Perfect incubator for pandemic

Perfect incubator for pandemic by Tan Ee Lyn THE SUN GUANGZHOU (China): The little boy jumped on a crate of clucking chickens as his father called out to him to transfer more birds from a large enclosure into the crate. In this dank, poultry wholesale market in Guangzhou in souther n China, a woman in the next stall selling ducks chomped on an apple while five barechested men sat down to lunch. All around the humans are cages of live chickens, ducks, geese, rabbits, goats, pigeons and pheasants ?the perfect setting for the H5N1 bird flu virus to mix with other viruses or mutate into what experts predict would be the next pandemic strain. Once the hybrid is easily transmissible among people ?which experts say will ultimately happen as the virus changes ?they predict more than 25 million hospital admissions and up to seven million deaths globally within a short period. At least two of the three pandemics in the last century originated in southern China. And it seems more than a coincidence that the H5N1 made its first known jump to humans in 1997 in Hongkong, which lies in southern China. So why is this region such a hotbed for new deadly bugs? "A large proportion of the global population is in this region, and beyond that there is a diversity of animals that are thought to be important in the generation of these pandemic viruses," Malik Peiris, a microbiologist at the University of Hongkong who has worked extensively on the H5N1 virus and SARS, said in an interview. "These include waterfowl, particularly ducks which are reared in large numbers in this region, pigs and the fact that poultry, pigs and humans are present in very large numbers and in very close proximity to each other in this region. Not just China but southeast Asia," said Peiris . Spread across Guangdong province in southern China are tiny farms, where villagers raise small numbers of pigs in open sheds. Outside, chickens and ducks are free to roam. "In places where you have pigs, birds and humans living close to each other, they create the ecology for the emergence of new strains. In southern China, you can easily see them keeping chickens, water birds very close to pigs and humans. This environment makes gene reassortment more likely," said Paul Chan, a microbiologist at the Chinese University. Gene reassortment is the closest things viruses have to sex. They can swap genes with other viruses, often allowing them to acquire vastly new abilities overnight. It is a faster way to change than simple mutation ?which could also lead to a new H5N1 strain deadlier to people. The H5N1 strain has haunted the world since it made its debut in humans in 1997. It is now endemic in parts of Asia, where it has killed more than 60 people since late 2003. The crisis deepened this year when wild migratory birds began dying from it in central China and experts have since war ned that species which survive could carry the virus all over Europe and Africa within the next two migrating seasons. The virus has been detected in regions north of China in Kazakhstan, Russia and Mongolia. It has also been found in China's southwestern regions of Xinjiang and Tibet, which hangs just over Nepal and the rest of the Indian sub-continent. But such worries cannot be farther from the minds of farmers and poultry vendors in southern China, where such husbandry practices have been handed down for generations. "Sick? I have never been sick!" snapped the woman at the market as she carried on eating her apple. But health experts continue to be alarmed and governments worldwide have hammered out contingencies in the event of a pandemic, which is certain to put a stop to all air travel, trade and ordinary life. Chan said the threat of a pandemic has become infinitely larger with the involvement of mig ratory birds. "With land birds you can catch and kill them, but with migratory birds you can't. What we fear is that migratory birds will spread the virus to poultry (in other parts of the world). Poultry is closest to humans, that's the tipping point," he said. "Up until now, transmission from bird to human is not ef ficient, but with a lot of contact, you will end up with a lot of human cases. When you have a sufficient number of human cases, there is chance for human influenza to mix with avian virus." "When that time comes, it wouldn't be a pig, but a human mixing vessel (that produces the next pandemic strain). We are far more efficient mixing vessels than pigs. And once H5N1 becomes easily transmissible in humans, it will be the end. We can do nothing to control this spreading." Health experts urged full biosecurity measures at farms, saying everything must be done to keep poultry from mixing with waterfowl and wild birds. They also called for close surveillance of the virus in birds of all types. "We must make sure our preparedness plans are well organised and ready and we must also get a vaccine ready and make sure it can be mass produced in the numbers required ," Peiris said. ?Reuters

Condoms as common as cabbage

Condoms as common as cabbage THE SUN BEIJING: The once prudish Chinese government is hoping to make condom use as common as eating cabbage and will distribute more than 300 million of them to help curb AIDS. The government signed a deal on Tuesday with the Gaobang Latex Products Manufacturing Company for 305 million condoms that will be purchased by a special HIV/AIDS fund, Xinhua news agency said yesterday. The condoms will be distributed to centres for disease control which will deliver them to hotels and public entertainment places. Forty-two hotels in the provincial capital of Guilin have already received batches, it said. ?AFP

Germany's paid papers worry about free dailies

Germany's paid papers worry about free dailies THE SUN BERLIN: The launch of free papers in Germany seems very close now, contrary to the wishes of publisher Axel Springer. Norwegian publisher Schibsted will launch its free paper with 15 regional editions in 22 cities across Germany, reports Focus Money citing an internal strategic document. Meanwhile, German publisher Springer announced that it will launch a free paper called Gratissimo. However, Gratissimo will be launched only in the case of the launch of a free paper by Schibsted or any other publisher. "Every day without a free paper is a good day," said a speaker of Springer in Die Welt. In the case of its launch, Gratissimo, "the free paper for Germany", will appear in a tabloid format and consist of 24 pages.

Hospital's action right, says doctor

Hospital's action right, says doctor by Mohd Tajudin and Llew-Ann Phang THE SUN PETALING JAYA: If anything, the recent baby "blunder" involving Sungai Petani Hospital is just because of lack of communication. The Malaysian Paediatrician Association (MPA) said yesterday the hospital staff could have communicated better with the parents of the baby whose gender was registered as "ambiguous" on Sept 7. "They were quite right in saying that the baby's gender is ambiguous. We have the classification, especially for cases like this ?an enlarged clitoris," MPA president Prof Dr Zulkifli Ismail said when contacted. He said it was not a mistake on the hospital's part where the classification of the baby's gender is concerned, adding that the baby's condition was because of "electrolite imbalance". "These cases are not very common but we do see it and when we do, we need to be careful and keep the baby for a few days to ensure that the baby is safe," he said. Businessman Ahmad Hassan, 58, and his wife Fazrina Md Daud, 31, experienced sleepless nights after their baby's gender was registered as ambiguous in the birth registration form, despite having Fazrina confirm the baby is a girl in the delivery room. Fazrina gave birth to her 2.75kg baby through Caesarean section. Hospital director Dr Harith Fadzillah called Ahmad to clarify the matter and apologised for the mistake. Dr Hwang Yee Chern, of Island Hospital in Penang, said an ambiguous condition can be caused by two factors. "They are congenital adrenal hyperplasia, where the male hormones are dominant in a baby girl or vice-versa, and real hermaphrodite, where there are chromosome abnormalities in a new-born baby. "Both cases are rare and during my 20 years as a paediatrician, I have encountered only eight cases," she said. "The congenital adrenal hyperplasia condition occurs when, for example, male hormones are dominant in a baby girl, resulting in her clitoris to develop bigger than normal. "As for real hermaphrodite, it is a condition where a baby only has half the usual XX (female) or XY (male) chromosomes." Hwang said both conditions can be treated with hormonal therapy. On the hospital keeping the baby, she said it is a normal procedure as the hospital needs to conduct tests to deter mine the baby's gender.

