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FREE for collection from our office and selected outlets, on 1st & 16th of the month. issue PP 14252/10/2008(007226) August 1 - 16, 2008 30 sen for delivery to your house by news vendors within Perak. 55 RM 1 prepaid postage for mailing within Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei. SHODDY TREATMENT OF PERAK’S PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALLERS Smiles belie true feelings. Clenched fists don’t!

They need their money. They deserve their money. It’s a disgrace they haven’t been paid. Read Fathol Zaman Bukhari’s full report -- page 2 Photos by Rosli Mansor Also Perak coach Steve Darby on FAM ideas - page 12  IPOH ECHO August 1 - 16, 2008 Your Community Newspaper PERAK STATE FOOTBALL TEAM IN DIRE STRAITS A desperate situation needs desperate measures – fast! By Fathol Zaman Bukhari

Not so long ago the fans of the blame for the current were upset because financial crisis facng the Perak’s state footballers Perak team. It has failed hit a losing streak. dismally to keep its side of It was a tough period the bargain – the continuing but the lads came through it provision of promised in great style. They started grants. winning - and winning “FAP has yet to receive most convincingly. its dues,” emphasised the What faces them Perak coach. today, though, is a development infinitely TIGHTEST OF more serious than a lack of ALL BUDGET goals. CONSTRAINTS It’s a lack of finance. The team’s broke! When it comes to Footballers, coach budget constraints there’s and staff are all receiving not a football side in their fees paid in pathetic, Malaysia that can match the erratic dribs and drabs - financial measures put in and months late. place by Steve and his staff. What our lads are Reality is that the currently being asked to Perak team is struggling bear is an utter disgrace along with the smallest and stands as an appalling of any of the equivalent indictment of responsible budget operations across authorities and, of We’re empty handed! Got no money! Steve Darby and his crew ( L to R) ham it up for the camera and the nation. course, politicians of try to make light of the otherwise critical situation in which they find themselves. “We are operating at various persuasions who, about 50 per cent of the up to now, have been the stadium facilities. interview with the Ipoh professional in 1989, the state government. other teams in the league. conveniently looking in Far more critical, Echo. football was a sport with Gate receipts make up the Our budget is even smaller other directions. though, is the matter of “The lower-paid a massive following. balance. than some of the teams The Perak team is funds. players got their April pay The likes of Mokthar However, since in the President‘s Cup,” – to put it bluntly – in the “The last full pay we two weeks ago. The rest, Dahari (Super Mokh), Pakatan Rakyat took over Steve revealed. Despite midst of a huge financial received was for the month including me, got nothing,” Subramaniam, Chin Aun, the government following these restrictions, the Perak crisis. None of it is of their of March,” he added, dejectedly. Dollah Bakar and Ghani the March 8 General team has managed to make making and, sadly, there said Steve Mihat before them, were Election, all financial considerable headway in appears to be no relief on during an IN SUPER LEAGUE household names and kids support from the state has both the local league and in the horizon. TOP FIVE throughout the country dried up. “I have written Asia. Comprising one aspired to follow in their a formal letter to the MB Prudent spending by coach, two assistant coach- What makes the footsteps. dated July 2 but as of the association has man- es and 16 players, the team situation even more However, when the today, I have yet to receive aged to reduce its operating is down to its last cents. deplorable is the fact game became tainted Coach cum manager, the that the Perak team is with corruption through formidable Englishman currently running high scandals involving bookies Steve Darby, has been in the national league and and the underworld, its desperately struggling is placed among the overall popularity took a to overcome the top five teams in beating. financial and - as the Malaysian sociated woes Super League. EASY TV ACCESS c o n f r o n t i n g Last season his men. Try they were Today, with the advent as he might, the league’s of satellite television, though, he runners-up football fans have easy has had and Malaysia access to the big-time p r e c i o u s Cup finalists. games overseas. A click of little suc- The team a remote control sits them cess thus has also qual- immediately in a box- far. ified for the seat at the latest English A f t e r quarter-finals Premier League match, or the indig- of the prestig- at alternative events in the nity of being ious Asian Cup Spanish or Italian leagues. The strain shows. Steve and assistant coach, caught in forced to hold C h a m p i o n s h i p Still, none of this mitigates an unguarded moment. his team’s practice 2008 in September, the woes faced by Steve sessions on the Ipoh the first Malaysian Darby and his players who a reply,” Steve lamented. costs by almost RM1 mil- Padang, Steve man- club side ever to don Perak colours for the Rescheduling of lion. The take-home pay of aged to get a partial achieve such a dis- sake of the game and the matches by FAM from players has been trimmed. reprieve from City tinction. “And all honour of the state. Neither weekends to weekdays The team’s size has been Hall. Training work, these, mind you, does it exonerate, in any have unfortunately had a lowered from 30 to a pre- for the moment, can with the minimum measure, those directly serious impact on gate carious 16 members.They return to the stadium. of funding and sup- responsible for the team’s collections. fly to playing venues via But how long this re- port from those con- financial status. “Poor turnout at the cheaper Air Asia routes prieve will last is any- cerned,” said Steve According to Steve, matches is a bane. Who and refrain from staying one’s guess. emphatically. revenue for the team would want to see matches overnight in their away Probably not The Perak side normally accrues directly on weekdays when they matches. What is more, very long, as the is managed by the from three specific sources. have to work the following there are no match bonuses authorities maintain Football Association Besides a generous day?” questioned Steve. for players like before. large sums are of Perak (FAP). subsidy from the Football Poor gate receipts As if to rub salt into still owing for the A deeply concerned coach, Steve Darby, is Before the Association of Malaysia mean less money for the gaping wound, unpaid bills, team’s past use of privately struggling to find a way through the M a l a y s i a n (FAM), a monthly stipend team. FAM, too, must also financial crisis enveloping his team. league turned should also come from bare a substantial portion continued on page 11 Your Community Newspaper IPOH ECHO August 1 - 16, 2008 

www.ipohecho.com IPOH echo From the Editor’s Desk By Fathol Zaman Bukhari Your Community Newspaper SWEARING-IN THE COUNCILLORS An occasion like no other before After more than four Local Government and months, the long wait is Transportation, some finally over. The appoint- 2,900 applications came ment of mayor, presidents from throughout the state and councillors for the 15 for councillor positions. local councils in Perak Of this, 250 were became formalised on short listed and inter- Friday, July 18, at Ipoh’s viewed. Eventually only Banquet Hall, State 93 were picked to fill the Secretariat Building. 30 per cent slot reserved The swearing-in of for NGOs and profession- 338 new councillors was als. Those picked came done collectively in front from varied backgrounds of the Mentri Besar, Dato’ and professions, said Nga. Seri Mohammad Nizar bin They included doctors, Jamaluddin. As such it was lawyers, engineers, archi- the first occasion of its kind tects and even a retired ever held in the state. senior naval officer. The re- maining 245 candidates are OATHS OF OFFICE political appointees from Pakatan Rakyat, including Previously, only may- five from the Opposition ors and council presidents Barisan Nasional. were sworn-in by the MB. The distribution seems Councillors took their fair and it has fulfilled PR’s oaths of office in the pres- pre-election promise of re- ence of their respective turning power back to the council heads. The latest people. All sworn-in and ready to roll . . . well, almost . . . and then there were the vacant seats ceremony was a departure from the norm and under- PAST CORRUPTION feel that those running the The greater proportion of tional upon your perform- empty seats in the front row taken for +good reason. AND INEFFICIENCY councils are corrupted and this missing total has been ance,” he warned. and their absence was only Nizar must have fore- inefficient,” he said. identified as comprising The duration of office too obvious. seen the advantage of hav- Nizar in his keynote The MB argued that unpayed bi-annual assess- for councillors in Perak is Nga pleaded ignorance ing the new councillors address lambasted the pre- this was probably the rea- ment rates. one year - December to when asked for an explana- under one roof so he could vious administration for son why ratepayers were December. So the current tion of the vacant seats. “I address and advise them allowing the current state reluctant to pay up their NO BLAME crop of councillors will am not their guardian an- all at one time. of affairs to exist in the 15 dues. A sum of RM30 mil- only serve until December gel,” he replied. According to Nga local councils. “The rakyat lion is currently owed by “I don’t blame them 2008. Any extension there- Apparently, no invita- Kor Ming, the Executive has a very poor impression ratepayers to local coun- for not paying,” he added. after is contingent upon tion was sent to the BN rep- Councillor for Education, of local councils. They cils throughout the state. “How are they to pay their performance. resentatives and this was when services are below The hour-long cer- confirmed by Hamidah par.” emony was not without Osman, the assemblywom- He implored the ap- surprises. Missing from an for Sungei Rapat.. pointees to take their jobs the crowd of VIPs was An event of such sig- seriously and return the Dato’ Seri Tajol Rosli, nificance must be opened to shine to local councils. former MB and Opposition all regardless of one’s po- “Whether you continue in Leader. Missing too were litical affiliation. After all, your appointment when the other BN state assem- local councils are not the your term expires is condi- blymen. There were 18 preserves of the elite.

