The Sun Daily-140322

TELLING IT AS IT IS INSIDE Stabilise health page

ON MONDAY MARCH 14, 2022 BN may push page situation first: KJ 4

No. 7984 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) for GE15 3
www.thesundaily.my
JUMBO FEAST ... Elephants enjoying

a buffet of fruits and vegetables during
Thailand’s National Elephant Day celebration
at Nong Nooch Tropical Garden in Pattaya.
– REUTERSPIX

A win is a win
█ BY SURAYA ALI oWhile Opposition won bulk of votes LYFE
[email protected] cast, disunity was the cause of its
downfall, say analysts P19
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s “first
past the post” rule in determining amount to much. can kiss GE15 goodbye,” he said. Life, full of
election winners has worked “Young voters are not very different Meanwhile, Prof Dr Awang Azman colours
favourably for Barisan Nasional Awang Pawi said BN’s victory could
(BN), with its landslide win in Johor on from older voters, they also vote for the indicate the coalition has regained the
Saturday. old established parties and not people’s confidence, despite the low
necessarily all of them will support voter turnout.
However, scrutiny of the vote Muda,” he said. “As long as the Opposition is not
breakdown paints a different picture, say united, defeat after defeat as in the
political analysts. For other newcomers like Pejuang and Malacca, Sarawak and Johor state
Warisan, Chin said these parties do not elections will be repeated in the next
Of the total votes cast, 599,753 were for stand a chance against established ones. GE,” he said.
BN while 826,820 went to the Opposition, Awang Azman added that tarnishing
indicating the Opposition paid a heavy Chin said that the outcome of the their opponents without providing a
price for its disunity. Johor state election might point towards concrete solution would not bring a
an earlier 15th general election (GE15). positive impact and might even backfire.
Political analyst Prof James Chin, “Mudslinging campaigns may have
however, said a win is a win, regardless of “It could be as early as June, they (BN) caused voters to stay away and not vote in
what the numbers show. are going to try as much as possible to the election,” he said. FEATURE
ride on the momentum.” Academician Prof Dr Tajuddin Mohd
“Malaysia uses the Westminster Rasdi said although BN won 40
system or Westminster parliamentary Chin said the Opposition must start out of 56 seats, a small voter
government. It does not matter whether thinking about what to do with their turnout is hardly a mandate Turn to
they should be proud or not,” he said leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who he by the rakyat.
yesterday. claimed had made too many big —
mistakes. “A mere 54% voter turnout
Chin added that BN went into the page 3
election confident of itself as a coalition, “He made mistakes in Sarawak,
and it has achieved its aim by getting a Malacca and now, Johor. That is three big is not a big win,” he said.
two-thirds majority. losses in a row and that is unforgivable.

The election also focused on the youth “If Anwar remains the leader of the
vote, with the recently passed Undi18 Act. Opposition in GE15, Pakatan Harapan

Chin said as expected, Malaysian
United Democratic Alliance (Muda) won
only one seat and all the talk about young
voters making a difference did not

2 theSUN ON MONDAY | MARCH 14, 2022

NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

Disunity put paid to non-BN ‘Polling centres
closed according
parties’ chances in Johor polls to gazetted time’
KUCHING: The claim that some
polling centres were closed early is
not true, said Minister in the Prime
Minister’s Department (Parliament
█ COMMENTARY BY AZMAN UJANG oBarisan Nasional’s victory foregone neighbouring Malacca, which the BN and Law) Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi
THE outcome of the just-concluded conclusion with other parties in disarray also lost to a united PH in GE14, held Tuanku Jaafar.
Johor state election has been a a snap state election, and again He said the closing time of polling
disunity among the non-BN parties centres had been gazetted, according
forgone conclusion right from day 1. saw them fighting one another. to various factors, including the
Yes, day 1 was Feb 26, when a This enabled BN to win more than number of voters.
record 239 candidates filed their contested the polls solidly united August last year after losing 90% of the state assembly seats “On Saturday, there was a
nominations for the 56 State under the BN brand, the other non- parliamentary support from Umno. despite securing less than 40% of the complaint from a woman who asked
Legislative Assembly seats up for BN parties went their separate ways. In the first place, Umno despite its popular votes. why her polling centre was closed at
grabs in the snap polls. The most startling move was that very formidable election machinery It has been repeated yet again in 2pm. I was informed the centre was
The election, which most parties that defeated the Umno-led and financial strength and with Johor the Johor election. meant to cater to only 170 voters, and
Malaysians agreed was unnecessary BN for the first time in 61 years in the being its birthplace, was not Let us look at the statistics – of the was gazetted to close at 2pm.
and a waste of public funds with the 2018 general election (GE 14) as part unbeatable in the southern state. total 1,426,573 votes cast or just 54% “So it must be closed at that time.
15th general election scheduled just of the Pakatan Harapan (PH) Its fortress collapsed in GE14 of the electorate, BN polled 599,753 After 2pm the votes will not be taken
over a year from now, was called after coalition decided to abandon that thanks to a united PH onslaught. votes, much less than the 826,820 into account. This is the law,” he said
the then state government was left historic winning formula and go it It’s just mind-boggling to political garnered by the non-BN parties. at an event at Kampung Tanjung
with only a razor-thin one-seat alone. observers why the GE14 winning What this clearly means is that the Bako yesterday.
majority following the death of With these parties, namely DAP, formula was not put into practice this majority voted against the BN, and He said the decision to set the
assemblyman Datuk Osman Sapian PKR, Bersatu, PAS and Amanah, as time around. the outcome would have gone the opening hours of a polling station was
in December. well as other parties formed after the Everyone knows that in an other way had there been straight not up to an individual or the police.
Why was it a foregone conclusion collapse of the PH government in election every vote counts but yet the fights all the way. “The matter had been gazetted
and a no-brainer to predict the final 2020 joining the fray, the once united PH front opted to cancel Just to cite one example how and all parties had been informed.
outcome of a landslide win for disenfranchisement was clearly one another out by each putting up disunity backfired on the non-BN Voters should have known their
Barisan Nasional (BN)? working to the great advantage of the candidates in most of the 56 parties, take a look at the Sungai polling centre’s closing time so that
Umno clinched 33 seats with MCA BN. constituencies. Balang constituency results. The BN they would not be late.” – Bernama
and MIC four and three respectively, Bersatu and PAS left the PH pact It begs the question whether this is candidate won the seat with 8,294
15 out of 37Amanah, PAS and Muda secured one Nasional coalition, combining with leaders or just their poor polled by three other candidates were
DAP won 10 seats while PKR, and formed their own Perikatan due to the inflated egos of their ballots while the combined votes

women emergeWhile DAP still performed March 2020, led by Bersatu president
each and Bersatu two seats. Umno to take over Putrajaya in mathematics. Or both. 9,577.
Did they expect the voters to give If non-BN parties are to entertain
credibly, it was indeed embarrassing Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as prime them enough mandate to form the any hope of repeating their GE14
victoriousfor PKR, Bersatu, PAS and Amanah. minister.
Muda, the youth party making its state government based on the historic success, unity is the key.
Muhyiddin, who led a sizeable strength of each individual party? If If parties like DAP, PKR, Bersatu
debut in the election, managed to win number of members of parliament to they did, it’s just very unrealistic or and Amanah need new leaders to
at least one seat. cause the collapse of the PH crazy daydreaming. take on the BN in GE15, it’s time for KUALA LUMPUR: Fifteen out of 37
While Umno, MCA and MIC government, himself had to resign in Barely three months ago, them to seriously work on this. women candidates won the seats
they vied for while all seven women
PH accepts fielded by Parti Pejuang Tanah Air
defeat, to hold (Pejuang) and Parti Keadilan Rakyat
(PKR) lost.
Apart from Malaysian United
Democratic Alliance (Muda)
post-mortem candidate Amira Aisya Abd Aziz, 27,
who won the Puteri Wangsa state
seat, Perikatan Nasional’s (PN)
KULAI: Johor Pakatan Harapan (PH) Alwiyah Taib stole the show by
has accepted defeat in the state polls dashing Barisan Nasional’s (BN)
and will hold a post-mortem to hopes of wresting the Endau state
identify weaknesses, shortcomings seat. She managed to retain it with a
and mistakes, said its co-ordinator majority of 3,041 votes to defeat four
Aminolhuda Hassan. other candidates.
The post-mortem was important Nine out of 14 women candidates
to enable PH to rise again during the fielded by BN performed well.
15th general election (GE15), he told Nor Rashidah Ramli and Rashidah
a media conference. Ismail retained their Parit Raja and
He added that PH respected the Pasir Raja seats respectively. The
people’s decision and appreciated other BN women contestants who
the spirit shown by voters despite a came out tops were Hasrunizah
low turnout, especially among youth Hassan (Pulai Sebatang), Fauziah
and new voters registered Misri (Penawar), Norlizah Noh (Johor
automatically. Lama), Datuk Sharifah Azizah Syed
Present were Johor PKR chairman Zain (Mahkota), Khairin-Nisa
Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh and Johor Ismail@Md On (Serom), Haslinda
DAP chairman Liew Chin Tong. Salleh (Tenang) and N. Saraswati
Aminolhuda, who is also Johor (Kemelah).
Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) Pakatan Harapan bagged four
chairman, said one of the lessons that seats through its women candidates,
could be gleaned was namely Johor DAP Women’s
that opposition parties should be Publicity secretary Marina Ibrahim
united. (Skudai), Gan Peck Cheng
“Whether the strategy was wrong (Penggaram), Ng Kor Sim (Jementah)
or otherwise, it (election) has now THUMPING VICTORY ... Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and other leaders and supporters and Liow Cai Tung (Johor Jaya).
passed. After this, all parties should celebrating the coalition’s success in the Johor polls. – BERNAMAPIX – Bernama
be magnanimous and accept one
another’s views sincerely, because

Most under-30 candidates fail to garner supporttheresultswereunexpected.”
Asked whether the clash between
PKR and the Malaysian United
Democratic Alliance in the Larkin KUALA LUMPUR: Most candidates (Gerakan), Dr Khairil Anwar Razali first time. She beat Yeo Kwee Kwang majority of 198 votes, Mohd Hairi
seat was among the causes for their under the age of 30 who contested in (Pejuang), Choong Shiau Yoon (Parti (Bersatu) and Shen Poh Kuan (MCA) Mad Shah, 37, (Larkin, 6,178
loss, he declined to comment. the Johor state election were unable Bangsa Malaysia) and Adzrin Adam by obtaining 26,359 votes, with a majority), Ling Tian Soon, 38, (Yong
“We do not want to look at the to secure victory even with the rollout (Independent) in a six-cornered fight. majority of 13,943, the largest Peng, 2,741 majority), Norlizah Noh,
squabble as a factor, because we not of Undi18. Out of the 239 candidates, 63 were majority in the age group. 38, (Johor Lama, 6,039 majority), K.
only lost in that seat, but also others.” Eight under-30 candidates aged 40 and below, with Barisan The four other DAP candidates Raven Kumar, 39, (Tenggaroh, 1,356
Commenting on his position as contested, with the youngest being Nasional (BN) fielding 14, followed who won were Ng Kor Sim, 38, majority), Mohamad Najib Samuri,
Johor PH chairman, Aminolhuda two 26-year-olds. by Perikatan Nasional (13), Pejuang (Jementah, 7,001 majority), Ee Chin 39, (Parit Yaani, 294 majority), Aznan
who lost in the Parit Yaani seat, said Out of the eight, only Amira Aisya (11), Pakatan Harapan (10), Muda Li, 39, (Tangkak, 372 majority), Liow Tamin, 37, (Tanjung Surat, 5,903
he left it to the top leadership to Abd Aziz, 27, from the Malaysian (seven), PKR (four), PBM (two), Parti Cai Tung, 36, (Johor Raya, 1,922 majority) and Lee Ting Han, 31,
decide. United Democratic Alliance (Muda) Warisan Sabah (one), and majority) and Wong Bor Yang, 35, (Paloh, 3,176 majority).
DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang said if won, clinching the Puteri Wangsa Independent (1). (Senai, 5,921 majority). Only one of PKR’s four young
they had another week to campaign, seat, with a majority of 7,114 votes, a Fourteen of these candidates won Eight BN candidates from the candidates, Chiong Sen Sern, 32,
Paloh, Yong Peng, Bekok and Pekan first for her party. the seats they contested. same age group were victorious, managed to win, securing the Bukit
Nanas seats could have been retained The Muda secretary-general beat DAP’s Marina Ibrahim, 34, vied for namely Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Batu seat with a 137 majority.
by the party. – Bernama Ng Yew Aik (MCA), Loh Kah Yong the Skudai seat, contesting for the Salleh, 35, in Bukit Pasir, with a thin – Bernama

3theSUN ON MONDAY | MARCH 14, 2022
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

Cabinet not affected by Johor polls: PM

BERA: The results of the Johor state political stability and the people’s Johor, it would not be taken to the Johor polls, including those that lost, Harapan to reduce politicking after
election, which saw Barisan Nasional well-being. Cabinet. I am hopeful and confident would extend support and being appointed prime minister,
scoring a landslide victory, would not “We are professionals and would of it,” he said after officiating at the cooperation to the menteri besar as Ismail Sabri said it was still too early
affect relations among ministers and focus on national policies and issues. Malaysian Family Driving Licence political stability was important for for him to talk about the future of the
deputy ministers from other parties As professionals, we in the Cabinet Aid Programme yesterday. the development of the state. agreement, which ends on July 31.
at the federal government level, said need to discuss and decide the Also present were Road Transport
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail country’s policies together. There is Department director-general Datuk On calls by some quarters for the Ismail Sabri, who is also Umno
Sabri Yaakob. no issue of us quarrelling just Zailani Hashim and Pahang Public general election to be held soon, vice-president, also said the direction
He said the first Cabinet meeting because we are from different parties. Works, Transport and Health Ismail Sabri stressed that the general of the party and its decision on the
after the state election would be held “In the Malacca state election, we Committee chairman Datuk Seri election would only be held when the Muafakat Nasional formed with PAS
this week, and he is optimistic that all also clashed with one another but the Norolazali Sulaiman. relevant aspects and parties were would be among the main topics to
its members would be professional clashes were not taken to the Cabinet. Ismail Sabri also expressed hope ready. be deliberated at the Umno general
and make the right decisions for Although the fight was intense in that all parties that contested in the assembly scheduled to start on
BN may push for GE15 On the memorandum of Wednesday. – Bernama
understanding signed with Pakatan

‘BN must strategise
for GE victory’

o Currently on wave of success, coalition would not want now is the right time to call for GE15. KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional (BN) must
to allow time for Opposition to get act together “The current voting trend shows strong not become complacent after winning the Johor
state election, and needs to consider its strategy
█ BY RAJVINDER SINGH Azmi added that although it is only about a support for BN as it is a dominant coalition and steps to achieve victory in the upcomingBRIEFS
[email protected] more year to the 15th general election (GE15), while the Opposition is in tatters at the general election, said Communications and
PETALING JAYA: Following its landslide Umno may not want to let the momentum go moment. Multimedia Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa.
victory in the Johor state election, Umno and unused.
Barisan Nasional (BN) would feel “Perception among the voters for now is He said the biggest challenge is to manage
emboldened to call for the next general “A concern for Umno could be that the that PH had failed them when they were in winning because a victory does not guarantee
election as soon as possible. people may turn against them if they call for power for 22 months,” he said, adding that BN another win in the future.
elections while the pandemic is still an issue. would want to take advantage of this.
Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research “The state election is one battle. It does not
senior fellow Prof Azmi Hassan said Umno “They might also be worried that if they Jeniri pointed out no one knows what will mean we are winning the war.
would want to keep the momentum going, wait too long, it could give the Opposition happen in a year’s time and the agreement
especially after two landslide victories in time to regroup and mount a proper between PH and the government will end “Moving forward, we need to be effective and
Johor and Malacca. campaign in GE15.” in July. cautious. Those who lost will not stay defeated, but
will strategise while the winners might become
“There would be factions within Umno However, he pointed out that the Johor He said currently, those in Perikatan complacent or proud,” he said in a Facebook post.
putting pressure on Prime Minister Datuk Seri and Malacca elections showed that the Nasional (PN) were at loggerheads with BN,
Ismail Sabri Yaakob to call for an early general Opposition have yet to get their act together. and the polls in Johor and Malacca have On the low voter turnout of below 60%, Annuar
election. shown that they were even willing to hit below said it showed that at least 20% of voters chose to
Azmi said one of the main reasons Pakatan the belt at times. keep quiet and observe the state election this time
“They may feel now is the time to strike, Harapan (PH) agreed to support the federal around.
while the iron is hot. And this puts Ismail government was to gain time to prepare for “Ismail Sabri will be facing a lot of pressure
Sabri in a difficult position as he heads his GE15, adding that with enough time, PH, to call for early elections when the Umno “We need to figure out who they are and who
coalition.” Warisan and other parties might get their act general assembly is held. He cannot ignore they will vote for in the general election,” he said,
together to mount a serious threat to BN. the call of the general assembly. while expressing thanks to Johor voters who led BN
Azmi said Ismail Sabri could be in a no- to victory.
win situation if Umno wants early polls. In the Johor polls, BN crusied to victory by “BN also realises that the people want a
winning a huge majority of 40 of the 56 seats strong and stable government, not one rife “Thank you, Johor. Thank you to everyone who
“If he gives in, he may be seen as (a contested while in Malacca, it won 21 of 28 with infighting.” helped. To quote a political analyst, BN’s
pushover). But if he (resists) Umno’s call, he seats. advantage is its ability to present a united front. It’s
may be accused of trying to hold on to power.” Jeniri said when the general election is true, united we stand,” he said. – Bernama
Malaysian Council of Professors senior called, the people will vote for a strong
fellow Prof Dr Jeniri Amir said BN may feel government as they have seen what happens COOPERATING FOR GREATER
to a government with a slim majority. GOOD OF JOHOREANS

“Even investors would be unwilling to BATU PAHAT: Penggaram state
invest in Malaysia because of an unstable assemblyman Gan Peck Cheng said she will
political situation,” he said. support efforts by state government for the
good of the people and will “criticise” the
Outcome may open opportunities for new, young leaders administration if there are matters that
burden the people. She said Johor Pakatan
However, according to the UCSI Tajuddin said the fact that no PN “This may also open the door for Harapan (PH) would not merely oppose,
professor, among those who will be From leaders showed up at their hotel for newcomers, young people such as Rafizi but could also be a “friend” to the state
losing sleep would be Bersatu the announcement of the elction Ramli, Nurul Izzah and Syed Saddiq, to government. “Developing the state is our
front come to the forefront if they can seal a (PH) main aim. The main task of every
president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. page results was an indication that they working relationship with Shafie Apdal’s elected representative is to serve the
“For Muhyiddin, the small number knew their fate ahead of time. Warisan and the forces in Sabah and people and they (elected representatives)
of seats won by Perikatan Nasional On Pejuang’s performance in the Sarawak as well as unite against BN,” have to be honest, not becoming an
(PN) is an indication the coalition is not state election, Tajuddin said its dismal he added. elected representative to (achieve)
very strong there.” showing could usher in new beginnings. something or have self-interests,” said the
Johor DAP treasurer. In the Johor polls on
CIVIC-MINDED Saturday, Gan defended the Penggaram
... Schoolchildren seat with a majority of 9,956 votes in a four-
and the public cornered fight. She defeated Barisan
joining cleaners Nasional’s Ter Hwa Kwong, Ronald Sia Wee
from the Seberang Yet of Perikatan Nasional and independent
Perai City Council candidate Zahari Osman. Gan said she
at a beach would address the problem of flash floods
clean-up event and continue to focus on welfare activities,
yesterday in Bagan which she has been doing as Penggaram
Ajam in Penang. assemblyman since 2013. – Bernama
– MASRY CHE ANI
/THESUN CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR
MUHYIDDIN AS PARTY CHIEF
Barisan wins 66.25% of popular vote
JOHOR BARU: Bersatu will continue to
KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional (BN) contesting for all 56 state seats, secured 25,865 In terms of votes obtained by contesting support the leadership of Tan Sri Muhyiddin
had the most in popular votes during the votes (3.85%). parties, Umno secured 380,519 (56.6%) of Yassin as party president, said Bersatu
Johor polls, with 445,085 (66.25%). total votes, while DAP had 159,769 (23.3%) ; deputy president Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal
The Malaysian United Democratic MCA with 5.4%, MIC achieved 4.2%, Muda Azumu. “The struggles of Tan Sri Muhyiddin
Pakatan Harapan (PH), represented by Alliance (Muda), which made its debut in the garnered 3.4%, Bersatu scored 2.7%, PKR Yassin as Bersatu president must go on. I
DAP and Amanah, obtained 168,518 votes election, garnered 22,884 votes (3.4%) and clinched 1.4%, Amanah secured 1.3% and PAS and all party members at all levels will
(25.08%) while Perikatan Nasional (PN), PKR, which contested using its own logo, received 1.1%. – Bernama firmly support and uphold his leadership,”
comprising Bersatu, PAS and Gerakan obtained 9,439 votes (1.4%). he said in a statement yesterday. Earlier,
Muhyiddin was reported as saying that he
was ready to step down as Perikatan
Nasional chairman if it is desired by the
leadership and members following the big
defeat of the coalition in the Johor state
polls. Ahmad Faizal said a comprehensive
study would be carried out to identify the
factors that brought about the poor
performance of Bersatu, which won only
two of the 33 seats it contested. He also
thanked the coalition’s machinery
comprising Bersatu, PAS and Gerakan for
campaigning tirelessly in the state election.
– Bernama

4 theSUN ON MONDAY | MARCH 14, 2022 READ OUR HERE SCAN
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS ME
/thesundaily

Cultivate spirit of togetherness, Sultan tells UUM graduates

SINTOK: The Sultan of Kedah Al Aminul Karim “Be a generation that is aware and smart, to which will be held for seven days, starting opportunities to turn agriculture into a source of
Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah has take advantage of the latest technology, and in yesterday. income, especially in the paddy and rice
expressed hope that Universiti Utara Malaysia turn, be able to inject positive reforms to the industry.
(UUM) graduates will use the concept of country. Sultan Sallehuddin also expressed hope that
Keluarga Malaysia as a guide to cultivate a spirit UUM graduates would become more resilient, Kedah, as the country’s rice bowl, has a huge
of togetherness. “The sustainability of the country’s strengthen their skills as well as seize social responsibility, especially in ensuring the
development depends on all of you. You are the opportunities that are available as a result of the security of the country’s future food supply,
Sultan Sallehuddin, who is also UUM hope of the nation. You are also the future Covid-19 pandemic. he said.
chancellor, said harmony and stability in the leaders of the country,” he said in a video in
country are crucial in the current situation. conjunction with the 33rd UUM Convocation He also hoped that UUM would work with At the ceremony, UUM conferred the title of
ceremony yesterday. the state government to drive the state “professor emeritus” to Prof Datuk Seri
“Strive to have a compatible and balanced development agenda through research work, Dr Mohamed Mustafa Ishak, who was UUM’s
relationship as well as celebrate differences with A total of 4,052 students, who graduated in community programmes and training for seventh vice-chancellor, and also former
an open heart. 2020, received their scrolls at the ceremony, various stakeholders, as well as create director-general of higher education. – Bernama

Khairy speaking to Move to make Johor
medical assistants during songket more unique
a visit to a community
programme in Seremban, JOHOR BARU: Songket is usually worn during
Negri Sembilan yesterday. royal ceremonies and official events, and each
– BERNAMAPIX piece has a distinctive identity.

