The Sun Daily-010921

INSIDE

TELLING IT AS IT IS King stresses on New platform

national integration, page to help job page
racial unity seekers
2 3

ON WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 1, 2021 MERDEKA SPIRIT ... Instead of

No. 7853 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) www.thesundaily.my personal protection equipment, a group
of medical frontliners dons traditional
costumes at the KLCC vaccination centre
yesterday to mark Merdeka Day.
– ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

Still as zealous
█ BY ALISHA NUR MOHD NOOR oDespite health and economic
[email protected] crises, Malaysians mark Merdeka
with equal ardour
PETALING JAYA: While the
celebrations were muted, the desire to shed the pounds. losses that have affected
spirit of Merdeka remains “I do it to motivate myself to adopt livelihoods, the political crisis
strong in the hearts of had contributed to instability in
Malaysians. a healthy lifestyle. I have managed to the country.
lose 53kg,” she said. “But hope is not lost. There
The average Malaysian took must be light at the end of the
comfort in the fact that despite the Anis feels that while the Merdeka tunnel,” she said. “We will get
challenges, people are still ready to Day celebrations had been quite through this. It’s just a matter of
take the extra step to help others, even low-key, she is thankful that time.”
strangers. Malaysians are still free to express In their Merdeka Day messages,
themselves. “The Covid-19 pandemic politicians called for better
Many engaged in activities at has also pushed us to think out of the governance and more effective
home rather than join the crowd in box just to survive,” she said. strategies to pull the country out of
official Merdeka Day celebrations, the current crises.
while political leaders called for Healthcare worker Dr Nureen Petaling Jaya MP Maria Chin
change to help the country recover Iman, 31, told theSun that although Abdullah proposed that a total of 14
from the worst crisis in its history. the battle against Covid-19 is far from parliamentary special select
over, she realised that the shared pain committees be set up to ensure
As a nation, there is hope that a had been a unifying factor. “Many oversight on government affairs and
better future awaits, free of the health, Malaysians have become kinder and activities, a proposition that
economic and political crises that more generous, regardless of race and received the nod from 55 other MPs,
have plagued the country for the religion,” she said. including Tuaran representative
better part of the last two years. Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau.
She recounted an occasion when a Chin said findings from the
For HR administration staff Anis man, who had just been discharged committees would help
Saedah Yahaya, Merdeka Day meant from the Covid-19 ward at the MPs make more
staying home and pottering around in hospital, offered to drive a fellow informed decisions and Turn to
the kitchen, cooking up a storm. patient 80km back to his home in therefore, have a greater
Tanjung Karang. impact on policies and —
Videos of her culinary exploits
have garnered more than 69,000 “For many, the reality is painful, page 5
followers on TikTok and four times as having lost loved ones to the virus. For
many followers on Instagram. them, life may now be unbearable,” legislation.
she said.
Her effort has even created a
second income for her. She has been Nureen noted that apart from job
collaborating with small and medium
enterprises on social media.

The 29-year-old, known as Ciknis
on social media, focuses on healthy
cooking, an effort that began with her

2 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | SEPTEMBER 1, 2021
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

BRIEFS EMBRACE NATIONAL DAY
THEME, PM TELLS RAKYAT

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk

National integration, racialSeri Ismail Sabri Yaakob yesterday
called on the people to embrace the
theme of the 2021 National Day unity vital for nation: King
celebration, Caring Malaysia. In a post
on his official Facebook page, the prime
minister said that caring is a trait that
must be present in every community in
the country. “When we care, we
empathise with others. When we care,
we take care of the safety and health of
our community. When we care, we o ‘Irresponsible behaviour by certain quarters in defying brought the people together to break free
unite to fight against the enemies of Covid safety SOP jeopardising national recovery plan’ from colonial rule and the much-desired
the country. As such, we should independence became a reality.
embrace the theme and be caring. I am
“The King also expressed the view that if
sure, when we care, Malaysia will be such spirit of patriotism can be reinculcated
able to break the Covid-19 chain and and revived among the people today, the
remain peaceful and prosperous.” KUALA LUMPUR: The Yang di-Pertuan Agong jeopardise the national recovery plan.” country would also be able to be free of
– Bernama Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa The King advised people to understand Covid-19.”
Billah Shah said social cohesion, national that efforts to curb the pandemic need social He said in line with the theme of this
TWO EXTRA DAYS FOR integration and racial unity are vital for cohesion and the cooperation of the people, year’s Independence Day celebrations,
DEWAN RAKYAT MEETING addressing all challenges, including Covid-19. leaders and government. They should set Malaysia Prihatin (Caring Malaysia), the
Comptroller of the Royal Household of aside political beliefs and disputes, to Yang di-Pertuan Agong called on the
KUALA LUMPUR: An additional two develop a strong symbiosis among all government to continue formulating and
days have been allocated for the Istana Negara Datuk Ahmad Fadil quarters to free the country from the lining up action plans to help the people
Dewan Rakyat meeting this month, Shamsuddin said in a statement yesterday pandemic, Bernama reported. affected by the pandemic and restore a
from the initial 15 days. This is to give that the King also advised the people to healthy economic climate.
lawmakers more time to settle all maintain good health and stay united in He said the Yang di-Pertuan Agong was
government affairs and motions creating a safe environment to curb the thankful that as the country celebrated its “The King also wants the National
pandemic. 64th anniversary of independence, unity and Covid-19 Immunisation Programme to be
brought forth at the meeting. This was “His Majesty is of the opinion that the harmony remained as a strong foundation to intensified to enable the country to achieve
conveyed to Bernama by Dewan
Rakyat Speaker Datuk Azhar Azizan irresponsible attitude of certain quarters in maintain stability, peace and prosperity. herd immunity, and the people to continue
Harun yesterday. Prior to this, Azhar defying the standard operating procedures “His Majesty also called on the people to upholding the principle of Malaysia Prihatin
had said that the Dewan Rakyat would and regulations set (to curb Covid-19) would look back to six decades ago when the spirit by getting vaccinated to protect themselves,
sit for 15 days from Sept 6 to 30. only bring harm to the community and of patriotism and love for the country had their families and their communities.”
However, a notice issued by Dewan
Rakyat secretary Nizam Mydin Bacha
Mydin on Monday stated that the dates
Man produces
Proud display of Merdeka Day fervourfor the first meeting of the fourth term

of the 14th Parliament had been
changed and will take place for 17 days,
from Sept 13 to Oct 12. BATU KAWAN: Snide remarks failed to participate in their National Day parades. video to instil
dampen Sahul Hamid Abdullah’s Merdeka “Some people think I’m crazy for doing patriotism in his
ROAD IN GAZA NAMED fervour as he decorated his motorcycle with
‘MALAYSIA STREET’ nearly 450 mini Jalur Gemilang to mark this, but I don’t care. If only they knew the
National Day. true meaning of independence, they would
KUALA LUMPUR: The Gaza Municipality understand.”
has named a road in the western He even went to the extent of seeking the
district of Gaza city as “Malaysia Street”, Sahul Hamid, who is a healthcare
in commemoration of Malaysia’s permission of relevant authorities to enable assistant at Sungai Bakap Hospital, said his
National Day yesterday. Sharing the him to ride his decorated motorcycle on passion has attracted the attention of other children
announcement in a Twitter post, public roads. motorcyclists and many have also begun to
Palestinian Cultural Organisation place the Jalur Gemilang on their vehicles. CHUKAI: The sacrifices of freedom fighters are
Malaysia chairman Muslim Imran said The 53-year-old bachelor has observed not only to be remembered, but also
that the road sign is located at the the last six Merdeka Day celebrations with “Even children want to fly the Jalur appreciated and embraced, said businessman
Ansar roundabout. He posted a the display of red, white, yellow and blue Gemilang on their bicycles and this year, for Nur Zamri Shafie, 53.
picture of the road sign, written colours of the national flag, Bernama the first time, I am helping the children in my
in Arabic and English. reported. neighbourhood decorate their two-wheelers And to prove it, he did not mind forking
– Bernama with the national flag. This is what we want out more than RM1,000 to produce a short
His zeal to show his patriotism has won because through this small campaign, we video on the struggles of freedom
him invitations from schools as well as can instil the spirit of patriotism.” fighters who fought for the country’s
government agencies and departments to

Independence Day celebrated in Malaysian Family spirit independence.
The video featured his family members,

including wife, Salida Abdullah, 45, their
children and nephews.
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysians yesterday “It was quite a challenge to complete the
observed the 64th National Day, in a video, especially to make sure that the
Malaysian Family spirit at Dataran children understood their roles.
Pahlawan Negara. It was celebrated for the “There were times when they wanted to
second year under the new normal due to quit, but I persuaded them by telling them
the Covid-19 pandemic. inspiring stories that made them want to
Various programmes and performances, continue playing their roles.
with elements of patriotism, were held in “Finally, we were able to complete the
compliance with standard operating three-minute video, with the title Ini Tanah
procedures, with the physical presence Kita (This is Our Land), which is about the
of a limited number of viewers. Others struggles of the country’s freedom fighters
watched the event on television or against colonialists, aiming to instil a spirit of
virtually. patriotism,” he told reporters at his residence
A video on Malaysian Family, with lyrics in Kampung Geliga.
by Communications and Multimedia Nur Zamri said he, his wife and their
Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa, was also children Adam Danial, 11, and Irfan
screened. Darwish, nine, as well as their cousins, Mohd
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Ilham Sani, 11, and Nur Izra, eight, shot the
Yaakob and his wife, Datin Seri Muhaini video at Bukit Bendera, near Pantai Teluk
Zainal Abidin, also virtually attended the Mok Nik.
celebration, themed Caring Malaysia, as he He uploaded the video on YouTube and
has been in quarantine since Monday for his Facebook page at about midnight, in
being in close contact with a Covid-19 conjunction with the 64th National Day
patient. celebration.
The celebration started at 8am with “It is my responsibility as a father to
three members of the Royal Malaysian inculcate patriotic values in my children. I’m
Navy raising the Jalur Gemilang, glad they understand.
accompanied by the national anthem. “As usual, during the National Month, we
This was followed by an Armed Forces get together to think of various activities to
drumline performance, involving 60 enliven the occasion.
personnel from its three wings – the Navy, “There were times the children, when
Air Force and the Army. they were younger, would shout
The event also saw a silent march ‘Merdeka’, without understanding what it
presentation by 60 navy personnel and a Sjn Mad Zain Medol, better known as ‘Fire dragon’, performing his signature act during Merdeka means.
band performance by other uniformed celebrations in Putrajaya yesterday. – BERNAMAPIX “So, I explained to them the
bodies, involving 80 members from the country’s history and how it achieved
Armed Forces, police, the Malaysian sounds of jet fighter engines reverberating ministers Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, independence as well as the fight against the
Maritime Enforcement Agency, Civil in the air. Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, Datuk communists.”
Defence Force, Fire and Rescue The flight formation involved assets like Seri Fadillah Yusof and Datuk Dr Mohd Nur Zamri said he started recording the
Department and the People’s Voluntary the Sukhoi Su-30MKM, F/A 18D Hornet and Radzi Md Jidin and minister Tan Sri Annuar video two weeks ago to compensate for the
Corps. the BAE Hawk 108 and was led by Lt Kol Musa and Chief Secretary to the family’s usual trip to the federal capital to
The highlight of the celebration was an Mohd Norazan Othman. government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali. watch the National Day parade at Dataran
air show by the Air Force, with the roaring Among the VIPs present were senior – Bernama Merdeka. – Bernama

3theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

New platform to help job seekers

o Empathic duo create website to connect stable jobs with better safety nets like “This could help raise incomes for
jobless individuals to parties looking to hire EPF and Socso. The gig economy is the B40 group and ensure that the
great as a stop gap measure, but we Malaysian household income does
hope they can choose options that not deteriorate.”
can secure their future as well. Kitakerja.my was launched on
Aug 24 and initial response has
█ BY SHIVANI SUPRAMANI higher paying jobs. “We are also still actively seeking shown that there is strong drive
[email protected] Kitakerja.my was created in support from employers who have among Malaysians to be employed.
PETALING JAYA: There is now some jobs available and are encouraging So far, about 250 individuals have
hope for those in the B40 group who response to an increasing number of job seekers to sign up on Kitakerja. signed up, including some from
have lost their jobs as a result of the Malaysians and foreigners who have Mohd Nizam Choong Sabah and Sarawak.
Covid-19 pandemic – a new initiative had to turn to others for help, as “We believe we can help to rebuild Several potential employers have
to match workers with parties that evident with the White Flag “Such assistance also depends a the economy by creating an also made inquiries and the finer
need their services. movement. According to the Statistics lot on the resources the community ecosystem to bring job seekers and details are being ironed out.
Department, more than 770,000 can afford to spare,” he pointed out. employers together,” he added. The partners conceded that there
The social initiative, called Malaysians are currently is room for improvement.
Kitakerja.my, is the brainchild of two unemployed. “Many households would not have Choong and Mohd Nizam also “We are looking for people who
young Malaysians. to depend on such assistance if they envision the Kitakerja initiative can help to make the website easier to
Former human resources minister had a regular income. Hence, the idea sparking off a bigger movement. navigate and help us manage data to
“We are focusing on getting jobs Datuk Seri M. Saravanan had said that for this website came to life.” improve the matching process,”
for those in the low-income group as of the end of last year, 100,000 “If Malaysians are employed, the Mohd Nizam said.
first,” said co-founders Choong En Malaysians had lost their jobs Mohd Nizam said they are country can reduce its reliance on To explore the site for more
Han and Mohd Nizam Abdul Rahim. because of the economic fallout of focusing on the B40 group because foreign labour, while also reducing information, please visit
Covid-19. the effects of the pandemic may have the nation’s unemployment rate,” https://kitakerja.my/ or contact the
They said the long-term objective limited their ability and resources to Choong said, adding that reskilling duo [email protected].
is to reskill and retrain this group of Choong noted that the assistance land suitable jobs. and retraining would also equip
workers to make them suitable for provided by food banks and other workers with better capabilities,
initiatives are limited. “Our aim is to get them more thereby raising the prospects of them
landing better paying jobs.

Plan to boost tax revenue via increased compliance ‘Firm has no financial
interests in project’
KUALA LUMPUR: The government is having elements of revenue leakage or Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and
considering measures to increase tax revenue detrimental practices. the National Financial Crime Prevention KUALA LUMPUR: The Kampung Bharu
through increased tax compliance as well as Centre. Development Corporation (PKB) only acted as
address the issue of revenue leakage, The ministry said the government is aware a facilitator to help launch the redevelopment of
especially involving the smuggling of high- that a conducive investment environment, “The government has also implemented Kampung Sungai Baru in Kampung Baru, in
duty goods, estimated at RM5 billion per whether for foreign or domestic direct measures to tighten controls on licensing and line with its function as stated in the Kampung
annum. investments, encompasses many aspects, importation of cigarettes and tobacco Bharu Development Corporation Act.
including economic and political stability, products by freezing the issuance of new
In a pre-Budget statement, the Finance consistent and transparent policies, efficient cigarette import licences, tightening the It said in a statement on Monday that the
Ministry said among the recommendations is labour market, level of infrastructure facilities, renewal of cigarette import licences through redevelopment was a private collaborative
the implementation of the Special Voluntary sound governance structure, strong legal the imposition of import quotas, restricting initiative between the owners of the land and
Disclosure Programme for indirect taxes framework and decent quality of life in cigarette transhipment activities at selected the developer, Ritzy Gloss Sdn Bhd.
administered by the Customs Department. Malaysia, Bernama reported. ports, and making cigarettes and tobacco
products a dutiable item at all duty-free “The joint-venture is between the owners of
Through the programme, taxpayers are “Fiscal incentives, including taxes, are one islands.” the land and Ritzy Gloss and PKB is not referred
encouraged to voluntarily come forward to of the many factors that can attract to in any of the terms in the agreement.
declare any tax that either has not been paid, investment. They can play an important role In addition, the government has
underestimated or erroneously reported to as a strategic policy tool in order to drive streamlined the definition of related “It is an agreement between the two parties,
Customs. investments in Malaysia.” companies for the purpose of group relief in which PKB has no interests and knowledge
claims, imposed penalties for failure to of,” added the statement.
Others are the introduction of a Tax On addressing revenue leakage, the provide Transfer Pricing documents and
Compliance Certificate as a pre-condition for ministry said in the 17-page document that stipulated the requirement for taxpayers to It said the role of the corporation was to
parties submitting bids for government the Multi-Agency Working Group, chaired by settle taxes before commencing any facilitate the engagement sessions and assist in
tenders, implementation of a Tax the ministry to formulate strategies to curb proceedings against the government or the resolving estate issues with the Lands and
Identification Number, as well as reviewing smuggling activities, has been further director-general of Inland Revenue Board. Mines Department, strata titles transfer,
tax treatment that has been identified as strengthened by the participation of the consulting on technical issues and managing
joint-project monitoring with the Federal
Territories Ministry and City Hall.

“The land acquisition process is still under
investigation by the department. For lots or
parcels involved in the land acquisition,
reasonable and adequate compensation will be
given to owners and stakeholders involved.
Adequate compensation will be based on the
First Schedule of the Land Acquisition Act 1960,
which outlines the principles relating to the
determination of compensation.” – Bernama

FOOD ATM ... Road tax renewal at
Communications Puspakom branches
and Multimedia
Minister Tan Sri KUALA LUMPUR: Starting today, the Road
Annuar Musa Transport Department (RTD) will allow private
watching a B40 vehicle users to renew their road tax at all 39
consumer using a Malaysian Computerised Vehicle Inspection
rice dispensing (Puspakom) branches in the peninsular.
machine during a
Kasih RTD said the move will be carried out in
Merdeka@Rumah stages and the early phases will facilitate the
Prihatin renewal of road tax for private vehicles
programme in registered either to individuals or companies.
Kuala Lumpur
yesterday. However, the department said walk-in
– BERNAMAPIX transactions will not be allowed and a prior
appointment must be set through http://lkm-
RM2.8 million flood aid for Kedah farmers appoinment.puspakom.com.my, adding that
only cash payment would be accepted.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of technical department, subject to stipulated The floods also damaged about 18.4ha of
Agriculture and Food Industry (Mafi) standard operating procedures,” he said. crops in Merbok, which is under the It said that before the initiative, only users of
yesterday announced an additional aid of supervision of the Farmers Organisation “decontrolled” vehicles that are allowed to carry
RM2.8 million through the Padi Crop Disaster On Monday, Kiandee was briefed by the Board and 15,759ha under the Agriculture cargo up to 7,500kg were allowed to renew road
Fund for farmers affected by floods in Yan and ministry’s top officials on the flood situation in Department, he added. tax at Puspakom.
Kuala Muda in Kedah. Kedah after officially starting work at his office
at Wisma Tani, Bernama reported. Prior to the latest aid, the government had The initiative will be extended to
Its minister Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee allocated RM1.1 million to rehabilitate 34ha of motorcycles and e-hailing vehicles in
said the assistance rate has been set at According to Kiandee, the floods caused padi farming areas in Kampung Titi Bakong November.
RM1,800 per hectare, with a maximum damage to about 15,811.6ha of padi crops in and Kampung Rendang Pasir in Yan, that
eligibility of 3ha. Kedah, including 34.2ha in Yan, which is were affected by floods caused by a water The deadline for the renewal of expired road
under the supervision of the Muda surge from Gunung Jerai on Aug 18. tax set by the Transport Ministry is Sept 30.
“An assessment will be carried out by the Agricultural Development Authority.
Additional information can be obtained by
calling 03-5101 7000 or email
[email protected], posting
a private message on the Puspakom official
Facebook page or via chat at its website
www.puspakom.com.my.

4 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | SEPTEMBER 1, 2021
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

Cancer patient gets much-needed help

o Palm oil mill worker grateful for receiving support from programme that ensures his “But I decided to go for it anyway, for the
children continue to receive education while he undergoes treatment sake of my family,” he said.

█ BY ELLY FAZANIZA and Max Family Society Malaysia, which is a He initially sought traditional treatment but Fortunately for him, his employer offered to
[email protected] support group for those with blood and rare he took his doctors’ advice and went to see a provide a bus to ferry his children to school,
NAZLIN NAWAWI was only 41 when he was cancers. specialist in Malacca for another diagnosis. lifting a burden off his shoulder.
diagnosed with lymphoma cancer.
Under the programme, the children would He said a tissue biopsy confirmed he had Nazlin lost 40kg after 12 chemotherapy
His first reaction was to worry about his be given financial assistance and emotional stage 3 lymphoma cancer, and that it had sessions. “I was a walking skeleton,” he said.
three children. support until they finished their secondary spread to his lungs, which explained his
education. breathing difficulties. However, in 2019, he found that a lump had
“They were still schooling and I was the reappeared on his neck.
main breadwinner in the family,” he told “The specialist in Malacca helped me fill out Lymphoma accounts for about 55% of all
theSun. the application form. I was happy knowing that blood cancers and is the sixth most common “I had to undergo another four cycles of
my children would not have to miss school.” cancer in Malaysia. chemotherapy and stem cell transplant at the
He feared that if he lost his job at a palm oil Ampang Hospital,” he said.
mill, his wife would not be able to support the Today, Nazlin is relieved that his daughter, It is most often diagnosed in people aged 15
family with her income as a rubber tapper. who is the eldest child, has completed her to 35 and those aged over 50. “The specialists assured me that the
diploma course and is now doing practical transplant would enable my cells to rejuvenate,”
However, a specialist introduced him to the training in culinary arts. It attacks the lymphocytes, which are he said.
Projek Sambung Sekolah, a programme to infection-fighting cells in the immune system.
ensure that education for children of cancer Nazlin’s nightmare began seven years ago He now awaits his next treatment in
patients is not disrupted while they undergo when he found a lump on the right side of his On the advice of his doctors, Nazlin started November.
treatment. neck. chemotherapy at the Malacca General Hospital.
As Malaysia marks Blood Cancer Awareness
The programme, introduced in 2014, is a He started to sweat at night and soon lost his “It was a two-hour drive, every three weeks, Month in September, Nazlin reflects on how
joint initiative of the Ampang Hospital appetite. But the diagnosis also brought relief. from my home in Segamat, Johor.” lucky he is.
haematology department, the Max Foundation
“At least I knew what was causing the Nazlin said he was not afraid of the “My family is lucky to have received support
symptoms,” he said. treatment, but was worried about the side and care under the programme,” he said.
effects.
As of this year, the programme has benefited
a total of 170 children nationwide. Of the total,
137 children in primary and secondary schools
are still receiving support. Eight of the 170 have

moved on to tertiary level.