Ipoh’s new mayor, Roshidi Hashim (right) receives his letter of appointment from the Menteri Besar. House For Sale

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THINKING ALOUD By G. Sivapragasam PUBLISHER EDITORIAL AFTER SUCH A GRACIOUS START Ipoh Echo Sdn Bhd IMMINENT RECESSION? (Regd No 687483 T) Ever since the petrol and diesel price hike of June, 2008, No 1 Jalan Lasam prices of essentials have skyrocketed. 30450 Ipoh Perak Darul Low-grade rice, favoured by the working class, sells Ridzuan at RM26 per ten-kilo pack. Teh and kopi tarik cost RM1 a Tel: (605) 249 5936 cup while roti canai, capati and tosai are similarly priced. Fax: (605) 255 2181 Before June it was possible to enjoy a light lunch for EMail: ipohecho.ndr@ gmail.com under RM4. This is not possible now. Today, mee and kuey teow goreng cost between RM3 EDITORIAL to RM3.50. A plate of nasi campor with either fish or chicken and vegetables at Vanggey Restaurant, Jalan Yang Fathol Zaman Bukhari Kalsom, costs RM4.20 (previously RM2.80). And if you Nisha Devina Roy were to add a glass of iced lemon tea, the bill comes to RM5.70. Set lunches at eateries, bistros and social clubs Then came the predictable . . . GRAPHIC DESIGN/ used to be RM9.90. Today they cost RM12. PHOTOGRAPHY insults, accusations, threats, racial slurs With America’s economy in the doldrums, due to the Rosli Mansor Hj. Ahmad combined effect of the sub-prime mortgage mess and the Sultan Azlan Shah, in his Assemblywoman Hamidah speaker. Razali spiralling price of petrol, reverberations of the mounting State Assembly opening Osman asked the Speaker It was also the first international economic crisis must soon be felt on this address, called for a har- MARKETING & her foolish question it was time that the proceedings side of the globe. monious sitting. not so much out of malice were telecast live and of DISTRIBUTION Recessions are generally associated with declines MANAGER He urged assembly- as an attempt to exhibit course for the first time in a country’s real gross domestic product (GDP), or a men from both Pakatan wit and impress her col- the Legislative Assembly Ramesh Kumar negative real economic growth. According to definition, a Rakyat and Barisan leagues. is controlled by the party recession occurs when real growth is negative for two or Nasional to present good Whatever her motiva- that sits in opposition in PERMISSION AND RE- more successive quarters of a year. ideas, defend the respect- tion, her remarks resound- Parliament. PRINTS Bank Negara has revised GDP for this quarter (July ability of the chamber ingly backfired. It would Hopefully, by the time to September) from 6 to 4.2 per cent. Inflation will Materials in Ipoh Echo may and behave with decorum have served the good lady of the next session, much not be reproduced reduce real growth significantly. Since the petrol price through words, actions and from Sungai Rapat well of the macho posturing will in any form without the hike, inflationary pressure has pushed prices of goods behaviour. to have paid particularly have died out and serious written permission of the and services upwards. The government has always He went on to remind close attention to the ad- heed will have been paid publisher been discreet when announcing inflationary rates. The members that the time for vice given by his Royal to the advice of his Royal Consumer Price Index (CPI), a barometer to gauge campaigning was past. It Highness at the beginning Highness. PRINTER inflation, is being manipulated to provide an exaggerated was, he said, now appropri- of the session. figure so as to allay perceived fears. Konway Industries Sdn ate for all to honour their There needs to be a LOOKING AHEAD Bhd The inflationary rate for this quarter has surpassed the pledges to the people. consciousness that, as lead- Plot 78, Lebuhraya Kam- seven per cent level. As such our real growth is already in They should work ers functioning in today’s Perak remains one of pong Jawa negative territory. And if these trends continue in the next together and manage the technological world, they the least progressive states, 11900 Bayan Baru, Pulau quarter (October to December) we are in trouble. government process with- create perceptions across a situation that requires Pinang out subscribing to partisan a much broader populace. urgent address. Progress Tel: (604) 644 7507 Letter to the Editor politics. Thoughtless behaviour not is not going to happen if only damages them per- the Pakatan government Useful contacts CHALLENGING THE CHOICE BUT THEN . . . sonally but, significantly focuses all its effort on the enough, the people they misdeeds of the previous Perak Main Police Staion Sir; We would like to protest the appointment of ‘out- Unfortunately, once represent as well. government. By the time 05-245 1222 siders’ as councillors to the Kampar Town Council. the assembly functions Perak’s legislature such an exercise was 999 (emergency) Even if we accept Nga Kor Ming’s (Ex-Co Chairman began in earnest, the sage is unique. A margin of 3 completed the assembly’s Ipoh Main Police Station for Local Govt) bias for ‘professionals’ as councillors, advice given by his Royal legislators separates the term would have expired 05-253 2222 which we do not and which we think is ill conceived, Highness was all but for- Pakatan Rakyat that forms and would have seen we cannot accept the fact that ‘outside professionals’ gotten. The air was pep- the current state govern- nothing done for the Ipoh General Hospital pered with sound and ment and the Barisan people. 05-253 3333 have been appointed whereas ‘Kampar professionals’ have been ignored. There are company secretaries, fury. There were shouting Nasional that used to gov- Both camps need to Ipoh Ambulance doctors, engineers, chartered accountants and lecturers in matches, insults, accusa- ern our state. There is no realise they have made 05-522 2506 Kampar some of whom have applied to serve their town tions, walkouts, threats, overwhelming dominant promises to improve the 993 (emergency) as councillors. Yet these people have been ignored in racial slurs and the predict- force as in previous as- standard of living of the Ipoh Fire Brigade preference for ‘outsiders’. able police reports. semblies. The experience poor, enhance the quality 05-547 4444 We would like to know the criteria for selecting Though inexcus- of the members of the old of life of all and provide 994 (emergency) local councillors - other than being a professional. What able, such behaviour was, government and slim ma- opportunities for the youth Tenaga Nasional Berhad make these ‘outside professionals’ superior to those from perhaps, understandable. jority of the new evens out to earn a living in this 15454 Kampar? Assembly machinations the opposing forces. state. had become a new experi- Promises need to be Lembaga Air Perak The invitation to the public to apply for councillor ence for both sides of the A FACT NOT LOST fulfilled. It requires bold 1800-88-7788 positions is no more than an eye-wash when the criteria is not made known. Surely ‘local knowledge and residency’ political divide. Members vision, innovative planning Directory Service and ‘loyalty to the town’ are very important criteria. Still, from both Pakatan Rakyat The power structure is and committed execution. 103 they have been ignored in as far as ‘Kampar professionals’ and Barisan Nasional were made even more complex To assist them in this Rakan Cop are concerned - unless the selectors think that Kampar coming to terms with the by the party in control be- mission are three factors 05-240 1999 people are not smart enough to manage their own affairs. reality of their new roles ing made up of three dis- that, if well exploited, can Perak Women for On the matter of competency we can only point to the and were attempting to tinct segments with differ- significantly improve the Women Society fact that Nga Kor Ming has made an absolute mess of the measure each other and ing philosophies. This is a prospects of success. 012-521 2480 whole exercise. And going by the letters in the papers it stamp their relative author- fact not lost on the opposi- Ironically, the very lack 012-505 0547 is not just in Kampar but in Ipoh and other towns as well. ity and power. tion and one which they at- of development in the past Can the PR Government please explain to the Kampar Still, they had forgot- tempted to exploit by call- has left the State’s natural people why we were deemed intelligent enough that they ten that the world is a far ing for the election of the resources and environment would assiduously court us during the elections; but after different place today than speaker by secret ballot. relatively intact. This www.ipohecho.com.myAdvertise in the elections we are not deemed intelligent enough to it was a decade ago. All Whether the overall situa- conveniently delivers IPOH manage our own town? that is said and done now tion delivers an opportuni- the first opportunity for echoYour Community Newspaper We know Nga Kor Ming is new in the job but it would is not only recorded and ty for progress or presents planning and executing a do him a lot of good if he read up on the Local Agenda 21 documented. It can be tele- a formula for failure is left sustainable development Classifieds (LA21) which stresses the importance of consulting and cast live to an immense au- to be seen. program. Appointments involving residents in local government matters. dience. More pertinently, But one thing is cer- Here the formula Kampar residents consider this a snub and an outright once it goes onto the net in- tain, transparency will in- for success encompasses insult that the PR Government has such disdain for our formation becomes perma- crease and abuse of power present day knowledge Call: ability to manage our own affairs. This is especially hard nent and sits in cyberspace will decrease. and technology without the Ramesh Kumar to stomach as the MB who is a Kampar boy has allowed available for recovery by The new conditions need to address the conse- this to happen. We suppose now that he resides in the MB anyone who has a mind have resulted in a few his- quences of past mistakes. Marketing Manager mansion in Ipoh, he does not regard himself a Kampar to. A remark once made torical firsts. Secondly, Perak for Tel : (605) 2495936 boy anymore. becomes a permanent im- For the first time a the first time has the op- print that no retraction or Malaysian of Indian origin portunity to chart a devel- Fax : (605) 2552181 Signed on behalf of “Angry Kampar Residents” apology can remove. was elected as the Speaker opment path independent Mobile : 016 5531092 Ridzuan Lee Bin Abdullah, It is more prob- of the Assembly and a Jalan Baung, Taman Juloong, Kampar able than not that when woman chosen as deputy continued on page 5 Your Community Newspaper IPOH ECHO August 1 - 16, 2008 