Mufti: Kissing hands is sign of respect

Mufti: Kissing hands is sign of respect by Husna Yusop THE SUN PETALING JAYA: The traditional gesture of kissing the hands of the elderly or leaders is considered harus or permissible in Islam as long as it does not contain the elements of worship or idolism. Selangor mufti Datuk Mohd Tamyes Abdul Wahid said the kissing of hands also must not be between two persons who are not muhrim (permitted in Islam to marry each other). "There is a Prophet Muhammad's hadith that says you should not kiss other people's hands except for the hands of your parents. Some ulama interpreted this to mean kissing hands as a sign of respect is harus," he told theSun. "If the act is done merely out of respect for our leaders, teachers, husbands or elder relatives, for that matter, it would not degrade anyone or violate the religion." He was commenting on a news report that Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah had decreed that his citizens should no longer kiss their monarch's hand as it is degrading and unIslamic, as it also leads to bowing, which is a violation of God's law. Mohd Tamyes said one's dignity in the eyes of God is measured by his taqwa (God-fearing quality) towards Him, not by gestures.

10m fake RM1 coins report not true: BNM

10m fake RM1 coins report not true: BNM THE SUN KUALA LUMPUR: Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) refuted a report yesterday that 10 million fake RM1 coins are in circulation. It said news reports claiming a large number of the RM1 coins in circulation are fake "are incorrect and misleading". "The public should disregard the report or (similar) claims," it said in a statement. The central bank said there had been isolated cases of forgeries in RM1 coins but the amount was not significant. "Bank Negara has been working closely with the police in such cases and actions were promptly taken," it said. A Chinese daily had reported that about 10 million dud RM1 coins were in circulation. BNM said the RM1 coins are being withdrawn because of the low demand and increasingly unpopular usage of RM1 coins for purchases of goods and services. "The RM1 coins represent less than 1% of the total value of currency in circulation in Malaysia," it said. It said the RM1 coins remain legal tender until Dec 6. "All businesses must continue to accept the RM1 coins and the public can change the coins between Sept 7 and Dec 6." The statement added that BNM had increased the circulation of the RM1 banknotes and coins in other denominations since 2000 to replace the RM1 coins in meeting the demand of the public. For further details on the withdrawal, the public can surf Bank Negara website, www.bnm.gov.my or contact the bank's currency management and operations department at tel: 03-2698 8044 ext 7442 / 7417.

Tainted by graft

Tainted by graft THE SUN KUALA LUMPUR: Graft and bureaucracy are choking the multi billion-ringgit construction industry. Malay Contractors Association president Datuk Roslan Awang Chik said: "There has been not a single moment in the industry where it was not doled out (giving bribes). "From licensing, tendering, consultation, approval of projects, or from the acceptance to completion of a projects we dole out. If you hold on to your principle, you don't get the job." Former ACA director-general Datuk Shafee Yahaya, said: "It is the failure of the delivery system. Industry players are suffering because of red tape. "States, ministries and the government must give priority (to address the problem). Political will is paramount in most cases." Roslan and Shafee said this during a two-day forum on "Integrity in the Construction Sector" held at the Malaysian Institute of Integrity yesterday. Various speakers also averred that the construction industry is "extremely prone" to corruption and political will is necessary to address the scourge. They said this is because too many players are involved in the chain of works. "There is always a giver and receiver ?contractors and decisionmakers, contractors and consultants and contractors and suppliers," said Roslan. The forum was also told that the industry is fraught with delay in approving projects, uncompleted projects, poor quality of work, cost over-runs and late payments to contractors, which either directly or indirectly could be corruption-linked, reports Bernama. Industry players also admitted that the level of integrity was "rather low". Transparency International in its latest report described corruption in the sector as having reached a "pathetic level". Speakers at the forum argued that graft raised costs and lowered the quality of development and corrupt processes would leave developing countries with sub-standard infrastructure and high debts.

Verbal harassment

Verbal harassment THE SUN AN exhaustive study of more than 1,000 employees in the Czech Republic has found that words, not deeds, are the most common components of sexual harassment in the workplace. "The most frequent forms of sexual harassment are verbal incursions into one's personal life, sexual hints, banter and comments," said the study commissioned by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs. "One-half to two-thirds of the population encounters this type of sexual harassment." Unlike often blatant incidents of unwanted touching or glaring, the women and men questioned in a nationwide series of focus groups noted that verbal harassment comes in all shapes and sizes. Although mutual flirting and office-group conversations with "bawdy chatter is absolutely a common part of life in some organisations," said the study, many workers feel victimised in specific situations, such as when men working in a project team with women use speech with sexual overtones. Moreover, 60% of women and 40% of men said they were embarrassed by off-colour jokes at work. According to the study's five authors from the Czech Academy of Sciences, an especially serious but common problem occurs when a woman is intimidated by sexual suggestions from a male boss in economically depressed areas. Superiors who prey on female employees often get away with dirty talk and more in areas where high unemployment forces women into silent submission. However, men are just as likely to be victims of verbal harassment. Intimidating "gossip and slander" of a sexual nature has affected 56% of the men who participated in the study compared with 57% of women. Other forms of communication harassment include phone calls and emails. Nearly 18% of participants said they had received unwanted, erotic pictures by email from a colleague, and 9% were harassed on the phone. On the other hand, about 28% of the participants said they had experienced "involuntary body contact" at work and 2% said they had been physically assaulted. Since the term "sexual harass ment" is usually associated with physical contact, only one-fourth of the par ticipants said they consider themselves genuine victims of the phenomenon at work. But while a pinch or an abusive stare usually lasts only a second or two at most, the negative affects of harassing speech can build over time and eventually lead to physical molestation. "Sexual harassment often has a cumulative character, growing step by step from less expressive to more severe for ms," the study said. This gradual buildup prompted the authors of the study to suggest employers prohibit "sexually tuned behaviour and communication", if they want to eliminate "hard forms of sexual harassment". However, because sexually harassing speech is so widespread, the study said many workers who feel victimised try a more common and perhaps practical solution to the problem ?hunting for another job. ?dpa