Malacca seeks cooperation IN THE
MERDEKA
SPIRIT ... Friends
with Riau to boost tourism (from left) Kong
Shu Qi, 21,
Katherens Tan, 28,
MALACCA: The state government will Twelve trishaw riders received the Jalur and Felix Kong
cooperate with the Pekanbaru and Dumai Gemilang and souvenirs.
regions in Riau, Indonesia to revive their Muhammad Jailani said the state Huan Thong, 29,
respective tourism sectors which have take a picture
been impacted by Covid-19. government would also launch the against a Jalur
Rindukan Melaka (Pining for Malacca) Gemilang
State Tourism, Heritage and Culture campaign in November to revive the state background after
Committee chairman Datuk Muhammad tourism sector. being vaccinated at
Jailani Khamis said the cooperation would an inoculation
be sealed via a business-to-business He said the campaign would target centre in Machang
memorandum of understanding (MoU) domestic tourists when Malacca enters Bubok, Bukit
expected to be held this month depending the second phase of the National Recovery Mertajam
on the Covid-19 situation. Plan soon. yesterday.
– MASRY CHE
He said the MoU would stress on a Meanwhile, he said more than 300 ANI/THESUN
cooperation to develop tourism products, trishaw riders in Malacca would be
namely, electric bus and health tourism. supplied with a kit to help prevent
spread of Covid-19. – Bernama
“We have secured a spot at the Sultan
Syarif Kasim II Airport in Pekanbaru for

PM to chair first Covid special committee meetingthe Malacca Chief Minister’s
Department’s tourism promotion division
to promote the state’s tourism products, PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail about this. So, we will discuss ‘the way forward’ in Meanwhile, Annuar said he would also
especially our private hospitals and Sabri Yaakob will chair the first meeting of the a more comprehensive manner, including new propose that filming activities will be allowed
tourism elements encompassing 13 Special Committee to Address Covid-19 today, methods in managing the Covid-19 crisis,” he told inside and outside a studio, but in compliance
sub-sectors. which among others, will discuss new methods the media after attending the 2021 Merdeka Day with standard operating procedures (SOP) to
“The Riau province, which has a to manage the pandemic. celebration at Dataran Pahlawan Negara here prevent the spread of Covid-19.
population of about 11 million, would be Communications and Multimedia Minister Tan yesterday. “Currently, the government only allows filming
able to help the tourism sector if we can Sri Annuar Musa said the main issue to be Ismail Sabri, who was sworn in as the ninth activities outside a studio with strict SOP
woo them to Malacca after Covid-19,” he discussed would be on the transition to Phase prime minister on Aug 21, was reported to have compliance,” he added.
said after handing the Jalur Gemilang to Two of the National Recovery Plan for the Klang said that Klang Valley could now move to Phase He said the government would also improve
trishaw riders for the Merdeka celebration Valley, which has now achieved a vaccination rate Two of the National Recovery Plan since 89.5% of the dissemination of official news to ensure the
at the Stadthuys compound in Banda Hilir of over 80%. its adult population had completed the official media could channel accurate and fast
here yesterday. “The prime minister has already mentioned vaccination. news to the public. – Bernama

64 PERLIS 1,479 KELANTAN C VID-19
1,942 KEDAH UPDATE
1,732 PENANG concTafiosrtemasl ed 1,746,254
As of noon yesterday
1,204 PERAK Total cNaesews 20,897
1 LABUAN ac�ve cases 1,005Tointal

TERENGGANU 608 267,863 ICU

4,371 SELANGOR Total
1,003 K.LUMPUR recoveries New
PAHANG 789 2,594 SABAH recoveries 18,465
SARAWAK 2,285 1,461,727

25 PUTRAJAYA Death
toll
215 N.SEMBILAN New 282
16,664 fatali�es

417 MALACCA JOHOR 2,159

PROGRESS STATISTICS FOR THE NATIONAL COVID-19 IMMUNISATION PROGRAMME
As of August 30 Received rst dose
Received second doses

19,621,799 14,886,006

5theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | SEPTEMBER 1, 2021
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

Losses piling up due to pandemic

█ BY ELWIN DAVA o Lack of business, closures causing many to go He said that under the Insolvency societies or organisations.
[email protected] bankrupt, with nearly 3,000 individuals affected (Amendment) Act 2020, a creditor He/She is also not allowed to
PETALING JAYA: The Covid-19 in first four months of the year must ascertain that his debtor owes
pandemic has caused large-scale RM100,000 or more before filing a practise certain professions such as a
business losses and closures, leading bankruptcy. Once it is lifted, the loans in the number of bankruptcies. bankruptcy petition. lawyer, accountant, liquidator or
to many entrepreneurs losing the will still have to be serviced, and there He said an amendment to the quantity surveyor.
shirt off their back. are bound to be more bankruptcies,” However, several debtors may file
he said. Insolvency Act 1967 that was passed a joint petition if the total amount Neither are they allowed to leave
In just the first four months of this last year raised the threshold for filing owed to them is not less than Malaysia without the permission of
year, a total of 2,954 debtors have The number of bankruptcies in a bankruptcy petition from RM50,000 RM100,000. the Insolvency Department or the
already been declared bankrupt. Malaysia has been on the decline to RM100,000. court.
since 2016. That year, 19,588 cases Once a person has been declared
The number would have been were reported. In 2019, the number of But even before the amendment a bankrupt, his assets are While full payment of the debt is a
higher if not for the many financial new bankruptcies dropped to 12,051. was passed in October last year, the immediately liquidated and the way to be discharged from
packages introduced by the threshold had already been raised proceeds are paid to the creditor. bankruptcy, there are occasions
government to cushion the blow on Even in 2020, when the Covid-19 under the Temporary Measures for when a person can be freed of the
businesses, but according to pandemic and the subsequent Reducing the Impact of Coronavirus The director-general of insolvency status without meeting all the
economists these rescue packages economic fallout that led to Disease 2019 (Covid-19) Act 2020, is in charge of liquidating a obligations first. There are certain
were merely a band aid. widespread business closures, the which was enacted in August last year bankrupt’s assets and distributing the advantages to be declared a
number continued to drop to just but took effect only on March 18. proceeds to the creditors upon bankrupt, Wu said.
Sunway University economist Dr 8,351. submission of a valid proof of debt to
Yeah Kim Leng had pointed out “Since the amendment was put in the Insolvency Department. For a start, a court can put a stop to
earlier that initiatives such as the loan Lawyer Kevin Wu said several place, the increase in the number of all pending legal action, execution or
moratorium only delayed the legislative steps taken recently have bankruptcies has eased,” Wu told Certain requirements must be met other legal procedures against the
inevitable for many businesses. also helped to stem a drastic increase theSun. before a person can be declared a debtor’s property or person once he
bankrupt. For instance, the debtor is declared a bankrupt.
“The moratorium only defers loan has to be a Malaysian citizen.
repayment to help financially When a bankruptcy order has
troubled borrowers avoid A bankrupt is barred from holding been issued, no further legal action
elected or public office positions in can be taken against the debtor by
statutory bodies and registered any creditor.

Senior citizen loses RM400,000 WATER DISRUPTION ... A
in parcel scam resident filling water at her
house at Bandar Pinggiran Putra
█ BY CHARLES RAMENDRAN paid before the parcel was released in Serdang, Selangor yesterday
[email protected] to him. Aibee said the man lodged a as over 450 areas in the Klang
SEREMBAN: A 78-year-old retiree police report. Valley faced unscheduled water
from Port Dickson who befriended a cuts due to the shutting down
woman on Facebook ended up Meanwhile, federal police of the Semenyih water
being RM400,000 poorer in a parcel yesterday said that fraud cases treatment plant.
scam recently. involving e-commerce have almost – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN
doubled over the last two years.
State commercial crime ‘Action plans’ for the rakyat before year-end
investigation department (CCID) Federal CCID director Comm
chief Supt Aibee Ab Ghani yesterday Datuk Mohd Kamaruddin Md Din
said that after befriending the yesterday said total losses due to
woman, who claimed to be from the such scams amounted to RM111
United States, the victim was told million.
that he would receive a parcel posted
to him through a courier company. “The losses involved 3,512 cases
in 2019, 5,846 cases last year and
He said the victim was told that 6,428 cases since January this year,”
the parcel contained more than RM6 Mohd Kamaruddin said.
million in US currency.
He added in the latest
“The scammer told the man that e-commerce fraud case, scammers
she planned to head out to Malaysia made off with about RM154,000 by
where she would share about RM2 advertising low-priced electronic
million of the cash with him,” Aibee goods on Instagram to lure their
said. victims.

In the coming days after the The Instagram account went by
parcel purportedly arrived in the name “Beauty_Saranghae” and
Malaysia, the victim received dozens those who had placed orders for
of phone calls ordering him to make items and made payment never
payments for customs clearance and received the goods.
taxes in order to retrieve the package.
“Police have received 64 police
Aibee said the man complied and reports lodged against the scammers
made several payments amounting to date.”
to RM400,000 into five local bank
accounts. Following the reports, police
managed to trace two main suspects
He said the victim only realised behind the scam before arresting
he had been cheated after the last them on Aug 9.
call from the scammer who
demanded about RM480,000 to be Mohd Kamaruddin said the
suspects, who are aged 32 and 53, are
under a remand order and are being
investigated for cheating.

Madrasah residents agree to take “It puts people and evidence at From assesses inequalities faced work with the relevant authorities at
test after police intervention the heart of decision-making. For front by women?” she asked. the federal and state levels to ensure
example, when assessing poverty, page those who do not have access to
KOTA BARU: The Kelantan Health the owner also did not allow the does the multi-dimensional Bangi MP Ong Kian vaccination centres are served by
Department (JKNK) yesterday process to take place when the state assessment include all essential Ming gave himself a list of mobile units.
confirmed receiving a report on 34 health department went to the factors, or has it left out key factors 10 Merdeka “action plans”
residents of a madrasah in Kampung premises following a death case such as childcare? Does it allow that he promised to realise He also plans to help residents in
Sungai Kenerong in Dabong, near involving one of the residents. gender-sensitive scrutiny that before the end of the year. his constituency, particularly those
Kuala Krai who refused to undergo Among others, he pledged to in the B40 group, secure jobs.
Covid-19 screening tests recently. To avoid the incident from
recurring, Zaini urged the Kelantan No vehicle convoys during NRP
Its director Datuk Dr Zaini Hussin, people to cooperate with the
however, said the matter had been authorities, especially health IPOH: The Perak police will not “The public is also advised not to compounds to those who do not
resolved with police assistance department staff, in curbing the approve any application to organise plan or make applications on such comply with the SOP.
through a discussion with the pandemic. vehicle convoys during the National activities during the NRP period until
principal of the madrasah and that all Recovery Plan (NRP) period. they are allowed to do so,” he said in a Meanwhile, Kelantan police chief
residents have agreed to take the test. “A majority of Covid-19 cases are statement yesterday. Datuk Shafien Mamat said vehicle
asymptomatic. So, a lab test can State police chief Datuk Mior convoy activities were also not
“They refused to undergo the determine whether a person is Faridalathrash Wahid said such The public should also avoid permitted in the state during the
screening because they believe they infected or not. activities would result in violations of the holding any gatherings, or meeting period.
had no connection with a Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOP). sessions, and adhere to the SOP
case who died in Dabong on Aug 27,” “JKNK requires cooperation from stipulated by the National Security He advised the public not to
he told Bernama via WhatsApp the public in order to carry out a “We advise all clubs and groups Council, especially in states under participate in such activities, adding
yesterday. quick and accurate investigation,” he not to carry out any convoy activities Phase One and Two of the NRP. that police would continue to
said while urging the people to while the country is facing the highly monitor their compliance with the
Earlier, the media reported that 34 comply with the standard operating contagious Delta variant. He said police will issue SOP. – Bernama
residents of the madrasah were procedures to break the chain of
refusing to take the Covid-19 test and infection.

6 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | SEPTEMBER 1, 2021
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

BRIEFS EIGHT WOUNDED IN DRONE Taliban celebrate after last
STRIKES ON SAUDI AIRPORT US troops leave Afghanistan

RIYADH: At least eight people were o Keep promise of softer “Congratulations to Afghanistan ... this government, in war-ravaged nation dependent
wounded on Monday in Houthi drone rule, Afghans urge group victory belongs to us all,” Taliban spokesman on foreign aid.
strikes on Saudi Arabia’s Abha airport Zabihullah Mujahid told reporters hours later
that also damaged a civilian airplane, KABUL: The Taliban celebrated their total on the runway of the airport. The United Nations has warned of a
local media reported. The Saudi-led return to power yesterday with gunfire and humanitarian catastrophe, with food stocks
coalition fighting the Houthi rebels in diplomacy, after the last American troops flew He said the Taliban’s victory was a “lesson for running low because of disruptions caused by
Yemen earlier said it intercepted a out of Afghanistan to end two decades of war. other invaders”. conflict as well as a severe drought.
drone that was targeting Abha
International Airport. Shrapnel was The United States’ longest military conflict Many Afghans are terrified of a repeat of the Some Afghans appealed to the movement to
scattered in the vicinity of the airport. drew to a close on Monday night when its forces Taliban’s initial rule from 1996 to 2001, which keep their promise of a softer rule.
Ekhbaria TV said a second armed drone abandoned Kabul airport, where it had was infamous for their treatment of girls and
was intercepted, but debris wounded overseen a frenzied airlift that saw more than women, as well as a brutal justice system. Fawzia Koofi, a rights activist and former
eight people and damaged a civilian 123,000 people flee. negotiator for the ousted government, called on
airplane inside the airport. – Reuters The Taliban have repeatedly promised a the Taliban via Twitter to include all Afghans as
Taliban fighters then quickly swept into the more tolerant brand of rule compared with their they turn to governing the country.
VIETNAM GIVES AMNESTY airport and fired weapons into the sky across the first stint in power, and Zabihullah continued
TO 3,000 PRISONERS city in jubilation – an astonishing return after US that theme. “Taliban, hear us out: we must rebuild
forces invaded in 2001, weeks after the Sept 11 together!” she wrote.
HANOI: Vietnam announced yesterday attacks, and toppled them for supporting “We want to have good relations with the US
an amnesty for more than 3,000 Al-Qaeda. and the world. We welcome good diplomatic “This land belongs to all of us.”
prisoners ahead of the country’s relations with them all.” Other activists struggled to find hope amid
independence anniversary. Prisoners the gloom.
jailed for corruption, drugs and other Zabihullah also insisted Taliban security “If I let my thoughts linger on what we have
criminal offences are among those forces would “be gentle and nice”. lost, I will lose my mind,” tweeted Muska
eligible for an early release, and the list Dastageer, who lectured at the American
includes 21 foreigners, said Deputy The Taliban face a daunting challenge of University of Afghanistan. – AFP
Minister of Public Security Le Quoc transforming from an insurgent group to a
Hung. He refused to say how many
political prisoners would be freed,
insisting “there are no prisoners on
political charges in Vietnam”. Human
Rights Watch said more than 130
political prisoners are behind bars in
Vietnam as of May this year. – AFP

PURPLE RAIN ... Brazil robbers
Anti-government strap hostages
activists escaping from to cars
a police water cannon
during a protest BRASILIA: Heavily armed gangsters
against the strapped hostages to their getaway cars after
government’s handling robbing two banks in the Brazilian state of
of the coronavirus Sao Paulo, in a rampage that left three people
pandemic in Din dead, media reports said on Monday.
Daeng district of
Bangkok yesterday. Using explosives, drones and heavy
– REUTERSPIX weapons, the assailants took over downtown
streets in the southeastern city of Aracatuba,
Putin gives cash to cops and soldiers ahead of polls home to some 200,000 people.

MOSCOW: President Vladimir Putin yesterday Putin had signed decrees ordering one-time Putin ordering his government several times After robbing two banks, they made their
ordered law enforcement officers and army cash payments for members of the military and since late last year to take measures to bring escape by strapping hostages to the roofs and
staff to be given 15,000 rubles (RM830), as he law enforcement bodies to be handed out this prices under control. hoods of moving cars, according to shocking
seeks support for his unpopular United Russia month for their “social protection”. images broadcast by local news channels.
party ahead of parliamentary elections. Annual inflation has reached 6.5%,
While Russia has not announced how many according to the central bank. Two civilians and one of the bank robbers
The cash handouts follow earlier one-time people will receive the payments, the country were killed during the assault, which left at
payments for pensioners of 10,000 rubles ahead has some 42 million pensioners and 1.7 million United Russia has seen its ratings fall in least six injured, according to police.
of lower house State Duma polls later this members of the military, police and national recent years after the government passed a
month, with United Russia’s ratings hit by rising guard, according to official statistics. controversial pension plan in 2018 and as the The assailants placed explosives in
prices coupled with falling wages. economy has stagnated. different parts of the city and surrounded
The payments come as Russian authorities some police stations to delay the arrival of
Russia’s legal information portal showed have struggled to curb soaring inflation, with The ruling party is currently polling at 30%, reinforcements.
according to state-run pollster VTsIOM. – AFP
They wore “bulletproof vests, rifles and
helmets”, and looked like soldiers, a witness
who asked not to be identified told Globo TV.

“The scenes of terror experienced by the
population of Aracatuba will not go
unpunished,” vowed Sao Paulo Governor
Joao Doria, who ordered a task force of 380
police officers to hunt the gang down.

“Two criminals were captured and a third
died when confronting the police.”

Brazil has seen other such robberies in
recent years, marked by a high degree of
planning and heavy weapons, and carried
out in medium-sized cities to ensure an
escape route and a significant cash haul from
the banks.

In December last year, two similar
mega-assaults were carried out barely a day
apart in cities in the states of Para, in the
north, and Santa Catarina in the south.

A few months before, the Sao Paulo towns
of Botucatu and Ourinhos suffered similar
brazen attacks.

According to the Sao Paulo Security
Department, both cases were resolved and “a
good part of these gangs are in jail”. – AFP

More hate crimes against Asians, blacks last year: FBI

WASHINGTON: Reported hate In a year that saw huge Black Lives 70% with 274 incidents last year said Attorney-General Merrick offences were intimidation, 18%
crimes in the United States, in Matter protests which helped force a against 161 in 2019, seemingly Garland. were serious assaults while 22
particular targeting African reckoning on racism, reports of hate confirming a trend reported by the homicides were motivated by hate.
Americans and Asian Americans, crimes against black Americans rose community since the start of the The FBI said hasty conclusions
surged last year, according to 40%, from 1,972 to 2,755. Covid pandemic. should not to be drawn as different In the US, “hate-motivated crime”
statistics released on Monday by the levels of public participation over refers to an act directed against a
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Meanwhile, attacks against The statistics spotlight the urgent time could be behind the data. person because of certain
Americans of Asian heritage surged need for a comprehensive response, characteristics of their identity. – AFP
More than half of the reported

7theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | SEPTEMBER 1, 2021
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

South Korea bans app payment monopolies

SEOUL: South Korean MPs yesterday passed a The South Korean measure comes as Apple Later this year, Google plans to enforce “Without this law, our working environment
law banning Apple and Google from forcing and Google face global criticism for charging up globally a requirement for developers to use its – where creators are guaranteed of full rewards
app developers to use the tech giants’ payment to 30% commission on app sales and requiring payment system – with its 30% commission for their efforts – would have been destroyed,”
systems, effectively declaring their lucrative their own payment systems be used, that collect above a certain threshold – for in-app said Seo Bum-gang, a webtoon artist who heads
App Store and Play Store monopolies illegal. a share of the transactions. purchases. the Korea Webtoon Industry Association.

The bill was approved by 180 votes to nil in The Korean law – locally dubbed the In South Korea, it is also planning to charge “We need this law to protect the diversity of
the National Assembly, making South Korea the “Anti-Google Law” – will offer users a choice of commission on all content payments from next our industry, where artists and creators of all
first major economy to pass legislation on the app payment providers, allowing them to month, ending an exemption where economic backgrounds can share their content
issue, in a move that could set a precedent for bypass charges set by the store owner. commissions were only payable for online without having to worry about the commission
other jurisdictions around the world. games. fees.”
“This law will certainly set a precedent for
In the United States, three senators other countries, as well as app developers and That announcement prompted an angry Apple and Google have maintained that
introduced a bill this month to loosen the tech content creators worldwide,” said Kang response from South Korean artists and commissions charged are standard in the
firms’ grip on their stores, while lawmakers in Ki-hwan of the Korea Mobile Internet Business creators, with web fiction writers and webtoon industry and fair compensation for building
Europe are debating legislation that could force Association. artists accusing Google of “power abuse” and safe marketplaces where developers can reach
Apple to bring in alternatives to App Store. campaigning fiercely for the new law. people around the world. – AFP
It is expected to come into force this month.

A man reacting in shock upon seeing his collapsed Bangladeshi scientist
house in New Orleans. – REUTERSPIX wins Asia ‘Nobel Prize’

Ida wreaks ‘catastrophic’ MANILA: A Bangladeshi scientist who helped
destruction in Louisiana develop a cheap oral vaccine against cholera, a
Pakistani microfinance pioneer and a Filipino
o Biden declares major storm may have passed but dangers still inside,” said the 53-year-old retired BRIEFSfisherman were among the winners of Asia’s
disaster, flights cancelled remain,” said Louisiana Governor John Bel pharmacist. equivalent to the Nobel Prize yesterday.
Edwards at televised a press conference.
WASHINGTON: Rescuers on Monday Several residents of LaPlace, just upstream Firdausi Qadri, 70, was one of five recipients
combed through the “catastrophic” damage Two deaths have been confirmed as crews from New Orleans, posted appeals for help on of the Ramon Magsaysay Award – named after
Hurricane Ida inflicted on the US state of began fanning out in boats and off-road social media, saying they were trapped by a Filipino president killed in a plane crash – for
Louisiana, a day after the fierce storm killed at vehicles to search communities cut off by the rising floodwaters. her “life-long devotion to the scientific
least two people, stranded others in rising hurricane. profession” and “untiring contributions to
floodwaters and sheared the roofs off homes. “The damage is really catastrophic,” vaccine development”.
A man was also missing after apparently Edwards told NBC, adding Ida had “delivered
The city of New Orleans was still mostly being killed by an alligator. the surge that was forecasted”. Working at the International Centre for
without power more than 24 hours after Ida Diarrhoeal Disease Research in Bangladesh’s
slammed into the Louisiana coast as a Images of people being plucked from President Joe Biden declared a major capital Dhaka, Firdausi had a “key role” in
Category 4 storm, exactly 16 years to the day flooded cars and pictures of destroyed homes disaster for Louisiana and Mississippi, which creating more affordable vaccines to combat
that Hurricane Katrina made landfall, surfaced on social media, while the damage in gives the states access to federal aid. cholera and typhoid, said the Manila-based
wreaking deadly havoc. New Orleans itself remained limited. award foundation in a statement.
One person was killed by a falling tree in
While search and rescue missions focus on New Orleans Airport said all incoming and Prairieville, 97km northwest of New Orleans, She was also cited for her leading role in a
those who sheltered on site, local officials outgoing flights were cancelled yesterday, said the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office. mass vaccination effort in Rohingya refugee
urged people who had evacuated not to while airlines had scrapped 197 flights camps in Bangladesh’s southeastern district of
return yet as there was a lack of services and scheduled for today. A second victim died while trying to drive Cox’s Bazar in recent years that prevented a
trees, debris and downed power lines through floodwaters in New Orleans, tweeted cholera outbreak.
continue to pose a hazard. Ida knocked out power for more than a the Louisiana Department of Health.
million properties across Louisiana, Firdausi was also cited for her efforts to build
“I know people are anxious to get back according to outage tracker PowerOutage.US. In St Tammany Parish, police said a up Bangladesh’s scientific research capacity.
home, but I am urging you to wait until you 71-year-old was “apparently killed by an
get the all-clear from your local officials. The “I was there 16 years ago. The wind seems alligator while walking in flood waters”. “I’m overwhelmed, extremely delighted but
worse this time but the damage seems less also humbled,“ she said in a video message
bad,” said French Quarter resident Dereck The man’s wife saw her husband being shared by the foundation.
Terry, surveying his neighbourhood in attacked by the reptile and managed to pull
flip-flops and a T-shirt, umbrella in hand. him out of the floodwaters, said the sheriff’s The Ramon Magsaysay Award was
office in a statement. established in 1957 to honour people and
“I have a broken window. Some tiles from groups addressing development problems.
the roof are on the street and water came But he had disappeared by the time his
wife came back from trying to get help. – AFP Pakistani development worker Muhammad
Amjad Saqib, 64, was also a winner for his
Wildfire forces evacuation of US tourist spot “first-of-its-kind” interest- and collateral-free
microfinance programme that has helped
WASHINGTON: Thousands of people were “The firefighting conditions, the fuels, are The fires are being driven by a historic millions of poor families.
ordered to evacuate on Monday as a huge historic,“ said California Fire Incident drought that has left swathes of the region
wildfire loomed over a major US tourist spot, Commander Jeff Veik, according to the San parched, as man-made climate change takes a Another winner was Filipino fisherman
filling the air with choking smoke. Francisco Chronicle. visible and painful toll. Roberto Ballon, 53, who was recognised for
helping “revive a dying fishing industry” on the
The Caldor Fire has already torn through “We will put this fire out. But it’s not going About 22,000 people were ordered out of southern island of Mindanao where abandoned
more than 700sq km, razing hundreds of to be today.” their homes on Monday morning, joining tens fishponds had destroyed mangrove forests.
buildings. of thousands of others trying to escape the
The western United States is burning at an fire’s relentless march. With government backing, Ballon and other
On Monday, it was roaring towards South alarming rate, with over 4,300sq km fishermen replanted 500ha of mangrove forests
Lake Tahoe, the main resort town in the blackened by late last month in California An AFP journalist witnessed streams of by 2015, boosting their fish catch. – AFP
popular holiday area that straddles the alone – more than double the area consumed traffic leaving the city, with cars and RVs
California and Nevada border. by this time in an average year. clogging the main roads. – AFP OUTCRY OVER TELEVISED
‘RAPE DEMONSTRATION’

