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KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court yesterday dismissed former 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) CEO Arul Kanda Kandasamy and its former chairman Tan Sri Mohd Irwan Serigar Abdullah’s bid to strike out a US$6.59 billion (RM28 billion) suit filed by 1MDB against them. In dismissing their applications, High Court Judicial Commissioner Datuk Raja Ahmad Mohzanuddin Shah Raja Mohzan ruled that the suit must go to full trial as the court needed to hear testimonials from the witnesses. “The matter cannot be decided by affidavits and this is not a case that can be summarily oArul Kanda, Mohd Irwan fail in bid to strike out 1MDB RM28 billion suit Court orders full trial INSIDE TELLING IT AS IT IS ON THURSDAY AUGUST 24, 2023 No. 8337 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) www.thesundaily.my ALL SMILES ... Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming cutting a cake after officiating at the Urban Community Entrepreneurs Merdeka Sale in Putrajaya yesterday, flanked by his deputy Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir and Berjaya Group founder and adviser Tan Sri Vincent Tan. – BERNAMAPIC over alleged breach of trust and conspiracy, causing 1MDB to suffer losses amounting to US$1.83 billion in regard to its investment in 1MDB-Petrosaudi Ltd, which was converted into the purported Brazen Sky Limited investment, said to be found in the Bridge Global Fund. 1MDB also claimed that Arul Kanda and Mohd Irwan committed breach of trust and conspiracy by misappropriating US$3.5 billion paid to Aabar Investments and US$1.265 billion paid to International Petroleum Investment Company on May 9, 2017. 1MDB alleged that Mohd Irwan also conspired with Arul Kanda to cause the company to implement the Employment Extension Agreement, and made a substantial payment of RM2,905,200 to Arul Kanda by the agreement, regardless of 1MDB’s interests, causing the company to suffer losses and damage. Selangor MB announces 11 exco portfolios SHAH ALAM: Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari yesterday announced a list of 11 portfolios for state executive councillors (exco), following a special meeting at the Selangor State Secretariat building. Amirudin will take charge of the Land and Natural Resources Development and Finance and Economic Action portfolios. The Sungai Tua assemblyman also holds the portfolios of Digitalisation and Modernisation of Government Administration, Strategic Communication, as well as Education and Human Capital Development. The three assemblymen who have been reappointed as exco are Kinrara assemblyman Ng Sze Han, who will be in charge of Trade Investment and Mobility, Pandan Indah assemblyman Izham Hashim, in charge of Infrastructure and Agriculture and Tanjung Sepat assemblyman Borhan Aman Shah, who is tasked with Housing and Culture. Seven new faces in the lineup are former state assembly speaker and Sekinchan assemblyman Ng Suee Lim, who will be responsible for Local Government and Tourism, Sungai Air Tawar assemblyman Datuk Rizam Ismail, for Rural Development and Unity and Bandar Utama assemblyman Jamaliah Jamaluddin, for Public Health and Environment. Kota Anggerik assemblyman Mohd Najwan Halimi will be responsible for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneurship, Banting assemblyman V. Papparaidu will be in charge of Human Resources and Poverty Eradication, Seri Setia assemblyman Dr Mohammad Fahmi Ngah will be responsible for Islamic Affairs and Innovation and Taman Templer assemblyman Anfaal Saari is tasked with Women’s Development and Community Welfare. On Monday, Amiruddin and 10 exco took the oath of office for the 15th term before the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah at Istana Alam Shah in Klang, Bernama reported. “Alhamdulillah, due to the integrity of the system in Selangor and with the support of the people, we have succeeded in forming the state government for the 15th term. “Two days ago, the exco and I took the oath of office as a symbol of upholding trust and fulfilling my responsibilities. We do not swear to a party or faction, but to Allah and the state, before His Majesty the Sultan of Selangor,” he said. decided. The allegation of fraud and conspiracy cannot be settled through a simple approach. Thus, I maintain the status quo and the suit will go for a full trial. “This is not an obvious matter for striking out but requires this court to investigate via full trial. Justice would still come to the rightful party, and it merely takes a longer journey to achieve it.” He then ordered Arul Kanda and Mohd Irwan to pay RM10,000 each in costs to 1MDB and fixed Sept 14 for case management, Bernama reported. Lawyer Datuk Lim Chee Wee appeared for 1MDB, while lawyers Sanjay Mohan and Lavinia Kumaraendran represented Arul Kanda and Mohd Irwan respectively. Mohd Irwan applied to strike out the suit on Feb 18 last year, alleging it was premature as the investment of Brazen Sky Limited and the payment of Aabar Investments PJS Limited were unsustainable since the court had yet to determine that 1MDB suffered losses of US$1.83 billion (RM8.05 billion) and US$3.5 billion (RM15.4 billion). Arul Kanda filed the same application on June 2 last year, on the ground he cannot be held responsible for the losses incurred by 1MDB due to irregularities committed by others. In May 2021, 1MDB filed a suit against the two Fly Jalur Gemilang, private companies urged 2 page 22 by-election nomination forms obtained by parties 3 page Story on — page 3

2 theSUN ON THURSDAY | AUGUST 24, 2023 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS /theSunMedia FOLLOW ON YOUTUBE SCAN ME Firms urged to fly Jalur Gemilang KUALA LUMPUR: Private companies have been urged to fly the Jalur Gemilang at their premises to display their love for the country in conjunction with the 2023 National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations. Deputy Communications and Digital Minister Teo Nie Ching said flying the national flag will help raise the spirit of patriotism among Malaysians ahead of the celebrations. “I see that many government agencies have programmes such as distributing the Jalur Gemilang and I welcome the participation of the private sector to help us by flying or hoisting the national flag at their oHoisting national flag would raise spirit of patriotism among Malaysians ahead of celebrations, says deputy minister Bail provision among proposed Sosma changes PUTRAJAYA: A provision allowing bail for detainees is being considered as part of recommendations to improve the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma). Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reforms) Ramkarpal Singh said efforts to improve the Act are now almost complete. He said several engagement sessions with stakeholders, including the Home Ministry, police, the Attorney-General’s Chambers and family members of Sosma detainees have been held and the recommendations received will be presented to the Cabinet soon. “The recommendation to allow bail (for Sosma detainees) is an issue we are looking into now. Repeal (of the Act) is not in the pipeline but we are looking into improvements,” he said after participating in a Merdeka brisk walk event yesterday. He added that currently, a person arrested under Sosma cannot be bailed except if the detainee is a juvenile (under the age of 18), a woman or a person who is sick or infirm subject to the discretion of the court. Ramkarpal said all Sosma improvements will not be implemented in one go but will be done in stages. In February, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail had said the unity government did not intend to repeal the Act but would make improvements. Saifuddin had said this was because the police still needed the law for immediate action to be taken to prevent public panic and threats to the nation’s sovereignty and the wellbeing of the people. Earlier in his speech, Ramkarpal called on members of the Legal Affairs Division to continue to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and mutual respect in line with the concept of Malaysia Madani, which emphasises unity. In conjunction with the 66th National Day, the Legal Affairs Division has organised several activities, including a Jalur Gemilang raising ceremony, talks on Independence and a visit to the Declaration of Independence Memorial in Malacca. – Bernama KEEN OBSERVER ... Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Mohammad Yusof Apdal watching a chess game during the Kuala Lumpur Metropolitan University College relaunching ceremony at Wisma Hong Leong yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC More schools to take part in Rukun Negara programme MALACCA: The Youth and Sports Ministry has increased the target for participation in the Rukun Negara in Schools programme from 60,000 to 100,000 by the end of the year. Deputy Minister Adam Adli Abd Halim said the programme, which aims to improve the understanding of democracy among youths, has received encouraging response following in-person and online promotions through TikTok, YouTube and Facebook. “Originally, the target for this year was 60,000 participants but since the basic stage has already attracted more than 30,000, we have decided to boost it to 100,000 participants,” he said after launching the Open Day, Cooperatives Day and 2023 National Month mini-carnival at Kolej Vokasional Melaka Tengah yesterday. He said the programme will be extended to states like Malacca, Johor, Sabah and Sarawak following its success in attracting youths from the six states which held their state elections recently. Under the ministry’s Rakan Muda component, the programme is implemented in three phases – oneday basic, three-day intermediate and four-day advanced courses covering 12 subjects, including elections, governments, media and Parliament. On another matter, Adam Adli, who is also Hang Tuah Jaya MP, said the ministry will promote Technical and Vocational Education and Training programmes among youths, especially school-leavers who have completed Form Three education. – Bernama ‘X-Breaks’ at govt events exceeding two hours PUTRAJAYA: All ministerial events such as conferences, seminars and training or any form of activity exceeding two hours should have XBreaks, or simple stretching exercises, said Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa. She said her ministry is trying to promote the X-Break at work places, educational institutions and others to cultivate a healthy lifestyle. “As such, I appeal to all top managements, department heads and sector chiefs to ensure that appropriate action is taken regarding this matter,” she said at the Malaysia Book of Records recognition ceremony for the Largest X-Break Virtual Participation event yesterday. Zaliha said X-Break is also a good initiative to prevent the sedentary culture among people and increase the body’s immunity. She quoted a 2018 World Health Organisation survey which found that if a person sits too long at any one time, there is potential for an increased risk of heart attack, premature death and diabetes. The ministry received the Malaysia Book of Records recognition by hosting the virtual Mega X-Break event on July 6 with staff from educational institutions. – Bernama Zambry on official visit to Iraq PUTRAJAYA: Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir is on his maiden visit to Iraq from yesterday to Friday at the invitation of his counterpart, Iraq’s Deputy Prime Minister for International Relations and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Fuad Hussein. Zambry is expected to pay a courtesy call on Iraqi leaders. He will also hold a bilateral meeting with Fuad to follow up on the July 5 discussion held on the sidelines of the Ministerial Meeting of the Coordinating Bureau of the NonAligned Movement. “The meeting will provide an excellent opportunity for Malaysia to further strengthen its long-standing bilateral relations with Iraq as well as explore cooperation in areas of mutual interest,” said a Foreign Ministry statement yesterday. Iraq remains Malaysia’s sixthlargest trading partner and the seventh-largest source of imports among West Asian countries. The total trade with Iraq last year was RM4.68 billion, an increase of 24.3% compared with RM3.76 billion in 2021. – Bernama premises as we celebrate National Day and Malaysia Day 2023.” She was speaking after a Jalur Gemilang distribution programme at Kuala Lumpur Sentral yesterday. Teo added that Rapid KL will extend the operation of 10 rail stations until 2am on Aug 30 to facilitate commuters going to the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) and Dataran Merdeka to celebrate Merdeka Day. The stations are Pasar Seni, Masjid Jamek and Ampang Park for the LRT Kelana Jaya Line, Masjid Jamek for the Ampang Line, Bukit Bintang for the Monorail service, Bukit Bintang and Pasar Seni for the Kajang Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) as well as Ampang Park and KLCC Persiaran for the Putrajaya MRT Line. Teo said the National Day celebration on Aug 31 will be held at Dataran Putrajaya and for the public’s convenience, the Rapid KL service will start at 4am on that day, Bernama reported. She said Rapid KL will also make available 50 buses to provide free feeder bus service from the Putrajaya Sentral MRT station to Dataran Putrajaya and three buses for the MRT Putrajaya Sentral route to Dataran Putrajaya, Nasyrul Quran Precinct 14 and Marina Putrajaya. Rapid KL said all rail operations, namely the LRT, MRT and Monorail, will start as early as 4am from today in conjunction with the celebration at Dataran Putrajaya. Meanwhile, a student at Intec Education College, Muhammad Hanif Mustakim, 20, said this year’s National Day celebration is very important to him as he will be abroad for several years from next