Getting to the truth in readership data

Getting to the truth in readership data THE SUN THE reawakened media debate on the issue of reliable newspaper readership figures has called for clarifications and cor rections as media owners race each other to argue over methodology and accuracy of each other's findings. In a statement ,the Joint Industry Committee for Print Audience Research (Jicpar) said "There is a need for maturity and rationale in all for us to find a common ground to end this dispute". Nielsen Media Research (NMR)'s face-to-face interviews for its Media Index feature about 10,000 individuals aged 15 years and above in a year and the results are reported quarterly based on 12-month rolling sample. The media coverage as reported by NMR has been the sole cur rency used by the advertising industry but media owners have raised their discontent as they find their expanding readership or coverage had not been reflected in Nielsen's results. It is felt that the main reason for this was that interviewers have not sufficiently reached individuals living in guarded homes, apartments and condominiums ?these are the individuals with diversified media habits. As such some publications with upscale readership profiles felt to be under-represented here and this has led dailies to commission Synovate and TNS, which have produced findings disparate to those published by NMR. These were expected as different research methodologies and survey period (one off against rolling 12 months) were used. The Jicpar board and the technical committee reviewed the Nielsen Media Index research methodolog y in February. While Nielsen claims to adopt most of the international guidelines for readership research, it agreed to an independent audit to verify its methodology and implementation. Jicpar has recommended that Nielsen over-sample the urban areas to create an effective robust sample of key advertisers' target for analysis and profiling. Before reporting the results, such over-sampling should be downweighted to reflect the correct proportion in the total population. Recognising the under coverage of individuals living in guarded homes, apartment and condominiums, Nielsen has used numbers extracted from the telephone directory to recruit the sample from condominiums and luxury apartments. When Jicpar last checked, the achievement rate for these dwelling, although improved, was still low. In July, Jicpar invited Nielsen, Synovate and TNS to propose the best research methodology that can overcome the above limitations. Despite the limitations, Nielsen maintains that faceto-face interviews are the best data collection method for readership research in Malaysia and proposes to reweigh the sample to overcome the limitation. While face-to-face interviewing is the most widely used method for readership survey, there is a shift to use CATI (Computer Assisted Telephone Interviews) interviews internationally to reach affluent individuals. Synovate and TNS have shown that it is possible to reach individuals living in gated communities and condominiums using the telephone. They proposed mixing both methods of data collection to overcome the limitations. For the rural area, they proposed only face-to-face interviews. Synovate and TNS agreed that face-to-face and CATI can be combined effectively to boost response rate and reduce costs, as long as researchers minimise the dif ferences between the questionnaires and samples and monitor the profile of responses. The mixed mode sampling and weighting procedures should be checked for validity. Synovate provided Jicpar the example of its findings compared to the NMR numbers and it was seen that phone interviews resulted in higher numbers for higher income adults with higher readership across the board. Jicpar, which is composed of the Malaysian Advertisers Association (MAA), the Association of Accredited Advertising Agents Malaysia (4As), the Media Specialists Association (MSA) and newspaper media owners, is not fully convinced that a combination of face-to-face and phone interviews will result in more accurate numbers. At this stage, Jicpar is not endorsing one methodology over the other. Synovate has launched its Media Atlas in Malaysia. Media Atlas is very different from the Media Index, as the former proposes to significantly over-sample urban. Nielsen practises proportionate sampling to cater to many different categories of users. The information collected is also quite different. The additional readership survey will help the industry to verify the methodology and hopefully resolve the controversy in readership numbers. In the long term, the industry can move to one or keep both. It is Jicpar's intention, however, to work with the research companies to ensure the final accuracy of their numbers. Jicpar's main goal is to secure readership data that are reliable and a methodology which is relevant, transparent and effective. Jicpar has appointed a consultant and is likely to work in the area of audit with NMR. In due course, Jicpar intends to make a definite recommendation to the industry Jicpar chairperson and president of the Media Specialists Association, Margaret Lim, says "It is our belief that the existence of two currencies will act as a check and balance and they will be competitive. It is up to the media planners to trust their judgment and consider the figures that have been made available, which would only raise the planners' effectiveness. We have world class research companies but face an evolving lifestyle, where the higher income consumers are becoming more security conscious, too busy and elusive. Methodology which worked 30 years ago may not be as effective today. Jicpar acknowledges that while face-to-face interviews have difficulty in penetrating the af fluent homes, there are also limitations in phone interviews. In the long term, when the digital era has grown in full and we have achieved high inter net penetration, webbased interviews for the future must be seriously considered. Media companies now are more research-savvy and, we hope, the industry will be able to work with Jicpar to ensure the accessibility of accurate and reliable research data. Jicpar will continue to work with all parties to find the best solutions for the industry. We have to be realistic that no one party will be able to come out with a figure fully acceptable and we implore every industry player for its participation and co-operation on this matter". Issued by Jicpar Kuala Lumpur

Bush takes blame for govt

Bush takes blame for govt THE SUN NEW ORLEANS: Two weeks after Hurricane Katrina lashed the Gulf Coast, President George W. Bush yesterday accepted responsibility for the first time for the government's flawed rescue operation. Speaking just a day after getting his first close-up view of the mess that Katrina made of New Orleans, Bush said the hurricane "exposed serious problems in our response capabilities at all levels of government". "To the extent that the federal government didn't fully do its job right, I take responsibility," he told a press conference. "I want to know what went right and what went wrong," he said, one day after the beleaguered head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Michael Brown, resigned amid a torrent of criticism of the agency's reaction to Katrina. Brown stepped down three days after he had been removed from direct control over recovery efforts. In an apparent nod to critics who said the agency needed more expertise at the top, the White House announced that David Paulison, a veteran firefighter who runs the agency's preparedness division, would take over as acting director. Bush was to make a speech tomorrow outlining his long-term plans for the stricken region, which encompasses parts of Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi. New Orleans' Louis Armstrong Inter national Airport, meanwhile, reopened to commercial traffic, giving a sorely-needed boost to the city martyred by the Aug 29 storm for which the official toll currently stands at 513 dead. The facility welcomed a Northwest Airlines jet from Tennessee, making the first non-relief or military flight to New Orleans since Katrina. And in a further positive sign, a state official said that all Louisiana children separated from their parents had been reunited with their families or placed with close friends. The state Department of Social Services identified 50 children alone among the hundreds of thousands of people evacuated when Katrina roared across the state, spokeswoman Nanette White said. "They may not be with their parents, but they are with a family member or a friend or somebody that is taking care of them We've reunited all the ones that were displaced." The Homeland Security Department said on Monday that the number of people who had been obliged to seek refuge in shelters had fallen significantly, from 208,000 to 141,000. Despite this good news, New Orleans remains a desolate sight, emptied of its half million people, who have scattered all over the US. The dark and pungent waters that smothered its streets after dams protecting the city were breached are slowly receding, but it is exposing a sludge of trash and debris and occasional corpses. In one grim discovery in eastern New Orleans, relief workers found the bodies of 45 people in a hospital. Officials said some may have died while waiting for help that did not arrive for several days after the hurricane. ?Agencies

