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We are all Malaysians. This is the bond that unites us. Let us always remember that unity is our fundamental strength as a people and as a nation.

Tunku Abdul Rahman

FEATURE 7 All in a Day’s Work

FEATURE 8 Rising From Ashes of Moral Apathy

FEATURE 10 Lay Me Down FEATURE 4 Merdeka Special: LOVING MY BUSINESS 12 Bloconomic 2018 Smashing MALAYSIA Success

et’s be honest, whenever Merdeka Day comes around for most of us it is a celebration of yet another Malaysian public holiday. But for those in our military who have PROPERTY 14 served our nation or who are still serving the country, Merdeka Day isn’t a day that is taken lightly.

Home Where Story continues on page 4 Love Resides L 02 NEWS August, 2018 | Journal NEWS Selangor Journal | August, 2018 | 03

KUALA LUMPUR -Girl2Leader is an organization dedicated to training ado- lescent girls to become future political advocates. Housing and Local Government Min- ister Zuraida Kamaruddin said that Ma- laysia was lagging behind as the number of women political leaders was still lack- ing compared to other countries. “This should be changed as we ap- proach the year 2020, when compared to the Philippines and Thailand, they are far ahead in involving women as state administrators. So in the new era of Ma- laysia, the Government wants to harness the potential of young women in the country’s political arena,” said Zuraida at the launch of Girl2Leader Malaysia in Hotel Corus, . Meanwhile, Girl2Leader president, Nurainie Haziqah, says the program in- volves teens and women aged from 16 to 25 years from various fields and rac- es. She adds that all members would be the driving force of the community, soci- ety and country in the future. “Various activities have been designed to empower young women with confi- dence and knowledge to meet global po- litical challenges and homeland issues.” - More than 100 partic- ing to meet the needs of the low and Girl2Leader Creating New Leaders “I hope Girl2Leader will be the as- ipants from various housing-related medium income groups (B40 and M40). piration of every young woman in this backgrounds attended the Second Series Amirudin also expressed hope that should be given the opportunity and er MPs, ADUNs, NGOs and community country in creating a competitive, re- Budget 2019 Roundtable Talk at Holi- the final round of the 2019 budget table space to grow, so that their true poten- leaders who will be mentors to them, stored and respected community of day Inn, Glenmarie. talks would generate good suggestions tial can be achieved,” says Masdiana at says Masdiana, who thinks that this is women” says Nurainie. With the theme ‘Affordable Housing: to assist the State Government in pro- her opening speech during the launch of a good step as they will gain knowledge Masdiana Muhammad, Chairman of I hope Girl2Leader will Housing 1 Family 1 Perfect Home’, it was inaugu- viding affordable housing for the people the program. from these leaders, thus allowing them the organisation and wife to the Ment- rated by Dato’ Menteri Besar, Amirudin in the future. “Our task now is to change the per- be the aspiration of to be a better leader for the future of the eri Besar of Selangor, says that great ex- Shari. “From April 2018 the improved hous- ception of Malaysian society which is nation. pectations are being placed on this Girl- every young woman Through his speech, Amirudin ex- ing policy is known as Rumah Selan- largely still seeing women as weak and “I really hope that with programs like 2Leader program as it will ensure that plained the roundtable discussion was gorku 2.0, which gives emphasis on the unable to become leaders. Although in this country in Girl2Leader, parents and guardians un- Malaysian women will no longer be left Issues - aimed at discussing, giving views, and provision of facilities and specifications it has been proven by the existence of creating a competitive, derstand that their girls are gems that behind, especially from decision-making opinions to the State Government to in providing comfort to the residents. female figures in the country, negative need to be polished. They are future positions, political leadership, industry restored and respected draw up the budget for 2019. As of July 2018, a total of 49 affordable perceptions of women’s leadership are leaders who need encouragement and and society. “I am pleased and would like to con- housing development projects involving still high and we are responsible for community of women guidance to make our country a devel- “Although Malaysia has seen a new gratulate the Selangor State Treasury 25,079 residential units have been built changing this perception,” says Masdi- oped, competitive and brilliant nation era, there are many things we need Budget and Selangor Housing and Property Bo- and occupied. It has also exceeded the ana. for all.” to think about for girls in the country. arad (LPHS) for successfully organizing target of 15,000 units set by the State The girls involved with the program Children, teenagers and young women this discussion.The Budget Roundtable Government for the period between will meet with female leaders, wheth- talks clearly show that the State Gov- 2015 to 2018,” said Amirudin. ernment is committed and has never Also present at the roundtable were Roundtable stopped looking for the best formulas, State Secretary, Dato’ Mohd Amin Ah- including gaining insights and ideas mad Ahya, Selangor Housing and Urban from key players, particularly in the Living EXCO, Haniza Talha and State As- housing industry,” said Amirudin. sembly Speaker, Ng Suee Lim. SIBS 2018 Largest Business Conference He adds that the State Government 2019 has always been committed to continue the provision of quality affordable hous- a transaction value of about RM250 mil- and 40 per cent of internationals. lion . He says the participation of local and “Last year, SIBS recorded the partici- international investors and entrepre- pation of approximately 22,000 visitors neurs in SIBS 2018 was the best com- with a total transaction value of about bination in making Selangor an interna- ADVISOR RM204 million.With this success, we are tional trade hub. Editorial Advisory Board, CCSB aiming for better participation of about “The idea for this purpose has been CHIEF EDITOR 25,000 visitors with transaction value implemented over the past four years Cecelia Alphonsus of around RM250 million. It will be the through the Selangor International largest business conference ever orga- Expo with the State Government which MANAGING EDITOR nized by a State Government, in Malay- has been successful in achieving. We are Ameena Siddiqi The highest sia,” said Dato’ Teng in a press confer- confident that SIBS will be among the Editorial WRITER obligation and ence, at Invest Selangor. key events in the region, in the future,” Team Batrisyia Jay privilege of SIBS 2018 will be held at the Ma- he says. citizenship is that laysia International Trade and Exhibi- According to Dato’ Teng, through the REPORTER of bearing arms tion Center (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur, SIBS 2018, investors and traders will Syauqi Jamil for one’s country. comprising of three events namely the showcase their products to the outside Selangor ASEAN Business Conference world, ASEAN, Europe and Africa. SHAH ALAM - Aras 2, Carlton Holiday Hotel & Suite, No 1, Persiaran Akuatik 13/43 The Selangor Interna- and Medium Industries (SMI) Exco, 2018 (Sept 6 and 7); Selangor Interna- Also present were SIBS 2018 Project Seksyen 13, 40100, Shah Alam, Selangor tional Business Summit (SIBS) 2018 Dato’ Teng Chang Khim said SIBS 2018 tional Expo (September 6 to 9) and the Director, Sven Schneider and Chief Ex- that is being held between 6 to 16 Sep- was organized by the State Government Selangor Digital Economy & Smart City ecutive Officer of Menteri Besar Selan- Tel 03-5523 4856 Fax 03-5523 5856 George S Patton tember will be the largest business con- through Invest Selangor Berhad (Invest Convention (September 13 to 15). gor (Incorporated), Raja Shahreen Raja Email [email protected] ference ever organized, in the country. Selangor) for the second year, this time Dato’ Teng says it involves 60 per cent Othman. Investments, Industry & Trade, Small targeting a better participation rate with of investors and domestic entrepreneurs 04 FEATURE August, 2018 | Selangor Journal FEATURE Selangor Journal | August, 2018 | 05