year to pursue his studies. The chairman of the Saidina Umar Ibn Khattab Tambun Mosque Committee Zulkefli Mokhtar, 64, said the mosque will hold various activities to commemorate this year’s National Day celebration. “We want to fuel the spirit of patriotism among the community, especially the youth,” he added. Coops told to audit accounts KUCHING: Cooperatives are reminded to audit their accounts in line with the provisions under Section 60 of the Cooperative Societies Act 1993. Deputy Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Saraswathy Kandasami said failure to comply with this requirement would result in cooperatives losing eligibility for the facilities unrestricted under the Malaysia Cooperative Societies Commission. “We find that most cooperatives that do not carry out audits are small and micro cooperatives. We understand that most of them are facing problems after the Covid-19 pandemic, which has affected their businesses. “Therefore, we take various approaches to provide assistance to help them recover,” she said after a briefing on Cooperative Financial Statement Reporting Guidelines (Amendment) 2020 yesterday. Saraswathy said as of Dec 31 last year, there were 15,315 cooperatives registered under the Malaysia Cooperative Societies Commission, with a total membership of 7.3 million people. – Bernama

3 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS theSUN ON THURSDAY | AUGUST 24, 2023 JOHOR BAHRU: The Election Commission (EC) has sold a total of 22 nomination forms for the Pulai parliamentary and Simpang Jeram state by-elections as of Tuesday. The Johor Election Office said yesterday all the forms were purchased by Amanah, PAS, Perikatan Nasional (PN) and independent candidates. For Simpang Jeram, Amanah bought three sets of nomination forms, while PAS bought two, PN purchased five and an Independent bought one while in Pulai, PN procured five sets, Amanah purchased four and Independents bought two. In a separate statement, EC secretary Datuk Ikmalrudin Ishak said the nomination papers for both by-elections must be submitted to the returning officer at the stipulated nomination centres between 9am and 10am on Saturday, Bernama reported. He said the nomination centre for Pulai is at Dewan Jubli Intan Sultan Ibrahim here, while for Simpang Jeram, it is at Dewan Jubli Intan Sultan Ibrahim in Muar. “To ensure the smooth running of the nomination process, the EC advises prospective candidates for both by-elections to fill in their forms and run a preliminary check with the Returning Officer’s Office or State Election Office before nomination day. “Prospective candidates are also advised to pay their deposits in advance and bring the receipt on nomination day as proof of payment.” Ikmalrudin also reminded candidates representing any political party to bring an approval letter with the party symbol when submitting their nomination forms. He said each candidate could only be accompanied by one proposer and a seconder when entering the nomination centre, adding that supporters are prohibited from waiting or being within 50m of the centres. Ikmalrudin also said the use of any type of musical instrument, loudspeakers or vehicle for political campaigns is not allowed as it is an offence under the Election Offences Act 1954. Candidates who have paid a deposit for election campaign materials as provided under the Act are also subject to the bylaws of local authorities on exhibiting and distributing materials that contain the photos of candidates, party emblems or symbols and photos of coalition or component party leaders. “The EC urges prospective candidates and political parties involved to comply with the laws, regulations, code of ethics and instructions issued by the Commission, police and local authorities to ensure the nomination process runs smoothly.” The Pulai parliamentary and Simpang Jeram state seats fell vacant following the death of the incumbent, the late Domestic Trade and Cost of Living minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub, on July 23. The EC has set nomination day for both by-elections on Aug 26, while early voting is on Sept 5 and polling on Sept 9. Disaster management lessons from S. Korea KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians in South Korea should make use of the knowledge they gained from that nation’s first nationwide civil defence exercise, which took place yesterday. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia strategic studies and international relations senior lecturer Dr Hoo Chiew Ping said raising awareness on disaster management before it occurs would benefit Malaysia and other nations as well. “For example, as we face floods from time to time, it would be great for us to hold a drill to evaluate whether our government and military assets are adequate to manage large-scale evacuations due to unforeseen circumstances “They need to get every citizen and resident in sync with the government’s evacuation plan. “The scenario will be different from what South Koreans previously experienced. “With the challenge posed by drones that could potentially be used to conduct a terrorist attack, this is a new threat that I think has not been incorporated in past exercises. “Practising evacuation for a large number of residents is necessary and timely,” Hoo said yesterday, adding that over 3,000 Malaysians are residing in South Korea. On Aug 17, South Korea’s Public Administration and Security Ministry announced that a civil defence drill in preparation for air raids will be held for 20 minutes and the public will evacuate to a 22 by-election nomination safe place. – Bernama forms snapped up oEC advises prospective candidates for Pulai, Simpang Jeram to run preliminary checks with returning officer or poll offices RM10m to help B40 start businesses PUTRAJAYA: A total of RM10 million has been allocated for the Urban Community Economic Empowerment programme this year to guide those from the B40 group in urban areas in running businesses. Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming said the allocation, which is overseen by the Local Government Development Ministry, is being utilised through the entrepreneurship training programme for 835 participants. “Training is given to improve the skills of participants so that they would be able to run businesses that could produce a higher income,” he said after officiating at the Urban Community Entrepreneurs Merdeka Sale in Putrajaya yesterday. Also present at the event was Berjaya Group founder and adviser Tan Sri Vincent Tan. Since its implementation in 2013, the programme has produced a total of 16,515 entrepreneurs who run various types of businesses. Nga said under the 12th Malaysia Plan, the government, through the programme, has allocated RM55 million to produce 4,835 entrepreneurs among the B40 group in urban areas. “We work with 28 non-governmental organisations (NGO) to train and monitor the business activities of these entrepreneurs. The NGO will monitor their business activities for six months to ensure participants can generate an income of at least RM6,000 per month,” he said. Participants were also given business equipment after completing a course. Meanwhile, Malaysian Creative Sewing Arts Association chairman Fully Chye, 56, said the association provides training to participants interested in producing eco-printed fabrics. “Entrepreneurs will be taught how to print fabric using leaves. We will guide them until they can produce quality products to sell,” she said, adding that some participants were able to earn RM3,000 a month. – Bernama Call to review 25% entertainment tax KUALA LUMPUR: MCA has urged the government to review its decision to impose a 25% entertainment tax on all live performances to prevent the industry from suffering another financial blow in the post-pandemic era. As concerts were halted during the movement control order, the local entertainment industry had fallen into a dire situation and now faces an uphill task as it grapples to recover. “In the current economic situation, people from all walks of life are struggling to make ends meet. As the government should focus on economic recovery and revitalisation as its top priority, it is thus contingent upon the government to review the tax rate. We hope the government will intervene and take the necessary measures. “Earlier, the Arts, Live Events and Festivals Association had expressed its concern over the recent imposition of a 25% entertainment tax on all live performances in the federal capital by City Hall,” it said in a statement. Move to educate inmates lauded KAJANG: The Prisons Department welcomes cooperation from local universities in an effort to enhance the well-being of inmates through education programmes and initiatives to improve facilities for their children. Its deputy commissioner general (management) Abd Kadir Rais said the inmate rehabilitation process inside and outside prison walls requires the involvement of the community. “Cooperation of all parties, including government agencies, private sectors, government-linked companies and non-governmental agencies is crucial in helping inmates find jobs,” Abd Kadir said after a handover ceremony for the Cradle For Inclusive Nurturing and Teaching Atmosphere project at Kajang Women’s Prison yesterday Also present was Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Mohamad Abd Razak. – Bernama SEREMBAN: The new state executive council (exco) of Negeri Sembilan will be sworn in before Negeri Sembilan Yang di-Pertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir today. In a statement yesterday, state secretary Datuk Mohd Zafir Ibrahim said the swearing-in ceremony and presentation of appointment letters would be held at Istana Besar Seri Menanti. The Menteri Besar’s Office said a press conference on the appointments would be held at 5pm. The Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional alliance formed the state government after winning 17 and 14 seats respectively in the Aug 12 state elections, while Perikatan Nasional took five seats. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun had said the state government might rename certain exco portfolios to align them with federal government posts. – Bernama N. Sembilan exco to take oath today BEAR-Y MERRY PARTY ... Xing Xing getting ready to tuck into a feast prepared for her and her mate Liang Liang on the occasion of their 17th birthday at the Giant Panda Conservation Centre in Zoo Negara yesterday. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA THESUN

4 theSUN ON THURSDAY | AUGUST 24, 2023 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS READ OUR HERE /thesundaily SCAN ME Comedy club owners drop bid to challenge DBKL KUALA LUMPUR: The owners of the Crackhouse Comedy Club yesterday withdrew an application to challenge Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) over the revocation of its business licence and permanently banning them from starting any business in the city. M. Pravin, representing Mohamad Rizal Johan Van Geyzel and Shankar R. Santhiram, informed High Court Judge Datuk Amarjeet Singh that his clients did not intend to proceed with the judicial review application as DBKL had only revoked the club’s licence. “DBKL, in its affidavit-in-reply confirmed that they (Mohamad Rizal and Shankar) have never been blacklisted from registering their business in Kuala Lumpur. “Therefore, we withdraw the application without any costs,” he said during proceedings. Lawyer Khalisa Badrul Amini was also in attendance, representing DBKL and former Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Mahadi Che Ngah as respondents. Amarjeet allowed Mohamad Rizal and Shankar to withdraw the application. The High Court had granted leave to the duo on May 23 to initiate judicial review proceedings against DBKL. They filed the application on Nov 24 last year to seek a declaration that, among others, the decision to revoke the business licence of the club and ban them from registering any business in Kuala Lumpur for life was unconstitutional. – Bernama FB user probed over insult on PM KUALA LUMPUR: Police are investigating a Facebook user for allegedly posting insulting statements against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said in a statement an investigation was initiated following a video posted by the user on Aug 18. “The owner of the Facebook account was called to the Classified Crime Investigation Unit of the Prosecution and Legal Division to make a statement. “The investigation is conducted under Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1955, Section 504 of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.” Mohd Shuhaily said on Tuesday the case was still at the investigation stage, adding that the public are advised not to speculate or share unverified information that could disrupt the process or cause disharmony among the public. It was recently reported that a community activist had questioned Anwar’s role in the conversion of a non-Muslim to Islam in Klang, Selangor, which led him to be called by police to provide a statement. – Bernama Farmer duped of RM800,000 KUANTAN: A vegetable farmer in Cameron Highlands lost RM792,669 after being deceived by a Macau scam syndicate. Pahang police chief Datuk Seri Yahaya Othman said yesterday the 54-year-old farmer received a phone call on June 19 from a man who introduced himself as an employee of a courier company. “He was then told to speak to a second individual, who claimed to be a police officer, and was told there were items addressed to him that contained credit cards, identification cards and passports. “The ‘police officer’ said an arrest warrant had been issued against him over an investigation into money laundering, which would cause his bank account to be frozen.” Yahaya said the man was subsequently instructed to transfer money from his savings account to five other accounts