Stabilise health situation Johor has created a unique songket identity
first before GE15: Khairy with a floral motif called kain benang Johor
corak Muar berbunga renek.
o ‘Transition to endemic phase does not mean pandemic is over’
Yayasan Warisan Johor (YWJ) assistant
SEREMBAN: Health Minister Khairy “The federal government has an agreement need to think of a safe mechanism to enable curator Roslinda Mohd Rosli said the state’s
Jamaluddin said the public health situation in (Memorandum of Understanding on Covid-19 patients to vote without adversely songket has undergone “rebranding” since
the country, which has been affected by the Transformation and Political Stability) until affecting other people’s health. 2013 under Prof Dr Zainon Ismail and Prof
Covid-19 pandemic, needs to be stabilised July, so there is no urgent need to hold GE15 as Dr Norwani Nawawi.
before the 15th general election (GE15) can the government is stable. “Yes, it is their right to vote and it’s also the
be held. right of Malaysians not to get the Covid-19 “The original corak Muar was a plaid pattern
“It will not collapse and laws can be passed infection. Hence, in balancing these rights, we (kotak kosong). We introduced something new
“Even when the country has entered the in Parliament, so let’s not do anything need to have the best mechanism,” he added. in 2013 since the state government wanted to
transition to endemic phase, it does not mean unnecessary just because we see a political make it a prominent part of Johor’s identity,”
that the pandemic has ended as we still have to opportunity.” On a proposal by some quarters that the she said.
be careful as the general election will involve a Low-Risk Covid-19 Assessment and Treatment
lot of people. He was speaking after attending a Centres be made voting centres, Khairy said YWJ created 10 new patterns – four for the
community service programme organised by almost 96% of Covid-19 patients quarantined masses and six for royalty.
“When the country’s borders are opened, the Malaysian Association of Medical themselves at home.
spacing between congregants (at mosques and Assistants yesterday, Bernama reported. The songket pieces for royalty are named
surau) would be narrowed and the capacity He said if the centres were used as voting Jauhar, Medini, Tanjung Puteri, Maharani and
limit terminated. Khairy also said discussions must be held centres, the health safety of family members two styles of the Tunku Mahkota Johor.
with the Election Commission (EC) to find the would be at risk as they would be exposed to
“These do not mean that we can do best mechanism for the suggestion of allowing Covid-19 infection when sending patients to “The motifs represent the Johor royal crowns
anything we like. The Johor state election has Covid-19 patients to vote in the elections. the centres. and have Jawi letters,” Roslinda told Bernama.
just ended, so I feel it is better for the public
health situation to be really stable first. “Malaysians have the right to vote, but as “It can be done but we need to discuss this “Kain benang Johor corak Muar berbunga
the country is still hit by the pandemic, we with the EC,” he added. renek A and B, Mayang Selida and Tanjung Piai
are for the masses,” she added.
64.9% of adult population given booster dose
“Weavers take two weeks to make a 2.25m
KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 15,259,493 the National Covid-19 Immunisation programme at 68,113,082. long songket. Most songket pieces are used as a
adults ( 64.9% of the population) have Programme for Children. Meanwhile, according to the Health kain samping worn over the baju Melayu teluk
received their Covid-19 booster dose as of belanga or as a kain sarung for the women’s
Saturday. For adolescents aged between 12 and 17, Ministry GitHub portal, 77 deaths due to baju kurung teluk belanga,” she said, adding
a total of 2,836,325 ( 91.2% of the group) Covid-19 were recorded yesterday, with that the yarn-making process also takes time.
Based on the CovidNOW website, a total have completed their vaccination, while Penang recording the highest at 12, followed
of 22,934,341 individuals (97.5% of the 2,936,489 (94.4%) have received at least one by Selangor and Kelantan with 11 cases each. Roslinda said YWJ’s Galeri Tenun Johor
population) have also completed their dose of the vaccine. (GTJ) is experimenting with making songket
vaccination and 23,210,853 (98.7%) have Kedah recorded nine deaths, while Johor using pineapple silk to make it more unique,
received at least one dose of the vaccine. On Saturday, a total of 46,688 doses were had eight, Perak with seven, Perlis and adding that the supplier is from Pontian.
administered, involving 25,471 as first doses, Terengganu had four cases each, Negri
For children aged between five and 11, a 1,047 as second shots and 20,170 as Sembilan and Kuala Lumpur with three cases She said those interested can place orders
total of 1,144,379 (32.2% of the group) have boosters, with the cumulative number of each, Sabah had two and Sarawak, Pahang via YWJ or GTJ. The pineapple silk costs about
received the first dose of the vaccine under doses given under the immunisation and Malacca had one case each. – Bernama RM700 per kilogramme while the usual yarn
costs less than RM100 per kilogramme. The
price of handloom songket starts from RM2,000,
while machine-made songket costs between
RM200 and RM350.

GTJ employs six weavers, who can make two
pieces of songket per month, while a machine
can make up to 200 in six months.

Roslinda said the best way to care for songket
is to roll instead of folding it and it should only
be dry cleaned.

Institut Kraftangan Negara-qualified GTJ
weaver Norhulnadia Ahmad, 34, said
songket-making requires passion and patience.

Her younger brother, Mohamad Sharil
Ahmad, 20, was inspired to become a weaver
after seeing his sister’s songket creations.

Daily cases drop
to below 30,000

KUALA LUMPUR: The number of new daily
Covid-19 cases recorded on Saturday dropped to
26,250 from 32,800 the previous day.

Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor
Hisham Abdullah said of the total cases, 26,073
(99.33%) were in categories One and Two.

A total of 177 cases, or 0.67%, were in categories
Three, Four and Five, he said in a statement on the
development of the Covid-19 pandemic in the
country.

He added that the country’s infectivity rate (Rt)
was 0.99, compared to 1.03 last Friday.

On the use of Covid-19 beds for critical cases or
at intensive care units at the ministry’s hospitals,
Noor Hisham said six states recorded more than
50% usage on Saturday.

They are Putrajaya at 167%, Kelantan at 69%,
Johor at 68%, Kuala Lumpur at 65%, Selangor at
58% and Perak at 53%. – Bernama

Youths make up 5theSUN ON MONDAY | MARCH 14, 2022
nearly 50% NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS
of road deaths,
says PM Cops start probe into
alleged insubordination case
BERA: Youths accounted for almost 50% of the
14,308 road accident death cases recorded in o Facebook account holder to be called up over video calling up the MCDF officer and the Facebook
two years from 2019, said Prime Minister showing argument with senior police officer account holder who posted the video soon to
Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob yesterday. record their statements,” he said.
█ BY CHARLES RAMENDRAN commander, yesterday said on assessing the
He said road accidents were among the [email protected] situation and taking safety into account on the The case is being investigated for
main causes of deaths in the country, with an KUALA LUMPUR: Police have launched day of the incident, he had issued an order for circulating material that can cause public fear
average of 4,769 lives lost each year during the investigations into a video that purportedly MCDF teams to be barred from entering the or alarm under Section 505(b) and defying
period. show a Malaysian Civil Defence Force disaster area as it could compromise the orders of a civil servant under Section 188,
(MCDF) personnel defying orders from a safety of search-and-rescue teams and both under the Penal Code, and for the
The high youth figure is also a major senior police officer during a landslide at disrupt the work of rescuers. misuse of network facilities under Section 233
challenge for enforcers in curbing the tragic Taman Bukit Permai 2 in Ampang Jaya last of the Communications and Multimedia Act.
trend. Thursday. He said the search site was narrow and had
limited space with the Fire and Rescue Under directives of the National Security
“Youths have a bright future and are The incident, which occurred at Taman Department and the Special Malaysia Council Act on disaster management and
needed by the nation but they were the most Mega Jaya in an adjacent residential area to Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team racing relief, police assume the role of on-scene
affected group. A driving licence should help the landslide site, showed the MCDF officer to find the trapped victims. commanders and have full authority to issue
us facilitate movement, especially to make a arguing with Ampang Jaya police chief ACP orders during all types of disasters.
living. We hope those who obtain it will be Mohamad Farouk Esha after not being Mohd Farouk said the MCDF officer had
disciplined when riding their motorcycles,” he allowed to enter the disaster site. allegedly defied orders and entered the site, He urged those with information on the
said. which was a restricted area, without incident to contact Ampang Jaya police at
The 55-sec video was posted on a permission. 03-42897222 or investigations officer ASP
Ismail Sabri was speaking at the Malaysian Facebook account and has since gone viral. Hida Hayati at 019-3838797.
Family Driving Licence Aid Programme at the “The circulation of the video has affected
Bera Rakan Muda Complex here yesterday, Mohamad Farouk, who was the disaster the image of the police force, especially the In Thursday’s tragedy, a landslide came
which saw 404 Orang Asli residents from the operations commander or ground Ampang Jaya district police, and can be crashing down from a hillslope and hit a
district selected under the programme to misinterpreted by the public. We will be dozen houses and several vehicles at about
acquire a motorcycle driving licence at 6pm. Four people were killed while a fifth
minimal cost. resident was rescued by firemen.

Also present were Road Transport The victims were from two houses closest
Department (RTD) director-general Datuk to the landslide.
Zailani Hashim and Pahang Public Works,
Transport and Health Committee chairman CREATIVE DESIGN ... Mohd Ismail Mohtar showing his honey pump inventions called the Cute Portable Sling Suspect on
Datuk Seri Norolazali Sulaiman. Pump and Giant Portable Sling Pump (right) for harvesting honey in Dengkil, Putrajaya yesterday. – BERNAMAPIX driving rampage
arrested
To curb the road accident death rate, Ismail Man held after charred remains of woman found
Sabri said RTD should have more advocacy KUALA LUMPUR: Several
and engagement programmes in line with the KUALA LUMPUR: A man in his 30’s was Muhammad Idzam said a police forensic vehicles and food stalls at the
government’s desire to bring down road remanded after the charred remains of a team was called in to search for clues before Titiwangsa Lake Garden were
accident fatalities by 50% by 2030. woman were found in a room of a school at her remains were sent to the Universiti damaged after being hit by a car
Bandar Tun Razak in Cheras on Saturday. Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre for an driven by an alleged criminal
Meanwhile, commenting on the autopsy. during an attempt to escape from
programme Ismail Sabri said it was especially Cheras police chief ACP Muhammad Idzam police.
for those in need such as the B40 group and Jaafar said the deceased 25-year-old was a “The school was closed on Saturday and
the Orang Asli community who have supervisor at the school’s bookshop. there was no one around except a watchman. Kuala Lumpur police CID chief
difficulties attending classes at driving From early findings, the local suspect we held SAC Habibi Majinji yesterday said
training institutes. He said police were alerted to a fire in a was unacquainted with the victim. a police team on crime prevention
room at the school at about 6.20pm and a team patrols had spotted two men in a
“The programme is aimed at assisting them of policemen from the Salak Selatan police “We have remanded him for a week to assist car behaving suspiciously on
as we know they have to go through some station responded. in our investigations to ascertain what had led Jalan Kuantan in the recreational
procedures to get the licence. Nonetheless, the to the case which has been classified as park at 12.15am and decided to
programme incorporates the training and Muhammad Idzam said police were murder,” he said. investigate.
course needed for them to become motorcycle informed that Fire and Rescue Department
riders in compliance with the law,” he said. personnel, who were at the scene, found the He urged the public to not speculate on the He said policemen approached
charred remains of the deceased after putting case and called on those with information on the vehicle and on identifying
Based on a media statement by Deputy out the fire. the incident to contact Cheras police at 012- themselves, the driver of the car
Transport Minister Datuk Henry Sum Agong, 2165881 or the KL police hotline at 03- sped off and tried to escape.
the programme criteria includes being a He said soon after, police arrested a suspect 21460584/585.
Malaysian aged 16 and above, who is at the compound of the school. Habibi said the driver became
physically and mentally healthy with no aggressive and crashed into
physical disabilities. several vehicles and food stalls
causing damage to them in a bid
Apart from that, the candidate should not to break free from the police
be blacklisted by the RTD or police as well as dragnet.
not holding any vehicle driving licence.
– Bernama He said police gave chase for
about two kilometres before the
Shop owner loses suspects pulled over near the
RM1,100 in loan scam Ibnu Sina Titiwangsa Mosque on
Jalan Ayer Embun.
ALOR STAR: A laundry shop owner suffered
losses of over RM1,000 after he was cheated by Habibi said while the vehicle
an individual who offered him a non-existent driver was arrested, the passenger
loan on Saturday. managed to escape.

Kedah commercial crime investigation “Checks showed that the
department (CCID) chief Supt Elias Omar said suspect had eight past criminal
the 37-year-old victim received a WhatsApp records. The car he drove was also
message from the suspect who offered him a fitted with false number plates
loan with a low repayment rate. and was reported stolen in Bukit
Baru, Malacca. There were also
“The victim, from Kuala Kedah, then several items we recovered from
received a call from a man who claimed to be the man which we suspect were
an agent of a licensed moneylender. The obtained from criminal activities,”
victim said he wanted to take a RM5,000 loan he said.
and gave a copy of his IC and bank account
statement to the suspect. He said the suspect is being
investigated for using criminal
“The suspect then asked the victim to pay a force on a civil servant during the
processing fee before the RM5,000 loan could discharge of his duties and for
be disbursed,” he said in a statement yesterday. obstructing a civil servant from
carrying out his duties under
According to police, the victim had used his Section 353 and Section 186 of the
savings to make two transactions totalling Penal Code respectively.
RM1,100 to the bank account given by the
suspect. He urged those with
information on the case to contact
“The victim then realised he had been Wangsa Maju police at 03-
duped and later made a police report at the 92899222 or the investigation
Alor Star police station the same day. An officer of the case ASP Chew Lai
investigation paper has been opened under Chang at 012-2749097 or Insp
Section 420 of the Penal Code,” he said. Abdul Hakeem Abdullah 012-
– Bernama 9225687. – by Charles Ramendran

6 theSUN ON MONDAY | MARCH 14, 2022 FOLLOW ON TELEGRAM SCAN
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS ME
/thesuntelegram

Thousands of Russians scramble to leave Thailand

BANGKOK: Thousands of Russian Tourism Authority of Thailand 41-year-old psychologist who arrived restrictions have seen some firms – adopting the Mir system – a Russian
tourists in Thailand are struggling to official Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya from Moscow with her husband and such as Russia’s flagship Aeroflot – electronic fund transfer structure – as
find a route home, Thai officials said said 3,100 Russians were stuck in children – aged seven, four and two – cancelling services, leaving tourists to well as digital currencies.
yesterday, as international sanctions Phuket, while just over 2,000 were in on Feb 27. seek alternative routes, such as
imposed over the war in Ukraine hit Samui, and smaller numbers were in through the Middle East with Local communities across
holiday-makers. Krabi, Phang Nga and Bangkok. “We want to go tomorrow to the different carriers. Thailand were also stepping in.
airport, but I don’t know what the
Russia’s invasion provoked a host The authorities are working on situation will be,” she said from Many tourists have also been hit “We will pay for water, electric,
of international measures targeting ways to help those who wanted to Phuket, adding that they were by Visa and Mastercard suspending everything for them,” said
businesses and banks, with some return home, he said, including supposed to fly home on March 28. operations. Archimandrite Oleg, representative
Russian carriers cancelling flights “discussion on return flights which of the Orthodox Church in Thailand.
and global payment firms could be regular or special flights”. She said while some people had “We have seen instances of
suspending services. their tickets replaced, others – difficulty in card payments by He said they were helping at least
Russian tourist Evgenia Gozorskaia including her family – had not been Russians in Phuket due to how one family with four children
Russians tourists have returned to said her family discovered their return so lucky. Mastercard and Visa have suspended stranded in Koh Samui.
Thailand’s beachside resorts in large Aeroflot tickets had been cancelled. services in Russia,” said Phuket
numbers since pandemic restrictions “They say that they cannot do it Tourist Association president While Bangkok has backed a
eased, but many now find themselves “We are very nervous because the and put the phone off,” she said. Bhummikitti Ruktaengam. United Nations resolution calling for
without a return ticket. children are very small, we don’t have the withdrawal of Russian troops
enough money to live here,” said the While Thailand has not banned He said officials were considering from Ukraine, it has stopped short of
Russian flights, international airspace imposing sanctions. – AFP

Air strike hits military base Ukraine braces for
‘relentless defence’
near Polish border of capital

o Kremlin’s forces request for comment on the reported missile The last major exercises were in KYIV: Ukraine prepared yesterday for a “relentless
seek to surround strike so close to the border with Nato, and a September. defence” of the capital as the city faced possible
Ukrainian troops in east short video briefing by Russia’s Defence encirclement by Russian forces.
Ministry spokesman yesterday made no In the weeks before Russia invaded on Feb
KYIV: A Russian missile attack on a large mention of such an attack. 24, the Ukrainian military trained there, but In a video address posted on social media on
Ukrainian military facility near the border according to Ukrainian media, all foreign Saturday night, President Volodymyr Zelensky was
with Nato member Poland yesterday killed 35 Nineteen ambulances with sirens on were instructors left the training ground last adamant that the Russians would not take Ukraine.
people and wounded 130, Ukrainian officials seen by Reuters driving from the direction of month, while leaving all the equipment.
said. the Yaroviv facility after the reported strike “The Russian invaders cannot conquer us. They
and black smoke rose from the area. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has sent 2.5 do not have such strength. They do not have such
Foreign military instructors have millions fleeing across borders and trapped spirit.
previously worked at the base, Ukraine said. “Russia has attacked the International thousands of people in besieged cities.
Centre for Peacekeeping & Security near Lviv. “They are holding only on violence. Only on
Regional governor Maksym Kozytskyy said Foreign instructors work here. Information While Western nations have sought to terror. Only on weapons, which they have a lot.”
Russian planes fired around 30 rockets at the about the victims is being clarified,” Ukrainian isolate Russia by imposing harsh sanctions,
Yavoriv International Centre for Peacekeeping Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov said in an the United States and its allies are trying to In his video address, Zelensky appealed for
and Security, adding that some were online post. avoid Nato being drawn into the conflict. more aid.
intercepted before they hit.
A Ukrainian Defence Ministry The mayor of another city in western “I keep reiterating to our allies and friends
The 360 sq km facility less than 25km from representative said officials were still trying to Ukraine, Ivano-Frankivsk, said Russian troops abroad; they have to keep doing more for our
the Polish border, is one Ukraine’s biggest and establish if any foreign instructors were at the also continued to hit its airport, with no initial country, for Ukrainians and Ukraine.
the largest in the western part of the country. centre at the time of the attack. reports of casualties.
“Because it is not only for Ukraine, but it is for all
The Kremlin did not immediately reply to a Ukraine, whose aspirations to join Nato are In eastern Ukraine, Russian troops are of Europe,” he said.
a major irritant to Russian President Vladimir trying to surround Ukrainian forces as they
Putin, held most of its drills with countries in advance from the port of Mariupol in the The Russians have advanced far enough to raise
the Western defence alliance at the base south and the second city Kharkiv in the fears of Kyiv becoming encircled imminently.
before the invasion. north, the UK Defence Ministry said
yesterday. – Reuters Only the roads to the south remain open and
the city is preparing to mount a “relentless
Residents standing in BRIEFSdefence”, according to the Ukrainian presidency.
front of a destroyed
shoe factory in the Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said the capital,
aftermath of a missile described by a senior Ukrainian official on Friday
attack in Dnipro as a “city under siege”, was reinforcing defences
on Saturday. and stockpiling food and medicine.
– REUTERSPIX
Britain’s Defence Ministry estimated that
Russian forces were about 25km from Kyiv on
Saturday and that a column north of the city had
dispersed, reinforcing the indication of an attempt
to encircle it.

However, the Russians are encountering
resistance from the Ukrainian army to both the east
and west of the capital, according to AFP
journalists on the spot. – AFP

UK INVITES BRITONS TO
OPEN HOMES TO REFUGEES

LONDON: The UK yesterday unveiled a new
scheme to allow refugees from Ukraine to
stay with Britons for up to three years. The
“Homes for Ukraine” programme will allow
“tens of thousands” to gain access to work,
healthcare and education, cabinet
secretary Michael Gove said. The
government wanted to try to ensure that
“every available home” is opened up “to
those who are fleeing persecution”, he told
Sky News. Hosts will be given £350
(RM1,900) a month and must commit to a
minimum stay of six months. They must
sponsor a named Ukrainian – which Gove
said could be someone Britons have met on
social media, or with churches and charities
playing an intermediary role. – AFP

Guns, not diplomacy, will determine war outcome: Experts PHOSPHORUS MUNITIONS
USED, SAYS OMBUDSMAN
PARIS: Russia entered negotiations with Ukraine rejected these demands and there is war and Russia is not winning this war.”
Ukraine only days after invading the country little incentive for anyone to compromise until Royal United Services Institute Russia KYIV: Ukraine’s human rights ombudsman
but experts said the ongoing talks are unlikely one side builds a dominant military position. accused Russia yesterday of using banned
to yield progress until one side feels it has expert Natia Seskuria said: “At this point phosphorus munitions in an overnight
momentum on the battlefield. “It’s a kind of deadlock or standstill Russia is trying to achieve its maximalist goals attack on the town of Popasna in Ukraine’s
because Russia still hopes that Ukraine will in Ukraine, and if they’re able to force the eastern Luhansk region. Reuters was not
Experts said Moscow’s approach so far was accept its demands,” said International Crisis Ukrainians at the diplomatic table to accept immediately able to verify her statement.
to insist that Kyiv de-militarise, renounce its Group Russia specialist Oleg Ignatov. these terms, then Russia will get what it wants. The ombudsman, Liudmila Denisova,
ambitions to join Nato and recognise Russian shared a photograph purporting to show
territorial claims in eastern Ukraine. “Both sides consider the military scenario “But if they are unable to do so, then the the alleged attack, but did not say if Ukraine
as the main scenario: Ukraine is not losing this war will continue.” – AFP had concrete evidence. “The bombing of a
civilian city by the Russian attackers with
these weapons is a war crime and a crime
against humanity according to the Rome
convention,” she said in an online
statement. – Reuters

7theSUN ON MONDAY | MARCH 14, 2022

NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

Millions in China locked down BRIEFS BALLISTIC MISSILES HIT
KURDISH CITY IN IRAQ
BEIJING: Millions of people across o Nearly 3,400 daily Covid cases recorded outbreak and angst at the swift,
China endured lockdowns yesterday in worst outbreak in two years draconian measures to quash BAGHDAD: A dozen ballistic
as Covid cases doubled to nearly clusters. missiles struck Erbil, the capital of
3,400 and anxiety mounted over the But the latest flare-up, driven by Changchun – an industrial base of Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan
resilience of the country’s the highly transmissible Omicron nine million people – was locked “It’s the worst since 2020,” a region early yesterday, authorities
“zero-Covid” approach in the face of variant and a spike in asymptomatic down on Friday, while at least three Shenzhen resident surnamed Zhang said, with a US official blaming
the worst outbreak in two years. cases, is testing the efficacy of that other small cities have been locked told AFP. Iran for the attack, which also
approach. down since the start of this month. targeted the American consulate’s
A nationwide surge in cases has “The closures are too sudden, my new building. The missile attack
seen authorities close schools in Jilin health commission official The mayor of Jilin and the head of friend woke up in the morning to comes as talks to revive the 2015
Shanghai, lock down central Zhang Yan conceded that the the Changchun health commission find her building was sealed Iran nuclear deal face the prospect
neighbourhoods in the southern response from local authorities had were dismissed from their jobs on overnight without warning. Her boss of collapse after a last-minute
tech powerhouse of Shenzhen as been lacking. Saturday, state media reported, in a had to mail her laptop to her.” Russian demand forced world
well as whole northeastern cities, as sign of the political imperative powers to pause negotiations for
almost 18 provinces battle clusters of “The emergency response placed on local authorities to The Shenzhen subdistrict of an undetermined time despite
the Omicron and Delta variants. mechanism in some areas is not contain virus clusters. Futian, which was locked down having a largely completed text.
robust enough,” he said yesterday. yesterday, is home to 300,000 people The missiles caused only material
The city of Jilin – centre of the But the strain is showing, with and a thriving commercial district. damage and one civilian was
outbreak in the northeast – was “There is insufficient officials increasingly urging softer injured, the Kurdish Interior
partially locked down on Saturday, understanding of the characteristics and more targeted measures to It shares a land border crossing Ministry said. An Iraqi security
while residents of Yanji, an urban of the Omicron variant and contain the virus, while economists with Hong Kong, where the caseload official said the missiles were
area of nearly 700,000 bordering judgment has been inaccurate.” warn tough clampdowns are hurting over recent weeks has soared, manufactured in Iran. The US
North Korea, were confined to their the economy. alarming officials in Beijing. official who said Iran was
homes yesterday. Residents of Jilin have completed responsible did not give further
six rounds of mass testing, with the In Shenzhen, the southern city of Hong Kong currently has one of details. – Reuters
China, where the virus was first city reporting more than 2,200 cases around 13 million bordering Hong the world’s highest death rates from
detected, has maintained a strict of the Omicron variant since Kong, residents have been caught the virus, as Omicron cuts through AFGHAN GROUP DENIES
“zero-Covid” policy enforced by Saturday. between nerves over a renewed its elderly population, among whom KILLING VACCINATORS
swift lockdowns, travel restrictions vaccine hesitancy proliferates. KABUL: An Afghan group
and mass testing when clusters The neighbouring city of opposed to Taliban rule rejected
emerged. Health authorities reported yesterday police accusation that
32,430 new positive cases and 248 its members had killed polio
new deaths in Hong Kong yesterday. vaccinators on a campaign to
– Agencies eradicate the crippling virus.