THUMBS UP . . . Gracious Start NEVER TOO OLD TO DREAM from page 4 of extraneous forces. . . . Better still, never too old to execute a plan This enables it to plan and execute a programme Mohamed Adnan Osman The tedious and back- that is in the best interest is 65 and Mazlan Rah- breaking journey that cuts of the State and its people. mad is 56. Osman was through wild and most rug- Thirdly, the Perak a teacher; Mazlan was ged terrains would end at populace is desperate for with the Army. Just as the “bird’s nest” stadium. progress and would be their families and friends There, after pedal- more than willing to join were getting used to the ling furiously for 9,000 forces with the authorities idea that the two were kilometres, Adnan and to improve the state. really going to “take it Mazlan, would meet the In addition there also easy”, the retirees made Malaysian contingent to exists a vast reservoir of their startling announce- whom they would extend Perakeans outside the state ment. They were taking a historic greeting and the who are experts in a vari- on a Herculean task – cy- best wishes of a nation. ety of fields and who are cling from Putra Jaya to St John Ambulance most willing to assist. Beijing, a distance of ap- Malaysia, also in conjunc- There is a real oppor- proximately 9,000 kilo- tion with its centennial cel- tunity for Perak to emerge metres! ebration, sponsored ambu- as a powerhouse of the Before setting out on lance escort for Adnan and modern age. their journey last May, Mazlan, until the border at What is needed is a Adnan and Mazlan agreed Bukit Kayu Hitam. vision of what we want Dr Harbaksh Singh ( extreme left), Perak St John Ambulance deputy commander, that the challenge would Perak St John the state to be by 2010, an about to flag off the adventurous retirees - Mohamed Adnan (in blue shorts) and take more than tenacity Ambulance secretary audit of its resources and a Mazlan, wearing the big darker sunglasses). and grit. Manin Singh calculated plan to use the resources to But they were unde- still achieve goals. time pedalling from the ing towards Vientiane that it would take the pair transform vision into real- terred. They said, sepa- So, they cycled off, northern half of Malaysia, in Laos, then Hanoi in approximately 75 to 80 ity. rately and jointly, that hopes pinned on fortitude crossing the Thai border Vietnam. days to cover the distance. Ultimately, the vision they were out to prove and determination to carry from Bukit Kayu Hitam Full of optimism, they Paying tribute to the must be shared with the one thing. They wanted to them through. in Perlis and proceeding to expect to reach Beijing, gritty cyclists, he added people, thereby motivat- set an example that would Adnan and Mazlan, Hatyai in Thailand. the host city of the 29th that it was worth emulating ing them to join the gov- convince others that, re- acknowledged that they The duo would then Olympic Games before the duo’s spirit. ernment in achieving the gardless of age, one could would have a gruelling proceed to Bangkok, head- Aug 8, the opening day. Peter Khiew ambition. CANCERLINK IPOH GIVES TEENAGE SURVIVORS A WELCOME BREAK 26 travellers return with stories of an “enthralling” day On a fine Saturday last June, 26 teenage survi- vors from Perak went on an excursion to Kuala Lumpur. The outing was organised by Cancerlink, Ipoh Branch. The group was accompanied by the organisation’s chairman, Dr Akhbar Ali and six volunteers. A chartered bus took the young travellers and their escorts to the Federal Volunteers and their young charges at the National Science Centre capital. Each teenager on a guided tour of the There, the guests had a was another matter. The received a ‘goodie bag’ centre and had lunch panoramic view of nation’s exercise was exciting to containing drinks, a hand served in the cafeteria. capital city. The young some and frightening to towel, water, a packet of The Petronas Twin Towers excursionists said it was many. Frightened or not, juice and some snacks. were their next stop. A both “breath-taking” and all the participants said The group’s first stop member of the staff took “fantastic”. The crossing they thoroughly enjoyed was the National Science them up the towers and of the connecting bridge the visit. Centre. They were taken onto the connecting bridge. from one tower to another Esme Subramaniam  IPOH ECHO August 1 - 16, 2008 Your Community Newspaper

