The Sun Daily-020621

TELLING IT AS IT IS

ON WEDNESDAY JUNE 2, 2021

No. 7792 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) www.thesundaily.my

TOTAL CLEANSING ...
A firefighter being sanitised in a
disinfecting chamber after
completing the burial of a
Covid-19 victim at the
Kampung Kolam Kuala Ibai
Islamic cemetery in
Terengganu yesterday. Covid
– BERNAMAPIX stories on

—

page 4

Go lean and mean
█ BY RAJVINDER SINGH oTime now to review ‘bloated’ civil service to reduce expenditure
[email protected]
reviewed since independence 64 years ago. by looking at natural attrition and reskilling “If we promote a wider participation of the
PETALING JAYA: Malaysian taxpayers “My view is that at 1.6 million, we have a very of excess staff to keep expenditure down, a private sector in the economy, it will indirectly
spent RM82 billion last year just to keep point raised in a front page report by theSun help to reduce the number of civil servants.”
civil servants on the job. They also large civil service, larger than in many other on May 31. He proposed a royal commission of inquiry
forked out RM27.1 billion to show their countries,” said the former secretary-general of be created to study the civil service, focusing
appreciation for the work done years ago by the Treasury and later, the Transport Ministry. According to the report, economists had on its size, function, productivity and
those who have retired from the service. voiced support for former Bank Negara standards as a way forward.
He attributed this to the government’s “Isi Malaysia deputy governor Tan Sri Dr Lin See “We must realise that the expenditure
The bad news is that the sum will continue to Penuh” policy to fill up all vacancies. Yan’s proposal to reset the budget to “zero on the civil service will continue
rise as salaries increase and new personnel are base” to determine areas where expenditure to rise, and if the service
recruited to replace those who have retired. “The time has come to find out exactly how can be reduced. becomes too large, the Turn to
many personnel we have and whether they are government may end up
Whether the average Malaysian gets what he performing up to expectations.” Ramon said the administration’s policy of borrowing just to pay salaries —
is paying for is a debate for another time, but participating in the economy through
the fact is that many now see the service as Ramon said the World Bank has data on the government-linked companies also contributes page 2
highly bloated. civil service of every country, making it the ideal to the size of the civil service.
party to conduct such a study. and pensions,” Ramon added.
Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam, a veteran of the
government administration himself, pointed He added that the government could start
out that the civil service has never been

7 Concern over TikTok craze among preteens -p3 7 Good food way to maintain mental health -p5

2 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | JUNE 2, 2021
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

All-round support for aid package

o New infusion of funds to objectives, namely, to boost public healthcare affected by the economic slowdown brought on be more direct assistance to industries that are
help mitigate adverse impact capacity, preserve the people’s welfare and to by the Covid-19 pandemic. The worst hit sectors most affected.
of total lockdown ensure sustainability of businesses during the are tourism, retail and non-essential-related
14-day lockdown that began yesterday. businesses, he said. In a statement, FMM president Tan Sri Soh
█ BY HAKEM HASSAN Thian Lai said that although the initiatives are
[email protected] The package includes a RM5 billion direct He said the RM1.5 billion allocation for the appreciated, businesses have not recovered from
PETALING JAYA: While the RM40 billion fiscal injection on top of the previously one-month wage subsidy programme under the the impact of the previous lockdowns and SMEs
Pemerkasa Plus aid package gets the thumbs up announced RM100 billion package that is still in Social Security Organisation for affected economic have seen their financial reserves depleted.
from stakeholders, some are of the view that the implementation phase. sectors is insufficient. “It should be extended by
there is more to be done. three months to six months,” he told theSun. He urged the government to include
Malaysian Employers Federation president initiatives such as an automatic loan moratorium
Economists and businesses said the new Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman said the “A three-to-six-month wage subsidy is more extended to all businesses regardless of size as
infusion of funds will help to mitigate the adverse new aid package will help to stabilise the labour appropriate as herd immunity can only be well as to expand temporary measures to provide
impact of a new round of movement control market, encourage employee retention and expected by the end of the year,” he added. relief for manufacturing and manufacturing-
order (MCO) on the economy in the short term. reduce the number of businesses going bust. related services such as trading or
Sunway University Business School distributorship and logistics.
However, some of the stakeholders said the “It is a wholesome package, given that the economist Dr Yeah Kim Leng told theSun the aid
assistance and initiatives announced have fallen government needs to focus on sustaining the package extends the target support to the Meanwhile, Pakatan Harapan presidential
short of the business sector’s expectations. public healthcare system and the overall well- vulnerable businesses and households most council urged the government to be bolder in its
being of the rakyat,” he said. affected by the nationwide lockdown. spending to pull the economy out of recession.
On Monday, Prime Minister Tan Sri
Muhyiddin Yassin announced that the aid Small and Medium Enterprises Association “The cash aid which grants soft loans and In a statement by PKR president Datuk Seri
package has been designed to meet three main secretary-general Yeoh Seng Hooi said wage subsidies, while small relative to daily Anwar Ibrahim, Parti Amanah president
Permerkasa Plus is a good step forward for small income losses and payroll burden arising from Mohamad Sabu and DAP secretary-general Lim
Civil servants chipping and medium-size enterprises. the lockdown, is nonetheless helpful to tide over Guan Eng, the council expressed its
in to Covid fund the temporary shutdown,” he said. disappointment that the package contains only
Under the package, RM2 billion has been set RM5 billion in new funding and not the RM45
aside to finance a relief and recovery facility for On the other hand, the Federation of
affected SMEs. Malaysian Manufacturers billion cash injection that is required by the
(FMM) said there should economy.
Yeoh said SMEs have been the most badly

PUTRAJAYA: Chief Secretary to the BUSINESS MUST
Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali yesterday GO ON ... Durian
announced that a portion of civil servants’ fixed seller Mohd Fazli Abd
allowances will be channelled to the Disaster Rahman, 38, packs
Trust Fund Account for three months as a the “King of Fruits” in
manifestation of solidarity in dealing with the plastic bags while his
Covid-19 pandemic. wife Norfazilah Mat
Isa, 39, shows a list of
In a statement yesterday, he said the customers who
contributions from over 800,000 civil servants, placed their orders
not including frontline personnel and those in online. The couple,
Grades 1 to 28, are estimated to be more than who run a stall at
RM30 million. Jalan Baru in Balik
Pulau, Penang, get
“A portion of Fixed Entertainment Allowance around the ban on
(ITK) from the higher management group and open sale of the fruits
those from Grades 44 to 56, and Fixed Public on sidewalk during
Service Allowance (ITKA) from civil servants in MCO 3.0 by going
Grades 29 to 41 will be contributed to the online. – MASRY CHE
Disaster Trust Fund Account,” he said. ANI/THESUN

The ITK deduction rate for JUSA A and above Downsize via natural attrition, suggests economist
is 50%, JUSA B (20%), JUSA C (10%, and Grades
44 to 56 (5%), and RM10 from ITKA of those in Sunway University Business School In refuting the general view that the civil “The health services accounts for 15% of the
Grades 29 to 41. economist Dr Yeah Kim Leng said one way service is “bloated”, former director-general civil service based on the ratio of healthcare
to reduce the size of the civil service is of the Public Service Department Tan Sri personnel to the population,” he said.
He said a circular with the details of the through natural attrition. From Ismail Adam said the size of the civil
implementation would be issued soon. “Surplus staff can also be retrained for front service is based on the need of each “We must not forget that unlike Australia, the
other jobs, for instance, in critical areas, page sector it serves. United States or Canada, federal, state and local
“The contribution is a sign of togetherness of government staff as well as those of statutory
civil servants in supporting the government’s so the need to employ more civil servants He said for instance, the education bodies in Malaysia are part of the larger civil
effort to combat the pandemic and flatten the will not arise,” he said, adding that in the long sector comprises 40% of the civil service to service. Taking that into consideration, our civil
Covid-19 infection curve in the country. run, this will also raise productivity. ensure optimum teacher-student ratio. service is not actually that large,” he added.

On Monday, Prime Minister Tan Sri
Muhyiddin Yassin, when announcing the
Pemerkasa Plus stimulus package, said all
ministers and deputy ministers would not be
taking their salaries for three months from June.

According to him, the salaries would be
contributed to the Disaster Trust Fund to
finance expenses related to Covid-19. - Bernama

3theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | JUNE 2, 2021
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

Keeping an eye on
the elderly

o One-man setup provides service to check
on clients living alone to ensure their safety

█ BY SHIVANI SUPRAMANI “He is very dependable and has choose to live alone.
[email protected] never failed to call me, even when he Given that Hyams no longer has a
PETALING JAYA: Living alone has its is not well. As a long-time client, I
perks but for the elderly, it can be must say that it feels good to know steady income, a church is helping
risky. that someone besides my family is by giving him a monthly ration of
looking out for me.” food, a small amount of money as
If there is an accident, or if they well as diapers for his siblings.
fall ill, it may take days or weeks Some of his clients have even
before anyone finds out. By then, it become friends. “While some calls A close family friend had
may be too late. are brief, others are long and filled encouraged him to start the service.
with laughter,” Hyams said.
This is where Douglas Hyams “I stopped working to take care of
(pix) comes in with Be Safe Services, He began Be Safe Services when my siblings as I could not afford to
set up a few years ago. For RM40 a he had to quit his job to look after his pay someone to look after them.”
month, or RM10 a week, one can two special-needs siblings after his
subscribe to the service and the mother died. Those who would like to
54-year-old will check on you to subscribe to Hyams’ services can
ensure that you are alright. “I realised that elderly people reach him at 012-356 9368.
living on their own need someone to
All Hyams needs is a phone check on them regularly to ensure
number. His task is to call the they are safe.”
number at an appointed time daily
to check on his clients. He recounted “painfully sad
tales” of aged people dying without
“If the call is not answered, I will anyone being aware of it. Just
contact the next of kin.” recently, a 79-year-old woman’s
body was found in a house in Senai,
“One of my clients, Madam Goh, Johor. Malaysia will become an
has been using Be Safe Services for ageing society within the next
close to three years now. I call her decade and a service such as this will
between 1pm and 3pm daily, as become essential.
requested,” he told theSun.
A study by the University of
Madam Goh commended Hyams Granada showed that the preference
for his effort in helping to keep senior for privacy and independence are
citizens living alone safe. some of the reasons the elderly

Alleged child labour victims rescued

Maya beat 21 other finalists. KUALA LUMPUR: Police on Soon after receiving the report, couple’s orders, he added.
Monday rescued five children police raided the house and rescued Unable to bear the abuse, 14
Mixed parentage lass wins Sabah suspected of being exploited for the remaining victims of the alleged
harvest festival queen title child labour by a couple at a house in human trafficking, aged between children at the home fled the place
Taman Bukit Seputeh. eight and 17. over the years.
PENAMPANG: Kadazan-Polish competed for the Kundasang state
beauty Maya Hejnowska was constituency. Brickfields police chief ACP “Investigations showed that the He said a remand order to further
named the new Unduk Ngadau The pageant, held online this Anuar Omar said yesterday that a couple had brought 16 children from detain the couple will be sought, and
(harvest queen) in conjunction year, saw 79 participants 55-year-old man and his wife, 54, an orphanage in Kulim, Kedah and the case is being investigated under
with this year’s Kaamatan Festival representing each state were nabbed during a raid. housed them at the premises the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and
celebrations on Monday. constituency in Sabah and four in 2017. Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act
states in peninsular Malaysia. A report was received from an 2007.
She defeated 21 other finalists in 18-year-old male on Monday at “They were allegedly forced to
a competition held at the Hongkod about 4pm. perform chores at the place,” Anuar He urged those with information
Koisaan KDCA Hall in Penampang. said. on the case to contact Brickfields
The 20-year-old, who represented The teen, who was also staying at police at 03-2297 9222 or the Kuala
the Api-Api state constituency, took the house, had escaped hours earlier, The children were purportedly Lumpur police hotline at
home a total prize of RM66,800, he added. beaten if they did not follow the 03-2115 9999.
including RM15,000 and a
RM35,000 education scholarship. Sabah Chief Minister Datuk
Hajiji Noor, in a statement in
Maya thanked her mother and conjunction with the festival’s Panda gives birth to third cub
other family members for their closing ceremony, said Kaamatan
encouragement. is a cultural event for Kadazan, KUALA LUMPUR: Giant panda 2015, and Jan 14, 2018, respectively. International Conservation
Dusun, Murut and Rungu as well as Liang Liang gave birth to her third “Currently, the gender of this Cooperation Agreement programme
First runner-up Dianarin other ethnic communities, cub on Monday at the Giant Panda inked between the governments of
Vahidin represented the Ranau celebrated as a sign of gratitude for Conservation Centre in Zoo Negara. baby panda is not known, as it is still Malaysia and China in 2012.
constituency while second a bountiful harvest. under the care of its mother and The country received Liang Liang
runner-up Febby Angelica Richard The festival teaches the The Wildlife and National Parks cannot be approached. The zoo’s and Xing Xing on May 21, 2014 to
importance of unity in enhancing Department said the cub, born at staff will continue to monitor Liang symbolise the 40th anniversary of
peace in the state, which is rich in 8.30pm, is Liang Liang and partner Liang and her cub for a day.” Malaysia-China diplomatic
racial, ethnic and cultural diversity, Xing Xing’s third since their arrival. relations. The pair are on loan for 10
he added. – Bernama The department said the birth is years. – Bernama
The first and second cubs, Nuan another success story of the centre,
Nuan and Yi Yi, were born on Aug 18, established under the Giant Panda

Sex abuse concerns over popularity of TikTok among children

KUALA LUMPUR: While TikTok one minute. whatever is uploaded,” she told worldwide are aged between 16 and access to professional video, audio
videos are entertaining, and Universiti Putra Malaysia Bernama. 21, one-third of US users are aged and photo editing software, the site’s
sometimes even educational and below 14.” negative aspects cannot be ignored.
meaningful, its growing popularity Teaching Hospital psychiatrist Dr According to United Kingdom-
among children aged between four Ruziana Masiran, who is also a based market research company Data released by parental control TikTok content can expose young
and 13 can be a cause for concern. lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine Global Web Index, as of February last software company Qustodio showed users to sexual predators and sexual
and Health Science, said although year, TikTok had an estimated 800 that in the US, children aged four to grooming. The app’s usage can also
As experts pointed out, TikTok users below 13 are supposed million active users worldwide. In the 14 spent an average of 82 minutes a lead to privacy leakage, which is even
unrestrained use of the social media to watch the censored version of United States (US), the amount of day watching Tik Tok content and 86 more dangerous as it puts the safety
app can have negative outcomes content posted on the platform, time TikTok users spent on it doubled minutes daily on YouTube between of children and their families at risk,
such as privacy violations and many lie about their age to gain from 38 minutes a day in May 2019 to February 2019 and April last year, she Ruziana said.
exposure to sexual predators. access to uncensored material. 82 minutes daily in February 2020. added.
Parents can use its Family Pairing
TikTok is a Chinese social “TikTok is increasingly becoming Ruziana said the Global Web While TikTok’s simplified feature that allows parents to link
networking service used to share a the app of choice for children in Index showed that 90% of TikTok framework provides an avenue for their child’s TikTok account with their
variety of short videos, each with a Malaysia. In fact, children as young as users visited the site more than once children and teenagers to express own, giving them direct control over
duration of 15 seconds to four already know about it and watch a day. “Although 41% of users their creativity and give them free the child’s privacy settings.

4 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | JUNE 2, 2021
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

Johor crown prince urges youths to help vaccine exercise

JOHOR BARU: The Tunku Mahkota The non-governmental daily positive cases and deaths about the vaccines, as well as can encourage the youth to play a
of Johor (TMJ) Tunku Ismail Sultan organisation was set up last year to continues to increase. encouraging their family members bigger role in curbing the spread of
Ibrahim has urged the state’s group of lead volunteer activities, especially and friends to sign up for vaccination. the Covid-19 pandemic.
volunteers, known as Southern involving youths in the state. Through a post on his official
Volunteers, to be mobilised at Facebook site, Tunku Ismail said one He also called for the mobilisation “Hopefully, their role can be
vaccination centres to assist Tunku Ismail said the youths of the ways youths could help is by of Southern Volunteers to help the optimised to help make the
frontliners in the fight against the should also play their part to curb the volunteering in the National people of Johor register for the Covid- vaccination programme a success,
Covid-19 pandemic. spread of the Covid-19 outbreak, Covid-19 Immunisation Programme 19 vaccination. and increase its effectiveness,” he
especially now when the number of and spreading correct information said. – Bernama
“I hope that Southern Volunteers

Fear factor boosts 579,462
vaccination drive

o Steep rise in daily new cases and number of fatalities 80,474 496,121 2,867
prompting public to register for inoculation

█ BY SHIVANI SUPRAMANI are unlikely to experience severe complications 7,105 872 6,083 71
[email protected] that lead to death.
PETALING JAYA: The high rate of new 0 531
infections and fatalities has become a major “This clearly shows the importance of herd 198
force in driving people to seek vaccination immunity. It is the same with other vaccines 236
against Covid-19. This is evident from the quick such as measles. A major outbreak can occur 400 190 162
take-up in the first round of the AstraZeneca among a large group of people if many are not 397
opt-in initiative and the high volume of traffic to vaccinated.” 387
the registration site. 2,068 318
Hoe said the level of protection a vaccine
People are so desperate to stay safe that can provide depends on several factors, such as 817
news of side effects of the vaccine, and even a person’s immunity as well as the virulence of 18
reports of fatalities caused by it, are no longer a the virus and virus load the person has 249
cause for concern. The fact that the vaccine is received.
still not a silver bullet for infections has had little 431
to no impact on people’s enthusiasm for the jab. He said those who have been vaccinated 703
must continue to observe the standard
“People have become desperate as they see operating procedures, including wearing face
the numbers (of new infections and fatalities) masks, practising social distancing and
rising every day,” said Universiti Malaya ensuring hand hygiene.
head of social and preventive medicine
Dr Victor Hoe. Universiti Malaya professor of epidemiology
and public health Dr Sanjay Rampal said the
He also noted that the success of countries knowledge that it is very difficult to avoid
like the United States and United Kingdom in infection has prompted people to get
reducing infection rates through vaccinations vaccinated as soon as possible.
has also raised confidence in the vaccine.
“The risk for those who are not vaccinated is
“A combination of these factors may be the much higher compared with those who have.
reason for the increased interest in getting Those who have been vaccinated are also less
vaccinated,” Hoe told theSun. likely to transmit the virus to others.”

The number of new infections reported daily However, he warned that herd immunity
has been rising since the end of March, against all strains of Covid remains elusive and
reaching a peak of 9,020 cases last Saturday. new infections are likely to occur over the years.
The total number of infections reached 579,462 “On the bright side, with vaccination, the
yesterday, while fatalities has also been on an novelty of the virus will disappear and it may
upward trajectory, bringing the death toll to end up being no more than a common and less
2,867. severe seasonal infection.”

Hoe also issued a reminder that a person He also warned that the rising rate of
can still be infected even after being vaccinated. community transmission has raised the risk of
However, those who have received the vaccine infections, even for those who have been
vaccinated. “Stay home, at least for the next four
to six weeks (after vaccination).”

Majority agree with total lockdown: Survey Supply of wood
products allowed
KUALA LUMPUR: The government’s and suburban areas, with education
decision to implement a two-week qualifications from Sijil Pelajaran KUALA LUMPUR: Activities in the
total lockdown, which came Malaysia up to doctorate levels. furniture sub-sector and supply of
into force yesterday, has been wood products are allowed to operate
well received by many who want to On whether the 14-day total to facilitate hospitals, vaccination
see a reduction in Covid-19 cases as lockdown would affect their family centres, quarantine centres, low-risk
the virus has claimed 2,867 lives. income, 52.2% of the respondents treatment centres and others related
In a survey conducted by replied in the affirmative. to Covid-19.
Bernama involving 1,251
respondents, it was found that 95.3% The survey also found that 64.7% However, Plantation Industries
were all for the nationwide total of the respondents were worried that and Commodities Minister Datuk
lockdown. The respondents of the the lockdown would result in them Mohd Khairuddin Aman Razali said
online survey were male and female losing their source of income, 54.6% activities in the wood and kenaf
aged between 18 and 61 years, from feared their basic necessities would sub-sectors were not allowed for the
various races across the country. not be sufficient, while 44% feared duration of the total lockdown.
A total of 1,213 people, or 97%, of they would suffer from depression.
the respondents are confident the “For temporary convenience, all
lockdown will be able to reduce the The respondents also hoped that companies, estates, and smallholders
overwhelming surge in Covid-19 the government would provide a in agricommodity for approved
cases. A total of 1,138 respondents moratorium for targeted groups, give sub-sectors are allowed to use their
agreed that the total lockdown is a a discount on utility bills and provide The Federal Highway in Kuala approval letters from the Plantation
good move, while only 9% stated psychological support. Lumpur is deserted after the Industries and Commodities
otherwise. government imposed a full Ministry (KPPK) and agencies only
Those who participated in the Interestingly, 81.9% of the lockdown nationwide for two once before their registrations in the
survey were staff from government or respondents agreed that the total weeks beginning yesterday to Covid-19 Intelligent Management
statutory bodies (600), private sector lockdown could strengthen family curb the rise of Covid-19 System 3.0 by the International Trade
employees (395), self-employed ties as parents would be with their infections. – SYED DANIAL SYED and Industry Ministry are approved.”
(124), unemployed (104) and children under one roof for some AZAHAR/THESUN
students (44) living in urban, rural time. In the survey, 43.6% also agreed Enquiries can be made to KPPK at
that the total lockdown should be for 03-8880 3498 from Monday to Friday
30 days, 31% were of the view that 14 or via [email protected].
days should suffice, while 25.4% felt – Bernama
21 days would be ideal.

5theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | JUNE 2, 2021
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

Good food approach to Matta lauds aid
maintain mental health package for
tourism sector
█ BY HAKEM HASSAN o Well-balanced diet important as adequate divided into two groups.
[email protected] nutrition facilitates ‘gut-brain axis’ to help In the first group are items such KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian
PETALING JAYA: Everybody knows optimise brain fitness, say experts Association of Tour and Travel Agents
that good food equals good mood. as caffeinated beverages and sugary (Matta) welcomes initiatives outlined
the gut, and an imbalance in the Covid-19 has adversly affect snacks that trick the brain into in the Pemerkasa Plus aid package,
Apart from keeping you in shape, composition of these micro- mental well-being, according to the believing that the body is not tired. announced by Prime Minister Tan Sri
good food also has positive effect on organisms leads to depressive-like scmp.com article, as people Muhyiddin Yassin on Monday.
mental well-being. behaviour,” he told theSun. experiencing boredom and overall The second group comprises
inertia seek stimulus foods. processed foods, used cooking oil Matta president Datuk Tan Kok
A well-balanced diet is important “Consuming probiotics, mainly and coconut milk, as well as butter, Liang said the association hopes the
for the maintenance of mental live bacteria and yeasts, fermented Universiti Malaya Specialist lard and ghee that prevent the aid would help tourism players,
health, said Universiti Putra food as well as prebiotics, which are Centre dietetic services head conversion of other foods into especially travel agents, stay afloat
Malaysia Department of Nutrition, a form of dietary fibre, has a Rozanna M. Rosly said research has nutrients for the brain. during the movement control order
Faculty of Medicine and Health beneficial impact on addressing shown that there is a link between implemented to curb the rise in
Sciences senior lecturer Dr Mohd psychological stress.” what we eat and how we feel. Rozanna also cited recent Covid-19 infections.
Redzwan Sabran. research showing that the gut and
Mohd Redzwan said people “It is a complex relationship but brain are physically linked by the He said the push for the rollout of
The connection between food should eat more fruits and we know that our diet can affect our vagus nerve that relays messages the vaccination programme will help
and mental capacity has been well vegetables as they are not only a brain, and some foods can help us between the two organs. pave the way to a quicker re-opening
documented and, according to a source of vitamins and minerals but feel better,” she said. of borders that will help revive
recent article on scmp.com, focusing are also high in dietary fibre. “The gut can influence emotional tourism and its related economic
on nutrition optimises brain fitness. For instance, a Mediterranean behaviour, and the brain can alter subsectors.
He also agreed with health diet and the traditional Japanese the type of bacteria living in the gut,”
The article quoted Harvard- experts that people should go easy diet, which consist of a lot of she said. “We have written to the
trained nutritional psychiatrist Dr on processed and sugary foods. vegetables, fresh fruits, fish, fresh coordinating minister for the
Uma Naidoo as saying that the right herbs and spices as well as healthy It is believed that 95% of the National Covid-19 Immunisation
food helps to optimise brain health According to recent studies, the fats, nuts and seeds, can reduce body’s supply of serotonin, a mood Programme to fast track the
to prevent and even treat anxiety, deterioration of mental health has symptoms of depression,” she said. stabiliser, is produced by gut vaccination programme rollout for
depression, insomnia and fatigue, become a pandemic that has been bacteria. workers in the tourism industry. This
among others. overlooked as the world focuses on Foods that have a negative move is critical if we want to reinforce
Covid-19. impact on brain health can be But maintaining good mental the nation’s reputation as one of the
Mohd Redzwan said there is a well-being is more than just eating foremost tourist destinations in
link between the gut and mental the right food. Southeast Asia.
health, known as the gut-brain axis.
“We can take care of ourselves by “The success of vaccination
“There are microbes that exist in tending to our relationships, programmes in several countries
physical activity, career, spirituality have resulted in the opening of their
and creativity,” Rozanna added. borders to international travel,” he
said.
University
founder dies Tan also lauded the rehabilitation
programme initiative for bus
KUALA LUMPUR: Founder and operators.
president of Limkokwing University
of Creative Technology Tan Sri Lim “We are thankful that the
Kok Wing died yesterday. government has decided to intervene
on behalf of bus owners as the
He was 75. previous moratoriums did not apply
The news of his death was to leasing companies.
announced by Limkokwing
University in a statement. “Matta estimates that its members
“With deep sadness, we convey own more than 9,000 vehicles
the passing of Professor Emeritus classified as Bas Persiaran (Tour Bus),
Tan Sri Datuk Sri Paduka Dr Lim Kok many of which were purchased from
Wing, our founder president. credit and leasing companies.
“A visionary, Tan Sri’s career has – Bernama
been synonymous with creativity,
and he assisted in developing Thumbs up for
innovative education globally, entrepreneurial
empowering especially the incentives
developing world.
“We are humbled by the KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of
condolences and support extended Entrepreneur Development and
by so many, and ask for privacy as Cooperatives fully supports the
we mourn a man we are very proud provision of incentives for
of,” the statement said. entrepreneurs, comprising grants
Lim was reported to have been and funding amounting to RM11.5
hospitalised last week following a fall million under the Pemerkasa Plus
at his home. stimulus package.
Meanwhile, Lim’s children Lim Its minister, Datuk Seri Dr Wan
Kok Wing Jr and Datuk Tiffanee Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, described the
Marie Lim, described their father as initiatives as a right move to help
a great man with a vision that helped entrepreneurs navigate through the
place Malaysia on the global challenging period during the
education map. movement control order (MCO).
“We thank everyone for their “Micro, small and medium
outpouring of condolences. We are enterprises, which account for more
heartbroken over his passing,” they than 1.15 million in 2020, have made
said. – Bernama a significant contribution to the
country’s socio-economic
development, contributing to almost
half of the country’s employment of
7.3 million people,” he said in a
ENSURING COMPLIANCE ... Police and army personnel conducting checks on motorcyclists at a roadblock in Bandar statement yesterday.
Menjalara in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. Wan Junaidi said the Pemerkasa
Plus initiatives for affected
Do’s and don’ts during first phase of lockdown entrepreneurs included targeted
bank loan assistance for micro and
small and medium enterprises that
KUALA LUMPUR: If you are going economic activities can resume remains. The ban also applies to (including self-service laudromats), were not allowed to operate during
out to shop for daily necessities, make during the lockdown. long-distance married couples. pet care and food stores, eyewear and the MCO, a 30% discount on rental of
sure your destination is not more optical goods stores, hardware stores, premises under the Majlis Amanah
than 10km from your house or you In addition to travelling within the During the lockdown period that automobile repair and spare part Rakyat Prihatin programme, and the
will be directed to turn back. 10km radius or the nearest available will end on June 14, 80% of shops are allowed to operate. RM1.5 billion Wage Subsidy
service from your home, the capacity government staff and 60% of private programme.
This is one of the rulings imposed of private vehicles will be limited to sector workers are to work from E-commerce (all product Operators of hotels, travel and
during the first phase of the 14-day two people from the same home. categories) as well as wholesale and tourism agencies, shopping premises
total lockdown that started yesterday household, while only three people distribution (for essential products and shopping complexes, convention
to flatten the Covid-19 curve including the patient are allowed for A one-stop centre coordinated by only) are also allowed to open. centres, theme parks and local airline
following a sharp rise in the daily medical purposes. the Ministry of International Trade offices are also eligible to receive a
number of cases since early April. and Industry has been established to Those travelling to get the Covid- 10% electricity bill discount for an
With the exception of emergency issue work permits for essential 19 vaccination do not require a police additional three months from July to
As announced by the government cases such as deaths or visiting ailing services during the lockdown. permit as they only need to show September. – Bernama
on Sunday, all social activities are not immediate family members, the ban their appointment details on the
allowed and only a few essential on interdistrict and interstate travel However, restaurants, food stalls MySejahtera app. – Bernama
and outlets, laundry services

6 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | JUNE 2, 2021 BRIEFS DANCE OF THANKS ...
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS Artistes perform during a
ceremony in Bangkok on
China confirms Monday held by the
first human case Bangkok National Museum
of H10N3 bird flu to celebrate the return of
two ancient relics from the
BEIJING: China reported the world’s first human United States, believed to
infection of the H10N3 bird flu strain yesterday but have been stolen from
said the risk of it spreading widely among people Thailand about 60 years
was low. ago. – REUTERSPIX

A 41-year-old man was admitted to hospital YEMEN REBELS ALLEGEDLY
with fever symptoms in the eastern city of BLOCKING JABS
Zhenjiang on April 28 and was diagnosed with
H10N3 a month later, China’s National Health SANAA: Yemen’s Huthi rebels, who control
Commission (NHC) said in an online statement. most of the country’s north, have been
blocking international efforts to supply
“The risk of large-scale spread is extremely low,“ Covid vaccines, Human Rights Watch said
the NHC said, adding the man was in a stable yesterday. The US-based group accused
condition and his close contacts had reported no Huthi leaders of suppressing information
“abnormalities”. about both the dangers of Covid and the
prevalence of the disease in territory under
It described H10N3 as low pathogenic – less their control. “The deliberate decision of the
likely to cause death or severe illness – in birds. Huthi authorities to keep the real number of
cases of Covid-19 under wraps and their
The NHC said there had been no human cases opposition to vaccines are putting Yemeni
of H10N3 previously reported in the world. lives at risk,“ said HRW’s deputy Middle East
director Michael Page. “ – AFP
Several strains of bird flu have been found
among animals in China but mass outbreaks in LA NINA CLIMATE CYCLE OVER,
humans are rare. SAYS UNITED NATIONS

The last human epidemic of bird flu in China GENEVA: The 2020-2021 La Nina weather
occurred in late 2016 to 2017, with the H7N9 virus. phenomenon has ended, the UN’s World
Meteorological Organisation said yesterday.
The H7N9 has infected 1,668 people and La Nina refers to the large-scale cooling of
claimed 616 lives since 2013, according to the surface temperatures in the central and
United Nations’Food and Agriculture eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean. The effect
Organisation. has widespread impacts on weather around
the world – typically the opposite impacts
Following recent avian flu outbreaks in Africa to El Nino, which has a warming influence
and Eurasia, the head of China’s Centre for Disease on global temperatures. The WMO said
Control and Prevention last week urged stricter neutral conditions – neither El Nino nor La
surveillance in poultry farms, markets and wild Nina – are likely to dominate the tropical
birds. – AFP Pacific in the next few months. – AFP

Global organisations call AUSTRALIA AND U.S. SCALE
for vaccine equality DOWN WAR GAMES

o G7urgedtoagreeonstrategytovaccinatetheworld The WHO had already decried vaccine CANBERRA: A major US-Australia joint
inequality as “grotesque” in March and its military exercise will go ahead this year
WASHINGTON: World leaders must make a health crisis. Access to vaccination is key to chief last month asked vaccine-wealthy despite pandemic concerns but will be
“new commitment” to a more equal both,” they said. nations to refrain from giving shots to children significantly scaled-back, a senior Australian
distribution of coronavirus vaccines to bring and adolescents and instead donate those military officer said yesterday. The biannual
the pandemic under control, the heads of four “Ending the pandemic is possible – and doses to other nations. “Talisman Sabre” war games will take place
major global organisations said yesterday. requires global action now.” in July, but will be roughly half the usual
UN-backed programme Covax is meant to size, as the number of foreign troops
Their joint rallying cry comes as concerns The joint op-ed was penned by IMF share vaccines with the poorest nations. entering Australia will be limited.
rise that vaccine inequality between wealthy managing director Kristalina Georgieva, Vice-Admiral David Johnston said 17,000
and poor nations is further complicating and WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom But wealthy countries effectively elbowed personnel will take part in the exercise, with
prolonging a pandemic that has killed more Ghebreyesus, World Bank president David out Covax in the early stages of procurement, 2,000 foreign forces entering Australia and
than 3.5 million people globally. Malpas, and WTO director-general Ngozi striking their own deals with drug undergoing a 14-day quarantine. – AFP
Okonjo-Iweala. manufacturers and taking the overwhelming
Writing in the Washington Post yesterday, share of the more than 1.8 billion doses of THAI PROTEST LEADERS
the heads of the World Health Organisation, They called on the Group of Seven wealthy vaccine that have already been injected RELEASED ON BAIL
World Bank, International Monetary Fund democracies to agree on a “stepped-up worldwide.
and World Trade Organisation blamed the coordinated strategy, backed by new BANGKOK: Two prominent Thai protest
gap in vaccination programmes for the financing, to vaccinate the world” at their next The G7 member countries, which met in leaders were granted bail yesterday. Activist
emergence of virus variants that have fuelled meeting in the United Kingdom later this central London under tight coronavirus Panupong “Mike” Jadnok and human rights
fresh outbreaks in the developing world. month. restrictions last month, committed to lawyer Anon Numpa are both facing
financially support Covax. multiple charges under royal defamation
“It has become abundantly clear that there The officials recommended the G7 agrees laws. A court yesterday granted them bail,
will be no broad-based recovery from the to fund a US$50 billion plan already put But there was no immediate Thai Lawyers for Human Rights said. They
Covid-19 pandemic without an end to the forward by the IMF to accelerate the end of announcement on fresh funding to improve had to post a 200,000 baht (RM27,000) bail
the pandemic. access to vaccines, despite repeated calls for bond each and are banned from leaving
the group to do more to help poorer countries. Thailand or becoming involved with further
– AFP activities that defame the monarchy. – AFP

WHO renames Covid variants with Greek letters

GENEVA: Coronavirus variants with clunky, The four coronavirus variants considered scrapped after Pallen pointed out
alphanumeric names have now been of concern by the UN agency and known pronunciation of the acronym could sound
assigned the letters of the Greek alphabet to generally by the public as the UK, South like an English swear word.
simplify discussion and pronunciation while Africa, Brazil and India variants have now
avoiding stigma. been assigned the Greek letters Alpha, Beta, Lost religions and the names of plants and
Gamma and Delta, respectively, according to fruits were also considered, the WHO said.
The World Health Organisation revealed the order of their detection.
the new names on Monday amid criticism Historically, viruses have often been
that those given by scientists to strains such as Other variants of interest continue down associated with the locations from which they
the South African variant – which goes by the alphabet. are thought to have emerged, such as the
multiple names including B.1.351, 501Y.V2 Ebola virus, which is named after a Congolese
and 20H/501Y.V2 – were too complicated. “While they have their advantages, these river.
scientific names can be difficult to say and
Since the pandemic began, the names recall, and are prone to misreporting,” said the But this can be damaging and inaccurate
people have used to describe the virus have WHO, explaining the decision. such as with the “Spanish flu” pandemic of
provoked controversy. 1918 whose origins are unknown, although
The choice of the Greek alphabet came the earliest cases are now believed to have
US ex-president Donald Trump called it after months of deliberations in which other emerged in the US state of Kansas.
“the China virus” and other monikers, raising possibilities such as Greek gods and invented,
concern he was using the names as a political pseudo-classical names were considered, “No country should be stigmatised for
weapon to shift blame to a rival nation. according to bacteriologist Mark Pallen, who detecting and reporting variants,” said WHO
was involved in the talks. epidemiologist Maria Van Kerkhove.
The WHO, which has urged people not to
use language to advance Covid-19 profiling of Many, though, were already brands, In the United States, Asians have been
people or nationalities, has also said people companies or alien names. harassed and attacked during the pandemic,
should avoid using country names in with activists and police saying anti-Asian
association with emerging variants. Another idea, to refer to variants of sentiment was fuelled by Trump’s comments
concern as VOC1, VOC2 and so on, was blaming the pandemic on China. – Reuters

Asean leaders to visit 7theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | JUNE 2, 2021
Myanmar this week * NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

o Bloc divided on how to The sources warned that a trip could be people with little diplomatic leadership Italy’s notorious
respond to military coup delayed or derailed by last-minute logistical experience – has not responded to the mafia killer released
and diplomatic impediments. concerns, the sources added.
JAKARTA: The chair and secretary-general of ROME: Italians reacted with dismay yesterday
the Association of Southeast Asian Nations It is unclear if the pair plan to meet with The envoy represents the chair, so is at the release from prison of an infamous mafia
(Asean) plan to travel to Myanmar this week opponents of the junta, many of whom are technically appointed by Brunei, said one boss who assassinated Italy’s most famous
even as the 10-nation bloc remains divided on imprisoned or in hiding. diplomat. prosecutor and dissolved a boy’s body in acid.
how to respond to the military coup there,
four diplomatic sources said. The planned trip comes more than five Asean operates on consensus Giovanni Brusca, 64, was released on
weeks after Asean leaders announced a decision-making, but it is a diverse grouping Monday after 25 years in jail, during which he
Asean, a grouping that includes Myanmar “five-point consensus” to end violence; of democracies, an absolute monarchy, along became a state’s witness.
and has a policy of non-interference in the promote dialogue; deliver aid; appoint a with authoritarian and one-party communist
affairs of members, has led the main special envoy; and send a delegation headed states, and it seldom takes a strong stand on “Brusca freed – the cruelest boss,” wrote La
diplomatic effort to resolve the violent turmoil by the envoy to Myanmar to meet “with all issues involving one of its own. Repubblica daily.
gripping the country following the overthrow parties concerned”.
of a democratically-elected government four “Asean is haemorrhaging. There is a lot of Brusca was a key figure within the Cosa
months ago. However, the special envoy has yet to be intra-Asean diplomatic sniping. There is Nostra, the Sicilian mafia group.
appointed amid divisions within Asean over unhappiness all around,” said one source
The military has detained Myanmar’s the best person or persons for the job, the familiar with negotiations. He detonated the bomb that killed Giovanni
civilian leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, and envoy’s mandate and the length of the envoy’s Falcone, Italy’s legendary prosecuting
imprisoned political opponents amid a term. All four diplomatic sources said Indonesia magistrate who dedicated his career to
deadly crackdown on protesters, resulting in a and Thailand, two of Asean’s most important overthrowing the mafia, in 1992.
growing refugee crisis and the collapse of the A “concept paper” released by Brunei to members, were at loggerheads over the
economy. Asean members last month proposed the envoy. Falcone’s wife and three bodyguards were
envoy only hold the position for the rest of the also killed after their car drove over a section of
Erywan Yusof, the second minister for year, when it would be reviewed by the next Indonesia initially favoured a single envoy highway where 400kg of explosives were
foreign affairs for Brunei, Asean’s chair this chair of the bloc, due to be Cambodia, said to lead a task force while Thailand, whose hidden, detonated by Brusca nearby.
year, and the bloc’s secretary-general Lim three sources familiar with its contents. military has close ties to Myanmar, pushed for
Jock Hoi, also from Brunei, are scheduled to a “friends of the chair” body of multiple Brusca also admitted to the killing of
meet this week with leaders of the junta, They said the paper also proposed limiting representatives, the sources said. 12-year-old Giuseppe Di Matteo, who was
among other stakeholders, the sources, who the envoy’s job to mediating, not basing them kidnapped in 1993 in retaliation for his father
asked not to be identified, said. in Myanmar, giving them a small staff paid for Spokesmen for the foreign ministries of collaborating with authorities.
by the home country of the envoy. Indonesia and Thailand declined to comment
on their stance. The boy was strangled and his body thrown
The conditions were seen by several Asean into acid in what police have called “one of the
states as fatally undermining the stature and The compromise supported by most most heinous crimes” in mafia history. – AFP
leverage of the envoy, they said. Asean states is for three envoys, likely made
up of representatives from Indonesia, Jailed for ‘slandering’
Brunei – a country of less than 500,000 Thailand and Brunei, sources said. – Reuters dead soldiers