Anti-rape condom stirs controversy

Anti-rape condom stirs controversy KLEINMOND (South Africa): A female condom-like device that latches on to a rapist's penis with fish-tooth-like hooks is stirring controversy in South Africa, where the incidence of sexual assault is high. Called "Rapex", the latex device inserted in the vagina is the brainchild of South African Sonet Ehlers, who has been thinking about an anti-rape device since 1969, when she met a young rape victim. "If you have seen a woman who has been raped, she is alive yet she is dead," Ehlers, 57, said from her home in Kleinmond, 120km east of Cape Town. "My biggest drive is to help the woman out," said the mother of two daughters. Rapex attaches itself to the shaft of the penis and can only be removed by a surgeon, forcing a rapist to go to a hospital, where the crime would presumably be uncovered. The device does not cause any permanent injury to the penis, Ehlers said. "This is not a tool to punish men, but to empower women." Ehlers hopes to put her device ? which can be kept inside the vagina for up to 24 hours ?on sale in South Africa next year at the cost of a rand (59 sen). But organisations such as Rape Crisis Cape Town say Rapex is not the solution to South Africa's sexual assault problem, with more than 52,000 rapes reported a year. "We are going back to the fifteenth century. It's not empowering women, it increases their vulnerability to violence and murder," Rape Crisis director Chantel Cooper said. About 40% of rape victims in South Africa are aged under 18. The National Institute for Crime Prevention and Rehabilitation estimates that only one in 20 rapes are reported to police. Ehlers said the device also protects women against sexually-transmitted disease, including AIDS and unwanted pregnancy. ?AFP

`Skin from Chinese corpses used in cosmetics'

`Skin from Chinese corpses used in cosmetics' THE SUN LONDON: A British newspaper yesterday said that a Chinese cosmetics company was using skin harvested from the corpses of executed convicts to develop beauty products for sale in Europe. Agents for the firm, which could not be named for legal reasons, have told would-be customers that skin taken from prisoners after they have been shot is being used to develop collagen for lip and wrinkle treatments, the Guardian newspaper said after an undercover investigation. "The agents say some of the company's products have been exported to the UK, and that the use of skin from condemned convicts is `traditional' and nothing to `make such a big fuss about'," the daily alleged. It said doctors and politicians were worried about the dangers associated with people wanting to look better in such ways, because European regulations to control cosmetic treatments such as collagen are not expected for several years. "Apart from the ethical concerns, there is also the potential risk of infection," the paper said. Collagen is the fibrous protein constituent of skin, cartilage, bone, and other connective tissue. The Guardian said it was unclear whether the company's treatments were already available in Britain or over the Internet. It was also unable to say whether collagen made from prisoners' skin was in the research stage or in production. "However, the Guardian has learned that the company has exported collagen products to the UK in the past. An agent told customers it had also exported to the US and European countries, and that it was trying to develop fillers using tissue from aborted foetuses." The paper said that when formally approached, the agent denied the company was using skin harvested from executed prisoners. At the same time, it said the same person had already admitted this to an undercover researcher. It quoted that agent as saying: "A lot of the research is still carried out in the traditional manner using skin from the executed prisoner and aborted foetus." This material, he said, was being bought from "bio tech" companies based in the northern province of Heilongjiang, and was being developed elsewhere in China. China executes more prisoners than the rest of the world combined, although the precise number is not known. ?AFP

Public can lodge report via ACA website soon

Public can lodge report via ACA website soon THE SUN SETIU: Members of the public will be able to lodge reports on suspected corruption with the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) through a special website soon. ACA Community Education Division Director Moh Shamsudin Yusof said yesterday the website would be launched concurrently with the opening of the Southeast Asia ACA Academy in the country soon. "All information which relates to the ACA, including the legal aspects, its activities and the latest developments in its investigations, will be carried on the portal, and people with information on graft can also lodge reports there." The agency is also considering the use of the short messaging service (SMS) in receiving reports from the public, he told reporters after the closing of a colloquium on the prevention of graft here.

Spelling out apostasy offences

Spelling out apostasy offences THE SUN SEPANG: A more explicit law on apostasy offences and deviationist teachings is being fine-tuned by the Attor ney-General's Department, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Dr Abdullah Mohd Zin said yesterday. Apostasy offences have yet to be verified under the Syariah Criminal Law, he said. "The relevant laws are being studied by the AG's Department," Abdullah said after opening a Syariah legal and judicial convention. He was asked to comment on the concern among Muslims over apostasy cases and a "mushrooming" of deviationist teachings in the likes of the "Ayah Pin" cult led by Ariffin Muhammad of the "Sky Kingdom" in Besut, Terengganu.

Stop playing with fire, PAS told

Stop playing with fire, PAS told by Ng Kee Seng THE SUN KUALA LUMPUR: MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting yesterday shot back at PAS for accusing the party of being inspired by communists. "PAS should stop playing with fire and stop the unsubstantiated accusations hurled at us," Ong said, adding that he is not leading a party of communists. He said the MCA's cadre training concept, which PAS said was inspired by the Chinese Communist Party, has been around for umpteen years and "it is our internal affair". "We are as committed as ever to the promotion of national unity and nationbuilding. We have never compromised (on the dual promotion)," he added. Speaking after chairing his first presidential council meeting since the Aug 20 party elections, Ong said: "There will be no use of the ideologies of others. We already have our objectives and ideologies. "Cadre training is not a new party concept. Previously, training programmes were organised and conducted in an ad hoc manner. "We now want to turn this concept into a more organised programme and mechanism, featuring physical training centres located at our existing premises all over the country. The trainers can be senior party leaders, professionals from local think-tanks and universities, or even the National Service, depending on the curriculum. "We believe such an institute can help provide training on current affairs as well as political and social elements to nurture quality leaders. This may also attract new members and help them and the public better understand us." Newly appointed secretary-general Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan and organising secretary Datuk Hon Choon Kim had left for China last week to visit schools run by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). In a Nanyang Siang Pau report on Sept 2, Ka Chuan had said the study would cover the CCP schools and the National Institute of Public Administration (Intan). PAS vice-president Husam Musa followed up on this and told Umno Youth deputy chief Khairy Jamaluddin to check on the MCA's plan to set up a CCP-inspired political institute, instead of persecuting the DAP over a Merdeka day article posted on the DAP website. The article by DAP international secretary and NGO bureau chief Ronnie Liu Tian Khiew questioned the identity of the real fighters for Malayan independence, highlighting the role of Umno and the defunct Communist Party of Malaya in fighting British colonialists. To date, two police reports have been lodged against Liu.

Umno Youth to remove cartoon

Umno Youth to remove cartoon THE SUN KUALA LUMPUR: Umno Youth will remove a cartoon on its web site which depicts opposition leaders on the cover of former communist leader Chin Peng's autobiogaphy if it is deemed offensive, says its head Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein. "If they get offended by mere cartoons, then we will take it out of our website, that is not a problem," he said yesterday after launching an international colloqium on educational assessment. On Monday, DAP Youth protested the cartoon which bore pictures, among others, of DAP adviser and parliamentary Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang, DAP chairman Karpal Singh and its publicity chief Ronnie Liu, and PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang and the words "Komunis Selamanya ..." (Forever Communists). On the case of teacher Chan Boon Heng of SJK (C) Keat Hwa who fell to his death after stepping on a termite-eaten floorboard in his first-floor school office on Sunday, Hishammuddin said he will meet his family, see to their needs and offer some compensation. He said under the 9th Malaysia Plan, there would be allocations for upgrading of schools but priority will be given to fully-aided schools, especially those in remote and rural areas.