Two employees Police had said two members of
stabbed inside the National Resistance Front
NY museum (NRF) had been arrested in
FIRE WALKER ... A man walking connection with killing seven
WASHINGTON: Two female barefoot over coals at the Hiwatari vaccinators on Feb 24 in the
employees were stabbed inside New Matsuri festival in Tokyo yesterday, at northern province of Kunduz. The
York’s prestigious Museum of which some 1,500 worshipers prayed health workers were killed in
Modern Art on Saturday, allegedly by for safety, an end to the Covid-19 separate attacks while on a
an angry visitor, police said. pandemic and world peace. house-to-house vaccine
– REUTERSPIX campaign. “The arrested men
The women were injured “in the have confessed to their crime and
back, the collarbone and in the back said they shot the polio
of the neck” but are both “going to be vaccinators after receiving orders
ok”, said New York police deputy from their leaders from the NRF in
commissioner of intelligence and the province,” said Kunduz police
counter-terrorism John Miller. spokesman Qari Obaidullah
Abedi. – AFP
The suspect, who had not been
arrested yet, was known to police as 60 dead in
a regular visitor to museum, whose Congo train
membership card had been expired accident
after “two incidents involving
disorderly conduct” in recent days, KINSHASA: A train crash in
Miller said. southeastern Democratic Republic of
Congo has killed at least 60 people,
On Saturday, when the man was the state rail company and local
refused entry, “he became upset ... sources said on Saturday.
then jumped over the reception desk
and proceeded to attack and stab “(Currently) the toll is 61 dead,
two employees of the museum men, women and children (and) 52
multiple times”, Miller said. injured who have been evacuated,”
said train operator SNCC’s director of
The two were rushed to the infrastructure Marc Manyonga
hospital following the attack. Ndambo.

The Museum of Modern Art Local media quoted provincial
displays works by artists such as governor Fifi Masuka as saying 60
Vincent Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, people had been killed.
Andy Warhol and Frida Kahlo,
among others. – AFP The train was a freight service
which had been carrying “several
Argentinian family ends 22-year, five-continent trip hundred stowaways”, said Manyonga.

BUENOS AIRES: An Argentinian biggest and best discovery was the the first two children born – Pampa, estimate around 2,000 altogether. “Some of the bodies were still
family is about to finish the trip of a people encountered along the way. now 19, came into this world in the But it was not all easy going. trapped in the wagons that had fallen
lifetime – they have covered five US and Tehue, 16, during a visit back Herman once caught malaria, the into the ravines.”
continents in a 1928 jalopy on an “People are wonderful. Humanity to Argentina – they enlarged the car
adventure that began in 2000, while is incredible.” by actually cutting it in half and family drove across Asia during the Manyonga said the train was
bringing into the world and raising adding 40cm of length and another bird flu outbreak, and had to deal made up of 15 wagons, 12 of which
four children. She said the family visited no seat. with Ebola in Africa and dengue were empty, and was coming from
fewer than 102 countries, although fever in Central America. Luen in a neighbouring province
The Zapp family – Herman and they sometimes had to take detours That made room for the arrival of destined for the mining town of
Candelaria and their children – have because of wars or other kinds of Paloma, now 14 and born in Canada, The Zapps have written a book Tenke, close to Kolwezi.
driven 362,000km and have now conflict. and Wallaby, 12, who was born in about their adventure, titled
stopped in the town of Gualeguaychu Australia. Catching a Dream. It derailed at 11.50pm on
on the border with Uruguay, before The couple had been married six Thursday at the village of Buyofwe,
their scheduled arrival today back years, had good jobs and had just The last additions to the family They have sold about 100,000 about 200km from Kolwezi, “at a
where they started on Jan 25, 2000 at built a house when wanderlust hit. were a dog named Timon and a cat copies and said this is their main place where there are ravines”, into
the Obelisk, a monument in called Hakuna during a stay in source of revenue for all the which seven of the 15 wagons fell,
downtown Buenos Aires. Their round-the-world journey Brazil, where the Zapps were traveling. he said.
began with a backpacking trip in stranded for a while in 2020 because
“I have very mixed feelings. We Alaska. of Covid-19. They touched Mount Everest, ate “My team is working hard to clear
are ending a dream, or fulfilling a duck eggs in Asia, danced with the track by Monday,” Manyonga
dream,” Herman told AFP. And somebody offered them a More on that car, which looks like native people in Namibia, entered added.
car, a 1928 model of an American something out of a gangster movie. the tomb of King Tut in Egypt and
“What will come now? make called Graham-Paige. The trunk acts like a kitchen storage sailed across many a sea. He did not say how the crash had
Thousands of changes, thousands of area, and the heat of the engine is happened.
options,” said the 53-year-old, who is “It was good in cities, in mud and used to cook or heat water. The children did their studies
already thinking of sailing around on sand,” Herman said. remotely and with home learning Train derailments are common in
the world. Clothes and tools are stored with Candelaria. the Congo, as are shipwrecks of
Herman showed the roadster by under the seats. overloaded boats on the country’s
Candelaria, who was 29 when the opening up a canvas on the top that Now, in-person classes await lakes and rivers.
trip began and is now 51, said her forms a sort of tent for the children to The Zapps usually stayed as them in Argentina.
sleep under when it was time to guests at people’s houses – they Due to the lack of passenger trains
camp out. “What I most want to do is make a or passable roads, people use goods
lot of friends,” said Paloma. – AFP trains to travel long distances. – AFP
While out on the road, and with

8 theSUN ON MONDAY | MARCH 14, 2022
SPEAK UP

COMMENT by Prof Dr Moy Foong Ming LETTERS [email protected]

Females Implement sugar tax to help reduce obesity

more prone WE are the most obese country in 200 calories. We would have to walk sweets, confectionary, deserts,
to long Covid Asia. The Health Ministry has around 4km to burn that off, which is pastries, jams, sweet snacks and
LONG Covid is a persistent declared that 30% of Malaysians are about an hour’s walk at a moderate ice-cream. But to concerned health
state of ill health after This contributes to a more overweight and almost 20% are pace. Perhaps this does not sound professionals, it will be a sigh of relief,
Covid-19 infection, which active immune response where obese. It is an alarming situation and like that much of a work out, but if we for all these products are filled with
continues for more than activation of white blood cells, we should do something about it. are consuming an extra 200 calories too many calories and contribute to
three months and cannot be production of inflammatory in our tea tarik or other sweet drink the obesity problem in this country.
explained by alternative diagnosis. markers and antibodies are Six years ago, I wrote my book, So every day, then the effect will be a
stronger than males. This could be Fat Lah! because I could literally see build-up of fat on our bodies. To tax refined sugar and all sugar-
Patients with long Covid seen as a double-edged sword as it the problem around me. I wanted to sweetened products generally is an
reported experiencing different appears protective towards severe help my friends, relatives and fellow Sometimes, we consume such extreme measure and only a few
combinations of symptoms such symptoms and deaths from Malaysians lose weight. But the drinks two or three times a day. Sugar countries have attempted this, some
as fatigue, shortness of breath, Covid-19, but it could bring about message has not spread wide is addictive. Some studies have successfully, some less so. However,
cough, anxiety, cognitive the emergence of autoimmune enough, and we continue to suggested that it is as addictive as desperate times call for desperate
impairment or brain fog, muscle inflammatory symptoms in long consume the way we always have, cocaine. Some professionals have measures, and with more than half
pain, and symptoms that get worse Covid. which is far too many calories. declared that if sugar was introduced the country overweight or obese, it is
after physical activities. These as a new ingredient today, it would hard to argue that these are not
symptoms could be driven by a Patients with moderate and There are many reasons for promptly be banned because of its desperate times.
direct effect of the virus infection severe levels of acute Covid-19 had weight gain but I believe that the negative effect on health.
and may be explained by three to 3.6 times odds of long biggest culprit for many of us is To prevent a public outcry, the tax
several hypotheses, including Covid compared with those sweet drinks. Whether I am at a If we are publicly advised by rate should be introduced gently,
abnormal immune response, without symptoms. A point to note, restaurant, cafe, food court, hawker health professionals or perhaps even beginning at a low rate, and then
hyperactivation of the immune those without symptoms or with stall or any food outlet, I am through a government campaign to progressively increased every year.
system, or autoimmunity. mild symptoms also reported to somewhat disturbed by what diners give up this sugar habit, some of us This would allow the rakyat to get
experience long Covid (10% and have ordered. It is not the food but would do so. Most, however, will not. used to the idea and to slowly
Additionally, indirect effects 17.5%, respectively) compared the drinks. There is the usual This is because of the addictive change our dietary habits.
including reduced social contact, with those in the moderate (26.7%) ubiquitous teh tarik and its other nature of sugar. But more than that,
loneliness, incomplete recovery and severe (30.4%) categories. This sweet companions including teh ais, consuming sweet beverages is If we do not counter our obesity
of physical health and loss may be explained by the immune kopi panas, limau ais, Milo, ice lemon deeply ingrained into our culture. So, crisis, then our health system will be
of employment could affect response to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, tea, soft drinks, energy drinks, fruits something more has to be done. in crisis too. We know that obesity is
psychiatric symptoms. which stimulates the production of juices, milk shakes, frappes and the cause of high blood pressure,
cytokines and other inflammatory blended drinks. That something is a blanket sugar heart disease, diabetes, stroke and
The Covid-19 long-term effects mediators, with higher tax. We already have a tax on sugar- some types of cancer. Our health
and recovery study team from the concentrations found in those with I look at my own humble sweetened beverages but this can be system may not be able to cope and
University of Malaya conducted an a more severe Covid-19 condition. beverage, which costs a fraction of substantially expanded to include the government may have trouble
online survey among Covid-19 The multi-systemic inflammatory theirs. Mine is plain and simple water. processed sugar and all products funding a health system that could
survivors in the community from response to the virus may also be My drink has zero calories whereas that contain it. This will immediately be overwhelmed in coming years.
July to September 2021, during responsible for persistent Covid-19 the man at the next table sips a teh increase the price of hand-made
the nationwide movement control symptoms in survivors. tarik that contains 200 calories. His beverages including the teh tarik, Any wise person will say that
order. son has a glass of soft drink and his kopi panas, teh ais, frappes and all the prevention is better than cure. This is
To avoid long Covid is to avoid wife has a fruit juice, both of which other calorie-rich drinks. something we should take to heart.
A total of 732 respondents Covid infection. We should get contain 130 calories each.
participated in the survey. One in vaccinated or boosted, practise Many of us will object as it will Tunku Halim Tunku Abdullah
five Covid-19 survivors reported to public health measures such as So, how can we burn off that extra also increase the prices of chocolates, Petaling Jaya
have experienced long Covid. mask wearing, social distancing,
hand hygiene, avoid crowded and Use technology to mitigate flooding
The most commonly reported poorly ventilated places and
symptoms were fatigue, brain fog, finally, get tested if there are THE Technological Association implemented the Urban Stormwater example, simple technology such as
depression, anxiety, insomnia and symptoms. Malaysia (TAM) is concerned and Management Manual, where the rain water harvesting, the use of
joint or muscle pain. saddened by the recent flash flood drainage design in new porous rock under car parks, the use
Prof Dr Moy Foong Ming, that hit several areas in the Klang development areas should be based of porous pavement with sub-soil
Females were found to have Department of Social & Preventive Valley. Rapid urbanisation, on the concept of “Control at Source”, drainage, infiltration landscaping
58% higher odds of experiencing population growth and change of for a more sustainable drainage and other innovation can be easily
long Covid compared with males. Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, land use for drainage are affecting solution. implemented in new development
According to the autoimmune University of Malaya. Comments: the drainage system in our country. areas to contain and control
hypothesis, females have stronger Instead of rapidly disposing the rainwater at the source, before slowly
immune response than males due [email protected] While many are of the opinion surface runoff, the manual releasing the runoff after the rain
to genetic and hormonal factors. that the main reason for the flash emphasises the strategy where the subsides.
flood is the inadequate drainage rainfall runoff in any developed area
system to channel the water during should be contained within that area, TAM is one of the oldest
unexpected rainfall that happen in and once the flood subsides, the professional bodies in Malaysia, and
short span away from developed extra runoff accumulated can be it is always ready to assist the
areas, this concept of “Rapid released towards downstream government in formulating a more
Disposal” of removing surface rainfall without affecting the livelihood of sustainable drainage system.
from developed areas are no longer the downstream community.
feasible and was abolished in 2001. Yam Teong Sian
TAM advocates the use of President of Technological
The Department of Irrigation and innovation and technology in the
Drainage has introduced and country’s drainage design. For Association Malaysia

9theSUN ON MONDAY | MARCH 14, 2022
SPEAK UP

A tale of two nations

COMMENT by Rais Hussin and Jason Loh

UNDERLYING the clash of two theological point has been abstracted
nationalisms – Russian and (universalised) and secularised – by the
Ukrainian – in the eponymous dialectician Marx following the example
conflict is geopolitics and geo- of his philosophical predecessor, i.e. (the
economics, which have been much Lutheran) G. W. F. Hegel. The opposition
written about. between laity versus clergy and workers
In turn, the geopolitical and geo- versus capitalists are examples of the
economic roots of the Russia-Ukraine dialectics which would come to
conflict is the pre-eminent epitome of a characterise the “Second Europe” of the
clash of civilisations – more specifically, Western world, which is now known for
that of the two Europes – with Russia the dialectics between the personal
embodying the “First” Europe and versus natural; individual versus
Ukraine of today wanting to be part of family/society; and freedom versus
what would be the “Second” Europe. responsibility, etc.
In other words, the conflict goes
beyond the Cold War – contestation of “First Europe” eventually came to be
ideology and flaunting of the moral centred in the late medieval Grand
superiority of one’s political system and Duchy of Moscow via the early medieval
worldview, i.e. the defence of liberal Kievan Rus – which included modern-
democratic values over against the day Ukraine with the downfall of
“authoritarian” successor of Constantinople to the Ottomans. This is
Communism. why Putin has not been shy from making
The Cold War origins of this Eurasian references to the common baptismal
conflict is due mainly to the North “font” of both the Russian and Ukrainian As the war goes on, it is unlikely that the will of Russia can be fully “reimposed” on Ukraine. – REUTERSPIX
Atlantic Treaty Organisation’s (Nato) peoples in the form of the Dnieper River.
refusal to respect and honour Russia’s And the word, “Kievan” refers to Kyiv is a close ally of Iran), including Protocols, despite the urging and
sphere of influence. The US is the which is now, of course, the capital of opposition to settlements on the West pressure from France and Germany, and
leading member of Nato (“first among Ukraine. Bank. This means any “clash of thereby, to de-escalate the situation in
equals”, primus inter pares). It is an civilisation” narrative or otherwise is the Donbas vis-à-vis Donetsk and
unqualified irony, therefore, given that Ukraine was, however, not only part “The “inconveivable”. Luhansk People’s Republics.
the US perception of Russia remained of Russian terrain historically. Later on, geopolitical
virtually unchanged since the fall of Poland, under anti-Bolshevik and However, on the other hand, Russia For the Ukrainian side, the Minsk
Communism as set in place by the Yalta strongman Colonel Piłsudski, was geo-economic has its own version of ultra-nationalism Protocols means suppressing
Agreement (1945), which provided the intensely involved in Ukraine as part of roots of the as personified by radical thinker irredentism and recovering the Donbas,
foundations for the respective spheres of the latter had been claimed by the Russia- Alexander Dugin. As argued in “The whereas for the Russian side, it implies
influence. former, among others. Bolshevik defeat Ukraine Russian Neo-Eurasianism, the West and the possibility of having a say over
The person that almost single- at the decisive Battle of the Defence of conflict is the the Reconstruction of Islamic Ukraine’s future (in exchange for re-
handedly shaped America’s Cold War Warsaw (1920) has been hailed as the pre-eminent Civilisation in Alexander Dugin’s integration of the Donbas, if ever).
worldview was none other than the late Miracle on the Vistula River. epitome of a Geopolitical Doctrines” by Ataullah Zelensky has been especially insistent in
Zbigniew Brzezinski, who served as the clash of Bogdan Kopanski (World Journal of not negotiating directly with the
National Security Adviser/NSA (1977- Now, there is some obscure parallels civilisations Islamic History and Civilisation, 2013), representatives of the two people’s
1981), and much sought-after geo- between Ukraine and Afghanistan – more the First Europe worldview is played to republics. This flat-out de-legitimising of
strategist who had advised various (considered as a traditional Russian and specifically, the extreme end – with a revived Tsarist the breakaway region is coupled with
administrations. Another irony was that later Soviet sphere of influence) – which that of the or Imperial Russia engaging in re- Russian demand that local elections be
Brzezinski belonged to the realist school is difficult to ignore. For one, just as the two Europes expansionism. held before Ukraine regains control of
of international relations rather than US and Nato are not directly involved in – with Russia the border there.
liberal or constructivist. Nonetheless, his the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, embodying In contrast, Ukraine (and by inclusion
thinking was also a synthesis or hybrid likewise US ground troops and air power the ‘First’ the Orthodox Ukrainian Church/OUC In the final analysis, Russia wants to
between liberal/progressive and were not deployed in Afghanistan. In Europe and that was only “established” in 2018) is use the Minsk Protocols to re-assert its
constructivist views of international short, both scenarios are proxy wars. Ukraine of now seeking to deviate/depart from influence and, by extension, (indirect)
relations that was combined with being today “First Europe” by aligning with the “dominance” in Ukraine (as its
a hardliner (hawk) on US foreign policy, While Brzezinski did not play an wanting to be European Union (EU). Two traditional “backyard” and sphere of
especially towards Russia. Perhaps (active) role in the current conflict, he part of what fundamental shifts can be observed: influence). Though understandable, it is
Brzezinski’s anti-Russian philosophy is single-handedly masterminded US would be the no longer “feasible” in light of current
(partly) due his Polish origins. strategy in Afghanistan, which ‘Second’ 1. What is happening now is the developments and scheme of things.
His Master’s thesis is entitled, Russo- eventually led to Soviet withdrawal. As Europe. increasing secularisation and Ultimately, Ukraine is keen that the
Soviet Nationalism (1950) – which would convincingly argued in Sowing the Seeds Westernisation of Ukraine, with even the Minsk Protocols do not lead to the
go a long way towards explaining of Soviet Decline: Zbigniew Brzezinski newly autocephalous/autonomous breaking up of the country, with
Brzezinski’s “obsession” with the and the Carter Administration: 1977- OUC soft-pedalling its stance on LGBTQ particular reference to Point 11 of Minsk
“perpetual threat” of Russian 1981 by Stephen Paul Keville (PhD issues (see e.g. “We have to soften on II which states that:
nationalism. In fact, Ukraine features thesis, 2019), the demise of the Soviet LGBT to not be like Russian Church –
quite prominently in that thesis empire started under the Carter Head of New Ukrainian Church”, “Constitutional reform in Ukraine,
throughout. administration, with Brzezinski Orthodox Christianity, Dec 25, 2018); with a new constitution to come into
It would be recalled that Poland had directing the course of the US covert effect by the end of 2015, the key element
fought a fierce and “life-and-death” war intervention in Afghanistan rather than 2. What will happen is that Ukraine of which is decentrali[s]ation …, and also
against Russia in 1919 in the aftermath of under Reagan who had precipitated the will suffer definitive impairment to its approval of permanent legislation on the
the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917, which arms race. national sovereignty (in the name of special status of particular districts of
overthrew Tsarist rule representing the “ever-closer union” among the peoples Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts …”.
old order of First Europe – as (originally) It could well be speculated that of Europe) should it accede to the EU.
identified with Byzantium, or the perhaps the US is hoping that the same Latest developments could well have
Byzantine (Eastern Roman) Empire, situation will apply to Russia in its Also, the organisation for Security rendered the relevance of the Minsk
with its own theological tradition, invasion of Ukraine. That is, what is and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) – of Protocols moot, however.
ecclesial hierarchy, and liturgical culture being hoped for could be termed as which both Ukraine and Russia are
that are distinct from Western “rollback”, as a counterpart and members – failed to maintain collective Russia is now upping the ante by
Christendom. The origins and early alternative to “containment”, with the peace and security involving the two calling for what is an “impossible” red-
developments of Christianity came from purpose of regime change in Russia countries by ensuring that the Minsk line for Ukraine, namely that the latter
what was then the East. aimed at Putin. Protocols are implemented consistently recognises Donetsk and Luhansk as
The religious character of Russia as and in full. independent states, among the four
representing First Europe was Rollback would then be the next principal demands.
overturned by the new order of the phase of containment since for all For example, Point 4 of Minsk I calls
Bolshevik Revolution under Lenin as intents and purposes, Russia is now well for the signatories (Russia, Ukraine and As the war goes on (in parallel with
inspired by secularist Marxism or and truly contained on the European OSCE – otherwise known as the intermittent talks to allow for
Communism. side of its Eurasian borders. Trilateral Contact Group – alongside the humanitarian corridors and evacuation
Marx was a Western philosopher who Donetsk and Luhansk People’s of civilian populations and the
was deeply influenced by the theology of The “rollback” strategy has not been Republics) “[t]o ensure the permanent continuing negotiations), it is unlikely
the Lutheran Reformation (as a stream confined to Nato alone. monitoring of the Ukrainian-Russian that the will of Russia (First Europe) can
and outgrowth of Western border and verification by the OSCE with be fully “reimposed” on Ukraine (Second
Christendom), rightfully or wrongfully. Although Russia is an “autocratic” the creation of security zones in the Europe). More likely that a compromise
Luther’s “priesthood of all believers” state, with no meaningful liberal border regions of Ukraine and the has to be reached – with the
(mis-read) as a revolt against the clergy democratic traditions comparable to the Russian Federation”. reaffirmation of Nato’s rejection of
is paralleled by the workers’ common West in sensu stricto (strict sense of the Ukraine’s membership and the country’s
ownership of the mode of production as meaning), nonetheless, the traditional It is unfortunate, therefore, that both eventual accession to the EU.
a revolt against the capitalists. symphony between the State and the sides – Russia and Ukraine – have not
That is, what was originally a Church (with the disruption and exerted/expanded on their energy in the Dr Rais Hussin and Jason Loh Seong
discontinuity happening under the concrete work towards a common Wei are part of the research team of
Soviet era) has meant that: settlement and resolution of outstanding
issues in that regard, among others. EMIR Research, an independent
1. The State is accountable to the think tank focused on
Church as the community of faith for the Ever since Zelensky came into power
protection and preservation of civic as president of Ukraine in 2019, he has strategic policy recommendations
morality; been perceived to be intransigent in not based on rigorous research.
wanting to implement the Minsk
2. Russia has more in common with Comments: [email protected]
the Islamic world (indeed Mother Russia