BRIEFSBEIJING: China has jailed a popular blogger for
“defaming martyrs” after he suggested the death
A boy sitting among sculptures at a shopping centre in Beijing on International Children’s Day yesterday. – AFPPIX toll of the China-India border clash last year was
higher than the official count of four.
China’s three-child policy draws scepticism
Qiu Ziming – with over 2.5 million followers
BEIJING: China’s decision to allow families to comment on Xinhua’s post on the three-child Xinhua reported China would lower on China’s twitter-like Weibo – was sentenced to
have up to three children was met with policy. educational costs, step up tax and housing eight months in prison, the court in the eastern
scepticism yesterday, with doubts expressed support and guarantee the legal interests of city of Nanjing announced yesterday.
on social media whether it would make much Social media participants cited the high working women.
difference, and calls for details on what cost of raising children in urban China, where He is the first person to be jailed under a new
promised “supportive measures” will include. housing can be expensive and children James Liang, a professor at Peking provision of China’s criminal law that bans the
undergo private tuition in addition to public University’s School of Economics, said China “defamation of martyrs and heroes”.
On Monday, Beijing announced that it was schools amid a fiercely competitive education would need to spend about 5% of GDP,
lifting the two-child limit in an effort to system, as deterrents to having kids. compared with “practically 0% now”, in cash, After months of silence, the Chinese military
encourage more child-bearing, weeks after tax breaks, housing subsidies, day care and in February said four soldiers were killed in a
census data confirmed rapid aging and a Women in China already face a widening other incentives in order to get the fertility rate skirmish with Indian troops in the disputed
decline in fertility that puts China on track to gender gap in terms of workforce up to 1.6 children per woman from 1.3 last Galwan Valley last June.
see its population begin shrinking. participation and earnings, and have borne a year, and expects the government to step up
growing share of childcare duties as building day-care centres and kindergartens. In social media posts, Qiu had suggested that
The major policy shift will include state-supported childcare has declined, the actual death toll might have been higher
supportive measures “conducive to according to a report last year by the Peterson Yi Fuxian, a University of Wisconsin than the official count.
improving our country’s population Institute for International Economics. scientist, said the decades-long one-child
structure”, theXinhua news agency said. policy had entrenched attitudes. He also said that a commanding officer
“Working women in the big cities will be survived “because he was the highest-ranking
“I don’t quite understand. What’s the further discriminated against, and it would be “Having just one child or no children has officer there” – a comment that irked officials.
meaning of supportive measures?” asked one harder for women over 30s to find jobs,” said become the social norm in China. Social and
Weibo user in a post that received more than another Weibo user. economic patterns cater to the one-child Qiu had “infringed on the reputation and
128,000 thumbs-up, the most popular policy, so inertial effects linger on.” – Reuters honour of heroes and martyrs...and confessed
In conjunction with the new policy, to his crimes,” the court verdict said. – AFP

ALMOST 500,000 KILLED
IN SYRIAN WAR: MONITOR

DAMASCUS: A decade of war in Syria has
left nearly half a million people dead, a war
monitor said yesterday, in a new toll that
includes 100,000 recently confirmed
deaths. The Britain-based Syrian
Observatory for Human Rights said the
conflict has claimed 494,438 lives since it
erupted in 2011 with the brutal repression
of anti-government protests. The previous
tally, issued by the Observatory in March
this year, stood at more than 388,000 dead.
The war monitor has since confirmed an
additional 105,015 deaths following
months of documentation efforts
supported by its network of sources on the
ground. – AFP

HUNT FOR 200 KIDNAPPED
CHILDREN IN NIGERIA

ABUJA: Nigerian authorities said yesterday
that about 200 children had been seized in
the latest school kidnapping in its violent
north but they ruled out securing their
freedom by paying a ransom. Police were
trying to track the route the kidnappers had
taken with the children, who were seized in
a raid on a school in north-central Niger
state on Sunday, a local government official
said. Gunmen on motorbikes attacked the
town of Tegina on Sunday afternoon. One
person was shot dead during the attack
and a second person was seriously
injured. Local authorities put the number
of kidnapped students at about 200. –
Reuters

8 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | JUNE 2, 2021
SPEAK UP

COMMENT byYSChan

Making sense of visitor arrival figures
WHILE conducting training-
of-trainers (TOT), I made 83.4% compared with 26,100,784 the “It would be They were from Singapore 1,326,085, with a total of 100,318 cases recorded in
sure all participants fully year before. unwise to rush Thailand 151,390, Brunei 54,221, Indonesia the first 11 months until last Dec 24.
understood the difference into opening 51,131, China 23,493, the Philippines
between tourists and excursionists The total number of different tourists international 21,899, India 19,221, South Korea 18,174, In January, Covid-19 cases averaged
although they were selected from was actually less, as a Singaporean could travel Japan 14,655 and Australia 11,639. 3,289 daily, dropping to 3,064 in
various tourism sectors to undergo TOT enter Malaysia more than once and prematurely, February, 1,443 in March but rose to
and be accredited as trainers for tourism counted at every re-entry. as a few weeks’ Foreign excursionists included 2,107 in April and rocketed to 5,247 in
frontliners across the country. gain may later expatriates and their family members May, with a shocking total of 162,644
In addition, there were 1,768,656 set us back by residing in countries nearby. cases for the month and the highest
They were also told to visit “Go to foreign excursionist arrivals last year several months recorded on May 29 with 9,020 cases
MyTourismData Portal” in Tourism compared with 8,944,841 the year or longer. Fools Although excursionists came mainly within 24 hours!
Malaysia’s website, which provides before, an 80% decrease. rush in where for business, shopping, sightseeing,
invaluable data for our inbound tourism angels fear to dining or entertainment, a significant It is a given that as long as local
industry, including figures for foreign With tourists and excursionists tread number were on visa run, which is a short Covid-19 infections remain high, the
visitor arrivals that are updated regularly combined, there were 6,101,378 foreign trip to leave and return to the originating number of foreign visitors would
in cooperation with the Immigration visitor arrivals in 2020, down 82.6% country for renewing visa or refreshing conversely be low, regardless of
Department. compared with 35,045.625 in 2019. visa-free stay with a new entry date. promotional efforts.

As for domestic visitors, the latest In other words, an average of 4,000 When foreign tourist arrival figures The surest way to attract foreigners is
figures are released by the Department foreigners per hour entered our country for the first quarter of this year is to make our country safe for all, starting
of Statistics at the end of every June. in 2019 and only 697 in 2020. released, it would be no surprise if the with Malaysians and all those who are
number dropped to well below 40,000. residing here.
The annual number of domestic Those travelling by air passed
tourists and excursionists were derived through our international airports; those If so, the decrease would be more It would be unwise to rush into
through surveys that have been by sea disembarked at various than 99% compared with 4,233,455 in opening international travel prematurely,
conducted consistently over the years international jetties; and those by road the first quarter of last year. as a few weeks’ gain may later set us back
using well-honed methodologies. or rail at land border crossings. by several months or longer.
As such, less than 16 foreign tourists
Whether visitors are foreign or Last year, citizens from 12 countries per hour on average passed through the Unlike normal times, there is no first-
domestic, they could either be contributed 88% of all foreign tourist gates of all our immigration checkpoints mover advantage. On the contrary, fools
excursionists or tourists when travelling. arrivals to Malaysia. throughout the country during the 12- rush in where angels fear to tread.
month period from April 2020 to March
Those returning home the same day They were from Singapore 1,545,255, 2021, a far cry from an average of 2,980 YS Chan is Asean Tourism Master
are termed excursionists and those Indonesia 711,723, China 405,149, foreign tourists per hour in 2019. Trainer for travel agencies, master
staying overnight away from home are Thailand 394,413, India 155,883, Brunei
tourists, but only a percentage stayed at 136,020, South Korea 119,750, Japan In early January, I wrote “2020 was a trainer for Travel and Tours
paid accommodation. 74,383, Australia 72,680, the Philippines bad year for tourism, but 2021 could be Enhancement Course and Mesra
66,051, Vietnam 64,184 and United even worse”. Malaysia. He is also a tourism and
Last year, there were only 4,332,722 Kingdom 63,868. transport industry consultant and
foreign tourist arrivals to Malaysia, down Alas, it has turned out to be true. We
During the same period, citizens started the year badly with 101,949 writer. Comments:
from 10 countries contributed 96% of all Covid-19 cases in January compared [email protected]
foreign excursionist arrivals to Malaysia.

Is digital learning the future we want for our children?

█ BY ED DORRELL tutorials, additional material, more like tutorials) believe their time teaching when they return personal development. Let’s be
IT would have been inconceivable marking, feedback and parents’ has come. September. honest, this will never, ever be
two years ago that the education evenings were moved online satisfactorily replicated online.
system was capable of a near-total astonishingly fast. They hope that the traditional The primary and secondary sector
reinvention as a digital service. centuries-old method of education – undoubtedly agrees. I ran countless If anything, this is a generation
Some students and parents faced that a teacher or tutor or lecturer focus groups through the most recent who have glimpsed into a digital
But during the course of the with lockdown life, home-learning imparts knowledge, information or lockdown with parents and school future and don’t particularly like
Covid-19 pandemic – with schools and domestic wifi, might have been argument to their students in a live staff and they were desperate to get what they have seen.
and universities physically shut for critical of the speed of deployment environment – can be reimagined. teachers back in the classroom, doing
months on end – that was achieved. but, taking a step back, the I’m not so sure. what they do best: teaching pupils. No doubt, some bits and pieces of
achievement was extraordinary. the education ecosystem (parents’
Internet entrepreneurs like to talk Imperfect and patchy, of course, but Evidence suggests that demand The reasons that underpin this evening, public lectures) might stay
about “moving fast and breaking extraordinary nonetheless. for such a revolution is rather thin on desire to get teachers teaching and online as the country – fingers
things” – but in the case of the the ground. lecturers lecturing aren’t just crossed – returns to normal, but it
education world, it was the virus that This has led some to suggest that academic (although this is a huge seems there isn’t much demand for
moved fast and it was the virus that some of this will be irreversible. Polling carried out by Public First, factor). much more than that.
broke things. These voices argue that the “ed-tech” where I am a director, for the UUP
genie will never be put back in the Foundation’s Student Futures Both parents and students alike are Some are fond of telling us that
Schools and universities were bottle. Commission found that just 21% of deeply worried about the huge mental “nothing will be the same again” after
simply forced to respond. But undergraduates are happy with the health toll being paid by young people this godawful 18 months.
respond they did, and at a speed that Evangelists for things like massive current arrangement of mainly through the pandemic, and both are
would have hitherto seemed open online courses (“moocs”) and online teaching. keenly aware of the many ways that But, in schools and universities at
impossible. “flipped learning” (when lessons are schools and universities, filled with least, it would seem the vast majority
delivered as videos to be watched at Indeed, comfortably more than real young people interacting like of those actually involved in teaching
Teaching, courses, lectures, home and formal school becomes half (59%) want universities’ top young people, play in social and or being taught very much hope that
priority to be delivering face-to-face they’re wrong. – The Independent

Get ready for the new weekly

&

Every Friday

TELLING IT AS IT IS

LIFESTYLE YOUTH FASHION ENTERTAINMENT

WEDNESDAY | JUNE 2, 2021

PICTURE COURTESY OF MFMF Unhseuofrmnogeussic Felicia Yap releases
Pop trio MFMF open up about her second novel
making things happen behind the
scenes as producers and songwriters >>> Page 4&5
>>> Page 3
Azura Lovisa defines
the nuances of
clothing mythology

>>> Page 7

ENTERTAINMENT

2 theSun LYFE ON WEDNESDAY | JUNE 2, 2021

KATHLEEN TURNER joins Working together again thinkheprobablyhadhisfillforthe
Michael Douglas on screen two seasons. But I wanted to do it
for the final season of The every year. I wanted to tie to the whole
Kominsky Method, a show together, give it a beginning, a
reunion after more than 30 years for middle and end.”
the actors who played a divorcing Turner: “There is an element of
couple in The War of the Roses. being a friend and a confidant that
o Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner talk about their would otherwise be missing. But no, I
Douglas plays the main character, ‘Kominsky’ reunion think that Roz and Sandy’s
Sandy Kominsky, in the popular relationship has been very rocky, and
Netflix comedy drama, while Turner I think it’s intriguing how they are
joins the cast as his ex-wife Roz. reminded of what they were.”
Douglas (left)
Alan Arkin, who previously co- and Turner in a
starred with Douglas as Norman scene from The Why is the show so popular?
Newlander, Sandy’s agent and friend, Kominsky Douglas: “Everybody can
does not feature in the latest season. Method. understand what the issues are, (in)
terms of the aging issues. They enjoy
In an interview with Reuters, the comedy. And I think one of the
Douglas and Turner, who also starred things we do really well is we jump
together in 1980s movies from comedy to drama effortlessly,
Romancing the Stone and The which is the way life is.”
Jewel of the Nile, spoke about
acting together again. What was it like working with
Kathleen Turner again?
Below are excerpts Douglas: “Even though it’s been ... 31
edited forlength and years since the War of the Roses, the
clarity. last time we actually worked together
Are you worried ... we’ve talked over time and it’s just a
fans will miss Alan comfort factor that allows you to
Arkin’s character? overtalk each other ... to be much
Douglas: “The more comfortable and in this case
show was originally when you’re playing an old divorced
contracted for two couple it helps.”
seasons, for two
years, and we did What are some of your fondest
them. But it’s a career moments?
tough pace ... Turner: “Well the films with Michael
Alan is ... a few (Douglas), I absolutely had the best
years older than I am time, however difficult it was in the
and I know how awful jungle or in the Sahara or in the
I was. So I chandelier – God help me. At the
same time ... I do a lot of theatre and
Michael some of the great highlights for me
Douglas. have been the shows on Broadway,
on the West End in London.” –
Reuters

Moby discusses music, drink and The Oscars
missing mother’s funeral in new film have been
postponed
AMERICAN musician Moby childhood and discovering validation,” Moby said. for a
looks back on his life in a new music. The film features concert “And that’s really what I’m second
documentary, sharing the highs footage, animation and an consecutive
and lows of his fame including interview with filmmaker David trying to show in the movie year.
being so drunk he missed his Lynch. because I tried so hard for so long
mother’s funeral. to fix my experience of the human Oscars delayed by a month as
“My headline is you can’t fix condition with external stuff. And pandemic rules extended
In Moby Doc, the 55-year-old internal issues with external really, at the end of the movie, I’m
opens up about his past things. You can’t fix psychological just left in this place, like ‘oh, that
substance abuse, animal rights issues, personal issues with fame didn’t work.’”
activism and chart success with or with success or with
no.1 albums like 1999’s Play and materialism or with external As well as the documentary,
18 released three years later. Moby is also releasing album
Reprise this week in which THE 94th Academy Awards will now and Amazon’s Prime Video.
“The one moment in the he reworks past songs like Go take place on March 27, 2022, exactly a This year, which is still impacted by
movie that a lot of people I’ve and Why Does My Heart Feel So month later than originally planned,
spoken to seemed to be focused and are set to return to their traditional the pandemic, eligibility requirements
on is when I talk about being Bad?. venue at Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre. for the 94th Academy Awards will be
drunk and hungover and “Half of the record is consistent with the addendums made
sleeping through my mum’s After ratings nosedived for this for the 93rd Awards season.
funeral,” Moby told Reuters. comprised of songs that if I year’s unusual, pandemic-affected
was a fan of mine, I would Oscars – which were held at a Los Films released at theatres in five
“Oddly enough, my mum want to be on this record,” Angeles train station – the major cities outside Los Angeles will
had this wonderful, twisted postponement avoids potentially remain eligible, and the changes
sense of humor. I think she he said. costly clashes with the Super Bowl and are set to be extended into the
would be really amused “And the other half Winter Olympics. following year’s Oscars, and potentially
by that, maybe a little beyond.
horrified. ... In a way, are ... more obscure American football’s biggest event
especially like me being songs of mine that I takes place in Los Angeles next year on However, with US movie theatres
held accountable for that really love, that I Feb 13, while the global winter sports now largely reopened and film
by strangers, I think she wanted to redo with extravaganza is due to be held in production accelerating again, last
would think that’s kind of a gospel choir, Beijing from Feb 4-20. year’s decision to extend the calendar
lightly amusing.” with an orchestra, window in which films can be released
with a string quartet. But the impact of Covid-19 – which and still qualify for Oscars will not be
Born Richard Melville Hall, And the record is so transformed Hollywood’s award season repeated.
the electronic dance musician last year, shuttering movie theatres,
also talks about his difficult interesting because in a delaying dozens of major films and Films wishing to contend for next
way, I’m the least visible forcing many ceremonies to go online year’s Oscars must be released by Dec
person on the record.” – – also continues to be felt. 31.
Reuters
Traditionally the Academy of The Academy’s decision to delay
American Motion Picture Arts and Sciences could cause other major Hollywood
musician Moby. requires at least a seven-day run in Los award ceremonies to follow suit in a
Angeles theatres for movies to be domino effect.
eligible for Hollywood’s biggest prize.
But NBC has already announced
With big screens closed, those rules that next year’s traditional season-
were relaxed last year, in what was opening Golden Globes will not be
widely seen as a boost for movies on broadcast due to an ongoing row over
streaming platforms such as Netflix the organisers’ record on diversity and
transparency. – ETX Studio

ENTERTAINMENT

3theSun LYFE ON WEDNESDAY | JUNE 2, 2021

Unsung heroes
of music
o Pop trio MFMF open up But before making music for a living, the
about making things happen members were working regular white-collar (from left) Zen, Brendan and Justin are the three members of the group.
behind the scenes as jobs.
producers and songwriters years in the industry. Maybe a bullet train is We also take inspiration from movies and shows
“I was working long hours at a corporate job more exact. Although we never know where it that we watch and even the video games we
█ BY JOHN TAN that sucked the life out of me. I grew tired of will take us, we are ready for whatever comes play!
helping the rich stay rich. So, music became my our way! How did your collaboration with Talitha Tan
HEARD but not seen, this is the status escape,” said Justin. What is one achievement that you are most and RESORT on your latest single, Tonight
of songwriters and producers in the proud of? happen?
music industry. The sentiment was echoed by Zen, who said: Justin: For me, it was seeing my dad Brendan: We wrote this song with Talitha’s
Although they are the masterminds behind “I felt the same too. I worked in construction for acknowledge my music career via a simple voice in mind. But we already knew we wanted
many of our favourite songs, their talent is five years and my job was all about designing Facebook post (about our music) that he shared her to break away from her comfort zone by
completely overshadowed by the popularity of buildings and concrete structures.” with his friends. It was his way of saying how introducing more dynamics to her vocal range.
the featured artiste. proud he was of me and that meant a lot We originally had another male artiste to sing
A shared passion for music inspired them to because my parents doubted many of my early on the track but after he recorded his demo,
Despite the lack of recognition, many pursue music full-time as a group. career choices. both parties realised that his vocals were just
producers like local pop hitmakers MFMF still Brendan: I think the success of our single, Cute, not best suited for the song. We already had
find great fulfilment in helping create impactful As Zen enthusiastically puts it: “We were was a strong testimony that hard work and plans to work with RESORT, but we did not have
art. making music part-time for three years before dedication truly pays off. Cute was 100% an the right song for them until Tonight came
realising that if we continue to not leap, we independent release and we still managed to along. RESORT’s velvety vocals were just perfect
Established in 2018, the pop group is made would never have the guts to. Since we did not dethrone other A-list songs that were heavily on the song, and we knew we could guide and
up of three members – Brendan Lim, Justin find fulfilment with our day jobs, we were funded by major labels at the time. push RESORT to sing high notes and to deliver
Seow and Zen. willing to take the risks!” Zen: I am just glad that all the late and very long the song excitingly. So, we are honestly so glad
How has your journey in the industry been? nights we spent making music with Hael that the song turned out this way.
The Music For My Friends (MFMF) trio Brendan: We remember the times when we Husaini resulted in so many amazing songs that Do you have plans to sing on your tracks in
produces, writes and composes music for local struggled to barely make ends meet. For I am proud of. One of them being Peluang the future?
artistes. Their portfolio consists of some of the instance, we once worked without a salary for a Kedua, which may be the biggest ballad of 2020. Brendan: If you listen closely to all of our tracks,
biggest acts in the country – Yuna, Hael Husaini whole year. Everything we earned, went straight As producers, do you take inspiration from we have been singing on them. Just that our
and Nabila Razali. back into the company. We ate “economy” rice the past or current hits and trends? voices are tucked into the background. As for us
every day. The harsh truth about the industry is Brendan: Everything! We enjoy listening to old taking on the role of the lead singer, this is
The hitmakers that you can only start earning after two years of songs, be it folk, blues or rock and roll. Even something that we have been seriously
during a your career. So, the real struggle is to survive music in different languages! But at the same considering for the past couple of months, so
recording (without burning out) until then. That is our time, we religiously .study any new music every yes! There is a big possibility that you would
studio session. constant struggle. Friday so that we always know what’s in trend. hear our voices more in our future songs!