Baby blunder No. 3

Baby blunder No. 3 by Mohd Tajudin THE SUN SUNGAI PETANI: Bad luck comes in threes. But for the Sungai Petani Hospital, it's blunders. The first was on June 19, when a newbor n was abducted from the children's ward, and second Aug 27, when the hospital wrongly recorded a newborn as a boy when it was actually a girl. It took a DNA test to confirm it. This month, it's red faces again for hospital officials. This time, a baby's gender was registered as "ambiguous" and the baby held for several days, causing the parents anguish. The manner in which the hospital handled the matter caused businessman Ahmad Hassan, 58, and his wife Fazrina Md Daud, 31, to lose much sleep. On Sept 7, Fazrina gave birth to a 2.75kg baby via Caesarean section at 9.25am. The hospital registered her gender as ambiguous in the birth registration form, although the mother had confirmed the baby is a girl. Ahmad, however, said he was relieved when hospital director Dr Harith Fadzillah called him to clarify the matter and apologised for the mistake made by his doctors. At a later meeting between Harith, a specialist known as Dr Chew and the parents, witnessed by this reporter, Chew revealed that the baby's clitoris was larger than normal. He said the doctor in attendance did not specify what was wrong with the child. According to Fazrina, after the operation, a nurse showed her the baby and asked her to identify its gender. "I said the baby was a girl and the nurse nodded before she was taken to be cleaned up at another room. "It was later that I learnt my baby had a problem and was put at the infant detention ward. I was not sure what the problem was until my husband told me that the hospital listed our baby's gender as ambiguous, and she will have to undergo observation," she said at their home in Kuala Ketil. She said they retur ned to the hospital on Saturday and demanded the baby's release. "After a heated argument between my husband and the staff, they finally agreed and asked us to sign a release letter," she said. Harith issued a statement saying that after conducting an investigation, they have confirmed the baby is a girl. He said that the information was not conveyed by the specialist to the parents.

Humiliation influences obese teens' depression

Humiliation influences obese teens' depression THE SUN DEPRESSION is common among obese teenagers, but the association between the two may largely be explained by teens' experiences of being shamed, and other psychosocial factors, new research suggests. "There is a clear statistical association between adolescent obesity and adolescent depression," study author Dr Rickard L. Sjoberg, of Uppsala University in Sweden said. However, he added, "this association disappears when psychosocial factors and experiences of being treated in humiliating and degrading ways are controlled for." Sjoberg and colleagues analysed data from 4,703 children, aged 15 and 17 years, who participated in the Survey of Adolescent Life in Vestmanland 2004, a psychosocial health survey admin istered triannually in Sweden. They found that overweight and obesity was more common among boys than among girls, while depression was more common among girls. Obese teens reported experiencing more symptoms of depression than their normalweight or overweight peers and had a higher risk of depression, the researchers report in the journal Paediatrics. Also, obese teens were more likely to say they had been treated in a degrading manner, had been ignored or otherwise had shaming experiences within the past three months than were their normal-weight or overweight peers. Further, adolescents who reported the highest number of shame experiences were more than 11 times more likely to be depressed than those who reported the lowest number of shame experiences, the report indicates. The association between obesity and major depression disappeared, however, after the researchers took into con sideration the adoles cents' gender, parental employment, and parental separation, the report indicates. Altogether, the study's findings imply "that an understanding of the social conse quences of obesity is also necessary in order to make sense of the obe sity-depression association," said Sjoberg. He and his colleagues con clude that "these results sug gest that clinical treat ment of obesity may some times not just be a matter of diet and exercise but also of dealing with issues of shame and social isolation." ? Reuters

Type of childcare may impact kids' achievement

Type of childcare may impact kids' achievement THE SUN WORKING single mothers who rely on their family, friends, or other informal childcare providers to look after their children during work hours may, in doing so, negatively influence their child's mental development, a new study findings suggest. This negative effect of a mother's reduced contact time with her child may be offset, however, by enrolling the child in pre-school or some other type of formal centre-based care instead, according to the study's authors. "I would say that the crucial thing to take from the paper is that separation from the mother can be detrimental for children, but mothers can partially offset this by choosing the appropriate type of daycare," Professor Raquel Bernal, of Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois, told Reuters Health. The findings were presented at the recent 2005 World Congress of the Econometric Society in London. Some single mothers were forced to increase their work time and their use of childcare, which, according to the researchers' analysis, tended to lessen the amount of contact time they had with their children. In light of this, Bernal and co-author, Professor Michael Keane of Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, compared single mothers who had children between 1990 and 2000, with those who had children in previous years. Using data collected from 1,519 single mothers involved in the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth in the States, the researchers looked at the effects of the mothers' use of childcare and their household income on their children's cognitive-ability test scores at ages three to six. Overall, the mother's choice of childcare during their child's first year of life did not seem to affect the child's later cognitive performance, the study findings show. However, achievement scores among children placed in informal childcare after their first year of life were 3.5% lower than they would have been if they had remained in their mother's care or had been placed in some type of formal child care, the researchers estimate. Children who were placed in formal childcare settings, in contrast, did not show any significant reduction in test scores. ? Reuters

