The Sun Daily - 23 August 2023

PETALING JAYA: The automotive industry has experienced a dramatic boost in recent times. Once plagued by low sales and uncertainty, car dealerships are now enjoying unprecedented growth. The Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) said motor vehicle sales in the country in the first half of the year increased by 10.3% compared with the previous year, reaching a total of 366,037 units. This follows the record breaking sales achieved in 2022, with a total of 720,658 units. One notable player in the industry is national carmaker Proton, which has achieved four consecutive months of year-on-year sales growth in 2023. In April alone, Proton sold 9,415 units, marking a 6.5% increase from the same month last year. Its deputy CEO Roslan Abdullah said: “The Proton X50 remained the best-selling B-segment SUV, while the Proton Persona retained overall leadership for the B-segment sedan market. “The company’s export sales also saw significant growth, with 187 units shipped in April.” Meanwhile, UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd, a non-national carmaker, also achieved impressive sales figures, with a total of 101,035 vehicles sold in 2022. The 40% increase from the previous year established Toyota as the leading nonnational brand in Malaysia. Commenting on the high sales trend in motor vehicles, Malaysian Institute of Economic Research senior research fellow Dr Shankaran Nambiar said it would potentially contribute to the country’s economy. “As the country reopened after Covid-19, there was increased demand for various goods, including cars. The release of new car models with innovative features has attracted more consumers to make car purchases. “The improved economic conditions and positive expectations regarding income, employment and wages have led to higher demand for cars, benefitting the automobile and supporting sectors.” He said the electric vehicle (EV) market in INSIDE oDemand for automobiles accelerates post-Covid, with Proton recording 6.5% increase in April alone █ BYSIVANISVARRY MORHAN [email protected] TELLING IT AS IT IS ON WEDNESDAY AUGUST 23, 2023 No. 8336 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) www.thesundaily.my Govt never sidelined M40 to help B40: PM KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government has never neglected the M40 group, and allegations by certain parties that the government’s approach was more focused on the B40 group to the extent of neglecting the middle-income group are untrue. “We have taken several approaches, but to say that we gave more to the B40 is not true. For example, just look at all science schools or MRSM (Mara Junior Science College), including the Malay College and other institutions. The poorest group that benefitted from it is very small, not even 1% or 2%. “That’s why I proposed to the education minister to have a new type of school specifically for children of the poorest group, or allocate 1% to 5% of the quota (in the existing schools) to the poorest group. Or else, the disparity will continue to exist,” he said at the iTekad Networking event at Sasana Kijang yesterday. On meritocracy in education, Anwar said: “If we want to talk about meritocracy between the best schools in Kuala Lumpur and schools in Kapit, Sarawak, it’s like talking about a formula that does not emphasise on fairness. “On one hand, there are proponents of meritocracy and on the other, there are proponents of the quota system (for bumiputera). I think the two should be combined,” he said. Anwar, who is also finance minister, urged relevant ministries, banks and the elite to reach out to the lower-level groups who have different perspectives and concerns on this matter, Bernama reported. “Sometimes, I’m worried. We have been independent for so long and we are mature now, but our discourse is divided into two and disconnected between the elite and the lowerlevel groups. When they (lower-level groups) feel neglected and marginalised, they will turn to narrow issues of race and religion because the elite do not empathise with them,” he added. Malaysia also experienced significant growth, as consumers appreciate its green technology and sustainability features, adding that the growth of the EV market also presents opportunities for the country’s automotive industry. BYD SD Motors Malaysia (official distributor for China carmaker BYD) recorded bookings for 1,000 vehicles within the first 10 days of launching its BYD Atto 3 EV in December last year. One reason for the huge interest in BYD EVs is the fact that its blade batteries are being used in Tesla’s Model Y electric crossovers produced at the Berlin gigafactory, resulting in a significant increase in charging speeds. But BYD is not the only Chinese carmaker making waves in the country. Another EV, the Ora Good Cat manufactured by Great Wall Motor and distributed in Malaysia by Great Wall Motor Sales Malaysia Sdn Bhd, is also attracting much interest. Turn to — page 3 RETURNING HOME ... Former Thai prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra with her brother Thaksin on a flight yesterday headed for Thailand, where he was arrested upon arrival. – REUTERSPIC Full story on hpage 6 Car sales boom Crashed plane black box 2 sent to US page Rid Islam of political taint, 3 say experts page

2 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | AUGUST 23, 2023 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS READ OUR HERE /thesundaily SCAN ME Elmina crash: Cockpit audio data to be extracted in US KUALA LUMPUR: The cockpit voice recorder (CVR) of the aircraft that crashed at the Guthrie Corridor Expressway near Elmina West in Shah Alam last Thursday will be sent to its manufacturer in Florida, United States to retrieve the last 30 minutes of its audio data for analysis. Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the CVR was initially sent for analysis at a laboratory in Singapore last Saturday but some technical issues and limitations prevented the retrieval of the audio recording. “The Air Accident Investigation Bureau chief will return to Kuala Lumpur and brief me. We will try as soon as possible to send it to Florida. “To answer the question of what happened, we have to seek assistance from external parties, and my priority is to provide answers to the families of the victims and the public as quickly as possible,” said Loke at a media oTechnical issues and limitations prevented retrieval of voice recorder contents in Singapore where it was first sent, says transport minister conference after the launch of the Malaysian Aviation Safety seminar yesterday. On Monday, Loke said the bureau had faced difficulties in retrieving data from the charred CVR, whose memory puck was still intact. He had said experts in Singapore would retrieve data from the final 30 minutes of voice recording captured in the memory puck before the crash happened, Bernama reported. He added that the full report on the crash involving the Beechcraft Model 390 (Premier 1) plane could take up to a year to be completed, but based on international guidelines, a preliminary report would be issued within a month from the date of the incident. On the role of the Transport Ministry when an air accident occurs, Loke said the investigation of the incident no longer falls under the responsibility of the police or the Home Ministry but comes under the job scope of the Air Accident Investigation Bureau, which is under the ministry. “It’s not the case of interfering, it’s about the responsibility for human lives and safety. I want to clarify that matters involving air accidents are under the bureau and it reports directly to the transport minister. That’s how it’s structured in our aviation administration.” On the seminar, themed “Promoting Unified Aviation Safety Across the Region”, Loke said he hoped it would provide some recommendations on aviation safety to the government. “We are hoping that they (seminar participants) can share ideas and come up with one or two resolutions that can be applied. But any adoption of safety standards must be guided by International Civil Aviation Organisation standards.” The Beechcraft 390 Premier 1 aircraft flying from Langkawi to Subang crashed onto the Guthrie Corridor Expressway at about 2.50pm on Aug 17, killing all eight on board, including Pahang state executive councillor Datuk Seri Johari Harun. An e-hailing driver and a p-hailing rider on the highway were also killed. SCRUMPTIOUS ... The prime minister’s wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail sampling cookies at a Merdeka Madani sales and exhibition event organised by Puspanita in Putrajaya yesterday. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN Ministry probing alleged bullying case SHAH ALAM: The Education Ministry is conducting a thorough investigation into a complaint about a differently abled student who was allegedly bullied by her teacher in school. Its minister Fadhlina Sidek said all parties, including the school involved, have been identified and various quarters have been enlisted to ensure the issue is reviewed comprehensively. “InsyaAllah we will deal with it according to our work processes. The case is under investigation and we will ensure that the process goes smoothly,” she said after the launch of the ministry’s Malaysian Education Development Plan 2013-2025 Annual Report for 2022 yesterday. On Monday, local media reported that a differently abled student under the Special Education Integrated Programme at a school was traumatised after she was allegedly bullied by a female teacher. Fadhlina urged the public to use all available channels such as the Public Complaint Management System and the ministry’s social media platform to submit complaints about bullying cases or other general matters. “We want to invite the community to use the proper channels so that we can deal with all issues more efficiently and effectively, based on our processes and workflow.” On another matter regarding complaints from parents that the current school syllabus is difficult for students to master, Fadhlina said the ministry views the issue seriously. “An engagement session on the school curriculum will be held. It will involve all parties in preparation for the change to a new syllabus, which is usually made every 10 years. The new syllabus will be implemented in 2027.” She said parents should realise that only 5% of questions at school require high-level thinking skills. “We have to be fair because there are some children who have slightly higher skills than others, so 5% of the questions are for those who have high-level thinking skills, while the other questions can be mastered according to age.” – Bernama RM6m boost for iTekad KUALA LUMPUR: The government will increase its allocation for the iTekad social financing programme by RM6 million to assist micro, small and medium enterprises, especially those run by individuals in the B40 group. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this would bring the overall iTekad aid for this year to RM10 million, up from the RM4 million allocated in Budget 2023. He said the government is committed to eradicating national poverty and bridging the gap between the rich and the poor. “When (iTekad) becomes a success with the Finance Ministry’s initial funding of RM4 million, assuming more (bank participation) and additional funds from Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), I will increase the amount from RM4 million to RM10 million for this year,” he said during the iTekad collaboration ceremony yesterday. iTekad is a patron programme created by BNM to help low-income micro entrepreneurs to strengthen financial management and business intelligence to generate continuous income. Each iTekad programme combines the provision of business assets financed by social finance instruments – including donations, social impact investments, zakat and cash waqf – with microfinance, along with structured financial and business training. Anwar also called on more banking institutions in Malaysia to join the initiative. “To date, only 11 banks are participating in the iTekad programme, and I hope in the next few months, the figure will reach 20 banking institutions.” – Bernama Mandatory use of IRB e-Services PUTRAJAYA: The Inland Revenue Board (IRB) is mandating the use of e-Services for taxation through the MyTax portal in stages from Sept 1 this year, to empower the digitalisation of the public service delivery system. IRB said the mandatory use of e-Services is in line with the government’s aspiration to gradually increase the number of fully online services, with the transition expected to be completed by Jan 1. “IRB also advises taxpayers to switch to End-to-End services for all transactions, including utilising the provided online payment methods, to ensure that all recorded transactions are secure and organised.” The list of mandatory e-Services and their descriptions can be accessed at h t t p s : / / w w w . h a s i l . g o v. m y / e - perkhidmatan/. – Bernama Offer of expertise to City Hall KUALA LUMPUR: Persatuan Bekas Pegawai Kanan Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur is ready to act as a think-tank to provide expertise and ideas to Kuala Lumpur City Hall free of charge. Its president Tan Sri Mhd Amin Nordin Abdul Aziz said the collaboration serves to help realise the vision of Kuala Lumpur as a city for all by 2040, in addition to ensuring the efficiency of the city’s governance system. “As City Hall former employees, executives, including engineers, architects, accountants and so on, we are ready to contribute for City Hall’s benefit. “Mayor Datuk Kamarulzaman Mat Salleh has also been briefed on the matter and has agreed to seek the association’s assistance,” he said at the “Big Breakfast” event at Perdana Botanical Gardens yesterday. The event was held to strengthen friendships among former City Hall officers. – Bernama 2,600 cops for Merdeka event KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 2,666 police personnel will be on duty during the National Day celebration to be held in Putrajaya on Aug 31. Bukit Aman deputy director of management (administration) DCP Gilberd Philip Layang said this is to ensure the safety of attendees and public order as well as to manage traffic flow. “A total of 1,560 personnel will be involved in the National Day parade, including from the General Operations Force, marine police and the VAT 69 Commando special forces team. “Animal assets from the mounted unit of the Federal Reserve Unit and the Royal Malaysia Police K9 Unit will also participate in the parade.” – Bernama

3 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | AUGUST 23, 2023 KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s commitment to ensure that Islam continues to be upheld as the religion of the federation needs to include efforts to clean the image of the religion from the political lens, said Turath al-Mustanir Academy of Thought Du`at Falah head Ahmad Faiz Mohd Khalil. He said one of the main things that must be done is to see Islam not only held in high esteem but also respected by other religions. “We need to raise the image of Islam to other communities in Malaysia, to correct wrong perceptions and show the image of an ideal religion, Islam that is free from any parties with a vested interest.” Ahmad Faiz added that the essence of politics in Islam focuses on an administration that can safeguard the welfare and well-being of the people and the country. He said it included the need to appoint Muslim leaders with integrity and competence, apart from developing a national policy that celebrates all levels of society regardless of race, religion or social status, Bernama reported. “What is happening now is that there are those who play politics with the concept of Machiavelli (lacking morals), to subjugate the opponent with whatever tricks available to the extent that they ignore moral values and even make their party and group the absolute owners of Islam. “Labelling other people with vile words is an example of politics that we must separate from religion. Some groups do such things and then wrap it in a religious package, which will damage the image of Islam as a holy religion of Allah.” Last Saturday, Anwar said he will ensure that Islam continues to be upheld as the religion of the federation, apart from providing sufficient allocation for the organisation of Islamic knowledge programmes. He also said every non-Muslim citizen’s rights would be preserved and they would always be treated with respect and have a comfortable life. Ahmad Faiz said Anwar’s statement to uphold Islam is clear evidence to refute the claims of a few parties that its position as the religion of the federation is under threat. Meanwhile, International Islamic University Malaysia senior lecturer Dr Abu Hafiz Salleh Hudin proposed that the unity government focus on purifying the understanding of Islam and countering extremist beliefs. He said the government should reject extremism, whether among religious figures, leaders or ordinary citizens. On whether existing syariah crime-related laws need improvement to uphold the status of Islam, Abu Hafiz said the syariah court system, including the expertise of judges, prosecution and crime investigation, needs to be strengthened. “Increasing syariah crime penalties would fail to achieve its objective if judicial technicalities in the syariah courts are not given prior attention or are not on par with civil courts,” he said. ‘Weaker economy may reduce momentum’ MAA president Datuk Aishah Ahmad said the sales of EVs increased from 274 units in 2021 to 2,631 in 2022, representing an 860% growth. “This growth can be attributed to the introduction of new EV models and the continuation of tax incentives for EVs. This year, the association expects sales volume to surpass that of last year.” However, Shankaran said with an economic growth rate of 2.9% in the second quarter of this year, he predicts a moderation in vehicle sales in the upcoming months. “As we enter the third quarter of the year, expectations for growth are not very strong. The upcoming months may see less robust growth, leading to a decrease in demand for cars. “For now, the automotive industry in the country is witnessing a remarkable recovery, with increased car sales benefitting the economy and supporting sectors. “But challenges such as a weaker economy, potential strain on infrastructure, and the need for proper safety measures have to be addressed to prevent a negative impact on motor vehicle sales moving forward.” ‘Rid Islam of political taint’ oGovt must appoint Muslim leaders with integrity, reject extremism at all levels: Experts Move to promote Rukun Negara preamble PUTRAJAYA: The Information Department, Broadcasting Department and the National News Agency have been told to create awareness among the public on the preamble of the Rukun Negara. Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil said on Monday there was a need for Malaysians to understand the introduction section of the pledge. “This preamble is not new, it has been there since the Rukun Negara was introduced, but we do not say it out,” he said, adding that during his younger days, only the five principles were recited. The Rukun Negara, introduced following the May 13, 1969 incident, was formed with the main purpose of creating unity. Through the Rukun Negara, Malaysia nurtures the ambitions of achieving and fostering better unity among society, preserving a democratic way of life, creating a just society in which the prosperity of the country can be enjoyed together fairly and equitably, ensuring a liberal approach towards the rich and varied cultural traditions and building a progressive society that will make use of science and modern technology. On Aug 13, National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said the recitation of the Rukun Negara in schools and official government events has been coordinated, starting with the full reading of the preamble and followed by the five principles, to instil loyalty and love for the country. Meanwhile, Fahmi said he, Aaron and Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek would look into having the “Instilling the Spirit of Loyalty to the King and Country” programme that was held in Perak recently implemented as a national-level initiative. He said the programme, which included oratory and choral competitions for secondary and primary school students, was a good move as it could help make the public understand, love and appreciate the royal institution as the umbrella of the country’s administration. “I see the efforts at the state level (Perak) are very good in creating an atmosphere that instils love for the royal institution among young people and students, which we should emulate,” he added. – Bernama 17,000 to participate in Merdeka parade KUALA LUMPUR: About 17,000 people will take part in the National Day 2023 parade in Putrajaya on Aug 31. Communications and Digital Ministry senior undersecretary (management) Mazlan Abd Mutalib said the parade would comprise 10 components, namely Nationhood, Unity, Malaysia Madani, Economy, Banking, Telecommunication, Creative Industry, Community, National Sports and National Welfare and Security. “The preparation takes four months. We already started in April after Hari Raya,” he said when appearing as a guest on Bernama TV’s Apa Khabar Malaysia programme yesterday. Mazlan said 30 marching bands involving schools, departments and the Armed Forces would enliven the National Day celebrations, themed “Malaysia Madani: Tekad Perpaduan Penuhi Harapan”. “This time, there will be 516 vehicle assets from the Armed Forces and police,” he said. Mazlan added that several artistes from different ethnic backgrounds would perform the song Kurik Kundi, popularised by Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin. He said visitors would also witness a skydiving performance by six VAT69 commandos carrying the Jalur Gemilang, who will land in front of the Palace of Justice. – Bernama ‘Batik Thursdays’ for civil servants PUTRAJAYA: All civil servants are required to wear Malaysian batik on Thursdays, while the attire is encouraged on other days. The directive, effective yesterday, was stated in a “Service Circular on the Wearing of Malaysian Batik Attire During Working Hours for Federal Public Service Officers”, dated Aug 21 and signed by Public Service Department (PSD) Director-General Datuk Dr Zulkapli Mohamed. According to the circular, the directive does not apply to officers who are provided with uniforms, or who are attending official ceremonies with specific dress codes. “The use of Malaysian batik by civil service officers has been implemented since 1985. “To continue supporting the Malaysian batik industry, and to ensure that it remains a heritage and a symbol of Malaysian identity, all public officials are required to wear Malaysian batik every Thursday and are encouraged to wear it on other working days,” read the circular, which was shared on the PSD official Facebook page yesterday. The circular was also distributed to all state civil services, statutory bodies and local authorities. – Bernama From front page SHOW OF SKILL ... Royal Military College trainees in Malacca demonstrating the right way to wield automatic rifles during an exhibition at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Durian Tunggal yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

4 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | AUGUST 23, 2023 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS Or download app on the AppStore or Google Play ENJOY A SEAMLESS READING EXPERIENCE. Read our iPaper at https://www.thesundaily.my/ @thesundaily FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM SCAN ME Whooping cough safety measures KUALA LUMPUR: Individuals diagnosed with pertussis, or whooping cough, should be isolated or placed under quarantine to prevent its spread in the community, especially among children. Universiti Putra Malaysia epidemiologist Prof Madya Dr Malina Osman said children aged below 12 are at risk of contracting the disease, and the symptoms are more severe among those under the age of five. He was commenting on recent incidents of pertussis in Rompin, Pahang, where three people had contracted the disease. They have been treated and are in stable condition, he added. Malina said: “The risk of contracting the disease is higher among children who have yet to receive the pertussis vaccine. Children, who have not been vaccinated, are advised not to be exposed to risky environments for five days and up to 21 days. “Whooping cough typically takes one to two weeks to develop after a person is exposed to the source of infection, and it has three phases. “Initially, the patient will experience fever, followed by persistent cold symptoms and then a severe, recurring cough that makes it difficult to breathe. “This would lead to a high pitch sound when coughing,” she said. Instead of coughing, infected infants will show signs of weakness and may suddenly turn blue due to breathing problems. “Children may also experience apnea, which causes them to suddenly stop breathing. If it happens frequently it could lead to death,” she said. Prof Madya Dr Shamsul Bahari Shamsudin from Universiti Malaysia Sabah said besides using quarantine to curb the spread of the disease, another approach is to allow those infected to work from home. “The approach should be adopted at the industry level when workers are found to have respiratory tract symptoms to prevent the spread of the disease, especially to individuals with low immunity. “Any respiratory illness should be taken seriously. Those who feel unwell, have a fever, cough, flu or exhibit symptoms related to pertussis should avoid having direct contact with others,” he said. – Bernama Passion for Nyonya embroidery KUALA LUMPUR: Among ethnologist, Dr David Neo’s many prized possessions of Peranakan Baba Nyonya heritage is his collection of Nyonya embroidery. His living room looks like a museum filled with Baba Nyonya heritage pieces such as a lacquered long chair inlaid with mother-ofpearl. On a table lies his collection of kebaya and handkerchiefs, replete with Nyonya embroidery, as well as design tracings from the 1950s. Intricate embroidery adorns the kebaya and handkerchiefs with some of the designs being simple and others more complicated, Bernama reported “So you can see the sulaman (embroidery) and how fine it is. It’s very old and it’s not like the ones you get today, which is very generic,” he said, adding that the kebaya is about 100 years old. Neo, who is Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Institute of Ethnic Studies associate fellow, has fond memories of seeing Nyonya ladies wearing their embroidered kebaya when he was a child. What he loves about the traditional Nyonya embroidery is how the colours seem to blend into each other seamlessly and represent aspects of other cultures in Malaysia that his ancestors came in contact with and adopted. “Peranakan is an example of multicultural harmony,” said Neo, who is a 10th-generation Baba Nyonya from Malacca and Singapore. He said it saddens him to see how the embroidery now is less likely to be handcrafted and more likely to be mass-produced, feeling like it has largely lost its uniqueness. Embroiderers said a piece of traditionally handcrafted embroidery costs between RM2,000 and RM5,000, depending on Neo showing his Peranakan Baba Nyonya heritage collection, including an embroidered kebaya. – BERNAMAPIC oEthnologist says craft losing its uniqueness due to mass-production the complexity of the artwork, which can take months to produce. To prevent further decline of the art, the government has initiated several programmes to encourage artisans to develop their skills and to preserve and promote it. K r a f t a n g a n Malaysia craft conservation section director Nurlaili Mohamad Mohed said the agency has acknowledged experts in Nyonya embroidery as well as trained a new craft community to preserve the art. She added that Lim Swee Kim, fondly known as Auntie Kim, was appointed as the Nyonya embroidery craft master in 2006 to train a new generation of experts. Unfortunately, Lim passed away in 2014 and to date, no one has been appointed to fill her shoes. The passing of Lim encapsulates the issue at hand – how to ensure the continuous survival of the art. Although she managed to train several new embroiderers such as Yuliana Erya Surya of Arsyila Balqis Fashion, there is no certainty that anyone from the next generation would take up the craft. Yuliana agrees that despite Kraftangan Malaysia’s efforts, handcrafted Nyonya embroidery is a dying art. “Not many have the passion for Nyonya embroidery anymore. There are many fans but not enough makers,” said Yuliana.