ABIDJAN: A television channel in Ivory Coast
apologised yesterday after broadcasting a
show in which a man presented as a former
rapist explained how he assaulted his
victims, using a mannequin for the
demonstration. The programme, broadcast
at prime time on Monday by the private
Nouvelle Chaine Ivorienne channel, caused a
massive outcry, including a petition signed
by 30,000 people demanding that the
presenters be punished. At the end of the
“demonstration“, the man was invited by the
show host to give women“advice”on how to
avoid being raped in what was meant to
denounce sexual assault. – AFP

7,000 SCHOOLS DAMAGED
BY TIGRAY WAR

ADDIS ABABA: More than 7,000 schools have
been damaged as a result of the expanding
conflict in Ethiopia, the education minister
said, with 1.42 million students unable to
attend classes in the war-torn region of
Tigray. Northern Ethiopia has been wracked
by violence since November, when Prime
Minister Abiy Ahmed sent troops into Tigray
to topple the Tigray People’s Liberation Front
(TPLF), the regional ruling party, saying the
move came in response to attacks on army
camps. “As a result of the TPLF futile war,
more than 7,000 schools have been fully
(some partially) damaged,“ tweeted
Education Minister Getahun Mekuria. – AFP

8 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | SEPTEMBER 1, 2021 LETTERS [email protected]
SPEAK UP
Remembering our
Galvanise mass action unsung heroes
in climate agenda
CARETAKER OUR country celebrated memory of her has been
Prime collapse, cities menaced by rising there are eight times more dormitory- Merdeka Day yesterday, obliterated in my children’s
Minister Datuk Seri seas – these and other housed foreign workers in Malaysia than while India celebrated her textbooks, which I can only
Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s devastating climate impacts Singapore, and their housing conditions Independence Day on hope was due to oversight
biggest challenge are accelerating and bound to here are much worse. Aug 15. and not bigotry.
has long been staring him in become painfully obvious
the face – it is the nation’s before a child born today Two months later, the Grim Reaper Recently, Indian Recently, the Covid-19
incredible slowness in turns 30”. crossed over to Malaysia. Infection cases newspaper India Today paid pandemic resurrected the
arresting creeping dangers A month later, scientists among foreign workers shot through the tribute to the men and name of Dr Wu Lien-teh, one
until it gets too late. declared a worldwide climate roof in October-November and spread to women who helped shape of Penang’s illustrious sons
Complacency, lack of urgency, communities, laying one of the post-colonial India in renowned for his work in
groundless optimism, absence of long- emergency and warned that the cornerstones for the current wave. The commemoration of its 75th public health, particularly
term strategic planning and reluctance to Earth’s “vital signs” had deteriorated to government could have deployed anniversary of during the Manchurian
embrace an inclusive spirituality are the record levels. They noted an government-linked property developers independence. plague of 1910-1911.
greatest weaknesses of both the rakyat unprecedented surge in climate-related to take full control of the dormitory
and the government. disasters, including flooding in South housing sector and resolve the problems Among the individuals Malaya’s first nominee for
What have we been complacent America and Southeast Asia, as well as quickly. were the late Mother Teresa the Nobel Prize in Medicine
about? The most striking instance is the record-shattering heat waves. Let us in of Kolkata (previously in 1935, Wu invented the
current pandemic. Some nations manage this article just focus on one climate Guterres has described Covid-19 as a Calcutta) who was canonised mask, which is the
to contain the spread of the Delta variant impact unliveable heat and record- “wake-up call” for climate change. Does as a Catholic saint in 2016 forerunner of today’s N95
by clamping a full lockdown when daily shattering heat waves. Malaysia have an alarm clock? Yes, and with her Feast Day on Sept 5. respirator used in the fight
cases are still below 10. Catch the rats the clock has six batteries – Islam, against Covid-19.
when they are just one small pack. Few Malaysians walk around with a Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, She founded the order
Malaysia imposed a full movement thermometer in their pockets. They Sikhism, Taoism. All their scriptures called the Missionaries of There are numerous
control order (FMCO) only on June 1, a would have failed to notice that on assert humanity’s stewardship of the Charity, and besides the YouTube videos on Wu and
day after daily cases registered a high several dry-spell days early this year, planet. But these six batteries are not usual vows of chastity, here is the link to one:
6,824. The rats had by then taken over the temperatures in the shade hit 36°C – just wired together, and so the clock does not poverty and obedience, her https://youtu.be/Pc5OsOdW
city as, two weeks earlier on May 15, daily as they did last year. Back in the 1960s, function. What is this connecting wire? It nuns profess a fourth vow to LHE.
cases reached 4,140. Go back to April 1, temperatures on the hottest days of the is the original faith of the Orang Asli. give “wholehearted free
when daily cases stood at 1,178. That is year in the Klang Valley could hit 31°C, service to the poorest of While the erstwhile
the day alarm bells should have rung and but no higher. Malaysia is 5°C hotter now. Analysts talk of developing a whole-of- the poor”. George Town City Council
pest control summoned to duty But only a handful of Malaysians know society, whole-of-nation approach, and honoured him by naming a
immediately. FMCO should have been that 36°C is borderline. Cross it and 40°C yet they leave out the Orang Asli. It is their In India, where certain small housing estate off
imposed on April 5, not June 1. becomes certain. guardianship of the forest, their politicians still divide the Green Lane (now Jalan
On April 1, six new deaths were connectivity to God through nature and populace by religion and Masjid Negri), it appears that
recorded, bringing the total to 1,278. On You have read about the US state of their indigenous spirituality that is the caste, Mother Teresa was his contributions, which have
May 31, the eve of FMCO, there were 67 Oregon’s life-threatening heat wave missing link in our nation’s failure to regarded by the long been recognised in
fatalities bringing the total to 2,796 – more recording daytime high of 44°C in June. galvanise mass public action in this marginalised poor and China, are not even
than double the figure on April 1. On Aug Nobody died. In South India the same climate emergency. destitute communities as a mentioned in the Penang
15, there were 282 deaths, with the month, there were deaths when Living Saint, the equivalent Lawan Covid-19.
cumulative figure at 12,510. Between temperatures crossed way above 36°C but The prime minister should of Keramat Hidup in
April 1 and Aug 15, we added 11,232 had yet to reach Oregon’s level. The killer courageously think out of the box and Malay culture. I suggested recently that
deaths. At least 10,000 of these lives were is heat combined with humidity in a establish a National Interfaith Council for Penang and other states
lost simply because we lacked the sense phenomenon called “wet-bulb Climate Action, with the Federation’s Conversely, the late Sybil decorate the frontliners
of urgency to act fast. temperature.” Malaysia exhibits the same official religion as chairperson and the Kathigasu, also a Catholic fighting the pandemic,
Before the next general election, “wet-bulb temperature” as South India. indigenous faith of the Orang Asli as the remains relatively unknown especially those who have
another ruinous disaster may strike advisor of this council. to the Vatican despite being perished in the line of duty.
Malaysia if we stay complacent. Key In the coming 2-3 years, Malaysia will the only Malayan woman to
politicians have won their race for cross the borderline with temperatures Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, have received a George In Malaysia, gallantry
position, but in the broader view of UN moving to 37-40°C. In this range, there Sikhism and Taoism will be the council Medal for providing awards are usually for
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the will be near-death experiences. Beyond members. Jains and Bahais should also medicines, medical members of the Armed
world is “losing the race” to avert climate 40°C is the death zone. Are we prepared be invited to sit in the council. treatment and information Forces who have performed
disaster. This fear has been confirmed by for it? No. We are not afflicted by just to the Malayan Peoples’ acts of bravery while in the
the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate complacency, lack of urgency, and The council’s function will be to Anti-Japanese Army, who UK, there is distinction
Change which, some months ago, issued groundless optimism. There is also a spread awareness of the climate were resistance fighters between the George Cross
a landmark draft report warning that the critical absence of long-term strategic emergency through sermons and during World War II. and the George Medal.
worst is yet to come. planning. information packs distributed in all
As reported by theSun (June 24), places of worship. It should then organise To the best of my I suggest a Bintang
“species extinction, more widespread Think back to the happy days of July- programmes for collaborative action that understanding, the George Cemerlang Dr Wu Lien-teh
disease, unliveable heat, ecosystem August 2020. We smiled complacently will demonstrate the unity of faiths to Medal was second only to and Bintang Cemerlang Sybil
when news broke that Singapore was repair our climate. This is the right way of the George Cross, which is Kathigasu be initiated for
seeing large clusters of Covid-19 cases in salvation. a gallantry award for civilians male and female frontliners,
its foreign worker dormitories. On Aug 27, bearing arms against respectively, who have
2020, Malaysia recorded only five cases The writer champions interfaith the enemy. perished in the line of duty,
nationwide. We ignored the fact that harmony. Comments: and also for those who
The history books I read in returned after recovery from
[email protected] school recorded Sybil Covid-19 to fight again.
Kathigasu’s acts of bravery
and compassion but any Chow Siew Cheong

Get ready for the new weekly

&

Every Friday

TELLING IT AS IT IS

LIFESTYLE YOUTH FASHION ENTERTAINMENT

WEDNESDAY | SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

Astar sfrtoamrt New kitsch on the
the block

PICTURE COURTESY OF UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP Dolla’s Tabby reveals >>> Page 4&5
more about her life,
recent collaboration and Daryl Kho writes an
future plans uplifting book

>>> Page 3 >>> Page 8

ENTERTAINMENT

2 theSun LYFE ON WEDNESDAY | SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

TOM CRUISE sealed his Nothing is impossible Kanye West.
reputation for performing
his own dangerous stunts o Tom Cruise unveils ‘most Kanye West files
as “Mission Impossible” dangerous stunt’ in the next to change his
footage of him riding a motorbike American action spy film name to ‘Ye’
off a treacherous cliff stunned
movie theater bosses at their Tom Cruise stars in MUSIC icon Kanye West has filed to
annual convention Thursday. Mission Impossible 7 legally change his name to his
longtime nickname “Ye,“ US media
Paramount used its slot on the Lost theatres theaters. latest heist thriller from Michael reported Wednesday, citing
final day of CinemaCon trade show The annual CinemaCon trade show “Sadly we did lose some of the Bay, “Ambulance;” and a terrifying documents filed in a Los Angeles
in Las Vegas to present clips from its typically features top Hollywood new horror flick from Blumhouse court.
upcoming features “Mission: stars as well as never-before-seen theaters along the way, but most of starring Ethan Hawke as a sadistic
Impossible 7” and “Top Gun: footage, although A-listers stayed you found ways to power through magician, called “The Black The 44-year-old wants to change
Maverick,“ with the two films’ star away from this week’s event due to and are now back in business,“ he Phone.” his full name -- Kanye Omari West --
Cruise appearing remotely via Covid-19 concerns. told attendees during Universal to the two-letter Ye, with no middle
video. Pictures’ presentation, which Lionsgate wrapped up the four- or last name, according to NBC News
Executives from studios and included his forthcoming musical day event Thursday, earning one of and other US media.
“This is far and away the most theater chains tried to draw a line sequel “Sing 2.” the week’s loudest cheers for
dangerous thing we’ve ever under a difficult year with an footage from “The Unbearable The change was requested for
attempted,“ said Cruise, upbeat message about the future of Universal also unveiled footage Weight of Massive Talent” starring “personal reasons” and must be
introducing the stunt. the big screen, also drawing on pre- from next year’s “Jurassic World: Nicolas Cage. approved by a judge, NBC said.
recorded video messages from their Dominion,“ which sees stars of
“We’ve been working on this for stars. recent installments such as Chris Cage, a Hollywood A-lister with West has already been calling
years. We’re going to shoot it in Pratt team up with original a fanatical following, plays a himself Ye for some time, tweeting in
Norway and it will be a motorcycle “Yes, we’ve all gone through a “Jurassic Park” alumni Jeff version of himself in the film who is 2018 that he was “the being formally
jump off a cliff into a base jump.” very strange, tough year,“ said actor Goldblum, Laura Dern and Sam shunned by the film industry and known as Kanye West. I am Ye.”
Matthew McConaughey, noting Neill to fend off the dinosaurs. forced to make a paid appearance
“I’ve wanted to do this since I that “few businesses felt the at an eccentric billionaire super He released an album by the same
was a little kid.” pandemic hit as hard” as movie The studio showed off Jennifer fan’s birthday party. – ETX Studio name that same year.
Lopez rom-com “Marry Me;” the
Behind-the-scenes footage The Chicago-raised rapper and
showed Cruise preparing by record producer has won 21
performing more than 500 skydives Grammys. He burst onto the rap
and 13,000 motocross jumps before scene on his production chops before
traveling to an elaborate ramp delivering a string of critically
constructed on a remote acclaimed studio albums, selling over
Norwegian cliff to shoot the stunt 20 million copies.
itself.
The spotlight recently has shone
The film’s director, Christopher on West more for his personal life
McQuarrie, nervously watched than his art, after his partner of nearly
through his hands as Cruise a decade, Kim Kardashian, filed for
successfully opened his parachute divorce earlier this year.
and landed safely before
proclaiming: “I think I can hold Before the news broke, their union
onto the bike a little longer.” had been dogged for months by
reports of marital difficulties. West
The 59 year-old Cruise, one of has battled with mental health issues,
Hollywood’s biggest stars for the and last year launched an improbable
past several decades, famously and controversial foray into US
performs many of his own stunts, presidential politics. – ETX Studio
breaking his ankle during one hair-
raising leap for the previous
installment “Mission: Impossible --
Fallout.”

He was also center stage in
footage from the long-awaited
sequel to 1986 smash hit “Top
Gun.”

Attendees were shown the film’s
opening 13 minutes, in which
Cruise’s Maverick tests out a
futuristic and experimental
supersonic jet in defiance of his US
Navy admiral, who wants to shut
down the secretive program and
replace it with unmanned drones.

A new trailer for the film showed
Cruise teaching a new generation
of fighter pilots.

Venice film fest returns with another blockbuster lineup
THE Venice Film Festival returns comes from Chilean director Pablo That has left Venice with first dibs
Wednesday with an ultra-glitzy “Dune” brings hot young things Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya to the Venice Larrain, whose 2016 film was an on recent Netflix hits such as “Roma”
lineup, including the world premiere intelligent and lauded take on Jackie and “Marriage Story”, and two of this
of sci-fi blockbuster “Dune” and Jane Campion. immediately banned on Instagram Kennedy, starring Natalie Portman. year’s hopefuls: Campion’s “The
Kristen Stewart’s turn as Princess Almodovar opens the festival for featuring a lactating nipple. Oscar buzz-maker Power of the Dog” and Sorrentino’s
Diana, cementing its status as a Since taking over in 2012, festival “The Hand of God”.
serious rival to Cannes. with the Penelope Cruz-starring Even the Princess Di biopic, director Alberto Barbera is credited
“Parallel Mothers” and true to his “Spencer”, promises to be more than with rejuvenating La Mostra, partly Movies from 59 countries are
After a low-key event last year due provocative style, the poster was the usual fawning royal mush, as it by positioning it as the launchpad being presented this year across its
to the pandemic, La Mostra is raising for Academy Award hopefuls. multiple sections, though Cannes
the stakes once again in the battle for director Thierry Fremaux has
film fest supremacy with the sort of Two of the last four Golden Lion previously sniffed at his Venice
lineup that has drool running down winners, “The Shape of Water” and counterpart’s “obsession with
the chins of red carpet gawkers and “Nomadland”, have gone on to win American movies”.
pretentious film critics alike. the best picture Oscar -- something
which had never previously It’s true that the main
The world’s oldest film festival happened. competition has a fairly narrow
has embraced Hollywood in recent geographic remit, with nothing from
years and its 78th edition, running Many other recent critical and Africa and only one from Asia (the
September 1-11, is no exception. box-office hits have debuted in the sequel to Filipino action-thriller “On
floating city, including “La La Land”, the Job”) among the 21 selections.
“Dune” brings hot young things “Joker” and “A Star Is Born”.
Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya to But Cannes has hardly steered
the Venice festival, while Ridley Part of the success is that clear of Hollywood. Its blockbuster
Scott’s “The Last Duel” marks the publicists love having their stars premiere this year was Fast &
bromantic return of Matt Damon snapped on gondolas, but it’s Furious 9.
and Ben Affleck, writing and starring primarily a question of lucky timing.
together for the first time since their For film fans happy to see the
Oscar-winning breakout “Good Will “Venice’s position on the cusp of schedules flooded with exciting
Hunting” in the 1990s. summer and fall gives it releases, all this industry jostling is
unmatchable clout as a launchpad” background noise.
But Venice still has serious for the Hollywood awards season,
arthouse chops, and the explained The Hollywood Reporter. And for Italians, it could cap an
competition for the Golden Lion exciting summer that has seen them
award features some of the era’s Venice has also side-stepped the win the World Cup, put in a
most revered filmmakers, including fracas between Netflix and Cannes, surprisingly strong Olympic
Spain’s Pedro Almodovar, Italy’s over the latter’s demand that entries performance and leave the dark days
Paolo Sorrentino and New Zealand’s hit the big screen. of the country’s brutal Covid-19
outbreak behind them. – ETX Studio

ENTERTAINMENT

3theSun LYFE ON WEDNESDAY | SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

A star from the start

o Dolla’s Tabby reveals more about her life, recent collaboration and future plans

█ BY MARK MATHEN VICTOR “My university was very helpful as they “I believe it is so important to have a Tabby recently
gave me a full talent scholarship, allowing me good educational background to fall back collaborated
WAVES were made through the to pursue my dreams early,” said Tabby, who on or to rely on. It would be on the track
entertainment world in late has been singing for almost two decades. interesting to see how my Malaysia Di
March last year when Malaysian business degree helps in the Hatiku with
girl group Dolla dropped their “I had been looking for a music label to future,” she said with a laugh. three other
debut single Dolla Make You Wanna. pursue my dream of becoming an artiste “Who knows, I might start a singers. –
when I saw an advertisement for auditions for business of my own.” PICTURES
A crescendo of praise hailed the group’s girl groups,” Tabby said, which led to her Future highlights COURTESY OF
success in breaking through pop music joining Dolla. Recently, Tabby was UNIVERSAL
barriers at the local and regional level. featured on the track MUSIC GROUP
“It was nerve-racking, but also one of the Malaysia Di Hatiku, with
The group, comprising Sabronzo, Tabby, best decisions I’ve ever made in my life so far.” Yonnyboii, Luca Sickta
Syasya and Angel, also displayed their Not just singing and Kmy Kmo.
prowess with dance moves and musical Tabby came to the group via a different route
output that can rival groups in other markets. from her mates. Always wanting to
Meant to be release a patriotic song,
“Syasya and Sabronzo come from dancing Tabby explained that the
Tabby told theSun that as a child, she was backgrounds, and Angel used to do ballet collaboration was made
shy, although lively. when she was younger. I never had any formal possible as Universal
dance training, nor did I dance,” she said. Music Malaysia was
She became more outgoing and self- looking for a female
confident as she grew up, with Tabby never expected having to dance singer to contribute to
encouragement from her parents. seriously as part of a career, let alone as part of the track.
a career that also involved singing.
Stressing how her parents mean the world Tabby revealed
to her, Tabby also said she loved singing even “I worked very hard at the beginning when that after being in a
at a very young age. we came out with Dolla Make You Wanna to state of lockdown
try and keep up with the other girls. I’d have to for so long, the
Her musical passion was bolstered by a thank Ezra and Uncommon Studio for team has drawn up
supportive family who sent her for singing working so hard to train me (in dancing) and a plan, with a new
lessons. of course, the girls for guiding me along the song likely to
way”. come out soon.
By the ages of ten to 14, Tabby was already
no stranger to talent and singing Knowing that the path she was “This time
competitions, along with charity events and always going to take was in the around, it is a
musicals. chill song, full of
entertainment industry, Tabby positive and
A brief hiatus from singing was let music guide her towards motivating
taken during her A-Level years, that destiny. energy. So
before Tabby plunged back into She describes music as a I’m really
singing as she “saviour” that got her hoping
started through difficult times in her that the
university life. fans will
at age 18. However, Tabby also love this
recognises the importance one as
Tabby is of skills-based education, much as we
currently and has opted for a do. Other than
doing her degree course in that, we also
Bachelor of business. have a lot of
Business with a minor exciting work
in Psychology, and will with
be graduating in a few Samsung, and
months. YouTube
content that
will be coming

soon.”

China streaming site cancels idol shows in industry crackdown
VIDEO streaming site iQiyi -- China’s unhealthy industry trends, tax evasion,
equivalent of Netflix -- has cancelled and have also cancelled idol voting Actor Kris Wu attends the
plans for future talent contest shows programmes for the next few years.” premiere of Paramount Pictures’
saying they are “unhealthy”, according to “xXx: Return Of Xander Cage”.
its CEO, as a government crackdown Talent shows that put hundreds of
gathers pace on celebrity culture. aspiring young performers through
rigorous boot camps and subject them to
Beijing has sought to rein in public votes have become massively
“unhealthy fan culture” that it says is popular in China, sparking a backlash in
encouraged by variety shows, after some quarters.
celebrities including Chinese-Canadian
singer Kris Wu and actor Zhang Zhehan A Chinese boyband made up of
became embroiled in scandals in recent primary school children disbanded
months. shortly after their debut last Friday, their
agency said, after their ages provoked
iQiyi is responsible for a number of uproar.
smash-hit pop idol shows including
“Youth With You” which was abruptly Regulations released by the Beijing
pulled in May after criticism from Bureau of Radio, Film and Television in
regulators about aspects of the May told programme makers to promote
programme. “core socialist values”.

“iQiyi and other platforms have The arrest of actor and singer Wu over
always adhered to drawing a clear allegations of rape earlier this month
boundary from unhealthy industry prompted China’s leading performing
trends,“ CEO Gong Yu said at a Chinese arts association to call on entertainers to
TV industry symposium Wednesday, demonstrate good morals.
reported state newspaper China Arts
News. China’s film industry was also the
subject of a crackdown in 2018 targeting
“We resist unreasonable salaries, alleged tax evasion and the inflated
salaries of some stars. – ETX Studio

FASHION

4 theSun LYFE ON WEDNESDAY | SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

Vegan fashion becoming ingrained in UK █ BY JASON LIM New kitsch
shopping attitudes on the bloc
IT is true when they say that fashion
ON the lookout for fashion that takes into than a third of respondents (35%) would like to trends constantly repeat themselves o Escape to the good old days of
account the welfare of animals, Britons are see more vegan alternatives for ready-to-wear every 20 years. streetpartiesand beachholidays
gradually turning to ready-to-wear pieces and pieces and accessories originally made from The wash-rinse-repeat cycle rises again, the hot new trend for nostalgia-
accessories made of synthetic leather and animal leather, including jackets and boots, as with the current revival of DIY jewelry. inspired accessories
vegetable-based leather, and free from animal well as for bags (32%).
fur. A new study has revealed that an The flash popularity of nostalgic Beads On
overwhelming majority of the population And brands have already been working on accessories makes a strong case not only Plates.
would like to see more vegan-verified fashion developing such alternatives over the last for return of the kitsch and camp of 1990s
in all product categories. several months – even years for a few – and fashion, but also the carefree days of music
unveiling product launches made from festivals, holiday camps and beach parties
Veganism is booming in the United materials that are alternatives to leather. in the dusk of those long-gone days.
Kingdom. While it may be primarily associated Mushrooms, pineapple, cacti, apples, and
with food, the phenomenon is extending to grapes: there are now a multitude of solutions According to global fashion search
other sectors, starting with clothing. A new for going without leather. The survey shows platform LYST, “demand for joyful
study published by The Vegan Society shows that more than a third of respondents (35%) jewellery continues to grow; page views for
that there is a real demand for vegan fashion in would like more vegan leather options, and colourful beaded necklaces are up 41%
the UK. More than nine out of ten shoppers nearly three quarters (74%) say they would be month-on-month.’’
(95%) say they would welcome more vegan willing to spend more money on vegan leather
verified fashion, and nearly half (48%) are even than animal leather. Beyond even the vegan Google searches for the word “beaded”
looking for these types of products in all aspect of these alternatives, Brits believe they have been rising since March 2021 and
fashion categories. are sustainable (42%), ethical (34%), and even continues to reach an all-time high as of
modern (31%). July.
The survey shows significant interest in
animal welfare among British consumers. According to The Vegan Society, the global Celebrities have been seen swapping
More than six out of 10 people (61%) consider vegan women’s fashion market was valued at out fine gold and sterling silver jewellery
that the use of fur is cruel. The same is true for more than US$396 billion in 2019, and for the plasticky and quirky pieces,
leather from exotic animals (57%), calf leather revenues could reach nearly US$1.1 trillion by underscoring the fashion comeback as this
(54%) and cow leather (37%). As a result, more 2027. – ETX Studio year’s hottest jewellery trend.