It has been a rollercoaster ride in the last two

The band is currently working on
potential tracks for a few A-list
Latin-American and K-pop
artistes. – PHOTOS COURTESY OF
MFMF

LIFESTYLE

4 theSun LYFE ON WEDNESDAY | JUNE 2, 2021

Barjas and his
novel
Notebooks
of the

tiSmeecoanrodundBookseller.
o Felicia Yap took a futuristic leap with her
breakout sci-fi thriller Yesterday. She moves
through time again in her new novel Future Perfect

█ BY MARK MATHEN VICTOR predict death.
“(The idea) came to me on a
WHAT does a telegenic high- catwalk, around 2012,” said the
achieving author write after former fashion model.
her debut novel set in alternate “Just before I stepped onto
reality sparks a bidding war the runway, a backstage
among publishers? assistant handed me a really
heavy bag.”
Felicia Yap grounds her second title The thought struck her as she
Future Perfect in the real world, while walked down the runway.
sticking true to what made the first book an “What if someone had put a
engrossing read. bomb in the bag and we’re all going
to die? Would I have led my life a little
Jordanian author wins top Arabic In Yesterday, published four years ago, bit differently today if I had known today
fiction prize the plot is set in a science fiction world would be my last day?”
where people are classed and divided based Years later, around 2017, the author
on how long someone is able to retain began writing Future Perfect from the
memories before being erased. perspective of a model based on the two
JORDANIAN author Jalal Barjas won darkest portraits of homelessness Her new questions.
a prestigious Abu Dhabi-funded and poverty, where meaning has novel, Future In Future Perfect, the novel is essentially She edited at least 14 drafts in the
prize for Arabic fiction Tuesday for been lost and hope torn up by the Perfect. set in our current reality, with some slight process.
his novel Notebooks of the roots, turning life into a realm of caveats. It takes place in different time
Bookseller. nightmares,“ said Chawki Bazih, periods, with the fictionalised 2030 having “The novel is about a police
chair of the prize’s panel of judges. artificial intelligence advanced enough to
Barjas will receive US$50,000 and
funds will also be provided to “Despite this, the novel does not commissioner who is told by his voice
translate his book into English, the call for despair. Rather, through it, assistant Alexa that today may be his
organisers of the International Prize the author is saying that reaching last day as there is a 99.74% chance
for Arabic Fiction said on their he would die tomorrow,’’ she
website. the depths of explained.
pain is a “So, he has to solve
Published necessary this (ongoing)
by The condition for murder on the
Arabic finding new catwalk case, and
Institute for dreams and at the same time,
Research and standing up he has to win
Publishing, back his
Notebooks of once more with fiancee who
the Bookseller hope on firmer left him.”
recounts a ground.” “I really
book lover’s like stories
experience Notebooks of with ticking
with the Bookseller clocks because
schizophrenia was chosen that creates a
and the crimes from a shortlist sense of
he commits of six novels. tension,
when he The five other suspense
assumes the authors, from and
identities of urgency.”
characters in Algeria, Iraq,
novels he Jordan,
reads. Morocco and
Tunisia will
Born in 1970, each receive
Barjas has US$10,000,
published two the
collections of
poetry as well as organisers
a series of novels said.
and short stories that have won
several One of
awards. the seven emirates
that make up the United Arab
“The author presents us with the Emirates, Abu Dhabi has become an
increasingly significant cultural hub
and hosts the Louvre Abu Dhabi
museum. – ETX Studio

Final John le Carre novel coming to bookstores this autumn

Spy novel master John le Carre, who died in Spies and Agent Running in the Field. Intelligence Service itself.” John le Carre’s
December 2020, will have a new book on It tells the story of Julian Lawndsley, Silverview will be released on final novel,
shelves this coming October. Silverview will who left a prestigious job in the City to run Oct 14, in the week that would have Silverview is out
be the writer’s 26th and final novel. A date a bookstore in a small English marked the 90th birthday of John le Oct 14.
for your diaries! seaside town. After a few months, he meets
a Polish emigre living in Silverview, a big Carre. A last hurrah for the author, widely
John le Carre’s writing career spanned house on the edge of the town, who regarded as one of the biggest
over half a century until he died from seems a bit too interested in his new British novelists of his time. And,
pneumonia in December, age 89. He leaves business. as if any further proof
a body of work including major classics of was
the spy genre, such as The Spy Who Came in Add to that an unexpected visit from a required, Silverview
from the Cold and Call for the Dead, as well member of the British Secret Service, and is already showing
as a previously unpublished manuscript, you get “a superb and fitting final novel”, up as one of
Silverview, which publisher Viking according to Nick Cornwell, the late Amazon’s most
describes as “a brilliantly conceived novel novelist’s youngest son. “This is the popular spy
about the tension between personal and authentic le Carre, telling one more story,” novels, five
political loyalty”. he said in a statement. “The book is fraught, months before its
forensic, lyrical, and fierce, at long last release. – ETX
John le Carre worked on Silverview searching the soul of the modern Secret Studio
alongside his last two novels, A Legacy of

LIFESTYLE

5theSun LYFE ON WEDNESDAY | JUNE 2, 2021

Refining the story readers to keep track of the story. A taste for the ugly
The “ticking clock” element was also “The challenges are what keeps me
employed in Yesterday, and it ties into Yap’s
love for multiple story threads that run interested in what I do, partly the mental
either parallel to each other or individually. challenge of working out the final details. FASHION journalist Alice Pfeiffer what’s ugly is indeed about making
They eventually culminate and tie back That was what kept me going from the may be able to boast of having a statement. We don’t really ask
into each other. start,” she said. some of the most coveted pieces ourselves many questions about
For some readers, it from the greatest designers in her what is ugly. Liking what’s ugly
might be too much to It is not an easy process, Yap added, but wardrobe. However, she also has an doesn’t mean thinking about what
keep up with. But points out that it is definitely an interesting affection for clothes, accessories ugly is. We say to ourselves that the
Yap sees it as one. and objects that can be described ugliness of this or that is taken for
both a as cheesy, kitsch, over-the-top, or granted, we like it, and thus it’s part
challenge to She elaborates that it helped to get the even totally has-been and not only of our own social makeup. The
herself first draft down, with the basic outline of does she admit, she embraces it. It’s starting point of the book is that I
and the story where Yap could fill in the details this passion that led her to write her love ‘ugly’ things. And so I asked
as she went along with subsequent edits. newly released book Le gout du myself if loving ugly things was in
moche [A taste for the ugly]. A fact turning on its head the stigma
“The editing was really important, as passion that is likely shared by of what is beautiful, or what is good
that was where I managed to draw all the many of us. We spoke with the taste, which can be completely
story threads together, and my writing author who proves that “ugly” is not tyrannical; or, on the contrary, if I
process is editing heavy. simply a question of taste. myself was reproducing another
process of distinction. Because by
“For instance, Future Perfect What does “ugly” really mean? saying that I like what’s ugly, I’m
manuscripts were sent out to various We often put ‘ugly’ and ‘beautiful’ also saying that I’m not afraid to be
people in the tech industry, my writing in opposition, but it’s much more associated with the people that one
group and even friends at the Metropolitan complex than that. Ugly refers to associates with this ugliness. I’m
that which gets ridiculed and not afraid of being called cheesy.
Police.” mocked a bit. It is something less You work in the world of fashion,
Yap recounts an episode when a serious, often treated with a certain which is very exacting. What are
disdain. I found it interesting to see some of the daily reactions you’ve
burglar broke into her apartment and all we could do or have in the realm faced in this environment?
stole her laptop while files from it were of ugly, which makes us laugh, or I think they’re unsure whether I
being transferred to a new laptop. which we feel a bit all-powerful in have very bad taste or if I’m just
the face of as a human being. In the very daring. That’s what they’ll
“I lost my manuscript, and had to end, ugly encopasses a lot of facets usually tell me. Is it deliberately
rewrite it from scratch from memory, that we can’t really define. It can be provocative? Am I completely off-
which is ironic because my first book was kitsch, cheesy, vulgar, old- track? Or, on the contrary, have I
about a world where people can’t fashioned, or a total miss, and it can understood it all? In any case, I am
also be a zone of reappropriation in the same places as they are. But,
remember,” she laughed. for many contemporary artists. But generally speaking, it makes them
what really interests me is that the laugh more than anything else.
Meant to be Yap believes term ‘ugly’ ultimately is applied to For several seasons we have seen
Born and bred in Malaysia, her father that fiction is everything that we can’t name, a real trend for ugly or cheesy
a bridge everything that we can’t define. fashions: dad shoes, bucket hats,
read to her a lot as child and took her between the There is an air of mystery that floats cycling shorts, puffer vests. How
to an MPH bookshop in Kuala familiar and around ‘ugly.’ do you explain that?
Lumpur to read for free, as her unfamiliar, Yes, what you are describing is a
family were not well off financially where the But isn’t it very subjective? certain normcore that I also
growing up in Cheras. human Extremely. What’s ‘ugly’ is specific partake in. I wear fleeces and big
“He could only afford to buy me element is to each era, to each social class, and white sneakers – by the way, Crocs
very strong in even to each generation. That’s why are back too. This can be explained
one book a week,” she said, adding stories that I say in the book: ‘tell me who you by the fact that a certain chic has
that her father told her that she began people like find ugly, I’ll tell you who you are.’ become extremely mainstream.
to read at two years old. and can When I was in my 20s, I remember This is the basis of Pierre
“When you grow up with books, you identify with. wearing clothes that my mother Bourdieu’s La Distinction, which
dream about becoming a writer yourself”. – PICTURES thought were ugly, but for me it was explains that the day the masses
COURTESY a form of modernity. That’s also have access to the codes of the
With her second book out of the OF FELICIA why the opposite of ugly is not bourgeoisie, the bourgeoisie will
way, Yap has already started on YAP necessarily beautiful. It can be reject these codes and will even do
futuristic, unexpected, or the exact opposite. There is a real
another. ‘provocative.’ mainstreaming of things that were
“Unfortunately, I can’t originally only reserved for an elite,
talk about it, because I and I think that this elite has chosen
don’t want to jinx to go the opposite way, and in a way
it. I want to keep to mock theee classes that had
it a secret for imitated it.
now and tell You divide “ugly” into tacky,
the world trashy, and disgusting. But will
when I’m what is ugly or trashy today be so
ready.” in 10 years? Isn’t it just a question
of context, interpretation, or even
What triggered your taste for generation?
‘ugly’ things? Yes, totally. And it’s moving very
I grew up with parents who were fast. I can see that the new
very intellectual, very hippie – for fashionistas, who are in their 20s,
example, everything was recycled – wear things that I find objectively
and as a result I developed a taste awful, but for them it’s already
for everything that was forbidden. another layer, another reading.
At the beginning, I remember, it What we find beautiful today may
was just the “M” of the Super M that indeed be what’s ugly tomorrow.
flashed – I loved that. Essentially, I We can associate ugly with the
was deprived of capitalism and so I out-of-fashion or has-been, but by
dreamed of its trappings! I loved definition, doesn’t all fashion, by
everything that was shiny, essence, go that route?
everything that flashed, everything Fashion starts off by not being has-
that was ultra-gendered, everything been but it makes the season before
that was ultra feminine. I loved has-been in order to become
fashionable. It’s a game, it’s a
everything that I didn’t have tension that actually exists between
access to. the different fashion cycles. And
each requires a vision of the other.
You talk about ugly as What are your ugliest pieces that
a “reflection of your you wouldn’t give up for the
privileges”, a world?
“statement”, or Definitely all the animal prints, but
more generally, also the XXL hoop earrings with
as a way to be
different. Does “Sexy Baby” written inside.
dressing “ugly” That’s the kind of stuff I
essentially wear. – ETX Studio
mean a
person wants
to stand out
from the
crowd, to
Fashion shun
journalist Alice certain
diktats?
Pfeiffer Liking

TECH Making a living single black or brown face could be AfroGames e-sports
o Brazil’s favela gamers dream big seen. team members
6 theSun LYFE ON WEDNESDAY | JUNE 2, 2021 pose for a picture at
It is not an easy world to access “They wanted to do a music “We realized we weren’t the Vigario Geral
COMING of age in the from the favelas of Brazil, where project, but I told them eSports was represented in those pictures. So we favela, where the
Brazilian favela of Vigario computers and gaming consoles are the way to go. We set up a meeting for said, ‘Why don’t we put a team NGO AfroReggae
Geral, Luiz Augusto Jr used far too expensive for poor families. me to show them my idea,” he said. together from the favela?’” said headquarters are
to spend his money playing AfroReggae co-director William Reis. located, in Rio de
video games. The idea for AfroGames came In his presentation, he included Janeiro.
from Ricardo Chantilly, a former pictures from international and The project is now planning to Up next: sexism
Now, he makes a living as a gamer. music executive who is friends with Brazilian gaming tournaments, with expand to another Rio favela, AFG eSports team members train five
Augusto, 23, was working in AfroReggae’s directors. packed gymnasiums where not a Cantagalo, with an eSports arena to days a week, in addition to English
construction as a stonemason’s hold what Reis is billing as “the first classes.
apprentice three years ago when his favela gaming championships”. In another trailblazing move for
life took a turn. the gaming world, which has faced
An avid gamer, he got involved “When I was a kid, friends would accusations of sexist abuse of female
with AfroGames, a charitable project get together and form a rock band,” players, the team includes one young
to give young people in Rio de said Chantilly. woman: Gabriela Evellyn, 19, known
Janeiro’s impoverished favela by her gamer name, “AFG Haru”.
neighborhoods access to the multi- “Today, they put together an “When we’re playing, being a
billion-dollar gaming industry. eSports team. Gaming is the new woman makes no difference,” she
The project gave him training and rock’n’roll.” said.
a grant to launch his own channel “But if someone cracks some kind
online, where he posts gaming The 5G effect of joke, I just play harder so I can beat
content under the moniker of “AFG Sr them. Then I say, ‘See? You just lost to
Madruga” and plays a mean game of GLOBAL smartphone shipments are a girl.’” – ETX Studio
“Grand Theft Auto” live for his fans. forecast to reach 1.38 billion units in low-end 4G handsets in emerging
“I used to spend a good part of my 2021, an increase of 7.7% on 2020. markets. However, in China, the US
salary playing at a LAN house (a This would mark the strongest year- and Europe, markets are slowly
gaming center or cyber cafe) here in on-year growth the smartphone starting to migrate towards 5G, with a
the favela,” he said. market has seen since 2015, growing handset offer, although
“When I went to AfroGames, my according to market intelligence firm, currently only in the high-end sector.
mum and grandmother thought I IDC. Shipments are then expected to Beyond 2021, IDC expects slower
could never make money playing increase at a lower but steady rate but steady growth each year until
video games. But they supported me, until 2025, to top 1.5 billion unit 2025. However, the reported global
and here I am,” he told AFP. shipments that year. shortage of semiconductors remains
Augusto is the first live-streaming a major unknown for the industry.
gamer sponsored by the project, After a challenging year in 2020 – Shipments of 5G smartphones are
which was launched by AfroReggae, a evidently marked by the Covid-19 expected to grow by nearly 130% in
non-profit organisation that runs art pandemic and its various lockdowns 2021. And when it comes to market
and education programs. that hampered the market – growth is share, China alone is forecast to
Around 100 young gamers now back and is forecast to continue. account for nearly one in two 5G
participate in AfroGames, whose Demand is strong for mid-range and smartphone shipments this year. IDC
activities are sponsored by Brazilian also expects the average price of 5G
airline GOL and media powerhouse Android devices to drop 12% year-
Grupo Globo. on-year in 2021. – ETX Studio
The project offers programming
and English classes, and has set up a
gaming centre in Vigario Geral, with
top-of-the-line computers and
mentors to help young gamers learn.
It has also launched a professional
gaming team – AFG eSports – whose
six members earn minimum wage,
1,100 reais (US$210) a month, and
prepare for tournaments with the
help of a coach, a psychologist and a
fitness trainer.
They made their debut at the
“League of Legends” world
tournament in 2019. The popular
battle game’s championships handed
out US$2.2 million in prizes that year.
Augusto, meanwhile, receives a
monthly grant of 600 reais for his
webcasts.
“It’s brought me recognition in the
favela. And I want to go even farther. I
want to be an influencer and a
content producer. I’m learning to do
that here,” he said.

Bringing diversity to gaming Global smartphone shipments to reach 1.38 billion units in 2021.
The global gaming industry will
generate estimated revenues of
US$180 billion this year, according to
specialist firm Newzoo – more than
double the US$74 billion forecast for
the music and film industry.

FASHION

7theSun LYFE ON WEDNESDAY | JUNE 2, 2021

Decolonising fashion
and aesthetics

oLondon-based designer Azura Lovisa defines the
nuances of clothing mythology while contesting
post-colonial tension

E█ BY JASON LIM outsisder’s perspective looking in. But it is Azura’s
UROCENTRISM often claims itself as precisely the gaze and gestures that reflect her academic
the normative and dominant practice, simultaneously the lens through approach to
framework of ‘modernity’, while which she sees, and the subject she is fashion
sidelining ‘other’ fashion and aesthetic investigating. encourages
forms as quaintly traditional. How can we break critical
free from the effects of this false dichotomy? Considering to what extent does Malaysian discussion and
heritage influence her work as a designer and reflection. –
This served as the starting point for Swedish- artist? PICTURES
Malaysian fashion designer Azura Lovisa to COURTESY OF
dismantle the value judgments that cause “I don’t speak Bahasa Melayu and have AZURA LOVISA
traditional styles to be at the other end of the never lived in Malaysia. I am therefore a Azura Lovisa’s
pole from modernity. For cultural perpetual student with my Malaysian heritage. latest collection
appropriation and colonial injustice cannot be And like other mixed-race people, we must Chapter IV
rectified without reckoning the systemic issues discover for ourselves what parts of our heritage explores
built into the fashion industry – its distinction carry weight for us. We must also often write traditional
from mythology and folklore, ritual and craft as new stories for ourselves.” mythology and
cultural identities in society. shamanism,
“I decided that rather than to let this deny my and the
“We can begin to decolonise aesthetics by claim to my roots, I would make my hybridity contemporary
resisting the traditional versus modern binary, the very core of my practice,” she replied. adaptations of
and insist on exploring non-Western culture itinerant living.
with the same depth of attention as Western Although her initial work bore more obvious
aesthetic history,” said Azura. references to her heritage, it has now become
more implicit.
The Central Saint Martins alumni explored
Orientalism and post-colonial identities in her “Fashion is an appropriate medium for
graduate collection, drawing inspiration from tracing cultural flows and tensions because it
her family photo archive that has images of inherently contains histories and memories. It
Malaysia from the 50s and 60s. She saw the is also adapted to the contemporary reality,
convergence of traditional Malaysian folk dress reflecting currents of change and tastes of the
with influences of British tailoring and style that moment.”
gave rise to forms of hybrid fashion.
“Similar surprising evolutions and adaptations
have echoed across other former colonies
around the world. I felt compelled to create a
brand with hybridity at its core, looking to
Southeast Asian aesthetic heritage as the
starting point,” she said.

“I wanted to interrogate why people relegate
folk dressing to relics of a ‘tribalistic’ past. In
pursuing alignment with the Western model of
progress, traditional garments through which
people once proudly projected cultural
heritage, have largely been replaced by T-shirts
and jeans as the contemporary uniform from
America to Asia.”

It was never Azura’s intention to modernise
the traditional. Her approach is to weave the
traditional into our modernity, by supporting
traditional crafts and expressions. This helps to
provide the ingenious makers with income to
maintain the artforms and keep them alive for
younger generations.

“The traditional is alive, it is evolving and
shifting all on its own. I don’t think we should
consider it in terms of whether modernising the
traditional is appropriate, evolution will happen
regardless of how we feel about it,” she added.

Azura admitted that no matter how deep she
delves into her Malaysian heritage, it will always
be through a hybridity of gaze and from an

Clothing mythology symbolises the possibilities clothes represent

“CLOTHING Mythology” – a concept necessary that we engage the space and future possibilities. But woven. They can show traces of the an occasion to wear. Yet, she
coined by Azura to clothe between the imagined and the real whatever terminology you use, I weaver’s heritage and histories in believes that there is power in
mythology itself as well as mythical to criticise our current reality, by think it alludes to the same idea, the designs of its patterns. Clothing casting those who wear her clothing
figures through the lore of clothing dressing it and giving form to the which is to recognise it is through holds stories within it as well as as otherworldly beings in mythical
– seems to be a helpful play on reality we hope for. storytelling that humanity has becoming part of how we tell our narratives.
fantasy through which to critique understood and assigned meaning own stories.”
the present. And thus, can clothing “I love the idea of describing my to the world,” she said. “Mythology is dynamic, we
mythology be described as work as speculative clothing, as it Azura’s designs feature engage and perpetuate
speculative clothing? relates to speculative fiction. I enjoy “Clothing mythology symbolises handwoven heritage textiles mythologies every day, giving our
these parallels to literature but I the possibilities clothes represent. sourced from cottage industries and lives purpose, so why not fully
Speculative encourages post- hadn’t thought to frame it like that They can transform us and weaver-owned businesses to immerse ourselves in our vision?”
critical and experimental before. physically, materially express what empower rural communities and she shared.
interpretation when analysing we hold within, or who we imagine sustain legacies of traditional craft.
representations to supplement it “Speculative fiction possibly has ourselves to be. They can stir “Even if somebody can’t afford
with new alternative stances a broader scope, it opens up space feelings and evoke memories. And, As a result, her gender-fluid my clothes, I hope they understand
beyond standard practice. It is beyond mythology when in the cloth itself, entire tales can be clothes appear ethereal and regal, what I’m trying to communicate,
responding to uncertain realities for some might be difficult to find and I hope that empowers them.”