While patriotism may be the idealistic reason why we think one would enlist in the army, the truth as we uncovered talking to our patriots is actually quite To serve was essentially why Moham- different. For Major Tan Pau Son, the med Khair bin Parlan or affectionally prospect of free education was what at- known as Major K enlisted. He recalls tracted him to enlist. how as a young boy of seven, he saw “Education is the most important the army swoop into his village in Sg. thing to Chinese people,” says Major Kandis to help during a terrible flood. As Tan. “It is so important that my grand- the son of a ketua kampung service was mother actually went all the way to already ingrained in him and he saw the from Bahru to obtain my army as a means to serve a greater good. birth certificate so that I could go to an English-medium school.”

Loving My Major Harjit Singh Rendawa

For Major Harjit Singh Rendawa, en- listment was a less than voluntary af- fair and more of something he couldn’t MalaysiaBy object to. “I was working for RTM from 1969 to 1970, and my brother was in Cecelia Alphonsus the Malaysian Air Force at the time, he & Batrisyia Jay asked me to join as a volunteer reserve. I did and then during the Emergency we were recruited to serve.” Major Har- jit was soon selected for the Officers Training program at the Royal Military College (RMC) in 1973 and shortly af- ter that selected for advanced training Major Mohammed Major Tan Pau Son at the Royal Military Academy of Sand- Khair bin Parlan hurst (RMAS) in the United Kingdom. When he was 15, Major Tan was se- lected and accepted into Form 3 of the Federation Military College (FMC) in 1959, now widely known as the Roy- al Military College (RMC). “Honestly he saw the army speaking I had no idea what FMC was all about. They were going around re- I love the swoop into his cruiting people by saying they’ll be giv- ing free education, free books, free exam army, there’s village in Sg. fees and even a RM20 allowance, I was attracted by that,” Major Tan admits. no other Kandis to help The FMC was established specifically during a terrible to prepare young Malaysians to become institution Officers in the flood. As the son and leaders in both the Malayan Civil Service and corporate sectors,” Major that I would’ve of a ketua kampung Tan explains. Therefore, it came as no surprise when he was selected for Of- worked for, service was already ficer Cadet training in 1963, and was then placed into the 7th Intake Regu- ingrained in him and lar Commission category. A year later, and even if you Major Tan was commissioned as a 2nd he saw the army as Lieutenant in the Ordnance Corps or Kor had given me a a means to serve a Lengkapan, Angkatan Tentera Malaysia. In the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF), second chance greater good. he served in Singapore, , Pah- ang and the Ministry of Defence (MIN- I would still DEF). choose to serve Honestly speaking

I had no idea what the army. During his service in the RMAF, Major Continued from cover page... FMC was all about. K was part of the Rajang Area Security They were going Command. He was also part of the unit Selangor Journal had the hon- that formed the 10th Parachute Bri- our of talking to four amazing pa- around recruiting gade, or more commonly known as 10 While at Sandhurst, Major Harjit’s triotic Malaysians who shared with Para. The 10 Para is an elite airborne people by saying outstanding performance won him two us a little about their experiences brigade-sized unit within the Malaysian awards. The first award, the ‘Nigeria in the service and their hopes for they’ll be giving Army that is tasked with being rapidly Prize’, was for the best overseas stu- the new Malaysia after the recent deployed inside or outside the bound- free education, free dent while the ‘Putra Feisal’ award, was change in the political landscape aries of Malaysia. 10th Para is the key awarded to the best student in the study of the nation. books, free exam fees element of the Malaysian Rapid Deploy- of war and world affairs. ment Force or Pasukan Aturgerak Cepat and even a RM20 “I love the army, there’s no other in- (PAC). allowance, I was stitution that I would’ve worked for, and even if you had given me a second attracted by that, chance I would still choose to serve the army.” 06 FEATURE August, 2018 | Selangor Journal FEATURE Selangor Journal | August, 2018 | 07