10 theSUN ON MONDAY | MARCH 14, 2022
MEDIA & MARKETING

A flavourful roadshow
o Starbucks Malaysia
uplifts your Form a ‘Kindness Trail’ with
imagination with its Tic Tac’s ‘Gentle Messenger’
Dream Beyond Mini- and win weekly prizes
Tour
Check out the new Srawberry Dreams offering from Starbucks. SINCE the start of the pandemic in upbeat, so it is only natural that we
TO mark the beginnings of 2020, many are living in want to tap on spreading kindness
Spring, Starbucks Malaysia is You can now get your favourite Place, from April 1 to 3. All activities unprecedented times of disconnect, and positivity and create
inviting customers to relax Starbucks Merch engraved. within the tour dates will operate restrictions and uncertainties. meaningful connections.
and ‘unfocus’ themselves this milk, ice, Creme Frappuccino syrup from 10am to 8pm, each day.
season with the launch of its Dream base, berrylicious strawberry syrup, To connect Malaysians with “As Malaysians form this Tic Tac
Beyond Mini-Tour, a roadshow to and dreamy vanilla syrup. These Customers who visit any of the loved ones near and far, Tic Tac ‘Kindness Trail’ with each other,
inspire people to lift their flavours are layered to create a locations during the tour dates will be Malaysia has launched the Tic Tac you can also buy the dedicated Mint
imaginations and to dream up more mesmerising pink ombre look, able to purchase selected Starbucks ‘Kindness Trail’ campaign which and Orange ‘Kindness’ packs to win
creative, unexpected solutions – ideas topped with indulgent whipped merchandise at up to 40% off. They features the ‘Gentle Messenger’ – an prizes which can be shared and
beyond the norm. cream and colourful sprinkles for a can also participate in a number of augmented reality tool that can help enjoyed with your loved ones!”
fun finish. Available as a blended activities, including a TikTok Malaysians spread kind words and To participate, consumers just need
The roadshow will run every handcrafted beverage. Challenge to win Starbucks win weekly prizes. to follow these simple steps:
Friday, Saturday and Sunday until merchandise worth up to RM500 at 0 Step 1: Purchase the Tic Tac
April 3 from 10am to 8pm across The Starbucks Dream Beyond the conclusion of the tour. From now till the April 24, the Tic
Klang Valley, Penang, and Johor. Mini Tour will continue upwards to Tac ‘Kindness Trail’ campaign ‘Kindness’ packs in Mint or
During these roadshows, customers Penang at Starbucks Tanjong Tokong There will also be personalised encourages Malaysians to spread Orange, and find the unique
can also enjoy various exclusive Drive-Thru store, from March 18 to engraving services provided for positivity and kind words to one code inside
activities. 20, before moving southbound to customers to personally engrave any another through customisable 0 Step 2: Visit www.tictac.my and
Johor at Starbucks Setia Tropika new merchandise purchased during messages and characters in the share kind words through the
Starbucks Malaysia also Drive-Thru from March 25 to 27. the tour, as well as complimentary ‘Gentle Messenger’ available at ‘Gentle Messenger’
introduced brand new beverages that Finally, the last stop of the tour will Siren Gifting services should they www.tictac.my, featuring iconic and 0 Step 3: Enter the unique code
are inspired by the scenic cherry make its return to Klang Valley to the want to send their personalised cute brand characters Tic and Tac. found inside ‘Kindness’ packs on
blossom landscapes of Japan – the heart of Kuala Lumpur at Starbucks merchandise to their friends or www.tictac.my
new Starbucks Strawberry Dream Reserve Shoppes at Four Seasons families around Malaysia. Sulabh Madhwal, Head of 0 Step 4: Verify your email address
Pure Matcha Latte and Starbucks Marketing for Tic Tac Asia Pacific, to complete the entry
Strawberry Dream Crème The new spring beverages will be said: “The pandemic period feels The campaign will see a total of
Frappuccino. Featuring ingredients priced from RM20.15 onwards, and like a surreal time warp where days 322 winners during the eight-week
of pure matcha and sweet strawberry, will be available in all stores across and months seem to fly by, and it is campaign, where participants stand
the combinations of these flavours Malaysia, while stocks last. Engraving hard to plan and predict the future. a chance to win weekly prizes such
build up into a whimsical beverage fit services will be priced at RM5 for These circumstances have left many as Shopee vouchers (worth RM100)
for your Instagram feed. customers who make their purchase feeling disconnected and detached. and Fujifilm Instax Cameras (worth
with a Starbucks Card or Mobile app, RM400), as well as two grand prizes
These delightful treats for the eyes or RM10 for customers who make “At Tic Tac, we saw an of a two-night stay at Desaru Resort
and the tastebuds will be available at their purchase with any other opportunity to connect the dots for 2 pax (worth RM9,000).
all stores today, while stocks last. payments. The Dream Beyond Mini through the Tic Tac ‘Kindness Trail’ To add to the spirit of spreading
Tour will also retail its Starbucks campaign. Malaysians can now use kindness, Tic Tac Malaysia has also
0 NEW! Starbucks Strawberry Signature Gift Box for RM15 with any the ‘Gentle Messenger’ to share fun teamed up with social media
Dream Pure Matcha Latte merchandise purchase. and personalised messages with influencers to giveaway specially
For more information on the dreamy friends and family – offering a small curated Kindness Kits. Interested
The classic aromatic Pure Matcha way of expressing kind words and participants may browse the
gets a delightfully fluffy strawberry offerings, please visit simple gestures which can make all hashtag #TTKindnessTrail on
twist with the Starbucks Strawberry www.starbucks.com.my. the difference to a loved one’s day. Instagram to find out more.
Dream Pure Matcha Latte. Enjoy
soothing Pure Matcha flavour, “Tic Tac has always been about
perfectly balanced with milk and fun, sharing and connections. Our
strawberry syrup, creating deliciously products provide a gentle release of
light layers of strawberry flavoured freshness and keep your mood
cloud foam for a subtly-sweet finish.
Available as a hot and iced
handcrafted beverage.

0 NEW! Starbucks Strawberry
Dream Crème Frappuccino
blended beverage

Gift yourself a sweet treat with
Starbucks’ blissful Strawberry Dream
Crème Frappuccino blended
beverage. The Strawberry Dream
Crème Frappuccino blended
beverage is a blissful combination of
strawberry and vanilla – made with

S E C U R I T I E S S D N. B H D. MONDAY
MARCH 14, 2022
197201001092 (12738-U)
Editorial Tel: 03-7784 6688
A Participating Organisation of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad Fax: 03-7785 2624/5

A Trading Participant of Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Berhad Email: [email protected]
Advertising Tel: 03-7784 8888
11/03/2022 Fax: 03-7784 4424

Participation Bought Sold Net Email: [email protected]

% RM m RM m RM m

47.4 Institutions 1034.0 1118.5 -84.5

24.9 Retail 548.7 581.2 -32.5

27.7 Foreign 687.8 570.8 117.0

100.0 2270.5 2270.5 0.0 12.31 8.93 336.47 13.65 527.62 168.46 19.04 67.20
KLCI STI HANG SENG SCI NIKKEI TSEC KOSPI S&P/ASX200
Preliminary stats (excluding trade amendments). For final data, please refer to www.bursamalaysia.com 1,568.22 3,249.66 3,309.75 25,162.78 17,264.74 2,661.28
Source: Bursa Malaysia 20,553.79 7,063.60

KL MARKET SUMMARY Targeted food subsidies –
March 11, 2022

INDICES 11,114.59 CHANGE -53.39 something to chew over
FBMEMAS
FBMKLCI 1,568.22 -12.31
CONSUMER PRODUCTS 571.61 -2.02
INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS 204.69 -0.90
CONSTRUCTION 149.51 -0.48
FINANCIAL SERVICES 16,250.02 -96.37
ENERGY 707.48 -9.52
TELECOMMUNICATIONS 619.52 -1.76 █ BY AMIR IMRAN HUSAIN SAFRI o Economists say the government might have to step in
HEALTH CARE 1,997.23 -4.04 [email protected] as soaring commodity prices make it costlier to put a
TRANSPORTATION 817.94 -3.81 PETALING JAYA: As food inflation meal on the table
PROPERTY 692.46 +0.32 escalates, driven by runaway commodity
PLANTATION 8,204.70 -44.18 prices, it is possible that the Malaysian
FBMSHA 11,762.88 -33.47 government might need to step in by
FBMACE 5,258.48 +24.43 providing targeted subsidies should the
TECHNOLOGY 71.53 +1.37 situation worsen.
available at reasonable prices. seen their purchasing power significantly
TURNOVER VALUE Sunway University Business School On increasing supply through food eroded by the Covid-19 pandemic.
2.418 BIL RM2.270 BIL professor of economics Dr Yeah Kim Leng
explained that considering crude oil and imports, Yeah cautioned that the She said a Unicef survey found 60% of
5 MOST ACTIVES crude palm oil (CPO) prices have shot up in government should be wary of hampering the flat dwellers it sampled reported a 40%
March 11, 2022 recent months, the Bottom 40 (B40) income local production efforts. “It is important to reduction in monthly income.
segment might require assistance to cope avoid creating a market distortion which
STOCK VOL CLSG (sen) +/– (sen) with the rise in food costs. only benefits a handful of players and “Malaysia’s food security systems are not
DNEX 143,595,700 99.5 -0.5 disincentivising local producers,” he said. resilient to withstand shocks where
SMTRACK 66,590,800 9.5 -0.5 “This presents a good case for cash nutrition insecurity occurred among the
HIBISCS 58,908,600 118.0 -2.0 transfers to those around and below the “To achieve food security, the long-term poor particularly in the urban areas,” said
HSI-CQV 53,380,700 15.5 -1.5 hardcore poverty line,” he told SunBiz. goal is to cultivate healthy competition in the UPM professor.
MYEG 46,490,100 97.5 +4.0 the local market as well as promote new
At the moment, the Brent crude price is market entrants as this will result in In the long run, it is important for
5 TOP GAINERS trending above the US$110 per barrel mark increased productivity.” Malaysia to develop a food-first policy,
March 11, 2022 and the CPO price closed at RM7,546 a which focuses on research and
tonne on Friday. Universiti Putra Malaysia research fellow development, adoption of advanced
STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM and professor Dr Fatimah Arshad opined technology, and development of local
NESTLE 25,600 136.20 0.70 Furthermore, the oil price is intrinsically that in increasing imports, it is crucial that it inputs as the country has plenty of biomass
IGBB-PB 8,100 2.88 0.66 linked with the fertiliser price as the fuel is a is not done through restricted approved and food waste and other resources.
HLFG 79,600 19.64 0.40 crucial input in the latter’s production permits but via open competition to ensure
BJFOOD 714,600 3.29 0.23 process. lower prices. On the ground, Epic Food Hall co-
GENETEC 14,680,100 2.10 0.22 founder and CEO Lai Wick Kee shared that
In a news report, the UK’s National To alleviate the plight of the poor, she his food and beverage business has
5 TOP LOSERS Farmer’s Union highlighted that the suggested that the government could look observed an increase in raw material costs
March 11, 2022 fertiliser price closed above the £1,000 into providing food coupons for the poor since the second half of last year.
(RM5,469) a tonne threshold from £650 at until the economy has recovered from the
STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM the start of March. On a year-on-year (y-o-y) Covid-19 pandemic impact as well as to “Due to our mission of offering
MPI 1,020,700 32.04 1.02 basis, it said, the price of nitrogen fertiliser establish more food banks. affordable delivery, we absorbed the cost
F&N 91,100 21.62 0.52 has gone up by a staggering 200%. for quite some time but are no longer able to
HEIM 160,400 21.26 0.50 Fatimah pointed out that food inflation do so, especially after the fierce price hike
AEONCR 161,400 13.40 0.40 To deal with this situation, Yeah said it is in December 2021 rose 3.2% y-o-y while seen this year,” he said.
PPB 764,500 16.80 0.38 imperative for the government to ensure average inflation stood at 1.9%. For January-
that there are no undue challenges in November 2021 Malaysia’s food deficit Nonetheless, Lai stated that the increase
EXCHANGE RATES MARCH 11, 2022 production and in the supply chain, as well stood at RM22.7 billion compared with in selling prices is done minimally, about
as no hoarding among the middlemen. RM17 billion in the same period of 2019. 5% on average, to ensure business survival.
Foreign currency Bank sell Bank buy Bank buy
“The price can increase according to “Production has not been able to keep He said an ingredient that has seen the
1 US DOLLAR TT/OD TT OD market forces but the government has to up with consumption as reflected in the highest price increase is chicken. A
1 AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR 4.2505 4.1255 4.1155 make sure if it is not affected by compounding decline of self-sufficiency level of most food kilogram of chicken thigh used to cost
1 BRUNEI DOLLAR 3.1450 3.0210 3.0050 factors such as shortages and it must ensure commodities in the last 40 years despite a RM9.80 but, today, it is priced at a little over
1 CANADIAN DOLLAR 3.1280 3.0360 3.0280 the producers have access to substitutes, for number of agricultural policy documents,” RM14.50.
1 EURO 3.3280 3.2390 3.2270 example alternative fertiliser for the farmers.” she said.
1 NEWZEALAND DOLLAR 4.6880 4.5370 4.5170 The F&B operator opted to reduce
1 SINGAPORE DOLLAR 2.9320 2.8250 2.8090 On the other side of the coin, he noted “Lower food production means lower wastage, bulk buying and improve its
1 STERLING POUND 3.1280 3.0360 3.0280 that the government should make sure food availability and hence the need for inventory management to get ahead of the
1 SWISS FRANC 5.5770 5.4010 5.3810 there are options for consumers to deal with imports.” situation.
100 UAE DIRHAM 4.5590 4.4550 4.4400 shortage or price inflation. If chicken is
100 BANGLADESHTAKA 117.0900 111.0400 110.8400 expensive, for example, substitutes such as Adequate supply notwithstanding, In addition, Lai introduced plant-based
100 CHINESE RENMINBI 5.0300 4.7070 4.5070 beef, mutton and fish should be made Fatimah highlighted that affordability is a meat into the menu. “It tastes almost the
100 HONGKONG DOLLAR 67.4000 64.7000 serious issue among the B40 which have same, and at the same time, it is healthy and
100 INDIAN RUPEE 54.9200 52.1900 N/A has a positive environmental impact.”
100 INDONESIAN RUPIAH 5.6600 5.3200 51.9900
100 JAPANESE YEN 0.0308 0.0279 Zuraida: CPO price expected to reach RM9,300 a tonne
100 NEWTAIWAN DOLLAR 3.6620 3.5480 5.1200
100 PAKISTAN RUPEE 16.1000 0.0229 KUALA NERANG: The price of crude palm Zuraida completing the groundbreaking palm oil-related products used by
100 PHILIPPINE PESO 2.4200 N/A 3.5380 oil (CPO) is expected to continue to rise at ceremony for the Crepe Rubber Processing consumers.
100 QATAR RIYAL 8.2600 2.2500 least until the third quarter of this year and Centre and Target Project. – BERNAMAPIX
100 SAUDI RIYAL 117.6300 7.7900 N/A is projected to reach RM9,300 a tonne. soared to over RM8,000 a tonne at the “However, we still give subsidies, so it is
100THAI BAHT 114.5800 111.6700 2.0500 beginning of last month and was at not an issue (even if the price of crude palm
13.4000 108.7700 7.5900 Minister of Plantation Industries and RM7,546 a tonne as of last Thursday. oil increases),” she said.
11.8800 111.4700 Commodities Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin said
108.5700 the figure is achievable based on the Zuraida said the price increase is indeed On the rubber industry, Zuraida, told
11.4800 development of crude palm oil futures contract beneficial to farmers and the government reporters after the groundbreaking
trading on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives. but may cause an increase in prices of ceremony that about 400,000 hectares or
Source: Malayan Banking Berhad/Bernama 40% of the total rubber plantations operated
“If you monitor crude palm oil futures, by smallholders nationwide have been
Insyallah it will touch RM9,300 a tonne. We found to be inactive or not consistently
think the upward trend in palm oil prices producing rubber.
will continue from now until the third
quarter of this year. She said should the entire 150,000
smallholders of rubber plantation be
“The fastest increase is to reach RM9,300 managed efficiently and consistently, RM30
in the third quarter, otherwise it can continue billion worth of rubber production could be
until the end of the year,” she told reporters generated.
after officiating at the groundbreaking
ceremony for the Crepe Rubber Processing According to her, the ministry and
Centre and Rubber Industry Transformation related agencies are looking for ways to
Project (Target) here yesterday. resolve the issue, among others by creating
cooperatives in the rubber plantation areas
She was asked to comment on the rising identified to bring smallholders under one
CPO price, which was reported to have entity. – Bernama

12 theSUN ON MONDAY | MARCH 14, 2022 FOLLOW ON TWITTER SCAN
SUNBIZ ME
@thesundaily

Think long term and diversify portfolios, investors advised

MARKETS are likely to remain volatile, at least escalating tensions. pressure) will weigh on the global economic opinion, Asian markets have lesser direct
in the near term, as investors assess the In our view, there are both direct and recovery. economic exposure, geopolitical exposure and
consequences of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. have relatively more accommodative policies.
While we do not know how long this conflict indirect impact arising from this ongoing crisis. We believe there is no need for investors to We recommend Asian ex-Japan equities for a
will last and how far Russia will go, we expect The most pertinent direct impact will be on panic sell. In general, geopolitical crises are also diversified Asian exposure.
harsh sanctions to be dealt on Russia as well as hard to predict and price. History has shown
counter-sanctions against the West. A de- trade, as sanctions may potentially limit import that geopolitical military events tend to have a ii) Commodity-related equities as a hedge.
escalation and resolution in the near term are and export from Russia to its trading partners. short-lived impact on markets. Furthermore, Commodity prices are likely to remain at
uncertain. Among major economic regions, Europe has the fundamental backdrop remains firm for elevated levels in this current environment,
the largest trade links to Russia. Outside of equities, with the Omicron risk gradually fading making commodity-related equities a decent
In the absence of a meaningful de- Europe, there is very little direct trade between and global earnings still robust. hedge in the portfolio.
escalation, we expect commodity prices to Russia and the Western developed world. As
remain at elevated levels, while further such, any direct impact will largely fall upon What is more important, however, is the iii) A value tilt in equity exposure, as there
escalations will likely result in an energy price European economies. The US and Asian indirect impact of inflation through higher are certain sectors that stand to benefit from a
shock. The current sanctions have stopped economies are relatively insulated. energy and food prices, as Russia and Ukraine rising interest rate environment, such as global
short of targeting Russia’s energy exports but we are two of the world’s largest grain exporters, financials.
believe this remains a possibility, albeit as a The indirect economic impact will be in the and Russia is also a major energy exporter. A
final resort. Should this happen, we see material form of higher inflation. Prior to the Russian- further escalation in this crisis could further iv) Reduce duration in fixed income
risks for a sustained period of higher energy Ukraine crisis, commodity prices are already push up commodity prices, adding more exposure. This is to protect against the prospect
prices and possibly further tightening measures elevated from a historical perspective. A severe uncertainty to the global inflation outlook. for higher inflation, as well as a faster-than-
from global policymakers. military escalation will not only drive prices expected rate hike environment arising from
higher but may also lead to a sustained period Instead of trimming exposure to equity rising commodity prices.
This latest development exceeds the severity of elevated prices, as outlined above. markets at this point, investors should be
of 2014’s Crimean crisis and has resulted in strategically positioned for a trend of rising Any market correction due to war impact
substantial economic uncertainty. We also This has global economic implications as it interest rates and tilting their portfolios towards fears could present a good opportunity for long
expect risk sentiment to remain fragile due to puts further upward pressure on inflation - part of the market that can outperform in such term investors to accumulate equities as the
the negative news flow, and while markets which is already at an elevated levels – thus an environment. Specifically, we believe global economic fundamentals remain intact.
digest the impact of a rise in commodity prices leading to a potentially stronger policy investors should consider doing the following:
and inflationary pressure. The flight to safe- tightening by global central banks. Considering Markets reward long-term investors who are
haven assets is likely to continue in reaction to the global macro backdrop, which is recovering i) Diversifying the portfolio. A diversified able to look past short-term noises.
from the recent Omicron growth drag, further portfolio, especially across asset classes, may
policy tightening (to stem out inflationary reduce volatility during this period. In our This article is contributed by
iFast Research Team.