5 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | AUGUST 23, 2023 Lynas gets nod to dispute operating conditions KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court has granted leave to Lynas Malaysia Sdn Bhd to initiate two judicial review proceedings against the government over its operating licence conditions that prohibit the import and processing of lanthanide concentrate after Jan 1 next year. The verdicts were delivered by justices Datuk Amarjeet Singh and Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh in two separate courts yesterday, following no objections raised by the Attorney-General’s Chambers. Senior federal counsel Ahmad Hanir Hambaly and Shamsul Bolhassan appeared for the chambers, while the company was represented by Tan Sri Cecil Abraham. During proceedings, Abraham said the Australian rare earth mining company will apply for both judicial reviews to be heard before Wan Ahmad Farid. With leave granted, the court would later fix a hearing date to hear oral submissions on the merits of the judicial review. Lynas filed two separate judicial reviews in July, naming the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry and the Atomic Energy Licensing Board as respondents. On May 9, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang said the government was not shutting down Lynas’ operations, but the company will not be allowed to carry out cracking and leaching activities in the country after Dec 31. He added that the decision to extend the period to carry out such activities for another six months was to avoid affecting the supply chain of rare earth at the global level. The ministry previously announced that Lynas’ appeal against dropping four licensing conditions set by the board was rejected after an April 28 hearing. – Bernama Former soldier to hang for killing daughter SEREMBAN: The father of a nine-year-old girl, who was abused to death, was sent to the gallows by the High Court after he was found guilty of the offence committed five years ago. Judge Datin Rohani Ismail meted out the sentence yesterday on former soldier Mohammad Abdullah Mohamed, 41, after his defence failed to raise reasonable doubt against the prosecution’s case. He was accused of killing Nur Aina Nabihah at a house in Jalan Vista Jaya 5, Taman Vista Jaya, Lukut in Port Dickson between 8.30pm and 11.30pm on Jan 31, 2018. He was charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which carries the mandatory death sentence. Rohani said the entire defence case rested on mere denial. “The court sentences you to death by hanging on a date to be decided later.” The prosecution was conducted by DPPs Sharifah Maleeha Syed Hussin and Ala’uddin Baharom, while the accused was represented by a team of two lawyers. During the case, Sharifah Maleeha submitted that Mohammad Abdullah’s cruel actions caused his daughter to sustain severe injuries in her abdomen and that he even kicked and stepped on her, causing her death. “There were 32 visible bruises and numerous internal injuries on the victim, especially on her head, neck and abdomen. The autopsy also showed internal haemorrhage as a result of trauma to the liver, pancreas and kidneys. “The girl was mercilessly stepped on and kicked by her father, who is supposed to protect, care for and love his children.” During mitigation, Mohammad Abdullah’s lawyers requested a minimum sentence for their client. Nineteen prosecution witnesses testified throughout the trial, which started in 2018. – Bernama GEORGE TOWN: A businessman has decorated his village Kampung Melayu in Air Itam with more than 3,000 Jalur Gemilang and giant National Day posters to spark the spirit of patriotism among locals. Datuk Seri Salim Abdul Rahman, 54, said he wanted to help raise awareness among the younger generation to understand the importance of a patriotic spirit and love for the country. “This is the spirit of the older generation, decorating their homes and hometowns during the 1980s and 1990s every year during National Month. All houses were decorated with Jalur Gemilang and now I want to bring back that excitement.” He said the Jalur Gemilang is oPenang resident organises efforts to decorate Air Itam village in conjunction with National Month celebrations Man sentenced to 35 years’ jail for murder PUTRAJAYA: The Court of Appeal yesterday commuted a kitchen helper’s death sentence to 35 years in prison for killing his best friend over a handphone. A three-member panel comprising justices Datuk Hadhariah Syed Ismail, Datuk Ahmad Zaidi Ibrahim and Datuk S.M. Komathy Suppiah also ordered Sam Chai Ewon, 42, to be whipped 12 times. In delivering the unanimous decision, Hadhariah said Sam’s conviction for the murder is safe to be upheld and the court dismissed his appeal against the conviction. She added that Sam’s cruel conduct had caused the death of lifeguard Kamal Long. He was found guilty by the High Court on Oct 8, 2021 for murdering Kamal, 50, at a corridor of the Awana Sri Layang workers’ quarters in Genting Highlands at 10.30pm on Oct 4, 2017. A bellman at the resort testified that he saw Sam kick Kamal’s face “like (he was) kicking a ball”. – Bernama Local fishermen find bodies of two missing anglers LABUAN: Two anglers who were reported missing since Sunday were found dead by local fishermen on Monday. Yassin Jhonal, 20, and Mohd Shah Nadzmin, 19, had failed to return from a fishing trip. A Fire and Rescue Department spokesman said Yassin’s body was discovered at around 5pm and Mohd Shah’s body was found about five minutes later. “The bodies were approximately 500m from the Kiamsam Beach where they had embarked on their journey.” According to the department, the victims had set out aboard a small boat at 6am on Sunday. Their families lodged a police report at about 10am on Monday, prompting an immediate search and rescue operation by the department, marine police and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, assisted by local fishermen. The bodies were sent to the Labuan Hospital on the same day they were found. – Bernama a symbol of Malaysia’s pride, adding that all walks of life regardless of race and religion should fly the flag proudly on National Day. “Together with the youths here, we have hoisted more than 3,000 flags along the roads leading to Kampung Melayu to further enliven National Month celebrations.” Salim earlier invited 30 youths to put up two giant National Day posters measuring 18m long and 5m wide at a low-cost flat, Bernama reported. Visitor Lim Siew Eng, 55, expressed excitement upon seeing the lively atmosphere and decorations in the village. “I only came to eat here with my friends, but I feel proud to see Jalur Gemilang along the street. The National Day posters hung at the flats show that the patriotic spirit among residents is very good.” Another visitor, Abraham Mammen, 63, said he was initially surprised by so many flags decorating the streets, but said he felt proud of the enthusiasm shown by locals here. “This village is the only one in Penang, and perhaps in Malaysia, which has so many Jalur Gemilang decorating the streets in conjunction with National Day. “It could be a model to raise public awareness about the Fly the Jalur Gemilang campaign and National Month celebrations.” Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil earlier announced “Malaysia Madani: Tekad Perpaduan, Penuhi Harapan” as the theme of the National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations. More than 3,000 flags have been hoisted along the roads leading to Kampung Melayu to enliven National Month celebrations. – BERNAMAPIC Solo initiative to instil spirit of patriotism among youths

6 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | AUGUST 23, 2023 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS Cambodia parliament endorses Hun Sen’s son as new PM PHNOM PENH: Cambodia’s newly elected parliament endorsed fourstar military general Hun Manet as prime minister yesterday, completing a historic transfer of power in a fast-changing country led by his father Hun Sen for nearly four decades. The Western-educated Hun Manet, 45, had the overwhelming backing of a National Assembly, dominated by his Cambodian People’s Party (CPP), following an election in July that was dismissed abroad as a sham that lacked any viable opposition. Hun Manet told lawmakers that election was free and fair and promised he would implement the CPP’s policies and ensure peace, economic growth, better infrastructure and wage increases for civil servants and garment workers. He lauded his father and the older generation of politicians for steering Cambodia from years of civil war to an era of peace, growth and better living for its people. “The bright wisdom, diverse experiences, pragmatism and the levels of adeptness, intelligence and savviness that (Hun Sen) and excellencies leaders have displayed is a mastery of the art of leadership, one that we as the future generation can only aspire for,” Hun Manet said in a speech. Hun Sen, 71, has pledged to remain in politics in other roles for at least a decade, in what experts see as a move to fend off potential challenges to his son. One of the world’s longestserving leaders, Hun Sen has expressed desire to become president of the upper house Senate next year. – Reuters B R I E F SN. KOREA RESUMES PASSENGER TRAVEL BEIJING/SEOUL: An Air Koryo flight from Pyongyang landed in Beijing yesterday for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns began in 2020, as North Korea cracks open its border to some passenger travel. The flight arrived at 9.17am (9.17am in Malaysia), shortly ahead of its scheduled time. Western tour companies that operated in North Korea said it was a special flight that would on the return carry back North Koreans who had been trapped in China by the years of border closures. The flight comes amid a slow reopening for one of the world’s most politically and economically isolated countries. “This flight isn’t a full resumption of the route yet, it is a special flight for Koreans to take people home again after years being stuck overseas,” said general manager at Beijing-based Koryo Tours Simon Cockerell. – Reuters CHILDREN STRANDED IN CHAIR LIFT ISLAMABAD: Eight people, including six school children, were trapped in a malfunctioning chair lift in northern Pakistan yesterday, officials said. The children, who have been stranded since about 6am local time (9am in Malaysia), were using the chair lift to get to school in a mountainous area in Battagram, about 200km Islamabad. “A cable broke in a chair lift service, following which people have been trapped 900ft (274m) above the ground,” Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority said in a statement. It said an army helicopter had been dispatched for a rescue operation. – Reuters Exiled Thaksin jailed on return to Thailand BANGKOK: Former Thai leader Thaksin Shinawatra returned from 15 years in exile yesterday and was immediately jailed, but his time behind bars could be cut short with his party on the cusp of winning back power. The divisive billionaire landed in a private jet at Bangkok’s Don Mueang airport at 9am (10am in Malaysia), to be greeted by hundreds of noisy “Red Shirt” supporters waving banners and singing songs. Thaksin, 74, emerged briefly from the terminal building to bow and offer a floral garland at a portrait of King Maha Vajiralongkorn as a mark of respect before waving to supporters. The billionaire figurehead of the populist juggernaut Pheu Thai Party, fled abroad before he was jailed in absentia for abuse of power, oPheu Thai’s Srettha wins backing of parliament to become prime minister two years after the military toppled him in a coup, alleging corruption and disloyalty to the powerful monarchy, which he refutes. The former Manchester City owner appeared briefly with family members before he was escorted in a police convoy to the Supreme Court. There, he was ordered to serve eight years jail for three convictions passed in his absence. Meanwhile, Real estate mogul Srettha Thavisin won the backing of Thailand’s parliament yesterday to become prime minister, paving the way to a new coalition government and an end to weeks of uncertainty and political stalemate. Japan to release Fukushima water starting tomorrow TOKYO: Japan will start releasing more than one million metric tonnes of treated radioactive water from the wrecked Fukushima nuclear power plant tomorrow, 12 years after one of the world’s worst nuclear disasters, putting into motion a plan that has drawn strong criticism from China. The plan, approved two years ago by the Japanese government as crucial to decommissioning the plant operated by Tokyo Electric Power Company (Tepco), has also faced criticism from local fishing groups, who fear reputational damage and a threat to their livelihood. “I have asked Tepco to prepare for the water discharge in accordance with the plan approved by the Nuclear Regulation Authority, and expect the water release to start on Aug 24, weather conditions permitting,” Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said yesterday morning. The announcement comes a day after the government said it had won “a degree of understanding” from the fishing industry, even as a fishing group said it still feared the reputational damage would ruin livelihoods. “I promise that we will take on the entire responsibility of ensuring the fishing industry can continue to make their living, even if that will take decades,” Kishida said. The International Atomic Energy Agency, the UN nuclear watchdog, greenlighted the plan in July, saying that it met international standards and that the impact it would have on people and the environment was “negligible”. Some neighbouring countries have expressed scepticism, with Beijing emerging as the biggest critic. Foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said in July that Japan had shown selfishness and arrogance, and had not fully consulted the international community about the water release. South Korean activists have also protested the plan. Pacific Island nations have been split over the matter. – Agencies Srettha, who was thrust into the spotlight just a few months ago by the populist Pheu Thai Party secured the support of more than half of the legislature. Srettha will be tasked with forming and holding together a potentially fragile coalition that will include parties backed by the royalist military, which overthrew Pheu Thai governments in 2006 and 2014 coups. The return of Thailand’s most famous politician and Srettha’s smooth ascent to the top job will add to speculation that Thaksin may have done a deal with his enemies in the military and establishment to allow his safe return, and possibly an early release from jail. Thaksin and Pheu Thai have denied that. Yesterday’s events were the latest twist in a nearly two decade power struggle between Pheu Thai, which has won five elections, and a nexus of conservatives, generals and old money families that have long wielded influence on politics and the economy. – Agencies Three candidates vying for S’pore’s president post SINGAPORE: Three candidates were nominated yesterday to run in Singapore’s first contested presidential vote in more than a decade next week, officials said. While the role is largely ceremonial, there are stringent requirements for the position, which formally oversees the city’s financial reserves and holds the power to veto certain measures and approve antigraft probes. Incumbent Halimah Yacob ran unopposed for her six-year term in 2017. Election officials announced the final list of candidates for the Sept 1 vote after a formal nomination process yesterday. Former senior minister, deputy prime minister and central bank chief Tharman Shanmugaratnam, 66, is seen as the frontrunner. Another candidate to qualify is Ng Kok Song, 75, who previously served as chief investment officer at GIC, one of the world’s biggest sovereign wealth funds, which manages Singapore’s foreign reserves. Rounding out the field is businessman Tan Kin Lian, 75, former chief executive of local insurance giant NTUC Income, who previously lost a presidential run in 2011. Singapore requires candidates to have served either as a senior civil servant or the chief executive of a company with shareholder equity of at least S$500 million (RM1.720 billion). – AFP Thaksin flanked by his son Panthongtae Shinawatra and daughter Paetongtarn at Don Mueang airport in Bangkok, Thailand yesterday. – REUTERSPIC

7 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | AUGUST 23, 2023 Biden vows support for Maui LAHAINA: US President Joe Biden on Monday praised the “remarkable resiliency” of the people of Maui, after wildfires killed more than 114 people on the Hawaiian island two weeks ago. “We’re focused on what’s next. That’s rebuilding for the long term and doing it together,” said Biden, visibly moved after a tour of the blackened city of Lahaina. He added he would make sure “your voices are heard” and local traditions and wishes were respected. “The American people stand with you,” he told survivors of the Aug 8 oUS president pledges to rebuild fire-ravaged island no matter how long it takes wildfires, standing alongside Governor Josh Green, Hawaii’s senators and the representative for Maui in Congress. “For as long as it takes, we’re going to be with you.” Biden later told 400 people at a community event: “Jill and I are here to grieve with you, but also want you to know the entire country is here for you.” He emphasised repeatedly that the rebuilding would follow the wishes of the people of Lahaina and lauded the strong sense of community he had seen during his visit. “It’s going to be a long road,” he said, noting the symbolism of an historic banyan tree where he spoke earlier that was damaged but survived the fires. “I know it’s a metaphor but that’s you. That’s who you are. There’s no quit in Hawaii, there’s no quit in America, there’s no quit in us.” In both remarks, the president shared his own grief when a vehicle accident killed his first wife and young daughter, and said he recognised what Maui people were feeling – “that hollow feeling you have in your chest like you’re being sucked into a black hole.” Green thanked Biden for his help and praised what he called the unprecedented speed of the federal response. In Lahaina, his motorcade passed blackened neighbourhoods interspersed with untouched areas across the highway from the blue sea. – Reuters Taiwan expelled as permanent observer MANAGUA: The Central American Parliament on Monday voted to expel Taiwan after more than two decades as a permanent observer and replace it with China, whose growing economic influence in Latin America has increasingly marginalised Taipei. The six-nation parliament, known as Parlacen, met in the Nicaraguan capital Managua where local legislators proposed adding China, which claims democratically ruled Taiwan as its own territory. Taiwan’s foreign ministry said it had decided to withdraw from Parlacen immediately in the interests of upholding “national dignity”, and condemned what it called China’s efforts to suppress Taiwan’s international participation. In a statement, Parlacen cited the United Nations’ 1971 expulsion of Taiwan in favour of China, saying this deemed Taiwan to be a “province of mainland China, which disqualifies it from participating as an independent country”. Guatemala, the most populous country in Central America, is the only Parlacen member that still recognises Taiwan. US Senators Tim Kaine, a Democrat, and Marco Rubio, a Republican, who lead a Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, condemned the vote. “Since 1999, Taiwan has served as a strong partner in its role as a permanent observer of the Central American Parliament, encouraging good governance and economic development in our Hemisphere,” the senators said in a joint statement. The senators also accused China of undermining democracy, hindering regional growth and subjecting Uyghurs in its Xinjiang region to myriad human rights abuses including genocide. – Reuters B R I E F STRUMP TO SURRENDER FOR RACKETEERING ATLANTA: Former president Donald Trump said he will turn himself in tomorrow in Georgia to face racketeering and other charges stemming from his bid to overturn the 2020 election. Writing on his platform Truth Social on Monday, Trump said he will be “arrested by a Radical Left District Attorney, Fani Willis,” the Georgia official who brought the year’s fourth indictment against Trump. The judge in the case earlier approved a US$200,000 (RM929,600) bond for Trump. He and the 18 other codefendants in the landmark case have until noon (midnight in Malaysia) on Friday to turn themselves in. In his post, Trump said Willis is acting “in strict coordination with crooked Joe Biden’s Department of Justice. It is about election interference”. – AFP THREE INJURED IN CANADA MALL SHOOTING EDMONTON: Three people suffered serious injuries in a shooting incident at a mall in Edmonton, the capital of Alberta, city police said on Monday in a post on X. The police said the victims have been taken to hospital for treatment, although the injuries are not life-threatening. Police added that preliminary investigations suggest the event was a targetted one in which the parties knew each other as they began to reverse the lockdown ordered in the wake of the shooting. “We do not believe there to be any further risk at this time.” – Reuters India’s oldest elephant dies at age 89 GUWAHATI: One of the world’s oldest elephants has died on an Indian tea farm at an estimated age of 89, caretakers said yesterday. While not possible to confirm the elephant’s exact age, it is known that he was brought to work on a tea estate by a British farmer during colonial rule in the 1940s. Caretakers said he was about 89 years old. Dubbed “Bijuli Prasad”, the elephant was taken from the wild as a young bull and worked on tea farms in Assam’s Sonitpur district until 2018. “Domestic elephants live up to 80 years, provided they are taken care of well,” said elephant veterinarian Kushal Konwar Sarma, who cared for Bijuli Prasad in his later years. “All the teeth of the elephant fell out due to age and it could not eat,” Sarma said. “I changed the diet and asked the caretakers to give him boiled food – mostly rice and soybean with a high protein value.” Renowned for his strength, Bijuli Prasad used “to pull out old tea bushes and clear forested area with ease”, and once fought off attackers who tried to seize his long tusks, the Times of India reported. He was retired to the Behali Tea Estate in Assam, where he died on Monday. Draped in flowers, Bijuli Prasad was given a funeral with Hindu rituals. Behali deputy manager Ujjal Basnet told the newspaper the elephant had been the “pride” of the company. “We had engaged a priest to worship the elephant and two mahouts (elephant keepers) to look after it,” Basnet told the newspaper. “It was a sudden but peaceful death,” Basnet said. – AFP Storm Hilary drenches Southern California CATHEDRAL CITY: Storm Hilary flooded streets, downed power lines and triggered mudslides across Southern California on Monday after unleashing record-breaking downpours overnight. Hilary arrived in California as a rare tropical storm that dumped four to five inches (10cm to 12 cm) of rain on coastal areas and 10 inches (25 cm) or more in the mountains, National Weather Service meteorologist Richard Thompson said. He called it the first landfallen tropical storm in Southern California since Sept 25, 1939. In terrain more accustomed to drought, flash floods rushed through desert plains and mountain canyons, washing out roads. Rain clouds gave way to clearer skies on Monday as the storm moved north. After reaching hurricane strength along the coast of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula, it was reclassified as a posttropical cyclone as it crossed over the North American mainland. No fatalities or significant injuries were reported. But the storm was still terrifying for Ronald Mendiola, whose family of five, including a two-year-old, took refuge on the roof of their home when the bottom floor flooded shortly after midnight. “The roof was our best bet for shelter,” Mendiola said. “And we did make it to safety by a Good Samaritan passing by and picking us up.” Remnants of Hilary were expected to dump heavy rains in Nevada and Utah and into the Northwest, where more than four million people remained under the threat of flooding, the service said. “Fortunately, Californians listened to their local officials and took the necessary preparedness actions to help protect themselves and their families,” FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell told reporters. – Reuters Cathedral City Fire Department personnel rescuing a resident in a bulldozer after the storm in Cathedral City, California on Monday. – AFPPIC

8 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | AUGUST 23, 2023 SPEAK UP Get a jump start today on creating a successful tomorrow! For the best in local and international higher education institutions, catch theSun's fortnightly Education Focus. FOCUS 2023 EDUCATION Contact us now for special deals on digital, video and print advertising. Striking similarities in the East Coast THE recent state elections across six states in Peninsular Malaysia – Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah and Penang – have ended. This election marked a pivotal moment in the East Coast region of Malaysia, encompassing Kelantan and Terengganu. While each state is distinct, it portrays a multifaceted sociopolitical terrain. Although the primary focus is usually on the results of an election, it is important to acknowledge that recent elections have far-reaching impacts beyond what is immediately visible. Notably, the projection made by EMIR Research displayed a remarkable alignment with the actual electoral results for the state elections. What stands out even more is the expected similarities between Kelantan and Terengganu projections. EMIR Research projected a clean sweep by PN-PAS in Terengganu, meanwhile in Kelantan, PN-PAS was expected to secure at least 38 out of 45 seats with seven seats of close-call projections. The actual election results corroborated the projections closely, with PN-PAS securing all 32 Terengganu state seats (see Figure 1). Meanwhile, in Kelantan, PN-PAS successfully captured 43 of the 45 seats and PH-BN managed to secure only two seats (see Figure 2), showcasing a stark difference in voter preference. Terengganu: A unanimous support In Terengganu, PN-PAS achieved a clean sweep of 32 state seats as projected by EMIR Research. This victory not only reflects a clear mandate from the electorate but also solidifies their unwavering support for the coalition. Historically unprecedented, the Terengganu administration now finds itself without opposition, following the sweeping triumph of the coalition. While PN-PAS celebrated their substantial win, Terengganu UMNO lost in all 27 seats they contested, including the 10 seats belonging to them – Kuala Besut, Jerteh, Hulu Besut, Permaisuri, Langkap, Batu Rakit, Seberang Takir, Telemung, Bukit Besi, and Kijal. Furthermore, the incumbent caretaker’s Datuk Seri Dr Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, political leadership might have been a contributing factor in PN-PAS’s victory. Based on a survey by Merdeka Center from July 3 until Aug 11, 67% of Malays in Terengganu gave a high approval rating to the incumbent caretaker as they were satisfied with his performance. Additionally, Terengganu emerged as the state with the highest voter turnout, registering an impressive rate of 74.79%. Kelantan: Another historic triumph Kelantan’s state election witnessed the PN-PAS coalition’s landslide victory – an outcome of 43 of the 45 seats secured. The victory saw seven state seats belonging to BN (Kok Lanas, Gual Ipoh, Bukit Bunga, Ayer Lanas, Kuala Balah, Nenggiri, and Paloh) now transitioning to the PN-PAS coalition, reflecting the magnitude of this triumph. The remaining two seats were won by the PH-BN coalition, with the Kota Lama state seat being missed by EMIR Research’s projection. Notably, the Kota Lama state seat held by PAS for years was won by PHBN through Amanah’s Dr Hafidzah Mustakim by a majority of only 202 votes. BN’s sole win came through incumbent candidate Mohd Syahbuddin Hashim in Galas, despite the coalition fielding 31 candidates in the state. In contrast to Terengganu, Kelantan on the other hand experienced the lowest voter turnout rate among the six states, with only 61% participation – a potential outcome of political fatigue. Higher voter turnout might have different results affecting the PN-PAS domination in the state. Moreover, PN-PAS’s consistent Islamic ideologies strengthened PAS’s position as a dominant party. Similarities between Terengganu and Kelantan The political landscape of both Terengganu and Kelantan is influenced by their status as “Malay belt” states, with 97.3% and 95.5% Malay population respectively according to the Population and Housing Census of Malaysia 2020 (MyCensus 2020), Statistics Department, making the states’ politics different from other states. First, political dynamics based on historical voting patterns and sentiments in Terengganu and Kelantan have played a role in establishing the electoral environment in both states. Both states are known for political rivalry between BN and PAS because supporting a non-dominant party other than these two parties is less enticing for their people. For Terengganu, the 2013 state election marked a closely contested battle, with PAS obtaining 15 seats and BN clinching 17 seats. The subsequent 2018 election, however, saw a significant shift as PAS surged forward with 22 seats, while BN dwindled to 10 seats. This shift underscored an initiation of a changing sentiment within the electorate, favouring PAS’s ideology and approach, while the transformation appears to be completed in the recent state elections – the PN-PAS coalition’s tremendous victory with a clean sweep of all 32 seats indicates an unequivocal endorsement of their leadership. This shift from a balanced distribution to a sweeping triumph reflects the evolution of political sentiments in Terengganu over the years, with a decisive shift toward the coalition’s vision. Meanwhile, in Kelantan, the data speaks of a parallel political transformation. Figure 1: Terengganu state election: Projected versus actual outcomes COMMENT by Farah Natasya Figure 2: Kelantan state election: Projected versus actual outcomes Kelantan has consistently gravitated towards PAS due to the party’s harmonious connection with strong cultural and religious traditions, making them a “safe deposit” for PAS in every election. The 2013 state election witnessed PAS securing a commanding 31 seats, while BN managed 12 seats. This substantial lead for PAS demonstrated the party’s stronghold in the state during that period. PAS’s dominance was further cemented in the 2018 election with 37 seats, while BN’s representation dropped to a mere eight seats. This trend indicated a growing resonance of PAS’s message among Kelantan voters. The recent state elections in Kelantan showcased an even more pronounced consolidation of support for the PN-PAS coalition, as they secured an impressive 43 out of 45 seats. The remaining two seats, won by PH-BN, represented a limited alternative preference within the electorate. This landslide victory reaffirmed the coalition’s strong connection with the voters and indicated an enduring trust in their leadership and vision. Most of the voters are conservative and less likely to take risks, which means they are more focused on religious issues and less affected by national issues. Lesson, opportunity and moving forward A noteworthy lesson emerges for PHBN from the recent elections as they gradually lost support from the people of the East Coast, being completely washed out in Terengganu and barely winning any seats in Kelantan. The significance of forging meaningful connections cannot be overstated. As both Terengganu and Kelantan lean towards conservative views, it becomes imperative for PH-BN to establish personal touchpoints with the East Coast communities. The strategy should transcend mere policy advocacy while resonating deeply with the people’s values and goals. PH-BN must make an extra effort to go above and beyond to form genuine and meaningful bonds with the people. Ultimately, the curtains have drawn on this electoral spectacle, signalling a period of transition, anticipation and opportunity. Now that the election is over, it is time for the leaders from various political aisles to roll up their sleeves and deliver the best results to the people. The people have entrusted their chosen representatives to fulfil the pledges laid out in their manifestos. By prioritising the welfare and progress of their constituents, these leaders should genuinely strive to steer the region toward greater prosperity and harmony. In the tapestry of our nation’s political landscape, Terengganu and Kelantan stand as vibrant threads, each woven with its unique story and aspirations. It is a great hope that as we move forward, political leaders could seize the lessons learned, address the challenges posed, and weave a future marked by unity, progress, and a commitment to the betterment of our East Coast communities. Farah Natasya is a Research Assistant at EMIR Research, an independent think tank focused on strategic policy recommendations based on rigorous research. Comments: [email protected]