For Major K, his baptism of fire (Malaysian Armed Forces Sikh Vet- was when a soldier ran amok on the erans Association). “I was among base shooting at everything in sight. the pioneer members of this organ- While everyone else was afraid of isation. The inception was on Re- approaching the armed soldier, Ma- membrance Day in November 2015, jor K literally took the bull by its when the British decided to honour horns and calmed the soldier down the Sikhs who had made great sacri- and disarmed him. fices since World War One. I would “He would have shot down his Major K hopes that the new Ma- All commanding officer if I hadn’t done laysia will now be a nation that is that. I wasn’t thinking of myself or respected and our military to be always be my safety, all that mattered was that multiracial and recognised by mili- the officer had to be tamed down.” tary forces of the world. “For this to Although they are no longer on happen, all races must work togeth- in a given the active duty, our patriots are still er to defend our country. We need to Lieutenant Colonel Carol Loo very much involved in ensuring that start working for Malaysia as Malay- highest younger generations of Malaysians sians.” The trailblazer though is Lieutenant continue to serve the nation through Lieutenant Colonel Loo also hopes Day’s Colonel Carol Loo who was part of the the armed forces. that new government will appeal pioneering batch of female army re- position “I am living proof that you can to the youngsters, especially the cruits. She quietly, without telling her achieve great things in the army,” non-Malays, to join the armed forc- family applied for the army out of cu- says Major Tan. “All that I am today es. “As an officer who is responsible riosity after seeing an advertisement in and the is because of the opportunities I had for recruiting young Chinese into Work a local newspaper. She was attracted to the pay and perks of the job. Her father to study in the army, and what I am the armed forces, I like to appeal to objected when he found out just as she proud of the most, out of all my work, the parents. Come listen to our talks By was about to be commissioned and or- toughest is the setting up of MACVA (Malay- and be more open to encourage your Syauqi Jamil dered her to return home. But she re- sian Armed Forces Chinese Veter- children to join.” fused as she had already survived the ans Association).” Major Tan wants “Women are now moving into ar- gruelling training and wasn’t about to job to do, nothing more than for the younger eas once monopolised by men. Push He encouraged the folks to utilize Is- give it all up. Eventually she became the generations to be more exposed and the negative thoughts aside, the mil- erely a month after be- lamic institutions such as mosques as a nation’s first Chinese lady officer to be open to joining the armed forces. itary is a profession you will never ing sworn-in as the new unifying establishment for the commu- but this nity, stressing that it should also be a promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Col- He hopes that the new government regret.” Selangor Menteri Besar, onel. place where the youth comes together. and the media can play their part Amirudin Shari is al- “Everywhere I went, I was surround- ready knee-deep in ful- He would later perform the Friday in reaching out to all Malaysians re- IPR was meant ed by men, every course I took I would is to test filling his promises to carry on his pre- Prayer there before having a light lunch be the only lady there, but life has to go gardless of race to consider a career On this our 61st Merdeka, decessor’s illustrious legacy. to mobilize the with the mosque committee afterwards. on.” in the armed forces. M At about 3.00 pm, the Selangor MB it is indeed a turning point After succeeding Dato’ Seri Mohamed whether “We never experienced racism visited the Agricultural Research and “I would always be given the highest for our nation and as our pa- Azmin Ali who relinquished the posi- people in the position and the toughest job to do, but when I was in the army. I used to tion to become the Federal Economic Development Institute (Mardi), Klang this is to test whether we ladies can take we ladies makan nasi from the same plate as triots have shared, it is high Affairs Minister, Amirudin has said that form of social office to hand over Malaysia Good Agri- on the job and posts,” says Lieutenant my Chinese and Malay friends,” says time we come together as he wished to visit all corners of the state culture Practice (MyGAP) incentives. Colonel Loo. “We were the pioneers Major Harjit. “The army is built on himself in an attempt to improve sys- He was later taken to a cornfield bangsa Malaysia to ensure plans, skills, nearby to witness for himself the activi- you see, if we can’t do it, there won’t be customs and tradition, when you tems, services as well as the quality of any hope for the subsequent batches of can take the continued freedom of our ties, as well as to have a taste of a sweet, compromise customs and tradition, life for the people of Selangor. women.” country. Not just from the in- Selangor Journal managed to witness knowledge and freshly plucked, Selangor grown corn. which is the backbone of the armed When they enlisted it is likely that on the job vasion of foreign powers but first-hand how Amirudin got his own His day in Sungai Kandis did not end they didn’t really know what was in forces, it’ll be lopsided.” This is the hands dirty, as he went through his jam- should not be there. Amirudin continued on with a site store for them, not realizing that there unwritten rule, says Major Harjit, from the invasion of elements packed schedule one by one without dis- visit to the Shah Alam–Banting Alterna- could be incidents that would test their and posts, one that he feels should be ingrained such as racism that will rip playing even a hint of exhaustion. simply seen as tive Road project. mettle or create memories that would within every Malaysian. the fabric of this nation if left The Sungai Tua Selangor State As- He was informed the progress of the RM43 million project is on track and is forever be etched in their mind like this “For me, integrity and honesty are unchecked. semblyman had conducted a work visit goodies handout. incident Major Harjit recalls when he the most important fundamentals of in Sungai Kandis constituency just a day currently 79% completed. It is expected was stationed in Sarawak. a soldier.” When we are all finally just before the by-elections nomination day to be completed by December this year. Besides widening the roads from two “I had a friend who worked as a Major Harjit currently serves as Malaysian, loving my Malay- there, spending his whole day attending then made his way to officiate ‘Program grass-cutter in the base, we would have to four lanes, other upgrading works the Deputy President of MAFSVA sia would be easy. to the problems brought up to him to fix. Menyantuni Dan Semarak Inisiatif Peduli drinks together daily while I would tell The Sungai Kandis State Assembly Rakyat (IPR)’. which include drainage upgrade, bridg- him of my day’s work,” says Major Har- seat had fallen vacant after the death of At the program, a total of 180 peo- es, pedestrian walkway, and cross roads jit. “One day, our base was attacked by Shuhaimi Shafiei due to lymphoma. (It ple received aid through Skim HIJRAH, traffic lights are also being done simul- the Communist. We managed to kill was subsequently filled by Mohd Zawa- Skim Mesra Usia Emas, Selangor Young taneously. a few of them and when the shooting wi Ahmad Mughni who won the by-elec- Entrepreneur Fund (DUMS) program After giving his speech, Amiru- ceased I was shocked to see my friend’s tion on August 4, 2018). and blueprint concessions among many din, accompanied by JKR officers dead body amongst those we shot.” They say breakfast is the most import- others. walked through dirt, dust and mud “I had no clue that he was one of the ant meal of the day. This is especially In his speech, Amirudin said that IPR around the construction areas to see for communist party leaders.” Apparently true if you are the Menteri Besar for a was meant to mobilize the people in the himself the problems as well as the prog- on the eve of the attack, his friend was state like Selangor. form of social plans, skills, and knowl- ress in overcoming those problems, be- trying to convince him to take the fol- Amirudin started his day around edge and should not be simply seen as fore finally ending his day there. lowing day off. “He didn’t want me to be 9.00am with a good old Malaysian goodies handout. A wise American leader, Booker T. in the crossfire you see, he really was a breakfast of roti canai and a cup of teh He said such initiatives are vital for Washington once said; nothing ever good friend of mine,” he says sadly. tarik in Warung Ijai Roti Canai, joined the people of Selangor so that none will comes to one that is worth having, ex- by about a hundred of the locals as well be left behind as the state continues its cept as a result of hard work. as a few familiar faces. rapid development. This couldn’t be any truer especially He was sharing his table with Zawa- Later, Amirudin arrived around 12.30 when it comes down to governing an wi before they were surprised with an pm at Al-Muhsinin Mosque where a to- economically stable, people-centric and impromptu visit by Water, Land and tal of RM190,000 was donated to 10 transparent state like Selangor. But for Natural Resources Minister Xavier Jay- Islamic institutions through a program the new Selangor MB, it’s all just anoth- akumar. called ‘Majlis Ramah Mesra dan Pen- er day at work. After spending some time with the lo- yampaian Baik Pulih Institusi Agama cals for chats and a few selfies, Amirudin Islam Selangor’. 08 FEATURE August, 2018 | Selangor Journal FEATURE Selangor Journal | August, 2018 | 09

in the respective fields. Some have even been hired by the café because of their willing- ness to learn, work and serve. We were astonished to dis- cover that among the individ- Rising From uals who are homeless 90% were Malaysians. After much probing, we found that the per- centage of Malaysians by far exceeds that of non-Malaysians amongst the homeless commu- Ashes of nity in the country.