Tax deduction at Four digital skills SE Asian companies should focus on
source explained
BUDGET 2022 announced a new GOVERNMENTS in Southeast Asia (SEA) are
concept within the Malaysian It does not include limited liability prioritising investments to strengthen digital
tax regime, which imposes partnerships, trusts, sole capabilities among local enterprises. Particularly in
withholding tax on proprietorships, associations, etc. Malaysia, we have seen the public and the private Southeast Asian businesses must create change at
payments to domestic sectors put in place an increasing number of every level of their organisation to compete in the
transactions. In the past, Affected recipients? upskilling initiatives, many of which focus on digital-first economy. – BERNAMAPIX
withholding tax generally The recipients who are equipping the current and future workforce with Effective customer data management
applied to cross-border affected by this new the skills needed to meet the demands of a digital- As brands increasingly shift their focus to first-party
transactions. provision must be first economy. data in preparation for the deprecation of third-party
individuals resident in cookies, there will be new data privacy challenges as
The intention here is to Malaysia, and this will For instance, under the recently announced well as opportunities to tap into.
ensure that self-employed only apply if in the RM4.8 billion JaminKerja Keluarga Malaysia
individuals are brought previous tax year they initiative, the government aims to provide training Effective customer data management requires the
into the tax net, and to have received more than and skills upgrading programmes in which priority is right technology and platforms and demands strategic
ensure that such individuals RM100,000 (both in cash given to equipping Malaysians with digital skills. collaboration across internal teams – including IT,
declare their full income. This is marketing, finance, and legal – as well as a
done by imposing the responsibility and in kind) acting as an As these initiatives encourage firms to accelerate corresponding shift in skills and mindset among the
to deduct the tax of 2% in the hands of agent, dealer or distributor from a technology adoption, hiring and training to address employees. Functional teams will need to develop
the payer. The tax collected is deducted payer. immediate digital skills gaps across all functions, new skills to understand how and where data can be
as a payment on account of the If the resident individual is receiving there are four areas that they can focus on to gain a leveraged to inform decisions and connect all possible
recipient which requires the recipient to payments from different payers, only competitive advantage in the digital-first economy. touchpoints where data can be collected from, tested,
file a tax return to reclaim any excess tax the payers who have paid him more Commerce and refined to improve customer experiences.
deducted. than RM100,000 in the previous tax year Every business is a digital business today. While the
Deferment of the tax comes to an end need to deduct the 2% which is only on initial stages of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 saw a U Mobile, for instance, launched its refreshed
on March 31, 2022 the monetary portion (cash or cheque). frantic rush into e-commerce, 2021 was more about website and customer experience delivery platform,
The implementation of the 2% Payments made to partnerships is adapting to ongoing uncertainty. powered by Adobe Experience Cloud, to enhance
deduction at source was originally not subject to the 2% deduction rule. personalised and individually tailored experiences
intended to effective from Jan 1, 2022. However, payments made to sole As businesses recalibrate for 2022, online retail for its Malaysian customers. Today, U Mobile is able
However, the authorities deferred the proprietors, individual partners and spending is expected to grow. Consumers have to have greater autonomy and agility in managing
remittance of the tax to Inland Revenue individuals will be subject to the 2% enjoyed an explosion of choices over the past 18 content to deliver an enahnced, trilingual customer
Board (IRB) until April 1, 2022 to allow deduction rule. months, and personalisation will be the key experience to help the telco better service its
the payers to get ready and provide differentiator for brands to stand out. customers on digital channels.
proper notification to their agents, Areas to watch out for Hybrid work
dealers, and distributors. There may be instances where you have Businesses that invest in omnichannel commerce Businesses organised for speed, collaboration and
persons who are dealing with your capabilities will be able to optimise their personalisation innovation are best positioned to turn possibilities
The deduction from the payers to the products or services and in the minds of efforts and deliver relevant experiences across into commercial opportunities. However, many
recipients should have commenced the payers, they do not fall within the touchpoints, improving customer loyalty and retention. organisations today are being constrained by
from Jan 1, 2022. The deferment only category of “agents, dealers or outdated working practices and technology, stifling
applies to the remittance of the tax by distributors” and this may give rise to For example, Aldo, which operates 80 stores across creativity and speed to market. While the trend of
the payer to IRB. The tax deducted or disputes. To avoid these disputes, it is Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia, hybrid work is here to stay, many SEA firms are not
should have been deducted between best for the payers to have agreements revitalised its online stores with Adobe Commerce. It ready to embrace this future – posing a further
Jan 1, 2022 to March 2, 2022 can be between themselves and the agents, integrated its websites and offline points-of-sale into a challenge to talent acquisition and retention.
remitted to IRB on April 1, 2022 without dealers and distributors clearly single cloud inventory, gaining the ability to scale quickly
incurring any late payment penalties. acknowledging the relationship, or and the flexibility to manage complex, personalised Organisations must reorientate for agility by
Thereafter, any deduction made by the agreements or correspondences that promotions – which in turn ensured that it delivered a modernising working practices and technology
payer needs to be remitted to the IRB eliminates this relationship. local e-commerce experience to its customers. infrastructure – including document processes and
within 30 days from the date of the Content creation workflows and collaboration tools – and adapting to a
payment or crediting the payment. The tax deducted has to be paid to While the Metaverse may seem like a futuristic sci-fi hybrid working world.
the IRB within 30 days of making the concept, investing in your team’s capabilities now to
If you have made the payments and payment, otherwise there will be a late create for the 3D, VR, AR space will futureproof your Looking ahead in 2022, change is here to stay.
have not deducted the tax from the payment penalty of 10%, and the payer business. Beyond the gaming and entertainment Now that consumers are rewired for digital, their
recipient and will be remitting the tax to will not be able to claim a tax deduction industries, businesses globally are increasingly expectations for personalised experiences have
IRB by April 1, 2022, you can thereafter on the amounts paid. Subsequent experimenting with new forms of digital and 3D intensified. Southeast Asian businesses must create
recover the 2% tax from the recipient. payment of the tax together with the content, non-fungible tokens, retail formats, and change at every level of their organisation to compete
Who should deduct? penalties will allow the payer to claim engagements with customers in the Metaverse. in the digital-first economy – from embracing first-
Persons who should deduct are the tax deduction. party data to increasing experience investment.
confined to companies established Amazon, for example, creates immersive shopping
locally or overseas and business trusts. This article is contributed byThannees experiences with photorealistic 3D assets for key This article is contributed by
Tax Consulting Services Sdn Bhd product categories, including furniture and fittings. Adobe managing director,
Customers can spin a product 360 degrees to inspect it
managing director SM Thanneermalai. from every angle or use Amazon’s “View in Your Room” Southeast Asia & Korea, Simon Dale.
feature to preview what furniture will look like in their
homes. By doing this, Amazon is not only bringing
shoppers closer to the products and enhancing their
online shopping experience, but also accelerating
content velocity by eliminating the need to make
prototypes and take photos of millions of products.

And with the Metaverse gaining momentum,
there will also be new streams of digital customers,
digital journeys, and data to track and manage.

SUCCESS : 13theSUN ON MONDAY | MARCH 14, 2022
THE INSIGHT STORY
* SUNBIZ
How has your life experience made
you the leader you are today? Take a hands-on approach,
My career began in my father’s learn to manage cash flow
company eight years ago but when I
started, no one in the company This week, SunBiz builds rapport with Aima Construction professionals and practise what was
knew who I was. I was treated in the Sdn Bhd managing director Khor Ken Yeon learnt. Never give up on learning.
same way as other new recruits were What man-made innovation
and this arrangement gave me the who is right for a job? cannot be trusted. projects. This is how I learned to confounds you? Why?
chance to learn from scratch as a Humbleness, So, I would rather hire a person gauge the risks involved whenever The internet. It connects people
young executive. Without the honesty and the opportunity arises. The initial beyond borders. With the internet,
privilege as the son of the boss, my determination – with low qualifications but with a focus is not on the profits, but on the we can consume information easily
superior was blunt with me and these are the three good attitude, and train him or her risks. at a fast pace. Imagine going through
that helped to sharpen my traits that I deeply accordingly. the pandemic without the internet,
character and skills The lesson is to be sceptical at the impact will be very severe.
efficiently. value. High How do you think the industry you first to fully understand a situation Thanks to the technology, we can
academic are in will evolve? or a project. This also helps to obtain latest updates on Covid-19
It is through hard work qualifications I am involved in the construction control my mind, I won’t get over- cases and viruses just at our
and training that I got to alone, without the industry, which has generally lagged excited with a new project, and fingertips. Business deals can also be
climb up the corporate three traits I in technology utilisation. However, I instead, I learn to see the possible conducted via virtual meetings
ladder and become who mentioned, do not foresee the industry to be problems. But, of course, I don’t stop without a physical presence.
I am today. transformed with the help advanced at being sceptical. I accept the risks A must-read for every business
What traits do you technologies. By integrating greater or problems with an open mind and owner/manager is ...
look for in your talent technology at the office and the I search for the best solutions. Sun Tzu – The Art of War. This book
or how do you decide worksite, such as the Industrialised What do you want to accomplish in provides guidance on how one can
Building System, we will be able to the next five years? better handle a situation. Globally,
bring much value to reduce our cost of business and My aim is to diversify the revenue many leaders are applying Sun Tzu’s
the organisation. If you shorten our construction period. A base for my company. My ambition methods in politics and business,
are not humble at your substantially shorter construction has been always to develop a solid although the book is already a few
work, you can only go so period will result in efficient cost- business and grow it bigger. The thousand years old by now. It is an
far because you refuse control and reduce property prices ultimate plan is to eventually float influential work of military strategy
to learn. If you are for end-buyers. the company on Bursa Malaysia that has affected both Western and
not within the next five years. East Asian philosophies.
hardworking,
you tend to This is my personal and Sun Tzu said: “If you know the
find short company’s plan. Elevating the enemy and know yourself, you need
cuts in your company to greater height will not fear the results of a hundred
work and will continue to be my personal goal. battles.”
not be What advice can you offer those The better the company becomes,
willing to go looking to start their career/own the higher satisfaction I gain. So, you must never
through the business? Most-admired business leader? underestimate your competitors,
hard ways. Be hands-on in your work, don’t Why? you should know what they do, how
And if you expect others to take care of your Elon Musk, because of his futuristic they do it and relook your
are not business as you do. There is no short thinking. He sees the future of weaknesses and improve.
honest, cut if you are starting a business and human history and dares to dream What are the top three factors you
you just you must be willing to spend more big. Many people may think that he would attribute your success to?
time in building the business. You is crazy, but he is out there to prove I believe that I have yet to reach
must sacrifice your time and life, and people wrong. Of course, he is not “success” because there is much to
like it or not, it is hard to talk about only an ideologist, but he also makes learn from the best leaders in the
work-life balance. things happen the way he envisaged. industry. If I have to choose three
He is determined and admirable. We key factors that shaped my
Learn how to grab opportunity need more of such people to make personality today, they would be
when it comes as good chances are the world a different place. honesty, hard work and
not always there for you. Besides How do you stay abreast of issues determination.
that, you need to learn how to affecting your industry?
manage your cash flow, which is an I consume most of my information I uphold honesty and refuse to be
art. Without good cash flow, you will from various media platforms. I also a crook who only cares about profit
love to engage with people through and margin. If you prioritise only
fail when there are business business networking sessions and profit and margin for all your
challenges. chambers of commerce to widen my business deals, it tends to cloud your
Lastly, identify your risk exposure. I believe in learning from judgements.
accordingly and do not people by engaging with them. This
let your over- is not only useful for my business, but I believe in working hard and
excitement about the also for my personal development. seek better solutions every time I
business blind you to face an issue. Without the constant
the potential risks. In order to stay relevant in the determination to achieve greater
market, one needs to learn from results in life, one will not be able to
How has mentorship climb the corporate ladder and build
made a difference in a trustable brand presence for their
your professional life? organisations.
My father is my mentor
in life. He influenced
me tremendously,
especially in the risk
assessment of

WARRANTS WATCH

Hang Seng Index in limelight amid bearish markets

LAST week saw increased trading Hang Seng Index (HSI) futures had Top stock warrants by value traded: who are queuing at prices higher
activity in the warrants space as another series of turbulent rides, than the warrant’s fair price. Investors
global markets remained jittery on exacerbated by the tumbling share Warrant Value Issuer Exercise Expiry date should also take note of warrants that
the back of escalated geopolitical prices in Hong Kong-listed tech name (RM’ mil) Kenanga level 28 Apr 2022 are expiring this month and plan
tensions. Since Russia’s invasion of giants such as Alibaba following the HSI-HM7 Macquarie 20,500.00 30 Aug 2022 their trading strategy accordingly.
Ukraine, crude oil has been a hot possibility of their delisting by the US HSI-CQ2 65.8 Macquarie 23,400.00 28 Jul 2022
commodity, with crude oil futures Securities Exchange Commission if HSI-CQV 23.8 Macquarie 24,200.00 30 Mar 2022 To view the full list of structured
skyrocketing to five-year highs at over the companies do not provide access HSI-HMY 17.0 Macquarie 21,600.00 29 Jun 2022 warrants available on Bursa Malaysia,
US$130 a barrel overnight last to audit documents. HSI futures HSI-HM7 16.6 25,000.00 visit malaysiawarrants.com.my.
Monday as supply chains were plunged 6.2% w-o-w to close below 12.1
disrupted. the 21,000 level at 20,495 last Friday, Provided for Malaysian residents’
meaning they have fallen more than Call warrants HSI-CQQ (-54.6% w-o-w) million units in HSI-CQQ of the 117.8 information only. This commentary has
Crude oil prices cooled off mid- 9% so far this month. and HSI-CQV (-48.3%) were among million units traded. not been reviewed by the Securities
week, tumbling 14.6% over two days the top traded warrants with Commission Malaysia. It is not an offer
and recording a decline of 5.5% week- With the increased volatility in the investors buying another 36.7 million Due to the high demand in the or recommendation to trade and is not
on-week (w-o-w) due to optimism on HSI, it was not a surprise that HSI units of HSI-CQQ, resulting in this HSI warrants, investors should take research material.
the potential improvements to the warrants became the largest warrant having a low inventory of less note that several of these warrants
supply outlook as the United States contributor to the overall turnover, at than 10% from its total issuance size were already sold out last week. Past performance is not indicative of
and Opec+ may ramp up oil more than 61% of the total last week, of 48 million units, as at the end of last Investors should be cautious trading future performance. You should make
production. with put warrant HSI-HM7 recording week Investors accumulated 18 the sold-out warrants as their prices your own assessment and seek
the highest value at RM65.8 million. may be inflated by other investors professional advice. The warrants will
In Asia, the popular Hong Kong not be offered to any US persons.

14 theSUN ON MONDAY | MARCH 14, 2022 FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM SCAN
SUNBIZ ME
@thesundaily

Fed ready to increase BRIEFS NHK: DENSO HIT
rates to tame inflation BY APPARENT
RANSOMWARE ATTACK
o Task complicated by
prospects of wide-ranging TOKYO: An alleged cybercrime
sanctions imposed on group released a statement
Russia disrupting trade yesterday saying it had stolen
flows and undermining the classified information from
US economic recovery Toyota Motor Corp’s main
supplier Denso and will release it
WASHINGTON: Surging prices for fuel, food and A sign showing prices outside a petrol station in Washington DC. The Fed is being tugged in two different directions on the dark web, Japan’s public
housing have sent US inflation to the highest in by the massive increase in energy prices over the last few weeks, a former adviser to three Fed chairs says. – AFPPIX broadcaster NHK reported. The
four decades, and the Russian invasion of group called Pandora said it had
Ukraine has made the situation worse, so the would still leave the policy rate below 2%. beyond the energy sector and could touch much more than 157,000 purchase
Federal Reserve is preparing to take action this Prior to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, some more of our daily lives,” Swonk said. orders, emails and sketches, or 1.4
week. terabytes worth of data, said
economists – and even some Fed officials – said “The timing couldn’t be worse for the Federal NHK, quoting an information
But the central bank’s efforts to put out the the first move in the tightening cycle could be a Reserve, which is already chasing inflation for security firm Mitsui Bussan
inflation fires will be complicated by the half point increase to send a strong signal to the first time since the 1980s.” Secure Directions, Inc. A Denso
prospect the war and wide-ranging sanctions markets that the central bank was committed to spokesperson told Reuters it had
imposed on Russia will disrupt trade flows and keeping inflation from raging out of control. Supply chain snarls caused shortages of key detected unauthorised access
undermine the US economic recovery. products as the global economy was returning to using ransomware at DENSO
But Fed chair Jerome Powell last week normal from the pandemic, and while the Automotive Deutschland GmbH,
The policy-setting Federal Open Market declared his intention to call for a quarter-point increases initially were driven by cars and a group company that handles
Committee holds its two-day policy meeting this increase -- a stunningly direct comment from a housing, energy prices have spiked as well, sales and engineering in
week, with an announcement set for Wednesday central bank chief, who typically keeps their especially in the past month. Germany, on Thursday local time.
when it is poised to begin raising the benchmark plans close to the vest. The Denso spokesperson
lending rate that was cut to zero at the start of the The annual consumer price index in February declined to confirm the NHK
Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020. Wilcox said he was “thunderstruck” by the hit 7.9%. report but said production and
statement which tamped down speculation of a business activities have not been
That would be the first in a series of rate more aggressive move. “Just about everything that makes up inflation affected at this point.
increases, but amid the rising uncertainty, some is going bonkers to the upside,” Adam Sarhan of
economists think policymakers may move less While Wilcox remains cautiously optimistic 50 Park Investment told AFP, adding he fears it’s BRITISH FINANCE
aggressively than previously expected as they that inflation will come down, he stressed that the kind of rapid increase that can lead to a MINISTER URGES
weigh the competing forces on the economy. the Fed will have to be “absolutely clear” that it recession. FIRMS TO LEAVE RUSSIA
will act as forcefully as necessary should price
“The Fed is being tugged in two different pressures accelerate. The International Monetary Fund last week LONDON: British finance minister
directions by the massive increase in energy warned that the fallout from the war will slow Rishi Sunak yesterday called on
prices that’s taken place over the last few weeks,” And in the short term, economists warn that global growth, but the US economy enters the more British companies to wind
David Wilcox, a former senior adviser to three things will get worse before they get better. latest crisis in strong position with low down their existing investments in
successive Fed chairs, told AFP. unemployment after expanding by 5.7% last Russia and said new investments
“The disruptions we are seeing are adding year. should be halted after President
While higher inflation justifies the tightening fuel to a well kindled inflation fire that goes well Vladimir Putin’s decision to invade
moves, “the reduction in purchasing power that Ukraine. “While I recognise it may
households are experiencing ... would call for a be challenging to wind down
more accommodative stance of policy, a more existing investments, I believe
cautious approach,” said Wilcox, now with the there is no argument for new
Peterson Institute for International Economics investment in the Russian
and Bloomberg Economics. economy,” Sunak said in a video
message on Twitter. “I am urging
Markets are pricing in about six rate increases asset owners and managers to
this year, but Grant Thornton chief economist think very carefully about any
Diane Swonk expects seven, while Wells Fargo investment that would in any
raised their forecast from five to six – which sense support Putin and his
regime. I want to make it crystal
clear that if firms or investors
decide that they need to end
their financial relationship with
Russia, then the government fully
supports you,” he said. – Reuters

France unveils €2b
fuel aid package

Private jets soar past pandemic, oil price woes PARIS: The French government has
announced a package worth €2
GENEVA: Airlines may find themselves swept up Scalabrini posing inside a Bombardier Global 7500 billionaire Thomas Flohr, announced last month billion (RM9.15 billion) to help
in unprecedented turbulence – with air travel business jet during a presentation of the brand new the purchase of Air Hamburg, in a move it said consumers struggling with soaring
shunned over climate concerns, plagued by aircraft at Geneva airport on March 3. – AFPPIX would help grow its flying hours by another 30%. fuel prices, with the cost of filling up
pandemic shutdowns and soaring oil prices – better regulated than on commercial flights, set to be cut at the pump.
but for private jet operators, business is allowing clients to sleep as soundly “as at their That announcement, however, landed just
booming. cabin in Saint-Moritz”, the chic Alpine ski resort, three days before Russia launched its full-scale French Prime Minister Jean Castex
Scalabrini said. invasion of Ukraine and Western countries announced late Saturday that petrol
The appeal of private jets has taken off since unleashed a slew of harsh sanctions, sparking and diesel prices would be reduced
the start of the pandemic, amid fear of catching And their pets can travel in luxury as well, panic on markets and sending oil prices soaring. by 15 centimes per litre.
Covid-19 and as widespread cancellations and with toys and treats on demand.
stringent measures have turned flying Scalabrini said it was “a bit early” to The bill will be slashed by this
commercial into a logistics headache. With annual contracts starting at €500,000 determine how the crisis would affect his amount when vehicle owners pay,
(RM2.29 million), VistaJet’s target audience company. with the state then reimbursing gas
“The impact of Covid really forced people to includes wealthy individuals and business station owners for the difference.
look elsewhere for their travel needs,” said leaders, with growing numbers from the tech While private jet companies may weather the
Philippe Scalabrini, who heads the southern sector. crises currently gutting commercial aviation, “That means every time you fill up
European division of the international private they face the same outrage over air travel’s for €60, you save around €9,” Castex
aviation company VistaJet. More than anything, the pandemic has driven outsized contribution to climate change. said.
the latest upsurge in demand.
“Anyone who can afford it wants an entire A private jet flight pollutes 10 times more than With petrol prices now topping €2
plane at their disposal,” he told AFP, adding that Scalabrini said “the Covid effect” last year a commercial flight, according to the Transport per litre at the pump in some areas,
“private aviation, as whole, has had an incredible helped VistaJet swell the number of flying hours and Environment NGO. the government has come under
surge of demand over the past two years”. sold by 90%. pressure to reduce the impact on
Environmental questions will in the long term households. It has also been under
Numbers from air traffic regulator And the company, founded in 2004 by Swiss be one of the biggest challenges facing business pressure to cut fuel taxes ahead of
Eurocontrol appear to confirm that. air travel, Philippe Berland, an air transport presidential elections next month,
specialist with the Sia Partners consulting firm, with more than half of prices at the
It found that private air travel nearly doubled told AFP. pump made up of taxation.
its global market share between 2019 and 2021,
when it stood at 12%. In the short term, however, he said the Underlying petrol and diesel costs
immediate question would be how the sector are linked to global oil markets which
Standing inside the newest addition to the manages to absorb soaring oil prices, and also have risen by around 30% since the
VistaJet fleet, the Global 7500 built by Canadian whether private jet companies can hold onto the start of the year due to strong global
business jet maker Bombardier, Scalabrini clients they gained during the pandemic as demand and Russia’s invasion of
showed off what air travel can look like in that commercial flights return to normal. Ukraine.
exclusive market.
“In this sector, where an hour of flying time is Last October, the government of
Abord the luxury plane, costing a whopping already very expensive, price is not the only President Emmanuel Macron
US$72 million (RM300 million), clients can enjoy factor,” Berland said, suggesting that some of the announced a cap on gas and
plush cream-coloured leather chairs, a large newly won clients may have grown accustomed electricity prices until the end of
double bed, and wine tasting. to the ease and speed of departures with private 2022 and handed out cheques to
jets. poor households to help them with
To limit jet lag, the cabin pressure can be their domestic energy bills. – Reuters

M O N DAY
14 MARCH 2022

CITIZENS have the power Little by little Reducing meat
to influence 25% to 27% of o These five lifestyle changes could have a real impact on the planet consumption is
the savings needed by a crucial factor
2030 to keep global greenhouse gas emissions by at question as part of our everyday “By reducing the number of new in the fight
warming to 1.5°C. least 40% by 2030). lives, especially among young items of clothing to a target of against climate
Rethink vacations, limit air travel people. According to a recent three, maximum eight, delivering change. – ETX
According to a recent study, this Air travel is known to be the most survey conducted by Greenpeace, 6% of the total savings needed,” the STUDIO
goal could be achievable if polluting mode of transport. It is 53% of young people in France say study estimates.
governments and people in the even estimated to be 45 times more they do not, or very rarely, fly for Give up your personal car (or “For those who can, reducing
world’s rich countries put these polluting than the train, according leisure. don’t buy another one) vehicle ownership and if possible
five lifestyle changes into practice. to the French Agency for Keep new clothing purchases to a You know that car that you take out moving away from personal
Ecological Transition (Ademe). minimum of the garage three times a year, but vehicle ownership, would deliver
Conducted by researchers from From clothing rental and buying which still costs you a fortune in 2% of the total savings needed by
the UK’s University of Leeds, in With this in mind, the report second-hand to virtual clothes, insurance? If you live in a city well 2030,” the study states.
collaboration with experts from the recommends – as far as possible – eco-conscious approaches to served by public transport, or if Use electronic devices for at least
global engineering firm Arup and reducing leisure flights to one fashion are on the rise. The your colleagues and/or friends are seven years
the C40 Cities Climate Leadership short-haul flight every three years solutions to help consumers move ready to embark on a carpooling Are you eager to get your hands on
Group, the Power of People report and one long-haul flight every away from the fast-fashion adventure with you, it may be time the new iPhone SE 5G? We
is shared by the citizen climate eight years. industry are becoming more and to take the plunge and give up on understand. It’s hard, at a time
movement Take The Jump. more numerous. personal car ownership. when technology is not holding
So-called leisure air travel is back progress, to ask you to keep
“The research is clear that increasingly being called into using your current outdated
governments and the private smartphone.
sector have the largest role to play
but it is also equally clear from our What if, in these cases, you
analysis that individuals and compensate by trying as much as
communities can make a huge possible to extend the life of your
difference,” explains Tom Bailey, other electronics (refrigerator,
co-founder of the Take The Jump microwave oven, tablets,
campaign. computers, etc.)?