By Quicksilver GENTLE LAST WORD FROM MY ALBUM In his last piece for the Ipoh Echo, an ailing Dato Seri Yang SPECIAL VICTORIAN Rashdi bin Maasom talks about his joy at having seen his ERA STAMPS friends around his sickbed. He also speaks of his gratitude Keen collectors, like my- for the honour of a Royal visit self, are forever ponder- ing and researching the I am now back home after I rattled off a few historical environments two weeks at the Pantai names. He then that produced the stamps Puteri Medical Centre, added a few more we feature most promi- Ipoh. I am not fully re- to see how I would nently in our albums. covered yet – it may take respond. As you will have another month or so for We ram- recognised by now, I am me to be my normal self bled on about other unabashedly “hooked” again. But I am such a matters like my on the stamps of Malaya restless person and have sporting days. I – particularly those of the to be at my computer and gladly told him that colonial era. try to write again. I too was a hockey Thus you will forgive I want to thank the player like him. any bias I might display. As far as I am concerned, dear friends from the Kelab Perhaps, wanting Queen Victoria Queen Victoria, Queen Bakti Gunung Keledang to test me, he asked in this column one of the who visited me in hos- what position I of the United Kingdom, Empress of India, and finest stamp sets from my pital. Tan Sri Azizuddin played. I said, read- album. came when I was in a very ily, ‘right wing’. I the longest ever reigning British monarch left a This particular set critical condition. I could even added, rather originates from 1888 when barely say a word and cheekily (I realise particularly special legacy, one that retains influence De La Rue & Co devised had to say sorry by sign this now) that I was a cost saving method of Raja Azlan Shah, the Sultan of to this very day. language from afar. Then quite a nippy play- printing stamps for the Perak. His hospital visit, according Alexandrina Victoria, the others … Dato’ Syed er. He asked, “apa numerous colonies. to the late Dato Sri Rashdi, was the only child of Prince Azman and Datin, Dato’ lagi cerita?” So I It employed the use of Ahmad Ismail, Dr Ameen, talked about my “the greatest gift of all” . Edward, Duke of Kent and Princes Victoria Mary a template – as we would the Club Secretary, Haris involvement in the say in today’s terminology. and his family, my great scouting movement. The smartly dressed in baju Louisa, of Saxe-Coburg- Saalfeld, was born on In those days, however, friend Mohamad Hamzah Sultan was a patrol leader kurong and samping, were they called it a KEY who, together with Razali, during his school days. on hand to provide me sup- May 24, 1819. Victoria’s grandfather was George PLATE. our artist, brought a very He enquired about port whenever I faltered. The Key Plate had valuable gift on behalf of my leisure time. I told him Ida and Ju attended to 111. The capital of Penang, Georgetown, was named blank spaces for those the Club – a robotic hospi- of the support I give my Tuanku Bainun who was sections of the stamps tal bed. (I heard it cost the daughter, Ju, who works very sweet and friend- after him. Her long reign, usually occupied by colony Club a bomb). But I feel to alleviate the problems of ly. Shima was awed by names and values. that I will not be bed-rid- single mothers in Kampong Tuanku’s charm and be- which began in 1837 den for long. Insya Allah Buaia. Ju, who was there came speechless. when she was merely (God’s willing). during the visit was very Ya-Ya, Ida’s teenage 18 years old, saw many The greatest gift of all articulate in her discourse daughter, was assigned to changes to society. Science was the surprise visit of our with the royal couple. take photos but lost her and technology were beloved Sultan, Raja Azlan I informed the Sultan composure. Let us say she encouraged and supported. Shah and Raja Perempuan, that my family had started got a bad attack of stage And don’t forget, the Tuanku Bainun. our own agro-project, fright – so there went my modern postal stamp as One quiet afternoon, planting lemon grass on treasure trove of pictures. we know it today had its Tuanku trotted in, affecting the land around my house. Raja Azlan told my origins during her reign. a cheerful tone, in jest, When I told him that it was kids never to leave their Even the British Empire asking, “Hey, what are only five acres, the Sultan father all by himself. They reached its grandest scale during her time on the you doing here?” The two exclaimed that it was big. nodded in agreement. Ida A Key Plate doctors present briefed the He asked again, “apa lagi walked them to the staff throne. Sultan. cerita?” I remembered the car which was parked un- Victoria married By using the Key Plate My chat with the Ipoh Echo. der the hospital porch be- Albert, son of the Duke with an overprint or duty royal couple lasted about I told him one of my low. of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha. plate with the designated 40 minutes. The Sultan articles was published What a day it was! Together they had nine country name and value, queried about my age in Ipoh Echo Issue 47. It Thank you, Tuanku! children many of whom any number of new stamps and compared it with our was a story about me and married into European could be produced at Tun Bendahara’s age. Of my brothers when we were Dato Seri Rashdi request- Royal Families. These effectively very low cost. course, Tun is about four kids growing up in the ed his daughter to forward foreign marriages linked Many of Britain’s colonial or five years my senior, kampung. Tuanku prodded the above article to the Britain to virtually every stamps were printed in this I am just turning 83. He me to carry on writing. Ipoh Echo. He died on July European monarchy. The fashion beginning with then asked me about my My four children, 3. See our tribute, IE Issue current Queen’s husband, those for the Seychelles in College contemporaries. Ida, Lahn, Ju and Shima 54. the Duke of Edinburgh is 1890. also a descendant of Queen The Straits Settlements Victoria. turn began in 1892 when BOOKS The author, Jerry Fran- was when the then Chief The Marriage pro- the following stamps were cis, was a reporter with Police Officer Perak, Tan duced four future sover- printed in this fashion: the New Straits Times Sri Koo Chong Kong, was eigns of England – Edward Press. He was based in assassinated in 1975. VII, George V, Edward September 1892 Ipoh and covered the The “assassination” VIII and George VI. I will 1cent green 2nd Emergency (1967 to sparked off a massive feature the stamps of these February 1895 1989). security operation into later periods in my coming 3cents carmine rose Francis reported “notorious areas” among columns. March 1892 events from 1973 until the them “Waller Court, Kg Queen Victoria died 25cents purple, brown and Peace Accord was signed Bercham and Pasir Pinji. Distribution of on 22 January, 1901 at green in December 1989. Osborne House on the Isle March 1892 flyers in ipoh areas Frankly, I was not OBLIVIOUS of Wight. She was 82. In 50cents olive-green and -3 sen (A4/A5) aware of the activities men- a small personal tribute to carmine tioned in the book. All I Activities went on in Distribution of this Grand Lady and Queen October 1898 recall is an outing with the my back yard in the 70s I would now like to feature $5 orange and carmine flyers outside Ipoh Malayan Nature Society to and 80s and I didn’t know! areas-6 sen (A4/A5) Dead Man’s Gully behind In 1976, for instance, We also provide The Turbulent Years Tambun Town and we had Police Field Force recruits - A Memoir to register our names be- on a training excursion printing of flyers at by Jerry Francis fore entering the hills. That stumbled upon a commu- affordable prices. was it. nist terrorist camp in the published by Alpha Call -Sam at : The closest I got to area of Kramat Pulai. The Sigma Sdn Bhd realising that the commu- 012-586 6112 240 pp nists were a threat to Ipoh continued on page 7 Your Community Newspaper IPOH ECHO August 1 - 16, 2008 

Ipoh Facts and Fancies By Ho Tak Ming THE WAY IT They Called Them Dulang Washers WAS . . . Thousands of Perak women were daily engaged in this gruelling work Perak Pioneer 100 YEARS AGO Back in the early 1890’s, ion of Government, this is Perak Pioneer, Established in 1894. as F. Douglas Osborne, a step in the right direction ‘The oldest and most widely circulated founder of the famous as it will enable hundreds newspaper in the F.M.S’ mining engineering firm of women and boys to earn of Osborne and Chap- an honest living. The lowly Sunday Labour pel, watched the Gopeng- dulang washers continue The interference of sundry busybodies at home in Kota Bharu road being to foster an independent the affairs of the Crown Colonies, is becoming more metalled he made a most operation and thus survive aggressively pronounced from day to day. The proposed significnt observation. under changing circum- amendment of the Sunday Labour Ordinance, has evoked After every heavy rain stances.” the sympathetic interposition of Mr. T. Summerbell, shower, scores of Malay Several hundred Can- Labour Member for Sunderland, who put the following women could be seen with tonese and Hakka women question to Colonel Seely, the Under Secretary of State their dulang (pans) collect- took advantage of the for the Colonies. – ing the concentrations of Government’s offer, and ‘If he is aware that the Sunday Labour Ordinance black sand from ditches at Long hours, back-breaking labour and little money. became independent min- 1892, in the Straits Settlements, giving to the officers and the foot of Gopeng Hill. ers earning enough to sup- crews on board ships a day of rest when in the ports under They then took the sand Rawa women of Sumatra. Chinese coolies and Malay plement the household’s the control of the Legislative Council, has proved highly away to dress for tin. An expert dulang washer women who were employed income, which was impor- satisfactory, whether it is now proposed to amend such It was an epiphany of could recover between ten in them are engaged in en- tant, as the main bread win- Ordinance by allowing full or part labour on Sunday, and epic importance. Gopeng and fifteen katis of ore a forced rest, while the big- ner, often a mining coolie, thus calling upon officers and crews to forego the complete Hill was obviously full of day. In the early days of ger mines, which have might be out of a job dur- day of rest on Sundays enjoyed hitherto; and if so, can tin, and if a heavy shower mining, when the price been able to ride through ing the slump. he state whether it is his intention to resist such change, of rain washed so much tin of tin was firm and wages the stress, are rapidly They organised them- especially in view of the hardship such change will entail ore down the slopes, then were low, the dulang wash- adopting modern methods selves into “dulang bri- on the officers and crews of ships trading there?” concentrated jets of water ers found employment in of mining. Not only the gades”, gathering at a cer- To the question the Under Secretry of State is reported might well do the job more the mines to recover the Europeans, but also the tain location in the morn- to have blandly replied that.– efficiently. ore that was still left in the Chinese towkays are im- ing, and cycling together The report of the Committee has only just been Thus it was that sluice and tailings. porting machinery.” to their respective desti- received, and the Secretary of State is not yet in a position Osborne introduced the hy- The firm of Osborne Before the slump, the nations, which might be to form an opinion on it, though it is evident that it raises draulic method of tin min- and Chappel, for instance, price of tin was so high a dozen miles away. They questions of considerable importance. ing in the country. It was employed hundreds of that people did not bother wore a distinctive attire to The most prominent feature in Colonel Seely’s the Malay dulang washers Malay women to wash the to adopt practical and eco- protect themselves from reply is the straightforward declaration of the complete of Gopeng who gave him earth brought down into a nomic methods of mining, the hot sun as they worked subordination of the Local Legislative Council to the the idea. long ditch by the monitors and went in for a system outdoors all the time. dictation of the Secretary of State for the Colonies. The at night. of alluvial mining of the Labour Member for Sunderland, if he had his way, would crudest description. LIKE A SUMMER perhaps like to invoke the cessation of all kinds of labour PAID BY THE DAY They just scraped the CHEAP SALE throughout the Empire. But he has confined his humane surface of the ground and, advocacy to the well-being of those employed on board It is highly skilled indifferent to the cost of In 1910, no less than ships calling at ports ‘under the control of the Legislative work in which Malay labour - because of the 6,559 women in Perak Council’of the Crown Colony of the Straits Settlements. women seem greatly to high price (of tin) - had the were engaged in washing But Mr Summersbell, in endeavouring to secure them the surpass Chinese. These work done by hand, em- for tin. The Senior Warden day of complete rest which, he imagines that they enjoy women probably turn out ploying hundreds of Malay of Mines, F.J.B. Dykes, at present, overlooked the fact that the existence of the more tin for their numbers women. likened the annual issuing Ordinance has far from secured the laudable object with than any other miners in To help the dulang of licences to the dulang which it was passed into law. the State. They are paid washers, the Government women to a summer cheap The practical outcome of its operation has been daily wages. issued passes to them for a sale, so immense was the that vessels are generally timed so as to arrive in a However, all this small fee: crowd (of applicants). port of the Colony and be enabled to get away before changed with the severe tin “We hear that He indulged in a glow- Sunday. When this cannot be arranged, goods consigned slump of 1907-08. Mines Government will shortly ing eulogy of these nonias, for Singapore or Penang are often landed at a foreign Still she manages were then forced to re- issue passes to women and the British Resident port and sent back, entailing considerable loss in the a smile for the camera. sort to more cost-effective and boys under a certain commented that they were operation. In these instances the officers and crew are methods of mining. age to work on tailings of the most industrious, most alike compelled to labour on Sundays either during the Mendulang or me- It was recorded at the abandoned mines with du- cheerful and most law ship’s voyage or in working cargo in another port. It has landa, the method of pan- time: langs, or lands alienated abiding citizens. He advo- been an unquestionable fact that many cargo vessels have ning tin in river beds with During the present for mining purposes, in cated their importation in consistently avoided the Straits and resorted to Dutch a wooden tray or dulang, slump, the small alluvial streams of lands belonging large numbers to provide Ports, where no such Puritanical restrictions prevail. The was a favourite employ- mines have ceased work- to Government, and close a tapping force for the rub- effect of the legislation of a paternal Government has been ment with Mandailing and ing, and thousands of to the mines. In the opin- ber plantations. to divert a part of the shipping business of the Colony to TURBULENT. . . Continued From Page 6 the ports of our Dutch competitors, without doing any A n t o l o g i appreciable good to anybody. instructor and three re- for the communists was Haiku 2006 The only persons who have in any sense benefited are cruits were killed. subsequently expanded to by Lelahiro, the European superintendents and clerks who might have I googled Kramat regroup all the estimated TabirAlam & been otherwise engaged during loading and unloading Pulai. Just as I suspected. 20,000 orang asli through- Dipinggiran operations. But we venture to hazard the opinion that if Its location was within out the state of Perak and 154 pp the ordinances were amended so as to entitle them to a the Ampang and Simpang was successfully complet- The haiku substantial overtime allowance for Sunday work, many of Pulai, Main Range area. ed in later years. is a unique them would welcome the innovation, the more especially My playground where I The book’s reference form of poetry that fol- if it is confined to hours which would not clash with used to ride my scrambler to joint Thai-Malaysia lows a rigid formula of attendance at church. As it is, even with the complete day in those days! exercises is another eye “silent-introspective, then of rest, the cricket and football fields draw more votaries opener on how joint co- action-realisation” move- than the churches do on the Sabbath Day. Dawn scene at the airstrip ment. This literary adven- MORE LESSONS in Pengkalan Hulu. operation can quickly and Even under the existing ordinance, the mail steamers Soldiers wait for orders to effectively eliminate a ture by three Malaysians are exempt from its operation, and there is no reason why I didn’t know either cross into Betong common threat. is in three languages - Ma- other vessels should not be likewise exempted during a that the area stretching I was glad to learn I asked Jerry if he tru- lay, English and Japanese. portion of the day. Nobody engaged on board a vessel can from Sungai Siput,Tanah about the 12 forts in the ly enjoyed covering all his The Japanese haiku is a expect complete rest under any circumstances on any day, Hitam and all the way jungle, bordering Perak (6), assignments at the time. demanding discipline that unless in the enjoyment of shore leave. An arrangement south till Sungai Siput and Kelantan (3) and Pahang “Yes”, he replied, “every requires sharp perceptions. might easily be made between owners and the European Kampar was classified as a (3) that were established minute of it.” Looking The trio has produced a officers of a ship for the payment to the latter of an extra ‘Black Area”. The vicinity by the British as a regroup- back at all those hair-rais- reasonable output, espe- allowance for working cargo, on Sundays while in a of Sungai Siput / Lasah was ing area for the orang asli ing situations, however, cially Lelahiro who ap- Colonial port. It is to be hoped in the interests of the trade where the 1st Emergency to sever the support the he feels lucky that he has pears to have a grasp of the of the Colony, that the proposed legislation will not be started when the commu- communists were getting. emerged from it all, un- tranquil philosophy that is vetoed by the Colonial Office, as it could be enacted with nists killed three planters What started out as a re- scathed. supposed to inform the ex- sufficient safeguards to obviate all danger of hardship in 1948. grouping to thwart support JAG quisite haiku. being imposed on those engaged in it.  IPOH ECHO August 1 - 16, 2008 Your Community Newspaper Musings by See Foon Chan-Koppen GLIMPSES OF GLAMOUR Ipohites meet their favourite stars Shadow Play