Nagging parents

Nagging parents Being a nagger is just part and parcel of parenthood, discovers Christina Yin THE SUN I 've become exactly what I promised myself I'd never become: a nagging mother. Yet, I've come to believe that if there wasn't a nagging mother, there'd be a nagging father, or both. It's a part of life, I've discovered, because it is extremely rare that children will do exactly what they are told immediately. A more positive word to use would be re-enforcement. Children need a lot of re-enforcement. It would be a miracle if you only had to say "Put away your school shoes when you get home" once and your children follow that instruction for the next 11 or 12 years without forgetting. I've come to the conclusion that there is no point in going ballistic when a child forgets to put her school bag away or forgets to lay the table. It just increases the frustration and fuels anger. What would be better would be to accept the `forgetfulness' and try to preempt the situation by reminding the child before she has to do a particular chore, for instance in the car on the way back from school. And yes, I've tried that. I get a few sighs from the back of the car, but the amazing thing is the minute the front door is unlocked, the children are off, and before you know it, they're stretched out on the living room floor, playing with their toys or reading a book, with no memory of piano practices or homework in their minds. So even with gentle reminders (positive re-enforcement), children will be off and running to whatever is uppermost on their minds, be it catching up with their favourite television show, or picking up a book they were in the midst of reading. The key to preventing an immense build-up of frustration, I've discovered, is acceptance. I just have to accept the fact that they are children and not robots. But, the tricky part comes when I also realise that I can't just let them get away without putting away their stuff, or doing their part in laying out the table or putting away the folded clothes or even taking their dishes to the kitchen sink. From what I've read, many parents decide that it just isn't worth the `nagging' and the subsequent sulks and tantrums, and so they wind up doing everything, while the children just get on with their games. I must admit that sometimes I am too exhausted to go through the whole thing all over again; getting them away from their games, reasoning with them, and getting long faces and stamping of feet. It does sometimes seem better to have a bit of peace and quiet, and to let them be. After all, the girls have had a long day too and deserve a bit of play. I suppose moderation is the key. The children have to realise they too have responsibilities towards the family and the home, and they too must chip in. My expectations mustn't be too lofty, though, or I will truly go berserk and become not just a nagging mother, but a furious witch! It's hard to say what moderation is, and I realise I must play it by ear. Some days, the children will have had their fill at school and with their activities, and need to just play or ruminate over a book. Other days, they will be able to do their bit, and help out. These chores don't have to be big deal; they can be seen as doing things together. And I'm happy to say that when the moment is right, the children are glad to be helping out. They are proud of being useful, and when that happens, I don't feel so bad. In fact, I feel pretty good and not really a nagging mother after all.