provided by the second individual, allegedly for investigation purposes. He added that the victim became suspicious after failing to contact the duo to ask about the progress of the investigation, which prompted him to lodge a report on Tuesday. – Bernama Football fans held over brawl GEORGE TOWN: Seven local men were arrested on Tuesday after a fight involving Penang FC and Kedah Darul Aman FC supporters. Northeast district police chief ASP Soffian Santong said in a statement the 11.20pm incident occurred due to provocation between supporters of both football clubs outside the City Stadium after watching the Super League match between the two sides. “A team of officers and personnel from our headquarters were dispatched to the location to control the situation. We also seized two rocks, two road barrier cones and a stick believed to have been used during the incident.” Soffian said those detained, aged 18 to 38, had no criminal record and were from Penang, Kedah and Sarawak. “They have been remanded for two days and the case is being investigated under sections 148 and 427 of the Penal Code.” – Bernama Court to rule on judicial review bid by Berjaya-Naza PETALING JAYA: The High Court has fixed today to hear an application for a judicial review submitted by Berjaya Group founder and adviser Tan Sri Vincent Tan and the Naza Group to challenge the Finance Ministry, government and Spanco Sdn Bhd over the termination of a vehicle fleet management contract. Tan applied for leave on April 20 to initiate a judicial review against Putrajaya’s decision to terminate his company’s Letter of Intent (LoI) for the multi-million ringgit vehicle fleet concession. Through Cekap Urus Sdn Bhd, he filed the application at the High Court and named Putrajaya, the finance minister and Spanco Sdn Bhd as respondents. oApplicants seeking to quash termination of vehicle fleet management contract by previous administration He also claimed that the group, in a consortium with Naza, had been picked to manage the concession by the previous administration through an LoI issued in 2018. It is understood that a 49:51 consortium was formed with Naza in 2018 to bid for the contract. Tan also said the consortium had received the LoI from the Finance Ministry to replace Spanco Sdn Bhd. The government, then under the administration of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, terminated the consortium’s LoI and gave the tender back to Spanco, although it was RM700 million more expensive to do so. It was reported that the applicant is seeking a court declaration that the termination of the Lol is invalid, null and void. Apart from that, Tan is also seeking a declaration that the then government and finance minister’s decision to award the tender to Spanco through direct negotiation is invalid, null and void. The applicant also sought a mandamus order to compel the government and the Finance Ministry to carry out the necessary action in a letter to Cekap Urus on Dec 11, 2019. In February 2018, the government called for proposals for the contract to supply, maintain and manage its fleet of official vehicles for the next 15 years. Proposals were reportedly received from at least seven companies. Aside from the Naza-Berjaya consortioum, other bidders were Sime Darby Bhd, DRB-Hicom Bhd, Samling Group, Comos, Go Auto and Spanco, which had managed the concession since 1994. Tan said the Naza-Berjaya consortium had won the bid with the lowest offer. ICONIC RIDE ... Visitors taking photographs of a Cadillac Fleetwood 1959 at the Memorial Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. The car was the official vehicle of Malaysia’s first prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN ‘Head approach’ to instil patriotism KANGAR: Bridal boutique owner Nor Dina Nordin, 45, has created a Jalur Gemilang tanjak (traditional headgear) for children in an effort to instil the spirit of patriotism. Nor Dina, who owns Dnas Qaseh Butik Pengantin in Kampung Pondok, said children are the happiest during festivals and National Day is no exemption. “I was inspired to liven up this year’s National Day and Malaysia Day while cheering them up by designing a Jalur Gemilang tanjak.” Nor Dina said as a mother, she felt a sense of satisfaction and expressed joy when seeing babies and children wearing her designs. “Although they do not understand the (full) meaning of independence, at least they are happy to wear the tanjak for the occasion,” she said, adding that wearing the headgear symbolises the precious value of the national flag. – Bernama

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6 theSUN ON THURSDAY | AUGUST 24, 2023 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS China ships chase, block Philippine boats MANILA: As a US military surveillance plane circled overhead, eight Chinese ships chased and briefly blocked four Philippine boats on a resupply mission to a tiny garrison in the hotly contested South China Sea. The high seas cat-and-mouse game on Tuesday followed assurances from Chinese coast guard vessels patrolling the waters that Philippine boats would be allowed to deliver provisions to the remote outpost on Second Thomas Shoal “in the spirit of humanism”. But, the Chinese radio operator warned, the two Philippine coast guard vessels escorting the two boats carrying supplies for Filipino marines stationed on a crumbling navy ship grounded atop the reef should leave or “bear full responsibility for all the consequences”. A team of AFP journalists on board the BRP Cabra, one of the two Philippine coast guard vessels, watched as the Chinese vessels chased, blocked and corralled the four Philippine vessels. One of the Chinese coast guard ships came within several metres of the Cabra. Eventually, both supply boats reached the marooned BRP Sierra Madre and unloaded their cargo. AFP was one of three media outlets given the rare opportunity to join the Philippine resupply mission to Second Thomas Shoal, less than three weeks after Chinese coast guard ships used water cannon against a similar resupply operation. As this week’s resupply mission got under way on Monday, Chinese China coast guard ships corralling a civilian boat chartered by the Philippine Navy to deliver supplies to BRP Sierra Madre in the South China Sea. – AFPPIC El Nino could doom Indonesia’s rare tropical glaciers by 2026 JAKARTA: Two of the world’s few tropical glaciers in Indonesia are melting, their ice under threat to vanish by 2026 or sooner, as an El Nino weather pattern lengthens the dry season in the country, its geophysics agency said yesterday. Indonesia, home to a third of the world’s rainforest after Brazil and Congo, expects the dry season could run until October as El Nino increases the risk of forest fires and threatens supplies of clean water. While the agency has warned that the Pacific weather phenomenon could make this year’s dry season the most severe since 2019, one of its climate researchers said it