MEDIA & MARKETING

8 theSun LYFE ON WEDNESDAY | JUNE 2, 2021

EVERYONE’S needs are A hit with Gen Z
different when it comes
to skincare, but some o The Ordinary is the world’s most sought-after skincare brand
brands clearly manage
to satisfy the majority of
consumers. In just a few years,
The Ordinary – a brand that’s yet
to celebrate its 10th anniversary
– has managed to join ranks with
the most popular skincare
brands. Analysing search data
for more than 70 major skincare
brands worldwide, Skincare
Hero* reveals that The Ordinary
tops the search list in 41
countries around the world, far
ahead of major international
brands like Dove, Bioderma,
and L’Oreal Paris.

Effective, authentic, accessible Series, such as 13 Reasons Why, can help teens
There’s no denying that The learn about mental health disorders.
Ordinary is a hit on social
media, particularly on TikTok – a Can television
favourite among Generation Z improve our
users – and that the brand is mental health?
backed by a crowd of influencers
including Kim Kardashian, who ARE your teens glued to the TV? That could in
alone has some 220 million fact be a good thing for their mental health.
Instagram followers. The brand According to a report from UCLA University, TV
also fits with several major programs could help some viewers overcome
trends of the moment, meeting depression, social anxiety, as well as deal with
new consumer expectations issues of sexual harassment, if the shows
with simpler formations, no address these topics with empathy.
controversial ingredients,
minimalist packaging echoing “Our research found that when teens watch
pharmacy brands, and TV shows that portray mental health issues,
accessible prices. they actually talk about it with their peers,
In fact, the brand’s products parents and partners,” explained Dr Yalda T.
retail at US$3.50 to US$28.90, Uhls, executive director of the Centre for
with a majority of products Scholars and Storytellers, in a press release.
priced at under US$10. And
price is a major factor for Teen drama series 13 Reasons Why, available
consumers who, from the look on Netflix, addresses issues such as suicide and
of their many TikTok comments, depression. The researchers wanted to know
also appear to be the effects of the series on the mental health of
satisfied with the adolescents. After the airing of season 3 in the
effectiveness of Star of social media, The Ordinary is the world’s most- United States, they interviewed 157 children
these beauty searched skincare brand, research has found. aged 13 to 17 via a questionnaire in order to
essentials. Bahamas and Jamaica – measure their knowledge on topics related to
The Skincare while Bioderma comes mental health.
Hero study reveals third, topping the search
that The Ordinary list in six countries, Films and series to raise awareness
tops the skincare including Hungary. Next “Our results demonstrate that these kinds of
brand search list in come CeraVe, Estee challenging and realistic stories inspire youth to
the USA, Canada, Lauder, L’Oreal Paris, talk about and learn more about mental health,“
France, Germany, the Vichy, Clinique and noted Dr. Yalda T. Uhls. Of the 68 teens who
UK, Italy, Spain and Neutrogena. – ETX Studio watched the series, 62 were educated to the
Australia. point of doing research on the subject. It’s
believed that the series facilitated discussion
Affordability and For its research, Skincare about mental health issues between these teens
popularity Hero analysed the and their loved ones.
From the look of the worldwide average
ranking of most- The actors and producers of the series also
searched brands, it monthly search volume helped inform and educate the young audience
seems that accessible using Ahrefs Keyword about these disorders. The study underlines the
skincare is especially Explorer. Data is accurate importance of social media for spreading
popular with as of May 2021. Most information and encourages this type of
consumers. Dove searched skincare brands initiative to be repeated in the future. – ETX
comes in second place, were found using the Studio
topping the search lists average monthly searches in
in nine countries – each country for each model
including Bosnia, the
over the last year.

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9theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | JUNE 2, 2021
SPEAK UP

COMMENT byAmandaYeo

Let us be vigilant and do our part
DESPITE calls for a total
country lockdown to deal with 50% of passenger capacity. Territories Ministry in conjunction with the necessary skillsets and, in turn,
the increasing Covid-19 cases Although private sector employers Federal Territory Day 2021 on Feb 1 empower more vulnerable
in Malaysia, the current and small business owners do not prefer should be re-introduced. communities to survive in this new
to have a total lockdown, a sharp rise in normal.
administration decided to tighten only the daily number of Covid-19 cases left While ensuring continuous welfare As mentioned by the president and
the third movement control order (MCO the country with no option but to assistance for citizens based in Federal chief executive officer of EMIR
3.0) standard operating procedures introduce FMCO beginning yesterday. Territories (Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya Research, Datuk Wira Dr Rais Hussin,
(SOP) effective May 25. Therefore, there is an increasing and Labuan), this programme could be there are additional policy
However, Prime Minister Tan Sri concern that a total of 2.8 million high- expanded to the whole country, recommendations for the current
Muhyiddin Yassin announced a full risk informal workers will lose their especially in less-developed states such administration to overcome the Covid-
MCO (FMCO) equivalent to the MCO source of income when FMCO is as Sabah, Sarawak, Kelantan, 19 fourth wave:
1.0 that was announced nationwide in introduced. “To ease the Terengganu and Pahang. 0 Provide wage subsidy for three
2020, from June 1 to 14 as the daily According to Finance Minister Datuk aid delivery, months;
infection of 9,020 Covid-19 cases was Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz, the government As there are some less well-off 0 Provide direct cash transfer for two
recorded on Saturday (May 29). number of unemployed people could could perhaps families eating rice with salt water for months to the deserving B40s;
“Only essential economic and reach one million, which will impact mark and the sake of survival, the government 0 Revamp the current process of SOP;
service sectors listed by the National four million people based on an average include all the should consider providing food baskets 0 Ensure crystal clear communication
Security Council (NSC) will be allowed of four persons per family. families onto that include eggs, vegetables, milk, to all;
to operate during FMCO,” he added. Until March 2021, the government their map, biscuits and other food items that 0 Increase capacity and speed for
Since May 19, Malaysia has reported had exhausted a total of RM340 billion especially provide nutrients. testing through federal and state
over 6,000 daily new Covid-19 cases for in numerous stimulus packages. those who are government cooperation;
13 consecutive days. However, low-income households living in To ease the aid delivery, the 0 Introduce a new contact tracing
It is a worrying scenario as more continue to be affected by semi-urban government could perhaps mark and system that enables data sharing among
transmissible new Covid-19 variants in unemployment and lower earnings over and rural include all the families onto their map, critical stakeholders both at the federal
the community may dampen the one year of on-and-off lockdown. areas. especially those who are living in semi- and state levels;
government’s effort to flatten the This can be seen in the Klang Valley’s urban and rural areas. 0 Vaccinate as many as possible with
pandemic curve. public housing flats, where many low- the first dose through collaborative
However, as many small and income families could not afford to buy Also, the government needs to efforts between federal and state
medium enterprises (SMEs) owners, daily necessities to sustain their living. expedite the moratorium extension governments;
and the low-income and vulnerable According to recent findings from the requests from hotel, tourism and 0 Enable public-private partnership,
groups are still struggling to recover United Nations Children Fund (Unicef) business associations. empower general practitioners as they
from the first and second MCO, the and United Nations Population Fund are the gatekeepers for the health
current administration decided to allow (UNFPA), more than half of the low- With an automatic three months of system; and
businesses classified as essential income households in the Klang Valley moratorium extension, the SMEs, the 0 No politics for everyone. Just
services to operate. area are unable to meet essential B40 and M40 in the country would have pandemic and economic management
Businesses in shopping malls that expenses. breathing space to settle their bank for all.
provide goods and services that are of As there is a possibility of the FMCO loans once the pandemic is over. When we, as Malaysians, do our part
daily necessities, laundries, going beyond June 14, the government to implement self-lockdown and follow
convenience stores, eateries, roadside should expedite the provision of an Besides having the moratorium the SOP, we can have our freedom to
stalls and veterinary clinics, for instance, additional RM40 billion worth of extensions, the current administration enjoy life and help Malaysia break the
can operate 12 hours a day, which is Pemerkasa (Strategic Programme to should continue providing at least two- Covid-19 chain of transmission
from 8am to 8pm. Empower the People and Economy month rent exemptions to SMEs in eventually. Let us move away from the
To further reduce the people’s Plus) Plus (Pemerkasa+) stimulus Malaysia. blame game, stay at home whenever
movement, 80% of civil servants (i.e., package for the tourism sector, SMEs, possible and together, we can overcome
around 750,000 employees) and 40% of and the low-income and vulnerable With the rent exemptions, they the Covid-19 fourth wave!
operations and management staffs in groups to weather the storm. would have less financial burden in
the private sector (i.e., approximately The 5MY Programme (i.e., meeting their operational expenditure, Amanda Yeo is research analyst at EMIR
6.1 million employees) must work from MYJob@Wilayah, which ranges from overhead, insurance, Research, an independent think tank
home (WFH). MYSchoolBus@Wilayah, advertising and promotional to repair focused on strategic policy
On the other hand, public transport MYGrocer@Wilayah, MYFood@ and maintenance. recommendations based on rigorous
services such as LRT, buses, MRT, ERL, Wilayah and MYMedic@Wilayah) that research. Comments:
monorail and ferries are limited to only were introduced by the Federal To ensure the effectiveness of [email protected]
additional stimulus packages to be
introduced during this FMCO, the
Human Resources, Agriculture & Food
Industry and Women, Family and
Community Development Ministries
could craft virtual upskilling and
reskilling programmes together,
allowing the local workforce to upgrade

COMMENT bySophiaLim

Working together to tackle urban human, wildlife conflicts

PUBLIC outrage over the recent culling of the take the drastic action of culling the wildlife urban forests and nature reserves. Public acceptance is crucial because there is a
dusky leaf monkeys in Port Dickson, Negri involved? Culling must be considered only as the Trees such as ficus that produce fruits need for shared spaces between humans and
Sembilan marks the rise of an “eco-wakening” in absolute last resort. wildlife.
this country. Essentially, people care about their throughout the year, and leaf shoots suitable to the
wildlife. This devastating incident is symptomatic of the species could then be planted to enrich the For this to happen, education and exposure to
bigger problem of urban human-wildlife conflict. habitat. wildlife management at all levels are critical to
Apart from the public, multiple non- promote coexistence between humans and
governmental organisations have voiced their Being a shy species, if the langurs had indeed Secondly, we advocate for residents and animals in urban areas.
concerns over the incident and the measures been aggressive, we need to consider the communities to work with enforcement agencies
taken against the dusky langurs, protected under possibility that this behaviour was triggered by on proper waste management to avoid animals Due to little interaction or experience with
the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010. disruptions to their environment, habitat and from having to rummage through garbage bins for animals, many people do not understand animal
food resources. food. behaviour.
Perhilitan, the agency responsible for the
culling responded with a statement saying that WWF-Malaysia’s work on nature conservation We need to consider the possible extinction of This is why more in-depth dialogue and
only seven aggressive individuals were culled, and recognises that it can be challenging to balance this wildlife in the longer term. awareness needs to be done to educate the public
not 20 as reported. the needs for economic development and on how to react to animal presence.
sufficiently large natural habitat for wildlife, but Being isolated, they would breed among
According to the statement, the leaf monkeys there are ways to address this urban human- themselves and eventually lose genetic variation It also requires everyone to work together, from
in this particular area have attacked humans three wildlife conflict. which would cause local extinction. city halls, resident associations, civil societies,
times in the past with one case resulting in serious schools to corporate sectors.
injuries. More importantly, we draw upon our Living To prevent this, we need to identify suitable
Landscapes approach that is underpinned by the urban forests and establish wildlife corridors to Government agencies would benefit from
These reported attacks on humans are three pillars of protect, produce and restore to reconnect them. collaborating and building rapport with the
examples of human-wildlife conflict, and we must identify possible solutions to this dilemma. community.
address the issue appropriately. We can also identify the banks of waterways
When our work started adopting this and roads with wide reserves as potential A step in the right direction would be to
WWF-Malaysia recognises that it can be approach, critics questioned whether anybody corridors to connect the urban forests. Over time, communicate to the public their standard
challenging to balance the needs of both humans would want to purposefully set aside land to a network of interconnected urban forests could operating procedures (SOP) or measures taken to
and wildlife, especially when there are human create a wildlife corridor to connect fragmented be established, allowing wildlife populations to resolve human-wildlife conflict.
victims involved. forests. move from place to place to breed, maintaining
their genetic variation and consequently, their Feedback from the public could help improve
However, we must show empathy to both Today, in support of conservation, there are health. the dissemination of the SOP or revisit these
people and wildlife, and take into account their private companies doing just that. procedures where necessary.
well-being and interests at the same time. Improving connectivity using wildlife
In Sabah, where the Living Landscapes corridors in urban areas requires collaboration Protecting wildlife is an enormous
We strongly urge the authorities to collaborate approach has begun to be accepted, we see between multiple parties, from the authorities to responsibility that should be shouldered by
further with other wildlife experts to strategically attempts to reconnect and restore degraded developers, with support from wildlife experts and everyone, and it is our hope that, ultimately,
handle human-wildlife conflict, so as to cover all orang-utan habitats and wildlife corridors for local organisations to address the urban human- solutions can be found which are beneficial to all
bases and ensure satisfactory outcomes for all Bornean elephants to wander through their wildlife conflict. parties involved.
parties. plantations.
In essence, wildlife conservation and provision Sophia Lim is executive director and chief
We must ask ourselves: Have all other With this in mind, we urge the authorities to of natural spaces need to be integrated into urban executive officer of WWF-Malaysia.
reasonable avenues been exhausted before we undertake an inventory of the wildlife found in planning. Comments: [email protected]

S E C U R I T I E S S D N. B H D. SunBIZ WEDNESDAY
JUNE 2, 2021
197201001092 (12738-U)
Editorial Tel: 03-7784 6688
A Participating Organisation of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad Fax: 03-7785 2624/5

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Participation Bought Sold Net Email: [email protected]
RM m
% RM m RM m

42.7 Institutions 2300.3 2516.4 -216.1

47.0 Retail 2316.7 2059.5 257.2

10.3 Foreign 509.8 550.9 -41.1

100.0 5126.8 5126.8 0 2.35 22.95 316.20 9.24 45.74 93.95 17.95 19.00
KLCI STI HANG SENG SCI NIKKEI TSEC KOSPI S&P/ASX200
Preliminary stats (excluding trade amendments). For final data, please refer to www.bursamalaysia.com 1,585.90 29,468.00 3,624.71 28,814.34 17,162.38 3,221.87
Source: Bursa Malaysia 3,187.23 7,142.60

KL MARKET SUMMARY Fiscal constraints weigh
June 1, 2021 on Pemerkasa+

INDICES 11,515.90 CHANGE +20.10
FBMEMAS
FBMKLCI 1,585.90 +2.35
CONSUMER PRODUCTS 614.94 +4.27
INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS 191.25 +0.39
CONSTRUCTION 169.30 -0.48
FINANCIAL SERVICES 15,084.90 +75.10
ENERGY 826.44 +9.74
TELECOMMUNICATIONS 707.57 -0.36 o CGS-CIMB views
HEALTH CARE 3,157.84 -67.57 Pemerkasa+ RM5b fiscal
TRANSPORTATION 818.00 -3.04 injection as underwhelming,
PROPERTY 723.39 -2.22 while it comes within MIDF
PLANTATION 6,831.93 -50.47 Research’s expectations
FBMSHA 12,752.60 -20.23
FBMACE 7,717.15 +35.89
TECHNOLOGY 80.53 +1.21

TURNOVER VALUE PETALING JAYA: The latest round of
8.977 BIL RM5.126 BIL stimulus measures valued at RM40 billion or
2.6% of the GDP, dubbed Pemerkasa+ to
5 MOST ACTIVES mitigate the impact of the full movement
June 1, 2021 control order, has elicited mixed responses
from analysts as it balances between affected
STOCK VOL CLSG (sen) +/– (sen) sectors, the B40 demographic and The seventh fiscal package saw the smallest direct fiscal injection at RM5 billion, compared
SERBADK 1,652,685,400 83.5 -29.5 constrained fiscal space. with RM11 billion and RM6.6 billion in the previous Pemerkasa and Permai packages. – AFPPIX
SERBADK-WA 628,030,100 11.0 +3.0
FOCUS 411,022,800 5.0 +0.5 The seventh fiscal package saw the “We expect Bank Negara Malaysia to hold businesses to sustain their operations and
DNEX 236,806,400 80.5 +3.5 smallest direct fiscal injection thus far at RM5 fire on the overnight policy rate, especially if ease some pressure on their cash flow and
UCREST 185,723,000 42.0 -1.5 billion, compared with RM11 billion and the transition to Phase 2 goes as scheduled in initiatives such as the wage subsidy
RM6.6 billion fiscal injection from the two weeks.” programme will also limit the rise in layoffs
5 TOP GAINERS previous Pemerkasa and Permai packages. during the lockdown.
June 1, 2021 While TA Research applauded the
Despite a RM40 billion price tag, CGS- measures, it found nothing new as most of With the two stimulus packages
STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM CIMB perceived the Pemerkasa+ package as them had been announced previously. It introduced this year and its revised GDP
MPI 222,500 39.80 0.70 underwhelming as it comprised largely opined that it is matter of increasing the projection, the research house estimated
PANAMY 6,600 32.50 0.52 liquidity and credit assistance of RM35 allocation amount or extending the current Malaysia’s fiscal deficit to be at 6.1% of GDP
CARLSBG 265,700 22.50 0.50 billion against a RM5 billion fiscal injection. measures/aid from past packages to a certain for 2021.
HSI-CIL 3,600 1.43 0.33 period of time.
DKSH 494,400 3.40 0.26 “With the budget deficit expected to PublicInvest Research surmised that the
breach 6% of GDP in 2021, the government is “While the recent stimulus package would less generous than before stimulus package
5 TOP LOSERS caught between the rock of a persistent offer some help, we believe it is not enough to is due to the government’s decision to
June 1, 2021 Covid-19 wave and the hard place of fiscal mend the damage. We project the extra RM5 prioritise its resources towards accelerating
reticence,” it said in a report yesterday. billion direct injection from this Pemerkasa+ the Covid-19 vaccination programme, which
STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM package would increase our fiscal deficit by is the safest bet to revive the economy.
BAT 2,673,100 14.76 1.00 The research house estimated the six- 0.3%-point, ceteris paribus, bringing it to -6.3%
PHARMA 25,821,300 5.74 0.83 week Phase 1 and 2 lockdown starting June 1, of GDP for this year,” said TA Research. Despite the knock-on effect from the latest
SEDANIA 69,864,100 0.97 0.41 2021 will lower Malaysia’s GDP growth in containment measures, it expects the
F&N 57,600 26.20 0.40 2021 to 4.4% from 5.7% previously. It pointed MIDF Research, however, opined that the Malaysian economy to return to some form
SERBADK 1,652,685,400 0.835 0.295 out each passing fortnight of Phase 1 will cost initiatives unveiled by Pemerkasa+ are of normalcy in the second half of the year due
a further 0.9%, hence the stakes are high for within its expectations and pointed out that to the vaccination efforts which will reach
Malaysia to make this full lockdown the final the measures under the package will help their peak in June and July.
one, while ramping up progress on
vaccinations.