Sept 13

Tuesday, September 13, 2005 Forsaking Merdeka spirit for the tourist dollar Forsaking Merdeka spirit for the tourist dollarTHE SUNSIXTY-THREE years ago, we had to bow to the Japanese. We had no choice with that for m of colonisation.Now we find ourselves bowing to a new master ?money. This form of colonisation is often disguised under ter ms such economy, finance, success story, etc.The difference with this form of colonisation is that we are the willing slaves. We have forgotten what national pride and what Merdeka are all about.The decision to build the Arab square is done. But if I were the Datuk Bandar, I would have done differently to the once neglected field.Those living outside the area may believe reports that the site was a haunt for drug addicts. The truth is I see one and at most two homeless souls in need of help there. I wonder what will happen to them when the square is completed.They are probably not important because they have no economic value. Is Merdeka meant only for those who are financially comfortable?I would have spent only a fraction of the cost of building Arab square to provide a facility for the residents to relax and exercise.Maybe a basketball court, a swing, a couple of see-saws and a mini-slide. Such a facility does not have economic value, but children in that area would certainly be overjoyed.We are so obsessed with the tourist dollars that we have forgotten our children. What does Merdeka mean when they keep losing field after field?A former MP told the residents that the price of property would appreciate with the arrival of Arabs to the square. My pride hurts because a community leader is telling us that apparently Arabs come for Arabic fare. What is Merdeka if people come not to see us and Malaysian things?I sincerely hope our leaders will realise that Malaysia is for Malaysians, even if it means losing a few tourist dollars. That is the Merdeka spirit.Kevin Khew Kuala Lumpur posted by intelekmuda at 7:52 PM 0 comments Pentagon plans new nuclear strike policy Pentagon plans new nuclear strike policyTHE SUNWASHINGTON: The Pentagon has drawn up a new strategy, built on the 2002 "Bush doctrine" of preemptive military strikes, that would allow the US to make first use of nuclear weapons to thwart an a WMD attack against the country.Under the scheme, developed by the Joint Chiefs of Staff but yet to be ratified by Donald Rumsfeld, the Defence Secretary, commanders would be able to request permission from the President to use nuclear weapons in a variety of scenarios.According to the Washington Post, one possibility is an enemy that is using, or "is about to use" weapons of mass destruction against US military forces or civilian population.Another is where nuclear weapons could be used against biological weapons that an enemy was close to using, and which could only be safely destroyed by nuclear weapons and their aftereffects.In practice, the strategy would update existing guidelines, drawn up in 1995 under the Clinton administration.It would fit in with plans mooted by Pentagon to develop a new generation of nuclear weapons specifically designed to attack enemy bunkers of WMD, buried deep underground.But Congress has thus far declined to provide funds for a study into the so-called "Robust Nuclear Earth Penetrator" because it might encourage nuclear weapons proliferation. ? The Independent posted by intelekmuda at 7:51 PM 0 comments Two bloggers charged over racist remarks Two bloggers charged over racist remarksTHE SUNSINGAPORE: Two bloggers have been charged with sedition for posting racist comments online, Channel News Asia reported yesterday.This is the first time bloggers have been charged in Singapore. Lawyers said the sedition act was last invoked 10 years ago and warned that anybody who forwards seditious remarks to others via e-mail can also be charged with abetment.Nicholas Lim Yew, 25, and Benjamin Koh Song Huat, 27, stand accused of posting racist comments on an online forum and on their blog site.They are both being charged with committing a seditious act, by promoting feelings of ill-will and hostility between races in Singapore.They were not represented by lawyers and were each granted bail of S$10,000 (RM22,000).The case is expected to be heard in court on Sept 21.A person is deemed to have committed an offence under the Sedition Act, if he performs an act that has a seditious tendency or conspires with any person to do so.First time offenders can be fined up to S$5,000, or jailed for up to three years or both. Subsequent offences can incur up to five years in jail. ?dpa posted by intelekmuda at 7:41 PM 0 comments Palestinians take control of Gaza Palestinians take control of GazaTHE SUNGAZA CITY: Jubilant Palestinians planted flags on the rubble of Jewish settlements and set synagogues ablaze yesterday as Israeli troops pulled out of the Gaza Strip after 38 years of occupation."This is a day of happiness and joy that the Palestinian people have not witnessed for a century," President Mahmoud Abbas told reporters here.Palestinian forces waving victory signs took over while tanks and armoured vehicles moved out in the dark, for the first time yielding settlements on land Palestinians want for a state and leaving them a volatile testing ground for statehood."The mission has been completed," said Brig Aviv Kochavi after the gates closed at the main crossing point. "Israel's presence of 38 years has come to an end."In chaotic scenes on the EgyptGaza frontier after Israeli forces withdrew, a Palestinian man was shot dead. Palestinian witnesses said he was killed by Eg yptian border guards. Egypt denied this.Rancour over the fate of the synagogues clouded hopes the pullout would help revive Israeli-Palestinian peacemaking as the US wants.Attacking what they saw as symbols of hated occupation, youths set ablaze several of the houses of worship left behind in 21 settlements evacuated last month under Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's plan to "disengage" from conflict.Palestinians were furious when Sharon's cabinet decided to leave synagogues intact, under pressure from rabbis whose support could be key in a power struggle. Adding to tensions, Israel demanded yesterday that the buildings be preserved.Removing Gaza's 8,500 settlers has won Sharon international accolades.But while Palestinians welcome the withdrawal, they fear Sharon is trading Gaza, home to 1.4 million Palestinians, for a permanent hold on larger areas of the occupied West Bank where 245,000 Jewish settlers live isolated from 2.4 million Arabs.Palestinians were also angry that Israel, citing security reasons, will continue to control Gaza's border crossings, air space and waters and say the occupation is far from over.Thousands of Palestinians brought families to nose around former settlements, licking ice cream and sucking on sweets."Before, this was a symbol of fear and evil. Today it's a place to visit and a source of happiness," said building worker Abdullah Salah, 35, in the biggest settlement of Neve Dekalim.Many Palestinians also flocked to splendid Mediterranean beachfronts that were blocked off by settlements for decades. But the outings were marred when five youths drowned in heavy surf they were not used to.In demolished enclaves in north Gaza, Palestinians scavenged for everything from roof tiles to bathtubs.With the departure of Israeli forces that had maintained strict control along the Egypt-Gaza border, thousands crossed the fence line both ways, reuniting with friends and relatives.Egyptian guards at first stood by. Witnesses said they later fired to disperse the crowds, killing a man in his 30s.In Cairo, a presidential spokesman said Palestinians had unleashed volleys of celebratory gunfire in the air.Israeli troops cheered and hugged one another as they crossed out of Gaza."They can wave any flag they want, but we expect the Palestinian Authority to take full responsibility," said the general commanding the pullout, Dan Harel.Abbas told Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera that by year's end, "I will be able to control the chaos in Gaza". ?Reuters posted by intelekmuda at 7:40 PM 0 comments `Selangor not developed where schools concerned' `Selangor not developed where schools concerned'THE SUNSELANGOR and Kuala Lumpur United Chinese School Board of Directors (Selangor Dong Lian) president Dr Yap Sin Tian said Selangor does not qualify for the developed state status due to the serious shortage of Chinese primary schools.He said based on the Selangor Draft Structure Plan 2020, the state would only attain fully developed state status if it can meet the target of having not more than 800 students to a school and not more than 25 students to a class by that year.However, in many parts of the state, the severe shortage of places in Chinese primary schools resulted in schools cramping 40-50 pupils to a class and each of these schools have an average of 1,658 pupils ?way off the Selangor structure plan target.Yap said according to the plan, there should be a school occupying a minimum of 3ha for every 7,500 residents.Based on this criterion, central Selangor ?Petaling, Klang, Gombak and Ulu Langat districts ?should have 144 Chinese primary schools, he said.The reality is, he said, there are only 57 Chinese schools in these areas ?in other words, a shortage of 87 schools which would require 261ha.Speaking to the press in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday, Yap said the Selangor Dong Lian has submitted a memorandum to the structure plan's Public Objection Hearing Committee on the matter.He said although the Education Ministry does not ban the building of more Chinese schools, it has not taken a very serious view of the severe shortage of places in Chinese and Tamil schools in the state. posted by intelekmuda at 7:39 PM 0 comments Older PJ men an ailing lot: Study Older PJ men an ailing lot: Studyby Emily TanTHE SUNPETALING JAYA: The aging male population in the town are an unhealthy lot, reports a community-based study on men's health.The preliminary study covering 351 men aged over 50 found that 87% had at least one major disease (including diabetes and high blood pressure), and almost 80% are obese.The study was conducted in 2003 by the Malaysian Society of Andrology and The Study of the Aging Male (MSASAM), the University of Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), and the AsiaPacific Society of Study of the Aging Male (APSSAM)."The results of our study are worrying; the health of the men in PJ is appallingly poor," MSASAM president Datuk Dr Tan Hui Meng told a media briefing at Subang Jaya Medical Centre on Sept 5."Due to their high-risk style of living, men are getting heart attacks at the average of 58 ?which is very young!" he added.The findings from the prelimi nary study have proved that a larger, more specific study needs to be conducted.To help the men, there is a to first understand in greater depth the health problems they are facing and the factors involved.Data from this research will provide scientific evidence to our policymakers and health financiers to make crucial decisions on health policies.Accurate data is also critical in formulating preventative measures and in tackling existing problems.Thus, a study on Men's Health and Aging ?A Malaysian Perspective is being conducted by the above organisations from now until December.About 4,000 men aged between 40 and 60 have been randomly selected from the Subang Jaya electoral poll to participate in this study.They have been sent letters inviting them to visit any one of the 35 participating GP clinics or medical centres for a 10-15 minute personal interview and free medical check-up by the doctors.A fasting blood sample will also be taken and tested for cholesterol, blood sugar, prostatic