those going to be fine in the future. Part of that is because they have invested so dismal scoring stats. It’s just two goals in eight “Since I arrived here I much in his appointment, emotionally as much games, the worst run since 1986-87 under knew it would be a as financially. George Graham, when they scored a challenge. If you see how Arteta has been given authority to make mere two in 10 over a miserable many changes we had in huge decisions, such as that with Mesut Ozil, January to April. these years… I really and enjoyed an effective promotion in the But Arsenal technical director understand when you summer. Edu is fully behind Arteta and have a massive man here It is a sign of how bad things are that it would insists the future is bright even if it like Arsene Wenger and be hugely questionable if the club aren’t at least doesn’t appear that way right now. then we change to a new considering what next. “I can see a big, big, big and coach who started quite This isn’t to say Arteta should be sacked, but beautiful future, the Brazilian said well, and then we Arsenal have now descended into the kind of to the Mirror. changed Unai Emery. crisis where they require more than classic “It’s very strange to say that in this “Then Mikel came, “clear the air” talks. moment, but I have to be fair – that’s so Mikel started. I knew Results are giving way to typical player the way I see the photo. And I always it would be a challenge, disgruntlement, and open questions of some believed, and knew, it’d be a big it’s not easy. decisions and man-management. They badly challenge. “But again the way need to arrest this. “We have to be patient. I know asking for we’re driving, the way Arteta was appointed in part because of patience for Arsenal is very strange because we’re going, is making me principles that adhere to the traditions of the everyone has said that for long, long periods. believe a lot in the future.” club, but the only throwbacks of late have been “But I’m here today to give to you guys the Arsenal welcome in unwanted records. word that everything is fine internally but the Southampton to the Emirates The 1-0 defeat to Burnley made it only the results aren’t coming, but I think we’re going to tomorrow (2am Malaysian third time in history that Arsenal have lost four change it very soon. time) but there will be no fans in consecutive home games, and the first since “I think the club needs stability right now, attendance after London was December 1959. we have faced so many changes. It is not about moved into Tier 3 of coronavirus Granit Xhaka red card against the Clarets Edu, Mikel, it is about stability. restrictions. – The Independent/ was Arsenal’s sixth red card in a mere 12 “Now is the time to try and be a stable club Mikel Arteta Express Newspapers

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