9 SPEAK UP theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | AUGUST 23, 2023 Get prepared to deal with tough times ahead AN economic storm is brewing on the horizon. Experts are saying that tough times might be just around the corner. Big shots at the World Bank are also chiming in, ringing the alarm bells loud and clear. With prices going up, the economy slowing down and all the major banks worldwide putting the squeeze on money supply, it looks like we are headed for an economic slump. Let’s talk numbers for a second. It seems interest rates set by big shots in the US are about to go up. There is even a chance it could go higher. Furthermore, other countries might do the same thing. This could slow down how much money is moving around in the economy, that is everything from buying stuff to producing things. If this keeps up, we might be in for a recession, which is when the economy takes a nosedive and everything becomes challenging. If it happens we could be dealing with this for a good part of the year. Ever noticed how economies are a bit like roller coasters? They go up and down, just like the waves in the ocean. When the economy is doing well, we call it “economic growth” but when it goes south it is called a recession. So, what’s a recession? Think of it as a big, long-lasting economic slowdown. It is when the economy hits a wall after running super-fast and it cannot keep up anymore. This usually happens after a period of strong growth and it can last for quite a while, more than just a few months. Predicting a recession is a bit like trying to guess tomorrow’s weather. It is not as easy as counting to three. But if you look at the usual signs and signals, you can get a good idea. If the economy shrinks for two quarters in a row (which is six months), that raises a big red flag. But it is not just about that. Economists look at lots of other things as well such as how much people are buying, how many jobs are out there and how much money everyone is making. It is akin to piecing a puzzle together to figure out if a country is heading into a recession. Before the storm hits, there are some early signs such as little ripples in the water but we should not jump to conclusions too quickly. Figuring out if a country is in a real recession takes time similar to waiting for a cake to bake, you need patience. The whole process could take up to a year as you need to look at a lot of information and ensure you are not just jumping the gun. But why do these economic storms happen in the first place? There are many reasons, but the main one is when prices change erratically. Imagine if the cost of everything shot up suddenly, without warning, it is a signal that trouble might be on the way. When things get more expensive, people usually buy less and that can cause a domino effect. Recall the big financial crises in the past, such as the one in 2008. Those were like movie plots in real life and it turns out that financial markets can be roller coasters as well. They can trigger recessions. Sometimes, it is the government’s fault or at least that part of the government which deals with money. They might try to fight rising prices by making it harder to borrow money but that can backfire. When borrowing gets tough, businesses struggle and people lose their jobs. It is a ripple effect that spreads through the economy. There is much more to it but predicting these economic storms is like trying to predict the next plot twist in a movie. At times you can see it coming from a mile away and at other times it sneaks up on you. The good news here is that experts can use past experiences, trends and some math magic to give us a heads-up. They might not know exactly how bad it will be or how long it will last, but they can give us a good idea. When an economic storm hits, it is like a big wave crashing down on everything. When banks start raising interest rates, people start saving more money and spending less. Businesses also tighten their belts and cut costs to survive. This can lead to lower profits and even job cuts. As people lose jobs and cut back on spending, things start to slow down even more. It is a chain reaction where one thing leads to another. Many people struggle to pay their debts and some may even go bankrupt. Banks become cautious and curb lending activities, which means fewer people can buy houses or start businesses. The result leads to the whole economy shrinking as people are spending less and less, which is a snowball effect that keeps getting bigger. The twist here is that these economic storms are a natural part of the financial cycle. As the weather changes unpredictably, so does the economy. It cannot be avoided, but you can be prepared for it. To prepare for the unexpected, we need to keep an eye out for the signs, be ready to tighten our belts a bit and not panic when things slow down. Economies bounce back eventually. So, if you are ever in an economic storm just remember that this too shall pass. Wan Mohd Farid Wan Zakaria is a senior lecturer at the Faculty of Business and Management, UiTM Johor Branch, Segamat Campus. Comments: [email protected] YOU may be puzzling over the worsening effects of climate change all around the world, despite reportedly great successes at lowering carbon emissions, use of renewable energy, reforestation programmes and deployment of carbon capture devices. The US is in shock over the deaths of more than 100 people as a wildfire destroyed one entire town in Hawaii. Sabah has been issuing daily heatwave warnings and advising the elderly to stay indoors. The European Union’s climate observatory has confirmed July as the hottest month ever recorded on Earth. South Korea – a country more known for its frigid winters – took a heatwave beating earlier this month as hundreds of teenagers at the World Scout Jamboree fell ill when temperatures hit 35°C to 38°C. To understand why our solutions fail, think of a psychosomatic patient with stage four cancer. He undergoes many rounds of chemotherapy, but the cancer doesn’t go away because there are psychological factors at play. The term “psychosomatic” refers to the interaction between a person’s mental state and physical well-being. A psychosomatic patient is someone who experiences physical illnesses that are thought to be influenced or triggered by psychological factors. In medical parlance, you are “a person who is not whole” and the cancer is induced by physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and relational factors that reflect a state of brokenness. Analogous to cancer, climate change strickens the entire body of humanity and is triggered by alienation from nature. This is a situation of being estranged or disconnected from the natural world and hence from other humans who are different from us in ways that we do not like. More than just estrangement, alienation results in a dichotomous split or mental polarisation that makes humans view situations, beliefs or people in a combative either-or manner with no middle ground. People are seen as “with us” or “against us”, situations are viewed as completely good or completely bad, and beliefs are wholly true or false. This kind of thinking contributes to rigid and inflexible attitudes, difficulty in understanding alternative perspectives and challenges in finding balanced solutions – all of which lead to confrontation between diverse religious and ethnic communities, civil strife in society, enmity between nations and destructive abuse of the environment that induces climate change. Climate change is a global phenomenon and yet on a global scale, there is no single-minded determination to deal with it. The attention of every nation is distracted by a need to spend heavily on defence as nationalism trumps environmentalism. The result is civil strife and warfare across Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America. In Africa, 15 nations are embroiled in severe armed conflicts that exacerbate environmental destruction resulting in more droughts, floods and soil degradation. The Ukraine War in Europe is the consequence of deep alienation pitching the West and Russia against each other, despite the breakup of the Soviet Union and the dissolution of the communist Warsaw Pact military alliance in 1991. Non-communist Russia reduced its military strength that year. But the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation or Nato, a Western military alliance led by the US, remained suspicious of Russia and embarked on an expansionist drive, vastly increasing its membership from 12 to 31 members. Starting in 1991 it accepted all former members of the Warsaw Pact who were once allied to Russia. Desiring to enjoy Western prosperity, these nations broke with Russia. Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union until 1991. In 2010, Ukraine’s parliament passed a law banning the country from joining any military bloc, including Nato. According to a poll conducted by Pew Research Center less than a year before the law was passed, more than half of Ukrainians disapproved of Nato while just 28% approved. However, in 2014 a “Ukraine crisis” occurred in which a new government was installed that leaned towards the West. In 2019, the Ukrainian parliament voted to apply for Nato membership. This obviously pro-American tilt stoked Russian fears and laid the tripwires for war and invasion. While Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is wrong, the US is also to blame for ignoring Russia’s security concerns when Nato expanded to its doorsteps. Yet in pursuit of its own security concerns, the US invaded Afghanistan in 2001, Iraq in 2003 and bombed Libya in 2011. Back in 1962, it made plans to invade Cuba but did not do so only because Russia pulled back from the confrontation that year. How does the US justify its own invasion of other countries? It is defended on the grounds that the US is the world guardian of democracy fighting to vanquish autocracy. In December 2021, President Joe Biden called the struggle between autocracy and democracy “the defining challenge of our time”. He further said the US had a “commitment” to defend Taiwan against communism, but at the same time, the US is building a military partnership with communist Vietnam. If the global contest against autocracy is truly a war against evil, then we should abandon all religions and ban autocratic business companies. But most people are happy working as employees, despite lacking the democratic right to vote their boss in or out every five years. Which religion isn’t autocratic, commanding you to obey without putting the matter to a vote? Which religion selects its leaders, whether senior or junior, by popular elections held regularly? Which sovereign nation has been ruled by an absolute monarchy without popular elections for a century? Vatican City is run by the Pope and head of the worldwide Catholic Church. The Vatican enjoys American support because the real fight is against whomever the US regards as the enemy. These two huge arenas where autocracy is practised daily show that the much-touted battle of democracy versus autocracy is just the political face of a dichotomous split in our minds camouflaged as a battle of good versus evil, order versus chaos. With the US and the West on one side confronting Russia and China on the opposing side, the world’s attention will increasingly be diverted from climate change towards war preparation. Attempting to tackle climate change while boosting defence spending is like using the same pedal to accelerate a car and brake its speed at the same time. The car will spin out of control. World military expenditure in 2022 exceeded US$2 trillion (RM9.3 trillion), according to Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. Australia, far away from any conflict zone, is buying nuclear-powered submarines. The US, UK, Russia and China are stockpiling hypersonic weapons. Sales of missiles are shooting up, with the majority of countries increasing their defence spending. The Grantham Institute estimates that the world needs to spend US$6 trillion on managing the climate and boosting economic development. It is spending less than half this amount. With US$2 trillion spent on defence, the world can at best pull together only US$4 trillion for climate and development. As this is just two-thirds of the amount required, a schism now separates climatologists and economists. They are caught in a tug-of-war with each side trying to pull more funds towards its leaning. Hundreds of Russia-America joint research projects on climate change have been cancelled, and the lack of data exchange is hampering efforts to understand trends. “There is absolutely no trust,” Prof Dag Olsen of Arctic University told The Economist weekly last year. The space for cooperation between the US and China on climate change is also narrowing, while the surface for confrontation is broadening. Here’s a quick takeaway bite for you: Climate change is the effect of humanity’s psychosomatic condition. Unless we heal the mind of humanity, the battle to stop climate change will be lost. In another article, we will discuss the nationallevel failures to understand climate change. The writer champions interfaith harmony. Comments: [email protected] Fight climate change or fight wars During a recession, people lose jobs and cut back on spending, COMMENT and things start to slow down even more. – BERNAMAPIC by Wan Mohd Farid Wan Zakaria

10 TRAVEL & LEISURE theSun LYFE ON WEDNESDAY | AUGUST 23, 2023 All paws on deck CAT owners in Singapore can now take their pets on luxury sunset cruises, perfect for pampered kitties who enjoy the finer things in life. Onboard the tall ship Royal Albatross, the animals can lounge in custom-built “cat-bana” cages as their owners enjoy a four- or sevencourse dinner beside them on deck. The ship’s operator introduced the cat-friendly sailings this month after dog cruises launched in 2021 proved popular. For two-and-a-half hours, up to 15 feline and 130 human passengers sail along the resort island of Sentosa, enjoying views of Singapore’s skyline and a short fireworks display. “I think they’re doing very well. They’re enjoying the view and, I guess, the perceived freedom that they get,“ said Marissa Ng, a 28-yearold human resources professional whose five-year-old ragdolls Coco and Bobo sat looking out at the sea from a cage beside her table. The ship has hosted over 2,000 dogs since 2021, and the cat cruises may soon catch up, with more than 200 tickets for human passengers, priced at SGD225 (RM771.8) each, having already been sold. The cat and dog cruises have different sailing days. While the canines are served an onboard three-course dinner at the table, cat owners take their pets’ meals home since the finicky creatures tend to turn down food when they are outside of their comfort zone. The company running the cruises, Tall Ship Adventures, says it The mini-caravans offering vacation freedom to ebike riders JUST as car drivers can take to the road with a caravan, it’s now possible for cyclists to head out on vacation with everything (or almost everything) they need to sleep or eat anywhere. One of these unusual creations even won a prize at the recent Concours Lepine invention competition. On paper, the concept of a minicaravan towed by an electric bicycle holds plenty of appeal to cyclists looking for a mobile accommodation solution without having to use a polluting mode of transport. As such, several projects are beginning to emerge. Each one is relatively compact and lightweight and includes all the essentials for camping out, starting with a bed, a storage space, and sometimes a small kitchen or even a bathroom. The French company TinyVroum, which made a name for itself with its first caravan model for cars (featuring solar panels), is now offering the CapsulBike, designed, as its name suggests, for bicycles. For just under €4,000 (RM23,76.9), you’ll find a 200 x 70 cm sleeping berth, a stainless steel and aluminium kitchen kit, and a mini folding table. A solar panel recovers enough energy to run a heated sleeping bag, a small cooler, and LED lighting. Last but not least, the unit is equipped with a rainwater collection and filtration system, as well as a shower cubicle and folding WC. As an option, you can even add a video projector and a detachable screen for an outdoor movie session. Note that the CapsulBike was awarded a gold medal at the 2023 Lepine Competition and the Leonardo da Vinci Prize. This e-bike caravan is similar to certain previously unveiled models. One example is the Finnish Hupi ebike camping trailer concept, which has a more traditional caravan format and theoretically offers greater comfort. Here too, a solar panel supplies energy for a small refrigerator as well as recharging a computer, a smartphone, or an e-bike. Another such initiative, this time from Denmark, is the Wide Path Camper, which takes the form of a collapsible caravan concept that can be unfolded to provide a sleeping space of 200 x 90 cm. Although these caravans cost several thousands of euros today because they are produced on a very small scale, they are nevertheless of great interest to anyone looking for a change of scenery or a rural and ecological getaway, all with a minimum of comfort and maximum freedom. - ETX STUDIO The ship’s operator introduced the catfriendly sailings this month after dog cruises launched in 2021 proved popular. This surprising caravan can be towed by any electric bicycle. consulted with experts and cat welfare organisations such as the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to ensure a safe experience on board. Precautions include making sure cats are securely harnessed and leashed at all times. They are also required to be vaccinated and sterilised and to be transported in carriers while boarding. Four-month-old British shorthair kitten Mahmud appeared calm even though it was his first time in a harness, snoozing on a bench beside his family as they ate dinner. “This is a good time to spend the day as a family since we just got Mahmud,“ said Aziana Aziz, a 41- year-old teacher sailing with her son oSingapore cats can now enjoy a luxury cruise

KLCI 1,451.53 0.96 STI 3,159.88 5.85 HANG SENG 17,791.01 167.72 SCI 3,120.33 27.36 NIKKEI 31,856.71 TSEC 16,437.61 56.12 KOSPI 2,515.74 S&P/ASX200 7,121.60 6.10 WEDNESDAY AUGUST 23, 2023 Editorial Tel: 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7785 2624/5 Email: [email protected] Advertising Tel: 03-7784 8888 Fax: 03-7784 4424 Email: [email protected] 5 MOST ACTIVES August 22, 2023 STOCK VOL CLSG (sen) +/– (sen) HONGSENG 272,078,800 5.5 -0.5 HSI-CRN 128,335,700 17.5 +1.0 CNASIA 127,972,200 27.0 +8.5 MYEG 78,392,200 81.5 +2.5 WIDAD 73,512,200 44.0 +0.5 EXCHANGERATES AUGUST 22, 2023 Foreign currency Bank sell Bank buy Bank buy TT/OD TT OD 1 US DOLLAR 4.7135 4.5805 4.5690 1 AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR 3.0390 2.9190 2.9050 1 BRUNEI DOLLAR 3.4730 3.3730 3.3660 1 CANADIAN DOLLAR 3.4760 3.3840 3.3740 1 EURO 5.1450 4.9800 4.9530 1 NEW ZEALAND DOLLAR 2.8060 2.7030 2.6860 1 SINGAPORE DOLLAR 3.4730 3.3730 3.3660 1 STERLING POUND 6.0310 5.8440 5.8070 1 SWISS FRANC 5.3590 5.2370 5.2120 100 UAE DIRHAM 129.9100 123.2200 122.9900 100 BANGLADESH TAKA 4.3820 4.1130 3.9110 100 CHINESE RENMINBI 64.9000 62.4000 N/A 100 HONGKONG DOLLAR 60.8100 57.8100 57.6300 100 INDIAN RUPEE 5.7700 5.4200 5.2100 100 INDONESIAN RUPIAH 0.0318 0.0288 0.0239 100 JAPANESE YEN 3.2280 3.1270 3.1320 100 NEW TAIWAN DOLLAR 15.8000 N/A N/A 100 PAKISTAN RUPEE 1.6100 1.5100 1.3100 100 PHILIPPINE PESO 8.5000 8.0200 7.8300 100 QATAR RIYAL 130.8600 124.2300 123.9700 100 SAUDI RIYAL 127.1600 120.7100 120.4900 100 THAI BAHT 14.0000 12.4300 11.9600 Source: Malayan Banking Berhad/Bernama KL MARKET SUMMARY August 22, 2023 INDICES CHANGE FBMEMAS 10,697.90 +14.17 FBMKLCI 1,451.53 +0.96 CONSUMER PRODUCTS 560.18 -0.36 INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS 170.11 +1.04 CONSTRUCTION 175.22 -0.83 FINANCIAL SERVICES 16,268.20 +0.77 ENERGY 811.27 -3.26) TELECOMMUNICATIONS 587.03 +0.47 HEALTH CARE 1,704.01 +1.62 TRANSPORTATION 924.20 +3.11 PROPERTY 806.05 -5.26 PLANTATION 7,030.60 +10.58 FBMSHA 10,933.10 +32.22 FBMACE 5,285.56 -5.34 TECHNOLOGY 63.59 +0.78 TURNOVER VALUE 3.307 BIL RM1.929 BIL 5 TOP GAINERS August 22, 2023 STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM HEXTECH 8,100 28.18 +0.58 ALLIANZ-PA 7,900 16.98 +0.48 PANAMY 29,600 21.14 +0.40 UTDPLT 612,200 16.00 +0.28 HLFG 627,800 18.72 +0.22 5 TOP LOSERS August 22, 2023 STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM PETDAG 831,300 22.06 -0.44 F&N 105,700 25.60 -0.20 HAPSENG 8,798,900 3.54 -0.19 TOCEAN 9,000 1.88 -0.16 CARLSBG 67,900 20.50 -0.14 Govt to meet MNOs to resolve 5G extra charge issue KUALA LUMPUR: The government will meet local mobile network operators to resolve the issue pertaining to additional charges imposed on 5G network users, said Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil. He said he is aware that some MNOs are charging extra or imposing a premium on subscribers for 5G network usage, on top of existing phone bills. “I know YTL (Corp Bhd) doesn’t and some of the others. I will be meeting with the CEOs soon to coordinate this matter. We understand there might be some onboarding process for them but we hope that they can address some of these concerns. “My wife is hesitant about taking up 5G, because she says when we converted from 3G to 4G, we didn’t have to pay anything, but now why do we have to pay? It is a valid question, and one asked by the minister’s wife to the minister, so I have to find an appropriate answer,” he told reporters after the first-ever Islamic Digital Economy (IDE) Fahmi delivering his speech at the opening of the conference. – THESUN/ADIB RAWI YAHYA oMobile network operators expected to roll out affordable Rahmah 5G packages on Merdeka Day █ BY GLORIA HARRY BEATTY [email protected] BNM international reserves at US$112.2 billion on Aug 15 KUALA LUMPUR: Bank Negara Malaysia’s (BNM) international reserves amounted to US$112.2 billion (RM521.5 billion) as at Aug 15 compared with US$112.9 billion on July 31. In a statement yesterday, the central bank said the reserves position was sufficient to finance 5.2 months of imports of goods and services and was one times the total short-term external debt. The main components of the international reserves were foreign currency reserves (US$99.7 billion), International Monetary Fund reserves position (US$1.4 billion), special drawing rights (SDR) (US$5.7 billion), gold (US$2.4 billion) and other reserve assets (US$3 billion). Meanwhile, total assets stood at RM624.28 billion, comprising gold and foreign exchange and other reserves, including SDR (RM525.53 billion), Malaysian government papers (RM12.84 billion), loans and advances (RM23.71 billion), land and buildings (RM4.14 billion) and other assets (RM58.05 billion). BNM said capital and liabilities comprised paid-up capital (RM100 million), reserves (RM179.22 billion), currency in circulation (RM158.30 billion), deposits by financial institutions (RM167.47 billion), federal government deposits (RM14.93 billion), other deposits (RM37.36 billion), Bank Negara papers (RM32.78 billion), allocation of SDR (RM29.96 billion) and other liabilities (RM4.17 billion). – Bernama Madani Economy needs determination to free Malaysia from middle-income trap: Bank Negara KUALA LUMPUR: The Madani Economy plan requires determination and implementation to free Malaysia from the middle-income trap and head towards a high-income country, said Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM). Governor Datuk Abdul Rasheed Abdul Ghaffour said the Malaysian economy is at a crossroads, and today’s economic and financial policies will determine the direction and trajectory of the country’s development in the future. “The gap between the rich and the poor is widening, and it needs to be addressed and balanced with the development of a society that is inclusive, fair and equitable that maintains social integrity,” he said at the iTekad Cooperation Networking Council here yesterday. “BNM aims to develop a progressive, robust, transparent and responsible financial sector and be able to contribute to more fair, equal, meaningful and inclusive progress for the people of this country,” he added. Abdul Rasheed said the iTekad programme was developed by highlighting social finance as an important component of the financial ecosystem in Malaysia to catalyse a more balanced socioeconomic development. He added that social finance emphasises creating a positive social impact apart from financial returns. Since its launch in 2022, the iTekad initiative has grown to include 11 financial institutions, more than 50 implementing partners and has benefited more than 3,000 participants. The governor said iTekad has mobilised more than RM40 million in social finance funds so far and has provided significant benefits to its participants. “Bank Negara remains committed to highlighting social finance in the Malaysian financial ecosystem, including leading the development of the next iTekad programme,” Abdul Rasheed added. – Bernama 291.07 6.94 Industry Conference 2023 yesterday. He shared that going forward, the government will hold discussions with MNOs to address other issues as well. Fahmi said MNOs are expected to roll out a series of affordable Rahmah 5G packages on Aug 31, Merdeka Day. “As of end July, we have reached 66.8% coverage of populated areas, which means that we are about … less than 14% to reach 80% coverage. That is a target that the Cabinet has set when I announced the policy shift from single wholesale to dual network on May 3. “Right now we are on track. We anticipate reaching 80% coverage on populated areas by end of this year or at the latest by early next year and once that has been reached, then we will enable two entities to operate 5G. “The first one is DNB, which half of the MNOs will work with (them) and another half will work with an entity B that is (yet) to be announced,” he said. Meanwhile, the ministry through Malaysia Digital Economy Corp (MDEC) hosted the IDE Industry Conference 2023 to foster collaboration and partnerships with key industry players within the Islamic digital economy sector. The IDE is one of the key sectors supporting a fair distribution of wealth and resources, aligned with the Malaysia Madani vision. It is also one of the nine promoted sectors under the national strategic initiative, Malaysia Digital, aiding MDEC in implementing an effective framework to establish various Malaysia Digital Catalytic Programmes (MD Pemangkin). Malaysia has continued to lead the Global Islamic Economy Indicator for the past nine consecutive years, driven by a thriving Halal ecosystem which is led by the Halal food-pharmaceutical-cosmetics, Muslim-friendly tourism, media, and recreational sectors. It is expected to attain a global value of US$7.7 trillion (RM35.79 trillion) by 2025. MD Tasree’ has been introduced to drive industry involvement, idea generation, promotion of ground-breaking innovations, and the commercialisation of technological solutions, in forming a suitable platform for MD Pemangkin. Participation 28.5 39.6 31.9 100.0 Retail Institutions Foreign Bought RM m 538.9 806.1 584.7 1929.7 Sold RM m 559.9 722.1 647.7 1929.7 Net RM m -21.0 84.0 -63.0 0 % Preliminary stats (excluding trade amendments). For final data, please refer to www.bursamalaysia.com Source: Bursa Malaysia A Participating Organisation of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad A Trading Participant of Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Berhad S E C U R I T I E S S D N. B H D. 197201001092 (12738-U) 22/8/2023