could also imperil Indonesia’s 12,000-year-old tropical glaciers. “The glaciers might vanish before 2026, or even faster, and El Nino could accelerate the melting process,” said Donaldi Permana, referring to the so-called “Eternity Glaciers”. The glaciers, which he said were among the few left in the tropics, are the 4,884m-high Carstensz Pyramid and the East Northwall Firn, which is 4,700m high, in the Jayawijaya mountains in the easternmost region of Papua. The glaciers have thinned significantly in the past few years, Donaldi said, going to 8m in 2021 from 32m in 2010, while their total width fell to 0.23km last year, from 2.4km in 2000. But little can be done to prevent the shrinking, Donaldi said, adding that the event could disrupt the regional ecosystem and trigger a rise in the global sea level within a decade. “We are now in a position to document the glaciers’ extinction,” added Donaldi, a coordinator of the climate research division of the agency, known as BMKG. “At least we can tell future generations that we used to have glaciers.” – Reuters Thaksin hospitalised after night in jail BANGKOK: Thailand’s billionaire former leader Thaksin Shinawatra was hospitalised on his first night in prison after his historic return from self-exile, officials said yesterday, citing concern about his heart and blood pressure. The influential founder of oBillionaire’s ally Srettha endorsed by king as prime minister City sends ‘sweet love’ messages to encourage babymaking HONG KONG: Family planning authorities in the historic Chinese city of Xi’an texted residents this week wishing them “sweet love, marriage and childbirth”, and to create “good fertility”, in a new move to boost the country’s flagging birthrate. The message was reported by local media, including on the official Weibo of China Newsweek, and coincided with the Qixi festival on Aug 22, also known as China’s Valentines Day, a traditional holiday celebrating love and romance. The message was sent by Xi’an’s Health Commission and Xi’an’s Family Planning Association. “Continue the blood of China and share the important task of rejuvenation,” the Weibo post read. It said marriage and childbearing should be done at the “right age” but did not give further details. The government is trying to encourage young couples to have children, as an increasing number of women put off having children or opting to have none at all. Many women cite the high cost of childrearing, difficulty in continuing on their career, gender discrimination and not wanting to get married as key factors for not wanting children. Official rules in China make it hard for single or unmarried women to have children out of wedlock but some provinces like Sichuan in the southwest have started liberalising laws in the past year to boost fertility levels. – Reuters B R I E F SS. KOREA CONDUCTS CIVIL DEFENCE DRILLS SEOUL: Air raid sirens wailed across central Seoul yesterday as officials stopped cars and ordered people to head to underground shelters in South Korea’s first civil defence exercise in six years. The 20-minute drill, which began at 2pm (1pm in Malaysia), was aimed at “preparing for a quick evacuation in the event of an air raid attack such as North Korea’s missile provocations”, the Interior Ministry said. As sirens went off across South Korea, pedestrians were instructed to move to nearby shelters or underground facilities. There are around 17,000 designated shelters across the country. Participation in the drill was not mandatory. – AFP SECOND CHANCE TO BAN PROTEST SONG HONG KONG: A Hong Kong court granted the government permission yesterday to lodge another attempt to ban an anthem that emerged from 2019 pro-democracy protests, after rejecting the bid last month. Officials in June requested an injunction to ban the song Glory to Hong Kong, penned anonymously at the height of the protests, to stop it from being performed or disseminated with criminal intent. But in a surprise ruling in July, the High Court refused the application, saying that an injunction would not be useful and would cause “chilling effects” on free expression. The government appealed the decision, and judge Anthony Chan yesterday gave it the green light to be heard. – AFP POLITICIAN JAILED FOR HARASSMENT BANGKOK: A senior Thai conservative politician has been sentenced to two years and eight months imprisonment for sexual harassment, the prosecutor’s office said. Prinn Panitchpakdi, the former deputy head of Thailand’s Democrat Party, was found guilty of two counts of sexual harassment against an 18-year-old student in 2021, according to the Office of the Attorney-General. The Bangkok Southern Criminal Court sentenced the 45-year-old to two years and eight months in prison. “He has the right to appeal according to the rule of law,” said the Attorney-General’s Office deputy spokesman Kosolwat Intuchanyong. A total of 14 women have filed complaints against Prinn. The former investment banker will face another case on Sept 25. – AFP Thailand’s populist Pheu Thai Party was transferred to a police hospital overnight, 15 hours after a vaunted homecoming from 15 years abroad to avoid jail, that coincided with his political ally being elected prime minister in a parliamentary vote. The Corrections Department said the 74-year-old Thaksin was transferred in the early hours of yesterday after being unable to sleep and experiencing chest tightness and high blood pressure on his first night in prison. “Physicians agreed that to prevent dangerous risks to his life, he be transferred to the police hospital.” Soponrat Singhajaru, a senior doctor, confirmed his condition had improved since he was admitted. A representative for Thaksin declined to comment. Thaskin, a hugely popular prime minister among many poor voters, was ousted in a 2006 military coup and was in self-exile two years later when he was sentenced to jail for graft and abuse of power. His hospitalisation is the latest twist in chaotic few months in Thai politics that saw the progressive Move Forward party triumph in a May election then end up in opposition, and the populist heavyweight Pheu Thai, twice toppled by the military, agree to form a government with army-backed parties. Thaksin returned on a private jet to cheering crowds on Tuesday before being whisked away to a court then to a jail, in dramatic scenes that stole the spotlight from fellow tycoon Srettha Thavisin, who was chosen as prime minister hours later. The unimpeded return of Thailand’s most divisive politician and Srettha’s surprisingly smooth ascent to the top job will add to speculation that Thaksin had struck a deal with longtime enemies in the military and conservative establishment for his safe return and, possibly, an early release from jail. Thaksin and Pheu Thai have denied that. Srettha, a US-educated property mogul, has been endorsed as premier by the king and is expected to form an 11-party coalition in days ahead. Election winner Move Forward declined