The colourful beaded accessories
radiate major Y2k wistfulness and
optimistic reverie. Its mismatched
renditions of rainbow beads, smiley
emojis, high-shine pearls, flower and fruit
charms give off a whimsical flair.

Alongside the accessory options below
is a curated list of local jewellery brands
loaded with youthful nostalgia.

Their bold and playful pieces are as fun
to craft as they are to refresh daily work-
from-home outfits.

KALBU. Beaded necklaces
Rainbow-coloured beads strung
The British are increasingly fond of vegan fashion. together with letter charms and
cute emojis have become the
The Palace of Versailles is going green defining look of this maximalist
jewellery trend.
MAJOR fashion labels are not the only ones decorative fabrics. The fabric used for the Sango &
turning to upcycling to create accessories exhibition at the Palace of Versailles even These can be customized in a
that are less harmful to the planet. The Palace used gold thread, which is a detail sure to variety of colours and decorative
of Versailles is also committed to more appeal to sneaker lovers who can get their baubles resulting in an endless
sustainable fashion by proposing a collection hands on this new model. possibility of designs.
of sneakers designed from the fabrics used in The must-have staple is often
the backdrops for the exhibition “Hyacinthe This pair of low-top sneakers is the result styled with baby tee, cropped or tank top
Rigaud or the Sun Portrait,“ presented last of a collaboration with French brand Le for the ultimate mood-booster.
May at the famous French monument. Lissier, which is already involved in designing Friendship bracelets
sneakers from various recycled fabrics. The Every year on the 30th of July marks
A pair of sneakers made from precious, model presented by the Palace of Versailles International Friendship Day, proclaimed
recycled fabric. It may be an unexpected stands out with its deep blue tones by the United Nations to inspire and
move in the fashion world, but this is what embellished with golden accents, which
the Palace of Versailles is offering a few days perfectly match the laces. Chloe Curated.
before the start of the school year. The former
residence of many of France’s kings has And the French historical monument isn’t
chosen to honor the hundreds of lengths of stopping there, since it is also offering, in
fabric used for the scenography of a recent collaboration with Gaëlle Constantini, a
exhibition, “Hyacinthe Rigaud or the Sun whole collection of picnic accessories and
Portrait,“ which proved usable after the decorative objects for the home. These too
displays were dismantled. are created from the famous recycled fabric,
of course. For the moment there is no
And it’s not just any fabric, since it was announced launch date, but the palace
designed in collaboration with the Venetian specifies that the two collections will be
house Rubelli, known for its artisan “soon available” for pre-order on its online
techniques as well as for the quality of its store. – ETX Studio

The Beads by N
sneakers in
recycled
fabric from
the
collaboratio
n between
the Palace
of Versailles
and the
brand Le
Lissier

FASHION 5

theSun LYFE ON WEDNESDAY | SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

h Japanese women are looking to
ck Korea for style inspiration
DOES the aura of fashion capitals such as comedian George Tokoro.
with Paris, London, New York, and Milan cross The study looked at the reasons why
borders to the point of inspiring the style of
i.rchives. the inhabitants of the Land of the Rising Sun? respondents chose a particular country as a
& Co. While Japanese women acknowledge being fashion reference. The verdict: Korean
influenced by European and American fashion is unanimously appreciated by men
Naia. fashion, it is Korean style, worn by K-pop and women of all age groups because it is
icons, that is having the biggest inspiration accessible and easy to find (65%), while the
on what women are wearing on the streets of appeal for American fashion is mainly
Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya. explained by the fact that it allows Japanese
to express their own personalities. Finally,
Japanese women don’t care about French French and Italian brands are deemed
chic, Italian originality or New York polish -- trustworthy by Japanese consumers. – ETX
they prefer Korean style. According to a Studio
recent study conducted among users of the
Rakuten*-owned Rakuma marketplace * This survey was conducted by Rakuten’s
application in Japan, Korean fashion is by far “Rakuma” nationwide on July 1 and 2, 2021,
the most influential when it comes to the among a sample of 5,124 users, including
style of Japanese women, from all 3,896 females and 1,228 males over the age of
generations (or nearly), ahead of the United 10.
States, France, Italy, the United Kingdom,
Spain and China. Japanese
women
The breakdown indicates that more than overwhel
three quarters of Japanese girls and mingly cite
teenagers aged 10 to 20 (77%) answered Korea as
Korea to the question “Which country the most
besides Japan do you reference the most influential
when it comes to fashion?” Japanese country for
women in their 20s (57%), 30s (36%), fashion,
40s (24%), and 60s (22%) also see according
Korea as a must-have fashion to a survey.
reference. Only those in their 50s
place France at the top of the list of most
influential countries in terms of style
(23.5%), but Korea remains in the top three
(21%). Note that for Japanese women aged 10
to 40, it is the United States that gets second
place in the ranking.

American style is a reference for men
For Japanese men, style references come
straight from the United States, and this for
all age groups with at least 40% of votes. In
second position, is Korean fashion for the
youngest, the 10-20 year-olds (29%) and the
20-30 year-olds (14%), while Italian style
takes second place for Japanese men aged 30
and more. And when asked to name the most
inspiring celebrities when it comes to style,
men said Japanese singer Takuya Kimura,
then K-pop group BTS, as well as Japanese

Would you buy a handbag that looks like
Japanese instant noodle packaging?

highlight close relationships between IF you’re a fan of instant ramen, this handbag that is also highly practical.
peoples, communities, countries and designed for the 50th anniversary of the Cup Japanese publishing house Takarajimasha
cultures. And what better way to celebrate Noodles -- or Cup Noodle (in Japan) -- brand
the day than wearing matching friendship may be the highlight of your day. It’s a has teamed up with Nissin Foods, the parent
bracelets as signs of affection and fashionable, larger-than-life version of the company of Cup Noodles, to celebrate 50 years
appreciation? iconic cup of noodles that has been a comfort of instant noodles -- we’re talking about
to busy workers, students and others around Japanese food. What does the collaboration
Similar in style to beaded necklaces, the consist of? A limited edition magazine on the
sentimental value in rocking identical the world for half a century. An original theme of Cup Noodles, accompanied by a line
bracelets can serve as a physical reminder design of kitschy accessories, just the way we like
of cherished friendships.
them, with no fewer than five varieties
Buy into the trend or even better, take to satisfy the palate -- or the style
the creative reins and make one-of-a-kind preferences -- of most people.
bracelets yourself. It is also a great craft
project to do between friends! Do your tastebuds run more to
Pop-art rings seafood, classic, or chili tomato
Chunky resin, candy-coloured enamel and noodles? Your answer will determine
clay-crafted rings with faux
embellishments are often seen stacked to which handbag model could soon be
make for a daring statement accessory. in your closet. Because yes, these are
The style tip is, the more rings you can the three varieties that are offered
stack the better. with the limited-edition magazine
celebrating the 50th anniversary of
The accessory is certainly not for the Cup Noodles. Two of the varieties come
faint-hearted. But its vibrant pop-art in two distinct sizes.
aesthetic has won over the likes of And if you are a regular connoisseur of
Miley Cyrus, Bella Hadid, Ariana instant noodles, you will appreciate the
Grande and Dua Lipa. precision and the taste for detail in the design
Childlike anklets of these bags, or pouches, which represent
Anklets are some of the earliest the iconic ramen cups, right down to the
accessories worn by any child. cat’s face found under the product’s tab.
The brand shows a photo with pens,
Often in a slim metal chain with scissors, and other necessary materials
delicate charm, now the accessory has for school tucked into the bag, but some
been given a bold and playful users may want to store their daily
reinvention in various joyful expressions. necessities in it and carry it around
everywhere.
The throwback not only brings back A big advantage is that these handbags
fond childhood memories but its new are much cheaper than traditional ones --
childlike aesthetic can help lift our spirits between 1,850 yen and 2,178 yen (about
during the pandemic. US$17 and US$20) -- although a bit more
expensive than the (real) instant noodle
cups. – ETX Studio

The pouch created for the 50th
anniversary of Cup Noodles.

TECH

6 theSun LYFE ON WEDNESDAY | SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

Protect your connected
objects from hackers
HUNDREDS of thousands of addition to a complex password,
The Samsung Key to success connected objects around the you should also make sure to
Galaxy Z Flip3. world are currently under threat choose the WPA2 protocol (or
o Are foldable smartphones gimmicky due to various security flaws. Even WPA3 for the most recent models)
SINCE their appearance on the gadgets or a lasting trend? if it is impossible to guarantee zero in its options. Finally, as with any
market in 2019, smartphones risk, some basic rules are enough computer equipment, you should
with a foldable screen have already pleased with the success of whether they take root or not. Less to secure a home network on not forget to update your firmware,
been having a wow effect on pre-orders for its two models, expensive, foldable screen which all our various devices even if most do it automatically.
consumers, and many of them have without giving any figures. The South smartphones with clamshells have (mobile devices, speakers, Install all the updates
been sold on the novelty of the Korean media nevertheless mention some important advantages in household appliances, light bulbs, This applies to all your connected
design, but their production and twice as many pre-orders as the addition to their price. etc.) are connected. objects as well as your modem. So,
prices make them a niche market for Galaxy S21, released earlier this year. Take care of your passwords and whether it is the firmware directly
a wealthy clientele. Whether or not This would also represent almost 10 This type of design, launched by change them regularly on the equipment in question or
they see success in the future with the times more pre-orders than for the Motorola with the Razr and First of all, it is important to make specific applications, it is
general public will depend on a Galaxy Z Fold2 a year ago. continuing today with the Galaxy Z sure that the passwords associated absolutely necessary to update
decrease in prices and larger Flip3 from Samsung, fits easily in the with each of your connected them all for your equipment to
adoption of the new uses they enable. This “success” could therefore pocket, folded in two. Its hinge, objects are sufficiently complex, function properly and safely. Most
mark the beginning of a designed to stay open, allows you to i.e., they must be composed of updates correct security flaws,
With few manufacturers making popularization of this type of take a selfie, for example, but also to lower case letters, upper case which can be more or less
them, sales still very low, existing smartphone. However, specific, record video, since you can film letters, numbers and special significant.
models’ high price tags and limited convincing uses will have to be yourself while keeping your hands characters. Moreover, you must Install a VPN (virtual private
new uses, foldable smartphones’ proposed for the general public to free. The same goes for video remember to change them network)
main appeal is in their novelty and as switch from a “classic” smartphone conferences, where the device can be regularly and never use the same To further boost security, it is also
such they have not yet been to one with a foldable screen. placed on the table while you go one twice for two different objects. possible to set up your own virtual
embraced by the consumer at large. What it can be used for about your business. Make it a habit to use two-factor private network (VPN), encrypted
A fast-growing market Coming up with new uses that go authentication and secured. Not only does this
It was in 2019 that the first models of with these foldable screens -- instead Another advantage of this type of If some devices offer two-factor reduce the hacking risk for all the
the kind appeared, notably the iconic of just promoting it as carrying the device is that its format is perfectly authentication, you should devices connected to it, but this
Huawei Mate X and Samsung Galaxy equivalent of a small tablet in your suited to multitasking. This means definitely take advantage of that type of network is also practical
Fold. While they made a lot of pocket, as is the case with the first that users can, for example, watch a and activate it. This process since it is possible to access it
headlines, to this date they represent foldable screen phones released -- is video on the upper part of the screen consists of authenticating your remotely to take advantage of its
more a technological showcase for the major determining factor to while taking notes on the lower part, connection with a code sent by data or manage its settings.
brands than a real source of revenue. or vice versa. SMS or e-mail, in addition to the Disable connected devices not in
traditional password. This way, a use
Of all the manufacturers involved, third party will have more Any connected object that is on
Samsung is increasingly the face of difficulties to connect to your remains vulnerable. It is therefore
the style, putting a lot of energy into device, even if they have, for highly recommended to think
such products. This summer, it is whatever reason, the right about turning off all the ones you
presenting the Galaxy Z Flip3 and password. don’t use anymore, temporarily or
Fold3, available from US$1000 and Secure your wifi network permanently. This applies to
$1800 respectively. Thanks to a slight It goes without saying that access nighttime but also during any
price cut and a lot of advertising, the to your modem or Wi-Fi router other period when it is not useful
South Korean manufacturer is used as part of your local network to have them turned on and
must also be extremely secure. In connected to the network. – ETX

The more we embrace connected objects, the more we need to protect
ourselves from potential hacker attacks.

FEATURE 7

theSun LYFE ON WEDNESDAY | SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

THURSDAY, August 26 Overcoming speciesism
marked the World Day for
the End of Speciesism. This is oAdvances in animal welfare around the world
the idea that human beings
are superior to animals, to the Anti-speciesist
detriment of their well-being. movements are
However, this paradigm has been gaining ground.
challenged in recent years
throughout the world, as evidenced reducing their meat consumption. traveling circuses in more than 20 Environment Minister George to reduce animal abuse, like South
by several laws aimed at granting Worldwide, the proportion of European countries. Eustice announced legislation to Africa, which announced last May its
more rights to animals. vegetarians is estimated to be recognize animals as sentient beings. intention to ban the breeding of lions
between 5% and 8%. Late to the game compared to its The law includes other measures in captivity.
“Let’s put an end to speciesism.” Restrictions on use of glue traps in neighbors (Belgium introduced this aimed at strengthening animal
That’s the message behind this hunting, ban on wild animals in measure in 2013), France will also protection such as stopping the Meanwhile, Sri Lanka is working
international day and movement circuses... gradually implement this ban, as part production and import of foie gras, on a vast plan dedicated to the
which aims to abolish the hierarchy This awakening of consciousness of a law voted in in 2021 to fight restricting hunting that uses glue, protection of its elephants. One of the
between species and to advocate regarding conditions of animals is against animal abuse; the law and banning the purchase of measures is to limit the number of
anti-speciesism. In other words, to also reflected in bills aimed at contains several measures, including “hunting trophies” made of wild people on the backs of the mammals
combat the alleged superiority of granting them more rights the prohibition of breeding or animals (ivory, snake skins, during rides (no more than four per
humans over animals. A hierarchy throughout the world, with specific introducing new captive orcas and rhinoceros horns etc.). elephant), as well as to ban the
that shows up in daily practices, from areas of action depending on the dolphins in marine attractions, the Protecting animals from mass exploitation of these animals in films
the meat we eat to the clothes we country. One of the most emblematic end of sales of dogs and cats in pet tourism (except for government productions
wear, as well as through tourist measures is undoubtedly the ban on shops and the cessation of mink Exploitation of animals in practices subject to strict veterinary control).
activities or shows designed to wild animals in traveling circuses. In farming that promote mass tourism is also a
entertain us. 2021, the presence of tigers, lions, problem. This is the reason why This Southeast Asian country also
giraffes or elephants was banned in The United Kingdom has also some countries are taking measures plans to issue a biometric identity
Anti-speciesism was theorized in recently embarked on a card for captive elephants... as well as
the 1970s by American philosopher comprehensive plan to address prohibit riding an elephant if you
Peter Singer. At the time, he began to animal abuse. In May 2021, have drunk alcohol! – ETX Studio
question the relationship of
domination that humans have with
animals, denounced by a minority for
centuries, but never taken seriously
by enough people in the west until
now. In 1975, Singer published the
book Animal Liberation which
became a worldwide best-seller. The
book is considered as the foundation
of the principles of anti-speciesism.

For PETA, anti-speciesism is
about recognizing “that all sentient
beings deserve to be treated with
respect and compassion” and “when
we start to view other species as
fellow living beings and individuals,
we won’t want to exploit them for
their skin, fur, down, or wool.” In
Europe and particularly France,
shocking videos from animal rights
association L214 denouncing the
extreme suffering inflicted on
animals in factory farms have
contributed greatly to raising public
awareness of the animal cause.

According to a survey of 26,000
consumers in several European
countries conducted in 2020 by the
supermarket chain Veganz (based in
Berlin), the number of vegans has
doubled in the space of two years,
from 1.3 million to 2.6 million, while
30% of those surveyed said they were

Fragmented nature imperils wildlife as climate warms
PROTECTED areas will only help identifies as being important to
species migrating to escape a connectivity are not currently standards. quality of nature preserves has As the climate
warming climate if enough of them, protected,“ Travers said. But the study says if done moved up the global agenda amid warms, animals
strategically located, allow for signs of a biodiversity crisis. and plants are
reproduction, a study of the English “This leaves species that use strategically, expanding protected likely to adapt
countryside showed Wednesday. those habitats vulnerable under areas by only 10 percent would Nearly 30 percent of species by migrating
climate change.” enhance functional “connectivity” catalogued on the International northward over
With humanity’s numbers set to Movement over generations by more than 40 percent. Union for the Conservation of generations.
pass nine billion by mid-century, As the climate warms, animals and Nature (IUCN) Red List are biodiversity summit in China next
many animals and plants on our plants are likely to adapt by In some cases, these critical threatened with extinction. spring has called for designating 30
crowded planet are severely migrating northward over “stepping stone” habitats were less percent of land and ocean surface as
threatened by shrinking habitat. generations. than one square kilometre. A draft agreement under protected within a decade.
negotiation ahead of a UN “Our research is quite timely,
Carving out nature preserves is To determine which areas were Increasing both the size and because it highlights that long-
essential for their long-term crucial for that movement, the distance connectivity hasn’t been
survival, experts say. scientists imagined a map as if it properly considered in past
showed electric current flowing protection decisions,“ said Travers. –
But a new study published by the from south to north. ETX Studio
Royal Society concludes that species
in Britain seeking to adapt to climate Habitats were only considered to
change through migration could fail provide “connectivity” if they consist
because some strategically located of lands that a species’ offspring
breeding habitats across the country could reach and settle on long
remain unprotected. enough to reproduce.

From butterflies to birds, study “Where would offspring
co-lead author Tom Travers says the produced from those patches be
findings apply to thousands of able to reach in the next
species of plants, animals and even generation?”, explained Travers.
bacteria.
Researchers modelled networks
“There’s so much evidence that for 16 types of habitats, including
this movement is happening with so deciduous woodlands, mudflats and
many species,“ he told AFP. lowland meadows.

“It’s likely that more species are Some habitats -- like maritime
needing to move than aren’t.” cliffs and coastal sand dunes -- were
too broken up or spread out to be
Researchers led by Travers included.
measured which habitats across the
British countryside -- even if they are Some key areas for facilitating
not joined up -- could provide south-north movement, the
crucial links for populations on the researchers found, were not
move. adequately protected under current

“Patches [of land] our method

FEATURE

8 theSun LYFE ON WEDNESDAY | SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

█ BY MARK MATHEN VICTOR Tribute to Daryl said Mist-bound is not a sad book, but one that is full of hope, love,
father imagination and adventure. – PICTURES COURTESY OF DARYL HO
WRITING has always
been a passion for Daryl o Malaysian author delves into grief and the while, I wanted my daughter to get to The elder passed away midway
Kho. He told theSun that experience of dementia in the family to write an know my dad before he had through the book’s completion.
in his early years in uplifting book dementia. I was trying to paint him in
school, he wrote everything from that picture, how he was before, how “I almost gave up, but decided to
short stories to plays. But that stroke occurred several months he was full of stories and life.” carry on. I’m glad I did,” he said.
changed after graduation. before Daryl’s daughter, Alexis, was
born. His father was looking forward Daryl also came across a quote Writing the book became an
After Daryl joined the corporate to the birth of the baby girl. that served as a guideline for avenue for Daryl to process his grief,
world, creative writing seemingly left guilt and regrets.
his world, or at the very least, “He had the first stroke around the his book: “When an old
remained in a state of deep time when we were looking at the person dies, a library Becoming more than a hobby,
dormancy. early scans of my wife’s belly. After burns to the ground.” Daryl’s debut title served as a
the stroke and dementia, he was More than a catharsis. Once he secured a
“The only thing I wrote (after work never himself. And in a way, for me children’s publishing contract, the writer
life began) were emails and that felt like my dad and daughter novel wanted his work to do something
PowerPoint decks. I even stopped never got to meet”. Although beyond just entertain.
reading except for business books Daryl began
and such,” he said. Another inspiration for the book Mist-bound The book has started
was Daryl’s mom, as she had to take with the goal conversations on dementia, and
After a life-changing, pivotal care of her husband. Daryl said being of reading it drawn support from Singapore’s
experience in his personal and family a caregiver is really tough. to his father, TOUCH Community Services and
life, Daryl’s creative juices, knack for the Dementia Singapore, along with
storytelling and love of words were “She had to mostly do it all on her experience Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation
roused from their slumber. own.” never came Malaysia.
to pass.
In 2009, Daryl’s father had a These events, coupled with him “People who have gone through
stroke, which caused vascular finding his old writing passion, which similar experiences, when they read
dementia. reminded him that he used to know my book, told me that they couldn’t
how to write and that he enjoyed stop crying and how it has touched
The condition robbed senior Kho writing, were the triggers that
of his mobility, health, livelihood and brought forth Mist-bound.
memory.
As a personal project,
The events that followed led to Daryl never intended his
Daryl’s debut, Mist-bound: How to book to be about dementia
Glue Back Grandpa. or a medical book.

From one continent to another “It started originally as
and back, Petaling Jaya-born Daryl a personal story for my
left secondary school midway in daughter and for me to
Kuala Lumpur for a Canadian read out to my dad,” he
boarding institution and then said.
continued his higher education in the
United States. “I wanted to write
her a story about my
He graduated just as the dot-com dad because all this
bubble burst and sent him job
hunting.

This led to an event that Daryl
took as a sign for him to return home.

“I had a job interview opposite the
World Trade Centre on Sep 11, 2001,”
he said grimly.

He called to postpone the
meeting, as he was burnt out by all
the rounds of interviews.

“The next day, I woke up and New
York was on fire,” Daryl said, thanking
divine intervention for his decision.

Returning to Malaysia, Daryl
worked in KL for two years, after
which he was transferred to
Singapore.

He made his life there for years,
leading up to the events that disabled
his father.

Glass half full
Inspired by his parents and daughter,
Daryl explained that Mist-bound is
very much a fairytale that is based on
a true story.

Being close to his father, Daryl was
tremendously affected by his father’s
dementia. The condition sets in
suddenly, unlike Alzheimer’s disease.

“His memories went away, just
like that,” Daryl said.