12 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | AUGUST 23, 2023 SUNBIZ /thesuntelegram FOLLOW ON TELEGRAM SCAN ME Petronas Chemicals reports Q2 profit after tax of RM633m PETALING JAYA: Petronas Chemicals Group Bhd (PCG) recorded profit after tax (PAT) of RM633 million in the second quarter of 2023 (Q2’23), sustaining its financial resilience amid a challenging market environment. The group’s revenue declined 6% quarter-on-quarter to RM7.1 billion compared with RM7.6 billion in Q1’23 due to lower consumer and manufacturing demand as well as inflationary cost pressures. Average product prices and spreads continued to decline in Q2’23 in line with lower crude oil prices. Additionally, plant utilisation declined following feedstock supply disruption in methanol and urea plants in Labuan and Sabah respectively, resulting in lower production and sales volumes. For the first half of 2023, PCG posted revenue of RM14.7 billion and profit after tax of RM1.2 billion. The company declared an interim dividend of 8 sen per share for the financial year ending Dec 31, 2023. The dividend amounting to oGroup declares interim dividend of 8 sen per share, amounting to RM640m RM640 million is payable in September. PCG said Q2’23 revenue declined 6% to RM7.1 billion (Q1’23: RM7.6 billion) due to lower sales volume coupled with lower average product prices; PAT increased 18% to RM633 million (Q1’23: RM536 million) from an unrealised foreign exchange gain; and earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) and Ebitda margin were relatively comparable at RM1.1 billion (Q1’23: RM1.1 billion) and 15% (Q1’23: 14%) respectively. It said plant utilisation rate declined to 82% (Q1’23: 96%) due to gas supply limitation that disrupted the production of methanol and urea, resulting in lower production and sales volume. Managing director/CEO Mohd Yusri Mohamed Yusof commented: “In Q2 2023, we faced extreme external challenges. Our plants in Labuan and Sabah had unplanned shutdowns following a temporary disruption of gas feedstock supply which reduced our production and sales volume. “This added further pressure to the margin compression we have been experiencing since December 2022 caused by lower prices and spreads for most products.” As a result of the reduction in crude oil prices and lacklustre demand recovery in China, average prices of polymers declined by about 7% quarter-on-quarter while other olefins and derivatives showed a similar trend. Ammonia and urea prices, which have been undergoing price correction since H2’22, continued to decline in 2023 on oversupply concerns. Compared to the first quarter of 2023, ammonia prices declined 56%, while urea declined 15% due to lack of buying interest. Commenting on the outlook for H2’23, Yusri said, “In recent weeks, product prices showed improvement with the upward trend in crude oil prices and restocking activities. Despite this, we anticipate margins to remain under pressure. We still have to contend with higher operating costs, slowing global economic growth and increased competition from new capacities coming on stream, particularly in China and the US. “The specialties segment is expected to remain soft, in view of slower global industrial production growth impacting demand across end-markets.” Solarvest puts up its strongest quarterly performance PETALING JAYA: Clean energy expert Solarvest Holdings Bhd yesterday announced that revenue for its first quarter ended June 30 (Q1’24) came in at RM143.4 million, a 172.3% surge from RM52.7 million recorded in the preceding year’s same quarter. In tandem with the top-line growth, net profit improved 56.5% year-on-year to RM6.7 million from RM4.3 million previously. This is the strongest quarterly performance in the group’s history. Revenue from the engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning (EPCC) of the solar energy solution segment soared by 176.8% to RM140.7 million in Q1’24, constituting 98.1% of revenue. The growth was attributed to increased recognition from higher construction progress Taiwan Expo back in Malaysia, US$48m business potential expected KUALA LUMPUR: Taiwan Expo is set to return to Malaysia and is expected to generate US$48 million (RM223 million) in business opportunities. Organised by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (Taitra), Taiwan’s non-profit trade-promoting organisation, the three-day expo starting tomorrow at the KL Convention Centre will feature 220 booths showcasing innovative and highly competitive products from 170 Taiwanese companies. In a statement yesterday, Taitra said more than 1,080 one-on-one business meetings have been scheduled. This year’s Taiwan Expo will focus on five major themes: Industry 4.0, Smart Medical, Halal, Circular Economy, and Intelligent Lifestyle. “The showcase includes the renowned YouBike, emblematic of Taiwan’s smart city initiatives, now featuring its 2.0 version of electric-assisted bicycles. “The Taiwan Healthcare Pavilion unites prominent healthcare institutions in Taiwan and top-notch medical beauty service providers led by the Taiwan Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Chairman, all dedicated to promoting a premium and healthy lifestyle,” it said. Besides that, the Net Zero Pavilion is dedicated to renewable energy, green equipment, and smart urban living. “In response to the artificial intelligence wave, the Digital Commerce Pavilion introduces advanced social platform community sharing systems and innovative technologies like the ‘Smart Baby Bib,’ spotlighting Taiwan’s expertise in technological aesthetics,” Taitra said. – Bernama Batik Air resumes direct flights to Chennai tomorrow KUALA LUMPUR: Batik Air will restart non-stop flights between Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and Chennai, India, tomorrow. The service will operate seven times weekly between KLIA T1 and Chennai International Airport. The codeshare flight OD 9112 is marketed by Batik Air Malaysia and scheduled to take off from KLIA daily at 9pm local time and arrive in Chennai at 10.25pm local time. One-way all-inclusive fares for the flight start from RM569 for economy and RM3,046 for business class. Group strategy director of Batik Air and Lion Air Group Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy said the resumption of the Kuala Lumpur-Chennai route not only connects the two cities but also provides travellers with easy access to Batik Air’s extensive network. In addition to the Kuala LumpurChennai route, there is also a twiceweekly direct flight between Kualanamu, Indonesia and Chennai which is operated by Batik Air Indonesia. Matrix Concepts posts 37% year-on-year growth in first-quarter earnings PETALING JAYA: Property developer Matrix Concepts Holdings Bhd recorded 37.3% growth in profit after tax attributable to shareholders to RM64.6 million in the first quarter ended June 30 2023 (Q1’24), up from RM47 million previously. The higher net profit underlines the fourth consecutive quarter of net profit growth as the group benefits from continued strong demand for its affordable-premium landed residential properties in Sendayan Developments, being boosted by accelerated construction progress. In Q1’24, group revenue surged by 44.6% to RM331.4 million from RM229.3 million previously. The growth was primarily attributed to contribution from Sendayan Developments, the flagship township development of the group. Notably, the resolution of labour concerns through the recruitment of new construction workers led to noticeable improvements in projects construction, bolstering revenue. As a result, revenue from Sendayan Developments experienced a substantial uptake of 55.3% to RM300 million in Q1’24, a significant increase from its previous value of RM193.2 million. Meanwhile, the group’s Bandar Seri Impian township in Kluang posted RM8 million revenue in Q1’24, 46.4% lower from RM14.8 million previously as existing projects neared completion. Additionally, Matrix Concept’s recently completed first Klang Valley development, The Chambers, and second Australian development, M. Greenvale, registered revenue of RM11.1 million and RM2.2 million respectively in Q1’24 with contribution from minimal remaining inventories. The group continued to register consistent new property sales of RM305.3 million in Q1’24 compared with RM309.2 million achieved in the previous year. Of total new property sales in the first quarter, 88.6% or RM270.6 million was generated from Sendayan Developments. With the strong new property sales achieved in Q1’24, the group’s unbilled sales amounted to RM1.45 billion as at June 30, 2023, providing secure earnings visibility over the next 15-18 months. In line with the positive financial performance, the group declared a first interim dividend of 2.5 sen per share in respect of financial year 2024, representing a total dividend payout of RM31.3 million or 49.1% of Q1’24 profit after tax. The dividend will be paid on Oct 5. of large-scale solar projects (LSS4). The remaining 1.9% or RM2.7 million was derived from operations and maintenance of solar energy systems, sale of electricity through solar energy and other activities. Executive director and group CEO Davis Chong Chun Shion said that all three of Solarvest’s LSS4 assets totalling 67.3 MWp are on track for commissioning by FY24, positioning the group to generate annual electricity sales of RM9 million in net profit for 25 years upon commissioning. “Our group has project opportunities amounting to 250 MWp through CGPP, of which approximately 50 MWp is under full ownership by Solarvest. “With the commissioning scheduled in 2025 and 21-year power purchase agreements, our CGPP solar plants will further contribute to our recurring income in the long run. Notably, our current unbilled order book of RM457.0 million is also expected to be further bolstered by the EPCC projects under the CGPP framework,” he added. Looking ahead, Chong said Solarvest maintains a positive outlook as it advances its market expansion strategy in tapping into new sources of overseas income.

13 SUNBIZ theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | AUGUST 23, 2023 Kinergy Advancement Q2 profit after tax quadruples PETALING JAYA: Kinergy Advancement Bhd (KAB) saw its profit after tax (PAT) quadruple in Q2’23 ended June 30, 2023, surging by 424% year-on-year (y-o-y) – its highest-ever quarterly PAT. The growth was underpinned by the performance of the Sustainable Energy Solutions (SES) segment which recorded a 155.1% increase y-o-y for the quarter and a 182.6% increase y-o-y for the six months under review. For Q2’23, KAB posted PAT of RM3.34 million, which swelled by 424% from RM0.64 million in the preceding year corresponding quarter (Q2’22). The group recorded a revenue of RM45.08 million, which translated to an increase of 5.7% from RM42.64 million in Q2’22. The group’s SES segment recorded a revenue of RM7.65 million, an increase of 84% from RM4.16 million registered in Q2’22 whilst its segment result surged 155.1% to RM3.7 million in Q2’23 from RM1.45 million in the previous year corresponding. The improved SES performance was largely attributed to the better tariffs on the SES segment assets. Meanwhile, the mechanical and electrical (M&E) engineering segment registered RM37.34 million in revenue in Q2’23 versus RM38.44 million in the previous year corresponding quarter whilst the segment result decreased by 16.2% to RM1.54 million in Q2’23 from RM1.83 million in Q2’22. For the six-month period ended June 30, 2023 (H1’23), KAB reported a PAT of RM5.91 million, which is an increase of 380.4% from the RM1.23 million of the corresponding sixmonth period last year. While the segment results for SES also showed an improvement, surging by 182.6% from RM2.26 million in H1’22 to a notable RM6.38 million in H1’23. KAB executive deputy chairman cum group managing director Datuk Lai Keng Onn commented that its results continued to be underpinned by the fundamental and robust growth in its SES segment as it accelerated its expansion and captured more opportunities in the industry. “As of H1’23, we are pleased to mark the significant turnaround of our group’s profitability as we continue to charter new growth highs through the SES segment. I am optimistic about the financial performance for the remainder of FY23 and confident that our SES segment will continue to spur the group’s financial performance for the financial years ahead,” he said in a statement. He stated that over the recent months, its efforts have been concentrated on growing a portfolio of pipeline assets. “Notably, we have made significant advancements, including the successful completion of the acquisition of Matahari Suria Sdn Bhd, thereby consolidating our position in the solar energy domain. This is further reflected in our recent award as one of the solar power producers under the inaugural Corporate Green Power Programme.” “Additionally, we are expecting the completion of our two on-going acquisitions namely PT Inpola Mitra Elektrindo; a MiniHydroplant in Indonesia and Future Biomass Gasification Sdn Bhd, a biogas plant in the H2’23. The completion of these acquisitions shall represent key additions to our existing diverse SES segment portfolio and are expected to significantly bolster the group’s earnings profile further,” he said. He added, “Nevertheless, we will continue to manage and grow KAB in a sustainable manner when we assess potential opportunities from a prudent riskreward perspective. This is in line with our ultimate goal of ensuring sustainable returns to our shareholders whilst we continue to expand our SES segment through targeting new clients and exploring potential opportunities both locally and abroad across Southeast Asia.” TNB: Conference to give actionable insights on energy transition KUALA LUMPUR: The Energy Transition Conference (ETC) 2023 on Aug 28 and 29 is expected to provide actionable insights into the digitalisation, technologies, capabilities and policies necessary for the energy transition in the region while supporting Malaysia’s goal to be a low-carbon nation by 2050. Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) president and CEO Datuk Baharin Din said the conference would encourage dialogue and partnerships among different sectors such as energy, transportation, industry, and agriculture to foster integrated and holistic approaches to sustainable practices. “It will also provide a platform for entrepreneurs, researchers, and technology developers to present their cutting-edge technologies, products, and services,” he told Bernama in an interview recently. Recognising the importance of policy frameworks in promoting sustainable practices and energy transition, he said the conference allows policymakers and industry players to discuss and debate policy options, regulatory frameworks, and incentive mechanisms. Powered by TNB, the conference themed “Accelerating a Responsible Energy Transition” will be held at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre and attended by more than 1,500 delegates, 60 speakers, and 30 exhibitors. Marking a milestone, ETC 2023 will make history as the first conference in Malaysia to be wholly powered by green energy under the Renewable Energy Certification. Baharin said TNB had chosen four areas to discuss during the conference namely the future of energy, sustainable cities, green mobility (transportation) and digitalisation, which were the backbone of responsible ET implementation. He also said that they have committed RM15 billion in repowering their gas plants in Kapar, Selangor and Paka, Terengganu with hydrogen technology that underscores their commitment to cutting-edge innovations. Baharin said TNB is investing RM10 billion in the development of hydropower projects and an additional RM2 billion in floating solar initiatives. ‘Mida talent development in harmony with Madani Economy goals’ SHAH ALAM: The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) is intensifying its initiatives to enhance local talent development to support the industry needs, in line with the Madani Economy aspirations. CEO Datuk Arham Abdul Rahman said as the country aimed to be among the world’s top 30 largest economies within the next decade, it is crucial to have a healthy and readily available talent pool, especially in high-tech sectors such as electrical and electronics (E&E), aerospace and medical device. He said Mida, as the Malaysian government’s principal investment promotion agency, is actively engaging several stakeholders to facilitate talent development through various initiatives such as industry academia collaboration, internship facilitation programme, upskilling and reskilling programmes, global talent outreach programme and career fair. “Given the rapid emergence of these thriving industries, a vast array of opportunities beckons our talent pool to engage in sectors that not only promise economic viability but also champion in environmental and social consciousness, nurturing personal and career growth in alignment with sustainable values. “These dynamic developments offer our local talent the chance to acquire expertise in cutting-edge technologies, empowering them to play an active role in driving the digital revolution forward,” he told Bernama. Arham said the primary objective of holding career fairs was to provide graduates and job seekers with valuable opportunities to explore a wide range of career options offered by both local and international companies. E-commerce giant Lazada reduces carbon footprint KUALA LUMPUR: E-commerce platform Lazada Group has recorded a lower carbon footprint as the group reduced its overall greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 10% since introducing a baseline carbon inventory to identify key sources of GHG emission across its operations in 2022. According to its financial year 2023 environment, social, and governance (ESG) impact report titled Enriching Lives, Emerging Stronger, Lazada via sustainable logistics initiatives such as the Lazada Logistics’ Transport Access Point programme in Indonesia avoided more than 20,000 trips and approximately seven million kilometres equivalent from reduced road transport activities. “This is made possible through collaboration with third-party partners to leverage Lazada’s trucks to deliver parcels at destination cities when possible, eliminating the need for separate trucks,” said the report, which provides information on the progress of the company’s commitment to leverage ecommerce as a force for good. The report also highlighted Lazada’s positive socio-economic impact across its six markets namely Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines and Vietnam where it continued to provide economic opportunities to more than 1.1 million stakeholders within its ecosystem of sellers, digital commerce enablers, thirdparty logistics partners and employees. Lazada said its provision of services, infrastructure, and capacity-building had empowered Southeast Asian communities. “We joined the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec 2022) Economic Forum to promote and support initiatives aimed at aiding the digital transformation of micro, small and medium enterprises, where digitalisation is crucial to improving the operational flexibility and long-term growth of businesses across Southeast Asia,” it said. Lazada said it had a diverse and inclusive work environment for employees and employed over 32 nationalities across the oFirm works with partners to cut greenhouse gas emissions via sustainable logistics initiatives markets, with women making up 44% of its workforce. It added that the group had adopted best practices for intellectual property protection and processes. CEO James Dong said that as the group looked ahead to the next growth phase, Lazada was cognisant that sustainability would continue to be its guiding principle. “Sustainable development is not only a responsibility but also an opportunity and commitment to the future. By working together, we can enrich the lives of all participants in the digital economy and build toward a resilient and sustainable future,” he said. – Bernama

14 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | AUGUST 23, 2023 SUNBIZ Sources: Financial Times, New Development Bank, Reuters Pictures: Getty Images BRICS summit 2023 The five BRICS emerging world economies – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – aim to develop trade and economic cooperation that can challenge the developed world’s dominance Agenda: Enlargement – 23 countries, including Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and Iran, want to join New Development Bank: To discuss how NDB – set up in 2015 – can boost fundraising in local currencies to counter U.S. dollar’s dominance 2021: Bangladesh, Egypt and UAE join bank 2016-23: Of over $33 billion in loans approved by NDB, two-thirds were in U.S. dollars © GRAPHIC NEWS Brazil President Lula da Silva Russia Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov India Prime Minister Narendra Modi China President Xi Jinping South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa Aug 22-24, 2023: BRICS 15th summit held in Johannesburg, South Africa New Development Bank loans (US$ millions) Approved 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 1,554 1,85124 601 915 5,383 7,623 1,000 4,697 7,192 10,277 $33,022m 5,060 2,391 Disbursed Loans approved 2016-22 Sources: Financial Times, New Development Bank, Reuters Pictures: Getty Images BRICS summit 2023 The five BRICS emerging world economies – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – aim to develop trade and economic cooperation that can challenge the developed world’s dominance Agenda: Enlargement – 23 countries, including Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and Iran, want to join New Development Bank: To discuss how NDB – set up in 2015 – can boost fundraising in local currencies to counter U.S. dollar’s dominance 2021: Bangladesh, Egypt and UAE join bank 2016-23: Of over $33 billion in loans approved by NDB, two-thirds were in U.S. dollars © GRAPHIC NEWS Brazil President Lula da Silva Russia Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov India Prime Minister Narendra Modi China President Xi Jinping South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa Aug 22-24, 2023: BRICS 15th summit held in Johannesburg, South Africa New Development Bank loans (US$ millions) Approved 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 1,554 1,85124 601 915 5,383 7,623 1,000 4,697 7,192 10,277 $33,022m 5,060 2,391 Disbursed Loans approved 2016-22 US retail traders eye fresh piece of crypto derivatives pie BENGALURU: America’s mom and pop bitcoin buffs have a shiny new derivatives playground that cryptocurrency analysts hope will fire up a moribund market. Their new platform is crypto exchange Coinbase Global, which on Aug 16 became the first cryptofocused firm to win approval to offer cryptocurrency futures to US retail customers. It’s early days. But crypto markets are excited by the possibility that the first regulated and listed crypto firm to offer futures trading to US retail investors might revive a shrinking US$2 trillion (RM9.2 trillion) cryptocurrency derivatives market. “Coinbase’s approval to offer US futures has the potential to rekindle hope and momentum in the market,” said Lucas Kiely, chief investment officer of digital investment platform Yield App. Hope and momentum are in short supply in a market that has seen bitcoin languish for months as hawkish global central banks and troubles at crypto exchanges such as FTX and Binance sapped interest in volatile crypto assets. Coinbase’s announcement also comes at a time when derivatives’ trading volumes have shrunk significantly owing to economic uncertainty, continued regulatory hurdles and low volatility that left investors disinclined to make big bets. Retail traders in the US can trade bitcoin directly on licensed exchanges such as Bitstamp and Coinbase. They can trade options on the CME, but only through a broker. Or, they can invest in bitcoin exchange-traded funds issued by fund managers such as ProShares and VanEck. That is why Coinbase’s new offering is creating a buzz. A rush of retail traders, famed for their manic meme-stock trading roused on social media sites such as Reddit, could change things in the crypto world. Derivatives such as options and futures have dominated crypto trading since such products appeared around 2014, as investors snapped up the opportunity to place bets on bitcoin’s price moves with minimal investment. They are also heavily favoured by institutional investors, whose interest has remained fairly steady this year, with the number of Large Open Interest Holders – those holding more than 25 contracts – in CME bitcoin futures up 5% since the second quarter, according to the exchange’s data. – Reuters B R I E F S INFLATION PRESSURES WARRANT VIGILANCE: INDIA FINANCE MINISTRY NEW DELHI: Inflationary pressures in India caused by global uncertainty and domestic disruptions will require greater vigilance by the government and the Reserve Bank of India, the finance ministry said in its monthly economic report yesterday. The ministry’s comments come weeks after data showed retail inflation in July rose to its highest in 15 months, as vegetable and cereals prices skyrocketed. “The price pressure in food items is expected to be transitory, as evident in the steady performance of the agriculture sector, along with fresh arrivals in the market,“ it said. – Reuters UK SEES SURGE IN INTEREST FROM NON-EU JOB HUNTERS LONDON: Britain has received a surge in job searches from overseas during the past year, partly reflecting a post-Brexit relaxation in work visa rules for non-European Union nationals, figures from recruitment website Indeed showed yesterday. A record 5.5% of searches for British jobs on Indeed’s website in June came from potential applicants outside the country, up from 4.4% a year earlier and an average of 3.6% from 2017 to 2019. EU-based job seekers accounted for 1.4% of Indeed’s UK job searches in June – down slightly from before Brexit – while non-EU interest has more than doubled to 4.1% of searches. India, Nigeria, South Africa and Pakistan were some of the main origins for searches. – Reuters DUBAI AIRPORT TRAFFIC JUMPS 50% IN Q1, TOPS PRE-PANDEMIC LEVELS DUBAI: Passenger traffic at Dubai international airport leapt 50% in the first half of the year, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, its operator said yesterday. Dubai, the world’s busiest airport for international passengers before Covid-19, had 41.6 million visits in the six months to June, just over the number recorded in the first half of 2019, Dubai Airports said in a statement. The passenger figure also marks a 50% increase from the 27.9 million seen in the same period last year. Passenger forecasts for the year have been raised to 85 million, up from 83.6 million. “Dubai Airports is optimistic about the levels of demand and is expecting record-breaking numbers during the winter season,“ the company said in a statement. – AFP EGYPT ANNOUNCES NEW OIL DISCOVERY IN GULF OF SUEZ DUBAI: Egypt’s petroleum ministry yesterday announced a new oil discovery in the Geisum and Tawila West Concession in the Gulf of Suez. The new discovery was made by Egypt’s Cheiron through exploration well GNN-11, currently producing more than 2,500 barrels a day, the ministry said. The well is the fourth to be completed and another three wells could be drilled as part of the current phase of exploration, the ministry said. Total output from the field, located in North Geisum, has reached about 23,000 barrels per day, the ministry added. – Reuters What is BRICS and who are its members? oOver 40 countries have expressed interest in joining the forum as an alternative to global bodies dominated by Western powers S&P downgrades US banks citing ‘tough’ operating climate BENGALURU: S&P Global on Monday cut credit ratings and revised its outlook for multiple US banks, following a similar move by Moody’s, warning that funding risks and weaker profitability will likely test the sector’s credit strength. S&P downgraded the ratings of Associated Banc-Corp and Valley National Bancorp on funding risks and a higher reliance on brokered deposits. It also downgraded UMB Financial Corp, Comerica Bank and Keycorp, citing large deposit outflows and prevailing higher interest rates. A sharp rise in interest rates is weighing on many US banks’ funding and liquidity, S&P said in a summarised note, adding that deposits held by Federal Deposit Insurance Corp (FDIC)-insured banks will continue to decline as long as the Federal Reserve is “quantitatively tightening.” The rating agency also downgraded the outlook of S&T Bank and River City Bank to negative from stable on high commercial real estate exposure among other factors. Moody’s had earlier this month cut the ratings of 10 banks by one notch and placed six banking giants, including Bank of New York Mellon BK.N, US Bancorp, State Street and Truist Financial on review for potential downgrades. The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank earlier this year sparked a crisis of confidence in the US banking sector, leading to a run on deposits at a host of regional banks, despite authorities launching emergency measures to shore up confidence. – Reuters JOHANNESBURG: The BRICS group of major emerging economies – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – will hold its 15th heads of state and government summit in Johannesburg between Aug 22 and Aug 24. Here are some key facts about the bloc and its members. What is BRICS? The acronym BRIC, which did not initially include South Africa, was coined in 2001 by then Goldman Sachs chief economist Jim O'Neill in a research paper that underlined the growth potential of Brazil, Russia, India and China. The bloc was founded as an informal club in 2009 to provide a platform for its members to challenge a world order dominated by the US and its Western allies. Its creation was initiated by Russia. The group is not a formal multilateral organisation like the UN, World Bank or the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. The heads of state and government of the member nations convene annually with each nation taking up a one-year rotating chairmanship of the group. Who are the members? Brazil, Russia, India and China are the founding members. South Africa, the smallest member in terms of economic clout and population, was the first beneficiary of an expansion of the bloc in 2010 when the grouping became known as BRICS. Together the countries account for more than 40% of the world population and a quarter of the global economy. Which nations want to join BRICS and why? Over 40 countries, including Iran, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Argentina, Algeria, Bolivia, Indonesia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Cuba, Democratic Republic of Congo, Comoros, Gabon, and Kazakhstan have expressed interest in joining the forum, according to 2023 summit chair South Africa. They view BRICS as an alternative to global bodies viewed as dominated by the traditional Western powers and hope membership will unlock benefits including development finance, and increased trade and investment. Dissatisfaction with the global order among developing nations was exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic when life-saving vaccines were hoarded by the rich countries. Iran, home to around a quarter of the Middle East’s oil reserves, has said it hopes the mechanism for new membership would be decided “at the earliest.” Oil heavyweight Saudi Arabia was among more than a dozen countries that participated in “Friends of BRICS” talks in Cape Town in June. It has received backing from Russia and Brazil to join the BRICS. Argentina said in July 2022 it had received China's formal support in its bid to join the group. Ethiopia, one of Africa's fastestgrowing economies, said in June it had asked to join the bloc, with a foreign ministry spokesman saying the country will continue to work with international institutions that can protect its interests. Bolivia's President Luis Arce has expressed interest in BRICS membership and is expected to attend the summit. Its government said in July it was determined to curb dependence on the US dollar for foreign trade, instead turning to the Chinese yuan, in line with BRICS leaders' stated aim to reduce dependence on the US currency. Algeria said in July it has applied for BRICS membership and to become a shareholder in the New Development Bank, the so-called BRICS Bank. The North African nation is rich in oil and gas resources and is seeking to diversify its economy and strengthen partnership with China and other countries. – Reuters