“Our research shows that all of “By optimising the lifetime of
us, from politicians, city and both electronics and appliances,
business leaders to individual keeping them for at least seven
citizens, have important roles to years, would deliver the 3% of the
play. And it is clear there’s lots that total savings needed,” the study
we can do as individuals, and that assures. – ETX Studio
this is one of the easiest and
quickest places to start,” adds Ben
Smith, Arup’s director of climate
change, who led the analysis.

So, are you willing to get
involved by making one or more of
these lifestyle shifts?
Eat a largely plant-based diet and
minimise waste
Estimates suggest that the
production of meat and animal
products represents about 15% of
global greenhouse gas emissions.
In this light, reducing meat
consumption is a crucial factor in
the fight against climate change.

According to the Power of
People report, combining the fight
against food waste with the
adoption of a predominantly plant-
based diet would make it possible
to “achieve 12% of the total savings
needed by North American and
European countries” to reach the
targets established by the Paris
Agreement (i.e., to reduce

The road to renewable energy in Japan, a top CO2 emitter

THE Fukushima region affected by sources such as solar and wind by made through renewable energy.
the 2011 nuclear disaster has 2030, up from its previous goal of
invested heavily in renewable 22%-24%. Nuclear controversy A staff member of the Apollo Group, a small energy provider, refuelling a
energy – a sector Japan was slow to The proportion of Japan’s energy hydrogen car at the company’s hydrogen gas station in Fukushima City. – AFP
embrace, but now considers key to It is slowly getting there: in 2020, generated through nuclear power
reaching carbon neutrality. renewable energy accounted for remains very low, at less than four
around 20% of Japan’s electricity percent, compared with a quarter
Here are some things to know production, up nearly two before the 2011 disaster.
about renewables in Japan, which percentage points year on year.
remains one of the top emitters of Fossil fuel imports Some of the country’s atomic
planet-warming CO2: After a tsunami caused a meltdown plants have been permanently shut
Carbon-neutral goal at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear down, and others have been slow
Japan aims to become carbon- plant in March 2011, Japan halted to get back online as legal battles
neutral by 2050, the same goal as all its nuclear reactors to review rage between local governments
the European Union and ahead of and strengthen safety controls. and groups of residents and
China’s target to reach net-zero campaigners.
emissions by 2060. That left the country highly
dependent on imported fossil fuels Nonetheless, the government is
The country has a long way to – especially natural gas, which holding out hope for a nuclear
go, however. Japan is the world’s accounts for nearly 40% of Japan’s power revival to reduce
sixth-biggest carbon emitter if the total electricity production, and dependence on imported energy,
EU is counted as one bloc, coal, which represents around with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida
according to European 30%. calling the restart of nuclear plants
Commission data. “crucial”.
As of 2020, solar power is the
To help it succeed, the most common type of renewable Difficulties ahead scenarios to prepare for the fossil fuel projects such as coal
government has hiked its medium- energy in Japan, having overtaken Japan’s government wants nuclear possibility that certain low-carbon plants.
term renewables goal after the hydroelectric as new solar fields to account for 20%-22% of technologies, such as nuclear, do
previous target was criticised as were built after the 2011 disaster. electricity production by 2030, but not expand as quickly as hoped”, Tokyo has pledged to tighten
unambitious by campaigners and experts say this will prove the International Energy Agency rules for investment in foreign
major companies. Power production from wind challenging. said in a report last year. power stations, but will push on
and biomass is also increasing, and The country must “develop with plans already in progress for
Japan now wants 36% to 38% of Japan is investing in research into different decarbonisation Another controversial topic is several massive coal projects. –
its power to come from renewable green hydrogen, a clean fuel when the Japanese financing of overseas AFP

ENTERTAINMENT Third
time’s the charm
16 theSun LYFE ON MONDAY | MARCH 14, 2022
o Ryan Reynold’s
SHAWN LEVY has entered the Marvel collaborator Shawn Levy
Cinematic Universe. The director of Free tapped to direct Deadpool 3
Guy and The Adam Project is set to
reunite with Ryan Reynolds for Deadpool beloved, potty-mouthed superhero, though
3, the much-anticipated third installment of the Marvel has discussed the character’s future.
comedic action franchise, Variety confirms. Naming Levy as the film’s director would
mark a massive step
Besides Reynolds, no other cast members toward getting
are confirmed for Deadpool 3. The second Deadpool 3
Deadpool film introduced Josh Brolin as Cable made.
and Zazie Beetz as Domino. Deadpool also There has
starred Morena Baccarin as Vanessa and T.J. Reynolds
Miller as Weasel. Tim Miller directed the (on right) is
original movie, while David Leitch helmed the set to work
sequel. with
director
Deadpool 2 was also the last Deadpool Levy again
movie before Disney purchased 20th Century on a
Fox’s entertainment assets. Regardless, planned
Reynolds somewhat prophetically reprised his Deadpool 3. This would be the first time fans will see the character onscreen since 2018’s Deadpool 2.
role as Deadpool for a Free Guy promotional
video last year. – AP been some question about whether Deadpool 3 Levy has a long list of experience producing
will maintain the R-rating of the first two films. and directing movies and television, including
After the news broke that Shawn Levy would Marvel’s Kevin Feige and former Disney CEO hits like Night at the Museum and Stranger
direct Deadpool 3, Reynolds took to Twitter to Robert Iger previously indicated that the Things. This would be his first time helming a
celebrate. He shared an image of the characters franchise will still go for an R. However, it’s large-scale superhero project, but after multiple
from his three Levy films – Wade Wilson from unknown if Disney’s current CEO, Bob Chapek, blockbusters, it appears that the project will be
Deadpool, Guy from Free Guy, and Big Adam feels the same way. in good hands.
from The Adam Project – walking together in
the woods.

In the caption, the actor
joked: “The third film in
my Shawn Levy trilogy
will be a tad more
stabby.”

Despite the fact
that both Deadpool
movies have each
grossed over US$780
million worldwide,
Disney had been tight-
lipped about a third
instalment
for the

ARMY’s husband goes to BTS concert alone Baldwin tried to
finish Rust after
RECENTLY, South Korean BTS fans were BTS’s recent Seoul concert was a welcome homecoming for ARMYs. – BIG HIT MUSIC fatal shooting
tickled by the story of one man who ended
up going to the group’s recent Permission To His extremely relatable story caused many show to his wife later. ALEC BALDWIN tried to arrange a settlement
Dance On Stage Seoul concert all by himself, BTS fans to sympathise with both him and his The Permission to Dance On Stage Seoul with the widower of cinematographer Halyna
after his ARMY wife failed to get tickets for wife, with many people hoping that at least Hutchins which would have allowed
herself. he was able to snap some pictures or video concert was BTS’ first performance in the filmmakers to complete Rust, the production on
footage of the group performing in order to capital city since 2019, which took place prior which Hutchins was killed last October.
The story broke when the man ended up to the global pandemic.
being featured on the news after he caught This was revealed in an arbitration demand
the eye of a local news team, who were filed by Baldwin on Friday against the
surprised by the sight of a lone middle aged producers of the film, in an attempt to invoke
man in a sea of mainly female fans. the indemnification clause of Baldwin’s own
producer contract, and force the other producer
The man explained that his wife had to assume liability for all legal claims and pay
wanted to go to the event, and asked him to Baldwin’s defense costs.
buy a ticket as well to accompany her.
However, only he was successful at getting a But in the arbitration filing, Baldwin states
ticket online. that he took the lead in persuading director Joel
Souza, who was wounded in the incident, and
When the news crew asked him why he the primary cast to complete the film, as part of
didn’t give his ticket to his wife, the man a proposed settlement that would compensate
pointed out BTS’ agency’s strict policy Matthew Hutchins and his son. The notion was
regarding ticket sales, which require ticket to compensate Hutchins using insurance and a
holders to present their ID before entering, as portion of the film’s profits.
part of measures to reduce ticket scalping
and forgery. The filing stated that settlement discussions
ended when Hutchins filed a wrongful death
Schrieber reveals more about Master Chief role lawsuit against Baldwin and others in the film
last month.
FOR more than 20 years, millions of gamers helmeted stand-in for the player. attached: Pablo Schreiber, the actor tasked
worldwide have played Xbox’s flagship space Various writers, producers and directors with playing the mysterious warrior. Just hours after the artibitration became
shooter game Halo and its sequels, taking on public, Hutchins’ lawyer, Brian Panish argued in
the role of a futuristic Spartan warrior Master jumped on and off the project. It was a movie, “There’s this expectation because a huge a statement that it was “shameful” for Baldwin
Chief. then a TV show. The upcoming series alone portion of the audience has played the game to blame his client for the failure to complete
has had three showrunners and been believing they are the Master Chief,” he says. the film. He also called out Baldwin for
Considering the game’s success, a “And now here I am, attempting to play it.” seemingly trying to avoid responsibility for
Hollywood version seemed inevitable, yet attached to two networks, with firing the fatal shot.
also inevitably difficult – the game’s main Paramount+ set to premiere Rather than viewing Master Chief’s
character had no character at all since the it on March 24. opaqueness as a hurdle, Halo makes the The filing stated: “At this point, two things
Since 2018, however, character ignorant of his past (his memory are clear: someone is culpable for chambering
Master Chief serves as a there has been at least has been erased and emotions chemically the live round that led to this horrific tragedy,
one constant suppressed). This allows Schrieber full rein to
explore the character, and allow the audience and it is someone other than Baldwin.”
Pablo Schrieber will be portraying the first live-action version of the Master Chief. – PARAMOUNT+ to learn more about him, over the course of In a Feb 24 interview with Today,
the debut season’s nine episodes as he finds Hutchins had said: “The idea that
himself defying orders to protect a young girl the person holding the gun and
(Kwan Ha Boo). causing it to discharge is not
responsible is absurd to me.”
“I was given a lot of leeway in those roles Referencing how Baldwin
to push the boundaries because the had continually deflected blame
characters are so big and broad,” said in prior media appearances, he
Schreiber. “This is a 180-degree turn. It’s a very added: “I was just so angry to
tight box, especially early in the series, trying see him talk about her death so
to find the sweet spot of restraint and figure publicly in such a detailed way
out this guy’s inner life. and then to not accept
any responsibility
“There’s so much opportunity for after having
transcending being a sci-fi show, a just described
superhero show or a video game killing her.”
show and just be legitimately
great television that happens to
be exploring those genres.”

FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK SCAN ENTERTAINMENT
ME
/thesundaily 17theSun LYFE ON MONDAY | MARCH 14, 2022

Athleeappasintto Ryan Reynolds Ryan Reynolds and Zoe Saldana in a
and Walker still from The Adam Project. – NETFLIX
Scobell are a
delight to
watch in The
Adam Project.
– NETFLIX

oThe Adam Project checks all the
boxes for an entertaining watch

0Cast: Ryan Ryan Reynolds
Reynolds, as Big Adam
Walker Scobell, sharing an
Mark Ruffalo, emotional
Zoe Saldana, moment with
Jennifer Garner Jennifer
0Director: Garner’s Ellie.
Shawn Levy – NETFLIX

E-VALUE 9
ACTING 10
PLOT 9

█ BY THASHINE SELVAKUMARAN it turns him into a rude and an entertaining to watch. villain but it still a good attempt. Also, movie very emotional, the idea of
irritating boy. The action-packed sci-fi adventure since the movie’s main focus is the reconsidering your past.
REUNITING with Free Guy Adams, I feel it doesn’t matter as much
director Shawn Levy, Ryan Younger Adam finds the older will be able to resonate with viewers of to concentrate on the villain. “All of us have ideas of about our
Reynolds leads the time- Adam hiding in his late father’s office, a certain age as we were all into spaces past and we get locked into an idea of
travel thriller The Adam who then explains the details of his and time travel during our childhood. The Adam Project attempts to tell us our history, but that’s not necessarily
Project for Netflix. A film with a mission and how time travel has The Adam Project has equal amounts a story about reconciling with our past, accurate, and so I thought the movie
talented director, amazing cast and a ruined mankind. of action, adventure, sci-fi, comedy, and how accepting the choices we might be really profound and
perfect storyline. and a little romance. The action and made can be a good thing. emotional if it could literally examine,
Going back to 2018 and destroying fight scenes are very well staged and a re-examination of one’s personal
Reynolds play Adam, a pilot from its invention is the only hope to will definitely keep viewers hooked Using time travel to portray the history.
2050 who accidentally crash lands prevent death of his beloved wife. They throughout the film. story of a man watching his younger
while travelling back to 2022 while both team up to save Laura, who self making mistakes and fixing them is “So, I guess my vision for the movie
looking for Laura (Zoe Saldana), his seems to have been murdered by Maya Special shout out to Ruffalo’s what makes the movie stand out. is entertainment but also an emotional
missing wife. He ends up meeting his Sorian (Catherine Keener), their dad’s portrayal of Adam’s father. He had a one and based on your reactions to the
12-year-old younger self (Walker work partner. limited role in this film but let’s be real, During a media roundtable movie, it is very gratifying that it seems
Scobell). Younger Adam is an nobody could have played the role discussion, theSun asked Levy what to be providing both for viewers.”
asthmatic mouthy nerd who is often The two Adams then travel back in better than him. was his vision for the film, and what
bullied at school since his dad (Mark time to stop this, and meet their dad, message was he trying to get across the The Adam Project certainly leaves
Ruffalo) passed over a year earlier. who turns out to be the guy who Saldana’s performance as Laura is audience? you with a warm feeling. To anyone
invented the technology. yet another badass fighter to add to her who wants watch a good movie just to
Mum Ellie (Jennifer Garner) is long list of strong female characters. He explained: “My vision for Adam relax and enjoy, then The Adam Project
trying her best to raise him, but Adam The Adam Project balances the Project is truthful, I wanted a popular would be a good pick. This movie is
acts out at times. It’s pretty obvious that action with the comedy between the The antagonist Maya Sorian piece of entertainment, I wanted it to just more proof that Ryan Reynolds
they love each other but with Adam two Adams. Both versions of Adam did (Catherine Keener) isn’t the best be fun, I wanted it to be a joyous never disappoints!
trying to cope with life without a father, amazing work giving justice to their villain, and I consider her one of the experience for the audience but I also
roles. Watching them getting on each weakest characters from the film. It had this idea, I knew there was a The Adam Project is available to
other’s nerves was definitely would be better to have a more defined deeper idea here that could make the stream on Netflix.

The Obi-Wan Kenobi series teaser is out! Imagine Dragons
DISNEY+ HOTSTAR released Hayden Christensen in the drop new song
the teaser trailer for Obi-Wan role of Darth Vader.
Kenobi, giving fans an ON the heels of Enemy, which has topped the
exciting first look at the Joining the cast are Moses Alternative Radio chart for the past five weeks,
highly-anticipated limited Ingram, Joel Edgerton, Imagine Dragons unveil their new single, Bones,
series, which launches Bonnie Piesse, Kumail the first new music from their forthcoming release
exclusively on the streaming Nanjiani, Indira Varma, Rupert Mercury – Act 2. A spirited examination of life and
service on May 25. Friend, O’Shea Jackson Jr., death, the song explodes with an infectious
Sung Kang, Simone Kessell chorus that celebrates the intangible spark that
The story begins 10 years and Benny Safdie. ignites our beings.
after the dramatic events of “Bones is a reflection of my constant obsession
Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith Obi-Wan Kenobi is with the finality and fragility of life,”says Imagine
where Obi-Wan Kenobi faced directed by Deborah Chow Dragons frontman Dan Reynolds.“I’m always in
his greatest defeat – the and executive-produced by search of some evidence that will convince me
downfall and corruption of Kathleen Kennedy, Michelle that there is more to come – that life is truly eternal
his best friend and Jedi Rejwan, Deborah Chow, in some sense. Having
apprentice, Anakin Skywalker, Ewan McGregor and Joby yet to find that, I try to
who turned to the dark side Harold. Fans of the Star Wars universe were delighted to get an exciting first look of the at least dream of Scan the
as evil Sith Lord Darth Vader. Obi-Wan Kenobi series. – DISNEY+ what conquering QR code
Scan the QR death would feel like to watch
The series stars Ewan code to in a song.” the MV
McGregor, reprising his role watch the
as the iconic Jedi Master, and teaser
also marks the return of

FEATURE A spiritual
enlightenment
18 theSun LYFE ON MONDAY | MARCH 14, 2022
o Local author Sharifah Nadirah opens up about her
█ BY JOHN TAN experience authoring her latest religious book, Invoke

WRITING and publishing a book is in touch with an old friend of mine, Syafiqah. company. An image of her latest religious book, Invoke.
no easy task. Given the required She was indeed a gift from God at that very “I was so happy, thrilled and excited to know books could be a ‘friend in a time of need’ for
amount of research, writing, hard moment. She reminded me of God’s mercy and readers looking for light in the dark, hope within
work, and luck, the publishing blessings. She was like a friend in need, that Dr Anwar Fazal and Whitecoat’s group’s despair, and peace within the chaos.”
industry can sometimes be difficult to comforting my heart with her soothing words. team were interested in our work, writings and As the author of 10 books, what are your
penetrate. This is especially true for young book! We were moved and thankful for the hopes for the local publishing industry?
writers who are just beginning to embark on “We then talked about God, his mercy and opportunity given. The book is proof that “I hope that local publishing companies would
their journeys. kindness, and his beautiful names. And it was beautiful things can be created in times of [consider] to publish more modern English
then, we came out with this great idea to write hardship.” poetry books.
But for Sharifah Nadirah, it has somewhat Allah’s names in the form of poetry. What is your favourite aspect of the job?
been a joyous ride. At just 28 years old, the Perak “To be able to help others in moments of “I also hope that more Malaysians can
native has over 10 published books to her name, “We then started brainstorming the book’s hardship. To be able to inspire, encourage and appreciate the art of poetry.”
printed through publications such as Partridge genre, the title, the book cover and the content. motivate others with my writings. I find this to
Publishing Singapore and Whitecoat. Sharifah It was a beautiful process, looking back at it be the most touching aspect of my job. Sharifah
seems to have a knack for moving readers with now.” Nadirah has
her personal stories. Would you say Invoke saw your growth both “I would often receive DMs on Instagram written over
as an author and an individual? from people from all walks of life telling me that 10 books. —
Like many wordsmiths out there, Sharifah “Yes indeed, Invoke had transformed Syafiqah my words have helped them get through SHARIFAH
grew up devoting her time to books. As a and me from self-published authors to difficult situations. NADIRAH
bookworm, she would immerse herself in the traditionally published authors. Invoke was a
world of fiction, which was instrumental in self-published book until it caught the attention “This is really a great and thankful feeling to
honing her skills in creating her fantasy and of Whitecoat, a well-known local publishing know that my words could help a person this
creative narratives. much. After all, I always hope that my words or

However, her métier as an author only began
after encouragement and praise from her family
and friends. “I started to feel that it was time to
write my own book. And I fulfilled that dream
when I worked with my best friend, Nurul
Najwa Radzi on my first book, Leap!” said the
Optometry bachelor graduate.

“Though it was a small success, I was moved
by the amount of support. It inspired me to
write more books [including] my third book,
Invoke.”

Congrats on Invoke! Could you tell us what
the book is all about?
“This book is for the soul who prays for light, day
and night. This book is for the soul who is
seeking comfort and peace throughout their joy
and fight. This book is for the soul who prays for
strength and inner might. This book is for those
who find love in the sea of the beauty of Allah’s
names for their hearts to glow brightly.

“The 99 names of Allah are the greatest gifts
that are given to us by God’s eternal mercy to
comfort, give peace, lighten up the soul and fill
the heart with the warmth of love and faith.
Invoke invites us all on a journey to get to know
the names of Allah in an artsy way, in a poetic
way, and in a way that can touch and move the
heart.

“This book can be a good company in times
of joy and darkness. The existence of this book is
a way to tell you that Allah’s beautiful names are
there with you, surrounding you day and night
with care and compassion. So come and read it
to get to know the divine names of Allah and the
meaning of every one of them.”

What was the whole writing process like for
Invoke?
“I would say it was a beautiful and memorable
journey with its ups and downs which gave an
abundance of wisdom. I enjoyed writing about
God’s name as it gives me a strong purpose to
live, enables me to seek the true meaning of life
and lead me to understand more about my
existence in life. Writing Invoke guides me to
know more about God and the meaning of
God’s names.”

What was the inspiration behind the book?
“It all started during a time when I was
depressed. During that time, I was confused,
sad and very anxious. It all changed when I got

Sharifah hopes to write more self-help and poetry
books.