Adding salt to the wound, the

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SPEAK UP

Tunku, man of the people LETTERS

[email protected]

COMMENT Malaysia celebrated its 64th National Day yesterday. Standing
by M. Santhananaban together in
hospitable host when welcoming his Nobusuke, the Tunku said “we hope sons of the country’s first Malay solidarity
FEW people fully appreciate guests, and highly sociable. His to send many of our young men and doctor, Dr Abdul Latiff Datuk Abdul
the immense contributions by involvement in football brought him officers to tour Japan and take note of Razak – Tan Sri Jamal Latiff and Tan MERDEKA ! MERDEKA !
Tunku Abdul Rahman, the into contact with both footballers as what Japan as a nation is doing by way Sri Yaacob Latiff – who served as MERDEKA!
foremost leader of Malaya well as officials of football of reconstruction and economic, and heads of mission in Singapore,
from August 1951, and the principal associations from other Asian industrial development”. France, Thailand, Egypt and The cry echoes all over
architect, founder and builder of countries. Indonesia. Malaysia.
Malaysia. An embassy was opened in Tokyo Malaya’s first ambassador to
Tunku thus kept in regular contact in 1958, with a prominent medical Indonesia was Tan Sri Senu Abdul For two years muted has been
This is an attempt to memorialise with foreign diplomats, newsmen, the practitioner and Turf Club Rahman, who, after graduating with the celebration,
him as we celebrate the 58th legal fraternity, sports officials, personality from Penang, Tan Sri Lee a degree from the US, had first worked
anniversary of Malaysia and the 64th bureaucrats, business people and the Tiang Keng as ambassador. as a liaison officer with the Tough times face our beloved
year of Merdeka. A colonial civil social elite. From this experience, he Indonesian mission to the United nation.
servant and Sinologist, Victor Purcell had a fairly good idea of the kind of In 1966, Japan became the first Nations. When he was posted to
in his well written book Malaya: diplomats the country needed. Asian country to send Peace Corps Jakarta, the top notch there knew Affected socio-economically is
Communist or Free? (Stanford, 1955) Pioneers in diplomacy volunteers to Malaysia. him well. every citizen,
characterised Malaya as “a glorified To set up the country’s diplomatic In 1959, Tunku Ismail Tunku
commercial undertaking rather than service in 1955/56, he first enlisted The first high commissioner to Yahaya, a former mentri besar of Subsidy schemes the burden
a ‘State’”. It was largely Tunku who the services of Datuk Othman Australia was the top-hatted Tan Sri Kedah was appointed our first lessen,
shepherded Malaya out of that Mohamed, Selangor’s most senior Gunn Lay Teik, Tunku’s ambassador to France. He presented
situation. civil servant who had earlier served as contemporary from Cambridge. credentials to President Charles de Adding to the pressure is
the Malayan commissioner in Gaulle. political instability,
He imbibed a comprehensive, London. In 1957, Malaya had 4,000 students Tunku was on a constant lookout
inclusive national spirit and laid the in various countries and Tunku said to secure the best people to All these have shaken the
foundation and structure for a united, Othman had been the first head provisions had to be made to absorb community.
harmonious, independent and boy of Victoria Institution, one of the them as we “did not want to wear out
successful nation. leading schools in the country. He the welcome that has been extended Buttressed Malaysia is by the
was the first permanent head of our to us by these countries”. This was Rukun Negara,
Tunku was also the first and finest foreign service establishment. stated at a convocation at University
diplomatist extraordinaire of the of Malaya, held at Chinwoo Stadium Social harmony reinforced by
country’s modern era. On the cusp of independence in in September 1957. Rumah Terbuka,
Early life 1957, Malaysia had missions in the
Tunku’s father was Sultan Abdul UK, the US, Australia, India, Pakistan, A Straits Times report dated Sept 9, For neighbourhood
Hamid Halim Shah, who officially Indonesia and Thailand. The first 1957 quoted Gordon Chu of China awareness there’s Rukun Tetangga,
reigned from 1881 to 1943. Tunku, high commissioner to London, a News as saying that “while Tunku was
who was the third child of one of the lawyer, Tan Sri Nik Kamil Nik basically anti-communist,’ there are For Covid-19 safety its kita jaga
Sultan’s consort, Makche Manjalara, Mahmood was the second indications he is not prepared to kita!
was born on Feb 8, 1903 and passed permanent secretary for foreign offend either Moscow or Beijing”.
away on Dec 6, 1990. affairs. The nation mourns the Covid
Interestingly, on the occasion of deceased,
He first attended school in Alor On the historic occasion of Merdeka, both Radio Moscow and
Star at the Sultan Abdul Hamid Merdeka in 1957, Nik Kamil hosted Radio Peking broadcasted All the frontliners and
College, was then sent to a school in the nation’s coming out party at congratulatory messages of their volunteers be praised,
Bangkok, and continued his Dorchester Hotel for 1,000 guests. respective heads of state.
education at the Penang Free School. Guests included the Earl of Home and For the recovered and vaxxed
He proceeded to St Catharine’s Lord & Lady Attlee. A deliberate decision was made by take care!
College at Cambridge University, Tunku that Malaysia would stay out of
where he obtained a bachelor’s Six years later in 1963, when Tunku Seato (Southeast Asia Treaty Because this pandemic strikes
degree in law. However, he took a Yaacob, Tunku’s older brother hosted Organisation). He kept the foreign fear like a war.
long time, almost a quarter of a the Malaysia Founding Day party at ministry portfolio to himself for most
century, to pass his professional law Grosvenor House, the chief guest of his prime ministerial tenure. Malaysia like this never
examinations. was Sir Harold Wilson, the British Tunku was inspired by Mahatma experienced before,
Early career prime minister. This was a measure Gandhi, who he said had taken on the
In the meantime, he was a civil of how well regarded the nation world’s most powerful empire. Quite This pandemic how long more
service officer in Kedah from 1931 had become. early in his career he pledged to work to endure?
and served in Kuala Nerang, like Gandhi, not as a master but as a
Langkawi and later in Kulim. He Our first ambassador to Thailand servant of his people. Countrymen all must rally to
returned to complete his law studies was Tun Syed Sheh Syed Abdullah help one another
in 1946, a year after World War II had Shahabuddin, a senior civil servant Tunku wanted erudite,
ended. After completing his law from Kedah. Datuk Mohd Seth of exceptional men with some For Merdeka has brought us
studies, he joined the Kedah State Johor was the original choice for international exposure to be the together!
Legal Service and was later appointed Thailand, but a switch had to be country’s first ambassadors abroad.
deputy public prosecutor in Kuala made as his name was publicised Datuk Mohamed Sopiee Ibrahim, V. Thomas
Lumpur. before an agreement was obtained. who regularly attended Socialist
Conferences abroad, became one of represent Malaysia abroad. In the
On being invited to contest in the Tan Sri S. C. Macintyre, a lawyer the first diplomats of the country. 1960s, Tan Sri Philip Kuok, Tun foreign affairs.
election to become president of was our first high commissioner to Muhammad Fuad Stephens, Tengku Ghazali had his own team of
Umno, Tunku resigned from India while Tan Sri Mohd Ghazali Tunku also selected two sets of Tan Sri Indera Petra, Tun Omar Yoke dedicated backroom bargainers and
government service and took up Jawi was our first ambassador brothers from top drawer families to Lin-Ong, Datuk Bahadun Hassan, Dr negotiators such as Tan Sri Zainal
residence in Johor Baru, the to Cairo. be in the diplomatic service. The Radhakrishnan Ramani, a well- Abidin Sulong, Tan Sri Zain Azraai
headquarters of Umno, where he older set comprised Tun Dr Ismail known lawyer, and Datuk Mohd Zainal Abidin, Ambassador Jack de’
lived for almost three years. In November 1957, Japanese Abdul Rahman, first ambassador to Ismail Mohd Yusof, a senior Umno Silva and Datuk Ahmad Nordin Mohd
Umno president Prime Minister Nobusuke Kishi was Washington and New York, later man, were appointed to head Zain. During Singapore’s
During his stay in Johor Baru, he was the first foreign head of government minister of external affairs, and Datuk diplomatic missions. participation in Malaysia, Tunku was
often visited and contacted by to visit the nation after Merdeka. In Sulaiman Abdul Rahman, a pioneer Initially, only a few career officers able to draw on the expertise of Lee
consular corps officials, sports his remarks at a dinner in honour of Cabinet minister and high who had attained sufficient seniority Kuan Yew, the Singapore leader.
functionaries, business leaders and commissioner to Australia. were appointed to head of mission
journalists based in Singapore. posts. Character/commitment
The other two brothers were the One of the first was Tunku Tan Sri Tunku was consistently concerned
They were keen to learn of the Mohamed Tunku Besar about safeguarding the country’s
developments in the country. Burhanuddin, who served in Pakistan sovereignty, national integrity and
Australia, China, India, Indonesia, the from 1955, and later became chief image. In the second half of the 1960s,
Netherlands, Pakistan and Thailand secretary to the government. he saw to the appointment of
were some of the countries that were Other career officers who became additional information and press
represented in Singapore. head of mission in the 1960s were Tan attaches in our missions abroad.
Sri Zaiton Ibrahim, Tengku (later
The consular corps hosted their Tuanku) Jaafar Tuanku Abdul It was the magnanimity and
National Day celebrations at Raffles Rahman, Tengku Tan Sri Ngah nobility of his character, his
and Adelphi Hotels, and Tunku Mohamed Tengku Sri Akar, Tan Sri diplomatic disposition, his inclusive
would sometimes attend these Zakaria Mohd Ali, Datuk Seri Hussein and universal outlook, and his deep
functions, where he also met Osman, Raja Tan Sri Aznam Raja sense of humility, humour and
government and business leaders. Ahmad, Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Jalal, honour that enabled Tunku to
Tan Sri Lim Taik Choon, Datuk assemble such a remarkable lot of
In 1952, at the height of the Kamaruddin Mohd Ariff and Datuk people to work towards building the
Korean War, Tunku attended the Hashim Sultan. foundations of our great nation.
Hiroshima Peace Conference, where The appointments of non-career Tunku was also a modest man.
he met leaders from many countries. officials were queried by Datuk Onn
It was his first foray into multilateral Jaafar, Umno’s founding president. When invited by King Faisal of
diplomacy. Tunku, in his reply, said that there Saudi Arabia to head the Islamic
were not enough officials in the Secretariat, he confessed to being
When he was based in Johor from regular establishment to take on somewhat errant in his ways and the
October 1952, Tunku was a these high level posts. King apparently replied “I know all
By far, the most important civil about you and I am not asking you to
be the Imam of Islam”.

servant in the formulation and M. Santhananaban is a retired
operation of our diplomatic service ambassador with 45 years of public
was Tun Muhammad Ghazali Shafie, sector experience. His last diplomatic
who was permanent secretary of
foreign affairs for nearly a decade and posting was ambassador to
a decade later became the minister of the Republic of Korea.

Comments: [email protected]

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% RM m RM m RM m

39.1 Institutions 1190.2 1675.8 -485.6

26.1 Retail 942.1 970.1 -28.0

34.8 Foreign 1532.8 1019.2 513.6 47.06

100.0 3665.1 3665.1 0.0 CLOSED 339.45 15.79 300.25 93.77 55.08 30.36

Preliminary stats (excluding trade amendments). For final data, please refer to www.bursamalaysia.com KLCI STI HANG SENG SCI NIKKEI TSEC KOSPI S&P/ASX200
Source: Bursa Malaysia 3,055.05 25,878.99 3,543.94 28,089.54 17,490.29 3,199.27 7,534.90

KL MARKET SUMMARY August 31, 2021
August 30, 2021
Many job losses during
INDICES 11,627.80 CHANGE +67.34 Covid likely permanent
FBMEMAS
FBMKLCI 1,601.38 +11.22
CONSUMER PRODUCTS 609.85 +4.06
INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS 198.34 +1.78
CONSTRUCTION 167.54 -1.41
FINANCIAL SERVICES 15,557.20 +70.36
ENERGY 764.14 -7.50 Datuk Michael Kang said small and
TELECOMMUNICATIONS 699.61 +1.43 o Digitalisation, automation changing the structure of medium enterprises (SME) have reduced
HEALTH CARE 2,805.38 +20.29 work and resources in the new norm or completely removed job functionssuch
TRANSPORTATION 886.78 +7.74 as those related to front desk, accounting,
PROPERTY 720.10 -0.08 administration, and sales.
PLANTATION 6,751.25 -22.40
FBMSHA 12,750.40 +71.10 █ BY JUNE MOH resources. Digitalisation and more He said many SMEs have switched to
FBMACE 7,244.90 +30.03 [email protected] investment in automation and technology online businesses due to the pandemic and
TECHNOLOGY 90.04 -0.56 PETALING JAYA: Many jobs lost during the will also change the landscape of doing payments are made in advance using e-
Covid-19 pandemic may not be refilled business. The physical location will partly wallets, bank transfer, or other types of
TURNOVER VALUE when the economy reopens, even when the change into virtual offices, hybrid physical digital payment methods. Thus, they
4.433 BIL RM3.665 BIL population is fully vaccinated, because of workplaces, and virtual offices.” restructured the workflow.
the much-changed employment landscape
5 MOST ACTIVES in the new norm. Syed Hussain cited the World Economic “Companies have moved business
August 30, 2021 Forum Future of Jobs 2020 survey, which functions to cloud computing, for example,
The shift to remote working, digitalisation, indicated roles are being displaced by new accounting is outsourced and some
STOCK VOL CLSG (sen) +/– (sen) and automation of some occupations in technologies, such as data entry clerk, businesses hire part-time accountants who
KNM 184,852,100 25.5 -0.5 industries such as hospitality, leisure, food administrative and executive secretaries, work remotely. Some SMEs used to have 20
BCMALL-WA 118,530,500 1.5 +1.0 and beverage may curtail labour demand in accounting clerk, bookkeeping and payroll staff in the accounting department but now
KANGER 110,613,800 4.5 -1.0 these areas, according to Malaysian clerk, accountant and auditors, assembly have reduced to five.
BINTAI 110,602,600 48.0 +10.5 Employers Federation president Datuk Dr and factory workers, as well as business
TAWIN-WB 94,999,200 7.0 +1.0 Syed Hussain Syed Husman. services and administrative managers. “Manufacturers have automated
production to reduce the number of
5 TOP GAINERS “Many employers implemented The survey indicated that the growing employees because the hiring of foreign
August 30, 2021 automation and artificial intelligence (AI) in demand is in roles related to big data, labour is halted due to the pandemic. Many
warehouses, grocery stores, call centres, and digitalisation, and robotics for professions manufacturers have automated labour-
STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM manufacturing plants to reduce workplace such as data analyst, data scientist, artificial intensive production processes.
GENETEC 708,500 31.10 2.00 density and cope with surges in demand. As intelligence expert, machine learning
DLADY 33,200 35.18 1.78 such, jobs in delivery, warehousing, and specialist, robotic engineers, software and “Most of our members are using AI to
KHIND 2,773,000 3.96 0.91 transportation may increase as a result of application developers, and digital facilitate the manufacturing process, AI
PETGAS 1,477,000 16.80 0.54 the growth in e-commerce and the delivery transformation specialist. helps organisations to design products and
SAM 1,156,900 14.90 0.48 economy,” he told SunBiz. to embark on the Fourth Industrial
“Job roles such as process automation Revolution (IR 4.0). From receiving orders to
5 TOP LOSERS He said employers learned that they can specialist, information security analyst, and procurement, the whole process is
August 30, 2021 operate and do more with fewer employees Internet of Things specialist, have newly automated. They are using smart technology
as they optimise costs and automate jobs to emerged in rising demand from employers. to trace order, to produce or procure, and to
remain competitive. The demand represents the growth of deliver to customers,” Kang said.
robotics as well as the revival of
“Digitalisation and its transformation cybersecurity threats,” said Syed Hussain. He said the IR 4.0’s adoption is to ensure
will change the structure of work and business continuation should another
SME Association of Malaysia president pandemic happen.

STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM “At the initial stage, usually in the first
KESM 25,100 12.28 0.40 and second year, it is costly to go for
HENGYUAN 3,111,900 4.12 0.35 automation. But in the long run, it saves
A50CHIN-C82 30,000 0.47 0.29 more, depending on the industry, the
SP500-CW 2,900 0.775 0.245 operational cost can save between 20% to
GREATEC 4,634,900 6.90 0.19 50%. Also, it improves productivity and
commits to the delivery schedule.
EXCHANGE RATES AUGUST 30, 2021
“Previously, companies put their servers
Foreign currency Bank sell Bank buy Bank buy Increased automation has led to shrinking need for human labour. – REUTERSPIX in the office, now they are using cloud
servers or virtual servers. Indeed,
1 US DOLLAR TT/OD TT OD automation saves labour costs and improves
1 AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR 4.2410 4.1160 4.1060 productivity. Also, employee reduction
1 BRUNEI DOLLAR 3.1190 2.9960 2.9800 leads to fewer problems caused by human
1 CANADIAN DOLLAR 3.1510 3.0590 3.0510 behaviours,” Kang said.
1 EURO 3.3590 3.2690 3.2570
1 NEWZEALAND DOLLAR 5.0120 4.8500 4.8300 Anbound Research Center (Malaysia)
1 SINGAPORE DOLLAR 2.9860 2.8760 2.8600 head of global development programme
1 STERLING POUND 3.1510 3.0590 3.0510 and senior consulting fellow Yi Wang said
1 SWISS FRANC 5.8450 5.6630 5.6430 as occupations are replaced by automation
100 UAE DIRHAM 4.6410 4.5340 4.5190 and AI, it may lead to serious structural
100 BANGLADESHTAKA 116.8200 110.7800 110.5800 unemployment.
100 CHINESE RENMINBI 5.0610 4.7470 4.5470
100 HONGKONG DOLLAR 65.5000 62.0000 He said it will be necessary for workers in
100 INDIAN RUPEE 55.0400 52.3100 N/A the occupations most heavily hit to reinvent
100 INDONESIAN RUPIAH 5.8700 5.5100 52.1100 and upskill to move into new occupations.
100 JAPANESE YEN 0.0304 0.0276 5.3100
100 NEWTAIWAN DOLLAR 3.8680 3.7480 0.0226 Company secretary firms can reopen, subject to SSM nod
100 PAKISTAN RUPEE 16.3000 3.7380
100 PHILIPPINE PESO 2.6000 N/A KUALA LUMPUR: Company secretary and consulting services, hence, allowing “Application can be made through
100 QATAR RIYAL 8.6300 2.4200 N/A firms are now allowed to operate under company secretary firms to submit their Covid19 Intelligent Management System
100 SAUDI RIYAL 117.0800 8.1300 2.2200 Phases One and Two of the National application to operate to Miti for the (CIMS) operated by Miti at the website
100 SOUTH AFRICA RAND 114.3500 111.1500 7.9300 Recovery Plan (NRP), subject to the purpose of carrying out secretarial https://notification.miti.gov.my/login.
29.8800 108.5500 110.9500 approval of the Companies Commission of services,” it said in a statement yesterday. Guidance on applications has been
26.9800 108.3500 Malaysia (SSM). provided by Miti through the portal
26.7800 It said SSM has been given the https://www.miti.gov.my/redir/ppn/cims
SSM said this is following the responsibility as the approving body for .html,” it said.
Source: Malayan Banking Berhad/Bernama government’s recent announcement to operating permission applications
allow professional and consulting services submitted by company secretary firms. It said company secretary firms that
companies to operate during NRP, subject Therefore, members of professional bodies obtained approval to operate under Phase
to the approval conditions of the authority approved under the Fourth Schedule of the One and Two of NRP are advised to comply
regulating the service. Companies Act 2016 may submit with the conditions set by Miti and
applications for their respective secretarial Standard Operating Procedures issued by
“Following the announcement, the firms if they intended to commence the National Security Council from time to
Ministry of International Trade and operations at their respective business time to curb the spread of Covid-19. –
Industry (Miti) agreed to list company premises. Bernama
secretary service under the professional

Budget 2022 will aim to be 11theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | SEPTEMBER 1, 2021
inclusive, catalyse reforms * SUNBIZ

o It will also focus on MPC’s MyReskill IoT
rebuilding people’s lives and Programme to
livelihoods, businesses and boost digitalisation
national resilience: MoF
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia Productivity Corp
KUALA LUMPUR: Budget 2022 will strive Budget 2022 would also focus on helping the vulnerable and disadvantaged segments of society (MPC) is targeting 5,000 participating companies
to ensure that no person or business is left to ensure no one is left behind in the nation’s developmental and recovery agenda. - REUTERSPIX to benefit from the MyReskill IoT Programme
behind in receiving government which will be launched by International Trade
assistance and support and serves as a strengthening resilience in facing crises by “The government will also drive and Industry Ministry secretary-general Datuk
catalyst towards the implementation of protecting the means of livelihood and recovery of economic sectors, especially Lokman Hakim Ali tomorrow.
the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) that will income opportunities for the people and those badly affected such as tourism and
drive economic growth, inclusiveness and businesses. retail sectors,” it said. MPC director-general Datuk Abdul Latif Abu
sustainability in the medium term. Seman said more firms need to be digitalised to
“Catalysing structural reforms in the The ministry said Budget 2022 would yield more significant impact of digital
In the 2022 Pre-Budget Statement, the post-pandemic period will ensure the also focus on efforts to help the vulnerable technologies on productivity growth.
Finance Ministry said that overall, Budget nation emerges more competitive in and disadvantaged segments of society,
2022 would be drafted with the addition to ensuring greater sustainability women, indigenous people and the “Higher uptake of digital technology among
expectation that the economic situation and inclusiveness in its development disabled to ensure no one is left behind in firms represents a greater opportunity to drive
would recover from the effects of the agenda,” it said. the nation’s developmental and recovery productivity growth. Currently, the percentage of
Covid-19 pandemic next year. agenda. Malaysian firms that have used automated or
It said that to ensure the nation is computer-controlled machinery is still low as
“As such, Budget 2022 will focus successful and able to exit from this crisis, Additionally, it said continued efforts to reported by World Bank. As such, this
primarily on continuing to protect and Budget 2022 would continue to protect protect and generate new job programme is a timely intervention to enhance
restore the lives and livelihoods of the and drive recovery of lives and livelihoods opportunities would continue to be a productivity performance by accelerating the
people and businesses, rebuild national post-crisis. priority. – Bernama pace of technology adoption and diffusion across
resilience and catalyse post-pandemic firms,“ said Abdul Latif in a statement yesterday.
reforms,” it said in a 17-page document
released yesterday. One of the key components incorporated in
this program under the theme “Boosting
Budget 2022 will be tabled at Productivity through Digitalisation” is Go BIG
Parliament on Oct 29. with Digital Pledge. Go BIG with Digital, an
initiative under Digital Productivity Nexus (DPN)
The ministry said the government aims to call upon all leaders to embrace a
would undertake various engagement and mindset change towards breakthrough
consultation sessions to obtain input and performance with digital technology adoption.
suggestions from various parties to ensure
that the drafted budget is comprehensive NCCIM urges solidarity
and inclusive in line with the “Keluarga with government
Malaysia” spirit. to overcome hardships

It said Budget 2022 would be PETALING JAYA: The National Chamber of
formulated with priority towards Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (NCCIM)
continuing programmes to support and calls on the entire spectrum of the Malaysian
spur economic recovery in line with the society including the business community per se,
gradual reopening of the economic to be in solidarity with the government to assist
sectors through the National Recovery businesses, entrepreneurs and the rakyat to
Plan (NRP) as well as addressing potential overcome their financial and economic hardships
lingering and longer-term effects of the caused by the pandemic; and to resume business
pandemic crisis on public health and and return to work in a safe and sustainable way.
economic structure.
NCCIM president Datuk Low Kian Chuan said
MoF said it would ensure continuity in “Merdeka Day” is a classic time to push the magic of
policy and assistance provided to the “Keluarga Malaysia” to deliver the powers of
people and businesses through solidarity to combat Covid-19 and to steer the
nation’s economic machinery and its ecosystem to
Govt to publish Fiscal Responsibility Act consultation paper be back on its feet and bouncing ahead with growth.