why I’m burnt out. or watch on the television The Shadow aspects of with mock horror at some ourselves that we run from scandal or another and we See Foon are thoughts like, “I don’t judge and condemn people want to be selfish like my saying things like, “ He’s an Carl Jung, an eminent mother. I don’t want to be idiot” or “ She’s immoral”. psychologist of the 20th angry like my father,” but In reality, we’re just seeing century and a contempo- the fact is, we are all angry ourselves. Countless acts of rary of Freud, was a big and selfish at times. self-destruction and sabo- exponent of the “Shadow” tage take place in our fami- principle. Using the anal- UNACKNOWLEDGED lies, in our communities, in ogy of an actual shadow FEELINGS our circle of friends and in cast by light, that follows ourselves. us as night follows day – And it’s these unac- On the local front, if we in other words, we can’t knowledged feelings and have to deal with increased run away from it! – Jung emotions that generate our fuel prices, perhaps, instead Onstage, from left, Lee, Linda, Tavia and Moses propounded a theory on unconscious behaviour of blaming the politicians how our “Shadow” con- and actions. So we learn we can use the opportunity Some 5000 fans, mainly ties included Best Actor on-stage interaction. There tains all the thoughts, to point fingers at others to look within. Have we teenagers, thronged Moses Chan and Best ac- were games and quizzes. feelings, and emotions and say, “How selfish of abdicated responsibility for Ipoh Parade hoping to tress Lee Si Kei. As table tennis is one we hide from the world. Mary.” Or, “I don’t like our rampant consumerism catch a glimpse of their Together with Linda of the constantly featured And, perhaps, also from John, he’s such an angry and our raping of the planet favourite stars who cur- Chung and Tavia Yeung, games in the drama, a ourselves. person”. Notice how, when for fossil fuels, thereby rently feature in Hong they enthralled and mes- “Star Ping-Pong Match” you point a finger at some- leaving the door wide merised Ipohites. was held at the Dewan Imagine that, as a Kong TVB’s drama, one, four fingers are point- open to the sharks who For the young fans, it Rela Pasir Pinji, offering child, I acted selfishly, Heart of Greed, on As- playing with all the toys, ing back at you! cash in on the opportunity? was a superb day of cha- the opportunity for locals tro Wah Lai Toi. unwilling to share them Or take a child grow- Uncomfortable thoughts in- risma when the stars en- to join in the fun with the The visiting celebri- with my sister. Depending deed. gaged a number of them in stars. PK on the reaction I received from those around me, I WANTED: ACTION may have decided very “out there”. It’s always early on that my selfish While protesting and about what’s going in “in UPCOMING EVENT self is bad. lobbying is one political here”. When I don’t like option, it is realising that something about you I PRISONER OF SHAME rhetoric and talk are empty. need to look at what I have It is action that counts, not buried inside of me! If, as an adult, I am the act of pointing fingers, Shadow work is not uncomfortable with this ing up with perfectionist but individual action. The about finding fault with side of myself, I will con- parents. He could make a idea of “Where does my oneself. tinue to try to hide, sup- decision very early in life Shadow come into play It’s about understand- press, or camouflage this like, “I’ll never be as per- in this situation.? What ing where and what we’ve part of me. I might decide fect as my parents, so why have I denied, hidden, bur- buried in our psyche and it would be better to be- bother”, and find himself ied and not wanted to look embracing these inadequa- come a selfless human be- meandering through life at?” Questions like “Why cies, not in defiance but in ing who is always giving. in failure - based situa- is a big car so important to humility and with compas- Inside the restrictions of tions. The Shadow could me?”, “How much food, sion so that they no longer this belief, I can never say also harbour the opposite clothes, jewellery, gadgets, have a hold over our re- no because if I do, some- emotion of “I must be bet- status symbols do I need?” actions and responses in one might discover that ter than my parents so they “How big a house is daily life. I’m selfish. So I’m a pris- can proud of me” and the big enough?” will lead us Only then can we oner of my shame around poor man finds himself back to the Shadow wherein hope to reveal our Golden being selfish. I have no achieving milestone af- lie the inadequacies, fears, Shadow and manifest freedom. Then I wind up ter milestone to an early shame, guilt, and other de- the glorious parts of our- being a people-pleaser, a grave. mons of our darker side. selves. caregiver, giving away my Shadow work is ex- As Carl Jung once time and my energy, even SELF-DESTRUCTION hilarating. The suggestion wrote: “If everyone would Date: 15, 16, 17 August 2008 Time: 7:45 pm when doing so compro- is made that every time you remove his shadow from Venue: SMI School Hall Call: 05-2540418 mises my health, my rela- The Shadow is also at feel uncomfortable is when his neighbour, the world tionships, or my long-term play in national or world the shadow is rearing its would be a peaceful Ticket prices: RM20, RM50, RM100 goals. And then I wonder events. How often we read dark head. It’s never about place.” Your Community Newspaper IPOH ECHO August 1 - 16, 2008 