Percentage of Malaysian By and Non-Malaysian in the Moral Apathy homeless community Cecelia Alphonsus & Batrisyia Jay On top of those two pro- bution of dinner for the indi- Non-Malaysian grams as well as others like viduals is carried out in an un- free water and assisted housing orthodox way, as Lee and Tan 200 he nation’s 61st as government bodies over the schemes there are numerous refuse to just hand out packets Merdeka celebration years have been trying to help other IPRs or Inisiatif Peduli like other soup kitchens. “We is just around the these individuals, particularly Rakyat that is continuing under give them an empty bowl and corner, not only is it since the total population in the present Dato Menteri Besar, ask them to choose their food. a day to celebrate it Malaysia has been on a steady Amirudin Shari. Newcomers are baffled as to 1800 is also a day to reflect. To look incline, from 8.2 million people While the state government what they want because they’re Malaysian Thow far we have progressed as in 1960 to 32.1 million in 2017. tries to do their part, the rest of so used to having food pack- a nation and as a community or With increased population and us ordinary Malaysians should ets. They get a sense of digni- have we failed? the migration of people from realise we all have a service to ty when they’re able to choose Amidst the skyscrapers and other parts of the country to render to our country however instead of just having to accept the labyrinth-like network of Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, it small it may be. It can even be handouts,’ says Lee. highways that snake around is evident that policies need to something that doesn’t cost a Besides giving out free din- the city there is a growing sight change because we are not tack- dime but could have tremen- ners which are sometimes that many choose to ignore. ling the root cause of homeless- dous impact like refusing to sponsored in full by individuals Malaysians are undoubtedly Homeless people – men, wom- ness, we are only merely trying judge or condemn a person or corporations as part of their a patriotic bunch, each with our en and children dotting the to soothe the effects of it. who doesn’t fit our map of the CSR programs, Lee and Tan own way of showing patriotism panoramic vistas of our cities. According to the Department world. If eradicating prejudices also organise skill programs. come the month of Merdeka. The numbers have been grow- of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), Volunteers at the Pit is too difficult, then maybe we Among the programs are En- For this year, alongside flying ing rapidly over the past few the most populous state is Se- Volunteers at the Pit Stop Community Cafe could start by educating our- glish language training, basic the Jalur Gemilang and having years as more and more Malay- langor, with an estimated 6.47 Stop Community Cafe selves about the world around culinary skills, and even kitch- it attached to your car or hung sians fall below the poverty line million people in 2018. us beyond our material addic- en management. These set of on the front of your house door, and end up marginalised. Many tions. programmes are open to any- why not portray your patrio- of the homeless are also peo- The Selangor Journal team one willing to learn with hopes tism beyond just a day by com- ple who have been ostracized recently experienced first-hand that they can be placed in jobs mitting to help hungry Malay- by society because of religious the plight of the homeless at the sians?

condemnation and harassment, 32.65m Pit Stop Community Café in KL. Instead of reinventing the Malaysia Population distribution by state, wheel and trying to organise forcing them to leave home and Population Malaysia, 2010 Located in Jalan Tun HS Lee, or for some making it difficult for more commonly referred to as your own “feed the homeless” them to get jobs thus depriving the ‘Bangkok Bank Area’ by cit- ad hoc program, contact peo- them of their basic human right izens of KL, the Pit Stop Café is ple like Joycelyn and Andrea to work to take care of them- a commercial eatery by day and at www.pitstopcafekl.com and selves. a soup kitchen by night. find out how you can volunteer The rate of homeless indi- The café was founded by or better yet how your organ- viduals of various age groups 27.3m dynamic duo Joycelyn Lee and isation can help support finan- without a regular private space Andrea Tan back in 2016. Af- cially the people on the ground for sleeping, washing and go- ter more than two years of The one thing who do this day in and day out

ing about one’s daily activities 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 feeding the homeless and come rain or shine. in Kuala Lumpur is alarming. the urban poor, the min- that had us Quite often the good inten- These individuals most often imalistic café has now befuddled on tions of people go awry be- than not have no choice but become a known place cause they do not understand that day was the the “mechanics” of feeding the to spend most of their time in This is precisely why the Se- of refuge and respite homeless and food is wasted, public spaces such as in parks, langor state government has among the commu- fact that 90% of food containers litter the streets on pavements, benches and been focused on people-centric nity. the individuals and worse cause food poison- even on the streets. But most programs to alleviate the cost Dinner is served Volunteers at the Pit ing for our street friends. of the time, during the day it is of living for the B40s. Dato’Seri 5:30 pm onwards we had served Stop Community Cafe Ralph Waldo Emerson had hard to notice them but when Mohamed Azmin Ali during his daily and serves were Malaysians. once said, “The purpose of life night falls and the city grinds to tenure as Menteri Besar was around 200 is not to be happy. It is to be a halt, you will see them hud- very focused on the welfare of homeless or useful, to be honourable, to be dling in the dark in alleyways Selangorians. Programs like poor. Distri- compassionate, to make some and pavements. Skim Peduli Sihat and Kasih Ibu difference that you have lived Various NGO’s (non-govern- Smart Selangor (KISS) are a re- Source: facebook.com/pitstopcafekl/ and lived well.” mental organisations) such as sounding success as they ease Kechara Soup Kitchen (KSK) the burden for families trying and Mercy Malaysia, as well to make ends meet. 10 FEATURE August, 2018 | Selangor Journal FEATURE Selangor Journal | August, 2018 | 11