2 3 A U G U S T 2 0 2 3 W E D N E S D A Y page 16 page 16 page 16 Reckless Madison Beer’s favourite Yesterday Britney quits Olivia Rodrigo first Chelsea match The warrior inside The warrior inside 17-year-old drummer steals show on page 17

16 ENTERTAINMENT theSun LYFE ON WEDNESDAY | AUGUST 23, 2023 /theSunMedia FOLLOW ON YOUTUBE SCAN ME AMERICAN-BORN singer Madison Beer, who first gained prominence through her early YouTube videos showcasing her impressive singing prowess, has offered a glimpse into her upcoming album. The artist behind Reckless took to Instagram and Twitter to reveal the tracklist for her forthcoming album, Silence Between Songs with a caption that read, “Silence Between Songs, tractlist reveal 9/15. Pre-save in bio.” In a video, Beer shares the 14-song tracklist by writing it on a whiteboard in her bedroom. The lineup features titles like Spinnin, Sweet Relief, Envy the Leaves, 17, Ryder, Nothing Matters But You, I Wonder, At Your Worst, Showed Me, Home to Another One, Dangerous, Reckless, Silence Between Songs, and King of Everything. Silence Between Songs stands as Beer’s third album, following her previous work, Life Support, which includes hits like BOYSH*T and Good in Goodbye. Beer also provides insights into the themes explored in Silence Between Songs, discussing personal growth and how she drew inspiration from The Beatles’ classic Yesterday in an interview with Kyle Meredith. She delves into her journey of selfimprovement through therapy and self-care, her affinity for the music of the 1960s, and how The Beatles’ unique song structure influenced one track on her album. “Yesterday is one of my all-time favourite songs, undoubtedly,“ she expresses. “I’ve always admired its lack of a traditional chorus. It’s like this continuous loop of a song, and that’s really intriguing to me. So that’s where the initial spark came from. How can we craft a song that captures that neverending loop?” The release date for Silence Between Songs across all platforms is set for Sept 15. – BY HAZIQUE ZAIRILL Madison Beer talks about upcoming album THOUGH it may be considered common knowledge, especially after the buzz surrounding the film last year, for Top Gun: Maverick, the cast that played pilots all flew in real jets while making the film. Due to needing to be in the air for the film’s flying scenes, Maverick’s stars can’t do what actors on regular sets do whenever they need to answer the call of nature, so they had to emulate what real-life pilots would do. Speaking to Vanity Fair, Lewis Pullman, who plays weapon systems officer Robert “Bob” Floyd, explained that when the need to pee occurred, the cast had to resort to a few trusty bags. “We had two boots of gelatin powder strapped to our calves. It would solidify because if there was a leak, it would be a disaster,“ he explained, referring to the piddle packs used by real-life fighter pilots. “Let’s put it this way: I used both bags quite a bit.” In an interview with ScreenRant, fellow costar Monica Barbaro previously joked that there was a lack of bathroom breaks during filming, and that pilots would tell the cast to use the bag during long flights. It didn’t end like this. In Entertainment Weekly’s “Three Rounds” with the Maverick cast last year, Danny Ramirez pointed out that they were burning through barf bags as well. “I think most of us could say that we were barfing quite a bit,” he joked. “But I’ve never seen a group of people that puke and rally more than we do. We had a twohour window to get the scene, and so you realise that you can’t let whatever’s coming out of you prevent you from getting what you have to get”. – BY MARK MATHEN VICTOR AMERICAN singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo was recently seen attending Chelsea’s match at Stamford Bridge for the football club’s first Premier League game of the season against Liverpool on Aug 13. The 20-year-old artist, known for her song Deja Vu, acknowledged that it was her first football match attendance and expressed having thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Following the end of the game, she posed for photos at the London football ground with Ben Chilwell, a defender for Chelsea. Chilwell presented her with a football jersey that was blue in colour and featured the number eight along with her last name embossed on it. Rodrigo then took over the club’s Instagram story, saying: “Hey, my name’s Olivia Rodrigo, and today I am at the Bridge for my very first football game. Olivia, who is nominated for multiple VMAs, added: “I had the best time, and I’m so happy that I got to come.” The club also shared an image of the smiling pair on Twitter, writing: “New Chelsea fan unlocked: Olivia Rodrigo,” while on Instagram, the official account said: “Olivia Rodrigo is a Blue! #CheLiv.” This took place following the squad’s 1-1 draw against Liverpool, which marked the debut match under the management of Mauricio Pochettino, who was appointed in June. Rodrigo, dressed in a green floral dress paired with brown suede knee-high boots, was captured in photographs alongside Chilwell, who sported his blue football uniform along with sliders and bare feet. – BY HAZIQUE ZAIRILL It’s over The singer credits the Beatles as inspiration for her album. – APPLE MUSIC Rodrigo now has her own Chelsea jersey. – INSTAGRAM Rodrigo’s first football match POP icon Britney Spears and her partner Sam Asghari have embarked on separate paths, signalling a new chapter in their lives. The couple, who exchanged vows in an intimate star-studded ceremony in June 2022, has decided to part ways after a journey of 14 months together. This decision follows a recent twist in their relationship dynamics. Spears and Asghari crossed paths in 2016 on the set of the music video for her hit Slumber Party. Their connection deepened over time, culminating in their marriage in 2022, which was celebrated among close friends and well-known personalities. Reports suggest that a pivotal moment in their relationship came when Asghari alleged infidelity during a heated argument. Sources indicate that this incident may lead to a divorce filing by Asghari in the near future. He has already moved out of Spears’ Thousand Oaks mansion in California. In May last year, Spears and Asghari shared a personal tragedy with the world: the loss of a cherished pregnancy. Spears took to Instagram to express her grief over the miscarriage, referring to their unborn child as a “miracle baby.” This marks Spears’ third experience with marriage. Her initial brief marriage to childhood friend Jason Alexander in 2004, lasting a mere 55 hours, was swiftly annulled. Subsequently, she married her backup dancer, Kevin Federline, later that same year. The two became parents to two sons, Sean Preston (17) and Jayden James (16). However, their union faced challenges, leading to Spears’ divorce filing in 2006, which was finalised the following year. As the public awaits their response to the recent allegations of infidelity, Spears and Asghari continue to move forward along separate paths, each carving out their own individual narratives. Answering the call of nature The cast of Top Gun: Maverick heavily relied on barf bags during filming. – US WEEKLY oBritney and Sam split up Spears and Asghari first met in 2016, marking the beginning of their relationship. – VARIETY

17 ENTERTAINMENT theSun LYFE ON WEDNESDAY | AUGUST 23, 2023 overall appearance of gothic, fierce energy despite the cold evening. Amy sported a stylish red suit that exuded both elegance and power, and the iconic guitarist Man Kidal added to the blazing flair by shredding his Flying-V guitar on stage. Additionally, the ensemble included their session pianist, Rie Tsuji, and drummer Arthur Kam. Both of these musicians showcased exceptional talent, demonstrating their musical prowess splendidly throughout the performances. The band maintained their momentum by delivering a series of iconic songs from their era, including classics like Langit dan Bumi, Gelora Cinta, Kejora, Nigina, and Honky Tonk Kosong. The audience was treated to a nostalgic journey before the band shifted to their all-time hits, including the slow rock songs Rozana, Fantasia Bulan Madu, and Isabella. Enhancing the atmosphere was the gentle fall of simulated “snow” from above, delicately floating around the audience during the rendition of Fantasia Bulan Madu, beautifully reflecting the essence of the concert’s title, Fantasia Bulan Salju. Adding an element of surprise to the setlist, the band proceeded to perform a rather unexpected song. Amy addressed the audience, sharing, “This song is not part of any Search album, but Hillary is particularly fond of it. So I had to fulfil it. Here comes Tiada Lagi,“ he announced from the stage, promptly starting to sing his version of the song that originally hails from Indonesian singer Mayang Sari. Following a brief 10-minute intermission, the band resumed the second half of the show with a series of intense and heavy songs, including Diari Habil Qabil, Fenomena, Gothik Malam Edan, and Isi Atau Kulit. Adding to the uniqueness of the performance was the presence of their new young drummer, 17-yearold Naimi Daimi, who took the stage for the second-half of the setlist. Naimi skillfully showcased her drumming talents, impressively displaying her mastery of the double pedal technique. The concert concluded with the band’s two iconic songs that serve as a unifying force in the world of rock: Pelesit Kota and Pawana. The crowd erupted in wild excitement, with people jumping to their feet, energetically headbanging, and enthusiastically raising rock hand signs in the air. Last but certainly not least, the concert’s sound system, highlighted by its satisfying bass, was complemented by a captivating lighting arrangement that added to the overall experience. The Fantasia Bulan Salju concert stands as a revolutionary and triumphant spectacle in the legacy of Search. oThe rock band relived its golden era in Genting Highlands █ BYHAZIQUE ZAIRILL DIVING into a unique perspective, let’s take a captivating stroll through the realm of Moving, a gripping saga born from the acclaimed webtoon of the same name. Imagine a whirlwind of electrifying action where a band of unsuspecting youths blessed with extraordinary powers stand defiantly against the world’s mightiest governments. But this isn’t your run-of-the-mill superpowered tale; oh no, these protagonists have honed the art of secrecy, concealing their gifts to shield themselves and their loved ones from manipulation. Embarking on a sweeping narrative spanning three riveting decades, Moving’s mastermind, Director Park Inje, and Kangfull, the writer behind the immensely adored webtoon, take their artistic prowess to fresh horizons. With a fresh canvas at their disposal, the two talented individuals weave an intoxicating tapestry of amusement, suspense, pulsepounding exploits, enigmas, and more. Picture my astonishment: a delightful fusion of K-drama allure and Western superhero grandeur lured me into this entrancing world. And let’s not gloss over the awe-inspiring ensemble cast, a constellation of talents featuring Ryu Seung-ryong, Jo In-sung, and the unforgettable Han Hyo-joo, each a stellar luminary in their own right. The chemistry between the leads, Kim Bong-seok (Lee Jung-ha) and Jang Hui-soo (Go Youn-jung), delivered a captivating dance of emotions that ensnared my attention. As the plot threads begin to weave together, secrets gradually unravel, unveiling a heartwarming camaraderie between Bong-seok and Hui-soo that’s an absolute delight to witness. Amidst these evolving bonds, the series sheds its sugary veneer, revealing its depth. The fusion of their chemistry is a feast for aficionados of K-drama; however, I must confess, a lingering frustration nagged at me – the pacing is almost languid in its stride. A solid plot lays the groundwork, but the tempo? A touch sluggish, so much so that I pondered abandoning ship after those first two episodes. Yet, in retrospect, that measured gait afforded ample time to acquaint us with the diverse cast of characters, proving to be a rewarding investment. And kudos to Han Hyo-joo for gracing the role of a mother – a deviation from her usual stunning lead parts. She gracefully commands her █ BYTHASHINE SELVAKUMARAN Over 4,000 people attended the concert. Moving consists of 20 episodes, available to stream exclusively on Disney+ – TWITTER 60 studios were brought in to participate in the VFX process for the series. – TWITTER 0Cast: Ryu Seung-ryong, Jo In-sung, Han Hyo-joo, Lee Jung-ha and Go Youn-jung 0Director: Park Inje E-VALUE 6 ACTING 6 PLOT 7 character, enriching the series with her portrayal. But hold your breath, for beyond the torrents of adrenaline-charged sequences lie the heart-tugging tales of our characters’ origins. Episodic retrospections delve deep, weaving the very fabric of their beings. For me, it stands as a passable venture – a departure from the norm in the realm of K-dramas. A shimmering gem beckoning from the exclusive shores of Disney+, Moving awaits, poised to whisk you away on an extraordinary odyssey. A wonderful night for Search THE rock band Search has just concluded its remarkable concert titled Fantasia Bulan Salju at the Arena of Stars in Genting Highlands on Aug 12. Despite clashing with the State Election (PRN) on the exact day, the concert garnered a positive response, drawing an impressive crowd of over 4,000 attendees. Organised by MIC Entertainment Group, this event was particularly significant as it marked the debut of a local artist performing at the Arena of Stars at Resorts World Genting; a venue that is typically reserved for international artists during their visits to Malaysia. Featuring familiar figures that have become synonymous with the local rock music scene, the presence of Datuk Amy (vocals), Hillary Ang (guitar), Nasir (bass), and Man Kidal (guitar) highlights the band’s lasting impact. This is evidence that their influence on the scene remains unchanged and that they are still relevant today. Kicking off at 8.45pm, the concert begins with a c a p t i v a t i n g m o n t a g e showcasing poetic verses by S. Amin Shahab, followed by the band opening the night with their first song, Bencana. The explosive atmosphere continued as they performed the vigorous Derap Komando, accompanied by cool visuals on the wide display screen behind the band. The members of the band were all dressed in black, which contributed to the The legendary Hillary Search’s legacy will live on for decades. – PICS BY MIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP (From left) Guitarist Man Kidal and bassist Nasir. K-Drama meets superheroes

18 LIFESTYLE theSun LYFE ON WEDNESDAY | AUGUST 23, 2023 @thesundaily FOLLOW ON TWITTER SCAN ME Malaysia’s inaugural TikTok awards STEPPING onto a vibrant stage where creativity knows no bounds, TikTok, the ultimate hub of bite-sized mobile videos, is set to make history in Malaysia with its very first TikTok Awards. Mark your calendars for Aug 27, as the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) Kuala Lumpur becomes the epicentre of a dazzling event that celebrates the brilliant minds shaping the content creation sphere. The TikTok Awards are more than just an awards show; they are a jubilant congregation of Malaysia’s finest content creators, those intrepid souls who push boundaries, captivate hearts, and redefine the art of digital storytelling. This grand annual affair pays homage to the dynamic tapestry of local talents who use their imaginative prowess to inspire, entertain, and leave an indelible mark on the global stage. As the nation basks in the glow of its Independence month, the TikTok Awards add an extra layer of significance to the festivities, a heartfelt tribute to the remarkable homegrown talents who’ve spun truly Malaysian narratives for the world to revel in. From heartfelt tales to hilarious skits, this is a celebration of creators who’ve transformed tiny screens into canvases for cultural exchange and boundless creativity. Since its inception, TikTok has been the breeding ground for genuine self-expression, nurturing a vibrant and inclusive community united by the universal language of video. From culinary enchantments to educational odysseys, every TikTok niche has blossomed into a unique TikTok awards press conference. – PICS BY TIKTOK █ BYTHASHINE SELVAKUMARAN (From left) Hosts Amelia, Sherry, Neeta, Sissy, Ceddy and Izzue. – TIKTOK subculture, birthing online talents who command the spotlight of the popular For You Page (FYP). Enter the enchanting realm of the “Big on the Small Screen” gala. This exclusive soirée unfolds in two chapters: the judge’s pick and the people’s choice. The former, an ode to artistic finesse, finds its laureates chosen by a panel of illustrious figures, including Media Prima Television Networks and Primeworks Studios CEO, Nini Yusof; enchanting virtuoso Hael Husaini; and TikTok’s Southeast Asia Operations & Marketing GM, Angga Anugrah Putra. On the flip side, the People’s Choice invites the world to cast their votes in favour of their adored creators, giving everyone a say in this digital carnival of genius. But it’s not just about accolades and applause. Fashion steals the limelight, with the Best Dressed Awards spotlighting the most stylish and inventive attendees. A panel of tastemakers will curate the contenders, but the ultimate arbiter will be the very audience that admires these vogue virtuosos. Prepare to be front-row witnesses from the comfort of your abode. Tune in to the symphony of creativity as the TikTok Awards take over the airwaves of TV3 and TikTok Malaysia’s own platform on that enchanting Sunday, Aug 27, at 9pm. Be part of the magic, celebrating alongside a constellation of Malaysia’s beloved stars, gracing the occasion with their presence, wit, and charm. And if that isn’t enough to satiate your hunger for TikTok wonder, venture to Sunway Pyramid Mall from Aug 24-27. Here, TikTok Awards: Inspire unfolds, inviting you to immerse yourself in an interactive zone teeming with inspiration. Engage in a dance with creativity, soak in the brilliance of the nominated creators, and even share a moment with the very minds that bring TikTok’s magic to life. All this splendour is masterfully woven together by the hands of TV3, powered by the Honor 90 Series 5G (main sponsor), delivered by the everreliable foodpanda (co-sponsor), stirred by the flavours of F&N Teh Tarik (partner sponsor), and made possible through the connective prowess of U Mobile (partner sponsor). So, step into this digital wonderland and cast your vote on the TikTok app. TikTok can be downloaded for free from the Apple Store, Google Play Store, and Huawei App Gallery for both iOS and Android devices. Bask in the brilliance of local legends, and let the TikTok Awards whisk you away to a realm where creativity reigns supreme. EXCITING news awaits all food enthusiasts and Japanese cuisine aficionados. The Pullman Kuala Lumpur City Centre Hotel & Residences is hosting an exclusive dinner series featuring the culinary genius of Chef Hiroshi Masuda, a true master of “Kaiseki” cuisine, renowned as the pinnacle of Japanese culinary art. This mouthwatering event will take place at the elegant Sedap Restaurant throughout the month of August. Chef Hiroshi will be gracing the restaurant to present his extraordinary Japanese signature Guest Chef Masuda and Executive Chef Fong. – PULLMAN KUALA LUMPUR CITY CENTRE HOTEL & RESIDENCES oIndulge in Chef Hiroshi Masuda’s culinary artistry █ BYTHASHINE SELVAKUMARAN Guest Chef Hiroshi Masuda and GM of Pullman KLCC, Wolfgang Kiesel. Guest Chef Slicing Sashimi. Japanese flavoured extravaganza dishes, tantalisingly arranged in an enticing buffet style. Guests will have the privilege of savoring this exquisite Japanesethemed buffet, a celebration of authentic flavors and artful presentations, all crafted by the talented hands of Chef Hiroshi. The dinner buffet promises an array of traditional and contemporary Japanese dishes, taking you on a delectable journey from appetisers to sumptuous main courses and delightful desserts. Prepare your taste buds for a treat of premium seafood, local specialties, and international delights, all prepared with Chef Hiroshi’s exquisite touch. Throughout his illustrious career, Chef Hiroshi has honed his skills across various global culinary hubs, including Thailand, Hong Kong, China, Dubai, Russia, Germany, and his native Japan. As a testament to his culinary prowess, he even showcased his talents as a contestant in the prestigious Iron Chef Thailand Competition. During this one-month culinary extravaganza, each dish on the buffet spread will exude the magic of Japanese cuisine, a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, all expertly presented by Chef Hiroshi himself. Get ready to delight in a plethora of dishes, from the freshest sashimi and delightful nigiri sushi to mouthwatering specialties like grilled lamb chops with wasabi miso, succulent salmon teriyaki, and the ever-popular beef katsu Japanese schnitzel. Guests will also relish in the flavours of “Chikuzen ni,” a heartwarming simmered chicken and vegetable dish, alongside a delightful selection of popular Japanese beverages such as green tea, roasted green tea, genmaicha, and barley tea. To ensure you don’t miss this extraordinary culinary experience, we highly recommend making advance reservations for the Japanese Food Buffet with live stations. The dinner buffet is priced at RM238 per adult and RM119 per child (ages six to 12 years), inclusive of 6% service tax. For inquiries and purchases, simply reach out via WhatsApp to +6016 290 3864 or +6012 303 5958, or drop an email to [email protected]. For more exciting updates, follow Pullman KLCC on Facebook @PullmanKualaLumpurCityCentre or visit their hotel microsite at p u l l m a n - k u a l a l u m p u r - citycentre.com. Readers can enjoy a delightful 20% off on our Japanese Food Dinner Buffet by using the discount code “HIRO-SUNDAI20” when making a reservation.