Flower Garden. FEATURE

19theSun LYFE ON MONDAY | MARCH 14, 2022

Puzzle.

█ BY S. TAMARAI CHELVI Life, full of colours

COLOURS are a powerful o Differently-abled artist Janet Lee uses soft hues
tool for expression. Most and vibrant colours to communicate her feelings
renowned artists in the
world use them to create a Janet with father Lee Tiam (left) and mother Joyce (right). – ALL PIX BY S. TAMARAI CHELVI & ADIB RAWI/THESUN Janet’s
visually beautiful painting, to show works are
movements or to express a point of showcase her evolving art and Letting her feelings guide her ... Janet would choose colours to work on based on open for
view. Colours can also affect a drawing style, from a child to her current mood. viewing at
person’s mood. adolescence. the Janet
into adulthood. colours relate to Janet’s artworks Lee Gallery.
For artist Janet Lee, who was At the main entrance, Full “I would say Janet found her true on a personal level.
born with intractable epilepsy and Bloom, Janet’s best abstract thought-provoking.
diagnosed as intellectually and artworks are on display. identity with this collection. She was They connect the art with their For instance, the painting titled
developmentally delayed, colours very happy and engrossed with art emotional moments or personal
speak for her. The most captivating acrylic and colours,” said Joyce. thoughts. For some, it reminds Picnic could remind one of a
painting is a three-piece canvas art In the eye of the beholder them of a particular memory, childhood picnic with family, or
The 32-year-old artist, who lacks titled Flowers in the Full Bloom, in Joyce said viewers who appreciate while others find these paintings appear as an aerial view of a flower
social skills and has difficulty in which Janet picked soft pastel peaceful, full of joy, cheerful or garden.
communication, picks light or dark colours for the background with
colours to convey her mood, flower motifs in contrasting bright As the paintings attract different
emotion and feelings. colours. perspectives, some find Janet’s
artwork as a great talking point,
She chooses light or pastel Janet aptly titled another and as a focal point in an office or
colours when she is feeling happy. attractive piece is What do you see?, room to spark a conversation.
Occasionally, she would go for which is open to various
vibrant colours. interpretations. In that painting, Among these, a painting titled
Janet interprets flowers in her own Colours creates a sense of calm,
Janet’s 65-year-old mother Joyce unique way, in the form of swirls while Flowers Around the Park,
Moi explained: “Janet would instead of petals. Rose Garden, Daisies and Roses
[choose from] various colours based and Flowers in the Park are visually
on her feeling and then, she would In the Nursery, there are more amazing.
start painting with the colours. If she child-like drawings on small-size
is feeling a bit frustrated, she would papers using pencil colours and In Puzzle, multiple small pieces
pick a dark colour, but she has never crayons, while in the Saplings room, can be moved around to create one
used black.” Janet showcases her explorations bigger piece, representing
with watercolours and round versatility and flexibility.
Her drawings are based on what canvasses. Goal for the gallery
she feels inside, at a particular Besides hosting Janet’s future solo
moment. At times, she would use In the last room, The Flowerings, exhibitions, Joyce has a vision for
her creativity to create abstract the artwork signifies her growth as the gallery. This first solo
artworks. an artist. exhibition is a stepping stone for
A reality that is felt something even better.
Janet, who won at last year’s Woman Sparks of red colours in every
Glamour Awards in the Young painting show her rebellious streak She hopes parents with special
Inspiring Women category, fell in in her adolescence, and her journey needs children or Autism will be
love with colours and art when she to find her own identity as she grows inspired by Janet’s achievements.
was a child. She wants the gallery to become a
platform for more differently-
It was Janet’s passion which abled artists to promote their
motivated Joyce to send her to art works in the years to come.
classes to enhance her skills.
“Ultimately, we want this
However, five different art gallery to show families with
teachers who taught Janet felt that special needs that their children
she was not a ‘gifted’ artist. Perhaps, can lead to a normal life,” said
it had to do with Janet’s inability to Joyce.
follow certain rules or specific
structures when she draws. Joyce has a clear idea that she
wants to provide a place for middle
In the end, Janet found an art and lower-income groups or even
mentor, who realised that Janet is a families with gifted children with a
colourist, and that colours were the place to exhibit their artworks.
dominant feature or subject of her
paintings, inspired by nature. “We want to encourage parents
to become independent,” shared
As art is subjective, there are no Joyce, who hopes to share
rules in art. Art does not need to knowledge and her experience
look neat or perfect, as imperfection with other parents facing similar
is also a form of expression. situations.

Realising this, Janet began to
follow heart and mind and started
‘playing’ with colours.

Currently, Janet’s paintings are
part of a solo exhibition titled
Blossoming Colours at the Janet Lee
Gallery in Cheras Business Centre.

The exhibition began on March 1
in conjunction with International
Women’s Day, and is open for
viewing until March 31.

This is Janet’s first solo exhibition
in her own gallery, which was
established in Nov 2020.

The artworks are divided and
exhibited in four rooms: Full Bloom,
Nursery, Saplings and The
Flowerings. They are meant to

HEALTH

20 theSun LYFE ON MONDAY | MARCH 14, 2022

Taking a work break
o In today’s professional landscape, taking seen massive departures.
a break from a career has become an asset While corporate attitudes (and

LONG considered taboo or “The good news is, sentiment those of recruiters) are evolving The number of Covid-linked deaths continues to decline around the world,
frowned upon in the around taking a career break is towards better awareness and shrinking 12% to an average of 6,700 per day. – AFP
workplace, work breaks are no changing for the better: 46% of hiring understanding of the need for
longer necessarily looked managers believe candidates with employee well-being, perhaps the Asia infections drive new
down upon. With the covid-19 career breaks are an untapped talent need for sabbaticals and time for pandemic surge
pandemic and its consequences, pool,“ writes Camilla Han-He, who personal projects will be seen in a
recruiters increasingly view heads up Product at Linkedin, in an more positive light and better THE Covid-19 pandemic took a 28%).
employees who have taken a break as article available on the social integrated into a career. turn for the worse this week after 0 South Korea has most cases
“an untapped talent pool.” The way network. 0 Programs dedicated to getting a five weeks of improvement, driven South Korea again recorded the
these pauses are perceived is by an upsurge of cases in Asia. biggest number of new cases this
changing, and as such perceptions Previously, taking a career break to new career start week, with an average of 264,000
shift, so are the values of the working look after one’s physical or mental Several signs indicate change is in the Here is the state of play based on per day, an increase of 55%.
world. health, to work on personal projects air in this regard. On March 1, social AFP’s database:
or to dedicate one’s time to network LinkedIn introduced a new 0 Eight percent rise It also recorded the highest rate
Illness, burn-out, bereavement, humanitarian work were looked feature to report and specify a “career The average number of global daily on a per capita basis, with 3,605 per
parental leave, career change... there down upon, as they were not well break.” cases increased over the week by 100,000 inhabitants.
are many reasons to put one’s career perceived by the hierarchy. eight percent to 1.59 million,
on hold, sometimes beyond one’s 0 Recruiters see career breaks as a From now on, users can add this according to an AFP tally to Vietnam, with 196,400 daily
control. mention in the same way as they Thursday. cases, saw an increase of 63%, while
positive might any other work experience at a Germany came third with 177,200
But when it comes to returning to From a practical point of view, a company. By describing the reasons That is, however, half the cases, an increase of 15%.
the job market, how do you explain timeline without gaps avoids being for this break (taking care of children, number in late January, when cases
this “gap” in your resumé to the “blacklisted” by the artificial taking time to think about a career peaked at 3.37 million per day. Cases rocketed by 80% in the
recruiter? Don’t be ashamed, talking intelligence programs that sort change, or simply taking care of Netherlands to an average of 62,800
about it could even make recruiters through resumes today. But if you themselves), users provide details for The confirmed cases only reflect a day.
more inclined to hire you. look deeper into this phenomenon, recruiters. a fraction of the actual number of
recruiters, like workers, seem to be infections, with varying counting By head of the populaton, South
According to a large-scale study breaking away from this taboo. And managers recommend practices and levels of testing in Korea was followed by Hong Kong
conducted by Censuswide on behalf addressing the issue. According to the different countries. with 3,002 cases per 100,000
of professional social network And the covid-19 pandemic has Linkedin study, 52% of hiring 0 Asia, Oceania drive upsurge inhabitants and New Zealand with
LinkedIn of more than 22,000 played a role in this shift. It has left its managers think that candidates Asia and Oceania remain pandemic 2,934.
workers and 4,000 managers mark on the corporate world, with should talk about their break during hotspots, with 27% and 20% more 0 Main drops
worldwide, more than half of workers several studies revealing an increase the interview and explain what they new cases respectively compared to The main falls were in Georgia,
have already taken a break from their in burnout, or employees learned during this period. the previous week. where the number of new cases
professional careers. Among them, experiencing a loss of meaning and decreased 64%.
women more frequently put their satisfaction at work. In the United Many companies are looking at There was also a slight uptick in
careers on hold. Nearly 64% of them States, as in France, certain sectors profiles who have taken a career Africa, which saw a three percent Belarus followed with 56% fewer
have taken a career break for such as the hotel and restaurant break. Wells Fargo Bank recently rise, and in Europe where the cases and Turkey (down 44%),
parental, medical or mental health industry and the hospital sector have made news by launching a program number of cases increased by one Lebanon (down 43%) and Norway
reasons. called Glide-Relaunch to revive the percent. (down 41%).
careers of workers with seven years or
more of experience who had The situation, however, Deaths continue to decline
voluntarily stopped working for two continued to improve in the United
years or more. – ETX Studio States-Canada zone which The number of Covid-linked deaths
recorded a 30% drop, in the Middle continues to decline around the
Nearly 64% of women have interrupted their careers for parental, medical or mental health leave. – 123RF East (down 27%), and the Latin world, shrinking 12% to an average
America-Caribbean zone (down of 6,700 per day.
12%).
The US again mourned the most
Main spikes deaths, with an average of 1,165 a
day, followed by Russia (700) and
The Netherlands recorded the Brazil (501).
biggest increase in new cases this
week, with an 80% spike. Hong Kong reported by far the
highest death rate in proportion to
Vietnam followed with 63% population (23.8 per 100,000
more, South Korea (55% more), inhabitants), followed at a distance
Portugal (up 35%) and Ecuador (up by Lithuania (6.0) and Denmark
(5.5). – AFP

Happily married couples live longer

IS marital happiness the secret to Francisco area for 20 years, from 1989 shared moments of mutual warmth, Stop arguing with your partner and you may live longer! – 123RF
staying youthful? According to a to 2009. joy, closeness and intimacy. The
study, couples who share happy researchers labeled these instances as
moments and who readily show The couples were asked to come to moments of“positivity resonance”and
affection to each other live longer and the Berkeley laboratory every five found that they could be a strong
in better health than those who often years to be observed and to discuss indicator of future health and life
fight. their relationship and their health expectancy. They were found to be a
(their relationship with tobacco, key ingredient for a healthy, long-
Could your spouse be a factor in a alcohol, caffeine consumption, sports lasting relationship.
longer life? According to an American ...). Through filmed discussions and
study, published in the Journal of self-reported questionnaires, the “We found that spouses in
Personality and Social Psychology, researchers analysed the effects of relationships that were high on
happy couples live longer than disagreement and moments of positivity resonance had milder
couples who argue regularly. positive synchrony on the body. declines in their health over the next
0 Happier couples had fewer 13 years and were more likely to still
To reach this conclusion, be alive after 30 years,“ explained
researchers from the University of health issues Robert Levenson, study author and
Berkeley in the United States followed The purpose of these interviews was UC Berkeley professor of psychology. –
154 “middle-aged and older” to determine how often these couples ETX Studio
heterosexual couples in the San

21theSUN ON MONDAY | MARCH 14, 2022
SPORTS

Nadal escapes, Medvedev cruises in Indian Wells

RAFAEL NADAL pulled off another Open final – cruised to victory in his fantastic tennis. I didn’t play my best 158th in the world. even. He made just a few unforced
great escape yesterday, rallying from first match as the world’s top-ranked match without a doubt (but) a lot of The reigning US Open champion errors and maybe some bad
two breaks down in the third set to player, Nadal was made to work by credit to him that he played so decisions in crucial moments. That’s
beat young American Sebastian 21-year-old Korda, ranked 38th in the aggressive and he put me in a lot of wrapped up a 6-3, 6-2 victory in 70 how tennis is sometimes,” Medvedev
Korda in the second round at Indian world. trouble.” minutes, although Medvedev said it said.
Wells. “was not as easy as it seems” after he
“I feel very, very lucky today to be After saving a break point in the sealed the win on a third match point. Medvedev said it was a “great
As newly minted No. 1 Daniil through,” Nadal said after a 6-2, 1-6, opening game, Medvedev had little feeling” to take the court as world No.
Medvedev – the man Nadal beat with 7-6 (7-3) victory. trouble with 21-year-old Czech The difference, he said, was 1, “something I’ve always dreamed
an epic comeback in the Australian qualifier Tomas Machac, ranked consistency. of.” – AFP
“Sebastian was playing some
“If you look, the first set was pretty

SHORTS corners, struggle into tighter Tommy Fleetwood lines
Root pleased England did turns. up his putt on the first
not panic against Windies green during the second
Required to weigh at least round of The Players
ENGLAND captain Joe Root was 798kg, they are bulky, which Championship on the
disappointed his team could not makes them even more awkward Stadium Course at TPC
finish off West Indies on the final to navigate through sharp, slow Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra
day of the first Test on Saturday turns. Beach, Florida. – AFPPIX
but was hardly going to complain
after a winter of discontent. “Maybe it’s better to jump on Sawgrass fury
the city bus rather than the Fleetwood, Hoge share lead at wind-battered Players
“I’m really proud of the team simulator before the race to get
today, the (whole) week actually,“ the preparation done,“ Aston FIERCE winds and cold second round before darkness struck play.”
Root said after the match finished Martin’s four-time world temperatures created brutal after his tee shot at the fourth hole. Watson said the key was “be
in a draw on the island of Antigua. champion Vettel said. conditions in yesterday’s
darkness-halted second round Fleetwood reached the green in committed to your shots, even if they
“From that first hour when we “The cars now are different. of the Players Championship, with two at the par-5 second hole, then two- go wild. I hit some wayward shots but I
found ourselves in a tricky spot The first thing that stands out is England’s Tommy Fleetwood and putted for birdie from 29 feet to seize made the putts. That’s what kept the
(losing four quick wickets), I think the weight, the cars are a lot American Tom Hoge sharing the lead. the lead alone at 7-under, only to find round going.”
the character we showed off the heavier, therefore the driving has the rough at the par-3 third and miss a
back of the previous tour to not to adapt.” Elite golfers battled blustery 13-foot par putt to make bogey. The second round was set to
panic and get ourselves back in breezes with 60kph gusts all day and resume overnight with high winds and
the game ... we got better and Tearful Osaka crashes out were already looking at tomorrow’s That left the Englishman level again temperatures barely above freezing.
better on a very docile wicket for finish after two days of torrential rain with Hoge, who was among 24 players
our seamers. FOUR-TIME Grand Slam wreaked havoc at TPC Sawgrass in whose second round start was Keegan Bradley fired a 71 and
champion Naomi Osaka was Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. postponed as organisers prepared for called it, “one of my best rounds of my
“(There are a) lot of good signs brought to tears by a heckler a Monday (Tuesday morning in life.”
going into the rest of the series.” yesterday on the way to a 6-0, 6-4 “When I got to 17 and 18, you Malaysia) finish.
loss to Veronika Kudermetova in couldn’t hardly stand up much less hit Of 17 and 18, he said: “I don’t know
Set an unlikely victory target of the Indian Wells WTA hardcourt a golf shot,” American Kevin Kisner India’s Anirban Lahiri, Chile’s if I’ve ever played two holes as hard as
286, and having lost four wickets tournament. said after shooting a 2-over 74. “It’s Joaquin Niemann and American Keith that.”
for nine runs to be stumbling at brutal. It’s pure luck and somewhat Mitchell shared second on 5-under
67 for four at the start of the last Japan’s Osaka was rocked early loss of integrity of the tournament.” with 18 holes to finish overnight. Four-time major winner Rory
session, Windies first innings in the first set when someone in McIlroy fired his second 73 of the week
century-maker Nkrumah Bonner the crowd yelled “Naomi, you The famed par-3 17th island green Defending champion Justin and was just happy to keep his ball dry
and former captain Jason Holder suck.” She pleaded with the chair was buffeted by north winds and Thomas and two-time Masters off the last two tee shots.
defied the visitors for more than umpire to take action to no avail, averaged 3.79 strokes, the most since champion Bubba Watson delivered
two hours in an unbroken fifth- and at 0-3 down in the second- 1984. the only bogey-free second rounds “It’s brutal out there,“ McIlroy said.
wicket stand of 80 off 35 overs to round match, her emotions spilled yesterday, Thomas shooting 69 and “Hitting those tee shots on 17 and 18
see the home side to safety at 147 over. “It was blowing so hard,” two-time Watson 68 despite the whipping winds and just keeping them dry and walking
for four. – AFP major winner Dustin Johnson said that kept them out for six hours. forward is nice.”
“To be honest I feel like I’ve after a 73.
Driving tour bus better been heckled before it didn’t “That was one of the best rounds Four-time major champion Brooks
than simulator: Vettel really bother me,“ she said. “But, Fleetwood and Hoge shared the 18- I’ve played. It really was,” Thomas said. Koepka matched his highest US PGA
like, I’ve watched a video of Venus hole lead on 6-under 66 after the first “It was insane. It was one of those round with an 81 to set up a missed
SEBASTIAN VETTEL yesterday and Serena being heckled here. If round was concluded yesterday, and rounds that’s fun when you’re at home cut.
joked that driving a city tour bus you’ve never watched it you Fleetwood managed to begin his but not so much fun when you have to
would prepare drivers better than should watch it,“ she added, “There’s nothing you can do,” he
any simulator for the challenge of tearing up again. said. “It was just extremely hard.” –
wrestling their heavier 2022 AFP
Formula One cars around tight “I don’t know why, but it went
and twisting layouts like Monaco. into my head and it got replayed a
lot. I’m trying not to cry,“ she said,
With a larger proportion of her voice breaking.
downforce now generated from
their undersides, the changes “I just have to say thank you
have resulted in cars that, while and congratulations,“ she added
quick through high-speed with a nod to Kudermetova.
“Thank you.”

IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES 322 Notices
ACT, 2016
USED CAR FOR SALE BY AUCTION
AND IN THE MATTER OF YAXIN 84 Bank Repossessed, Used and Restored vehicles
METALLURGICAL TECHNOLOGY (SEA) all priced to sell. Bank loan, motor insurance and
SDN. BHD. (201001029164 (913084-T))
extended warranties are available for all cars*
(IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY
WINDING-UP) Come join us on Wednesday, 16th March 2022
at 12.00pm and inspection on Tuesday, 15th
NOTICE OF THE FINAL MEETING March 2022 from 9.00am - 5.30pm.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant
to Section 459 of the Companies Act, Download Pickles Auctions app to view
2016 a Final Meeting of the abovenamed all auction listings or visit www.pickles.my
Company will be held at the office of the
liquidator, No. 29-2, Jalan 46A/26, Taman No Reg No Make Model Year Reserve Price
Sri Rampai, 53300 Kuala Lumpur, W.P. (RM)
Kuala Lumpur on 15 APRIL 2022 (Friday)
at 9.00 a.m. for the purpose of receiving 1 SA863P MERCEDES-BENZ CLA200 2017 RM 129,000
the accounts and report from the liquidator
showing the manner in which the winding 2 SU822D MERCEDES-BENZ C200 2016 RM 100,000
up has been conducted and to hear
explanations that may be given by the 3 SD1253M MERCEDES-BENZ MB CLA250 4M 2016 RM 130,000
liquidator.
ONG HAI PENG 4 WA6806P TOYOTA CAMRY 2014 RM 50,000
Liquidator
Kuala Lumpur 5 BQB4163 HONDA VARIO 150 (SELF/DISC/ 2019 RM 6,000
Dated: 14 MARCH 2022 CAST) CODE
Notes:-
1. Only members whose names appear in 6 ALN2914 HONDA DASH 125 AFP125CRFK2 2019 RM 3,500
2021 RM 3,500
the Register of Member on 14 MARCH 7 CEJ7890 YAMAHA EGO AVANTIZ 2019 RM 4,000
2022 shall be entitled to attend and vote 2019 RM 6,000
at this Final Meeting. 8 VDK9681 HONDA VARIO ACB150CBTK 3 2021 RM 3,000 Paolini shocks Sabalenka as Babosa holds nerve
2. A member entitled to attend and vote 2020 RM 5,000
at this meeting is entitled to appoint at 9 VDV992 HONDA FS150FJ 2017 RM 28,000
least one proxy to attend and vote in his 2021 RM 2,500
stead. A proxy may but need not be a 10 BQN4854 HONDA WAVE ALPHA 2013 RM 14,000
member of the Company. There shall be 2011 RM 31,000
no restriction as to the qualification of 11 ALQ1685 YAMAHA Y15ZR 2015 RM 29,800
the proxy. A proxy appointed to attend 2015 RM 37,800
and vote at the meeting shall have the 12 VAB8092 NISSAN ALMERA 2017 RM 83,000
same rights as the member to speak 2012 RM 9,000
and vote at the meeting. 13 VGM5308 SYM VF31 2016 RM 14,000 WORLD No. 3 Aryna Sabalenka, the Krejcikova with an elbow injury. “I mean, the score was 6-2 for her,”
3. Where a member appoints more than 2017 RM 64,000 highest-ranked woman in the Indian Sabalenka got off to a strong start Paolina said. “I wasn’t even close to
one proxy, the appointment shall 14 WXX5198 PROTON EXORA 2003 RM 5,000 Wells WTA tournament, crashed out of her.
be invalid unless he specifies the 2019 RM 145,000 her opening match yesterday as Italian against the 46th-ranked Italian, but
proportion of his shareholdings to be 15 WMW541 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN Jasmine Paolini rallied for a 2-6, 6-3, 6- Paolini was able to capitalise on her “But then, point by point I started to
represented by each proxy. 3 triumph. struggles on serve that included 10 believe it. I started to hit better the ball,
4. The instrument appointing a proxy 16 DCT5627 NISSAN GRAND LIVINA double faults. deeper on the court.”
shall be in writing under the hand of Sabalenka was seeded second in a
the appointer or of his attorney duly 17 WB4681B NISSAN GRAND LIVINA tournament missing both world No. 1 “I mean, I’m so happy,” said Spain’s Paula Badosa kicked off her
authorised in writing or, if the appointer Ashleigh Barty and second-ranked Paolina, who notched her first career title defence with a 6-2, 7-6 (7-4)
is a corporation, under its Common 18 VAY9323 NISSAN NV350 URVAN Barbora Krejcikova. win over a top-10 player. “I played an victory over Czech Tereza Martincova.
Seal or the hand of its attorney duly amazing match.”
authorised. 19 BLW4959 PROTON PREVE Both were late withdrawals, Barty “Coming in here as defending
5. The instrument appointing a proxy must saying she hadn’t had time to prepare But Paolina admitted that after champion is never easy,” Badosa said.
be deposited at the Liquidator’s office 20 JRR7331 RENAULT FLUENCE after her Australian Open triumph and dropping the first set by a large margin, “I really wanted to do well so of course
at No. 29-2, Jalan 46A/26, Taman Sri victory was the last thing on her mind. I felt pressure.” – AFP
Rampai, 53300 Kuala Lumpur, W.P. Kuala 21 VX3947 NISSAN NP300 NAVARA
Lumpur not less than forty-eight (48)
hours before the time set for holding 22 WYH1110 BMW 735LI
the meeting or any adjournment hereof.
23 BQA4309 HOHAN ZZ4255