smile he said “this change is good isn’t it?” “I guess it is. What are your hopes for this new Malaysia?” “Freedom.” Gazing at what was quite possibly a puzzled expression on my face, Uncle Ramlee went on to explain that what every homeless person wanted was the freedom to live their lives MERDEKA STORY with dignity. They didn’t want to be herded into cells where their freedom was restricted. “All we need is a place to sleep at night and the opportu- by nity to work or to ply a trade. Cecelia We have talents, we have expe- rience, I myself was once a golf Alphonsus caddy. Do not treat us like we Chief Editor Lay Me Down are nothing or worse, criminals Media Selangor to be under lock and key. We have skills that we can share with others but no one takes thrust those packets into eager he had been moving from state elders and for people in general.” the time to find out how we out-stretched hands. I bet they to state, from Johor right up to I replied that the police are can contribute to society. I have too focused on the hands and until he finally settled usually gruff and lacking in the ideas on how we can eradicate not the eyes. near the Bangkok Bank area in manners department. He gave homelessness but no one wants We avert our eyes because it KL almost 30 years ago. me a wry smile and told me to listen to me. They just treat is truly impossible to stare into “This area here,” he tells me that some of the worst abuses us like animals.” the eyes of a person living on “was my home. I was comfort- he has seen and endured was at I look at him in silence, wish- the streets and not acknowl- able here with my friends. It the hands of officers from gov- ing I could give him a place edge them as an individual was easy to find a meal and by ernment departments tasked he could call home. I couldn’t human-being. You can’t look at 2am the city will be quiet and with ensuring their welfare. help but see my father in his their eyes and not feel the grief, we could sleep.” A lump formed in my throat face and I shuddered wonder- disappointment and frustration “What happened then? Why and I wondered what kind of ing if would he end up dying all that fills their soul. did you move? ” I asked. species of animal would man- alone and the tears just rolled I couldn’t and I didn’t until I “They came for us. The au- handle elderly homeless peo- house isn’t neces- down my cheeks. met Uncle Ramlee (not his real thorities.” ple? sarily a home and a Joycelyn grins at me like a name) at the Pit Stop Commu- “In the middle of the night, Uncle Ramlee continued his home, not always a Cheshire cat, knowing full well nity Café, thanks to Joycelyn when we were fast asleep, they story and told me about how house. the emotional symphony that Lee, one of the founders of this woke us up with their sticks, he was thrown in jail and that One of the mile- was playing out within me as oasis of warmth in a desert de- shouting and yanking us by the it was thanks to Joycelyn and stones of life that society has the peaceful atmosphere of the void of humanity in the heart of scruff of our necks, pushing and her “lawyer friends” that he got ingrained in us is that to be café was broken by the excited A KL. out. “someone” in society you have hustle and bustle of the dinner “I knew I couldn’t stay here to own your house and have service for her street clients. Uncle Ramlee anymore, even though it was several investment properties Uncle Ramlee can’t wait for home to me, I know the au- to boot before you are consid- Uncle Ramlee shatters what- dinner to be served and told thorities would not leave me in ered as an up-standing member ever stereotypes you might me he was already drooling be- a peace. I lost most of my be- of society. have of homeless people. Neat- cause Joycelyn had cooked labu You pick longings in the raids and had to For many this remains only ly dressed in a clean shirt and masak lemak, a typical Malay start over. I moved further out a dream, the luckier ones are pants, sporting a cotton French dish that he hadn’t tasted in a the place... of the city centre, closer to the renters but for those who can- beret that had my stomach in a long long time. The first Merdeka celebration that I can remember was when I was in Sharing the love outskirts of the city. It is more not afford rent on top of utilities knot because it was just like the I felt a stab to my heart again Standard 1. We were told that the school will be holding a Merdeka Day My children are so fascinated with Malaysian history. Knowing that their to lay me difficult to find a meal but at and food, they find themselves one my late father used to love as I tried to compose myself. Celebration a week before. It was a joyous occasion as we got to wave the father’s day to day job is managing the state, they have always asked me least the authorities haven’t on the streets, sleeping on card- wearing. This was home to Uncle Jalur Gemilang and sang patriotic songs together. As a 7 year old at that how it feels like to be holding so many responsibilities. I have always made down where started to chase us away there.” board boxes on pavements and Clean shaven with impecca- Ramlee. A place he was treat- time, Merdeka to me was all about waving the Jalur Gemilang and singing it a point to tell them the history of Independence and ask them about park benches. Some manage to ble manners and speaking in together with my schoolmates. what they learned in school about Merdeka. peace is Hope For The Future ed with love, surrounded by hold on to a job but the odds fluent English, this gentleman friends, walking the streets he are stacked against them when in his late sixties cut a more im- prevalent As it was almost August when I called home, always knowing On childhood Merdeka tradition It’s good to let our children understand the history of our country at a they are living on the streets, pressive figure than some of my met Uncle Ramlee, I asked him that a warm, tasty meal was Merdeka Day is all about getting together to understand the sacrifices of young age. This will help them to grow as a responsible and loving citizen straddling between the Kuala dates. For some reason, I de- and hate if he remembered Merdeka Day there for him to fill his stom- our forefathers and knowing the importance of safeguarding the sover- who treasures each aspect of our history. Lumpur we know and the Kua- cided not to sit across the table in 1957. ach. But after 30 years, he was eignty of our country. We usually celebrate Merdeka together with the la Lumpur that slowly emerges from him and I asked if I could can’t be I could see his eyes travel driven yet again away from his whole family. No specific tradition but my father usually will make us un- Merdeka this year is a bit special because of what happened on the 9th of from the dark underbelly of the sit next to him instead. back to a happier time in his life home, this time by the “author- derstand the significance of August 31st . We watched the Merdeka parade May. Malaysians stood up united against corruption and kleptocracy. It is city when the last of the city I wanted to look at him, re- found as he recounted how excited he ities”. How many years he has on television up until I went to university. also a testament of our love for this nation and its Constitution. The peo- workers have returned to the ally look at him. Not like an ob- was standing in the stadium left, I don’t know. ple of Malaysia should be proud that they are a part of history. comfort of their homes. ject or a curiosity but to really clutching his father’s hand. He told me he is tired, walk- Significance of Merdeka I have walked the streets see him, his eyes, the lines on “I was just about six years ing further and further each I first started to realise the significance of Merdeka when I read about the As the Menteri Besar of Selangor, I am grateful that the state is blessed of KL in the wee hours of the his face, the missing teeth, the old,” he chuckled “and I didn’t day, carrying a heavy knapsack history of our country in my high school years. The sacrifices made by with peace and prosperity. Selangor is the golden state of Malaysia and a morning before, careful not to way he clenched his lips when really know what was going on filled with the only earthly be- Tok Janggut, Datuk Bahaman and Lieutenant Adnan and not to forget the model state which has become an example to others. Our people-centric trip over an outstretched leg or he speaks and I wanted to lis- prodding us into trucks. They except that it was something longings he has, to evade get- struggles lead by Tunku Abdul Rahman to fight for our country’s Indepen- policies have become the foundation of our success. It is our obligation to arm while straining my eyes on ten, intently to him. didn’t care that most of us were important.” ting caught by over-zealous en- dence. maintain and preserve the harmony between different religions and cul- the horizon in a calculated at- And when I started listening, old, they shouted at us, not “I could sense that the people forcement officers. tures which have become the hallmark of Selangor. It is my hope that the tempt not to make eye contact that is when my heart, despite bothered that some of us can’t around me were very excited Uncle Ramlee may not have Learning History in school made me understand the importance of safe- people of Selangor will always benefit from the state’s wealth and at the with the eyes that I can feel bor- the shattered mess that it was even walk properly.” but at the same time there was a property deed in his name but guarding our Kemerdekaan. The significance of August 31st each year same time contribute to the economic growth. My sincere wish is that ing holes in me as I walk past. already in, continued to crack My eyes filled with tears as a nervous air of apprehension.” he has heart, he has soul and goes beyond the parade and patriotic songs and is a reminder to each cit- Selangor will continue to strive for excellence in every aspect and become I have assisted groups to into a million tiny pieces. he recounted the horrors of “Similar to what we felt on to me he is an eminent person. izen of the challenges that awaits in the future and also the responsibilities the main actor in the South East Asia region. pack and distribute food to the Uncle Ramlee has been liv- that night. May 10th recently?” I asked “You pick the place... to to protect and defend our Constitution. homeless, efficiently forming a ing on the streets since 1973, “You know girl, they don’t cheekily. lay me down where peace human chain to pass packs of the year that I was born. For my have respect anymore. Malay- He threw his head back is prevalent and hate can’t food to volunteers who then entire existence on this planet, sians have lost respect for their and laughed heartily, with a be found.” 12 BUSINESS August, 2018 | Selangor Journal BUSINESS Selangor Journal | August, 2018 | 13