19 GAMING & TECH theSun LYFE ON WEDNESDAY | AUGUST 23, 2023 Game streaming technology ON Aug 15, a small number of Netflix subscribers in Canada and the UK were able to play games on their TVs as the streaming platform launched a limited beta to test its cloud gaming service. The subscribers were able to do this using the Netflix Game Controller app. In a blog post, Netflix vice president of Games Mike Verdu explained that the beta aimed to “test [its] game streaming technology and controller and to improve the member experience over time”. Only two games were available for the beta: Night School Studio’s Oxenfree and Molehew’s Mining Adventure. Even though it is a beta, the range of compatible devices is still impressive, such Oxenfree is part of Netflix’s initial cloud gaming offering. – NIGHT OWL STUDIO oNetflix’s newest beta test experience █ BY MARK MATHEN VICTOR Netflix is planning to make its games available to a bigger market. – NETLIX as the Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, LG TVs, Nvidia Shield TV, Roku devices and TVs, Samsung Smart TVs, and Walmart ONN. The beta will continue on the PC and MAC for now, while more devices will be added at a later date. The games were controlled by smartphones for TV. On Android and iOS, the controller was accessible through the Netflix app and a special controller app that’s available on the App Store. For those who were playing on the web, it was done with a keyboard and mouse. “By making games available on more devices, we hope to make games even easier to play for our members around the world,” Verdu said in the blog post. “While we’re still very early in our games journey, we’re excited to bring joy to members with games.” AI anxiety among workers THE tidal wave of artificial intelligence (AI) barreling towards many professions has generated deep anxiety among workers fearful that their jobs will be swept away, and the mental health impact is rising. The launch in November 2022 of ChatGPT, the generative AI platform capable of handling complex tasks on command, marked a tech landmark as AI started to transform the workplace. “Anything new and unknown is anxiety-producing,” Clare Gustavsson, a New York therapist whose patients have shared concerns about AI, told AFP. “The technology is growing so fast that it is hard to gain a firm footing.” Legal assistants, programmers, accountants, and financial advisors are among those professions feeling threatened by generative AI that can quickly create human-like prose, computer code, articles, or expert insight. Goldman Sachs analysts see generative AI impacting, if not eliminating, some 300 million jobs, according to a study published in March. “I anticipate that my job will Legal assistants, programmers, accountants, and financial advisors are among those professions feeling threatened by generative AI that can quickly create humanlike prose, computer code, articles, or expert insight. – ETX STUDIO become obsolete within the next 10 years,” Eric, a bank teller, told AFP, declining to give his second name. “I plan to change careers. The bank I work for is expanding AI research.” Trying to ‘embrace the unknown’ New York therapist Meris Powell told AFP of an entertainment professional worried about AI being used in film and television production – a threat to actors and screenwriters that is a flashpoint in the strikes currently gripping Hollywood. “It’s mainly people who are in creative fields who are at the forefront of that concern,” Gustavsson said. AI is bringing with it a level of apprehension matched by climate change and the Covid-19 pandemic, she contended. But she said that she tries to get patients to “embrace the unknown” and find ways to use new technology to their advantage. For one graphic animator in New York, the career-threatening shock came from seeing images generated by AI-infused software such as Midjourney and Stable Diffusion that rivaled the quality of those created by humans. “People started to realise that some of the skills they had developed and specialised in could possibly be replaced by AI,” she told AFP, adding she had honed her coding skills but now feels even that has scant promise in an AI world. “I’ll probably lean into more of a management-level role,” she said. “It’s just hard because there are a lot fewer of those positions. “Before, I would just pursue things that interested me and skills that I enjoyed. Now I feel more inclined to think about what’s actually going to be useful and marketable in the future.” Peter Vukovic, who has been chief technology officer at several startups, expects just one percent or less of the population to benefit from AI. “For the rest, it’s a grey area,” Vukovic, who lives in Bosnia, said. “There is a lot of reason for 99% of people to be concerned.” AI is focused on efficiency and making money, but it could be channelled to serve other purposes, Vukovic said. “What’s the best way for us to use this?” he asked. “Is it really just to automate a bunch of jobs?” – ETX STUDIO Powerful Twitter tool paywalled ELON MUSK has followed through with his words despite the collective groan of everyone else yet again; TweetDeck is now a paid service. Users on X, the social network formerly known as Twitter, are claiming they are seeing a sales page for X Premium, the subscription formerly known as Twitter Blue, when attempting to load up TweetDeck. However, some have yet to run into the block, for now. Popular with journalists, marketers, and others that use Twitter for their day jobs, TweetDeck was known for its ability to support multiple accounts and custom feeds at the same time. On July 3, Musk, through X’s Support account, announced that XPro would be a subscriber-only feature “in 30 days”, while warning that users must be “verified” to access TweetDeck. To be verified, users need to sign up for X Premium, which Musk and X have tried to make more enticing to users with additions such as longer posts, formatting options, ad revenue sharing, and higher rankings in conversations and searches. The company is hoping that access to XPro is worth paying for a blue checkmark. Turning what was once a free tool into part of a premium thing makes sense due to capitalism driving Musk’s every action, but whether the sentiment on the ground would give in to that is a very different thing. Once free, TweetDeck is now behind a paywall. – TWITTER █ BY MARK MATHEN VICTOR

20 FASHION & BEAUTY theSun LYFE ON WEDNESDAY | AUGUST 23, 2023 /thesundaily FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK SCAN ME PREPARE to dazzle just like your astrological sign with MAC Cosmetics’ exclusive Astro Shine Collection. Building upon the success of last year’s Astro Palette line, MAC has elevated the influence of astrology to new heights of luminance by introducing a limited-edition assortment featuring our most dazzling best-sellers for eyes, lips, and face. This collection promises to bestow upon you a radiant glow akin to a star-studded spectacle. Drawing inspiration from the 12 zodiac signs and the four elements - fire, earth, air, and water - Astro Shine introduces an entirely new dimension of personalised radiance across MAC’s highly-praised shineenhancing products: Lustreglass Lipstick, Dazzleshadow Liquid, and Mineralize Skinfinish Lightscapade. These products arrive adorned in endearing designs crafted by the renowned artist @Lony_Mathis, a standout in the world of illustration. Hailing from Vienna, Lony Mathis has ingeniously merged MAC’s cherished luminous treasures with celestial influences, crafting a delightful MAC universe that’s both enchanting and joyful. “I aspired to create a distinctive and cheerful realm encompassing the zodiac signs, one that’s vibrant and whimsical,“ explains Lony. “A space where you can immerse yourself and revel in the charm of your adorable star sign.” This is the time to embrace the captivating universe of Astro Shine, where an endearing glow, uniquely your own, awaits. Lustreglass Lipstick Twelve astrological signs, 12 lipsticks; Embark on your personalised Astro Shine journey with a burst of vibrant lustreglass colour, designed to illuminate for up to 8 hours of dazzling shine. Dazzleshadow Liquid Earth, fire, water, or air? MAC presents the ideal Dazzleshadow Liquid for you, enriched with skinoMAC’s Astro Shine is here to brighten your life █ BYYASMIN ZULRAEZ A fusion worth your time sky, while the Tanager Turquoise dial evokes the allure of shallow ocean waters. Both models feature a blend of baton and diamond-set indexes for hour markers. The 39mm Limited Summer Edition offers universal appeal, perfectly adorning both male and female wrists. Once again, the Ballerina Pink and Tanager Turquoise dials infuse a sun-kissed radiance and youthful vitality. The AIKON’s timeless design and legendary ergonomic comfort continue to contribute to its resounding success. Two exuberant 42mm steel case references round off the Limited Summer Edition assortment. The Tanager Turquoise dial makes a reappearance alongside an Orange Soda dial that mirrors the midday sun’s tone. This energising shade remains vibrant even when the skies are overcast. The Orange Soda dial maintains black accents for a cohesive style. Accompanying these Limited Summer Edition models are matching FKM rubber straps that echo the vibrant dial colours. These sophisticated and lively pairings are designed to fulfil the desires of the most fashion-forward beach enthusiasts. FKM rubber offers superior flexibility, comfort, wear resistance, and colour retention compared to regular rubber. The ‘M’ logo graces each rubber strap. The full line-up. – PICS BY MAURICE LACROIX █ BYYASMIN ZULRAEZ INTRODUCING the Maurice Lacroix AIKON Automatic Limited Summer Edition, a captivating fusion of urban flair and vacation vibes. Inspired by the iconic 90s model, Calypso, the AIKON Automatic remains faithful to its urban design roots while offering a playful palette of summer hues. This collection extends an invitation to embrace new seaside styles. Since its launch in 2016, the AIKON has become synonymous with urban chic. With its distinctive circular bezel featuring six prominent arms and an integrated bracelet, this timepiece has adorned the wrists of city dwellers worldwide. However, even urbanites yearn for sun-soaked beach getaways. Maurice Lacroix transforms the AIKON Automatic, a classical model that debuted in 2018, by embracing a joyful array of summer-inspired shades. Each variant boasts a Clous de Paris dial motif in a matte finish, tempering the vibrancy of the dial colours and exuding an undeniably sophisticated charm. The Limited Summer Edition presents three case sizes, each with its own distinctive attributes. The 35mm case showcases a Ballerina Pink dial reminiscent of the twilight nurturing ingredients to offer captivating bursts of colour that place your eyes at centre stage. Mineralize Skinfinish Lightscapade Let the sun shine forth upon you. MAC’s luxuriously velvety face powder, harnessing the power of their 77-Mineral Complex, imparts sun-kissed highlights to your complexion, resulting in a magnificent finish. Senior artistry manager of MAC Asia Pacific, Anton Zimin, remarks, “At MAC, we revel in leading the way in the realm of exhilarating makeup trends. TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat are all abuzz with Astro-inspired looks. This is precisely why we devised Astro Shine, a collection tailored for the Gen Z community, who are often the pioneers of the next major trends.” “It’s a vivacious, cheerful, youthful, and contemporary Furthermore, all Limited Summer Edition models come with a 5-row stainless steel bracelet and the brand’s Easy Strap Exchange System, simplifying the process of switching between the strap and bracelet without requiring tools. The AIKON Automatic Limited Summer Edition models, consistent with Maurice Lacroix’s watchmaking prowess, epitomise Swiss craftsmanship and deliver exceptional value. Limited to 888 pieces per reference, these timepieces are set to adorn the wrists of the most stylish trendsetters this season. For nearly half a century, Maurice Lacroix has showcased its watchmaking excellence, crafting timepieces within its factory in Saignelégier, Switzerland. Garnering over fifteen awards, the brand’s spirit is one of innovation, avant-garde thinking, and perfectionism. Embracing affordability, iconic design, and perceived value, Maurice Lacroix reimagined its 90s gem, Calypso, as the AIKON in 2016. The AIKON, modern and audacious, caters to the connected, cosmopolitan, and talented generation of Millennials who strive to conquer the world’s cities with their unique flair. This creative and active brand derives inspiration from the electrifying energy of city life, aligning its image with activities that encapsulate the vibrant essence of urban living. Dazzleshado with Liquid in Earth. Mineralize Skinfinish Lightscapade. The pink variant. The orange variant. The turquoise variant. collection that enables you to perceive our beloved eye, lip, and skin products in an entirely fresh light. It encourages you to explore the sizzling #Eyefilter and #Eyelighter #MACTREND appearances that are Astrological brilliance Lustreglass Libra Lipstick. incredibly popular at the moment. I’m eagerly anticipating everyone’s dive into this exuberant new MAC world, where you can shine as brilliantly as the stars you truly are with Astro Shine,” he continues. It’s available in Malaysia from Aug 1 at MAC locations and online at maccosmetics.com.my. Grab the chance to own this must-have product and share your stunning looks with #Eyefilter and #Eyelighter #MACCosmeticsMalaysia. The Sagittarius collection. – PICS BY M·A·C