EXCHANGE RATES JUNE 1, 2021 GDP, fiscal deficit numbers likely Still over RM200b
to be revised: Tengku Zafrul under Budget 2021
Foreign currency Bank sell Bank buy Bank buy to be spent this year

1 US DOLLAR TT/OD TT OD KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s gross “That is why our deficit has surpassed KUALA LUMPUR: There is still a Budget
1 AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR 4.1860 4.0610 4.0510 domestic product (GDP) will be impacted what we have budgeted … when it was 2021 allocation of more than RM200 billion
1 BRUNEI DOLLAR 3.2570 3.1290 3.1130 by the closure of many industries following announced in Parliament in November last to be spent this year in addition to the
1 CANADIAN DOLLAR 3.1680 3.0770 3.0690 the implementation of the full MCO 3.0, year. It was 5.4% and I recently revised it to economic stimulus package packages,
1 EURO 3.4670 3.3740 3.3620 said Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri 6%. including Pemerkasa+ to help Malaysians
1 NEWZEALAND DOLLAR 5.1250 4.9600 4.9400 Zafrul Abdul Aziz. deal with Covid-19, as well as to drive
1 SINGAPORE DOLLAR 3.0550 2.9440 2.9280 “Given the circumstances, I think it will economic recovery, Finance Minister
1 STERLING POUND 3.1680 3.0770 3.0690 He said the government is still in the go up especially when you look at the GDP, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said.
1 SWISS FRANC 5.9600 5.7740 5.7540 midst of calculating the impact and there which may be revised downwards,” he said.
100 UAE DIRHAM 4.6430 4.5370 4.5220 may be a revision. Parliament had approved an allocation of
100 BANGLADESHTAKA 115.3000 109.3300 109.1300 He added that in raising funds to finance RM322.5 billion under Budget 2021. As at
100 CHINESE RENMINBI 5.0330 4.7040 4.5040 “It is still relatively in the early stage. We the stimulus packages, one option is to save end-April 2021, a total of RM117 billion has
100 HONGKONG DOLLAR 65.7000 63.2000 need to analyse the situation on the ground the country’s expenditure, to control or been spent, thus the remainder of RM215
100 INDIAN RUPEE 54.5000 51.8000 N/A to see what and how many sectors and reprioritise some of the expenditures. billion is yet to be spent until December 2021.
100 INDONESIAN RUPIAH 5.8700 5.5100 51.6000 companies that are still open.
100 JAPANESE YEN 0.0303 0.0275 Secondly, the government could look at Besides Pemerkasa+, he said many
100 PAKISTAN RUPEE 3.8290 3.7090 5.3100 “We also need to analyse the impact of the top line of revenue, to see if there are programmes were still being implemented
100 PHILIPPINE PESO 2.7900 2.5900 0.0225 phase two and project for the entire year,” more dividends or income from the and would be implemented according to
100 QATAR RIYAL 8.9100 8.4000 3.6990 he said at a press conference yesterday government ecosystem that includes plan involving an allocation of more than
100 SAUDI RIYAL 114.7200 108.9100 2.3900 when asked about the statutory debt which statutory bodies and government-linked RM100 billion to be spent until year-end.
100 SOUTH AFRICA RAND 112.8300 107.1100 8.2000 stood at 58.5% following the companies.
100THAI BAHT 31.6200 28.5500 108.7100 announcement on the Pemerkasa+ aid Tengku Zafrul said from March 2020 until
14.0300 12.4500 106.9100 package yesterday. While thirdly, which the government March 2021, the government had announced
28.3500 has been doing and may continue to do, is six economic stimulus packages worth
12.0500 Meanwhile, commenting on Prime raising the debt. RM340 billion, with a fiscal injection of RM65
Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s billion or almost 4.7% of GDP, to address
Source: Malayan Banking Berhad/Bernama remarks earlier that the country is in a “We are in June now and we can relook current health and economic challenges.
challenging financial position, Tengku at how we are going to spend for the rest of
Zafrul said this is because the country is in the year. What is important is we will This proactive policy has begun to show a
crisis now, but there is money to finance continue to spend for the rakyat and the positive economic recovery with GDP for
the budget by increasing borrowings. businesses as much as we can,” he said. – March 2021 posting a growth of 6%. – Bernama
Bernama

BRIEFS PERTAMA DIGITAL GETS 11theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | JUNE 2, 2021
INFOPRO AS PARTNER IN
DIGITAL BANKING GROUP SUNBIZ

PETALING JAYA: Pertama Digital Bhd MICG weighs in on audit
has secured banking-as-a-service issues at Serba Dinamik
(BaaS) provider Infopro Sdn Bhd as a
partner in a consortium that is o Institutesaysdisputewithexternalauditorraisesserious be comfortable to take on the role.
applying for a digital bank licence governance concerns After which the EGM will then vote on the
from Bank Negara Malaysia. Infopro
has served more than 100 banks in PETALING JAYA: Serba Dinamik Holdings directors raises questions, as more resolution and due to the inherent conflict the
over 32 countries located primarily Bhd’s dispute with its external auditor KPMG clarification is needed on the audit committee’s institute had pointed out, it recommended that no
in Southeast Asia and Africa. raises serious governance concerns, according finding as well as its recommendation to the shareholder director should be permitted to vote.
Previously, the group announced to the Malaysian Institute of Corporate board and this should be revealed to the
SME-focused neobank Crowdo as a Governance (MICG). shareholders during the EGM. The call for an MICG noted Bursa Malaysia and the Securities
consortium partner for its digital EGM for this purpose by a non-independent Commission (SC) is reviewing the situation and
bank licence application. The institute opined that the group’s director (albeit non-executive director) who will follow up on areas that are of concern vis-a-vis
resorting to the process to remove an auditor appears to be in agreement with the managing the board’s conduct and process, and the
ASIA MEDIA, 4 FORMER when the executive is unhappy with the audit director’s position, raises conflict concerns. outcome of any independent review. It assumes
DIRECTORS REPRIMANDED findings is not appropriate. some of these governance issues highlighted will
It is MICG’s view that in this scenario, none of be included in their review.
PETALING JAYA: Bursa Malaysia “The central purpose of the external audit is the directors who are shareholders, should vote
Securities has reprimanded Asia its independent adoption of the relevant in the matter, irrespective of whether they are “Additionally, from the perspective of the
Media Group Bhd (Amedia) and four professional and ethical accounting standards executive or non-executive, independent or non- current external auditor and future
of its former directors for breaches of and reporting accordingly on the findings. That independent. It should be for other shareholders independent consultant/auditor, we have no
the Main Market listing independence should not be undermined,” to hear both viewpoints and vote accordingly. doubt the SC’s audit oversight board will be
requirements. In addition, the four MICG deputy president David W Berry said in a keeping a watchful eye on the audit conduct &
former directors were imposed total statement yesterday. Furthermore, it recommended that more process, the independent review, and the
fines of RM78,400. Amedia had failed information should be provided to the findings of both processes.”
to issue the annual report that MICG elaborated that the external auditor is shareholders to facilitate a proper
included the annual audited financial obliged to ascertain whether the company’s understanding of the dispute before any vote. For the second consecutive day, Serba
statements together with the accounts represent, in its opinion, a true and Dinamik shares hit limit-down. The stock
auditors’and directors’reports for the fair view of the concern’s financial status. With The institute views the conduct of an closed at 83.5 sen, a 29.5 sen or 26.11% decline
financial year ended Dec 31, 2018 the case in question, it noted the financial independent review as an appropriate action from its previous close with over 1.65 billion
before April 30, 2019. It also failed to values are significant which adds to the need with professional and ethical standards identical shares changing hands, making it the most
announce the quarterly report for for the auditor’s independent opinion. to those applicable for a statutory audit. actively traded stock yesterday. It was also the
the financial period ended June 30, fifth top loser on the bourse.
2019 before Aug 31, 2019. Amedia It also pointed out that Serba Dinamik’s “In this regard the appointment of BDO is a
only issued the 2018 annual report executive’s suggestion that the independent correct step, but KPMG should remain on Serba Dinamik yesterday clarified that the
and a 2018 quarterly report on Oct directors are unqualified to understand the board, to provide any information and termination of the services of its external auditor
25, 2019. The former directors are accounting issues appears to attack the clarification that may be required. Additionally, was initiated by its substantial shareholder and
Wong Shee Kai, Ong Kar Kian, Paul competence of the company’s audit committee, any committee set up by the board with director, Datuk Abdul Kadier Sahib.
Jong Jun Hian and Ong Chooi Lee. which is composed of independent directors. oversight on the matter, when referred to as an
‘independent’ committee, should be just that – “We are aware of the articles by media house
AIR ASIA X SHAREHOLDERS “Criticising the auditors for addressing their independent,” added Berry. that the board of directors have requested the
APPROVE REVAMP PLAN concerns to the company’s independent directors resignation of KPMG PLT as auditors, which
is perverse, therefore, when that is exactly to whom On the matter of due process for the removal may have been interpreted out of context,” it
PETALING JAYA: AirAsia X Bhd (AAX) the auditor is expected to direct any concerns.” of an external auditor, it recommended the said in stock exchange filing.
has received approval from its current external auditor should provide a
shareholders for the proposed It also highlighted the silence of the audit clearance letter to the new auditors, for them to The group also highlighted that the
corporate restructuring to progress committee and the group’s independent appointment of an independent firm will
as planned, following the voting continue as planned to conduct a special
process at AAX’s EGM yesterday. The independent review to assess the veracity and
approval marks a major milestone in accuracy of the matters pertaining to the
the corporate restructuring process. statutory audit raised by the external auditors.
All resolutions were passed with at
least a 99.8% margin. These approvals BCorp, BToto announce boardroom changes
have been obtained simultaneously
with final negotiations being held PETALING JAYA: Berjaya Corp Bhd (BCorp) has transformation process and succession the total board members.
with creditors. AAX said it is appointed five new independent non- planning. “The newly appointed independent
committed to resuming commercial executive directors to the board as part of Derek Chin Chee Seng has resigned as
operations as soon as possible on a the group’s ongoing strategic efforts to an executive director in line with the directors will complement the skills and
successful completion of the introduce a diverse range of experience realignment of the board experiences of the existing board of directors,
restructuring plan and the opening to support its transformation into an composition and change of and provide valuable perspectives as the group
of international borders. institutionalised corporation managed portfolio. continues to execute its strategies to become a
by professionals. BCorp said the new line-up high-performing organisation,“ BCorp said in a
ABM ASSURANCE ON and changes in the group’s
CONTINUED ASSISTANCE The new directors are Datin Seri boardroom are reflected statement yesterday.
Sunita Mei-Lin Rajakumar, Datuk in its board of Concurrrently, Berjaya Sports
PETALING JAYA: The Association of Leong Kwei Chun (Datuk Anne directors comprising
Banks in Malaysia (ABM) continues Eu), Datuk Hisham Othman, 14 members, with Toto Bhd (BToto) saw changes in
to make available financial assis- Norlela Baharudin and Tan Peng its boardroom, including three
tance to all affected borrowers who Lam. eight female directors representing new appointments and one
are in need of such assistance. Under 57% female representation, far resignation.
the Targeted Repayment Assistance, The group said executive deputy chairman exceeding the 30% recommended
(TRA) customers who are unem- Datuk Seri Robin Tan Yeong Ching under the Malaysian Code on BToto said Tan Sri Tan Kok Ping
ployed are eligible for loan defer- relinquished his executive role and moved to a Corporate Governance, and eight has resigned as chairman, while
ment for three months or 50% non-independent non-executive deputy independent directors representing 57% of Robin is appointed as chairman,
reduction in monthly instalment chairman role, in line with the group’s Chin as executive director, and
payment for six months. Those who Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai as
have experienced a reduction in independent non-executive director.
income are eligible for a reduction in
monthly instalments. B40 borrowers Malaysian manufacturing continues to recover despite Covid hiccups
registered under Bantuan Sara
Hidup or Bantuan Prihatin Rakyat PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian product broadly stabilised at the start of the softer rise in new orders relieved pressure on
are eligible to opt for this repayment manufacturing sector saw signals of recovery in year, supported by improved manufacturing existing capacity in comparison to April.
assistance. Microenterprises with May as firms reported a second consecutive output. It noted that the PMI data suggests the
loan facilities of not more than month of expansion in new orders, but stricter sector has stagnated in May due to the However, goods producers continued to
RM150,000 may also opt for this measures to combat a renewed surge in Covid- tightening restrictions. report significant supply chain delays during
repayment assistance. TRA has been 19 infections had an adverse impact on May with supplier delivery times lengthened at
expanded to include all SMEs that production volumes, which moderated New order inflows rose for the second a sharp pace once again as restrictions to
are not permitted to operate during following a solid expansion in April. month in a row in May as manufacturers combat Covid-19 both in Malaysia and key
the current full MCO. commonly reported strong local demand for external markets were tightened. Shortages of
Overall, uncertainty over the pace of goods. IHS Markit elaborated that the pace of raw materials and shipping containers were
MYNEWS VENTURES INTO economic recovery dampened sentiment the expansion eased from April as the latest also seen to have contributed to shipping
MINI MARKET BUSINESS among manufacturers, though firms remained restrictions dampened client confidence. As a delays although the rate of supply chain
optimistic on balance that output would result, output volumes were scaled back, deterioration eased slightly from April.
PETALING JAYA: Mynews Holdings increase over the coming 12 months. though the pace of moderation was marginal.
Bhd is entering the mini market In addition, difficulties in sourcing and
business with its Supervalue con- The IHS Markit Malaysia Manufacturing Simultaneously, new export orders lost receiving raw materials contributed to a further
venience outlets to cater to a larger Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) eased to 51.3 momentum last month as Covid-19 related sharp rise in raw material prices, leading to input
segment of consumers. Currently, points in May from a record high of 53.9 points in disruptions in international markets intensified cost increasing for the 12th straight month.
the group has seven Supervalue April. The reading signalled further improvement on rising infections in many countries.
stores nationwide. They are in in the health of the sector, and is the first time Despite new curbs and ongoing supply
Kajang, Kepong, OUG, Alor Star, back-to-back monthly improvements have been Local manufacturers reported that disruptions, manufacturers remained confident
Malim Jaya, Bidor and Simpang reported since mid-2018. employment fell slightly for the second month that output would rise over the coming year, citing
Ampat. in a row as businesses indicated lower hopes that the end of the pandemic would induce
Historical relationship between the PMI and production requirements. In line with this, a recovery in demand. However, the degree of
official statistics suggests that gross domestic backlogs of work also broadly stabilised, as a optimism was the lowest in four months.

12 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | JUNE 2, 2021 BRIEFS EU TO UNVEIL PLANS FOR
SUNBIZ BLOC-WIDE DIGITAL WALLET

G7 to back minimum BENGALURU: The European Union (EU) is set
global corporate tax to unveil plans for a bloc-wide digital wallet
today, following requests from member
o Group agrees move will support too soon and investing to promote The solution the OECD is working on states to find a safe way for citizens to access
help alleviate strain on growth, create high-quality jobs and address would force a minimum global level of tax on public and private services online, the
public finances by ensuring climate change and inequalities,“ the draft all corporate revenues, no matter where a Financial Times reported. The app will allow
large multinationals pay communique, seen by Reuters, said. company chooses to set up its headquarters citizens across the EU to securely access a
their fair share for tax purposes. range of private and public services with a
“Once the recovery is firmly established, single online ID, according to the FT report
BRUSSELS: Finance ministers from the we need to ensure the long-term “We commit to reaching an equitable yesterday. The digital wallet will securely
Group of Seven rich nations (G7) will vow this sustainability of public finances to enable us solution on the allocation of taxing rights and store payment details and passwords and
week to support their economies as they to respond to future crises,“ the draft said, to a high level of ambition on the rate for a allow citizens from all 27 countries to log
emerge from the pandemic and reach an without specifying how the G7 would deem global minimum tax,“ the draft said, without onto local government websites or pay
“ambitious” deal on a minimum global the recovery to be considered firm. mentioning any numbers. utility bills using a single recognised identity,
corporate tax in July, a draft communique people with direct knowledge of the plans
showed. G7 governments have been pumping The United States proposed earlier in May said. The EU-wide app can be accessed via
trillions of dollars into their economies to to set the minimum tax at 15%, down from the fingerprint or retina scanning among other
G7 officials, set to meet in London on June keep them alive since the start of the 21% it proposed in April, and the lower level methods, and will also serve as a vault where
4-5, will also say that once the recovery is well pandemic in March 2020 as repeated seemed to quickly receive broad backing in users can store official documents like the
established, they will need to “ensure long- lockdowns pushed the world into a deep Europe. driver’s licence. – Reuters
term sustainability of public finances”, which recession.
is understood to be code for a gradual It said there was an overwhelming moral, DOMINO’S TO HIRE 5,000 STAFF
withdrawal of stimulus. To help alleviate the strain on public scientific and economic case for ensuring IN UK AS F&B OUTLETS REOPEN
finances, the draft said the G7 strongly wide access to Covid-19 vaccines, as the
The G7 comprises the United States, Japan, supported the efforts of the Organisation for global economy would not be safe until the BENGALURU: Domino’s Pizza Group said
Britain, Germany, France, Italy and Canada. Economic Cooperation and Development virus is under control everywhere. yesterday it would hire 5,000 pizza chefs
(OECD) to set a global minimum corporate and delivery drivers to bolster its 1,100 UK
“We commit to not withdrawing policy tax level that would ensure large The G7 will therefore call on the stores as customer demand heats up. The
multinationals paid their fair share of taxes. International Monetary Fund to use its funds move comes as British pubs and restaurants
for buying vaccines and on the private sector that reopened after months of lockdown
Such a tax would aim to solve the problem to step up its contribution too. face a potential staffing crunch as they
of large companies that generate huge serve more hungry and thirsty customers
revenues but pay very little tax because they The draft said the G7 would also support over the warmer summer months. The
set up offices for tax purposes in low-tax mandatory climate-related financial disclosures company in April reported an 18.7% jump
jurisdictions. by companies that provide “consistent and in first-quarter sales as repeated
decision-useful” information for markets. coronavirus-led lockdowns pushed up
pizza delivery orders. The UK started easing
restrictions for outdoor dining only in April
and allowed full operations at cafes and
restaurants by mid-May. – Reuters

China home prices China’s factory activity
growth to pick up expanded at the fastest
steam despite pace this year in May on
cooling measures: Poll solid demand at home and

overseas. – REUTERSPIX

BEIJING: China’s home prices are expected to Asia’s factories sustain expansion but supply
grow faster this year than anticipated a few squeeze dims outlook
months earlier fuelled by hot demand in major
cities and easy liquidity, despite heightened TOKYO: Asia’s factory activity continued to Research Institute. manufacturing were most prominent in India
cooling measures, a Reuters poll showed. expand in May thanks to an ongoing recovery “Asia‘s recovery has been driven more by where factory activity growth hit its lowest in 10
in global demand, surveys showed yesterday, months, the PMI for the country showed.
As China’s economy recovers from the Covid- though rising raw material costs and supply external than domestic demand. If companies
19 shock, authorities have stepped up curbs on chain constraints clouded the outlook. have trouble exporting enough goods, that Factories in Taiwan and Vietnam were so far
the property sector to guard against financial bodes ill for the region’s economies,“ he said. holding up despite rising infections. Taiwan’s
risks as concerns mount over speculative A spike in Covid-19 infections in some PMI stood at 62.0 in May, slowing from April
behaviour in some parts of the market. Home countries could disrupt supply chains, posing a China’s factory activity expanded at the but remaining well above the 50-mark that
prices, however, extended a rising streak in headache for manufacturers and weighing on fastest pace this year in May on solid demand separates growth from contraction.
recent months with heat spilling over into some Asia’s export-driven recovery, analysts say. at home and overseas, though sharp rises in
smaller towns from metropolises. input prices and strains in supply chains Vietnam’s PMI also stayed above 50 at 53.1
Japan and South Korea saw expansions in crimped some firms’ production, a survey in May, though slowing from 54.7 in April.
Average residential property price growth is factory activity moderate in May, purchasing showed yesterday.
estimated to grow 5% in 2021, according to 11 managers’ indexes (PMI) showed yesterday, Separate data released yesterday showed
analysts and economists surveyed by Reuters. underscoring the fragile nature of their The Caixin/Markit Manufacturing PMI, Japanese firms cut spending on plant and
recoveries. which focuses on smaller firms, rose to 52.0 last equipment for the fourth consecutive quarter in
The forecast topped a 3.3% gain tipped in a month, the highest since December and January-March, as the economy struggles to shake
February survey, and slightly higher than around “A spread of new variants is already having a inching up from April’s 51.9. off the drag from the coronavirus pandemic.
4.9% gain in 2020. Home prices are seen slowing negative impact on supply chains. If this
to 3% in the first half of 2022. situation persists, it would hit Asian The survey followed China’s official PMI on South Korea’s PMI stood at 53.7 in May,
manufacturers that had been scrambling to Monday, which showed factory activity in the slowing from April but extending growth into
Despite stepped-up market restrictions, diversify supply chains out of China,“ said Toru world’s second-largest economy slowed an eighth straight month although the pace of
prices are on a rising trajectory, said Huang Yu, Nishihama, chief economist at Dai-ichi Life slightly in May on surging raw material costs. input price increases hit a 13-year high, the
vice-president of China Index Academy, a index showed. – Reuters
Beijing-based property research institute. The effects of surging infections on
Climbing land prices are also expected to buoy
housing prices, she said.

Zhao Ke, analyst at China Merchants
Securities, said muted prices in tier-3 and 4 cities
were likely to drag down overall gains.

Chinese authorities have since this year
intensified their efforts to rein in the relentless
rise in home prices and drive speculators out of
the market. Local policies include capping prices
set by developers and preventing some real
estate agencies from setting excessively high
second-hand home prices. Banks in major cities
also hiked mortgage rates.

Property sales volume is expected to be flat
from last year, unchanged from the previous
poll, and versus a 2.6% gain in 2020.

Housing investments are estimated to rise
7% this year, in line with the pace in 2020, and
marginally higher than 6.4% in the February poll.

“Home project construction investment will
be the major pillar of overall property
investment, which will also be likely driven by
rental housing construction,“ Huang said.