Project PAI; New Era of Evolution of Artificial Bloconomic Intelligence Blockchain ne of the cap- tivating 01 Malaysia 2018 presen- tations Oat Bloconomic 2018 was the introduction First Generation to Project PAI. It is a Smashing Success decentralised platform for intelligent avatars • Distributed by Cecelia Alphonsus made from online per- sonalities called Personal Artificial Intel- consensus ligence or PAI. • First blockchain KUALA LUMPUR – The inaugural Block- the government in building a blockchain the short-term if it finds its niche in the Founded on the belief that every per- chain Economic Summit 2018 conclud- service consisting of Artificial Intelligence, blockchain sphere soon as how other son should have their own digital avatar, application ed with a resounding success recently as Cloud Services and Decentralised Appli- countries in the region like Vietnam has one that speaks, thinks and behaves just • 3 to 7 tx per sec participants and speakers from around the cations creating a digital government with done. like their self, this verified intelligent 3D world congregated at what was hailed as a digital infrastructure and secure digital In a recent online article, Forbes pre- • layer 2: > avatar that looks like you and sounds 02 stimulating platform that brought together identities.” dicts that Vietnam may very well be South like you can also perform tasks on your 1,000,000 tx per a thousand over people from the block- With licenses awarded in the banking East Asia’s blockchain innovation hub. With behalf. chain sphere. system, export and import, civil engineer- a projected growth rate of 6.7% as reported As owners of our own PAI, the ava- sec The 2-day event on the 16th and 17th of ing development, renewable energy de- by the World Bank, Vietnam still has much tars can be managed anywhere online. Second Generation August saw active networking between velopment, raw material mining and det- room for improvement citing that only 31% A unique blockchain protocol for PAI participants, speakers, exhibitors and spon- onation, hotels and casino industry, as well of Vietnamese adults have bank accounts creates a decentralized platform where sors which according to event organizer, as solid backing from the government of while smartphone ownership is on the rise PAI are stored and interacts with decen- Boey Kwa Jian “was a rare opportunity to Timor Leste, the country is poised to be- with 40% of the population expected to tralised applications meant for PAI-cen- • Smart contract meet so many international participants at come the world’s first fully functioning own one by 2021 creating a sizeable op- tric uses in everyday life. introduction an event in Malaysia.” blockchain nation. portunity for app-based blockchain finan- Now you can have your very own vir- Over a thousand participants and seventy “Clearly, all this is a lot for one company cial services for the unbanked. tual assistant to do tasks like shopping. • Platform to 03 speakers packed the Connexion Confer- to handle and we are looking for partners Too busy to try on clothes? Easy, your develop DApps ence and Event Centre where issues on and expertise to contribute towards this Time to regulate PAI learns your dressing style, tracks regulations and ICOs were discussed, new project,” he added. A recent 242-page report “Tailoring latest designs and styles and tries on • 15tx per sec projects pitched and most importantly in- Malaysian blockchain regulations for the digital outfits. Pull up your PAI on your Third Generation sight into how blockchain is disrupting the new digital economy” by University Ma- mobile device, watch it wearing various world as we know it. Blockchain laya urges the Malaysian government to digital outfits using AR, select your fa- Boey, who is the Secretary of the Malay- provide a relaxed yet effective regulatory vourite ones and then purchase them • Data sian Blockchain Association and a Director is the future environment for blockchain technology yourself. interoperability at Alphacap Berhad started planning for to flourish. The report noted that adoption the summit in April this year and travelled of blockchain technology is crucial to the • Business ready all over the world curating the top names and the country’s economic and technological de- features in the industry to speak and exhibit at the velopment, and the legal issues concerned summit. future is must be further explored and addressed. • 1,000 to 10,000 “I wanted to organize a summit where peo- Ironically, Kuala Lumpur is now home per sec ple could see how blockchain technology digital. to international technology developer can be applied to the economic ecosys- NEM Foundation which recently opened tem. I wanted to organize a summit here, its new Southeast Asian HQ here, a at the heart of South East Asia to stimulate Sankalp Shangari, founder and CEO of 11,000-square-foot-facility that NEM While Bitcoin gave us the tion blockchain brought the rate of 15 transactions per innovation and create possibilities in this LaLa World, a fast-growing Asian technol- claims is the biggest blockchain focused original blockchain, Block- explosion of ICOs (Initial Coin second, with a typical trans- part of the world.” ogy company using blockchain to create a facility in Asia. It will serve as a learn- The summit drew active tech media par- connected financial ecosystem for the un- chain 1.0, a simple ledger that Offerings) and decentralized action latency of around 10- ing centre, incubator and accelerator for records transactions in se- applications. 20 seconds. By contrast, the ticipation from all over the world including banked, migrants and refugees around the blockchain related startups. However the Wish you could ask your doctor a quence, and the entire chain Visa credit card processing China, Taiwan, Korea, Vietnam, the United world, said that “one of the opportunities legality of crypto-currency trading in Ma- zillion questions but too shy? PAI is a States of America and Europe as well as in the next decade is with the two billion laysia remains in a grey area as it isn’t de- bridge to better care between doctors is distributed, with verifica- The business community is system averages 2000 trans- solutions-based companies and tech pro- unbanked people around the world.” LaLa clared illegal but remains unregulated. and patients as well as to represent tion happening across multi- now taking notice of block- actions per second. viders. World wants to create a financial ecosys- Recently on July 4th, the Maltese Par- you in the healthcare space. The pos- ple nodes to confirm a trans- chains however public block- tem that would cater to their needs and liament passed 3 bills into law, establishing sible uses of PAI are endless especially action. chains as they are now are not Therefore the industry be- Partnerships and improve their lives. the first regulatory framework for block- in the social networking, entertainment enterprise ready with issues lieves that Blockchain 3.0 Earlier this year, LaLa World announced applications chain, cryptocurrency and DLT (Distributed and media space. Coupled with AR, the We then saw this evolve of privacy and security. When will be the emergence a strategic partnership with block- Ledger Technology). This tiny island in the branding and marketing opportunities to something which could looking at using blockchain in of a cloud-driven, enter- Speaker and exhibitor, Anthony Davie, CEO chain-powered remittance company Re- are set to ignite the industry. of Invech Group, said blockchain technol- Mediterranean is now at the forefront of include logic to perform the enterprise world, the very prise-ready blockchain plat- bit.ph (“Rebit”) to expand its payment net- innovation in the blockchain sphere mak- Project PAI is working alongside AI ogy can be a disruptive force across indus- works. With the partnership, LaLa World will company ObEN to develop the PAI Net- all manner of tasks. The safeguards that ensure the in- form that has data interopera- tries. According to Davie, Invech Group is ing it the first country to offer holistic reg- first Blockchain 2.0 imple- tegrity of public blockchain bility between different types bring increased access to financial services ulatory framework for DLT operations. In a work and blockchain protocol. the first blockchain solutions entity to be for the unbanked in the Philippines, a ma- mentation was the Ethere- networks bring about scal- of blockchains with the abil- licensed by a government. Forbes interview, Silvio Schembri, Malta’s jor step towards its goal of global financial Junior Minister for Financial Services, Dig- For more information on this project um Network, and the added ability problems. For example, ity to perform up to 10,000 “We were awarded licenses in the visit www.projectpai.com inclusion. ital Economy and Innovation, commented code was called Smart Con- the public Ethereum Network transactions per second. blockchain and cryptocurrency framework According to Shangari, Malaysia has the tracts. This second genera- has an average processing by the Timor Leste government to assist that the Maltese government is focused potential to earn millions if not billions in on the technology behind blockchain and what it can offer in the long-run. 14 PROPERTY August, 2018 | Selangor Journal LIFESTYLE Selangor Journal | August, 2018 | 15