21 * SPORTS theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | AUGUST 23, 2023 DALAM MAHKAMAH MAJISTRET DI JOHOR BAHRU DALAM NEGERI JOHOR DARUL TA’ZIM WRIT NO: JA-A72NCvC-492-05/2023 ANTARA HORIZON HILLS PROPERTY SERVICES SDN BHD (NO. SYARIKAT: 820673-A) …. PLAINTIF DAN CHIOU CHONG WEI (NO. KP SINGAPURA: S7333500J) … DEFENDAN NOTIS WRIT SAMAN Kepada: CHIOU CHONG WEI (NO. KP SINGAPURA: S7333500J) No. 45, Jalan Pinggiran 4, Horizon Hills, 79100 Iskandar Puteri, Johor AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa satu tindakan telah dimulakan terhadap kamu di Mahkamah Majistret Johor Bahru dalam Writ No. JA-A72NCvC-492-05/2023 oleh HORIZON HILLS PROPERTY SERVICES SDN BHD yang beralamat di No.76 Jalan Horizon Perdana 1, Horizon Hills, 79100 Iskandar Puteri, Johor yang mana Plaintif menuntut dari Defendan amaun terhutang sebanyak RM4,283-11 dan faedah ke atas RM4,283- 11 dari 26-2-2023 pada kadar 10% setahun sehingga tarikh penghakiman dan pada kadar 5% dari tarikh penghakiman sehingga penyelesaian penuh dan bahawa telah diperintahkan yang penyampaian writ saman kepada kamu dalam tindakan tersebut hendaklah dilaksanakan melalui iklan ini dan penampalan dan ianya dikatakan penyampaian yang sempurna dan berkesan selepas tujuh (7) hari tarikh pengiklanan notis ini atau tarikh-tarikh penampalan, yang mana lebih lewat. Jika kamu berhasrat untuk membela tindakan tersebut, kamu hendaklah memasukkan kehadiran ke Mahkamah dalam masa empat belas (14) hari selepas penyampaian Writ Saman ini kepada kamu. Bertarikh pada 1hb Ogos 2023 t.t ………………….. Penolong Pendaftar Mahkamah Majistret Johor Bahru NOTIS WRIT SAMAN ini dikeluarkan oleh Tetuan Yoong & Partners, peguamcara Plaintif yang beralamat penyampaian di Suite 22.01 Level 22, Johor Bahru City Square, 108 Jalan Wong Ah Fook, 80000 Johor Bahru [Ruj:NKP/hd/5716.H] DALAM MAHKAMAH MAJISTRET DI JOHOR BAHRU DALAM NEGERI JOHOR DARUL TA’ZIM WRIT NO: JA-A72NCvC-493-05/2023 ANTARA HORIZON HILLS PROPERTY SERVICES SDN BHD (NO. SYARIKAT: 820673-A) …. PLAINTIF DAN 1. GANDHI VINESH (NO. PASPORT INDIA: Z1445030) 2. GANDHI MONA (NO. PASPORT INDIA: Z1445031) … DEFENDAN-DEFENDAN NOTIS WRIT SAMAN Kepada: 1.GANDHI VINESH (NO. PASPORT INDIA: Z1445030) 2.GANDHI MONA (NO. PASPORT INDIA: Z1445031) No. 16, Jalan Maya 1 Horizon Hills, 79100 Iskandar Puteri, Johor AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa satu tindakan telah dimulakan terhadap kamu di Mahkamah Majistret Johor Bahru dalam Writ No. JAA72NCvC-493-05/2023 oleh HORIZON HILLS PROPERTY SERVICES SDN BHD yang beralamat di No.76 Jalan Horizon Perdana 1, Horizon Hills, 79100 Iskandar Puteri, Johor yang mana Plaintif menuntut dari Defendan amaun terhutang sebanyak RM4,711-37 dan faedah ke atas RM4,711-37 dari 26-2-2023 pada kadar 10% setahun sehingga tarikh penghakiman dan pada kadar 5% dari tarikh penghakiman sehingga penyelesaian penuh dan bahawa telah diperintahkan yang penyampaian writ saman kepada kamu dalam tindakan tersebut hendaklah dilaksanakan melalui iklan ini dan penampalan dan ianya dikatakan penyampaian yang sempurna dan berkesan selepas tujuh (7) hari tarikh pengiklanan notis ini atau tarikh-tarikh penampalan, yang mana lebih lewat. Jika kamu berhasrat untuk membela tindakan tersebut, kamu hendaklah memasukkan kehadiran ke Mahkamah dalam masa empat belas (14) hari selepas penyampaian Writ Saman ini kepada kamu. Bertarikh pada 20hb Julai 2023 t.t ………………….. Penolong Pendaftar Mahkamah Majistret Johor Bahru NOTIS WRIT SAMAN ini dikeluarkan oleh Tetuan Yoong & Partners, peguamcara Plaintif yang beralamat penyampaian di Suite 22.01 Level 22, Johor Bahru City Square, 108 Jalan Wong Ah Fook, 80000 Johor Bahru [Ruj:NKP/hd/5715.H] 322 Notices IN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYA AT PENANG IN THE STATE OF PENANG, MALAYSIA (COMMERCIAL DIVISION) COMPANIES WINDING-UP NO.: PA-28NCC-86-07/2023 In the matter of Section 465(1) (e) and (h) and Section 466(1)(a) of the Companies Act 2016; AND In the matter of Erakemas Sdn Bhd (Registration No.: 199801017457); AND In the matter of the Companies (Winding -Up) Rules 1972 BETWEEN MBSB BANK BERHAD (Registration No.: 200501033981) … PETITIONER AND ERAKEMAS SDN BHD (Registration No.: 199801017457) … RESPONDENT ADVERTISEMENT OF PETITION NOTICE is hereby given that a petition for the winding-up of the above-named company by the High Court was, on the 27th day of July, 2023 presented by MBSB BANK BERHAD (Registration No.: 200501033981). And that the said petition is directed to be heard before the Court sitting at Penang at 9.00 o’clock in the forenoon, on the 27th day of September, 2023; and any creditor or contributory of the said Company desiring to support or oppose the making of an order on the said Petition may appear at the time of hearing by himself or his counsel for that purpose; and a copy of the petition will be furnished to any creditor or contributory of the said Company requiring the same by the undersigned on payment of the regulated charge for the same. The Petitioner’s registered address is at Level 25, Menara MBSB Bank, PJ Sentral, Lot 12, Persiaran Barat, Seksyen 52, Petaling Jaya, 46200 Selangor Darul Ehsan. The Petitioner’s solicitors is Messrs Kee Sern, Siu & Huey of No. 468-11E(2), 2nd Floor, Block C, Rivercity, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah (formerly Jalan Ipoh), 51200 Kuala Lumpur. sgd ……………………………….. Messrs Kee Sern, Siu & Huey Solicitors for the Petitioner Note: Any person who intends to appear on the hearing of the said Petition must serve on or send by post to the abovenamed solicitors, notice in writing of his intention so to do. The notice must state the name and address of the person, or, if a firm, the name and address of the firm, and must be signed by the person or firm, or his or their solicitors (if any) and must be served, or, if posted, must be sent by post in sufficient time to reach the abovenamed not later than twelve o’clock noon on the 26th day of September, 2023 (the day before the day appointed for the hearing of the Petition). (Tel: 03-92122688) (Fax No: 03-40440448) (Email: [email protected]) (Ref:LPT/LKS/GL05/MBSBESB/210259) IN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYA AT GEORGETOWN IN THE STATE PULAU PINANG COMPANIES (WINDING UP) NO : PA-28NCC-79-07/2023 In the matter of Section 466 (1) (a) of the Companies Act, 2016 And In the matter of S LITE ELECTRICAL AND ENGINEERING SDN. BHD. [Company No : 201501003229 (1128561-X)] And In the matter of Companies (WindingUp) Rules, 1972. Between PEN POWER SDN. BHD. [Company No : 201401045856 (1122041-D)] … Petitioner And S LITE ELECTRICAL AND ENGINEERING SDN. BHD. [Company No : 201501003229 (1128561-X)] … Respondent ADVERTISEMENT OF PETITION NOTICE is hereby given that a Petition for the winding-up of the abovenamed Company, S LITE ELECTRICAL AND ENGINEERING SDN. BHD. [Company No : 201501003229 (1128561-X)] by the High Court was on the 21st July, 2023 presented by PEN POWER SDN. BHD. [Company No : 201401045856 (1122041-D)]. And that the said Petition is directed to be heard before the Court sitting at 9.00 a.m. on the 26th September, 2023; and any creditor or contributory of the said Company desiring to support or oppose the making of an order on the said Petition may appear at the time of hearing by himself or this counsel for that purpose; and a copy of the Petition will be furnished to any creditor or contributory of the said Company requiring the same by the undersigned on payment of the regulated charge for the same. The Petitioners’ address is at No. 1 & 3, Lorong Industri Ringan Permatang Tinggi 9, Taman Industri Ringan Permatang Tinggi, 14100 Simpang Ampat, Pulau Pinang. The Petitioners’ Solicitors are Messrs BP Ang & Tan of No. 7-1, Lorong Usahaniaga 5, Taman Usahaniaga, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang. .........t.t.............. Solicitors for the Petitioner NOTE:- Any person who intends to appear on the hearing of the said Petition must serve on or send by post to the abovenamed Solicitors notice in writing of this intention so to do. The notice must state the name and address of the person, or, if a firm, the name and address of the firm, and must be signed by the person or firm, or his or their solicitor (if any) and must be served, or, if posted, must be sent by post in sufficient time to reach the abovenamed not later than twelve o’clock noon of the 25th September, 2023. (Ref: ABP/PP/WP/Slite/1790/23/GK) DALAM MAHKAMAH MAJISTRET DI JOHOR BAHRU DALAM NEGERI JOHOR DARUL TA’ZIM WRIT NO: JA A72NCvC-494-05/2023 ANTARA HORIZON HILLS PROPERTY SERVICES SDN BHD (NO. SYARIKAT: 820673-A) …. PLAINTIF DAN 1. DIMOPOULOS NICK (NO. PASPORT AUSTRALIA: M9107910) 2. NG WEE LIN, MASIE (NO. KP SINGAPURA: S7330412A) 3. NG LEONG POH RAYMOND (NO. KP SINGAPURA: S1164584D) 4. SENG PICK WAUN (NO. KP SINGAPURA: S1437189C) … DEFENDAN-DEFENDAN NOTIS WRIT SAMAN Kepada: Dimopoulos Nick (No. Pasport Australia: M9107910) Ng Wee Lin, Masie (No. KP Singapura: S7330412A) Ng Leong Poh Raymond (No. KP Singapura: S1164584D) Seng Pick Waun (No. KP Singapura: S1437189C) No. 10, Jalan Maya 1/2, Horizon Hills, 79100 Iskandar Puteri, Johor; AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa satu tindakan telah dimulakan terhadap kamu di Mahkamah Majistret Johor Bahru dalam Writ No. JA-A72NCvC-494-05/2023 oleh HORIZON HILLS PROPERTY SERVICES SDN BHD yang beralamat di No.76 Jalan Horizon Perdana 1, Horizon Hills, 79100 Iskandar Puteri, Johor yang mana Plaintif menuntut dari Defendan amaun terhutang sebanyak RM5,230-48 dan faedah ke atas RM5,230- 48 dari 26-2-2023 pada kadar 10% setahun sehingga tarikh penghakiman dan pada kadar 5% dari tarikh penghakiman sehingga penyelesaian penuh dan bahawa telah diperintahkan yang penyampaian writ saman kepada kamu dalam tindakan tersebut hendaklah dilaksanakan melalui iklan ini dan penampalan dan ianya dikatakan penyampaian yang sempurna dan berkesan selepas tujuh (7) hari tarikh pengiklanan notis ini atau tarikh-tarikh penampalan, yang mana lebih lewat. Jika kamu berhasrat untuk membela tindakan tersebut, kamu hendaklah memasukkan kehadiran ke Mahkamah dalam masa empat belas (14) hari selepas penyampaian Writ Saman ini kepada kamu. Bertarikh pada 26hb Julai 2023 ……….…t.t……….... Mahkamah Majistret Johor Bahru NOTIS WRIT SAMAN ini dikeluarkan oleh Tetuan Yoong & Partners, peguamcara Plaintif yang beralamat penyampaian di Suite 22.01 Level 22, Johor Bahru City Square, 108 Jalan Wong Ah Fook, 80000 Johor Bahru [Ruj:NKP/ hd/5714.H] 322 Notices IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF SSH CARE SDN. BHD. (1028642-K) (In Members’ Voluntary Liquidation) NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to Section 459(2) of the Companies Act 2016, the final meeting of the Company will be convened and held at 8, Jalan Nyonya, Pudu 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kula Lumpur on 25 September 2023 at 10.00 a.m. for the following purpose: 1) To receive an account from the Liquidator, showing how the winding up has been conducted and the property of the Company disposed of and to receive any explanation thereon. 2) To determine pursuant to Section 518 of the Companies Act, 2016 the manner in which the books, accounts and documents of the Company and the liquidators thereof shall be disposed of. Tee Siew Kai Liquidator Date : 23 August 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF GOLDEN PRIMA BUILDERS SDN BHD [199901024395 (499295-D)] (In Members’ Voluntary Winding Up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to Section 439(1) of the Companies Act, 2016, the following resolutions were duly passed by the members of the Company on 15h day of August 2023 SPECIAL RESOLUTION “THAT the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 439(1) (b) of the Companies Act, 2016 and That Mr. Teen Ooi Seng of A17-15, Block A, Tropicana Avenue, No. 12, Persiaran Tropicana PJU3, 47410 Petaling Jaya Selangor be and is hereby appointed as liquidator of the Company” TEEN OOI SENG (MIA 3664) PC No. 201908002788 Secretary Dated this 23rd day of August 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF GOLDEN PRIMA BUILDERS SDN BHD [199901024395 (499295-D)] (In Members’ Voluntary Winding Up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the creditors of the abovenamed Company which is being voluntarily wound up, are required on or before 23rd September 2023 to send their names and addresses with particulars of their debts and claims, and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to the undersigned Liquidator at A-17-15, Block A, Tropicana Avenue, No. 12, Persiaran Tropicana PJU3, 47410 Petaling Jaya Selangor, and if so required in writing by the said Liquidator, are by their solicitors or personally to come in and prove their debts and claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice or in default thereof they will be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made before such debts are proven. Dated this 23rd day of August 2023 TEEN OOI SENG Liquidator LAND FOR SALE 5 Vacant Lands and 1 Vacant Land both located at Jln. Kampung Besar, Bukit Mertajam. For sale at RM28-RM33 per sqft. Total approx. 15acres in 2 difierent sites. Interested, contact Chris 012-5559398 / MayFang 012-4553727 204 Land for Sale DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI SHAH ALAM, DALAM NEGERI SELANGOR DARUL EHSAN, MALAYSIA GUAMAN SIVIL NO.: BA-22NCvC-265-07/2023 ANTARA KHAW CHUN KEONG (No. K/P: 730518-05-5327) … PLAINTIF DAN TAN KHAI SIANG (No. K/P: 981014-10-5163) … DEFENDAN Kepada: TAN KHAI SIANG No.5, Jalan Anggerik Eria 31/111, Kota Kemuning, 40460 Shah Alam, Selangor NOTIS PENYAMPAIAN GANTI AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa satu tindakan sivil telah dikeluarkan terhadap kamu dalam Mahkamah ini oleh Khaw Chun Keong (No. K/P: 730518-05- 5327) yang beralamat di B1-11-1, Vista Komanwel Condominium, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur dan Mahkamah telah memerintahkan supaya Writ Saman termeterai bertarikh 05.07.2023 dan Pernyataan Tuntutan bertarikh 05.07.2023 tersebut disampaikan kepada kamu dengan menampal salinan-salinannya berserta satu Salinan yang dimeterai bagi perintah untuk penyampaian ganti (“Dokumendokumen tersebut”) di alamat terakhir Defendan di No.5, Jalan Anggerik Eria 31/111, Kota Kemuning, 40460 Shah Alam, Selangor dan Papan Kenyataan Mahkamah Tinggi Shah Alam dan dengan mengiklankan Notis ini sekali di akhbar tempatan “THE SUN DAILY” dan bahawa penampalan dan pengiklanan sedemikian dianggap sebagai penyampaian yang wajar dan sempurna akan Dokumen-dokumen tersebut ke atas kamu selepas tamat tempoh empat belas (14) hari daripada perbuatan terakhir penampalan dan pengiklanan tersebut dilakukan. DAN AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa tarikh pengurusan kes tindakan ini telah ditetapkan pada 12.09.2023, pukul 9.00 pagi secara e-Review. Jika kamu berniat untuk menentang dan/atau membela diri, kamu mestilah dalam masa empat belas hari dari tarikh penampalan dan pengiklanan tersebut menjadi sempurna, memohon kepada Mahkamah untuk memasukkan kehadiran di Mahkamah ini. Jika tidak, suatu Penghakiman Ingkar boleh dimasukkan terhadap kamu. Salinan Writ Saman termeterai bertarikh 05.07.2023 dan Pernyataan Tuntutan bertarikh 05.07.2023 boleh diperiksa oleh kamu dengan membuat satu carian di Mahkamah ini. Bertarikh pada 11 Ogos 2023 Tetuan Nick Tan & Co …………………………… Peguamcara Plaintif NOTIS PENYAMPAIAN GANTI ini telah difailkan oleh Tetuan Nick Tan & Co, peguamcara Pihak Plaintif yang dinamakan di atas dan mempunyai alamat penyampaian di D-1-2, Block D, Parklane Commercial Hub, Jalan SS 7/26, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. [Tel: 03-78869008 / Fax: 03-78869008 / Ruj. NTC/CIL/NT/2023/DSJK/6] Pawnbrokers’ forfeited pledges under Section 23 of the Pawnbrokers’ Act 1972 Pawnbrokers’ (Control and Licensing) Regulations 2004 The above will be sold by public auction during the first week of September 2023 at no. 71, Bishop Street, Penang for articles pawned in November 2022 and earlier commencing from the date and time stated below:- Date Time 06.09.2023 9:00 A.M (Wednesday) Note: Interested bidders are to register with the licensed auctioneer 7 working days before the auction date. *Term and conditions apply. A.Dennys & Co Sdn Bhd Licensed Auctioneers 71, Lebuh Bishop 10200 Penang Tel No’s: 04-2611551/2 322 Notices CALL TO PLACE CLASSIFIED ADS MS. SHOBA T 03 7784 8888 F 03 7784 4424 DALAM MAHKAMAH MAJISTRET DI JOHOR BAHRU DALAM NEGERI JOHOR DARUL TA’ZIM WRIT NO: JA-A72NCvC-492-05/2023 ANTARA HORIZON HILLS PROPERTY SERVICES SDN BHD (NO. SYARIKAT: 820673-A) …. PLAINTIF DAN CHIOU CHONG WEI (NO. KP SINGAPURA: S7333500J) … DEFENDAN NOTIS WRIT SAMAN Kepada: CHIOU CHONG WEI (NO. KP SINGAPURA: S7333500J) No. 45, Jalan Pinggiran 4, Horizon Hills, 79100 Iskandar Puteri, Johor AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa satu tindakan telah dimulakan terhadap kamu di Mahkamah Majistret Johor Bahru dalam Writ No. JA-A72NCvC-492-05/2023 oleh HORIZON HILLS PROPERTY SERVICES SDN BHD yang beralamat di No.76 Jalan Horizon Perdana 1, Horizon Hills, 79100 Iskandar Puteri, Johor yang mana Plaintif menuntut dari Defendan amaun terhutang sebanyak RM4,283-11 dan faedah ke atas RM4,283- 11 dari 26-2-2023 pada kadar 10% setahun sehingga tarikh penghakiman dan pada kadar 5% dari tarikh penghakiman sehingga penyelesaian penuh dan bahawa telah diperintahkan yang penyampaian writ saman kepada kamu dalam tindakan tersebut hendaklah dilaksanakan melalui iklan ini dan penampalan dan ianya dikatakan penyampaian yang sempurna dan berkesan selepas tujuh (7) hari tarikh pengiklanan notis ini atau tarikh-tarikh penampalan, yang mana lebih lewat. Jika kamu berhasrat untuk membela tindakan tersebut, kamu hendaklah memasukkan kehadiran ke Mahkamah dalam masa empat belas (14) hari selepas penyampaian Writ Saman ini kepada kamu. Bertarikh pada 1hb Ogos 2023 t.t ………………….. Penolong Pendaftar Mahkamah Majistret Johor Bahru NOTIS WRIT SAMAN ini dikeluarkan oleh Tetuan Yoong & Partners, peguamcara Plaintif yang beralamat penyampaian di Suite 22.01 Level 22, Johor Bahru City Square, 108 Jalan Wong Ah Fook, 80000 Johor Bahru [Ruj:NKP/hd/5716.H] DALAM MAHKAMAH MAJISTRET DI JOHOR BAHRU DALAM NEGERI JOHOR DARUL TA’ZIM WRIT NO: JA-A72NCvC-493-05/2023 ANTARA HORIZON HILLS PROPERTY SERVICES SDN BHD (NO. SYARIKAT: 820673-A) …. PLAINTIF DAN 1. GANDHI VINESH (NO. PASPORT INDIA: Z1445030) 2. GANDHI MONA (NO. PASPORT INDIA: Z1445031) … DEFENDAN-DEFENDAN NOTIS WRIT SAMAN Kepada: 1.GANDHI VINESH (NO. PASPORT INDIA: Z1445030) 2.GANDHI MONA (NO. PASPORT INDIA: Z1445031) No. 16, Jalan Maya 1 Horizon Hills, 79100 Iskandar Puteri, Johor AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa satu tindakan telah dimulakan terhadap kamu di Mahkamah Majistret Johor Bahru dalam Writ No. JAA72NCvC-493-05/2023 oleh HORIZON HILLS PROPERTY SERVICES SDN BHD yang beralamat di No.76 Jalan Horizon Perdana 1, Horizon Hills, 79100 Iskandar Puteri, Johor yang mana Plaintif menuntut dari Defendan amaun terhutang sebanyak RM4,711-37 dan faedah ke atas RM4,711-37 dari 26-2-2023 pada kadar 10% setahun sehingga tarikh penghakiman dan pada kadar 5% dari tarikh penghakiman sehingga penyelesaian penuh dan bahawa telah diperintahkan yang penyampaian writ saman kepada kamu dalam tindakan tersebut hendaklah dilaksanakan melalui iklan ini dan penampalan dan ianya dikatakan penyampaian yang sempurna dan berkesan selepas tujuh (7) hari tarikh pengiklanan notis ini atau tarikh-tarikh penampalan, yang mana lebih lewat. Jika kamu berhasrat untuk membela tindakan tersebut, kamu hendaklah memasukkan kehadiran ke Mahkamah dalam masa empat belas (14) hari selepas penyampaian Writ Saman ini kepada kamu. Bertarikh pada 20hb Julai 2023 t.t ………………….. Penolong Pendaftar Mahkamah Majistret Johor Bahru NOTIS WRIT SAMAN ini dikeluarkan oleh Tetuan Yoong & Partners, peguamcara Plaintif yang beralamat penyampaian di Suite 22.01 Level 22, Johor Bahru City Square, 108 Jalan Wong Ah Fook, 80000 Johor Bahru [Ruj:NKP/hd/5715.H] 322 Notices IN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYA AT PENANG IN THE STATE OF PENANG, MALAYSIA (COMMERCIAL DIVISION) COMPANIES WINDING-UP NO.: PA-28NCC-86-07/2023 In the matter of Section 465(1) (e) and (h) and Section 466(1)(a) of the Companies Act 2016; AND In the matter of Erakemas Sdn Bhd (Registration No.: 199801017457); AND In the matter of the Companies (Winding -Up) Rules 1972 BETWEEN MBSB BANK BERHAD (Registration No.: 200501033981) … PETITIONER AND ERAKEMAS SDN BHD (Registration No.: 199801017457) … RESPONDENT ADVERTISEMENT OF PETITION NOTICE is hereby given that a petition for the winding-up of the above-named company by the High Court was, on the 27th day of July, 2023 presented by MBSB BANK BERHAD (Registration No.: 200501033981). And that the said petition is directed to be heard before the Court sitting at Penang at 9.00 o’clock in the forenoon, on the 27th day of September, 2023; and any creditor or contributory of the said Company desiring to support or oppose the making of an order on the said Petition may appear at the time of hearing by himself or his counsel for that purpose; and a copy of the petition will be furnished to any creditor or contributory of the said Company requiring the same by the undersigned on payment of the regulated charge for the same. The Petitioner’s registered address is at Level 25, Menara MBSB Bank, PJ Sentral, Lot 12, Persiaran Barat, Seksyen 52, Petaling Jaya, 46200 Selangor Darul Ehsan. The Petitioner’s solicitors is Messrs Kee Sern, Siu & Huey of No. 468-11E(2), 2nd Floor, Block C, Rivercity, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah (formerly Jalan Ipoh), 51200 Kuala Lumpur. sgd ……………………………….. Messrs Kee Sern, Siu & Huey Solicitors for the Petitioner Note: Any person who intends to appear on the hearing of the said Petition must serve on or send by post to the abovenamed solicitors, notice in writing of his intention so to do. The notice must state the name and address of the person, or, if a firm, the name and address of the firm, and must be signed by the person or firm, or his or their solicitors (if any) and must be served, or, if posted, must be sent by post in sufficient time to reach the abovenamed not later than twelve o’clock noon on the 26th day of September, 2023 (the day before the day appointed for the hearing of the Petition). (Tel: 03-92122688) (Fax No: 03-40440448) (Email: [email protected]) (Ref:LPT/LKS/GL05/MBSBESB/210259) IN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYA AT GEORGETOWN IN THE STATE PULAU PINANG COMPANIES (WINDING UP) NO : PA-28NCC-79-07/2023 In the matter of Section 466 (1) (a) of the Companies Act, 2016 And In the matter of S LITE ELECTRICAL AND ENGINEERING SDN. BHD. [Company No : 201501003229 (1128561-X)] And In the matter of Companies (WindingUp) Rules, 1972. Between PEN POWER SDN. BHD. [Company No : 201401045856 (1122041-D)] … Petitioner And S LITE ELECTRICAL AND ENGINEERING SDN. BHD. [Company No : 201501003229 (1128561-X)] … Respondent ADVERTISEMENT OF PETITION NOTICE is hereby given that a Petition for the winding-up of the abovenamed Company, S LITE ELECTRICAL AND ENGINEERING SDN. BHD. [Company No : 201501003229 (1128561-X)] by the High Court was on the 21st July, 2023 presented by PEN POWER SDN. BHD. [Company No : 201401045856 (1122041-D)]. And that the said Petition is directed to be heard before the Court sitting at 9.00 a.m. on the 26th September, 2023; and any creditor or contributory of the said Company desiring to support or oppose the making of an order on the said Petition may appear at the time of hearing by himself or this counsel for that purpose; and a copy of the Petition will be furnished to any creditor or contributory of the said Company requiring the same by the undersigned on payment of the regulated charge for the same. The Petitioners’ address is at No. 1 & 3, Lorong Industri Ringan Permatang Tinggi 9, Taman Industri Ringan Permatang Tinggi, 14100 Simpang Ampat, Pulau Pinang. The Petitioners’ Solicitors are Messrs BP Ang & Tan of No. 7-1, Lorong Usahaniaga 5, Taman Usahaniaga, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang. .........t.t.............. Solicitors for the Petitioner NOTE:- Any person who intends to appear on the hearing of the said Petition must serve on or send by post to the abovenamed Solicitors notice in writing of this intention so to do. The notice must state the name and address of the person, or, if a firm, the name and address of the firm, and must be signed by the person or firm, or his or their solicitor (if any) and must be served, or, if posted, must be sent by post in sufficient time to reach the abovenamed not later than twelve o’clock noon of the 25th September, 2023. (Ref: ABP/PP/WP/Slite/1790/23/GK) DALAM MAHKAMAH MAJISTRET DI JOHOR BAHRU DALAM NEGERI JOHOR DARUL TA’ZIM WRIT NO: JA A72NCvC-494-05/2023 ANTARA HORIZON HILLS PROPERTY SERVICES SDN BHD (NO. SYARIKAT: 820673-A) …. PLAINTIF DAN 1. DIMOPOULOS NICK (NO. PASPORT AUSTRALIA: M9107910) 2. NG WEE LIN, MASIE (NO. KP SINGAPURA: S7330412A) 3. NG LEONG POH RAYMOND (NO. KP SINGAPURA: S1164584D) 4. SENG PICK WAUN (NO. KP SINGAPURA: S1437189C) … DEFENDAN-DEFENDAN NOTIS WRIT SAMAN Kepada: Dimopoulos Nick (No. Pasport Australia: M9107910) Ng Wee Lin, Masie (No. KP Singapura: S7330412A) Ng Leong Poh Raymond (No. KP Singapura: S1164584D) Seng Pick Waun (No. KP Singapura: S1437189C) No. 10, Jalan Maya 1/2, Horizon Hills, 79100 Iskandar Puteri, Johor; AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa satu tindakan telah dimulakan terhadap kamu di Mahkamah Majistret Johor Bahru dalam Writ No. JA-A72NCvC-494-05/2023 oleh HORIZON HILLS PROPERTY SERVICES SDN BHD yang beralamat di No.76 Jalan Horizon Perdana 1, Horizon Hills, 79100 Iskandar Puteri, Johor yang mana Plaintif menuntut dari Defendan amaun terhutang sebanyak RM5,230-48 dan faedah ke atas RM5,230- 48 dari 26-2-2023 pada kadar 10% setahun sehingga tarikh penghakiman dan pada kadar 5% dari tarikh penghakiman sehingga penyelesaian penuh dan bahawa telah diperintahkan yang penyampaian writ saman kepada kamu dalam tindakan tersebut hendaklah dilaksanakan melalui iklan ini dan penampalan dan ianya dikatakan penyampaian yang sempurna dan berkesan selepas tujuh (7) hari tarikh pengiklanan notis ini atau tarikh-tarikh penampalan, yang mana lebih lewat. Jika kamu berhasrat untuk membela tindakan tersebut, kamu hendaklah memasukkan kehadiran ke Mahkamah dalam masa empat belas (14) hari selepas penyampaian Writ Saman ini kepada kamu. Bertarikh pada 26hb Julai 2023 ……….…t.t……….... Mahkamah Majistret Johor Bahru NOTIS WRIT SAMAN ini dikeluarkan oleh Tetuan Yoong & Partners, peguamcara Plaintif yang beralamat penyampaian di Suite 22.01 Level 22, Johor Bahru City Square, 108 Jalan Wong Ah Fook, 80000 Johor Bahru [Ruj:NKP/ hd/5714.H] 322 Notices IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF SSH CARE SDN. BHD. (1028642-K) (In Members’ Voluntary Liquidation) NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to Section 459(2) of the Companies Act 2016, the final meeting of the Company will be convened and held at 8, Jalan Nyonya, Pudu 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kula Lumpur on 25 September 2023 at 10.00 a.m. for the following purpose: 1) To receive an account from the Liquidator, showing how the winding up has been conducted and the property of the Company disposed of and to receive any explanation thereon. 2) To determine pursuant to Section 518 of the Companies Act, 2016 the manner in which the books, accounts and documents of the Company and the liquidators thereof shall be disposed of. Tee Siew Kai Liquidator Date : 23 August 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF GOLDEN PRIMA BUILDERS SDN BHD [199901024395 (499295-D)] (In Members’ Voluntary Winding Up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to Section 439(1) of the Companies Act, 2016, the following resolutions were duly passed by the members of the Company on 15h day of August 2023 SPECIAL RESOLUTION “THAT the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 439(1) (b) of the Companies Act, 2016 and That Mr. Teen Ooi Seng of A17-15, Block A, Tropicana Avenue, No. 12, Persiaran Tropicana PJU3, 47410 Petaling Jaya Selangor be and is hereby appointed as liquidator of the Company” TEEN OOI SENG (MIA 3664) PC No. 201908002788 Secretary Dated this 23rd day of August 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF GOLDEN PRIMA BUILDERS SDN BHD [199901024395 (499295-D)] (In Members’ Voluntary Winding Up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the creditors of the abovenamed Company which is being voluntarily wound up, are required on or before 23rd September 2023 to send their names and addresses with particulars of their debts and claims, and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to the undersigned Liquidator at A-17-15, Block A, Tropicana Avenue, No. 12, Persiaran Tropicana PJU3, 47410 Petaling Jaya Selangor, and if so required in writing by the said Liquidator, are by their solicitors or personally to come in and prove their debts and claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice or in default thereof they will be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made before such debts are proven. Dated this 23rd day of August 2023 TEEN OOI SENG Liquidator LAND FOR SALE 5 Vacant Lands and 1 Vacant Land both located at Jln. Kampung Besar, Bukit Mertajam. For sale at RM28-RM33 per sqft. Total approx. 15acres in 2 difierent sites. Interested, contact Chris 012-5559398 / MayFang 012-4553727 204 Land for Sale DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI SHAH ALAM, DALAM NEGERI SELANGOR DARUL EHSAN, MALAYSIA GUAMAN SIVIL NO.: BA-22NCvC-265-07/2023 ANTARA KHAW CHUN KEONG (No. K/P: 730518-05-5327) … PLAINTIF DAN TAN KHAI SIANG (No. K/P: 981014-10-5163) … DEFENDAN Kepada: TAN KHAI SIANG No.5, Jalan Anggerik Eria 31/111, Kota Kemuning, 40460 Shah Alam, Selangor NOTIS PENYAMPAIAN GANTI AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa satu tindakan sivil telah dikeluarkan terhadap kamu dalam Mahkamah ini oleh Khaw Chun Keong (No. K/P: 730518-05- 5327) yang beralamat di B1-11-1, Vista Komanwel Condominium, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur dan Mahkamah telah memerintahkan supaya Writ Saman termeterai bertarikh 05.07.2023 dan Pernyataan Tuntutan bertarikh 05.07.2023 tersebut disampaikan kepada kamu dengan menampal salinan-salinannya berserta satu Salinan yang dimeterai bagi perintah untuk penyampaian ganti (“Dokumendokumen tersebut”) di alamat terakhir Defendan di No.5, Jalan Anggerik Eria 31/111, Kota Kemuning, 40460 Shah Alam, Selangor dan Papan Kenyataan Mahkamah Tinggi Shah Alam dan dengan mengiklankan Notis ini sekali di akhbar tempatan “THE SUN DAILY” dan bahawa penampalan dan pengiklanan sedemikian dianggap sebagai penyampaian yang wajar dan sempurna akan Dokumen-dokumen tersebut ke atas kamu selepas tamat tempoh empat belas (14) hari daripada perbuatan terakhir penampalan dan pengiklanan tersebut dilakukan. DAN AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa tarikh pengurusan kes tindakan ini telah ditetapkan pada 12.09.2023, pukul 9.00 pagi secara e-Review. Jika kamu berniat untuk menentang dan/atau membela diri, kamu mestilah dalam masa empat belas hari dari tarikh penampalan dan pengiklanan tersebut menjadi sempurna, memohon kepada Mahkamah untuk memasukkan kehadiran di Mahkamah ini. Jika tidak, suatu Penghakiman Ingkar boleh dimasukkan terhadap kamu. Salinan Writ Saman termeterai bertarikh 05.07.2023 dan Pernyataan Tuntutan bertarikh 05.07.2023 boleh diperiksa oleh kamu dengan membuat satu carian di Mahkamah ini. Bertarikh pada 11 Ogos 2023 Tetuan Nick Tan & Co …………………………… Peguamcara Plaintif NOTIS PENYAMPAIAN GANTI ini telah difailkan oleh Tetuan Nick Tan & Co, peguamcara Pihak Plaintif yang dinamakan di atas dan mempunyai alamat penyampaian di D-1-2, Block D, Parklane Commercial Hub, Jalan SS 7/26, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. [Tel: 03-78869008 / Fax: 03-78869008 / Ruj. NTC/CIL/NT/2023/DSJK/6] Pawnbrokers’ forfeited pledges under Section 23 of the Pawnbrokers’ Act 1972 Pawnbrokers’ (Control and Licensing) Regulations 2004 The above will be sold by public auction during the first week of September 2023 at no. 71, Bishop Street, Penang for articles pawned in November 2022 and earlier commencing from the date and time stated below:- Date Time 06.09.2023 9:00 A.M (Wednesday) Note: Interested bidders are to register with the licensed auctioneer 7 working days before the auction date. *Term and conditions apply. A.Dennys & Co Sdn Bhd Licensed Auctioneers 71, Lebuh Bishop 10200 Penang Tel No’s: 04-2611551/2 322 Notices CALL TO PLACE CLASSIFIED ADS MS. SHOBA T 03 7784 8888 F 03 7784 4424 Captain’s pick? Koepka favored to make US Ryder Cup team BROOKS KOEPKA has fallen out of an automatic spot for the United States Ryder Cup team, but the five-time major champion remains a favorite to be included on captain Zach Johnson’s team that will take on Europe in Rome next month. Koepka finished second at the Masters and won the PGA Championship to vault into contention for one of the six automatic spots on the US squad. However, he slid to slid to seventh when Max Homa and Xander Schauffele passed him with their respective finishes at the BWM Championship on Sunday. Koepka will now need a captain’s pick from Johnson, who has been non-committal on his stance regarding LIV Golf players on his team. The six automatic spots have been secured by Scottie Scheffler, Wyndham Clark, Brian Harman, Patrick Cantlay, Homa and Schauffele. Koepka occupies the top nonautomatic spot, followed by Jordan Spieth, Cameron Young and Collin Morikawa in the top 10. Young has been installed as a favorite to be one of Johnson’s six picks, followed by Morikawa, Rickie Fowler and Koepka. It sets the stage for a very dramatic build-up to Johnson announcing his selections on Aug. 29 following this week’s Tour Championship. Spieth, who nearly blew his spot in the Tour Championship with a pair of closing bogeys on Sunday, is widely expected to make the team and isn’t even being offered among the book’s prop choices. That would leave just five spots among a very large group of prospective picks. Young is a rising star, but has not played in a Ryder Cup, has yet to win on the PGA Tour and failed to qualify for the Tour Championship. Morikawa and Fowler are Ryder Cup veterans who will be competing at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta. Then there is Keegan Bradley, who sits in 11th place in the US standings and won the Travelers Championship in June. And what about two-time Ryder Cup player Justin Thomas? Twice the top-ranked player in the world, Thomas has struggled in 2023 and failed to even make the FedEx Cup Playoffs for the first time in his career. However, given his track record, Thomas is still odd on to be selected by his good friend Johnson. Sam Burns, a five-time PGA Tour winner who is 12th in the standings, is also in the running. The most interesting dilemma for Johnson outside of Koepka may be Lucas Glover. The 43-year-old has never played in the Ryder Cup and is 16th in the US standings, but he did win the Wyndham Championship to make the playoffs and then backed it up with a victory at the FedEx St. Jude Championship. With such a deep pool of candidates to select from, Koepka’s chances of making a fourth Ryder Cup team will likely come down to Johnson’s stance on LIV Golf players. He has previously said they are “technically” eligible for the team as PGA of America members, but that it would also be “irresponsible” of him to comment on whether LIV players will be considered for the team because he does not regularly see them compete. Koepka’s only qualifying points were earned at the four major championships. He rocketed to No. 2 in the US standings following his third PGA Championship triumph, but then tied for 17th at the US Open and 64th at The Open Championship. – Field Level Media TOURNAMENT OFFICIALS announced yesterday that Rickie Fowler, Collin Morikawa and Xander Schauffele, who have won a combined 18 PGA Tour victories, will headline the 2023 Zozo Championship in Chiba, Japan from Oct 19-22. Joining the trio will be two of the Tour’s newest young stars, Akshay Bhatia and Min Woo Lee. “We are thrilled to have Rickie Fowler, Collin Morikawa and Xander Schauffele headlining the Zozo Championship,” said executive director Travis Steiner. “Joining them is a pair of exciting young talents who will be making their debuts in Akshay Bhatia and Min Woo Lee. All together, these players will bring a touch of everything from a major champion, the reigning Olympic gold medallist and golf stars with captivating playing styles and engaging personalities. Japan fans are in for a fun week of world-class action.” Fowler, 34, ended a four-year title drought when he captured his sixth title at the Rocket Mortgage Classic in July, beating Morikawa and Adam Hadwin in a playoff at Detroit Golf Club. He also posted seven other top10s, including a runner-up finish in last year’s Zozo Championship where he was the 54-hole leader before finishing one stroke behind champion, Keegan Bradley. Fowler, whose grandfather is Japanese, has also qualified for this week’s FedExCup Finale for the first time since 2019. “I’m excited to return to Japan again this fall. I’ve been fortunate to enjoy a lot of success this year topped off by my win at the Rocket Mortgage Classic, and looking back, everything started to come together for me,” said Fowler. Morikawa has played in every edition of the championship since its inauguration in 2019, with a T7 in 2021 being his best finish. “Zozo has become the highlight of my fall schedule and the memories I have made over the years make me come back for more,” said Morikawa, who is of Japanese descent. Seven-time Tour winner and official 2023 RYDER CUP team member after his T8 finish at BMW Championship, Schauffele, has registered 10 top-10s this season, including a runner-up finish at the Wells Fargo Championship and a joint third at The American Express. Like Morikawa, the Tokyo Olympics gold medal winner has played in every Zozo Championship and finished T9 last year and T10 in the first edition. “Japan is a special place to me, both professionally and personally and every year I have the week circled on my calendar. “I’d love nothing more than to get a win for all the family I have over there and in front of the amazing Japanese fans,” said the 29-year-old Schauffele, whose maternal grandparents live in Japan. – PGA Tour Fowler, Morikawa and Schauffele commit to Zozo Fowler. – AFPPIX