Most survey respondents forecast it will take
a long time before China enacts broad property
tax, but some predicted some bigger cities with
frothy housing markets might see pilot schemes
come into force in the coming year. – Reuters

322 Notices 322 Notices 13theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | JUNE 2, 2021

IN THE HIGH COURT OF IN THE HIGH COURT * SPORTS
MALAYA AT SHAH ALAM OF MALAYA AT SHAH ALAM
IN THE STATE OF SELANGOR Staying
DARUL EHSAN, MALAYSIA IN THE STATE OF grounded
(COMMERCIAL DIVISION) SELANGOR DARUL EHSAN
(COMMERCIAL DIVISION)
PETITION NO. COMPANIES WINDING UP PETITION
BA-28NCC-105-03/2021 NO. BA-28NCC-192-04/2021
In the matter of Section 464, 465(1)
302 Jobs (e) read with Section 466(1)(a) of the IN THE MATTER OF GOLD COAST
Companies Act, 2016 WATER CITY RESORT (MALACCA)
GENEDRRAIVLEWRO/RKER SDN. BHD. [REGISTRATION NO.
And 200501033389 / 715529-U (OLD)]
- Age 30 - 60 In the matter of the Companies
- Min 5 years (Winding-Up) Rules 1972 AND

experience as driver. And IN THE MATTER OF SECTIONS 464(1)
- Healthy and energetic In the matter of SPEED THEME SDN BHD (b),(2)(c), 465(1)(e) and (h) and
- Speak English (Company No. 729244-M) 466(1)(a) OF THE COMPANIES ACT
- Have own transport 2016
- RM1500 - 1800 BETWEEN
- Call:0162126769 SOURCEMOST INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD. BETWEEN

322 Notices … PETITIONER SOONG HUAT CRANE SERVICES. Perez dismisses Red Bull advantage over
AND [Firm Registration No: Hamilton , Mercedes ahead of Baku race
IN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYA SPEED THEME SDN BHD MA0171559-T]
AT KUALA LUMPUR (Company No.: 729244-M) ... PETITIONER

(COMMERCIAL DIVISION) …RESPONDENT AND
COMPANIES (WINDING UP) ADVERTISEMENT OF PETITION
NO: WA- 28NCC-111-03/2021 NOTICE is hereby given that a Petition GOLD COAST WATER CITY RED BULL’S new driver Sergio Perez says they’re keeping
In the matter of Section 465 ((1)(e) and/or for the Winding-Up of the abovenamed RESORT (MALACCA) SDN. BHD their “feet on the ground” at the Milton Keynes-based
(h) of the Companies Act 2016 Company by the High Court at Shah [Registration No. 200501033389 / team, despite now leading both the driver’s and the
Alam was on the 22nd day of March 715529-U (old)] constructor’s standings heading into round six of the
And 2021 presented to the said Court championship in Baku, Azerbaijan.
In the matter of Section 466 (1)(a) and/or by Sourcemost International Co Ltd. ... RESPONDENT
(c) of the Companies Act, 2016 and that the said Petition is directed After a dominant weekend in Monaco, which saw Max
to be heard before the High Court of ADVERTISEMENT OF PETITION Verstappen take a maiden win in Monte Carlo, Red Bull now
And Insolvency sitting at Shah Alam on have the advantage over Mercedes as the championship battle
In the matter of MKP Builders Sdn Bhd Wednesday, the 23rd day of June NOTICE is hereby given that a Petition between the Dutchman and Lewis Hamilton heats up this
(Company Registration No. 386207-P)) 2021 at 9.00 o’clock in the morning; for the Winding-Up of the above named season.
and any creditor or contributory of the company by the High Court was on 22
BETWEEN said company desirous to support or April 2021 presented by the Petitioner “It’s so special around here to win. It’s my first time on the
VIGILANT RESOURCES SDN BHD oppose the making of an order on the and that the said Petition is directed podium here,” said Verstappen. “I remember when I was very
(Company Registration No. 835095-H) said petition may appear at the time to be heard before the Court sitting little, you always want to win this one.”
of hearing by himself or his Counsel at Shah Alam High Court at 9.00 a.m.
… PETITIONER for that purpose; and a copy of the on Tuesday 27 July 2021, and any And after Perez came fourth in Monte Carlo, it’s advantage
AND Petition will be furnished to any Creditor creditor or contributory of the said Red Bull heading into the next round.
MKP BUILDERS SDN BHD or contributory of the said Company company desiring to support or oppose
(Company Registration No. 386207-P) requiring the same by the undersigned the making of an order on the petition However the Mexican was keen not to get carried away, with
on payment of the regulated charge for may appear at the time of hearing by 18 races still to go.
… RESPONDENT the same. himself or his counsel for that purpose;
ADVERTISEMENT OF PETITION The Petitioner’s address is at No. 338 and a copy of the petition will be “Of course we are happy that we are now ahead in both World
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a petition Yinxin Road, Shanghai, China. furnished to any creditor or contributory Championship standings. But let’s keep our feet on the ground,”
for winding-up of the above-named The Petitioner’s Solicitor is Messrs. Lee of the said company requiring the he told speedweek.com.
company by the High Court was, on & Partners of Wisma Lee & Partners, No. same by the undersigned on payment
the 2nd March 2021, presented by the 1, Jalan PJU 8/5A, Bandar Damansara of the regulated charge for the same. “We’ve only done five races out of a planned 23. In the end,
above-named Petitioner. And that the Perdana, 47820 Petaling Jaya, Selangor The Petitioner’s address is at 68-3A, Max was right when he said in Monte Carlo – it’s not important
said petition is directed to be heard Darul Ehsan. Tel. No: 03 – 7728 7001 Jalan Pasar, 41400 Klang Selangor. who’s in front after five races, it’s important who’s in front after
before the Court sitting at High Court of Fax. No: 03 – 7728 3001 the Abu Dhabi finale.
Kuala Lumpur at 9:00 in the morning, The Petitioner’s solicitor is Messrs
on the 30th June 2021; and any creditor t.t Rajah, Lau & Associates of B-13-13, “We have to continue to be as focused as we have been.”
or contributory of the said company …………………………. Block B, Unit 13, 13th Floor Megan Hamilton had a 14-point lead going into the weekend, but
desiring to support or oppose the making Messrs. Lee & Partners Avenue II, 12, Jalan Yap Kwan Seng after finishing seventh, dropped to second in the championship,
of an order on the said petition may Solicitors for the Petitioner 50450 Kuala Lumpur. with Mercedes taking a huge hit in the team’s standings too, as
appear at the time of hearing by himself NOTE: Tel : 03-27105585, Fax : 03-27105589 Valtteri Bottas was forced to retire from second place mid-race.
or his counsel for that purpose; and a Any person who intends to appear With now just four points separating the pair with a new twist
copy of the petition will be furnished to on the hearing of the said Petition Rajah, Lau & Associates in the championship, Hamilton was quick to dismiss that the
any creditor or contributory of the said must serve on or send by post to the Solicitor for the Petitioner miserable weekend at Monaco has cost them the championship.
company requiring the same by the abovenamed Messrs. Lee & Partners, He said: “We’ve had some good races also. There are 18 races
undersigned on payment of the regulated notice in writing of his intention so to Note:Any person who intends to appear to go. I’m not going to (say more). It’s childish in the end when
charge for the same. do. The notice must state the name on the hearing of the said petition must you start getting into a war of words.”
The Petitioner’s address is A-11-09 and address of the person, or, if a firm, serve on or sent by post to the above “It was not a great weekend but I don’t feel like I am dwelling
& A-11-10, PJU 3, No. 12, Persiaran the name and address of the firm and named Rajah, Lau & Associates, notice on it... there is no point getting depressed about it.
Tropicana, 47410, Petaling Jaya, must be signed by the person or firm or in writing of his intention so to do. “We have shown time and time again that we can bounce
Selangor Darul Ehsan. his or their Solicitors (if any) and must The notice must state the name and back so I am not too emotional at present.”
The Petitioner’s solicitor is MESSRS. KH be served, or if posted, must be sent address of the person, or if a firm, As for Verstappen, he agreed it’s too early to get carried away.
LIM & Co with an address of service at by post in sufficient time to reach the the name and address of the firm, and “If it’s there at the end of the season, then that would be
Suite T3-22-01, Tower 3, 22nd Floor, abovenamed not later than 12 p.m in the must be signed by the person or firm or great,” said Verstappen after his Monaco victory.
Pusat Perdagangan Icon City, No.1B, noon of 18th day of June 2021. his or their solicitor (if any) and must “Still a long way to go, of course it was great to bounce back
Jalan SS8/39, 47300 Petaling Jaya, This Advertisement of Petition is filed by be served, or, if posted, must be sent after the last two races, of course the gap got bigger.
Selangor. Messrs Lee & Partners the Solicitors for by post in sufficient time to reach the “But we still have to work hard, because we know that
………………T.T….……………. the Petitioner whose address for service above named solicitors not later than Mercedes on normal tracks are still the ones to beat.”
is at Wisma Lee & Partners, No. 1, Jalan 12.00 o’clock noon of 26 July 2021. Formula One heads to another street circuit on Sunday, with
Messrs. KH LIM & CO PJU 8/5A, Bandar Damansara Perdana, Hamilton looking to claw back lost ground in Azerbaijan. –
Solicitors for the Petitioner 47820 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. [File Ref: EKC/CT/WU/SHCS- Express Newspapers
NOTE – Tel. No: 03 – 7728 7001] [Fax. No: 03 – GoldCoast/21.171]
Any person who intends to appear on 7728 3001] [Email: [email protected]] Email: [email protected]
the hearing of the said petition must
serve on or send by post to the above- 322 Notices IN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYA AT Sergio Perez
named solicitors for the petitioner, notice JOHOR BAHRU
in writing of his intention to do so. The IN THE MATTER OF New faces for England-NZ Test series
notice must state the name and address THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 IN THE STATE OF JOHOR DARUL
of the person, or, if a firm, the name and TAKZIM, MALAYSIA ENGLAND and New Zealand head tour of Australia later this year, have “When you’ve got an opening
address of the firm, and must be signed AND into today’s first Test at Lord’s with been reluctant recently to deploy bowling attack that’s got over 1,000
by the person or firm, or his or their IN THE MATTER OF COMPANIES (WINDING-UP) both sides facing some potentially James Anderson and Stuart Broad, Test wickets between them that
solicitor (if any) and must be served, or, if GANDING UTAMA SDN. BHD. NO. JA – 28NCC – 62 – 05 / 2021 awkward selection decisions. their most successful all-time Test doesn’t look like there’s anything light
posted, must be sent by post in sufficient Company No: 200001016794 In the matter of Section 464(1)(b) of the bowlers, in the same XI. there,” Stead said.
time to reach the above-named not Companies Act 2016. The hosts, in a match that marks
later than twelve o’clock noon of the (519401-V) the return of spectators to They’ve also rested several players New Zealand expect Trent Boult to
29th June 2021 (the day before the day (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY And international cricket in England after following their stints in the Indian miss the two-match series against
appointed for the hearing of the petition). In the matter of Section 465(1)(e) read their home games were played behind Premier League, including England in the hope the left-arm
This Advertisement of Petition is filed by LIQUIDATION) together with Section 466(1)(a) of the closed doors last year because of the wicketkeepers Jos Buttler and Jonny seamer – who only arrives in the UK
Messrs KH Lim & Co, solicitors for the At an Extraordinary General Meeting Companies Act 2016. coronavirus pandemic, will field an Bairstow. on Friday after resting up following
Petitioner whose address for service is at of the members of GANDING UTAMA attack missing injured World Cup the IPL – will be fresh for this month’s
Unit T3-22-01, 22nd Floor, Tower 3, Pusat SDN. BHD. held on 1 June 2021, the And winners Ben Stokes (finger) and Jofra And for all England’s pace options, inaugural World Test Championship
Perdagangan Icon City, No. 1B Jalan following Special Resolutions were In the Matter of TWIN UNITRADE SDN. Archer (elbow). including the uncapped Ollie final against India at Southampton.
SS 8/39 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor duly passed :- BHD. [Company No: 201301036183 Robinson and express quick Mark
Darul Ehsan. 1. “THAT the Company will be (1066011-M)] England, amid the strains of Wood, New Zealand coach Gary Stead New Zealand – who’ve won their
[Tel No.: 03-7865 6033/ 7866 0633 liquidated by way of members’ “bubble” cricket and a congested looked no further than the veteran last six Tests, all at home – can be sure
Fax No.: 03-7865 6733] voluntary winding up pursuant to BETWEEN schedule that continues after the two duo of Anderson and Broad, who have about the majority of an XI led by
[Email: [email protected]] Section 439 (1)(b) of the Companies TSK HARDWARE SDN. BHD. New Zealand Tests with a five-match more than 1,000 Test wickets between outstanding batsman Kane
[Our Ref: JWA/1205/2021/L/VRSB/MKP] Act, 2016.” [Company No: 230962-M] series at home to India and an Ashes them. Williamson. – AFP
D:\Workstation\Desktop\ 2. “THAT MR KAM CHAI HONG of
Musawwir\1205\21-03-18_VR_MKP_ C. H. Kam Consultancy (2005) Sdn. … PETITIONER Gypsy King issues chilling threat to Wilder
Advertisement.docx Bhd., 55-A, Jalan Perang, Taman AND
Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor be TWIN UNITRADE SDN. BHD. TYSON FURY has vowed to smash Fury had to give Wilder an immediate has started today guys,” Fury said.
CALL TO PLACE CLASSIFIED ADS appointed as Liquidator to act for the [Company No: 201301036183 Deontay Wilder’s face in when the rematch from their fight in February I’ve got 8 weeks until I smash
purpose of winding up the company’s (1066011-M)] heavyweights meet for the third time 2020.
MS. SHOBA affairs and distributing its assets.” … RESPONDENT in July. Deontay Wilder’s face in for him. Can’t
“THAT the Liquidator be indemnified ADVERTISEMENT OF PETITION As a result, the pair will meet at the wait to do that on 24th of July, tune in.”
T 03 7784 8888 by the Company against all costs, NOTICE is hereby given that a Petition Fury was recently denied the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas in July.
F 03 7784 4424 charges, losses, expenses and for the winding-up of the abovenamed chance to fight Anthony Joshua by an Fury is expected to beat Wilder, as
liabilities incurred or sustained by company by the High Court was, on the independent arbitrator and will face Fury has already started his training he did when the pair met last year.
him in the execution and discharge of 25th day of May, 2021 presented by TSK Wilder for a third time in Las Vegas in camp ahead of the trilogy fight, and
his duties in relation thereto.” HARDWARE SDN. BHD. (Company No: July. has vowed to finish the fight in the But Wilder has now switched
WAN FATIMAH BINTI 230962-M) of PLO 208, Jalan Angkasa same way as he did the first. trainers and is working with Malik
WAN MOHAMMAD Mas 6, Kawasan Perindustrian Tebrau II, The “Gypsy King” was set to take on Scott ahead of the trilogy bout.
Chairman 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor. Joshua in a unification bout, but those Speaking in a video posted to his
Dated : 2 June 2021 AND that the said Petition is directed plans were scrapped last week. Twitter account, the “Gypsy King” The Bronze Bomber has only lost
to be heard before the Court sitting issued a chilling threat to his rival. once in his career – against Fury – and
IN THE MATTER OF at the High Court of Malaya at Johor An independent arbitrator ruled has vowed to “decapitate” the WBC
THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 Bahru at 9.00 a.m. on Monday the 2nd “First day in the gym finished, camp champion. – Daily Express
day of August, 2021; and any creditor
AND or contributory of the said Company
IN THE MATTER OF desiring to support or oppose the making
GANDING UTAMA SDN. BHD. of an Order on the said Petition may
Company No: 200001016794 appear at the time of hearing by himself
or his Counsel for that purpose; and a
(519401-V) copy of the Petition will be furnished
(IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY to any creditor or contributory of the
said Company requiring the same by
LIQUIDATION) the undersigned on payment of the
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT regulated charge for the same.
the Creditors of the abovenamed The Petitioner’s address is PLO 208,
Company which is being voluntarily Jalan Angkasa Mas 6, Kawasan
wound up, are required on or before 3 Perindustrian Tebrau II, 81100 Johor
July 2021 to send in their names and Bahru, Johor.
addresses with particulars of their The Petitioner’s Solicitors are Messrs
debts and claims and the names and Tan Vincent & Azmi, Advocates &
addresses of their solicitors (if any) to Solicitors of No. 181A, Jalan NB 2 2/2,
the undersigned Liquidator and, if so Taman Nusa Bestari 2, 79150 Iskandar
required by notice in writing from the Puteri, Johor.
said Liquidator, or by their solicitors - Signed -
or personally to come in and prove .......................................
the said debts and claims at such Messrs Tan Vincent & Azmi
time and place as shall be specified Solicitors for the Petitioner
in such notice, or in default thereof, Advocates & Solicitors
they will be excluded from the benefit No. 181A, Jalan NB 2 2/2
of any distribution made before such Taman Nusa Bestari 2
debts and claims are proved. 79150 Iskandar Puteri, Johor
NOTE:
Liquidator Any person who intends to appear on
Kam Chai Hong the hearing of the Petition must serve
55-A, Jalan Perang, on or send by post to the abovenamed
Taman Pelangi, Messrs Tan Vincent & Azmi, notice in
80400 Johor Bahru. writing of his intention to do so. The
Dated this 2nd day of June 2021 notice must state the name and address
of the person, or, if a firm, the name and
address of the firm, and must be signed
by the person or firm, or his or their
Solicitors (if any) and must be served,
or if posted, must be sent by post in
sufficient time to reach the abovenamed
not later than 12 noon of the 1st day of
August, 2021 (the day before the day
appointed for the hearing of the Petition).
(Ref: TVA/V/LIT/19/132(B)/THSB/j)

14 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | JUNE 2, 2021 Osaka’s sister explains
SPORTS media snub reasons

Seeds go tumbling out NAOMI OSAKA’S sister has appeared to reveal the
Serena survives but Andreescu, Muguruza reasons behind her decision to skip all press
and Ostapenko stumble in Paris conferences at this year’s French Open.