KUALA LUMPUR: The government will and ensuring a sustainable recovery. country’s growth track to potential levels, BRIEFS “NCCIM reiterates that the government needs
publish a public consultation paper on the Malaysia’s deficit target is estimated to enabling the people and businesses to adapt to to rebuild public confidence and trust in its
Fiscal Responsibility Act framework to obtain new norms as well as increasing investment to competence and capacity to implement effective
input and views from all stakeholders, said the increase to between 6.5% and 7% to the GDP generate future growth towards providing measures to overcome the pandemic; with timely
Finance Ministry (MoF). in 2021, given the continued fiscal spending better job opportunities, it added. economic responses to limit and assist on the
required to support the gradual re-opening of sufferings of businesses and the rakyat; and
In its Pre-Budget Statement for Budget the economy. The ministry said fiscal operations have finally, to navigate the nation out of this crisis and
2022 released yesterday, the ministry said the been and will be supported through spending onto better economic footing.”
government has also undertaken a review of “However, with the revision of growth rationalisation by prioritising additional aid
public spending to strengthen its financial prospects and fiscal targets in line with the packages to strengthen the health and EXPRO FINISHES FIRST AFRICAN
position, thereby complementing its efforts in implementation of the National Recovery economic sectors. SUBSEA PROJECT FOR PETRONAS
rebuilding fiscal space. Plan, the government needs to ensure
adequate fiscal space in the face of the “These measures include delaying the PETALING JAYA: International oilfield services
“Overall, the government remains pandemic crisis,” it added. implementation of several programmes and company Expro yesterday announced it has
committed to pursuing fiscal consolidation projects, restricting non-critical expenditure completed an integrated Plug and
measures guided by the Medium-Term Fiscal As at the end of June 2021, the federal following the implementation of the Abandonment (P&A) contract valued at more
Framework and supported by the Medium- government’s debt level rose to 61.2% to GDP movement control order and optimising than US$20 million (RM83 million) for a
Term Revenue Strategy to broaden the tax with the statutory debt level at 56.8%, which is operations under the new norm to improve subsidiary of Petroliam Nasional Bhd
base and enhance the government’s still below the statutory limit of 60%. spending efficiency,” it added. (Petronas), PC Mauritania 1 Pty Ltd (PCMPL),
indebtedness capability,” it added. which manages offshore operations in
In the medium term, the ministry said the In addition, MoF said revenue shortfall is Mauritania, West Africa. The well intervention
MoF said there is also a need to increase the fiscal consolidation trajectory will be expected to be offset by better collection of scope of the P&A project utilised Expro’s
statutory debt limit to provide additional fiscal contingent on the recovery from the health commodity-related revenues due to higher integrated Open Water Intervention Riser
space in strengthening the domestic economy and economic crises. crude oil and palm oil prices. System for successful intervention and
barrier placement on 15 wells for PCMPL’s
The government will focus on restoring the Chinguetti Field Phase II works.

MoF makes history with pre-Budget 2022 statement DOCTOR ANYWHERE RAISES S$88M
FOR SOUTHEAST ASIA EXPANSION
KUALA LUMPUR: The Finance Ministry the public expenditure status for 2021. among investors, in the country’s fiscal
(MoF) has issued a Pre-Budget Statement The PBS also provides a preliminary management. PETALING JAYA: Doctor Anywhere (DA), a
(PBS) for Budget 2022 yesterday, the first in regional tech-led healthcare company
the nation’s history. overview of the direction, approach and “MoF is confident that the publication of headquartered in Singapore, announced
expected benefits of Budget 2022. the PBS will provide more avenues for yesterday that it has raised its S$88 million
Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul stakeholders to provide feedback and (RM272 million) Series C financing round,
Abdul Aziz said in a statement that through the “This move is in line with international contribute towards formulating a budget that one of the largest private funding rounds
publication of the PBS, the rakyat would be able best practices, whereby a PBS is published to is well-aligned to the needs of the rakyat as raised by a healthtech company in Southeast
to track specific metrics such as the economic enhance the transparency of the process in well as the country’s policies and national Asia led by growth equity investor Asia
outlook, tax revenue performance status and formulating the annual budget as well as objectives,“ said Tengku Zafrul. Partners, and other investors including Novo
increase public confidence, particularly Holdings, Philips and Malaysia-based OSK-
SBI Venture Partners. Existing investors also
participated in the round, including global
investor EDBI, Square Peg, IHH Healthcare,
Kamet Capital and Pavilion Capital.

12 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | SEPTEMBER 1, 2021 BRIEFS PAKISTAN GROUP
SUNBIZ WINS RIGHTS TO
ABU DHABI BLOCK
China August factory growth
slows, services sector shrinks DUBAI: The Abu Dhabi National
Oil Company said yesterday it
BEIJING: China’s businesses and the o Twin PMI surveys point to growing pressure China’s economy contracted (in had signed an exploration
broader economy came under on businesses; high raw material prices and August) as virus disruptions weighed concession agreement with a
increasing pressure in August as Covid-19 curbs hurt economy heavily on services activity. Industry consortium of four Pakistani
factory activity expanded at a slower also continued to come off the boil as companies, in the major oil
pace while the services sector separates growth from contraction. orders contracting and a gauge for supply chain bottlenecks worsened and producer’s second competitive
slumped into contraction, raising the Analysts polled by Reuters had new export orders falling to 46.7, the demand softened,” said Julian Evans- block bid round. The
likelihood of more near-term policy lowest in over a year. Factories also Pritchard, senior China economist at consortium led by Pakistan
support to boost growth. expected it to slip to 50.2. laid off workers, at the same pace as Capital Economics, in a note. Petroleum Limited (PPL) was
“The worse-than-expected August July. given the exploration rights for
The world’s second-biggest While most of the weakness Abu Dhabi’s Offshore Block 5.
economy staged an impressive PMIs add conviction to our view that Adding to signs of a broadening should reverse with relaxing Covid-19 The group is expected to invest
recovery from a coronavirus-battered the growth slowdown in H2 could be economic slowdown, Covid-19- restrictions, tight credit conditions up to US$304.7 million (RM1.26
slump, but momentum has quite notable,” Nomura economists related restrictions drove services and weakening foreign demand will billion). The consortium also
weakened recently due to domestic wrote in a note. sector activity into sharp contraction continue to weigh on China’s comprises Mari Petroleum Co
Covid-19 outbreaks, high raw for the first time since the height of economy, he said. Ltd, Oil and Gas Development Co
material prices, slowing exports, “We expect Beijing to maintain its the pandemic in February last year. Ltd and Government Holdings
tighter measures to tame hot property policy combination of ‘targeted Higher raw material prices, (Private) Limited. – Reuters
prices and a campaign to reduce tightening’ for a few sectors, especially The official non-manufacturing especially of metals and
carbon emissions. the property sector and high-polluting PMI in August was 47.5, well down semiconductors, have also pressured S. KOREA’S KAKAO PAY
industries, complemented by ‘universal from July’s 53.3, data from the NBS profits. Earnings at China’s industrial CUTS IPOTARGET BY 6%
The official manufacturing easing’ for the rest of the economy.” showed. firms in July slowed for the fifth
Purchasing Manager’s Index (PMI) fell straight month. SEOUL: South Korean fintech
to 50.1 in August from 50.4 in July, data The manufacturing PMI showed “The latest surveys suggest that company Kakao Pay Corp cut
from the National Bureau of Statistics demand slipped sharply, with new The official August composite PMI, its planned initial public
(NBS) showed yesterday, holding just which includes both manufacturing offering (IPO) target to up to
above the 50-point mark that and services activity, fell to 48.9 from 1.5 trillion won (RM5.35 billion)
July’s 52.4. – Reuters from a previously announced
1.6 trillion won, it saidyester
Eurozone inflation China Evergrande warns of default day. The adjustment from the
surges to 10-year risks, first-half profit more than doubles company backed by Chinese e-
high, in big commerce company Ant
headache for ECB HONG KONG: Debt-laden property borrowings and litigations,“ it said in yuan (RM16.2 billion), and Group follows a Financial
developer China Evergrande Group a filing to the stock exchange. offloaded a 49% stake in bottled Supervisory Service (FSS)
FRANKFURT: Eurozone inflation warned yesterday of liquidity and water unit, Evergrande Spring request for it to resubmit its
surged to a 10-year-high last month default risks if it fails to resume But it added the company will Group, for 2 billion yuan. IPO registration statement last
with further rises still likely to come, construction, dispose of more assets have sufficient working capital to month. The fintech firm also
challenging the European Central and renew loans, as it reported a meet the financial obligations due in It has also disposed of interests in cut the indicative per share
Bank’s (ECB) benign view on price doubling in first-half net profit. the next 12 months, if the measures five property projects and other price range for the offering,
growth and its commitment to look are implemented effectively. non-core assets for a total of 9.27 which comprises 17 million
past what it deems a transient The country’s No. 2 property billion yuan, it added. new shares, to 60,000-90,000
increase. developer by sales said in a filing it Evergrande has been scrambling won from 63,000-96,000. It
would adjust project development to raise funds it needs to pay its The developer reported a 120% aims to list on Oct 14. – Reuters
Consumer prices in the 19 timetables, “vigorously” promote many lenders and suppliers, with rise in net profit in the first six
countries sharing the euro rose by 3% sales, renew or extend borrowings, regulators and financial markets months to 14.4 billion yuan. PROSUS ACQUIRES
this month, after increasing by 2.2% dispose of equity interests and worried that any crisis could ripple Including non-controlling interests, BILLDESK FOR US$4.7B
in July, far above expectations for assets as well as introduce new through China's banking system. however, profit was 10.5 billion
2.7% and moving well clear of the investors to the group and its units. yuan, 29% lower than a year earlier, AMSTERDAM: Prosus NV
ECB’s 2% target. Industry watchers said clear signs dampened by losses in property and doubled down on its
The measures were aimed at are now emerging that authorities at NEV businesses. investment in India yesterday
The increase was fuelled energy improving cash flow and reducing various levels are stepping in to with a US$4.7 billion (RM10.9
costs but food prices also surged, debt, it said. avoid a hard landing for Evergrande. Its total borrowings stood at 571.8 billion) deal for payments
while there were also unusually large billion yuan, compared with 716.5 platform BillDesk, making it
increases in the prices of industrial “In the event that the Group fails In yesterday's filing, Evergrande billion at the end of 2020, while total one of the biggest players in
goods, said Eurostat. to implement the above measures ... disclosed for the first time it has sold liabilities rose slightly to 1.97 trillion the country’s fast-growing
its liquidity issues may deteriorate, property units to suppliers and yuan, from 1.95 trillion yuan. – fintech sector. Prosus, Europe’s
The numbers are likely to make for which may result in defaults on contractors to offset some Reuters answer to SoftBank and its
uncomfortable reading at the ECB, payments, amounting to 25.2 billion Vision Fund, said BillDesk will
which has repeatedly raised its complement its own PayU
inflation projection this year only for Ryanair CEO sees ‘very strong recovery’, lifts target business, which operates in
the actual numbers to beat its India, Latin America and
forecasts, even as price growth is BRUSSELS: Ryanair has nudged up Ryanair is on track to exceed its 10.5 million passenger target for August. – Europe. India has been a major
likely to peak only in November. its passenger target for the autumn REUTERSPIX focus for Netherlands-based
amid signs of a “very strong Prosus but the BillDesk deal is
With inflation in Germany, the recovery” in European short-haul continue to build, but it will still be now has about 3,000 employees. its biggest investment there to
eurozone’s largest economy and the flights, chief executive Michael below (pre-)Covid” he said. “We don’t The company reported yesterday date. The deal to buy BillDesk is
ECB’s biggest critic, expected to O’Leary told Reuters in an interview expect pricing to go back to pre-Covid subject to regulatory approvals,
approach 5% in the coming months, yesterday. levels until the summer of 2022.” revenue of 591 million Norwegian including by the Competition
the bank is likely to come under crowns (RM284 million) for the first Commission of India. Prosus
increasing public pressure to address The Irish airline, Europe’s largest In a another development, half of 2021, down from 7.1 billion said yesterday’s acquisition
inflation that is reviving long-dormant by passenger numbers, is expected Norwegian Air said it would not crowns in the same period a year brings the total it had invested
memories of runaway prices. to fly 10.5 million passengers per need to raise more cash as easing ago. It said it remained focused on in the Indian market to more
month in September, October and Covid-19 travel restrictions lifted preserving cash for the rest of 2021. than US$10 billion. – Reuters
The ECB argues that a slew of one- November, O’Leary said. bookings, although the budget
off factors related to the economy’s carrier which has emerged from “We will very much be ready for JAPAN’S INDUSTRIAL
reopening after the Covid-19 That compares with a July bankruptcy proceedings did not the peak season (of 2022), so there is PRODUCTION SHRINKS
pandemic account for the bulk of the forecast of an average of 10 million provide a 2021 outlook. no risk today that we will have to go
inflation surge, and that price growth for each of those months.. out and get more capital in the TOKYO: Japan’s industrial
will quickly moderate early next year. The pandemic sent the indebted foreseeable future,” chief executive output shrank in July as car
“As long as there are no adverse airline into bankruptcy proceedings Geir Karlsen told Reuters. production took a hit from a
Indeed, policymakers argue that Covid developments, things are set last year, forcing it to terminate its coronavirus resurgence in Asia
inflation will languish well below the fair for a very strong recovery,” transatlantic network and to cut Norwegian emerged from the that has cast doubt over the
bank’s target for years to come, so O’Leary said ahead of a press more than 6,000 jobs to survive. It government-backed bankruptcy recovery in the world’s third-
they even reinforced their briefing in Brussels. proceedings in May. – Reuters largest economy. Factory
commitment last month to keeping output dropped 1.5% in July
monetary policy exceptionally loose The CEO also said Ryanair was from the previous month,
to generate price pressures. on track to exceed its 10.5 million official data showed, hit by a
passenger target for August. decline in the production of
Core inflation also surged in autos, including passenger cars
August with inflation excluding Capacity should return to pre- and small buses. The fall offset
volatile food and fuel prices pandemic levels in October, from growing output of production
accelerating to 1.6% from 0.9%, while close to 90% in September and 80% machinery items, such as those
an even narrower measure that also in August, he added. But the airline used for manufacturing
excludes alcohol and tobacco, rose to is likely to fly with an average of 15- semiconductors, and electronic
1.6% from 0.7%. 20% empty seats on planes this parts and devices. Meanwhile,
winter compared with 7-8% before Japan's consumer confidence
The ECB will next meet on Sept 9. the pandemic. fell in August. A Cabinet Office
– Reuters survey found the sentiment
“Through the winter, pricing will index for general households,
which includes views on
incomes and jobs, was at 36.7
in August, following 37.5 in
July. – Reuters

13theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | SEPTEMBER 1, 2021
* SPORTS

225522 ADDAigigsseettrnnriittbbssuuWWttooaarrssnntteedd 330022 JJoobbss Ecclestone agrees with
Hamilton over Belgian GP ‘farce’
MEDIA SALES
FORMER F1 supremo Bernie lose a place is not racing,” Hamilton “If you want to race fine – if not,
REPRESENTATIVE / AGENT Ecclestone has backed up Lewis said on social media on Sunday fine. Nobody could put a pistol to
(FREELANCE) Hamilton’s “farce” claim over events at evening. anyone’s head. It was up to (the
the Belgian Grand Prix on Sunday, and drivers).
RReeqquuiirreemmeennttss:: is adamant he would not have “We should have just called it quits,
·· aiMMiannddiivvnnnneeeeiimmrrwwttuuiissssmmppiinnaagg11ppeeyyrreeaaaannrr ddssaaddlliieeggssiitteeaaxxll ppeerriieennccee abandoned the race. not risked the drivers, and most “If I was at the back of the grid, I
·· aAaAnnttttddrraaiincncttcciieevvnneettcciivvooeemmmmiissssiioonn ppaacckkaaggee importantly refunded the fans who are might decide it’s not worth the risk
·· AAbbllee ttoo ssttaarrtt iimmmmeeddiiaatteellyy Only three laps were completed as the heart of the sport.” because it’s bloody dangerous out
·· ECECaaeessnnttttrrCCaaooll,,aaNNsstotorraattnnhhddeerrSSnnaa,,bbSSaaoohhuu//ttSShhaaeerrrraannww,, aakk relentless rain caused havoc at Spa, all there.
SSeenndd iinn yyoouurr aapppplliiccaattiioonn wwiitthh yyoouurr over which were behind a safety car Ecclestone, 90, said he agrees with
with overtaking not allowed, before it the seven-time world champion, and “If I wanted to score points for the
pphhoottoo ttoo tthheeSSuunn..hhrr11@@ggmmaaiill..ccoomm was called off and half-points awarded detailed how he would have done team and for myself, I might think I
to those in the top 10. things differently had he been in wanted to go ahead. People make
charge. their own minds up, and it is not
Hamilton, who lost ground to rival Afghanistan.
Max Verstappen in the title race “I would have said at 3pm when
through the decision, called the the race was due to start, let’s try again “We have raced in worse conditions
situation a “farce” and suggested the at 4pm or 4.30pm,” Ecclestone told than that and not called off the race.”
organisers’ decision was financially Sportsmail.
driven. F1 bosses are set to meet with the
“It doesn’t look as if conditions will FIA and team chiefs for talks, with a
“Two laps behind a safety car improve but I don’t know. But view to changing the rules so such a
where there is no possibility to gain or regardless of what’s happening it will scenario does not arise again. –
start then. Express Newspapers

332222 NNoottiicceess 332222 NNoottiicceess 332222 NNoottiicceess Battle of the best
PGA Tour set for grand finish at East Lake
IINNNNTTOOHHSS::OOEEEEBBRRLLAAHHAIAI-G-GIIIINGNG22NNIINNHH4G4GSSTTNNMAMAOOHHCCHHTTCCRRAAAAOOEEIIVVNNHHLLUUDDCCSSAAGGRRAAAA--TTYYTT7R7RAASSLLSS66UUTTAAUOUOII66AAEELLMMMMFF--OEOE00MMMMHHFF66AAOOSS//LLNNAAAA22SSNNYY00,,AA2211AATT IINNNNIINNOOTT..CCHHTT::OOEEHHJJMMAAEEHHTTPPIIAASS––GGAAJJTKTKHH22ANANOOZZ88TTHIHIICICEENNMMEEOOOOSSCC,,RUORUOCC(M(MRRFFWWBB––TTAAJJAAIILNLNO8O8OOHHAA55DDHHFFRRYYIIOO–U–UMMNSNSRRIIGG00AAAAD-D-88LLUU/A/AAA22PPYYRR00))AAUU22LLAA11TT CCIIOONNMMNNTTPPOOHH((AA..EECC::NNOOWWHHIIMMEEIIAAKKGGSSMM--HUHU22((AAEEWW88CCRRLLNNOOIIAACCNNCCUUIIDDCLCLAARRUUII--TLTLNN44MMGDGDOO44PP--8I8IFFVVUUUU--MMII00PPRRSS77))AAIIOO//PPLL22NNAEAE00Y)YT)T22AAIIT1T1IIAAOOTTNN AS THE dust settles from Patrick Cantlay’s wild six-
4II4nn6666tthh((11ee))((aamm)) aaoottfftteetthhrreeooCCffooSSmmeeppccaattiinnooiinneess44AA66cc55tt((1122))00((ee11))66 && hole playoff victory over Bryson DeChambeau at make it to Atlanta, and I’m really happy to be part of the
AwIIwAnncciitttttthh,,hh22eeSS00mmee11cc66aattttiiootteennrr 44oo6f6f 66SSee((cc11tt))iioooonnff 44tthh66ee55 ((CC11oo))mm((eepp))aarrnneeiiaaeeddss the BMW Championship, one question remains group.”
AANNDD AAnndd ahead of the final event of the PGA Tour season.
oIoInnff ttCChhooeeuuMMrrttaa22tt00ttee11rr22ooff OOrrddeerr 4422 RRuullee 1133 RRuulleess I&8&I8nn6633TTtt99hhrraa00eedd22ii-m-mnnHHggaa))ttttSSeeddrrBBnnoo..EEffTTBBWWTThhaaEEddiiEEpp.. NNaa((nnCCooEEmmnnppggaaiinnnneeyyeerrNNiinnoogg:: Best-of-the-best is certainly one way to describe the star-
AAnndd ((K((KCBCBOOOOAAWWNNMMGGPPIIAA))HHNNSSOOYYDDCCNNNKNK..OOBB::BBHH11UUDD11II.3.3LL99DD88IINN4477GG……--HHPP))MMEEAATTTTIITTEEIIRROOIINNAAEELLRRSS studded field set to tee it up at East Lake Golf Club.
What does the Tour Championship have planned for an Five former FedEx Cup winners are in the field this week,
AAnndd UIUInnpptt))hhRReeuummlleeaasstttt11ee99rr77oo22ff tthhee CCoommppaanniieess ((WWiinnddiinngg-- encore? including defending champion Dustin Johnson, who looks
TBTBAAHHIIDDPPA.A. ((NNCCOOEENMNMGGPPIIAANNNNEEYYEERRNNIIOONN::GG88……&&6633TTRR99RR00EEAA22SSDD--PPIHIHONON))NNGGDDSSEEDDNNNNTT.. AAnndd
IPA4(IAP4(nn““77RRnntth1h1ggIITTtte0e0gghhHH00eeeessIIrrVVaaPPiikkIIiiMMuuddRRccaaCC22AhAhtthhtt,,ooJJeeiinAnAllrrddBBgg””o,ao,aoo))fnfnSSffddeeNNaaGGllaoaorrLL..nnOOgg11PPRRoo00uuIIrrAA55ccD,D,hhaaooDBDBrrnnlAlAuuooggRRllkkLLEEOOJFJFhh,,aaVVssyySSEEaaaarArAnnii,, The PGA Tour’s most exciting season yet is set to to become the first player to win back-to-back titles.
AADDVVEERRTTIISSEEMMEENNTT OOFF PPEETTIITTIIOONN I2(I(2nnMM0000))tthh99ee0011SSmm00DD00aaNN44tttt66ee99rr44BBoo//ffHH88DDMM4477EE66RR22CC((99CCHH--OOAAAAMMN)N) PPTTAABBNNUUYYIILLDDEENNRROOSS.. conclude just how it started – with epic storylines, big In a testament to the strength of the field, Johnson – the
Nwnftcsraootp9aMpNto5tfNnwaMpotsca9ttoNtrop5ohhhhohhhheeaaoofnrnnnnrnfat:era:treOoOoaa0a0rarheeeeheeeeggeeiiuumytdmtyd::TdTdsst0t0iiusutstoonntttteeshsh,It,IteeeeuiuhihlCtdlCtdCpCp11iissroroacaaccaacahehemmooondondnneeaaiiooppe1Ee1Enrnrototininaaeenn’’ttddddyeyeeueuolol33eeccmmeyelylppiisedscisedcisddrrss99lslsffdsdsttcceoetotaoaoooroporopwoeweiihh88((ctcctocosstctchhimirmfdrfdfBfaBaoeoe4i4iddsshihririmimkktteeninngingrraebaebtt77htiihtiirrapapOOhorthrot22hhddynynepnedpnydy--eettpepreraaiincencennaaiioiioHeeHcncngaggiagiaanbnnebnenntttrtrddttrrdtdtnenieio)o)roroeeytgytgggyye)e)K.K.wwmimiiittsysyrrppbbqqnnt-t-ddddhhSSococggioiouuuueeiuiuAAggabofaabofaaaeeddolwodlwdiioonnoottprprlrrlivivknnyktnnytyyeoeonnrnrnpprrrrbbeeiiididmmssttb.b.nonnon22ppyJyJtotnonbbrrttmmiioocchheessgBHgBgHg00irihrahaooofofeebbfofioitteheehett22yhyhehheaoaonrnrhhAhAhuunn;t;tininhhfmfm11dycodoycooggmsmsahahaatutuuuttttiieeaakkrfo.rfo.HHaarhrhntnteetteregrgsatsatiinnaar(r(m(nm(neegigibboonnuuaTaTCCeyeygBgarBardpdpttssii,,uuuudtdtsssBshBhlelenohnohaapapassfpfpttetethh..aeoaeaoammuuoohhououmemeboboeessooeebnbn22iiffCrCrrropoapafefettlldpdpccrrddeueuyyoodidi00ssrrrorpopffttaaaoaoddvotvtottttiiia2ia2hhuuoonnohhhohhhynypnbpbeeerertaoataoaii11iirrrr)ndg)ndgoeeeeoeeeeysyyysyy--rrtttfttttft;;,, moments and dramatic finishes. 2020 Masters Tournament winner – will enter the week at
T11ST1S1hh3838eeee,,,,llaaJJnnSSPPaaggueuellooaatntniirrnngtgt..iiaaooBBiinneeeeTTssrraaaa’’ssnnrr ggaaOOkkddffaaffddssrrJJ,,eeaass44llssaa33nn0i0iss00RR00LLeeookkttKKoo,,aa77jj55BBaa22aann44ttgguu--,, After 49 thrilling tournaments, only one No. 15 in the standings, good for a start of 3-under par. That
BBEETTWWEEEENN CT&KPACT&KAPhheehouhoueerrmymsysSSddeettiippoaoannPPllnllnKeiKeieeccaakkwwttii,,iiPPttsstto8o8eeiieeoorr11eerrssnn1d1dAA,,ee0a0aYYuurreen0n0oo’’ssssooaaffttJJwwiiononssNNhh22oooooo&&,,lli.i.rrPPccBBeeiiCCTTtt99rraaooaaoo--ddhhrrmm..00aa,,rr22nnuuaaiiAA,,ssaa,n,nddJJ,,BBvvooMMoollAhAhoocJcJeeoouukkaaaassrrss..stlstlttaaeerrCiCinnnnssss,, BBEETTWWEEEENN player is set to walk away with the PGA Tour’s means he will begin seven strokes back of Cantlay, who took