to back Srettha, calling his alliance with unpopular pro-military parties a betrayal of the will of the people. – Reuters vessels patrolling the South China Sea appeared to be manoeuvring into position soon after the boats left Palawan. The Philippine coast guard vessels joined up with the two resupply boats at Sabina Shoal, claimed by Manila, on Monday evening, as more than a dozen Chinese boats, including a coast guard ship, floated nearby. The lone Chinese coast guard vessel trailed the Philippine vessels as the resupply mission sailed through the night for the final 60km leg of their journey to Second Thomas Shoal. It was joined by another three Chinese coast guard ships soon after daybreak on Tuesday, sailing alongside the resupply mission. The voice of a radio operator on board one of the Chinese coast guard ships crackled over the airwaves a short time later, declaring China’s “indisputable authority” over the Spratly Islands. “In the spirit of humanism, we only permit your ship carrying food and other necessary living materials and the rotating personnel without construction materials to the illegally grounded vessel,” the voice said. Filipino troops stationed on the rusting hulk depend upon the supplies for survival. While the latest resupply mission was successful, Philippine coast guard spokesman Jay Tarriela said the Chinese ships, including “maritime militia”, had used “a lot of dangerous manoeuvres” to harass the Philippine vessels. – AFP

7 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS theSUN ON THURSDAY | AUGUST 24, 2023 Pakistan commandos rescue eight from cable car ISLAMABAD: Military helicopters and ziplining commandos rescued eight people, including six schoolboys, who were trapped for hours yesterday in a stricken cable car high above a remote Pakistani valley. The daring rescue began with a helicopter plucking a child to safety after almost 12 hours, but it was forced back to base as bad weather closed in and night fell. Then, commandos from Pakistan’s Special Service Group (SSG) – known as the Maroon Berets – used the cable keeping the gondola from plunging into the valley as a zipline to rescue the rest of those stranded. “I thought it was my last day and I will be no more,” said one of the rescued boys, Attaullah Shah. “God has granted me a second life,” the 15-year-old said. Pakistan’s caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar called the rescuers “heroes of the nation”. “Great team work by the military, rescue departments, district administration as well as the local people,” he wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Bilal Faizi, an official with Pakistan’s emergency service, said the two adults were the last to be brought to safety. A video of the first rescue showed a teenager in a harness hanging at the bottom of a swinging rope under a helicopter as crowds cheered with relief. “Once everyone had been rescued, the families started crying with joy and hugging each other,” emergency services official Waqar Ahmad told AFP. “People had been constantly praying because there was a fear that the rope might break. People kept praying until the last person was rescued.” The six children had been on their way to school accompanied by two adults when the chairlift broke down at around 7am (10am in Malaysia) midway through its journey above the lush green Allai Valley. Residents used mosque loudspeakers to alert neighbourhood officials of the emergency, and hundreds of people gathered on both sides of the ravine – hours away from any sizeable town – to watch the drama unfold. Military helicopters flew several sorties and an airman was lowered by a harness to deliver food, water and medicine to the gondola. – AFP B R I E F S100,000 EVACUATED DUE TO FLOODS ISLAMABAD: Around 100,000 people have been evacuated from flooded villages in Pakistan’s Punjab province, emergency services said yesterday. Several hundred villages and thousands of acres of cropland in the central province were inundated when Sutlej River burst its banks on Sunday. Punjab government head Mohsin Naqvi said monsoon rains had prompted authorities in India to release excess reservoir water into Sutlej River, causing flooding downstream on the Pakistani side of the border. – AFP SUEZ CANAL SET TO RESUME TRAFFIC CAIRO: Normal traffic is expected to resume through the Suez Canal within hours, the canal authority said yesterday, following the collision of two vessels. “Slight contact” was made after liquefied natural gas carrier BW Lesmes made a sudden stop due to a technical failure that coincided with a strong current that drove oil tanker Burri towards it. The canal authority responded by sending tugboats to move both ships. Lesmes was towed outside of the waterway while Burri could be seen approaching the southern end of the canal as of 12pm local time. – Reuters 1,100 missing after Hawaii wildfires WASHINGTON: At least 1,100 people are still missing two weeks after deadly wildfires ravaged the Hawaiian island of Maui, authorities said on Tuesday, with the FBI seeking family members’ help in identifying the remains of the dead. The fires were the deadliest to hit the United States in a century, claiming at least 115 lives, according to the latest provisional death toll. The tourist town of Lahaina, home to 12,000 people, was all but wiped off the map, with thousands of missing persons appearing on lists maintained by various organisations, including the police, Red Cross and shelters. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is now working to collate and verify the data, Special Agent Steven Merrill told reporters on Tuesday. “We’re cross-referencing all the lists so that we can determine who in oBlaze deadliest to hit US in a century, claiming 115 lives and were hoping to publish a verified list of missing persons “in the next few days”. FBI agents have also been collecting DNA samples from the families of the missing who are unable to travel to Maui, wherever in the world they may be. Identifying the unrecognisable bodies found in the ashes of Lahaina is a laborious task. So far, only 27 of the 115 victims have been identified. 