22 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | AUGUST 23, 2023 SPORTS CHRISTIAN PULISIC netted one and helped set up another in AC Milan’s hard-fought 2-0 win at Bologna yesterday in which the USA star made a big impression. The 24-year-old is looking to give his club career a jump start at Milan after being sold by Chelsea and he was key to Stefano Pioli’s side claiming the points in their opening match of the season. Pulisic played the defencesplitting pass which led to Olivier Giroud’s 11th-minute opener and then doubled Milan’s lead 10 minutes later with a superb strike from the edge of the penalty area. “We saw some really good things today and also some things on which we still need to work loads,” Pioli told DAZN. “I always knew Pulisic was a talent, it was never in doubt. When I spoke to him before he signed it was clear that he would bring quality to the team.” Milan have brought in eight players in the summer transfer window after Sandro Tonali’s bigmoney move to Newcastle United. And although they looked vulnerable at the back there was enough to suggest that the business done in the close season has rejuvenated a team whose title defence went up in flames midway through the last campaign. “It was a fantastic start, for sure. I’m really excited to be a part of this team,” Pulisic told DAZN. “The two early goals really helped us, because it was a difficult game after that. For me just a great start personally, nice to get a goal, while a clean sheet and a win are always nice.” Pulisic often struggled to nail down a regular starting role at Chelsea, amid fierce competition for places and regular fitness struggles, but he is setting lofty targets in Italy. “We want to fight to win this championship of course, to compete for all the titles we can. Personally it is to continue creating and scoring goals the way I did tonight and to help this team win titles.” It was two of Milan’s new boys who combined brilliantly to set up Giroud for his first goal of the season at a packed, and roasting hot Stadio Dall’Ara. Left with space in front of the area Pulisic clipped over a lofted pass which the excellent Tijjani Reijnders managed to reach and flash back across goal for Giroud. The France international made no mistake from close range to score his first ever right-footed Milan goal. It was then Giroud’s turn to be the provider, exchanging passes with his former Chelsea teammate Pulisic who then strode forward and clattered in Milan’s second of the night. Earlier Torino and Cagliari played out a drab goalless draw on Claudio Ranieri’s return to Serie A management. – AFP Perfect start for Pulisic Former Chelsea star strikes as Milan open well at Bologna Football boss apologises for kissing star LUIS RUBIALES, the president of the Spanish Football Federation, apologised yesterday for kissing star player Jenni Hermoso on the lips after Spain won the Women’s World Cup. Rubiales, 45, planted the kiss on Hermoso after she collected her medal following the final in Sydney, provoking outrage in Spain. “Certainly I made a mistake and I have to acknowledge that,” Rubiales said in a video posted on social media by Spanish television. “It was done without any ill intention in a moment of the highest exuberance. Here we saw it as natural and normal but outside it has caused a commotion. “I have no choice but to apologise and to learn from this… and when representing the federation take more care,” he said, adding that he thought the furore was “idiotic”. Earlier Spain’s sports minister on Monday had demanded that Rubiales apologise. “I think it is unacceptable to kiss a player on the lips to congratulate her,” acting minister Miquel Iceta told Spanish public radio. “The first thing he has to do is to give explanations and make apologies, it is the logical and reasonable thing to do,” Iceta said. The minister added that while the 1-0 victory over England on Sunday in Sydney was “a moment of intense emotions”, public officials “have to be extremely careful because we are giving a message to society and the message is equal rights, it is respect”. Rubiales on Monday stressed that he had a “magnificent relationship” with Hermoso. On Sunday, the player posted a video on Instagram showing the celebrations in the changing room in which she responded to teasing from teammates by saying: “I didn’t like it, eh!” while laughing. Later on Sunday the federation released their own quotes from Hermoso. “It was a totally spontaneous mutual gesture because of the immense joy that winning a World Cup brings,” Hermoso was quoted as saying. “The president and I have a great relationship. His behaviour with all of us has been outstanding and it was a natural gesture of affection and gratitude. “A gesture of friendship and gratitude cannot be gone over so much, we have won a World Cup and we are not going to deviate from what is important.” – AFP SPAIN put aside months of turmoil and division to claim their first Women’s World Cup title on Sunday, overcoming a player revolt that saw La Roja lose some of their best talent even before the tournament had kicked off. One of the world’s strongest and most exciting teams arrived without some key players but a talented group of youngsters showed the grit and skill required to put all the problems to one side and won Spain’s first major trophy. But as the victors celebrated amid a clamour for interviews from the world’s media after their 1-0 win over England in Sydney there was no mention of teammates who remained at home. Twelve of the 15 players who took part in the mutiny and ended up not making Spain’s World Cup squad decided to stay silent, giving no interviews and making no mention of the Women’s World Cup on their personal social media accounts. There were no messages of support, sympathy or appreciation either for the players who last September told the Spanish FA (RFEF) they were quitting the team while longstanding coach Jorge Vilda was in charge, sparking unrest in the changing room. The 15 e-mails from 15 players sent to RFEF President Luis Rubiales demanded radical changes in the team’s structure. There was never any suggestion of inappropriate behaviour and the campaign was undermined because none of the players came out publicly to explain exactly what their demands were, only denying that they had asked for Vilda to be fired. The RFEF backed Vilda during the darkest hours of the revolt and he cut the players involved in the dispute out of his squad. Eight of the 15 backed off months later, asking to be reintegrated, but Vilda found space for only three in his World Cup squad – Ona Battle, Mariona Caldentey and Aitana Bonmati, who was voted the best player of the tournament. Reuters tried to contact the players through their agents, who said they will remain silent. However, Spanish agent Carlota Planas, who represents world champions Mariona Caldentey, Cata Coll and four of the players who were left behind – Pina, Guijarro, Lola Gallardo and Leila Aouhabi – said the revolt played a major role in Spain’s World Cup success. “Without them and their bravery, surely the RFEF would not have even considered making any improvements at all,” Planas said. “Their demands were about better work conditions and some of those demands were answered, like improvements in the rehabilitation department and better travelling conditions for them and their families.” – Reuters Mutineers silent as Spain enjoy WC triumph Halep dropped from US Open due to doping suspension SIMONA HALEP was dropped from the US Open field yesterday because of a provisional doping suspension. The US Tennis Association announced that Halep, a two-time Grand Slam champion and former No. 1-ranked player, “was automatically withdrawn” when the tournament’s qualifying draw was held. Halep’s spot in the main draw for the women’s singles tournament in Flushing Meadows went to Taylor Townsend. Play begins on Aug 28. During a provisional suspension, a player is ineligible to compete in or attend any sanctioned events. Halep tested positive at last year’s US Open for the banned substance Roxadustat, according to the International Tennis Integrity Agency. That is a drug approved for medical use in the European Union to treat the symptoms of anemia caused by chronic kidney failure. According to the EU’s medicines agency, it stimulates the body to produce more of the natural hormone erythropoietin, or EPO, which has long been a doping product favored by cyclists and distance runners. Halep was accused of a second doping offense in May for for irregularities in her Athlete Biological Passport. She was seeded No. 7 in New York in 2022 and lost in the first round to Daria Snigur of Ukraine. Marsh happy to captain Australia MITCHELL MARSH said yesterday he will gladly captain Australia for as long as required as the allrounder prepares to lead the Twenty20 and oneday sides on a tour of South Africa. Marsh is stepping in for injured one-day captain Pat Cummins while Cricket Australia has yet to decide on a T20 skipper for the long term following the retirement of Aaron Finch. Being named captain of the limited overs sides continues a memorable year for Marsh, who got married in April and scored a century on his recall to the test squad during the Ashes. “It’s certainly been a crazy year. Throw in getting married, it’s been a good one,” he told reporters in Sydney. “We’ll get through South Africa and see how we go. I’m available to captain for as long as the team needs me. We’ll see where it all ends.” Marsh said he would probably not “try to reinvent the wheel” while captaining Australia for three one-dayers and five T20s in South Africa. “I think the most important thing I’ve learnt about leadership is staying true to yourself,” he said. “Hopefully I’m a good captain. If not, I won’t be in the job for very long. That’s OK. I’m just looking forward to the opportunity.” ‘Johnson can shine in South Africa’ AUSTRALIA’S new Twenty20 captain Mitchell Marsh said yesterday that the “incredible talent” of uncapped fast bowler Spencer Johnson will make him one to watch on their white-ball tour of South Africa. Left-arm quick Johnson, power-hitter Matthew Short and left-arm seamer Aaron Hardie have all earned maiden national call-ups. Marsh said Johnson, 27, had hit form after a series of injuries earlier in his career. “We haven’t seen much of him because he’s had a lot of injuries and he sort of burst onto the scene last year,” Marsh told reporters. “He’s an incredible talent. “I faced him in a one-day final and was blown away by his skill and pace, so I think he’s going to feel right at home.” Marsh said Short and Hardie will also have chances to stake claims for places at the 50-over World Cup in India. Cummins will take over as ODI captain when Australia arrive in India ahead of the World Cup. Test vice-captain Steve Smith is also out of the South Africa trip with a wrist injury. SHORTS Spain players and staff during the celebrations after winning the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Madrid yesterday. – REUTERSPIX

23 * SPORTS theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | AUGUST 23, 2023 MASON GREENWOOD has admitted to “making mistakes in my relationship” after it was revealed he would not continue his career at Manchester United. Greenwood was charged with attempted rape, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and controlling and coercive behaviour, following social media posts which appeared to reveal the now 21- year-old forcing himself upon a woman, before those charges were dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service in February. United carried out their own internal investigation and have now concluded by mutual agreement with the player that his career should continue “away from Old Trafford”. In a statement, Greenwood said: “I understand that people will judge me because of what they have seen and heard on social media, and I know people will think the worst. “I was brought up to know that violence or abuse in any relationship is wrong, I did not do the things I was accused of, and in February I was cleared of all charges (the charges were actually dropped by the CPS when key witnesses withdrew their involvement and new material came to light). “However, I fully accept I made mistakes in my relationship, and I take my share of responsibility for the situations which led to the social media post. “I am learning to understand my responsibilities to set a good example as a professional footballer, and I’m focused on the big responsibility of being a father, as well as a good partner.” Greenwood joined Manchester United as a young boy and broke into the club’s first team as a teenager, before earning a single international cap for England. But he will now look to rekindle his football career at a new club. “Today’s decision has been part of a collaborative process between Manchester United, my family and me. “The best decision for us all, is for me to continue my football career away from Old Trafford, where my presence will not be a distraction for the club. “I thank the club for their support since I joined aged seven. There will always be a part of me which is United. “I am enormously grateful to my family and all my loved ones for their support, and it is now for me to repay the trust those around me have shown. “I intend to be a better footballer, but most importantly a good father, a better person, and to use my talents in a positive way on and off the pitch.” Greenwood has two years left on his contract with the club. Gary Neville criticised United’s handling of the case and was appalled at how his former employers have dealt with the situation. “They’ve finally got there. It was clear from day one, for me and anybody who saw the evidence that was initially released, that he wouldn’t play for Manchester United again,” Neville said on Sky Sports. “I would say that the process in getting there has been pretty horrible. My view is on issues of this importance and severity (is) they should be dealt with independently by a panel because it’s been clear that Manchester United have not had the skill and the ability to deal with this situation properly. It’s been well above their grade of experience and ability.” – The Independent ‘I made mistakes’ Greenwood speaks out on Manchester United exit Toney slams betting ban IVAN TONEY has spoken out about his eight-month ban for breaking betting rules, questioning whether his participation in the World Cup was sabotaged and insisting he did commit the majority of the 232 breaches he admitted to. During the disciplinary process, Toney accepted most of the 262 breaches with which the Football Association charged the him, and in May the Brentford striker was handed a lengthy suspension and a £50,000 (RM290,000) fine. Betting on football is banned outright for professional players. Toney’s violations took place over five seasons from February 2017 to January 2021 and included bets on his own club to lose, although he did not play in those matches. The 27-year-old was on the brink of playing in his first World Cup when the news first broke last November, and he claims the timing – several months before he was actually banned – was deliberate in order to sabotage his chances of playing for Gareth Southgate’s side in Qatar. Speaking on the latest Diary of a CEO podcast, Toney said: “Personally, I feel like it was a bit of a questionable time when they decided to bring it all out, and then when they actually dealt with the situation at the end of the season, I felt like ‘why did you bring it out then?’ “Yes I’m banned now, but the biggest punishment was me missing out of the World Cup, personally. I felt more hurt and down around the time, like someone was out to get me at the time to stop me playing for England. “In my head that’s how I saw it at the time: they want to punish me for lthis, playing for England at the World Cup – it’s everyone’s dream to play at the World Cup – and then further down the line ban me as well. It’s like a double hit.” – The Independent MANCHESTER UNITED star Harry Maguire has been accused by former Chelsea and Liverpool defender Glen Johnson of pulling the plug on his proposed move to West Ham over an “embarrassing” belief in his abilities. The England man had been on the verge of sealing a long-awaited exit from Old Trafford, but the £30 million (RM174m) deal collapsed late on and he currently remains a United player. Various reasons were suggested at the time for why the transfer failed to materialise despite the two clubs seeming to have agreed on a fee, which in the modern day typically only happens after the buying club has sounded out personal terms with the player in question. One was that United felt that they did not have enough time to secure a replacement so late on in the window, but they have already identified three centrebacks after target Benjamin Pavard instead chose to leave Bayern Munich for Inter Milan as United stalled on their interest. Johnson, meanwhile, believes that Maguire himself did not want the move to West Ham to go through. When asked if Johnson thought that Maguire should have completed a move to West Ham, he replied: “Yes, I think he needs to play football and show everybody that he’s still good enough to play for England. “If he was confident enough that he would be a success at West Ham, then I believe they would have got the deal done. “I think he’s worried that he could still play rubbish at West Ham and then the whole situation is even more embarrassing. “I think he must be nervous about the move because let’s face it, if your current team doesn’t want you and another Premier League team wants you, then the deal should be relatively easy to do. “I just believe he isn’t as confident enough as he should be taking that move.” – Express Newspapers █ LAWRENCE OSTLERE MANCHESTER CITY have agreed personal terms with Belgium winger Jeremy Doku, 21, on a long-term deal after Rennes accepted an offer of €60m. WEST HAM agreed an £85m deal to sell 25-year-old Brazil midfielder Lucas Paqueta to Manchester City before the transfer collapsed because he is being investigated for potential betting rule breaches. BAYERN MUNICH and Liverpool have shown interest in Manchester City’s 27-year-old England midfielder Kalvin Phillips. BRIGHTON are close to completing the £25m signing of Lille’s 19-year-old Cameroonian midfielder Carlos Baleba. WEST HAM have bid £35m for Bournemouth’s 25-year-old English striker Dominic Solanke. PARIS ST-GERMAIN still hope they can convince 24-year-old France striker Kylian Mbappe to extend his contract after he met with officials from the club’s Qatari ownership group. WEST HAM are in talks over signing Sevilla’s 26-year-old Morocco striker Youssef En-Nesyri. ARSENAL have no intention of selling Brazilian centreback Gabriel, 25, despite interest from Saudi Arabian side AlIttihad. FULHAM face competition from Everton and Nottingham Forest for Chelsea’s 22-year-old England winger Callum Hudson-Odoi. CHELSEA remain in talks over signing Arsenal’s 22-year-old USA striker Folarin Balogun, who has agreed personal terms. FULHAM are ready to challenge Tottenham for the signing of Nigerian striker Gift Orban, 21, from Gent. LAZIO have reopened negotiations with Tottenham over signing 36-yearold former France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. TOTTENHAM are preparing a bid for FC Nordsjaelland’s 19-year-old Ghana forward Ernest Nuamah, who is also wanted by West Ham, Burnley and Brighton. RENNES are keen on securing a return for Morocco defender Nayef Aguerd from West Ham, who signed the 27- year-old from the French side in June 2022. ASTON VILLA have expressed an interest in Arsenal’s 21-year-old Portuguese leftback Nuno Tavares. REPUBLIC of Ireland striker Evan Ferguson, 18, is on Arsenal’s radar for next summer, with Tottenham put off by Brighton’s £100m valuation. BRENTFORD have made enquiries about Leeds United’s 24-year-old Colombia winger Luis Sinisterra. £1 = RM5.80 ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE: Crystal Palace 0 Arsenal 1 (Odegaard 54-pen). LA LIGA: Alaves 4 (Rioja 7, Duarte 44, Kike 54, 59) Sevilla 3 (Abqar 15-og, Lamela 41, Mir 90+7), Granada 0 Rayo Vallecano 2 (Garcia 75, Ciss 79). SERIE A: Torino 0 Cagliari 0, Bologna 0 AC Milan 2 (Giroud 11, Pulisic 21). TOUCHLINES RESULTS Harry Maguire Maguire accused of sabotaging tranfer deal Mason Greenwood

theSun is published and printed by Sun Media Corporation Sdn Bhd (221220-K) of Lot 6, Jalan 51/217, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Tel: 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7783 7435 • Tel (Editorial): 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7785 2624/5 Email: [email protected] • Tel (Advertising): 03-7784 8888 Fax: 03-7784 4424 Email: [email protected] or download app from the App Store or Google PlayTM . Read iPaper at www.thesundaily.my Free access to iPaper PDF Download SCAN ME WEDNESDAY • AUGUST 23, 2023 Are Everton the first crisis club of the season after two defeats SEAN DYCHE turned to clap the Everton fans, but he was applauding about 3,000 empty seats. Most of the supporters had gone. Early-season optimism could have disappeared inside 90 minutes. Sometimes history is made at historic clubs, but it isn’t always the right sort. For the first time since 1955/56, Everton have lost their first two league games of a season without scoring. They lost their first two last season, too, and their only scorer then was Lucas Digne, already an Aston Villa player. At the end of the season, Dyche argued Everton needed major change. A 4-0 vanquishing at Villa Park offered some difference: more of the same in some respects, worse in others. It was a throwback to the thrashings under Frank Lampard, to Bournemouth and Brighton and Tottenham, the capitulations without mitigation. “You just smell the group go soft very quickly,” said Dyche. “That was what I felt before we got here.” And if that could have been an attempt to shift the blame, this Everton were uncharacteristic of a Dyche team: They can be short of inspiration, but they rarely lack organisation or spirit– the basics that the manager believes are the foundation. “The defending, body language and intent weren’t there,” said Dyche. “It looked too lackadaisical.” Many an adjective has been applied to a Dyche team over the years, but lackadaisical has rarely been among them. Or shambolic, but there was an ineptitude that surprised a manager who has long been a byword for his brand of efficiency. “A headscratcher,” he said. “We were way off and that was a surprise to me. Who has performed? Hardly anyone. “Today at half time, it was like, ‘Where do I start?’ I could have taken the whole team off.” He settled for removing the cautioned Idrissa Gueye. There was a feeling Everton could have done with a year of dull pragmatism, of a forgettable grind to 12th or 13th. Instead, this was a display to stake their case to be the season’s first crisis club: Saturday’s meeting with Wolves has the look of an August relegation six-pointer. In May, Dyche argued that annual battles against the drop had to become a thing of the past, that staying up was nothing to celebrate. Now any position above the dotted line may be something they would settle for. Now the problems are both multiplying and familiar. For those playing Everton bingo, there was a Dominic Calvert-Lewin injury and a Michael Keane mistake; two, each hideous, both costing goals. When Dyche restored his old Burnley ally to the team in spring, it took 10 games for Keane to be dropped. Everton have conceded 20 goals in that time. Two matches into this season, he may be suffering from a similar crisis of confidence. Now, however, there is no Yerry Mina or Conor Coady to come in. If Everton are more dependent on Keane at the back, they are still over-reliant on the luckless Calvert-Lewin. And injuries are the constant context. Even two of those who were invariably fit are now out – Dwight McNeil before a ball was kicked, Alex Iwobi hamstrung at Villa Park. Bottom of the actual table, near the top of the injury table, Everton already look like fielding a patched-up team for the first of many a must-win game. There are longstanding issues – they have rarely looked comfortable in possession or had enough of the ball since Carlo Ancelotti left – and recurring themes. Dyche’s grim warnings are becoming one of them. “There’s no magic wand, there never was when I got the job, and there are no shortcuts, because shortcuts in football usually cost a lot of money,” he counselled. But, while 2023 has been a year of austerity, Everton have spent around £700 million (RM4.1b) in seven years of Farhad Moshiri’s ownership. And a collective down day could prompt fears that this will be a down season. – The Independent █ RICHARD JOLLY Time is of the essence Arteta suggests stopwatch may be needed for consistency after Tomiyasu sees red MIKEL ARTETA may have “loved” Arsenal’s narrow win at Crystal Palace but believes a stopwatch may be needed to iron out inconsistencies in time-wasting after Takehiro Tomiyasu fell foul of the rules. The Gunners won 1-0 in south London as Martin Odegaard’s second half penalty proved the difference. Japan defender Tomiyasu was sent off at Selhurst Park, picking up a soft yellow card for a foul on Jordan Ayew just seven minutes after being cautioned for perceived time-wasting at a throw-in. The new remit for officiating this season has called, among other changes, for a clamp down on timewasting but Arteta believes the timing did not add up on Tomiyasu’s booking. Asked about the rule changes, the Spaniard replied: “For me it is not an issue. The referee makes that call. “And we are consistent with that. They explained it. The only thing we are asking for is consistency. If not we need to play with a stopwatch to understand what is it and what is not.” Arteta did not agree when told Tomiyasu had waited 23 seconds to take the throw-in before being cautioned – replying: “It wasn’t. I think it was eight seconds. We might have to play with a stopwatch. This is the standards.” Replays showed that it was, in fact, Kai Havertz who held onto the ball for a lengthy 15 seconds before throwing it to Tomiyasu, despite his teammate walking on thin ice. Tomiyasu only held the ball for eight seconds before launching it down the line. Despite the red card, Arsenal made it two wins from two following on from the opening-day victory over Nottingham Forest. Odegaard stepped up to tuck away a penalty after Eddie Nketiah – who had hit a post in the first half – was tripped by Palace goalkeeper Sam Johnstone. “I loved it, absolutely loved it,” Arteta said of the win. “It’s a really difficult place to come, we played the way we wanted to play 11 against 11. “We dominated the game, we created enough chances, we missed two very, very huge chances. “We scored the penalty and then we have to play half an hour with 10 men. It’s a conflict we didn’t prepare for but we had to adapt and the players were fantastic. “I don’t think we gave anything away. The subs were great, the way they came out, the concentration, the focus, how much they helped the team, the coaching. They changed momentum in many occasions of the game. So really happy.” Arteta admitted he was surprised to see Odegaard step up for the game-winning penalty and hinted that the Gunners don’t actually have an established order of penalty takers. “I have no clue... they have to make those decisions on the pitch. I was surprised like everybody else.” Arsenal will hope to continue the perfect start to their latest Premier League title charge in two home fixtures at the Emirates Stadium before the season’s first international break. The Gunners host Fulham on Saturday before Erik ten Hag’s currently out-of-sorts Manchester United side visit north London. Eagles boss Roy Hodgson was in a reflective mood and felt his side put in a good showing despite coming out of the contest with no points. “I would be tempted to say we deserved something from the game,” he said. “When they went down to 10 men we gave it our best shot but they are a top-quality team and they were able to defend the efforts we had. “They got a lot of bodies around the goalkeeper so we couldn’t get through the cordon but that is often the case. “There were very few disappointments in the game for me in terms of the Crystal Palace performance. On another day I think we would be feeling even happier and proud of ourselves.” – The Independent/Agencies Arsenal’s goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale (left) makes a save from Crystal Palace’s Odsonne Edouard (right) during the English Premier League match at Selhurst Park yesterday. – AFPPIX