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PICKLES ASIA SDN BHD [1231292-D]
Lot 19391, Batu 8 ½, Jalan Klang Lama,
Taman Desaria, 46000 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

22 theSUN ON MONDAY | MARCH 14, 2022 Milan squeeze past Empoli

SPORTS ... but Morata double keeps Juve in touch with Serie A leaders

AC MILAN will stayed top of Serie A at the Bandinelli’s inswinging cross five minutes after the position in the top four as they moved just one the defender inadvertently bundled in a Juan
weekend after yesterday’s tight 1-0 win restart. point behind Napoli. Cuadrado cross in the 23rd minute, before Morata
over Empoli moved them five points converted his spot-kick 11 minutes later.
clear of the chasing pack. Then France international goalkeeper Morata put Juve two goals ahead from the
Pierre Kalulu struck the classy winner 18 Maignan had to be at his best to keep Nedim penalty spot before rounding off the scoring two Abdelhamid Sabiri pulled one back for Samp
minutes in at the San Siro when a freekick fell to Bajrami’s subsequent corner from going straight minutes from the end to send Juve into their with six minutes to go with a deflected free-kick
him just outside the area, the French defender’s in before pouncing on the ball on the rebound. Champions League decider with Villarreal in but shortly afterwards Morata headed in his fifth
first goal of the season keeping Milan’s local rivals confident mood. league goal of the season from a Manuel Locatelli
Inter at bay. However Milan held on for a precious win to cross.
make sure that they will hold top spot, at least for Massimiliano Allegri’s side host La Liga outfit
“The table has a nice look to it, but it’s virtual, another week. Villarreal in Turin on Wednesday in the second leg Morata’s second sealed a win which showed
because there are games in hand involved,” said of a last 16 tie level at 1-1. Juve are not out of the title race yet, pulling to
Milan coach Stefano Pioli. Alvaro Morata ensured Juventus extended within four points of Milan before they beat
their unbeaten run to 15 matches with a brace in a The visitors could thank Samp’s Japanese Empoli.
“We did well this evening, controlled the game 3-1 win at Sampdoria to further strengthen their international Maya Yoshida for their first goal after
and didn’t run many risks.” The Spaniard is on loan from Atletico Madrid
Juventus forward Alvaro and his future in Turin after this campaign is
Milan have had trouble with Serie A’s lesser Morata celebrates after unsure.
lights in recent weeks and yesterday’s win was far scoring during yesterday’s
from straightforward, with promoted Empoli Serie A match against “The future is not up to me. I’ll still be the
causing problems for the hosts in the second half. Sampdoria at the Luigi- biggest Juve fan even if I’m not here next season,”
Ferraris stadium in Genoa. he said to DAZN.
Aurelio Andreazzoli’s team, who sit 13th, are – AFPPIX
without a win since mid-December but went close “We will try everything we can to win the
twice in a matter of seconds shortly after the break. league title.” – AFP

First Sebastiano Luperto forced a superb save
from Mike Maignan when he got a head to Filippo

5431/2022 13/03/2022 (SUN)

2487 DrawDate:13/03/22(Sun) DrawNo:5378/22 Venue: PERAK TURF CLUB
8994
2444

1153 1057 0577 6939 3970
9477 9779 1633 8680
0142 6909 2558 2772 3443
0147 3425 8301 6219
8722 9063 5445 3410 5570

2487 8994 13,141,905.72 7721 + 7210 1781 + 8900
2487 2444 8994 2487 3935 + 0357 7219 + 9711
8994 2444 2444 2487 0668 + 5705 4158 + 2004
2444 8994 0861 + 3630 2981 + 2916
164,459.13 5597 + 5577 4265 + 3729

Atletico win ahead of Euro RM3,436,593.30
date with Red Devils
2487 3970 + 3443 3443 + 3970
3970 + 5570 5570 + 3970
8994 3443 + 5570 5570 + 3443
2444
RAT ATLETICO MADRID edged out Cadiz “Cadiz played well, they have RM165,017.50
2-1 on Friday to move into third place improved enormously since the arrival
in La Liga and earn a timely morale- of their new coach but we continue to 303 970 + GOAT RM1,573,333.30
boost ahead of their Champions build the spirit that this team needs to
79475 League trip to Manchester United next stay competitive.” 503 443 + MONKEY RM3,115,381.20
9475 week.
69260 475 Portugal’s Joao Felix gave Atletico 135 570 + RABBIT RM1,130,000.00
59147 75 Diego Simeone’s team are three the perfect start when he opened the
points ahead of Barcelona who host scoring in just the third minute from a
500967 Osasuna overnight but 12 points back pass by Mario Ledesma. 957 721 687 210 851 781 798 900
from leaders Real Madrid. Real also 743 935 630 357 377 219 559 711
50096 00967 have a game in hand. However, 36-year-old striker Alvaro 750 668 005 705 164 158 562 004
5009 0967 Negredo headed Cadiz level just 200 861 903 630 492 981 262 916
500 967 On Wednesday, Atletico go to Old before half-time. 545 597 545 577 024 265 353 729
50 67 Trafford for a Champions League last
16 tie which is delicately poised at 1-1 Rodrigo de Paul sealed the win in
after the first leg in Spain last month. the 68th minute.

“We had the character to get the “As the season gets closer to the
result after a first half where we could end every game will be more difficult
have done better,“ said Simeone. because every team will be playing for
something. It was a tough match but
“But without a doubt, the most we kept it together and got three very
important thing is still the victory, important points,” De Paul told
especially at this time. reporters. – AFP/Agencies

17 29 38 43 56 57 Bayern drop more points 970 443 570
68,128,122.81
BAYERN MUNICH were held to a and one by Lewandowski ruled out RM725,988.10
4 26 36 39 43 49 frustrating 1-1 draw at Hoffenheim before Serge Gnabry struck the post. 970 + 443 + 570 443 + 570 + 970
11,142,266.09 yesterday as the runaway Bundesliga 970 + 570 + 443 570 + 970 + 443
leaders had three goals disallowed and “We had a few more chances and at 443 + 970 + 570 570 + 443 + 970
23 26 36 37 39 48 44 also hit the post. the end it was disappointing not to
8,007,433.82 travel home with three points,“ admitted dmcGO: Refer more friends and
100,000.00 “Luck wasn’t on our side,“ bemoaned Neuer. earn more rewards!
captain Manuel Neuer.
Toto 4D Jackpot 2 Bayern are ten points clear in the
Having also been held at home by Bundesliga, but second-placed
RM156,263 Leverkusen the previous weekend, Dortmund, who are home to Bielefeld on
Toto 4D Jackpot 2 (i-System) Bayern have now drawn their last two Sunday, have two games in hand.
RM6,649 league games.
It was a frustrating return to Sinsheim
won on 12/03/2022 ! Christoph Baumgartner gave for Munich coach Julian Nagelsmann,
Hoffenheim a deserved lead before who spent nine years with Hoffenheim,
Robert Lewandowski levelled on the three as head coach.
stroke of half-time in Sinsheim with a
record-equalling 17th away goal this “I am pleased with the overall
season. performance, especially as we had goals
ruled offside which were marginal, even
It was a tough afternoon for Bayern if we only took a point,“ said
who had two goals by Thomas Muller Nagelsmann.

FOLLOW ON YOUTUBE SCAN

/theSunMedia ME 23theSUN ON MONDAY | MARCH 14, 2022
* SPORTS

RESULTS & STANDINGS

More misery for the BluesENGLISHPREMIERLEAGUE
Brentford 2 (Toney 85, 90-pen) Burnley 0,
Brighton 0 Liverpool 2 (Diaz 19, Salah 61-
pen), Manchester United 3 (Ronaldo 12, Abramovich disqualified, Chelsea lose another sponsor as Tuchel ponders future
38, 81) Tottenham 2 (Kane 35-pen, Maguire ROMAN Abramovich has been
72-og). disqualified as a director of Chelsea, partner” since 2018, have now pulled the Boehly, Chicago Cubs owner Tom Ricketts
P W D L F A Pts the Premier League have plug. and British property tycoon Nick Candy.
confirmed.
Man City 28 22 3 3 68 18 69 Travel company Trivago took a different Chelsea cannot currently sell any new
approach, deciding to stick by Chelsea, while tickets, leaving fans without season tickets or
Liverpool 28 20 6 2 73 20 66 The UK government brought sanctions “looking forward to a transition of pre-purchased tickets unable to attend

Chelsea 27 16 8 3 56 19 56 against the owner last week over his alleged ownership”. future matches.

Man Utd 29 14 8 7 48 40 50 links to Russian president Vladimir Putin The disqualification of an owner by the They also cannot sell any merchandise,

Arsenal 25 15 3 7 41 29 48 amid the ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Premier League would normally trigger the including new match programmes, meaning
West Ham 28 13 6 9 46 35 45
Despite Abramovich’s assets being frozen, sale of their shareholding. vendors will not have been able to work their
Tottenham 27 14 3 10 42 35 45 Chelsea were handed a new licence to However, Abramovich had already shifts in yesterday’s Premier League clash

Wolves 28 13 4 11 28 23 43 continue “football-related activities” and are publicly announced his intention to sell the against Newcastle at Stamford Bridge.

Aston Villa 27 11 3 13 40 37 36 in negotiations with the government to club and a process has begun with bidders Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel ominously

Southampton28 8 11 9 35 43 35 amend some aspects of it. told to press on with submissions. insisted he cannot “predict the future” when

Crystal Palace 28 7 12 9 39 38 33 Following the government’s decision, New York merchant the Raine Group has asked if his future remains at Stamford
front of shirt sponsor Three announced they assessed the terms of the licence handed out Bridge amid the club’s chaotic situation.
Leicester 25 9 6 10 40 43 33 would suspend its £40 million (RM224m) to Chelsea and agreed a route forward for the Asked if he was ready for the challenge of
Brighton 28 7 12 9 26 34 33 deal with the club. sale with the government.
Newcastle 27 7 10 10 32 47 31 managing a club thrust suddenly into crisis,
Brentford 29 8 6 15 32 45 30 Kit manufacturer Nike and training kit The green light means Chelsea’s suitors the former Borussia Dortmund and Paris
Leeds 28 5 8 15 29 64 23 sponsor Trivago have so far opted to stand by can again push forward with their bids with a Saint-Germain head coach said: “Let’s see,
Everton 25 6 4 15 28 46 22 the club, but Hyundai, who have been number understood to be interested let’s see.” – The Independent/AFP/Express
Burnley 27 3 12 12 22 38 21 Chelsea’s “official global automotive including LA Dodgers part-owner Todd Newspapers

Watford 28 5 4 19 27 54 19

Norwich 28 4 5 19 17 61 17

CHAMPIONSHIP
Barnsley 1 Fulham 1, Birmingham 0 Hull 0,
Blackburn 0 Bristol City 1, Blackpool 1
Swansea 0, Bournemouth 2 Derby 0,
Cardiff 0 Preston 0, Coventry 4 Sheffield
United 1, Millwall 0 Middlesbrough 0,
Nottingham Forest 4 Reading 0, Peterbor-
ough 2 Stoke 2.
(Top 6) P W D L F A Pts

Fulham 36 23 8 5 90 31 77

Bournemouth34 19 8 7 55 30 65

Huddersfield 37 17 12 8 51 38 63

Blackburn 37 16 10 11 46 37 58 Andrew Hughes of
Preston North End
Sheff Utd 36 16 9 11 50 40 57 holds off Cardiff
City’s Uche Ikpeazu
Luton 35 16 9 10 48 39 57 (right) during
yesterday’s English
LA LIGA Championship
Levante 1 (Gomez 80) Espanyol 1 (Puado match at the Cardiff
50), Granada 0 Elche 1 (Fidel 11), Villar- City stadium. –
real 1 (Parejo 64) Celta Vigo 0, Getafe 0 WALESONLINE
Valencia 0.
(Top 6) P W D L F A Pts

Real Madrid 27 19 6 2 56 21 63

Sevilla 27 15 10 2 39 18 55 Fulham held at lowly Barnsley

Atletico 28 15 6 7 52 36 51

Barcelona 26 13 9 4 48 29 48

Real Betis 27 14 4 9 49 35 46

Villarreal 28 12 9 7 48 26 45 HARRY Wilson rescued Fulham as the Blackburn blew their chance to put
Wales midfielder’s late goal earned the pressure on the automatic promotion
SERIE Championship leaders a 1-1 draw at places as Andreas Weimann grabbed a
AC Milan 1 (Kalulu 19) Empoli 0, Salerni- struggling Barnsley yesterday. dramatic stoppage-time winner in Bristol
tana 2 (Bonazzoli 8, Djuric 81) Sassuolo 2 City’s 1-0 victory at Ewood Park.
(Scamacca 20, Traore 30), Spezia 2 (Erlic 55, Wilson hit an 86th-minute equaliser
Manaj 74) Cagliari 0, Sampdoria 1 (Sabiri for the Cottagers after Barnsley took a Keinan Davis opened the scoring after
84) Juventus 3 (Yoshida 23-og, Morata 34- shock 44th-minute lead through Carlton just 17 seconds to set Nottingham Forest
pen, 88). Morris’s penalty. on course for a 4-0 win over struggling
(Top 6) P W D L F A Pts Reading at the City Ground.
Marco Silva’s side could have taken all
AC Milan 29 19 6 4 55 29 63 three points when Wilson met Fabio Cardiff City and Preston North End
Carvalho’s cross with a back-post header could not be separated as they played out
Inter Milan 27 17 7 3 60 22 58 that flashed agonisingly wide of the a stalemate in a contest of few chances in
target. the Welsh capital.
Napoli 28 17 6 5 49 20 57
Fulham are still odds-on to secure an “It was a 0-0 game, it had 0-0 written
Juventus 29 16 8 5 45 26 56 immediate return to the Premier League all over from about the first five minutes
as they sit 12 points clear of second- of the game,” Cardiff City boss Steve
Atalanta 27 13 8 6 50 31 47 placed Bournemouth. Morison told BBC Sport Wales.

Roma 28 14 5 9 46 34 47 Goals from Dominic Solanke and “You are hoping for one moment and
Jamal Lowe saw Bournemouth end a run not to concede a goal. I shook hands with
BUNDESLIGA of two games without a win as they beat their manager at the end of the game and
Union Berlin 1 VfB Stuttgart 1, Freiburg 3 lowly Derby 2-0 at Dean Court. we said ‘that was boring wasn’t it?’
VfL Wolfsburg 2, Hoffenheim 1 Bayern
Munich 1, Borussia Moenchengladbach 2 Solanke’s effort in first-half stoppage “But it’s a point in the right direction.
Hertha Berlin 0. time put Bournemouth in front and Lowe We would have lost that game a few
(Top 6) P W D L F A Pts bagged the second in the final moments. months ago.” – AFP/Agencies

B.Munich 26 19 3 4 77 28 60 Klopp concerned about Salah injury

Dortmund 24 16 2 6 64 37 50

Leverkusen 25 13 6 6 64 40 45

Freiburg 26 12 8 6 43 29 44 JURGEN Klopp admits “something is not trip to Arsenal on Wednesday.
100% right” about Mohamed Salah after “We will see, he thinks it’s not serious,”
Hoffenheim 26 13 5 8 49 37 44 the Liverpool star went off injured
against Brighton. Klopp told BT Sport. “But you see when
RB Leipzig 25 12 5 8 51 29 41 Salah is sitting down, something is not
The striker scored from the penalty 100% right.
FRENCH LIGUE 1 spot to secure a 2-0 victory for the Reds
Montpellier 0 Nice 0, Troyes 1 Nantes 0. on the south coast and cut Man City’s “When he hit the ball and it got
(Top 5) PWD L F A Pts lead at the top of the Premier League to blocked, ,I think the foot got slightly
62 just three points. overstretched, let’s see.”
Paris SG 27 19 5 3 56 24 50
47 But the 29-year-old went down hurt Losing Salah would be a significant
Nice 28 15 6 7 38 21 46 and was substituted for Diogo Jota, blow for Klopp, given that the Egytian
44 leaving Klopp nervously awaiting an forward reached 20 Premier League
Marseille 27 13 8 6 39 25 update in the coming days ahead of a goals for the season on Saturday. – The
Independent
Rennes 27 14 4 9 53 25

Strasbourg 27 12 8 7 49 32

MONDAY • MARCH 14, 2022 QUOTE OF THE DAY

Maybe it’s better to jump on the
city bus rather than the simulator before the
race to get the preparation done... The cars
now are different. The first thing that
stands out is the weight.“

Aston Martin’s four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel

Klopp only interested in three points after Liverpool down Brighton

JURGEN KLOPP believes Liverpool deserved needed a few minutes to get into the game. about most of the things.” were unable to add to their poor tally of one
the three points after their 2-0 win at Brighton, From the moment when we got into the game, Diaz was fortunately able to get to his feet goal in their last five matches.
which lifted them to within touching distance of we controlled it in a really good way,” Klopp said. and continue on the field in the aftermath of the When asked about the incident between
Manchester City at the summit of the Premier “I don’t think you can deny Brighton goal, but Klopp believes it highlighted problems Salah and Diaz, Brighton manager Graham
League. constantly and completely because of the with the review system. Potter said: “I haven’t seen it back, my view or
The Seagulls had fought back from two goals quality that they have, but we tried well and “I haven’t seen it back but it’s a very good feeling really – because it was so quick – was
behind to force a draw at Anfield in October but scored a wonderful goal in a really good example of the issues with VAR. The phrase ‘clear that it was a top action from Liverpool and it
were unable to launch a similar comeback this situation, could have scored more, good and obvious’ is a real problem,” the Liverpool was a great pass and a great run that was just
time around. chances from open play situations or from boss continued. too good for us and we mistimed it and then
Luis Diaz opened Liverpool’s account with a counter-attacking moments, so both. “Because the phrase ‘clear and obvious’ is not when that happens it’s a foul.”
header that saw him receive a heavy blow from “Second half started with a good situation for wrong or right – nobody should feel like On the game itself, he added: “I thought we
goalkeeper Robert Sanchez in the process. Brighton but then after that we controlled it overturning somebody if the VAR is the team of responded second half and started again, had a
However the subsequent VAR review ruled there again, scored a second goal, then in the last two the refs and not somebody from outside who go, but the quality of the opponent is high, we
was no red card for the goalkeeper. minutes they had a chance that was big but Ali thinks he might embarrass the ref because it’s find ourselves 2-0 down with the penalty.
Mohamed Salah’s second-half penalty put (Alisson Becker) is a world-class goalie, and he his decision… it would help as well. “I don’t think there was so much in the game
the game beyond the hosts, as the Egyptian should not have to show it in each game, but he “There’s a lot to do for us today, (a) great at that point, but then we have to respond and I
forward recorded 20 goals a season for the showed it again. That’s good and that’s why we goal but in general there is a lot of space for thought we did.
fourth time in his five years at the Merseyside have a clean sheet. improvement, for sure.” “I thought we finished the game really
club. “I think we deserved the three points and Brighton’s poor run of form continued as strong, the boys gave everything – it’s just the
that’s actually all I’m interested in and I’m happy they slipped to a fifth defeat in a row – and they opponent was better.” – The Independent
‘Let’s go, Devils!’“(Itwasa)difficultgame,goodopponent,

Ronaldo back with a bang and sees ‘no limits’ after United beat Tottenham

Cristiano Ronaldo █ SIMON PEACH exactly the kind of reaction that we
celebrates scoring expected to show after the poor second
Manchester United’s CRISTIANO RONALDO says half at the Etihad (Stadium). And coming
third goal with there are “no limits” for back after two equalisers showed also
teammates during Manchester United, with the mentality of the team today.”
yesterday’s English interim manager Ralf Rangnick
Premier League heaping praise on the hattrick hero after Rangnick added: “We were just joking
match against he spearheaded yesterday’s thrilling 3-2 a little bit, maybe it makes sense to send
Tottenham Hotspur win against Tottenham. him to Portugal for three days, then have
at Old Trafford. him not train for two days and then have
– REUTERSPIX Old Trafford played host to a key him back in training on Thursday.
encounter in the top-four race yesterday,
which the Red Devils boss admitted they “By the way, he performed on a
had to win to keep their Champions similar kind of level on Thursday in
League qualification hopes alive training. That’s why I decided after that
following the previous weekend’s training session, although he had been
chastening loss at Manchester City. out for a week, to play him from the start.

Ronaldo missed that match with a hip “Maybe we have to do that for the rest
flexor complaint and raised eyebrows by of the season!”
returning to Portugal, but the frontman
returned with a bang yesterday and The defeat was a blow to Tottenham’s
opened the scoring with an early 25-yard hopes of Champions League
stunner. qualification and Antonio Conte was full
of praise for match-winner Ronaldo.
Harry Kane levelled from the penalty
spot but the 37-year-old put United back “It was an amazing performance from
ahead at halftime, before completing his Cristiano,” he said. “Unfortunately I
hattrick and sealing a dramatic 3-2 win know him very well so it wasn’t a
after Harry Maguire’s own goal had surprise for me.
drawn Spurs level once again.
“We are talking about a player with
“Tremendously happy with my first (Lionel) Messi who are the best players
hattrick since I came back to Old in the world in my opinion.
Trafford!” Ronaldo wrote on Instagram
after his first Premier League treble since “We are talking about a player who is
January 2008 against Newcastle. decisive and in that moment the team
needed him, he’s always present.
“Nothing beats the feeling of being
back on the pitch and help the team with “I remember very well also in the
goals and effort. Champions League group he was
decisive for them to go through to the
“We’ve proven once again that we can next round. He’s a player that feels this
beat any team in any given day, as long type of game and then he becomes
as we work hard and stand together as Cristiano Ronaldo, and we can see a
one. fantastic player.

“There are no limits for Man. United! “For sure a great compliment to him
No matter what! Let’s go, Devils!” because to arrive at his age with his form,
with his mentality, with his desire to win,
Rangnick was in awe at Ronaldo’s you have to do only great compliments to
display – and joked the United star your opponent.”
should go back to Portugal more often.
That praise came with a large dollop
“He made the difference for sure with of frustration at a game Conte felt his side
his three goals – but not only because of should have taken something from.
the three goals,” the interim United boss
said. “You can see what they’re doing on
the pitch but in this process you need
“That was the best performance from time and patience and then try to do this
him, at least since I arrived, on and off but I want to push my players, because
the ball. our ambition has to be to stay very close
to the top four,” he added. – The
“I think the whole team showed Independent

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