specific antigen (PSA) and total testosterone.The results will be sent to the respective respondent by e-mail.Respondents will also be informed of any diseases detected and will be advised on the appropriate treatment method.The study aims to find out the prevalence of common medical conditions affecting the aging male, the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome, smoking and alcohol consumption and if men seek medical help for their problems."It is crucial we obtain a high response rate so the research findings can be generalised."If the men don't respond, our study has failed," said Universiti Malaya medical faculty health research and development unit head Dr Low Wah Yun.For the sake of today's Malaysian men and for future generations, the research team hopes that the men contacted will take the initiative to respond to this vital research. posted by intelekmuda at 7:38 PM 0 comments GRO stabbed 42 times: Police GRO stabbed 42 times: PoliceTHE SUNKUALA LUMPUR: A post mortem revealed a 19-year-old guest relations officer who was found dead at her apartment unit in Pandan Mewah late on Sunday was stabbed 42 times with a sharp weapon, believed to be a sword.Lee Sok Wai, who worked at a nightspot in the city's Golden Triangle, had wounds on her abdomen, neck and arms.The victim, whose body was bundled in a blanket, was believed to have been murdered four days before she was found.Although her valuables were missing from her rented unit at the apartments, police believe it was a crime of passion.Ampang Jaya police chief ACP Azri Ahmad said police are investigating if the victim, who was clad in a T-shirt and skirt, had been sexually assaulted.The woman's killer could be known to her, he said, adding that her boyfriend is being sought to assist in investigations. posted by intelekmuda at 7:36 PM 0 comments Govt: Chin Peng has no right to sue Govt: Chin Peng has no right to sueTHE SUNKUALA LUMPUR: Former Communist Party of Malaya (CPM) secretary-general Chin Peng and other members of the defunct organisation have no locus standi to sue the Malaysian government to stop it from making statements deemed malicious to them, the government contended.According to a statement of defence filed by the Malaysian government at the Ipoh High Court on Aug 16, the government claimed that from the aspects of history and public knowledge, the reputations of Chin Peng and other members of his party had already been ruined in the eyes of the public all this while.The government also claimed that Chin Peng could not bring about the action for other ex-members of the CPM because the relief he sought was for libel.It claimed the suit violated the right of freedom of expression as enshrined under Article 10 of the Federal Constitution.The affidavit-in-reply was filed following an order by the Ipoh High Court on Aug 4 to the government to enter its defence against the suit filed by Chin Peng four months ago.Chin Peng, born Ong Boon Hua, 81, had filed the suit on behalf of himself and his followers, seeking a declaration that the 1989 Peace Treaty signed between the CPM and the Malaysian government in Hadyai, Thailand,was still valid.He also sought damages and an injunction to prevent the Malaysian government or its agents from making libelous statements about him.The suit was filed following reports on March 21 and May 6 that Deputy InformationMinister Datuk Zainuddin Maidin had announced that Radio Television Malaysia would air documentaries on the atrocities committed by the communists after the Second World War and for a decade following Malaysia's independence.Chin Peng, who was born in Sitiawan, Perak, now lives in Thailand and has resorted to the courts to seek to return to Malaysia to live out the rest of his days. posted by intelekmuda at 7:36 PM 0 comments One-night stay in prison for 10 Puteri members One-night stay in prison for 10 Puteri membersTHE SUNJOHOR BARU: Ten Puteri Umno members from the Johor Baru division have bought a one-night stay in a former prison.The young women, to be led by their divisional exco member Azliana Suhaliza Abdullah, 29, will check in at the Johor Baru Prison at 4.30pm on Sept 24, don prisoners' uniform and enter individual cells.The "holiday package", for which each of them paid RM50, will include participation in activities that women prisoners normally undergo ?marching drill, attending group prayers and singing the national anthem.To make their stay completely realistic they will be served prison-style meals and be prohibited from taking handphones with them into the cells. The Puteri women will be the first "guests" at the prison, popularly known as Kota Jail which opened in 1883 and finally closed on Aug 30. posted by intelekmuda at 7:34 PM 0 comments PWD to probe teacher's fatal plunge PWD to probe teacher's fatal plungeby B. Suresh Ram and Husna YusopTHE SUNKUALA LUMPUR: The works minister has ordered an immediate investigation into the freak accident in which a teacher fell to his death when a wooden floor board collapsed at his school in Alor Star.Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said he had instructed the Public Works Department to investigate the incident."I have instructed the Kedah PWD to work on it and come with the reason as to why (the floor) had collapsed," he told reporters after delivering a keynote address at the forum on integrity in the construction sector.Samy Vellu said the department would determine the type of materials, construction method and even those involved in its construction, to determine the cause of the incident.On Sunday, Chua Boon Heng, 43, was on the first floor of SJK(C) Keat Hwa, Alor Star, when the rotten wooden floor, believed to have been eaten by termites, gave way.The father of two plunged 5m to the cement floor below, died at a nearby private hospital soon after.Meanwhile, National Union of the Teaching Profession president Ismail Nihat said school authorities are responsible to report damaged or unsafe conditions within the school premises to the state education departments and offices."School heads must be alert and get the repairs done as soon as possible, otherwise it could result in untoward incidents."The headmaster or senior assistant should be aware of defects within the school and take action quickly," he said, adding that safety of teachers and children within the school premises is the responsibility of the school administration."In this case of ter mite infested building, they should have been able to detect the problem earlier. If they fail to inform the authorities about it, how can they get the allocation to repair it?" he asked.Ismail said the ministry had a few years ago initiated a safety campaign to promote a safe environment for teachers and schoolchildren. from classrooms to school premises, right up to teachers' quarters."The administration should not neglect the issue of safety. Should it happen to a student, there would have been a bigger impact as parents may decide to sue the school," he added.Asked whether schools are lacking funds for renovations or reinforcements, he said the issue should not arise because such a case would be given urgent attention by the education authorities."School safety is a priority. The school should have no problem getting additional budget from the ministry or department if it runs out of cash. There should be no question of red tape here. posted by intelekmuda at 7:33 PM 0 comments Najib calls for perfection in service Najib calls for perfection in serviceTHE SUNKUALA LUMPUR: Civil servants have been asked to build a highly-reliable workforce with zero-tolerance for errors to transform the country into a global player in the coming decades.Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak said yesterday the impact of errors and failures in public sector organisations may not be as dramatic as other disasters of catastrophic magnitude but the impact can be as devastating."Based on the annual world competitiveness report from the Geneva-based Institute for Management Development, of 60 economies surveyed, Malaysia's ranking fell from 16th to 28th place."In terms of government efficiency, we deteriorated from 16th place last year to a disappointing 26th place today," he told the 10th Civil Service Conference themed "Development With A Human Touch: Maximising Human Capital Potential", which was organised by the Administrative and Diplomatic Officers Association and National Institute of Public Administration. posted by intelekmuda at 7:31 PM 0 comments 400 unaccounted for in Katrina-hit areas 400 unaccounted for in Katrina-hit areasTHE SUNNEW YORK: The Malaysian embassy in Washington is still trying to locate about 400 Malaysians who may have resided in the areas struck by Hurricane Katrina, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar said on Sunday.So far, only 50 Malaysian citizens have responded to the embassy via telephone and e-mails."No Malaysian casualties have been reported so far," he told Malaysian journalists at a press conference here.These Malaysians who did not register their presence in the US with the embassy might have moved before the hurricane or were no longer living in the area when Katrina hit the three states of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, he said.The State Department and state officials as well as the Malaysian consulate in Houston have been notified about the missing Malaysians and the embassy is still awaiting news from them.Thousands have died and New Orleans suffered the most when its levee broke and flooded the city, leading to mass evacuation from the city.The poor made homeless by the hurricane have been bused to other states for shelter or remain stranded in the flooded zones.Syed Hamid said Malaysia sympathised with the victims and had donated US$1 million (RM3.7 million) to the International Red Cross to help in relief efforts. ?Bernama posted by intelekmuda at 7:30 PM 0 comments Najib: Arms training part of NS concept No big dealNajib: Arms training part of NS conceptby R.ManirajanKUALA LUMPUR: Firearms training given to National Service trainees is merely a pilot-project and should not be misunderstood."It is not a big thing. We just want to see if this pilot project is beneficial for the trainees and whether this will contribute towards g reater self-confidence, responsibility and discipline," said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak yesterday.He said the participation of the trainees is only done with the consent of parents, and the army will ensure that all safety measures are taken.Speaking after opening the 10th Civil Service conference, he said members of the media will also be allowed to witness the firearms training. "This is part of the national service training concept, so I don't understand why people are making a big deal out of it."What is important is whether this will contribute to self-confidence and discipline especially in dealing with firearms."theSun reported last week that trainees in six camps are firing M16 assault rifles as part of their three-month stint despite opposition from some quarters.Some parents are uncomfortable with the gover nment's decision to use their children in the pilot project, according to National Parent Teachers Association chairman Associate Prof Mohd Ali Hassan.NS Training Department deputy director-general Omar Abdul Rahman had said the trainees volunteer to handle the arms for only one day for each camp. Before that, they are briefed and given theory lessons on arms.He said every trainee is given a chance to fire 30 rounds using the M16 in a prone position. Trainees in three camps in the southern, central and eastern zones have undergone the training which is being conducted in a camp in the northern zone. posted by intelekmuda at 7:27 PM 0 comments