NO-FRILLS COOKING, part 2 CALLING ALL TWINS THE FRUGAL GOURMET Researchers are also invited to An easy-to-follow recipe for the harried and budget join in the study that can help conscious, from Cheng Sun Mooi’s collection build healthier communities. By Sue Mah A computer lecturer once 5 pips garlic in patches. Flip over and asked me for a recipe us- 1 tsp. soya sauce brown the other side. ing only chicken drum- 2 tsp. wine (Hua Tiew, dry Cover. Lower heat if it is sticks. She was tired of sherry or rice wine). too hot. Give it a minute or Twin registries all over and Dr Siva Achnanna. Dr environmental factors on recipes that involved fry- A few drops sesame oil. two and switch off fire. the world are providing Sharifa and Dr Achnanna health and the treatment and ing. Method: Allow residual heat to the foundation for invalu- are both obstetricians and prevention of diseases. I gave her fuss-free Rinse chicken and pat finish cooking - resting pe- able research into causes gynaecologists. variation. Her feedback: dry. Lightly hammer it with riod in pan should be 3 to 5 of health problems and Researchers and twins CONFIDENTIAL she had never tasted any- the back of your cleaver to minutes. If in doubt, prick diseases such as cancer, - identical and fraternal, thing so unusual and light. flatten it slightly. with fork on the thickest alcohol and tobacco use, regardless of age - from all All information I suggest serving this Rub with your hand part – if no pink juice ooz- asthma, diabetes, anxi- over Malaysia are invited collected would be used dish with a fresh salad the square piece of nam es out, it is cooked. ety, stress, depression, to join in the NMTR for the purpose of medical (readily bought from the yee, oyster sauce, wine To ease the house- osteoporosis and heart research and findings mall) and some bread as and soya sauce all over the wife’s headache for plan- disease. will be kept totally staple. chicken drumstick, top and ning a menu, this can be The National confidential. Pan-grilled Nam Yee bottom. used as a main dish, sup- Malaysian Twin Registry NMTR has planned Chicken Drumsticks Put in the pat kok and plemented by two side (NMTR), a non-profit various activities to make Serves 2 halved garlic pieces with dishes to feed three per- organisation which will participants have fun while skin. sons. facilitate scientific research contributing to the research Place on a clean plate Two suggested side on twins and their family effort. and cover it with another dishes – French beans fried members, was launched There will be smaller plate or plastic with prawns and spinach recently by the Royal twin photos and story wrap. Refrigerate till ready with ikan bilis. College of Medicine, competitions, talent shows, to cook. Normally, I have Total cost for this Perak, University of Kuala conferences, forums, this prepared in the morn- dinner should be approxi- Lumpur. family support campaigns ing and then pan-grilled in mately RM10/=, (RM5.80 endeavour to educate the and festivals celebrating Ingredients: the evening, half an hour for chicken, RM2/= for COLLABORATION public at large on health twins. 2 chicken drumsticks, before dinner is served. French beans and prawns issues. The initiative is A free newsletter deboned and skinned (ask In a fairly heated non- and RM1.50 for yin choi). The twin-registry and supported by University will be issued every three the seller to do it) stick pan, put in 1 tsp oil investigative programme, Kuala Lumpur through a months. More importantly, Marinade for chicken: and slide in the drumstick Note: This has been nutri- approved by the Ministry research grant. the project will be able to 1 square nam yee (red pre- flats together with the gar- tionally apportioned with of Health and National provide registrants a new served bean curd, 10 sen a lic and spice. health in mind. Medical Research Registry, ESSENTIAL network of social support. square) Cover immediately. If you suspect that is headed by Dr Shayesteh PARTICIPATION Help build a healthier 1 tsp. oyster sauce or Mag- Time it for about one and a some diners still may need Jahanfar, director and chief and better future for our gi seasoning half to 2 minutes. something more, you can investigator of NMTR, The success of the communities. Please come 2 petals pat kok (star of Uncover to check. The always fall back on fried lecturer in the Royal exercise totally depends and register with NMTR at anise) underside should be brown eggs. College of Medicine, upon twin participation. If website: www.nmtr.org.my Perak. He is collaborating you are half of a twin, you Or email twinregistry@ with Perak Women For are in a unique situation to rcmp.unikl.edu.my Serves: 6 sultanas and chopped nuts. Women’s president, Dr. help researchers to study Or sms 05-5469715 6 medium-sized apples Fold pastry round apple Sharifah Halima Jaafar the impact of genetic and or 016-5160224. 1 lb rough puff pastry to make a parcel, sealing Sugar, sultanas, chopped the edges with beaten egg UPCOMING EVENTS Kafe Paprika’s nuts, as desired and brushing the outside to 1 egg, beaten glaze. Perak Society of Performing Arts Apples In Pastry Place in a hot oven, International Ensemble Method Gas mark 7, 220°C des Bourdélots Peel and core apples. (425°F) for 20 minutes. “Music of the Night” Roll out pastry to ⅛ inch Serve hot with custard or “…eight international performers on one stage” The original bourdélots thickness and cut into 6 fresh cream. Date: August 15, 2008 were made with suet pastry squares, each one large For information or enquiries, please contact wrapped round peeled and enough to enclose each PSPA : 05-5487814 Witzi: 012-5088818 cored apples. One method apple completely. Brush of cooking was to boil uppermost side of pastry Meet the musicians and listen to how music brought them them like apple dumplings; with beaten egg to seal. together. August 10, 2008, 3 to 4:30 pm at City Ballet (Greentown) another was to place them Place one apple in in a moderate oven on cab- centre of each pastry square Performance invitation card or PSPA membership card only. Book bage leaves. and fill core with sugar, your place; call PSPA 05-547814

Ipoh A.C.S Alumni Association Annual Dinner Venue: Hee Lai Ton Restaurant Date: August, 9, 2008 Time: 7 for 8 p.m Guest of Honour: YB Dato’ Ngeh Khoo Ham For information, please contact Mr. Chooi 016-3845120 Ms. Lim 05-2431715