adapting to nearly every en- vironment on earth. Bacteria is everywhere, on the soil, air, ocean, even on us right now (both inside and out), in tril- lions. They become a part of an Home Where Love Resides important earth ecosystem. De- THE spite having this unbelievably By he community spirit Pricing trends for properties in huge number of bacteria on our at one of Selangor’s Taman Cuepacs have been on a Batrisyia Jay body, why are humans able to oldest residential decline over the past five years. survive? areas, Taman Cue- “If there are some positive Although some bacteria pacs is one to be changes, the place will look nic- UBIQUITOUS cause disease, many are help- admired as it shines through er and better in terms of land- ful to us. We host thousands of despite lacklustre facilities in scaping and facilities, so the Taman Cuepacs T different types of bacteria, at the neighbourhood. Residents property value will increase,” different body sites where they comprise of families who have says Davidson Abishegam, a GERMS create a balanced and healthy lived there for generations long-time resident of the area. environment. Most of them ex- where like in the popular TV According to Davidson, safe- to take note that researchers ist in our gut flora, and some show Cheers, everyone knows ty is the biggest issue as the found that those supposedly on the skin. Example of a good your name. However lately, res- area has been in disrepair for clean shoes are more than 90% gut bacteria is Lactobacillus ac- idents are concerned with the ages. “The drains and fences, contaminated with faecal ma- idophilus, commonly found in dip in property prices which all broken down and rusty, and terial. My conclusion is, once it probiotic yogurt that may help they believe are in part due to the drains are not sealed prop- touches the floor, it will never digest food, produce vitamins the poor maintenance of ame- erly which means you can fall touch my lips. and kill the bad bacteria. The nities in the neighbourhood. straight into it.” It is common sense that any good bacteria in our mouth Taman Cuepacs is a housing What is irksome for David- material that is shared fre- may prevent fungal growth. development in Batu 9 Cheras. son is the fact that the housing quently in public are good Scientists are still studying the The name ‘Cuepacs’ is derived areas around Taman Cuepacs, surfaces for bacteria to adhere Taman Cuepacs is a effectiveness of taking sup- from ‘Congress of Union of Em- such as Alam Jaya and Taman to and survive. There are hun- housing development in plementation of probiotics on ployees in the Public and Civil Cuepacs phase 2, appear to be dreds of publications that re- Batu 9 Cheras health issues like gastrointesti- Services’. Developed in 1980, better taken care of. “There’s an port the presence of bad germs nal and allergic disorders. The name ‘Cuepacs’ is Taman Cuepacs was amongst obvious difference between our on banknotes and handphones. derived from ‘Congress the first few housing develop- taman and the other tamans From this understanding, I shy Clean Hands ments in the Selangor-Kuala around it,” says Davidson. away from stalls with sellers of Union of Employees Save Lives in the Public and Civil Lumpur border. Properties in According to him, the hous- by that touch food and money Services’. this area are designed with a ing area was 20 to 30 years old, without using clean gloves, and As a dermatologist, I have seen modern touch with an array of and there were many old prob- Dr Kartini those without running water. many examples of infections Developed in sizes. lems which needs to be sorted Farah Rahim Now, one can no longer won- due to poor hand hygiene. A typical 2-storey terraced out one by one. He explains Consultant dles with bare hands, and pre- HFMD is caused by entero- der why one has bad stomach Many patients with eczema fre- house in Taman Cuepacs costs that the residents are upset Dermatologist and fer eating at home, where I can virus, a viral disease that oc- aches after consuming that quently develop skin infection Internal Medicine cook or re-heat bought dishes. curs worldwide, sporadically nice murtabak from the pasar from a type of bacteria called 1980 malam. Staphylococcus aureus which My water-resistant phones have but frequently epidemic as it is failed many times due to water easily transmissible. Outbreaks frequently colonizes the skin. was amongst the seepage. are common among children Germs are This is exacerbated by incessant first few housing My obsession started after I who gather in groups as they everywhere! scratching and inoculation of developments in the the bacteria from the nails deep had a severe bout of bacterial are in direct contact with the Bacteria are very diverse tiny Selangor-Kuala Lumpur into the small cracks in the skin. food poisoning few years ago nasal discharges and faeces of living beings and have been border They may get crusts, weeping where I needed intravenous infected children or contam- around for billions of years, fluid and was admitted to the inated objects and surfaces. erosions or blisters from this in- hospital. I was so weak and de- The illness is usually mild and fection. This method of transfer by hand is by far the most com- Square feet hydrated, and the pain in my self-limiting but young children stomach was excruciating. Food may develop fever and blisters. mon route to spread infection poisoning is most commonly Some may have complications amongst children. So, what can we do to protect ourselves and Amongst the top issues battled by the residents caused by dangerous bacteria with the more virulent types of 1650 such as E.coli and Salmonella, enterovirus. There is no vaccine our children? leading to the hospitalization against this virus but one may Once a child is infected, it is Bedroom around as well as an absence of millions yearly worldwide. develop immunity against it as just a matter of time before the et me reveal some- Once a child others develop the same illness, of youth development or en- thing here, I have an Viruses and parasites can also a result of previous infection. gagement complex. Residents cause food contamination. is infected, unless important preventive obsessive-compulsive steps are taken. One may pre- 4 are also worried about the lack disorder especially on The Five it is just a vent the transmission by avoid- of pedestrian walkways as chil- cleanliness. Germa- Hand, foot and Second Rule Bathroom Home“ is dren and senior citizens have to matter of time ing close contact with an infect- phobia is a fear of infection or mouth disease My mother believes in this uni- walk on the streets as there are ed person. Those that have the where love contamination by any micro- (HFMD) outbreak versal rule that any food acci- before the disease must be kept away from no proper walkways for them, L scopic organisms, be it bacte- It is not my intention to influ- dentally dropped onto the floor the others and prompt cleaning RM590, 000, with a RM2, 420 with the fact that the authori- thus exposing themselves to others develop 3 resides, ria, viral or fungal. It is difficult ence anyone to be obsessive but picked up quickly within of any soiled materials. Prop- monthly mortgage. These 1650 ties are not resolving the many danger. living as me as I cannot stop about cleanliness; however five seconds is still safe to be the same er hand hygiene is the one of square feet sized houses have problems in the neighbourhood As the saying goes, ‘Home is memories myself from repeatedly ques- the current epidemic of HFMD eaten. She will just blow on it the most important, simplest four bedrooms and three bath- such as clogged drains and poor where love resides, memories illness, unless tioning myself if I have washed made me extra cautious. I see and continue to eat it.. So, the and least expensive means of rooms, complete with a balcony road condition. “We want solu- are created, are created, friends always be- my hands thoroughly. I will not many of these cases in my clin- question is how quickly does important reducing infections and to re- on the upper storey. tions but there doesn’t seem to long, and laughter never ends’. reveal the lengthy process of ic. Let’s face it, the hospital is bacteria stick to our food? I had duce the spread of antimicro- Capital gain, which is the be any.” friends Despite the poor condition of prevention my washing and bathing here. not the cleanest place on earth always resisted the temptation bial resistance. The Ministry profit one earns on the sale of Amongst the top issues bat- their neighbourhood field, Da- It is laborious until my hands where sick patients are carriers to spare any food that fell onto steps were of Health Malaysia has issued