(CC(NNAARRTTIIHHCCEENNRRooEENN:: 88EE11AA00//66PP00AA44AARR--NN11IIKKDD44II--SS66AA33MM……4488YY))AAPPPPLLIICCAANNTT DDaatteedd 1133tthh ddaayy ooff AAuugguusstt 22002211 L5(L(5CCII55FFOO77OOMM66MM88PP4A4AAA--XXNNMMYWYW)) OOOONNDDOOBB..UU::AAIILLNNDDDD22SS00DD00NN11……00BB11HHPP00DD2E2E1T1TII99TT22IIOO66NNEERR// Ultimate Prize – the FedEx Cup over the top spot in the standings after his win over
MMeessssPPrreessttiiCCttiihhooyynneeeerrKK’’sswwSSeeooeelliYiYcceeiittoooowwrrss&& CCoo trophy and its accompanying DeChambeau.
trpabdafto[ppMNaiaTtdro[atfpbapMNapiaTnnhiwAhiAweefnnphdnnfpeeadhoeraeeeorooeeeeaaPmPmdtdystpdetdydsptdeeett.O.OwwssiiiciceesstYtYlertltertt,,ssvmvmhhciiciinenmeamaeennrCrCaaoooorreeoottttiisaspapnnoo––rsrsWtWnuntnuntootoouurrssimimhphptttt)sn)sbnbssioio..CC..eoeococoh0Ah0tAtgegetbttbtemem’’oohhiihehenncci4i4bbnnrrynynaafsfsbbyyeelulu77eeyyoottboboaaeeeemm22eesspptt8t8tfofococnonshshhh00tdtdaaoo]]rpKurpKusskkvvddeeeeeeh2h2bbssiieseesewwrrssggttffi1i1ototttvrvr-hs-hsononeeaapnpneeshsvhvnneeererooiirrddsseee(e(eoeoeneneeaaddivivtitioottddnrndrdrrntnt-h-haammaaee,,YnsYnshhnrnrttsseerrtotoseoseeeoeebebeiaeieaeueuwwrnrnooonsonnosnooyoymdmdffddglglssiwiwhn,hfnt,ftfhfthtiiffaaiiiithtchceneneecocooohhooppyyiiteteooddooaia&ion&onototherhereoeooo,f,fttrrffrribibeensnsnniinrnrCCSSppslsnlniieettsstttataaafftttteoseoosoeeogohghffee4h4httmmoeoet,dt,drrll(ee(eeaannteteiiiiiissrnrnt,motnh,mocnhcrfrefeddeoeooomdmdififooffffttssttaaeesnsniiiihahatotoddrrrrttttuunadnadiinmmhhnammrhharcbcabaoottttsisiyoyossnddndeeodoeeeooeyyyyrrtt))..,,,,,, US$15 million (RM60m) prize. Cantlay, the only three-time winner on the Tour this
11.. HDK(PHDK(PRRRRLLE0E0eeAA4PI4PIpTpTNNAA88HHuu99RRGGbbII11VVTTllii44IIMMcc99EE))NNooTTff RRIInnAAddJJiiAAaa PPaassssCCppHHooEErrttLLLLIINNAAooHH.. (8M(8MCC44EEOO77RRMM66CC22PPHH99AAAA--NNAANNYY))TT BBUUNNIILLOODD..::EERRSS22((00MM009)9) 0S0S11DD00NN00BB4466HH99DD44 // “It’s a fantastic season, will open with a two-shot lead over The Northen
22.. OOFF SSOOCCIIAALL WWEELLFFAARREE ……RREESSPPOONNDDEENNTT place to be,” said South Trust winner Tony Finau and a three-shot advantage over
African Erik van DeChambeau, who this season claims wins at both the 2020
……..RREESSPPOONNDDEENNTT NoAB5opoHtttaP1tsCcumNAopoB5oHmPtuaCt1sttchhhohhohahahffrtffrt50rn50rneemomoHHiiOOoeeeoeeeggeeiiaa7)dt7)dtuuttttDTdDTdrroaioaisheshehhththrr6e6tentnononIACIAChshsegeApngApnninieCeCeeCCr8r8ososnniiaaemoemo(n(nepyepydsndnsDDEEoeoeC4nCC4nCiissuuttttiiooegegdd11VmleVmlegfg-f-eieiOoOoaarrCmCsmsodoada2M2MnniintndtEdEufaufaiiMMseseApAprrbrdbrdoo..didieeeRnreRnre1e)1)ssssaammobobrrttttPPPPeeddddddCiddCiT0hT0httnnAAvyvyttoAoAededhhtteeiiiitI.etI.eooooeyeyaaNhNhrtrtfwf2w2iSNtiSNteeLLnnoomnmnenenhnhininnaaPsP0s0DDtrtrEIhEIhYdYdaarrcgcgeaFeaiFiyeyettaap2ep2eppmmooeMeMeessttrmOrmOqqmmtta1ttea1eaCnaoCnpopaa,e,aedaNdNihihaauuMMEEydytdtnnrruruerrebrtbteeOOaiaiakakiiieimemNNoyooyoPrdPrdyryr.n.nAAffttKtKi.ti.CpdCpdiittoonnnnnnTeTegngnXeXeoodduu9o9ioiortortggttttggnCnChheeaaOiOis.s.wonwonWWbb22tgtg00bbtttetoesoslleeititrrttttFFyyhohoaa00ioioi0i0heoheoirhirmhmOOvvllrrooffeeii0nl0nlssfefaeaePePibeihbehOOLLrroonnppaa11hhttnnbbnanuaiuiEEuuDD’h’hsCgsCgmmammaii00eedcdc11eWenWdntdtTTmmaaeenBnBoooo1a1all88astastIIoommynyiniararUUor0or0ArfTArfTpp..eOneOnyyttccyydudue0e0tt2h2hIIIIumumeellddrrrkrkLsLsccrOgrOgf8f8b1ba1aiaidardrniniuDuDboobboob,,ubeube..nnNNyoyt9ot9ipipee22iippnfpnfupeuenylnyl(s(gsgrr22prpraaSS00NNppyftyfthdhd--66eeotottttototttt22DhDhoCoCUUeahehehoheahehehohaarrrroo11iirNrNCCdpnddndpnddneeeeeeeeeesysyrr//tftf,, Rooyen, who US Open and the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
qualified for the 30- “I think just trying to reset and play the golf tournament
USH4P(PTUHS4P(PTRRoo00erereenn00eeii0r0rlliti4t4aattppsshh::0088--nniiuNuNiia0a09v9vggbboorrii11oSoSalal..RRii44rrcchnhnBBa9a9aDaD--MjMj))haha33aau-uo-orrAACC1u1uflfltllthh5l5laaiimemeEE,,mmNNllIIhIhIlleeOOnnii,,SSssaaddddTTaaoohhiiiiIIaannhahaCC,,..ooEESSIIeePPCCkkaaiissttssyyyyss,,eeppnnoor7r7tt,, player field thanks to like any other golf tournament, just trying to put a bunch of
a fifth-place rounds in the 60s on the board,” Cantlay said of his
NNoo.. finish at approach this week.

Caves “It’s a really good golf course. It’s usually in
Valley. fantastic shape. Those guys down there
“ I t ’s always bring their ‘A’ game when it comes to
TAHSNAwAtdtSsTSAANHttwSAdsohhoAAaaaapudluupdluiiooiiaaeeggiittKKttopmmompm..ddhhmmeerhrhEEpplleeddiNiNmmmmccBBcctRtCRC--iSiShahaaiai2A2AoooeoooeoossteiteinNnN66n-n-ugnnugnnllisisddssoo22tt..OOrissruissu88ssss,,nnt4t4eTeTOOi.titt.tGGhhaaNuNuoo22ororIIrraCaCllllaannnn00CCddooppsstEtENNddss11ooerVerVRRrriioioieeee6obb6obbrrCCaaeeCCnnrrvv..tete--ggototatatDDiii7iO7OeeoohohoiiNNssuuiissaa6n6nnnrruauassrrbobottiirr66ttutBrustBrsgg..leleffaao-o-aaiieeiuiuAAClCl0n0nttvvssenendBdBnni-i-IaIa6a6aeeeoeodd55ididnnt0/t0r/raatntnOO88iie2e2bbttaa0n0naahh--rPrPrr0y0ytt8g8gDsDsd8d8rr22OOOOSS8i8ie2e2iieeCCdSdS11ttttrrrr4h4hrr--phphhheeeeuuiiii00aaggggaiaieerrmmvvffbab4a4hhtiitiifrfroonnnniiiiooyntynt//ffmmrrmmASASa2aRa2aRiirrddcctttt0l0hlhaoaottteattteaaaiiiiffnn1nn1hhhahhhajnjnoonmntmtaaggh6ggh6eeeeeeeessrrtt.. probably course conditions.
the best of “It’s a golf course that I actually like. I haven’t
the best that played that well there in the past, that’s true, but it’s
a golf course I like.
“I like the visuals out there, and I’m looking
PJTPTJaahhuulleeccaahhnnooPPnneePPggttuuii..ttttiieeoorrnniiee22rr’’//ss33,, aaBBddaaddnnrrddeeasasssrr PPiissuutteeNNrrioio,,.. 4422771111--002200,, 332222 NNoottiicceess forward to having a better result this year.”
To do so, Cantlay must stave off a stacked field that
C(C(22OO00MMWW((11IIIINNn8n8PPIIZZ0A0ATTMMLL1T1TNNHHOOHHee00IIEELLGGEEmm22EEiiIISSMMqq22XXbbMMuu88AAAAee((iiA8A8TMCdTMrCdrT1T1ssTTaaTT))TT’’,,EEtt((EEiSiVSV2211RRooRRoDoD0022nnOOll11NN88))uOuOFF6644..nnFF9B9BTTttAAaa00HHHHNNrr00EEDDyyDD--..VVII))NN)) also includes two-time FedEx Cup winner Rory
hPSosAnwpPhSsonAwpaannaoraorlleleliieeaaeemmllststppllaammiissttccttesebsbheheeebbeeeeeenenemmeeaaHHcctteettnnggibibhhsaesaeggnnddrreea.aa.akkhhaa//rrtitieeoofnfnddiirCr2C2iitxtxnnffee00eoeoddffooddaayy2d2uduaattiiooii11rrttllcicietetuunnfftte.e.oooottararffaaPPtthhaabbhhttnnlleeiHiHeeeeaaldld99aaeettaapt.pt.ssaa00oottttbbrrehehiirr00eemmssiieeoonnsseettabaebeegegananss,,mmjjnnakakcceettaaieeieeccddoonnaaiittnnoonnffttmmtutuffOOoCoCSSrraa11yyrrtotohhtthodhod33ttuuttahahuueeeeeettrrhhhheerrrrrrrrtt TSDSTDhhaaaaeennttaarrPPaa&&eennttiiCCCtCtii11oooo88nn00eeoo,,rrff’’44ss33BB22ss--00oo1100ll77iicc--CCii22tthhoo,,eerrrrJJaaiiaassssll,,aaSSbbnnyeyellaaCCMMnn11ggee88osos00ssrr//..rr11ss,, McIlroy (2-under) and 2015 champion
Jordan Spieth, who qualified for the
MM----EE--SS---S-S--RR----SS--tt--..SStt--AA----NN----&&----CC----OO first time since 2017.
Asia will be represented by
nabdAoPbtnshNatmAabdnbPnoaNhttsmohhooobnnybnnaooeiyaoeoieemmOOssueue..oyotdyoodtttTTitsitisieeppvnsvnscctthhtotoEEnnTtTtininhahoaoeeeeeeaaooerer::aahhdbdbodoesdesnrnrppnnAAmmeevvtteettefefddiaiappaahnhnnneeddrrmmmmeheh1o1obibiesyesydedennNNeei1i1oPioPiwwiieseu,su,nnggparparooaa..vveessddssttss11nnrnnreeototrreeeeststiittuiuii0i0erderdititrrncncononndndoottsisiff..ddssineineoofffagfalg2l2ooooaiaiiieieiggttffcmcmcc00nfnnfbnbttddrroohihilliimm22oy)voy)vttaaededppeewwoor.r.eeoo11eeffttnnrrododuuffttrreeehehhhttssstsstspp(o(orrttsshohhoheettttttMhMheenntteehshstteiei((iieeirshirshiipdmpdmeeenenfssfssooaooae,e,ssttotothhiieerfnrfneaeadsdsaanrnrssnneemmssanannnatatrrttttss11aaeettoeoseshihidydyyyuuoeooeodd22rrnnnn)e)essirnsirns..bn,bn,SStttt00trtrdadaiotihothAAfefgegeoeaoaiioo00ninifrfreemmffrbrbanannnbbododmmaaooffaeacecooyyeeirirpp’’nnrhrtht&fe&fe,,ccmmnnomomppffaapspslliiadadooeerrtttemtttemuuooCCnmndhhhemdhhheccaaoonnssssdddoedeoeeoeeoeekkrrrrtttttt,, NNOOTTIICCEE OOFF RREESSOOLLUUTTIIOONN Japan’s reigning Masters
champion, Hideki
dzafLNaKLoLGcPdaLfazNKocPGLLoobbueuouoeutnftnfuuhhuuOOOOlloovnvnmmmmllllyyaaOTOToyoyWWeebbvvssllIEIEwwGGppappaClClee-ip-ipcxIcxIuuuuhhLLZnZnEEaiai22hhttaLaLnnrrErrEaaLLreress00,t,tuullggaaztztaOaOssddII,,ppmmSSooFFneneMAMAGG9o9ossrreeddddppSSddIId:dn:,n,AAdXHdXH//uuaadpdpiiM-M-//JJLLeennEE2mr2mrnnrereaaAArraaeeReRe(4(4ddccaallSSMYMYeerrssaeaeEEttiillyyaSeaSeeehhssntntBB))iilnlnttIITTnnAA..YYhhAAtSteSeGgGgaagSgSrreeuuRRrrtototaetaeDDlrGlreGeghghSSeeododlnlniiN,sN,sttIuIouoAADDssggeeVVooee5.s5.sssooxxllNNrrEErrnenetttt00alaliiyyaaNeN,e.u,.uaa..BBl4l4ccttSdSdtttt22HH7o7oiaiaooBBeoeo0T0TMMvvm0m0DDffHHnnnnH2H2iiVV..TTreretDtD//11AKKAKKetetoorrwweeuu.,.,aTaTuunuunddwwww,,ttaaaaltltiiaauaauuunnhhaeaellkkoaoall5ll5eellllggeaaeaasyyrsyyr--ftft,:,,:, Matsuyama, who will be
DDaatteedd tthhee 2266tthh ddaayy ooff AAuugguusstt 22002211 ((aa)) a8CBwWCv1T8aCv1BwWCToophph0000ooooaaiioollnnpapa06,06,mmhhuunnddttoo0-0-rrSSnnggpp1u1uiiii00ututnnntntaa00aahhCCiigCgCttnn8t8trreeeehehe--JJiiyyyy,,ttdduueoeoyyCCflfl1p1pehJehJaaiioooqoqSS3;3;aaoossrrmmuuSSqq--llrraatttt11iiiuiuhhhhddppoonn00aaeBeeBeaaaann,,rrttnanaggWeWeLLppiiLLhohyoyiiuueeqqoooo((nnrrOOrrvvuuuunnfbfbppeefafa,,iiggeeCoCoffddllnniisscScaSaJJdd11ppAAeeeettoo33llooWhWhaatthhooTT,,rrhhccoooofofoaaooJJeeFFrwrwnnssttofofddooguguhhetetMMoobhbhccororiikk&&nnhee)rhee)rrr..,,,, making his eighth successive
((bb)) TwitoiaTawiotinnnnhhhfuhufititeettatateehhtthhccttrrhhaoaoeecceettsrsrsshhooiihhttsseennCCsseeiittttoorrtdhtdrhroohhmmiiererbbrreeeeuuppttrriissootteaeannooppininnnrreeyyddiiLLss;;cceeiiipipaatstsqsqsiiiieennntnt,,vvuurrccddeeiiiididbibaatteehhaauurrcciieettttccggoaoaeeoohhrmrmrrttaaddsseeoossaaiinnssttaannhhggeennbbcceetstsddeeeessrrtt
MM……eeSSss……oossllrriisscc……iiRRttoo……uurrbbssyy……ffoosAsAr….r….nnggtttt..hhhhdd……eeooaaAA……pp&&pp……PPlliiaacc……rraattnnnn……tteerrss appearance in the playoffs
finale, and Korea’s Sungjae
Im, who is in his third
AADTRTKRAATTKDRReehhnnenneeAeAaalliimmtgftgfrrsshh::uugguu00ool:l:eeNNna3na3EErrLLooi-i-ihihnnkkII55ttT&Ts&sggii11ccaa//,,AA33eenn44PPD1D1..VV00aa88iOiOaass44rr11PtnPtn66nn00iTiTff00llee66iillIIllaaOOrreeSSssNNddhh//aaooCCbbhh33ffAAyy11AA//NN//GGllMM11aaooDD00mm..eeGG00ss,,1/1/CCss00SS22,,rr00eess,,11llaaJJ00RRnnKKaa//uug2g2oollaabbo1o1ttnnaayyrr// straight showing in Atlanta. –
Patrick Cantlay PGA Tour

0sRTi4tfsTif04Rtssihhiaahh23l23leeeeeeaannii2112ffsdsd::ttcc0770PPSSBBoo00eebbAACC@@--ttyy//11DDii//ttCCLLgg77iiVVMMoo00IIhhmm--TETEnn112e2eee//RRaaee11s,rs2,r2TTaiairJrJss--11llII..ss11ararSSw.w.ccss,0,066llooEEaahh1122mmSSMMSnSnoo2277aaeess4C4CEEnnllee//NN1a1a22SSnn88TT&a&a11AAgg00dd22NNoo//CCdd1O1O11rrrroo;;..FF,,ee,,DDssTTEESSaassPPeemmoottlElEffaa::llooaaiiTTrrccrriiaaII00lliiTT::ttnnss33oIoIOOee--CCrrll99rreesNsN11vv00gg88iiff88acacoo00ii22eellssrr..,, Aaqib explains Virat’s trouble with swing

AAddvveerrttiissee wwiitthh uuss && ccoonnnneecctt ttoo oouurr uurrbbaann rreeaaddeerrss.. VIRAT KOHLI and his struggle in the “He’ll chase the ball as he’s vulnerable
ongoing Test series against England has against the controlled outswing,” Aaqib said.
MMAALLAACCCCAA KKLLAANNGG VVAALLLLEEYY JJOOHHOORR BBAAHHRRUU ((cc)) LTcdLnlcbtLlcdbLtnTciihhahiioahioihyheiyeiqqqqsseebnbanagaagccuuuuirtirtttllhhhhlliiiiiirrCgCgiiddddggiiititaaeebboommiiaaaaeereressmumuttttnnggssoo,oo,ttcceueuppeerrrriiiieennllnnnndadaoaoallccnnesnesnoobboouubbyyssststfdfdeeffhrhryyeessrrttiieeaasshehennwwgg,,dedehihirrnnaaeeiiieieeeiisldsldLLiinnxxffllnncxcxaeiaueiueeqqsspapaootmtmllccututiiueuerrddoouuddiinnnsnsssuudndnaatteeeieissuuiittaaflflootfitfilldedeiisseetthahaeennososttssccueudedaarroo,,rlrliittaanaaneessttnnnnthethetbatbaoooooossddddddeesysyrrrr..,, become one of the biggest talking points in
MMRR.. RRaajjaahh PPEENNAANNGG || KKEEDDAAHH MMSS.. AAnnnnee LLiimm J00Joo11hhsstotorrSSBBeeppaatthheerrmmuu bbeerr,, 22002211 the cricketing world. While Virat is going through a rough
TTEELL:: 001122--662288 22884444 PPEERRAAKK || PPEERRLLIISS TTEELL:: 001133--777700 66669999 DLLDEEiirrEEeeccKKttAAooIIrrHHEENNGG patch for quite a long time now, his English
FFAAXX:: 0066--776644 22005511 FFAAXX:: 0077--335555 55554499 The Indian skipper recently got a half- counterpart Joe Root is in dream form
PPAAHHAANNGG || century in the third Test at Headingley but it currently.
KKEELLAANNTTAANN took him 8 innings to get a fifty-plus score
TTEERREENNGGGGAANNUU to his credit. The latter has scored 507 runs in the
MMSS.. SShhoobbaa ongoing series while leading the list of top-
TTEELL:: 0033--77778844 88888888 Moreover, it has been more than a year- scorers in Test cricket in 2021 with 1398 runs
FFAAXX:: 0033--77778844 44442244 and-a-half that Virat hasn’t scored a century to his name.
in international cricket. Comparing both the cricketers, who are
Several experts have been analysing the also considered as modern-day greats of the
game, Aaqib opined that Root is far steadier
curious case of India captain not scoring big and more composed in this series.
and former Pakistan bowler Aaqib Javed is
the latest one to express his views. “Root’s air-tight technique in these tough
conditions make him safer than Virat’s as he
“Virat is a typical Asian player, he can be knows how to play the ball late,” he said.
successful in Australia. But in places like
England and South Africa or anywhere The five-match Test series is currently
where the ball swings or seams, he has got a levelled at 1-1. India and England will now
problem,” Aaqib told Paktv.tv’s YouTube lock horns in the fourth Test which begins
channel. tomorrow at The Oval in London. – Agencies