AMERICAN Serena Williams just right now learn from it, because that’s The reigning Australian and US Open champion,
survived a scare in the first ever what life’s all about. who yesterday withdrew from the Grand Slam in Paris,
night session match at the French “Hopefully the hard work that I did had earlier decided not to attend any press
Open as she edged out Romanian put in today and over the past couple of conferences at this year’s tournament.
Irina-Camelia Begu 7-6(6), 6-2 in the first weeks will really show for the grass,
round on a day that saw former champion for the hardcourt season.” Her sister, Mari Osaka, has come out and publicly
Garbine Muguruza and sixth seed Bianca Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko, who revealed in a now deleted post that the decision was
Andreescu exit Paris yesterday. blasted her way to the French “to block everything out” after being told at press
Open title in 2017, also went out, conferences that she “has a bad record on clay.”
Organisers have introduced night losing 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 to last year’s
matches under the Philippe Chatrier Court runner-up Sofia Kenin. She added that her sister’s confidence was
lights this year to provide some late drama The women’s draw lost “completely shattered” after she lost in the first round
for the fans but the match was played in an another big name when in Rome this year and that “everyone’s remarks and
empty stadium because of a Covid-19 2016 French Open opinions have gotten to her head.”
curfew in the French capital. semifinalist Kiki Bertens fell
at the first hurdle, losing 6- Writing on Reddit, she said: “Naomi mentioned to
The flat atmosphere hardly helped the 1, 3-6, 6-4 to another me before the tournament that a family member had
39-year-old Williams who squandered a 5-2 Slovenian, Polona come up to her and remarked that she’s bad at clay.”
lead in the first set against a tricky opponent Hercog. –
who battled back to move into a tiebreaker. Reuters/AFP “At every press conference she’s told she’s has a
bad record on clay. When she lost in Rome – she was
Begu then led 6-4 and Williams got lucky Serena Williams of the not ok mentally.
with a return that clipped the tape, before US returns the ball to
rattling off four points to win the opener Romania’s Irina Begu “Her confidence was completely shattered and I
with a drive volley she celebrated with a roar (not in picture) during think that everyone’s remarks and opinions have
that echoed around the empty stands. their women’s singles gotten to her head and she herself believed that she
first round match at the was bad on clay.
Three-time Roland Garros champion Philippe Chatrier court
Williams was far more assured in the second “She knew that in order to do well she had to
set and managed to claim the victory on Day 2 of 2021 believe in herself. So her solution was to block
without further fuss. French Open tennis everything out. She was protecting her mind hence
tournament in Paris why it’s called mental health.”
Despite her first set wobble against Begu, yesterday. – AFPPIX
the seventh seed showed enough of her old Mari then backtracked on her statement in a later
firepower and fight to suggest that she can post saying: “Ok so I f***ed up.” – Express Newspapers
make a deep run in Paris.
TRAMLINES
“Ironically enough night sessions are not Barty fights through pain
my favourite matches, but I do have a good to avoid upset
record at it,” Williams said of her first taste of
action under the Roland Garros lights. WORLD NO. 1 Ash Barty managed to play through
an injury problem and stave off an upset against
“Clearly something about it gets me American Bernarda Pera with a 6-4, 3-6, 6-2 win in
hyped. I have to say it was pretty cool to be her opening match of the French Open yesterday.
able to play the first night session ever here Returning to the Philippe Chatrier court after her
at Roland Garros. That was something I maiden Grand Slam win in 2019, the 25-year-old
thoroughly enjoyed.” Australian seemed to be cruising against the 70th-
ranked Pera when she was up 5-2 in the opening
Former champion Muguruza was set. Barty, who skipped the claycourt Grand Slam
outplayed 6-1, 6-4 by Ukraine’s Marta last year amid the Covid-19 pandemic, started
Kostyuk while Canada’s Andreescu became moving sluggishly thereafter, clearly bothered by an
the highest women’s seed to fall in Paris so injury, and then took a medical timeout at the end
far, losing 6-7(1), 7-6(2), 9-7 in a three- of the second set after Pera levelled the match. The
hour marathon against Tamara Australian, who started the match with a heavily-
Zidansek. strapped left thigh, kept fighting and found a way
to victory and into the second round.
“I think I prepared super, super well
for this tournament. That’s why to me French Open chief‘sorry and sad’
it’s very disappointing, because I over Osaka withdrawal
thought I could go far,” Andreescu told
reporters. FRENCH tennis federation president Gilles
Moretton admitted yesterday he “was sorry and
“It sucks right now for me and I can sad” that Naomi Osaka had decided to withdraw
from Roland Garros. “We are sorry and sad for
Federer dazzles on return to Grand Slam action Naomi Osaka. The outcome of Naomi withdrawing
from Roland Garros is unfortunate,” said Moretton.
ROGER FEDERER marked his return to the Federer landed 95% of his first serves in a opponent on Thursday or whenever.” “We wish her the best and the quickest possible
Grand Slam arena in dazzling fashion with a one-sided opening set and although Istomin Federer, tied with Rafa Nadal on 20 Grand recovery,” Moretton added as he read out a
6-2, 6-4, 6-3 first-round defeat of qualifier did offer a little more resistance thereafter he prepared statement without taking questions. “We
Denis Istomin at the French Open yesterday. failed to lay a glove on his opponent who Slam titles, missed last year’s French Open look forward to having Naomi in our tournament
appeared in cruise control throughout. because of a knee injury and is appearing at next year. “As all the Grand Slams, the WTA, the ATP,
The 39-year-old Swiss had not played a Roland Garros for only the second time since and the ITF, we remain very committed to all
Grand Slam match since the 2020 Australian He was applauded warmly by the small 2015. athletes’ well-being and to continually improving
Open and had managed only one claycourt Philippe Chatrier crowd who thoroughly every aspect of players’ experience in our
match in the build-up to Roland Garros. enjoyed his 93 minute exhibition. While the Parisian are pleased to see him tournament, including with the media, like we have
back, Federer’s eyes appear set more on always strived to do.”
But any fears that eighth-seed Federer Federer will be pushed harder in the Wimbledon.
might suffer an opening round defeat at a second round against Croatian Marin Cilic Djoker, Fedex Olympic uncertainty
Grand Slam for the first time since 2003 were who despite a ranking of 47 represents a “I mean, look, for me coming back after
quickly erased as the Swiss outclassed dangerous first-week obstacle. many months or over a year of rehab, the WORLD NO. 1 Novak Djokovic said yesterday that
Istomin with a consummate display. light at the end of the tunnel or the he might consider skipping the Tokyo Olympics if
“I mean, a lot to look forward to. To be measuring stick was always can I come back the two-week sporting festival takes place without
The Uzbek served two double faults in the truthful, I don’t know where I stand,” Federer, to a good level against good players?” he spectators. Roger Federer also sounded less than
opening game of the match as Federer took who said he had not studied the draw, told said. sure if he would compete in Tokyo, following his
early control and never looked troubled as he reporters. return to Grand Slam action at the French Open
went through his usual repertoire of shot- “I hope Wimbledon is going to be that yesterday. Foreign visitors have already been
making. “Today was a good performance. I hope I place. Maybe there’s going to be even banned and organisers are expected to make a
can do it again against a different type of something here in Paris. We’ll see.” – Reuters decision next month on whether Japanese fans will
be able to attend the Games, set to run between
Medvedev gets monkey off his back with first Roland Gaross win July 23 and Aug 8, and under what conditions.“I’m
planning to play the Olympic Games for now. As I
DANIIL MEDVEDEV’S first-ever Garros on his fifth attempt. in Roland Garros it’s probably own inconsistency, making heard, there’s going to be some crowd, local crowd
victory at the French Open Medvedev plays best on hard going to be because my eight double faults, often at from Japan only. As I understand, 20%, 30% of the
yesterday has banished any opponent plays really good. I crucial times in the match. capacity,”Djokovic said.“If they change something, if
doubts the second seed may courts, with clay his least feel very confident.” there’s not going to be any crowd, then I’ll consider if
have had about his chances at favourite surface, but despite Bublik also racked up 45 I want to go or not. Right now I am planning to go.”
the claycourt Grand Slam, filling having lost in the first round Bublik, the world No. 37, unforced errors compared to Federer said he was waiting to see how things
him with confidence for the rest during all four of his previous made for a tricky opponent, and just 16 from Medvedev. develop.“My wish and hope and dream is that I can
of the tournament. appearances in Paris, the lanky twice bamboozled Medvedev play… I’m still waiting to see how things are going
Russian mastered his nerves and with underhand serves. “I did 16 unforced errors to develop the next couple of weeks and month.”
The Russian beat turned in a dominant display. today,” Medvedev added. “This is
Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik The Kazakh tried to serve a huge statistic. This is how I can
6-3, 6-3, 7-5 yesterday, to finally “I feel really hopeful,” he told and volley to counter the make damage in slams and win
win his first match at Roland reporters. “You could see it Russian’s power from the great tournaments.” – Reuters
today in the match. If I lose here baseline but was undone by his

SIDENETTING 15theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | JUNE 2, 2021
Gnabry ready for goals * SPORTS

GERMANY’S Serge Gnabry would relish a centre A decade of heartbreak
forward position at this month’s European Guardiola last lifted European club football’s biggest prize in 2011
Championship, he said yesterday, as the team are MANCHESTER CITY manager Pep
looking to improve their goal-scoring form. The Guardiola was unable to get his in the semis. against Monaco. City won the first leg 5-3 at the
Bayern Munich winger has a stellar scoring record for hands back on the Champions 2011-12: The final season of Guardiola’s Barca Etihad Stadium before a 3-1 away loss saw
Germany, having netted 15 times in 20 internationals, League trophy on Sunday as his tenure saw the team again knocked out in the Monaco – for whom a teenage Kylian Mbappe
and is brimming with confidence going into his first side were beaten 1-0 by Chelsea in the final. semis by the eventual winners as they were was among the stars – get through on away
major tournament with the national team. “I have not goals.
yet had a specific discussion with (coach Joachim) It has now been 10 years since he last won beaten 3-2 on aggregate by Chelsea.
Loew. We will see,” Gnabry said. “Obviously I would be the competition, when he registered a second 2017-18: A year later, it was a quarterfinal exit
happy to imitate a centre forward up front. But it does triumph as boss of Barcelona. BAYERN MUNICH (2013-14): Guardiola for City as they lost their all-English tie with
not really matter who plays up front given the quality Here’s a look at Guardiola’s Champions returned to management with Bayern after a Liverpool 5-1 on aggregate. The damage was
in our squad. It’s more fun to play there because you League record through his time in charge at year-long sabbatical and saw another run ended done early, with Guardiola’s men conceding
are nearer to the goal and I feel very well up front.” Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester in the last four by the team who went on to claim three times in the opening 31 minutes of the first
City. the trophy. After beating Arsenal and United in leg at Anfield.
Lukaku wins Serie A MVP award previous rounds, the German giants crashed to a
BARCELONA (2008-09): Having been promoted 5-0 aggregate defeat to Carlo Ancelotti’s Real 2018-19: While Guardiola guided City to a
INTER MILAN forward Romelu Lukaku has been from coaching the B team to succeed Frank Madrid including a 4-0 home loss in the second domestic treble, it was another quarterfinal
named as the best overall MVP of Serie A, the official Rijkaard, Guardiola guided Barca to an leg. elimination in Europe and again at the hands of
league award for the player of the season. The unprecedented treble in his first season at the a Premier League rival. Tottenham advanced on
Belgium international scored 24 league goals and helm, capped by Champions League glory. 2014-15: Another painful semifinal experience away goals after a 4-4 draw over two legs, the
provided 11 assists to help Inter clinch a first Serie A Samuel Eto’o and Lionel Messi scored the goals for Guardiola as he saw his Bayern side beaten 5- second of which, a 4-3 win for City, memorably
title in 11 years this season. Cristiano Ronaldo was as Manchester United were defeated 2-0 in the 3 on aggregate in the semis by his old club Barca, saw Raheem Sterling denied a winner in stop-
selected as the best forward after he scored 29 league final in Rome. the eventual winners. page time by VAR.
goals, making him the top scorer in the Italian top
flight. Fiorentina’s Dusan Vlahovic was named the best 2009-10: Barca’s defence of the trophy saw them 2015-16: A hattrick of semifinal disappoint- 2019-20: Having got past Real in the last 16, City
U-23 player and Gianluigi Donnarumma the best get past Arsenal in the quarterfinals before being ments for Guardiola at Bayern was completed once more failed to get beyond the quarterfinals
goalkeeper after he kept 14 clean sheets for AC Milan, knocked out 3-2 on aggregate in the last four by when the team were knocked out on the away as they were beaten 3-1 by Lyon in a single-
while the top defender award went to Atalanta’s Jose Mourinho’s Inter Milan, who went on to be goals rule by Atletico Madrid. match tie in Lisbon.
Cristian Romero. Nicolo Barella picked up the best crowned champions as part of their own treble. MANCHESTER CITY (2016-17): City’s maiden 2020-21: It appeared City’s time in the
midfielder award to join Inter teammate Lukaku on 2010-11: The cup was reclaimed with another Champions League cam- Champions League may finally have come, but
the honours list. victory against United, this time a 3-1 win at paign under they fell short at the final hurdle after Kai
Wembley, with Messi again among the scorers. Guardiola ended at Havertz scored the only goal of the game in Porto
Criticism, jokes as Copa moved to Brazil The route to the final had included overcom- the last-16 stage to secure the trophy for Chelsea.
ing Arsenal in the last 16 and Mourinho’s Real with a thrilling tie
WHEN Covid-19 overwhelmed Argentina too badly to The Independent
host the South American football championships,
officials decided to move the tournament to Wijnaldum delighted but will miss Virgil
pandemic-battered Brazil of all places, drawing
criticism from epidemiologists and a flurry of jokes. GEORGINIO WIJNALDUM is delighted to appearance of a captain,”Wijnaldum said.
Hosting the Copa America now is “reckless”, said have been appointed captain of the Wijnaldum is one of nine players in the 26-
epidemiologist Pedro Hallal of the Federal University Netherlands for the European Championship
of Pelotas. “Many other countries… have the but says the absence of Virgil van Dijk man who have previously competed in a
pandemic much more under control. It’s hard to will be felt by the Dutch over the major tournament with the Netherlands,
understand where this decision came from,” he said. next month. their last appearance being the 2014
Social media wits were quick to upload a flood of World Cup in Brazil where they
jokes. “Suggestions for the Copa America mascot? Wijnaldum takes finished third.
How about ‘Little Covid’?” quipped sports over the “It is unbelievable that we
commentator Alexandre Lozetti on Twitter. “Little have not played at a World
Chloroquine” was also popular, as well as a proposal to skipper’s armband from his Georginio WIJNALDUM Cup or European
rename the tournament the “Cepa America” – the Liverpool club mate, whose long Championship with
“America variant”. “I don’t think we should be holding term knee injury means he misses the Netherlands for
such a big sporting event here now. It’s very risky,” said out on the tournament, which seven years. The
businessman Guilherme Beserra da Silva in Sao Paulo. gets underway next week. Netherlands
“It’s good for the economy, but Covid cases are going always seemed to
to increase for sure. I love football, but I’m against this.” “Of course the captain’s automatically
armband is a big boost for me. qualify. Missing one
Kign Kahn to replace It gives me a feeling of
Rummenigge at Bayern pride. I have come to an tournament, that can happen. But two?
age when I’m more “That hurt me a lot. Sometimes I watched
AFTER 30 years in charge of Bayern Munich, Karl- involved with the rest
Heinz Rummenigge will step down as chairman at of the team but at the those tournaments with gritted teeth, I could
the end of the month and be replaced by former same time I feel I can hardly bear it. I was on vacation, but that felt
Germany captain Oliver Kahn, the Bundesliga still be myself in this wrong, because during those tournaments I
giants said yesterday. Rummenigge had been due role,” he told reporters shouldn’t be on vacation,”Wijnaldum said.
to see out his contract which expires at the end of in Lagos, Portugal
2021, but is leaving six months early to meet the yesterday where the The Dutch want to make up for lost time
end of the financial year on June 30. “It is Dutch squad when they take on Austria, North Macedonia
strategically the most sensible and logical point in continued their and Ukraine, who they meet first in
time,” said Rummenigge, 65, with Kahn, 51, to be preparations for the
Bayern’s chairman when the new season starts in June 11 to July 11 Amsterdam on June 13, in Group C.
August. “It is a farewell with satisfaction and pride. tournament. “We are a team of friends
That was important to me,” he added. again. We form a united
Rummenigge's departure will herald a new era at But he said it was a major front. Of course,
Bayern for the start of next season with Julian blow that Van Dijk will not that alone does
Nagelsmann, 33, also replacing Hansi Flick as coach be at the Euros. not
for the campaign. “As chairman, Karl-Heinz guarantee
Rummenigge has done great work for Bayern for “He is our real captain in we will win
over 20 years,” said Kahn. “The time has now come everything. He is big and any matches,
for me to take on responsibility at the top of strong and really has the but it is very
Bayern Munich. I know what challenges we are important.
facing. I am aware of the task and I am very much After the World
looking forward to it.” Cup in 2014, the
atmosphere in the
squad was a bit down
for a while,” he added. –
Reuters

Aguero hoping for Messi partnership at Barca

SERGIO AGUERO said yesterday that out clause on the 32-year-old. was unveiled on the famous pitch. performances on the pitch and a we have already told him this,” Laporta
he was hoping to have the “pleasure” of However he is still not sure that “Obviously it will be a pleasure if we worrying financial situation. said.
playing alongside Lionel Messi after
signing a two-year deal with Barcelona. Messi will be his teammate next season play together. If he continues here, Last week club president Joan Aguero leaves City as their all-time
as the club captain is yet to sign an which I think he will, we will try to do Laporta said that talks for Messi’s new record goalscorer with 260 goals, and
Aguero will become a Barca player extension to his current contract which our best for the club as he always has contract were “going well”, and with the most goals scored for a single
once his contract with Manchester City expires next month. done.” yesterday insisted that Aguero’s signing club in Premier League history – 184
expires at the end of June, bringing an was part of a broader Barca rebuild. goals in 275 appearances.
end to a decade at the Premier League “Let’s hope we play together… what Barca will hope Aguero’s arrival in
champions, and his new team have happens with Leo is down to decisions Catalonia helps to convince his friend “The signing of Aguero is for Aguero. “Leaving aside last season, I had nine
slapped a €100 million (RM480m) buy- that he will make with the club,” Aguero and fellow Argentine Messi to stay, as We want to build a competitive team very good years at City,” said Aguero. –
told reporters at the Nou Camp after he the club faces up to declining and obviously we also want Leo to stay, AFP

EURO 2020 10
Watch out for

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WEDNESDAY • JUNE 2, 2021

Naomi Fellow athletes, Japan rally around
OSAKA Osaka after French Open withdrawal

LEADING figures in tennis and had earned little backing from her at a presser. An own goal,” wrote
sport have rallied to support Naomi fellow professionals, most of whom former Australian tennis official
Osaka after the women’s world No. saying that dealing with the media Richard Ings.
was part of the job, her withdrawal
2 withdrew from the French triggered a wave of support from Reaction in Japan was largely
Open in a row about post- around the sporting world. sympathetic, with one Twitter user
match media duties, saying urging Osaka to “take a good, long
she had been suffering “So proud of you,” multiple break”.
from “depression” and Grand Slam winner Venus Williams
“anxiety”. posted on Twitter. “Take care of “I hope she gets to eat what she
One of the biggest yourself and see you back winning wants, watch what she wants and
names in sport, Osaka soon!” listen to what she wants. I hope she
stunned the tennis wraps herself up in a fluffy blanket
world when she Williams’ sister Serena and and takes it easy until she feels
pulled out of the younger American players Coco content.”
Grand Slam after Gauff and Sloane Stephens also
being fined and chimed in with messages of support Osaka is expected to represent
threatened with as the focus shifted from Osaka’s Japan at the July-August Tokyo
expulsion for responsibilities to her wellbeing. Olympics, and will be one of the
refusing to show host country’s highest-profile
up at an Billie Jean King echoed athletes at the Games if she takes
obligatory news comments from fellow women’s part.
conference on tennis trailblazer Martina
Sunday. Navratilova about the importance But Japanese fans urged her to
The four- of mental health. take care of herself first and
times Grand foremost.
Slam champion “It’s incredibly brave that Naomi
had signalled Osaka has revealed her truth about “I dare say she might withdraw
her intentions her struggle with depression,” King from the Tokyo Olympics,” wrote
to skip her wrote on social media. one Twitter user.
media duties to
protect her “Right now, the important thing “It’s disappointing, but I hope
mental well- is that we give her the space and she takes her time and gets well.”
being on social time she needs. We wish her well.”
media and returned Some Twitter users questioned
There was some criticism of whether Osaka was feeling the
to Twitter yesterday to announce Roland Garros organisers for their strain of competing for titles and
her withdrawal. handling of the matter. speaking out against racial injustice.

“I think now the best thing for French Tennis Federation “Naomi Osaka is fighting –
the tournament, the other players President Gilles Moretton read a against herself, against pressure,
and my well-being is that I prepared statement yesterday against fixed ideas, against
withdraw so that everyone can go offering Osaka their support but the discrimination,” tweeted TV
irony of him not taking questions, presenter Ruriko Kojima.
back to focusing on the tennis given the context of the row, was
going on in Paris,” she wrote. not lost on some. “All these things surely cause her
anguish. I just can’t imagine the
While her original stance “So the FFT handled the Osaka pressure she carries on her
mental health concerns without shoulders. It’s such a different
empathy or sensitivity. Then the FFT perspective. I hope she gets some
President refuses to take questions time where she can laugh and
relax.” – Reuters/AFP

LIVERPOOL boss Jurgen Klopp is looking at Kop clear-out
a huge clearout as he bids to rebuild his Klopp ready to say goodbye to nine first-team
squad and compete for the Premier players when transfer window reopens Origi didn’t get a look in. The Belgian striker has
League – with as many as nine players set made just 18 appearances– with only nine of those
to leave Anfield this summer. it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the 25-year-old leave years remaining on his current deal. coming in the Premier League. Klopp looks set to
the club this summer cash in on the 26-year-old, who still has three years
The Reds put up a meek defence of their Georginio WIJNALDUM left on his contract at Anfield.
2019/20 title win this season, finishing 17 points Neco WILLIAMS
adrift of Manchester City and only securing It’s no secret that Wijnaldum will be leaving Loris KARIUS
Champions League qualification on the final day Some of Liverpool’s young players have really Anfield this summer. The midfielder was given a
of the campaign. stepped up to the plate this season – and Williams guard of honour by his teammates against Crystal Karius’ Liverpool contract doesn’t run out until
is one of them. The 20-year-old has made 14 Palace on the final day and is expected to complete the summer of 2022, but it’s hard to see him
Klopp wasn’t helped by long-term injuries to appearances in his breakthrough campaign, a move to Barcelona after Euro 2020. remaining at Anfield next season. The German has
key players including Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez impressing Klopp throughout. He looks set to been out on loan since 2018 and return to his
and Joel Matip, but casting those issues aside, continue development out on loan next term with Xherdan SHAQIRI homeland permanently with Stuttgart eyeing a
Liverpool have still been below their best. clubs in the Championship sure to be keen. move.
Shaqiri has been a useful bit-part player since
Daily Star Sport have taken a look at nine Mark GRUJIC his move from Stoke in 2018, but his time at Anfield Harry WILSON
players who look set to depart Anfield as Klopp looks to be coming to an end. The Switzerland
prepares for a summer of rebuilding on Grujic has spent the equivalent of four full international is a transfer target for the likes of Liverpool have made a fair few pounds through
Merseyside. seasons out on loan, so it seems unlikely he’ll be Lazio, Roma and Sevilla and could be available for selling the likes of Jordon Ibe and Dominic Solanke.
welcomed back into the fold at Anfield. The around £10m (RM55m). Could Wilson be next? Wilson did well on loan at
ADRIAN midfielder has impressed at Porto this term, and a Bournemouth last season and has caught eye with
return to Estadio de Dragao either on loan or Divock ORIGI Cardiff this term, but it’s difficult to see him forcing
Goalkeeper Adrian looks set to leave Liverpool permanently appears a real possibility. If he does his way into Klopp’s first-team plans any time soon.
this summer despite being offered a new deal. The leave Anfield for good, Liverpool will be hoping to It’s probably a telling sign that even when The Reds could be tempted to cash-in on the 24-
Spanish stopper has been used more than he might get a significant fee for the 25-year-old, who has two Liverpool were failing to score goals this season, year-old, who even in the current market would
have expected since his move from West Ham in command a fee of around £15-£20m (RM82-
2019, making 24 appearances in all competitions. RM110m).
But with the prospect of regular first-team football
a possibility if he moves back to Spain, it could be Daily Star
the end of the 34-year-old’s time on Merseyside.

Ben DAVIES

January signing Davies hasn’t played a single
minute for Liverpool since making a surprise £2
million (RM11.8m) switch from Preston North End
in January. That isn’t likely to change any time
soon following the arrival of Ibrahima Konate and
the imminent return of Van Dijk, Gomez and
Matip. With his chances at Anfield looking limited,

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