a real estate asset, stands at tled by the residents are the always vidson and long-time residents and feet have developed ecze- of usual and unusual germs. If the floor, however clean it may steps of effective hand disinfec-

2.29%, which has been annu- development and construction of the area have banded to- taken. belong, and ma, having constantly been in I suspect a patient has an infec- look. Few research papers have tion technique when one is in alised over five years. It results being carried out on a slope gether to clean and repair the “ contact with water, soap, de- tious ailment, I will wipe down shown that once the food is in contact with a possibly infected in capital gain when the sell- adjacent to their housing area, condition of the field at their laughter tergent and bleach. Hence the all surfaces with alcohol spray contact with any surface, the person, surfaces or material. So ing price exceeds its purchase small drains and narrow roads, own cost so that they can play choice of all my bags and shoes and change the sheets after contamination is immediate. It go ahead and wash those hands price. Capital loss will be on the a field and playground that is in a friendly football match on never ends are made of washable mate- they leave. Any bodily fluid on is more so if the food has high again, your health (and your rise when the purchase price is poor condition and badly main- Merdeka Day. rials. I have alcohol sanitizer the floor must be mopped clean moisture content and has been family’s) is in your hands! higher than the selling price. tained, wild animals roaming spray in my handbag. I will first before the next patient trampled on by outdoor shoes. never touch public toilet han- comes in. It is good LIFESTYLE Selangor Journal | August, 2018 | 16

There’s no better way to end this fun-filled month than to celebrate our beautiful country’s Independence Day. This year is extra special too, as we celebrate a new Malaysia and the bright future we have ahead of us. #sayangimalaysiaku

The Grind 22 Open Mic KL Journal Open Mic facebook.com/openmicmalaysia Boyzone 25th facebook.com/openmicmalaysia Anniversary World Hosted by Open Mic Malaysia, this Tour 2018 open mic takes place at Grind 22 Happening every Thursday at KL in Bangsar’s Lorong Maarof every Journal is Open Mic Malaysia’s open facebook.com/events/271004140111335 Wednesday night. Kick back with a mic session, led by host Shaneil cuppa and enjoy a host of poetry and Devaser of rock band The Endleaves. These 90s boys are back with a world AR UND music performances slated to take For those interested in taking the tour celebrating their 25 years to- place. For those interested in taking stage, email us@openmicmalaysia. gether as a band. It’ll be their first time the stage, email us@openmicmalay- org for a slot at the next open mic. ever in Malaysia, so grab your tickets TOWN sia.org. if you want to get into the Boyzone! The KL Journal August 2018 edition Grind 22 Free Axiata Arena Free 30 August 2018 24 August 2018 23 August - 19 September 2018

Hello! My beloved readers.

I am sorry but in my Merdeka ex- citement Macik is on a break this month. I have always wanted to go on a cruise and was excited that the Macik beautiful Equanimity has docked in Klang. Macik packed my syari- ah friendly bathing suit not a biki- Puan Sri ni ok! And am off for a holiday on the high seas! I do hope to catch a glimpse of the very tubby Malaysian or is it Taiwanese captain who I hear is buddy buddy with Ms Hilton. instagram.com/macikpuan/ Tata!

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