14 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | SEPTEMBER 1, 2021 Flushed out what went wrong.”
Murray, a member of the player council, said
SPORTS the issue of delay tactics comes up regularly and
discussions have been held on ways to keep rules
STEFANOS TSITSIPAS used his bathroom from being exploited.
break when nature called at the US Open Murray’s victory hopes go down the toilet “We speak about it all of the time,” said Murray.
yesterday but opponent Andy Murray after Tsitsipas bathroom break “Some suggestions are if you take a medical
fumed about the lengthy disruption as his timeout or a break before, let’s say, my serve, that
hopes of scoring an opening round upset went you forfeit the game.
down the toilet. Murray, who left the court after a profanity laced had influence on “Maybe I’m being unreasonable. Maybe
rant to no one in particular. “I lost respect for him.” what was happening I’m over-reacting to something because I
Murray said he had been warned by his team to after those breaks.” lost the match.
be prepared for disruptions such as a bathroom What upset Murray more than the timing was “But right
break or medical timeout if his third-seeded the length of a bathroom break which ran close to Currently there are now sitting
opponent saw the match slipping away. And if that eight minutes, taking away any momentum the no time limits on here I feel like
was the Greek’s plan it worked to perfection as a Scotsman had been building. bathroom breaks and it’s nonsense
distracted Murray vented his opinion to the chair Tsitsipas said he had and they need
umpire, courtside officials and anyone else in Tsitsipas also had a medical timeout to receive abided by regulations. to make a
earshot as Tsitsipas recovered to claim a 2-6, 7- treatment on his left foot after dropping the third change
6(7), 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory. set. “I don’t think I broke because it’s not
any rules,” he said. “I’m good for the
“I think he’s a brilliant player. I think he’s great After each break Murray grew more frustrated playing by the rules and
for the game but I have at officials for refusing to call the Greek on what he sticking to what the ATP
zero time for that saw as stalling tactics. says is fair, then the rest is
stuff at all,” fine.
said “When you’re playing a brutal match like that,
you know, stopping for seven, eight minutes, you “If there’s something that
do cool down,” said Murray. “It can’t be he has to tell me, we sport.” –
coincidence that it’s happening at those should speak the Reuters
two of us to
moments. kind of
“It’s just disappointing because I feel it understand

influenced the outcome of the match. I’m not
saying I necessarily win that match… but it

Andy Murray reacts during the
men’s singles first round match
against Stefanos Tsitsipas on Day
One of the 2021 US Open tennis
tournament at the Billie Jean King
National Tennis Centre. – AFPPIX

Osaka kicks off US Open defence with straight sets win

NAOMI OSAKA came to Flushing four-time Grand Slam winner. stands that were empty a year ago. round of the Australian Open in Osaka focused on her inconsistent
Meadows to entertain and did not Osaka, who fired 21 winners but “I’m the type of player that wants 2020, where she also won in straight play and relative lack of time on
disappoint yesterday, overcoming a sets. court as she crashed out in the third
slow start to beat Czech Marie committed 13 unforced errors in the to entertain a crowd as well. I think round of the Tokyo Olympics and the
Bouzkova 6-4, 6-1 and get her US first set, broke Bouzkova’s serve at 5- last year I was just really business,” “I thought today’s match was Western & Southern Open.
Open title defence under way in 4 to win the opener and never she said. really tough. I haven’t played her in a
front of a roaring capacity crowd. looked back, winning the first five while. I guess just to be able to be But the match marked a
games of the second despite “I wouldn’t try to hit a crazy serve the first night match and to win in reassuring return to form for the 23-
Unseeded Bouzkova held her own struggling with her first serve. or anything like that. Of course, I’m two sets was really important to me,” year-old, who looks the likeliest
through much of the first set but only one match in here and I don’t she told reporters. candidate to upset world No. 1 Ash
failed to convert on four break point The world No. 3 closed out the think I’ve gotten that distracted yet.” Barty on the New York hardcourts. –
opportunities against the Japanese match with a forehand winner, In the run-up to the year’s final Reuters
offering a smile and a wave to the Osaka’s only previous meeting major, much of the talk around
with Bouzkova came at the first

Medvedev makes TRAMLINES superbly throughout the match, effectively deal- committed her 12th forehand error to hand the
statement in New York Kyrgios throws in the towel ing with his 2.1m opponent’s fiery serve as he first set to Linette and put the supportive crowd
converted two breakpoints and fired 27 winners at Arthur Ashe Stadium on edge. But she
RUSSIAN second seed Daniil Medvedev stayed NICK KYRGIOS spent more time battling chair in a solid performance to begin his bid for a relaxed as the match wore on and held off a late
solid from the baseline against Frenchman umpire Carlos Bernardes than opponent maiden Grand Slam title. comeback push from the spirited Polish player
Richard Gasquet to advance to the second Roberto Bautista Agut at the US Open yesterday to seal the win with a volley on match point.
round of the US Open with a 6-4, 6-3, 6-1 as the truculent Australian slumped to a 6-3, 6-4, Stephens overcomes Keys “You guys really, really helped me today,” Gauff
victory yesterday. 6-0 first round exit. The contest did not produce said in an on-court interview. “And it almost
the explosive outbursts Kyrgios has become FORMER champion Sloane Stephens overcame brings me to tears because I missed playing in
It was the 200th career win for the 25-year- known for but there was no shortage of best friend Madison Keys’s aggressive play to front of this crowd so much.” Gauff said the
old and his 160th on hard courts and the profanity laced rants as the Australian became secure a 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(7) win in the first round of match turned on a change of mindset after the
Russian showed why he is one of the top embroiled in a standoff with Bernardes over the US Open yesterday. The 2017 winner quickly first set. “I decided to stop worrying about the
contenders for the title with a clinical display at where towels could and could not be placed on took control of the first set on Arthur Ashe pressure and just have fun” she said. “I told
Arthur Ashe Stadium in the final match of the the court. “My job is to come out here and Stadium, putting up a strong defensive myself whether I win or lose, it’s all a part of
opening day. entertain the people,” roared Kyrgios. “Not to performance to fend off three break points as God’s plan.”
walk back and forth for a towel. I should be able Keys committed 15 unforced errors. But Keys
The 2019 US Open finalist, who also reached to put the towel where I want. I don’t want to roared back in the second, winning all of her Winning return for Halep
the title match of the Australian Open at the walk back and forth, back and forth. How many first-serve points and firing off 11 winners
start of the year, broke Gasquet once in each of extra steps is that? That’s so stupid.” After two compared to just three from Stephens, who SIMONA HALEP, who missed three of the year’s
the first two sets before the veteran Frenchman bad-tempered sets Kyrgios appeared to throw struggled to find her power. After trading breaks biggest events while recovering from a calf
seemed to start struggling physically. in towel, losing the final set 6-0 and not even in the third set, they headed into a tiebreak, injury, delivered a statement win on her return
raising his racquet as Bautista Agut hit the where Keys’s unforced errors proved to be her to Grand Slam action when she beat Italian
Gasquet, 10 years older than his opponent, match winner. undoing. “We’re both looking to get back that Camila Giorgi 6-4, 7-6(3) yesterday to reach the
started to move gingerly in the third set in the form we had in 2017. Maddy is my best friend US Open second round. The former world No. 1,
hot and humid conditions at Flushing Meadows Flawless Rublev downs qualifier on tour and it is always difficult for us but we’re who is seeded 12th in New York, relied on a
as Medvedev broke him three times to close out always able to separate the match and come solid serving game to get by the in-form Giorgi,
the match in under two hours. WORLD NO. 7 Andrey Rublev made short work of out and compete,” said Stephens. “I thought who won the biggest title of her career two
veteran qualifier Ivo Karlovic in the US Open first today we played a really solid match.” weeks ago in Montreal. “At 5-4 (in the second
“I saw a lot of matches today, I had all the round yesterday, beating the tricky Croatian 6-3, set) I felt the pressure. Because I don’t have
day to watch and all the matches were tough 7-6, (3) 6-3 to set up a clash with Pedro Martinez. Gauff survived scare many matches, I felt sick a little bit because I
physically,” Medvedev said in his on-court The Russian came into the year’s final Grand Slam knew actually I have to finish the match because
interview. having reached the Cincinnati title clash and COCO GAUFF survived a scare from Magda in three sets would be a little bit tougher,” said
made a blistering start on Grandstand, winning Linette to claim a 5-7, 6-3, 6-4 victory at the US Halep. “But, you know, I’m happy that I can see
“Talking about our match the score might the opening three games of the match before Open yesterday and set up a second round my serve improving, and I can win some easy
seem easy but we played two hours and first taking the first set in style. Rublev returned showdown with fellow American Sloane points with it. So I have been looking for it many
two sets were high intensity. Third set I was Stephens. Gauff, 17, was tight at the outset and years, but now finally I can feel it stronger.”
actually not that good physically also.

“I’m happy that I didn’t stay out here for five
hours and I can be ready for the next match.” –
Reuters

SIDENETTING 15theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | SEPTEMBER 1, 2021
Hendo signs new deal * SPORTS

LIVERPOOL captain Jordan Henderson This one is for you, CR7 tells Fergie after deal done
has signed a new contract with the club,
keeping him at Anfield through to 2025. CRISTIANO RONALDO has told Sir Alex “I can’t even start to explain my feelings right word! I’m right here! I’m back where I belong!
He follows a succession of teammates in Ferguson “this one is for you” after completing his now, as I see my return to Old Trafford Let’s make it happen once again! PS - Sir Alex, this
tying their futures to the club, with Virgil return to Manchester United. announced worldwide. It’s like a dream come one is for you…”
van Dijk, Fabinho, Alisson, Trent true, after all the times that I went back to play
Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson all The five time Ballon d’Or winner has signed a against Man. During his first spell with United, Ronaldo won
signing long-term deals this summer, as two-year deal with his former club with the three Premier League titles, a Champions League
the club focuses on renewals rather than option of a third. “United, and even as an opponent, to have the Fifa Club World Cup, two League Cups and
transfers. “I’m obviously very honoured always felt such love and respect from the one FA Cup.
and proud to continue the journey I’ve It is understood Ferguson was key in bringing supporters in the stands. This is absolutely 100%
already been on here,” Henderson told the 36-year-old back to Old Trafford with a the stuff that dreams are made of! “Manchester United is a club that has always
the club website upon extending his deal. number of former teammates also persuading had a special place in my heart, and I have been
“It’s amazing to finally get it done and just him not to join rivals Manchester City. “My first domestic League, my first Cup, my overwhelmed by all the messages I have received
concentrate on looking forward and what first call to the Portuguese National team, my first since the announcement on Friday,” the
the future may hold. I feel as hungry as I “Everyone who knows me, knows about my Champions League, my first Golden Boot and my Portuguese told the club website.
did when I first walked in 10 years ago, to never ending love for Manchester United,” first Ballon d’Or, they were all born from this
prove to people that I deserve to be at Ronaldo wrote on Instagram. special connection between me and the Red “I cannot wait to play at Old Trafford in front of
this football club and give absolutely Devils. a full stadium and see all the fans again. I’m
everything every single day for the “The years I spent in this club where looking forward to joining up with the team after
badge, for the fans. If we do that, I feel as absolutely amazing and the path we’ve made “History has been written in the past and the international games, and I hope we have a
though we’ve got a good chance of being together is written in gold letters in the history of history will be written once again! You have my very successful season ahead.” – The Independent
successful.” this great and amazing institution.

De Jong curious about Attack at all cost
working with Van Gaal Ronaldo threatens Greenwood breakout as United mask collective deficiencies

NETHERLANDS midfielder Frenkie de █ RICHARD JOLLY assured, auspicious debut from Ronaldo was in the stands at teenager has scored in every game
Jong is curious to discover how veteran Raphael Varane. Molineux. The real thing is unlikely for the club.
coach Louis van Gaal goes about his “YOU’RE allowed to to spend too much time in the Old
business as the two work together for the have good players It was, as Solskjaer swiftly Trafford dugout. His finishing has been
first time this week in the World Cup in either box,” Ole added, a theory that was equally “He’s not signed to sit on the magnificent. He is turning half-
qualifiers. De Jong spoke ahead of the Gunnar Solskjaer applicable to the other penalty bench,” said Solskjaer. “I want him chances into goals, whereas
first training session under the 70-year- said. area, equally pertinent to Mason in the box, scoring goals. I see him Wolves turned golden ones into
old Van Gaal yesterday as the Dutch Greenwood’s clinical winner at more as a centre forward.” another blank. United beat Wolves
squad assembled for three qualifiers in As someone who built a fine Wolves. Unmentioned in that It renders Ronaldo a threat to in the penalty areas.
the space of seven days – against Norway career on being sharper and answer, but framing everything Greenwood before he can even
away tomorrow (2.45am Malaysian time), quicker-witted in the penalty area, was Cristiano Ronaldo, who trouble opponents. They could defeat plenty of
followed by home games in Group G he is proof. arrived at Old Trafford the first The last-ditch move for the other teams in similar style: after
against Montenegro Turkey. “I am curious time as a flamboyant figure on the Portuguese – whether inspired, all, 198 of Ronaldo’s last 215 league
about the trainer Van Gaal,” De Jong said. In this instance, however, he flanks and will return having opportunistic, sensational, goals have come from inside
“I’ve met him once before, that was it. You was defending Manchester transformed himself into arguably unnecessary or any combination various 18-yard boxes.
hear stories but I’m curious as to how the United’s defence, citing Aaron the most potent penalty-box player of them – alters the striking
week will go. What do I expect? He has a Wan-Bissaka’s remarkable goal- since Gerd Muller. equation at a time when the “You’re allowed to have good
charisma of his own anyway. And line clearance and David de Gea’s players in either box.” In as much
authority. I don’t think that’s a bad thing brilliant double save, plus an A cardboard cut-out version of as there is a footballing doctrine of
as a coach. You sometimes talk to other Solskjaerism, maybe it boils down
players about coaches and I’ve heard Manchester United’s Mason Greenwood (centre) scores the opening to that.
some stories about him, but I didn’t call goal during the English Premier League match against Wolverhampton
anyone specifically to ask about him,” the Wanderers at the Molineux stadium on Sunday. – AFPPIX Perhaps there is no grander
24-year-old Barcelona midfielder said. philosophy, beyond a belief in
Willian takes parting shot at Gunners counterattacking, youth, pace,
League position means adventure and a love of all things
nothing yet: Nuno United.

TOTTENHAM boss Nuno Espirito Santo Their rivals may have more
insists his side’s position at the top of the attacking midfielders, perhaps
Premier League “doesn’t mean anything”. more creative figures just outside
Spurs made it three wins from three with the box, but United have more out-
a 1-0 victory over Watford as Nuno and-out forwards: factor in Marcus
became the first boss to win his first three Rashford and they have five
League games at the club since Arthur potential No. 9s plus the most
Rowe in 1949. All three games have been prolific No. 10 in the division.
won by a 1-0 scoreline and there is early-
season optimism but Nuno is not getting Solskjaerism has come down to
carried away. “That doesn’t mean good players, to Edinson Cavani, to
anything at all,” he said. “Don’t pay Rashford, to Paul Pogba, most of all
attention to that. Let’s keep on working, to Bruno Fernandes.
we still have a long way and a lot of
aspects to improve on. Being consistent is Perhaps it makes United the
what we are focused on and we have to anti-Manchester City, given Pep
keep on going. Now the players go (on Guardiola’s famous fondness for
international duty), we’ll stay, we’ll look, midfielders.
we’ll work with the players who are going
to stay and try to make better for the next But maybe they are also the
one.” anti-Liverpool and the anti-
Chelsea: Jurgen Klopp and
Bielsa has no complaints with Thomas Tuchel prize players who
Burnley’s combative approach bring positional sense and control
and leave the goals and assists to
LEEDS boss Marcelo Bielsa had no the front three.
complaints about Burnley’s combative
approach after his side’s 1-1 draw at Turf Solskjaer’s rivals may feel games
Moor. Patrick Bamford turned home a late are dictated in midfield. The
equaliser for Leeds after their former Norwegian would argue they are
striker Chris Wood had given Burnley a determined in the box.
second half lead. The Clarets, who had
four players booked by referee Michael In Ronaldo, he will soon have
Oliver were intent on winning all their one of the most dominant box
physical battles as they chased their first players of all, but United are
points of the season. Leeds received three looking to outstanding individuals
yellow cards of their own. When asked if to compensate for collective
he had been concerned for his players, deficiencies and failings elsewhere.
Bielsa said : “No, I thought it was a very – The independent
heated game but not any more than that.
It was a very disputed game and it was a ARSENAL flop Willian has suggested that he quit whopping £20 million (RM118m) by cutting his “I hope with my actions today explain to those
very physical game.” the club because he was unable to accept not deal short and is now set to return to boyhood club people and they now understand that was not the
winning. Corinthians. case.

The Brazilian tore up the final two years on his Explaining his decision to leave north London, “I hope it teaches some people that they should
£240,000-a-week (RM1.4m) a contract yesterday he wrote on social media: “I would like to thank not be so quick to pass judgement and create bad
with the Gunners sitting bottom of the Premier Arsenal for the opportunity they have given to me environments to make themselves important
League table with no points from their opening and for the warm welcome received by everybody though I accept that’s part of the game.
three games of the season. at the club.
“All my career I have done everything to be the
Willian was yet to make an appearance this “Unfortunately things on the pitch didn’t go the best I can be. I always want to win and I find it hard
season, and his performances in his first year at the way we had planned and hoped, I received a lot of to accept not doing so.
club had come in for heavy criticism. criticism especially from some members of the
press that I had come here for financial reasons. “Unfortunately it didn’t happen for me at
But the 33-year-old has saved Arsenal a Arsenal and I am sorry about that.” – Daily Star

QUOTE OF THE DAY

WEDNESDAY • SEPTEMBER 1, 2021 “I think just trying to reset and play the
golf tournament like any other golf
tournament, just trying to put a bunch of rounds in
the 60s on the board. It’s a really good golf course.
It’s usually in fantastic shape. Those guys down there
always bring their ‘A’ game when it comes to course
conditions.”

Patrick Cantlay

Premier class
Chelsea, Liverpool tussle sets tone for title race as Manchester clubs watch on

█ MELISSA REDDY appointing a certified elite manager evident trust in options.
and are regularly talked up as That problem will become
THOMAS TUCHEL opted for favourites to be crowned England’s
“suffering” to describe large best. pronounced when Sadio Mane and
swathes of play against “a Mohamed Salah depart for African
very strong Liverpool side”, Liverpool’s opening spell, before Cup of Nations duty.
where “the pressure was high, the Kai Havertz’s brilliant looped header
energy was high” – and that was against the run of play, delivered a It is a risk not to replace the
before Chelsea had to hit ultra- timely reminder that they remain a qualities Gini Wijnaldum offered in
obstructive mode due to being a man thoroughly formidable force. the centre of the park, chiefly being
down. able to rely on him physically and
Jurgen Klopp took a breath and It is ridiculous that a refresher is tactically across an entire campaign.
smiled before offering: “It’s rare to get needed given that over the previous
this kind of enjoyment. The intensity three seasons – including their horror City have smashed in 10 goals in
the teams put in was really injury-hit last campaign – the their last two matches, so it may
incredible.” sound mad to suggest they still need
Both managers enjoyed Sunday Merseysiders have posted a striker, but the club clearly share
encounter at Anfield for the same points that view given the failed moves for
contrasting reasons, but there total as the mighty Harry Kane and Cristiano.
was one common conclusion: Manchester City.
this was a heavyweight battle, Despite Norwich and Arsenal were
these are certified title candidates. amenable opponents but there are
Anyone else with ambitions of needing to field Rhys more rigorous assessments ahead.
perching at the Premier League Williams and Nathaniel Philipps in
summit, the Manchester clubs the heart of defence, they ended City, despite the millions thrown
specifically, will have been 2020-21 third, on the heels of at the position, do not have an elite
exhausted just watching the Manchester United, who are now leftback and shockingly continued
tussle, let alone plotting how billed to finish ahead of a full- playing Benjamin Mendy there while
either can be undone. strength Liverpool. he was on bail under investigation for
Chelsea’s diligence and sexual offences.
structure without the ball Yet there has been no strong
after losing Reece James to evidence for that so far in this Chelsea, squad-wise, look the
a red card was immense. campaign. most complete of the lot. They are
It emphasised their tactically versatile and bought a
most significant Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men have banker in Romelu Lukaku.
transformation under recruited well – Jadon Sancho and
Tuchel; morphing from an Raphael Varane are smart purchases But we do not know if they have
error-leading-to-goal and who knows what the Cristiano the capacity to hit a 90-plus point
accident to a defensive Ronaldo effect will bring – but they season and how they weather truly
machine. stormy periods under Tuchel.
The team that allows the still have massive holes in midfield,
fewest efforts against them on display again at Wolves. City and Liverpool have redefined
are now totally sure of themselves what it takes to win the Premier
when not in possession, even when at United have very good League and too much stock has been
a numerical disadvantage in a components, but feel shy of what placed in the latter’s stutter last time
Liverpool, Chelsea and their city out after a miserable run of luck.
neighbours are capable of.
Over the past few months, Chelsea
That is not to say there are no have shaped up as the only side who
question marks over that trio. can seriously break into that duopoly
and the draw at Anfield was a window
Klopp’s issue is depth of quality into how breathless the title race
in attack, where beyond the could be. – The Independent
front four there has been no

thunderous Anfield.
That Chelsea have been so good is Chelsea’s Reece James (left) vies with Liverpool’s Andrew
no great shock: the champions of Robertson during the English Premier League match at
Europe have been superb since Anfield on Sunday. – AFPPIX

Italy, Germany get back to business on road to Qatar 2022

ACROSS Europe it is time for people to go back different ball game to the Euro, and not just of Euro 2020 in the last 16. It could be a challenging start to the 70-year-
to work at the end of the summer holidays, and because the next one takes place in November “I’m looking forward to working with him,” old Van Gaal’s third stint as national coach as the
for Italy it is back to business too, less than eight and December, 2022. Netherlands play Erling Haaland’s Norway in
weeks after their Euro 2020 triumph at said Bayern and Germany goalkeeper Manuel Oslo before hosting Montenegro and Turkey.
Wembley. Only the winners of the 10 qualifying groups Neuer. “I have big goals. I want to be a world
are certain to qualify, with the remaining three champion.” For England it is all about putting the pain of
Fifty-four days on from the joy of beating places up for grabs in playoffs next March. their Euro final defeat behind them as they face
England on penalties on a feverish night in Germany’s final qualifier under Loew in potential pitfalls away in Hungary and Poland,
London, the Azzurri will take the acclaim of their Italy’s game on March ended in a either side of a home meeting with minnows
own supporters when they play Bulgaria in Monday (2.45am shock 2-1 home Andorra.
Florence in a World Cup qualifier. Malaysian time) in defeat to North
Basel against Macedonia, their “There is no doubt that individually these
Roberto Mancini’s team cannot afford to rest Switzerland, their first loss in World players are going to improve and continue to
on their laurels because until they have secured biggest rivals in Cup qualifying in 20 improve,” England manager Gareth Southgate
qualification for the finals in Qatar, they will not Group C, will years leaving them said after naming a squad that has changed
have completely erased the memory of their therefore be crucial. third in Group J. little from the young group that took part in
failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. Flick’s start looks Euro 2020.
At the moment gentle though, with
Italy are unbeaten in 34 games – including the biggest Germany playing Ater completing his transfer back to
winning their first three qualifiers for Qatar back European names Liechtenstein, Manchester United, Cristiano Ronaldo has the
in March – and now they face three more with work to do are chance to become the all-time top international
matches in eight days with a trip to Switzerland the Netherlands and Germany, two Armenia and Iceland. goal-scorer when Portugal play Ireland
and a home meeting with Lithuania also on the powerhouses who head into the autumn with The Netherlands, who also failed to qualify tomorrow (2.45am).
agenda. new coaches.
for the last World Cup, sacked Frank de Boer Ronaldo equalled the Iranian Ali Daei’s record
“I would like the boys to pick up where they Hansi Flick is the new man in charge of after going out of Euro 2020 in the last 16 and of 109 goals for his country during the European
left off,” said Mancini this week. Germany after 15 years under Joachim Loew. have reappointed Louis van Gaal. Championship.

“As a national team we can still improve For a long time Flick was Loew’s assistant The man who led the Oranje to the 2014 Following a disappointing Euro 2020,
between now and the World Cup, but first we and, after winning the Champions League with World Cup semifinals takes over a team reigning world champions France get back to
have to qualify.” Bayern Munich, he is the man tasked with currently trailing a point behind Group G leaders business in a triple-header including a testing
restoring pride to a national team that went out Turkey. visit to Ukraine. – AFP
As Italy know well, the World Cup is a

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