“The Anger in Ernest and Ernestine” Venue: City Ballet Blackbox Date: 7 & 8 August 2008 Time: 8 p.m Entry: Contribution of RM5 and above Floor Seating Limited Seats available per show only For more information, contact 012-5152075 *Restricted to audience 18 years and above only* 10 IPOH ECHO August 1 - 16, 2008 Your Community Newspaper YOUNG PERAK PREVENTIVE MEASURES Something must be done to minimise the number of errant bad users. The best thing Students from participating is to train the very young about road safety and courtesy before letting them loose. schools are invited to write Peter Khiew on an enlightened Traffic Education Programme about or photograph The usually quiet Ta- things/events outside their man D.R. Seenivasagam in Ipoh was a buzz of respective institutions of learn- expectant activity when ing. E-mail articles to: some 200 teachers and students from fifteen [email protected] primary and secondary attn: Peter Khiew schools in Perak congre- gated at the public park for the annual state-level Shell Traffic Games. OXYGEN PLUS The Traffic Education OXYGENATEDWATER SYSTEM Programme was made Enriched with 300% more Oxygen than regular water Water no one has experienced before possible through the part- nership between Shell, Since 1985 20-30 ppm the Education Ministry, the traffic police, Road Transport Department and the Malaysia Road Safety 2 Council. 100-120 ppm The objective was to create awareness and edu- cate children about road safety from the school lev- Pupils and teachers from SK Seri Manjung celebrate after being judged champions in the primary school level under the traffic category. Get Energized el - make them conscious about good road behaviour road discipline and behav- Hurley Marketing Sdn Bhd and road courtesy before iour. How they handled (148706-K) they form bad habits. particular road situations 47 Jalan Medan Ipoh 2 were rated accordingly. Bandar Baru Medan Ipoh WATCHED AND Other organised events 31400 Ipoh,Perak MONITORED included traffic road signs, Tel : 605 5466 568 written tests, colouring Fax : 605 5496 968 In a simulated traffic competitions and drawing. Email: [email protected] environment, the partici- Hot and Cold pants took part CLEAR FAVOURITES in “driving properly” on Sketches by the pedal cars, traffic police personnel and cycles. were a clear favourite. They also These showed motorcy- The winning tudents from SMK Seri Manjung Sitiawan. pretended clists who rode their ma- Wan Hanafi Nirwan, will share in their happi- to be pedes- chines without helmets, a Form Two student from ness when they are back trians. licences and registration SMK Seri Manjung, in school next week,” said number plates. Erring walked home with the top Sarah Sabarina. “motorcyclists” rode by prize under the Highway the grand stand and Code written for the sec- IMPROVED those in the audience ondary school category. TURNOUT were asked (and they Teachers Sarah named) the offence Sabarina and Junaidah Shell Malaysia being committed. Hassan, both of SK Seri (Trading) Territory man- Manjung, were very ager Omar Attan said the CHAMPIONS excited. programme serves as a Their charges not platform to mould young SMK Seri only walked home with people to become responsi- Manjung Sitiawan the challenge trophy but ble road users. emerged champi- mountain bikes, medals He added that the ons in the secondary and food hampers as well. campaign attracted more Wan Hanafi Nirwan school traffic road “Looks like the pu- schools this year. Their movements were safety category while pils’ preparations for the The national-level watched and monitored the primary category was past two months have competition will be held by traffic police person- clinched by their juniors, borne fruit. I am sure their in Kelantan in September, nel who evaluated them on SK Seri Manjung. schoolmates and teachers 2008. LEARNING A POWERFUL DISCIPLINE Sue Mah notes how Master Khoo reiterates the old basics integral to the practice of tae kwon do Kelab Tae Kwon-Do Mohd. Azwan Khoo, the ingredient which is so inte- of the Ipoh International Ipoh, an affiliate of the Chief Instructor of the Tae gral to the practice of Tae School, Bryan Choi Pei An International Tae Kwan- Kwon-Do Association, Kwon-Do without which from SMJK Yuk Choy and Do Federation (ITF), Perak. Khoo is also the the power of the Art cannot T. G. Yap from S. M. St. marked its launch re- Deputy President and be fully appreciated,” said Michael, Ipoh. The ITF in- cently by organising a Technical Chairman of the Master Khoo. He has 38 ternational certificates give seminar on “The Power International Tae Kwon- years of experience teach- the students international and Discipline Behind Do Federation, Malaysia, ing the martial art behind recognition of their senior- Tae Kwon-Do”. It was the national governing him. ity and standing in the ITF held at its gym at Jalan body. After the seminar, ITF Tae Kwon-Do throughout Chung Thye Phin, Ipoh. The discipline behind 1st degree black belt inter- the world. It was attended by 50 the practice of tae kwon national certificates were For more information student members, The do was discussed. It was presented to five junior please contact: majority of whom are pointed out that this aspect black belt student members Mr. A. Ravichanthiran below 12 years old. is sadly missing nowadays of the club. They were (012-5153691) or `Mr. Master Khoo (centre) with his latest batch of ITF The seminar was and is hardly being empha- Wan Xiang Wei, Goh Tze Wan Koon Seng (019- certificate holders conducted by Master sised. “Discipline is an Han and Alexander Joseph 5134242). Your Community Newspaper IPOH ECHO August 1 - 16, 2008 11

Perak’s football team in dire straits . . . continued from page 2

Department. Reminders of Team captain, Ahmad crunch is impacting hard led government must nev- non-payment of deductions Shahrul, was more blunt, “I have on the players, coaches er be allowed to dismiss are now beginning to ap- from EPF and unsettled “I have been with the state and officials alike. “We FAP’s problems as some- pear out of nowhere. bills from various service team for over 15 years, of written a persevered in spite of these thing alien and fobbed off “These bills are piling providers. It’s killing us,” which four were spent with setbacks but how long can as a responsibility of the up. We get bills for stadium said the dejected coach . the national side. This turn formal letter we keep going? We can’t old regime. hire. Notices To minimise its liabil- of events is most unfor- to the MB... go on like this forever,” The team’s success from the ities, the association con- tunate,” he said. Shahrul emphasised Shahrul. in the Malaysian Super Income templates selling off is a family man and has a I have yet “FAP should do its part to League will enhance the T a x its properties - lands family of five to feed. “I overcome these problems good name of the state under the association’s am the sole breadwinner,” to receive a and not let them fester,” he and, with it, the govern- name. “But offers are he added. “I have not been reply...” added. ment of the day. .It cannot, few and far between paid since March and this There is widespread therefore, remain reticent because the lands are is beginning to affect me recognition within Perak’s and non-committal. not the kind that buyers both physically and men- continues,” he said. football fraternity that our Moreover, the huge want,” Steve tally.” This fear should be state team should never following the team has will sighed. More than three quar- shared by all, especially be forced to beg for sur- translate into votes for the ters of the players are mar- the fans of which there are vival. That would not coalition party. Football ried and this is a particu- substantial numbers. The only be most unbecoming transcends politics and this larly worrying aspect of state team has been build- for the team itself, but has been used to good ef- the crisis. ing in direct proportion to would amount to a regret- fect by another PR-led Steve’s immediate its expanding match suc- table stain on the state’s state government – Kedah. fear is bookies influencing cesses. reputation; a stain that Perak state must respond both players and games. Being the only team in would spread way beyond to the clarion call for help “They have yet to the country that has never Malaysia’s fields of pro- and come out with guns make an appearance but been relegated to a lower fessional sport. blazing. they will if the situation division, the financial The Pakatan Rakyat- FZB Perak captain, Ahmad Sharul, a family man with 15 years behind him as a footballer, points out that more Singapore on line By Andrew Symon than three quarters of his fellow team members have familes to support SMALL CITIES AND HAPPY PEOPLE Scrap metal theft Down Under The development of Ipoh can be carefully - and innovatively - By Ipoh Echo’s Perth correspondent managed to avoid the pitfalls of fast growing mega urban regions Ipoh is not the only place a transformer used to con- where the theft of scrap vert 22,000 volts from the More than 700 city mayors, planners, architects, pub- basics – how to ensure good transport and water supply metal is making head- mains power to lesser volt- lic and private sector officials and managers, leaders and sewerage and waste disposal systems – including us- lines. age for the mine’s use. It of various non-government organisations and an as- ing methane gas from rubbish dumps to fuel power gen- In Perth’s District was while standing on the sorted crew of gurus from around the world descended eration plants – provision of low cost but good quality Court last month, 28-year- transformer and pointing on Singapore recently. The somewhat disparate group housing, and parks and greenery. old tradesman Dale Austin a pair of pliers to a power gathered – beneath the “World Cities Summit” ban- Transport was one of the critical areas examined by received court approval line above that Austin re- ner – specifically to discuss how population centres the experts. Mounting fears over climate change and con- to sue Western Power ceived the shock. tick . More particularly, they wanted to explore how cerns over the contribution of motor vehicle emissions to following an incident Lawyers did not dis- to make them work better. greenhouse gas accumulation, combined with ever high- which resulted in both his pute what actually hap- As the world’s population becomes increasingly ur- er fuel prices means that planners need to make strong legs being amputated after pened. The thrust of the banised, the challenge of making cities places where ordi- changes to traditional transport assumptions. City expan- receiving a massive electric plaintiff’s legal approach nary people can live fruitful and happy lives becomes ever sion cannot be built around the car. shock while standing on a was concerned with more pressing. This is especially so in Asia where the rate power transformer. Western Power’s “duty of urbanization is probably the fastest in the world. SMALL CITY ADVANTAGES of care” and its failure to The big problem, as the Summit underlined, is COLLECTED BEFORE make the sub-station safe. that much urbanisation in Asia is through further expan- Again, smaller cities such as Ipoh have advantages. His lawyer argued that the sion of already big, long established cities into giant con- Pointedly, we don’t need to be talking about expensive The plaintiff’s law- utility should have discon- gested and polluted mega urban conglomerations of ten underground or above ground rail subways. Nor need we yer, Martin Cuerden, said nected the power supply, million or more people stretching across vast distances. consider electronic vehicle road transport charging, such Austin and a friend had or replaced old signage as in Singapore. Good bus systems can be an effective twice before collected with new warnings at the DYSFUNCTIONAL EXPANSES answer. Governments simply must have the will to re- scrap metal from the old site that the power was still serve road lanes as dedicated bus ways to enable rapid quarry, 60 kilometres from alive. These endless urban expanses can become dysfunc- movement around the town. Similarly, they must be pre- Perth. On this occasion, tional in terms of economics and business – as anyone pared to outlay funds on good quality buses. they had entered the site at TIME LIMITS en route to a meeting and stuck for hours in a Jakarta The Summit made a strong case for good and honest night time by cutting a pad- “macet” traffic jam can readily attest! I like Indonesia,but government, management, policy development and pro- locked chain around a gate Austin had to seek I find my patience stretched struggling around Jakarta. gramme implementation. But while government might and then proceeded to col- the court’s permission And the problems of large cities can weigh heaviest lead and carry a lot of the weight, it was well recognised lect scrap metal which they to sue because at the on lower income earners who commonly commute hours that an absolutely critical factor in shaping good cities put in their vehicle and in- time of the incident any to and from work each day. Then there are the very poor. were the partnerships established between public and pri- tended selling. The law- action against a statutory Inevitably they inhabit sub standard housing, cheek by vate sectors. yer disputed the pair were authority normally had to jowl with concrete freeways and factory sites, and all the stealing the metal, arguing be taken within one year of exhaust fumes, noise and industrial pollution. THE IMPORTANCE OF HAPPINESS that it had been abandoned it happening, or otherwise Somehow, there has to be some sort of sensible when the mine was closed be subject to a judge’s spreading out of urbanisation in Asia in the form of a Somewhat more subtle was the argument of American four years earlier. decision within six years. large number of smaller cities designed to enhanced de- psychologist, Ed Diener, that “city leaders need to think In handing down his velopment scales. And this is where it seems to me that a of citizens’ happiness as a very important goal.” NO LEGAL CLAIM decision for Austin to city such as Ipoh must have a lot going for it. Dr Diener, the Smiley Distinguished Professor of proceed, District Court Small enough with a population now of somewhat Psychology at the US University of Illinois, presented Western Power coun- judge John Wisbey less than 1 million in the greater Ipoh region, the city’s an enthusiastic version of the “quality of life” argument tered that Austin had no commented: “Although development can be carefully and innovatively managed for smaller, well managed cities. “Good cities can go a legal claim and his “col- I am of the view that the to avoid the pitfalls of the fast growing mega urban re- good part of the way to making people happy”, he said. lection” of scrap metal plaintiff is entitled to gions. “Happy people are more productive people and so their amounted to stealing. A be pessimistic about the Ipoh is big enough to have the necessary economies cities are more attractive places for business to invest and warning sign on the fence proposed claim, it’s not of scale. It has the potential to create the supporting in- operate in. And happy people make better citizens who where they had entered the possible at this stage to frastructure necessary to promote 21st century business, contribute more to their local communities. Socially their property clearly stated “no determine whether the industry and jobs. Furthermore, it could offer the social cities are kinder and safer places in which to live. Crime unauthorised entry beyond claim is merely speculative diversity necessary to make the place not only a vibrant is lower. They pay their taxes. They are friendlier to their this point.” or absurd.” and interesting setting for those who live in Ipoh, but also neighbours.” The fence had two The plaintiff was an attractive destination for visitors. As Dr Diener urged the world gathering: “Your chal- signs which read “Danger ordered to pay Western At the Singapore “Summit” meeting, held at the end lenge is to produce cities that create happy, engaged citi- High Voltage”. Inside was Power’s legal costs. of June, there were several main themes. There were the zens.” 12 IPOH ECHO August 1 - 16, 2008 Your Community Newspaper Sport FAM BRAINSTORMING Steve Darby attends a session that could, hopefully, result in a brighter future for football and footballers’ lives in Malaysia

The Football Associa- player. So, if Perak are discussed was the role of tion of Malaysia (FAM) ever at the middle or bot- clubs in Malaysian soccer. held a “brain storming” tom of the League, expect session recently in an ef- the stadium to be empty! ROLES OF fort to plan the future of There would be no repeats add the game. This was not a CLUBS unique experience, but of the EPL scenario where even if the team is losing, for the first time in the Clubs such as UPB the players get massive en- history of FAM there was MyTeam, Johor FC, couragement. a wide variety of “brains’ Kedah, Naza and KL Plus invited to provide input. have emerged through pri- Normally, only the vate sponsorships. There secretaries of the state as- seems to be an inherent sociations were invited, and strong opposition to hence the input was rather the development of these limited and insular. This teams from the state fed- time the media were in- erations. vited and, for the first time, The clubs have sold professional coaches were their product to sponsors also asked to attend. This and are not reliant on po- is an intelligent move. litical goodwill. Surely Often the decisions made there is room in the game at such gatherings impinge This winning culture, for both types of football A CANDLE FOR ONE’S DEEPEST THOUGHTS greatly upon the job of the teams. If a player is not coach. And the coach is the I believe, is impossible “It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness” to change and sadly is quite good enough for first person to be sacked if Perak surely he should not – Mother Theresa things go wrong. fraught with danger. An example of this negative be lost to the game but can The line from People be- Indeed, the seminar find a living playing in the the revered showed that there were nature of a crowd is that gan to pray in the rules of the Malaysian club system. m i s s i o n a r y their own way. vast disparities in the It’s a battle that is inspired Per- thinking of coaches and Super League demand that Some chanted a player who is Under 21 uniquely Malaysian as ak Women prayers; a few administrators. the norm in the rest of the must play for the full 90 For Women recited poems; The seminar was a world is for club football. (PWW) to sounding board for ideas. minutes. If he is injured many simply ut- he must be replaced by an- organise an tered their deep- These ideas are to be pre- Interfaith can- sented to the Executive other Under 21 player. A ECONOMICS est wishes and sound philosophy for de- dlelight vigil desires. Committee who will either last July. ratify or reject them. velopment. The final major - is The group The reality at Perak sue which is linked to the In the was then led in A number of key is- midst of the sues were discussed. is that often these young above is based on econom- silent contempla- players are abused un- ics. This is the rationali- political, social tion. This was These included the and economi- The oldest attendee (right) lit the main candle. question of should foreign- mercifully if they make a sation of playing staff. In dedicated to the mistake and the abuse is the next season there will cal turmoil the their love for Malaysia. victims of in- ers play in the Malaysian country is facing, PWW Super League? vindictive, personal and be a first team squad with The vigil started with justices and oppression. sometimes racial. a maximum of 25 players decided that praying as a the lighting of the main A calm descended on the I have tried to give and a second Under-20 group of concerned Ma- candle by the oldest at- gathered, trusting flock. A FOREIGN a number of young play- squad. This means that a laysians was better than tendee. The Malaysian tra- PWW member ended the PLAYERS ers an opportunity to play. young player will have to complaining, grumbling dition of respecting one’s session with a very mean- Often, if we are winning by have made it into the first and cursing. elders was upheld. ingful poem. Do foreigners in- a high score, I will bring a team by the age of 20 or he It was encouraging It was a magical crease crowd attendance? new young player on in a is not offered a contract. and profoundly touching THEIR WAY evening of peace and Are they helping raise the situation where there is less Welcome to the economic to witness a mixed group joy. If a small group of professionalism of local pressure. But the abuse still reality of football. It’s go- responding to PWW’s Participants took diverse backgrounds and players? In the Perak per- comes down if they make ing to make it harder to be invitation. The vigil turns coming up, to light faiths, come together as spective, it doesn’t seem a single mistake (and they a professional but it will saw Christians, Brahma up their candles from the Malaysians to pray as one, to matter who plays for the will make mistakes as they set the standards higher. Kumari, Hindus, Bahai, main one as they expressed perhaps there is hope that, state as long as they win! are young). Also, sadly, it Will these ideas be Muslims, Taoists and their thoughts. one day, Bangsa Malaysia The culture here is that the is grown men who are the ratified? Will they be good Buddhists coming together Here, everyone re- will be a reality. crowd follows a winning culprits and bullies. for the game? We shall see as concerned citizens with spected one another’s be- team, not the individual Another issue that was in one year. one common passion - liefs. Cecilia Chan

Pranayama YSIS TURNS OUT ANOTHER Workshop BATCH OF CAREGIVERS 31-08-2008 And there are plans for a diploma course (9.00am-4.00pm) This workshop is being One hundred caregivers training for staff and conducted by breath from all over the country caregivers working in specialist and who completed the two- community and charitable respiratory expert, month training course centres throughout the Dr Dhillip Kumar Phd sponsored by Yayasan country. from Kevala Centre Sultan Idris Shah (YSIS) The centre plans Sdn. Bhd. received their certificates to offer diploma-level It will be held in at a ceremony held at courses effective 2009. Dr YMCA, Ipoh. the YSIS Bercham com- Mitchell Clark of Mount Course fee : RM 80.00 pound last July. Royal College Canada is inclusive of lunch and The caregivers presently at YSIS to see to tea breaks. were provided free its implementation. Call Theva at accommodation, travel YSIS Board Chairman 017-579 0575 to book and meal allowances while Tan Sri Jeyaretnam and in advance. undergoing training. Director of the Perak Closing date to register YSIS set up the Skills Welfare Department Ms Ready and qualified to serve: a few of the caregivers who received their certificates Training and Development Chong Phaik Chee gave 22-08-2008 from the foundation. Centre in 1998 to provide away the certificates.