17 killed in Indian railway bridge collapse NEW DELHI: At least 17 labourers working on a railway bridge being built across a ravine in India’s eastern Mizoram state were killed when it collapsed yesterday, officials said, with others reported missing. Video footage posted by Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga showed a metal frame that had toppled off towering columns into a wooded valley below. “Under construction railway over bridge at Sairang, near Aizawl collapsed today; at least 17 workers died,” Zoramthanga, who uses only one name, said on X, formerly known as Twitter. The Indian Express newspaper quoted a policeman as saying that 17 bodies had been recovered and “many others” were missing. It was not possible to immediately verify the reports of people missing. The Hindu newspaper, quoting state government officials, reported some 40 workers had been at the site when the bridge collapsed. “Rescue operations are under way and all possible assistance is being given to those affected,” the office of Prime Minister Narendra Modi said. Modi was “pained” by the accident and offered his “condolences to those who have lost their loved ones”, his office said on X. The government will pay some US$2,400 (RM11,200) to the next of kin of those killed, it said. – AFP Having the DNA of the families of the missing “is a critical step in order to make an identification” of the victims, said Julie French, vicepresident of Ande, the company in charge of these operations. “Nearly three-quarters of remains that have been tested for DNA thus far have generated searchable DNA results.” But without DNA from relatives against which to compare this data, the process is futile. Only 104 DNA samples from family members of the missing or dead have been collected so far, and the authorities were keen to dispel any distrust of the process. “The DNA profiles are not being retained by the FBI” or the police, said Maui County district attorney Andrew Martin. “The only purpose for which it will be used is helping identify the unaccounted for.” – AFP Sri Lanka pilgrims jump into lake to escape elephants COLOMBO: Dozens of pilgrims jumped into a lake to escape agitated elephants that ran amok during an annual Buddhist procession in Sri Lanka, police said yesterday. One woman was hospitalised and many more injured during the stampede at Esala Perahera parade in the city of Kandy on Tuesday night. Police said five young elephants adorned with decorative coverings for the procession went berserk, forcing spectators to jump into a lake to avoid getting trampled. The pageant was suspended until the runaway animals were chained and subdued. Footage shared on social media showed one of the creatures shaking off its decorative clothing and charging down a street in Kandy with several handlers in hot pursuit. After nightly parades, the religious festivities end on Aug 30 with the display of a relic casket – believed to contain a tooth belonging to the Buddha – atop an elephant. – AFP HELLISH SCENE ... A firefighter spraying water on flames in the outskirts of Greek capital Athens. The fire brigade ordered the evacuation of a district on Athens’ northwestern flank as firefighters battled a steadily growing wave of wildfires around the country. – AFPPIC fact truly is still unaccounted for.” As of Tuesday, the FBI had counted 1,100 missing persons, he added, with the number likely to rise. The FBI has set up a dedicated telephone hotline and has encouraged relatives of the missing to contact them. “We really need the public’s help,” said Merrill, particularly in terms of getting additional information to verify details for some of the missing. Maui police chief John Pelletier said authorities were refining the data

8 theSUN ON THURSDAY | AUGUST 24, 2023 SPEAK UP Answer to a planet in peril THIRTY years ago, we had a chance to save the planet. The science of climate change was settled. The world was ready to act. Almost nothing stood in our way – except us. The planet is at a crossroads, and we are feeling the heat, literally. As United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres unequivocally said: “The era of global warming has ended; the era of global boiling has arrived.” We have long known the perils of climate change: rising sea levels, extreme weather events and recordbreaking heatwaves. The question is not what we know, it is why change remains sluggish. Green jobs hold the answer. They are not just a lifeline, they are the foundation of our survival. This year’s UN International Youth Day theme, “Green Skills for Youth”, resonates deeply with the need to equip young minds with the knowledge and expertise required to step into the realm of green jobs. These include a wide range of professions, aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and addressing climate change, in diverse sectors, such as manufacturing, construction, renewable energy and others. From renewable energy technicians and eco-architects to sustainability analysts and organic farmers, these roles aim to enhance energy efficiency, reduce pollution, limit greenhouse gas emissions and support ecosystem restoration by prioritising the health of our planet over short-term gains. According to the International Labour Organisation, it is crucial to highlight that the “green” aspect is not solely about the end product, it also involves adopting eco-friendly production processes, such as decreasing water usage or improving recycling systems. In essence, green jobs centre on favourable environmental outcomes and sustainable practices. Conversely, green skills cover the expertise required to excel in these roles, including knowledge of clean technologies, resource management and sustainable practices. By embracing a sustainable economy, we mitigate environmental degradation while promoting economic growth. It is not just about saving the planet but about forging a more equitable and vibrant world for generations to come. Nevertheless, this is not solely about economics, it is about a moral revolution. The role of corporations in environmental decline is undeniable. But it is not about laying blame, it is about sparking transformation. Corporations can, and must, pivot towards conscious decisions, sustainable practices and green-collar jobs that drive progress without harming our planet. This shift is not merely to escape from impending catastrophe, it is to reshape industries into positive forces for change. Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad also recently said industries should find ways to improve sustainable practices, and urged businesses to start playing a bigger role in the fight against climate change by embracing environmental, social and governance principles towards a green economy. Corporate responsibility transcends profit margins. It is about leaving a legacy of reduced ecological footprints and engaged consumers. However, this transformation is not the task of corporations alone. Governments also play a pivotal role. Legislative support, policy frameworks and financial incentives must intertwine, creating an ecosystem where green jobs flourish. Corporations need the push, and youths need the pull. The voices of the young can become the formidable pulse of change. In a world ruled by hashtags and headlines, youths can harness this power to go beyond just trending topics. The smartphone is not their only arsenal, it is the knowledge that can empower them. Green skills are not only “nice to have”, but are a necessity. Harnessing green skills: Internships and apprenticeships: Seek out internships or apprenticeships with organisations committed to sustainable practices. Hands-on experience can provide valuable insights and networking opportunities. Entrepreneurship: Start your own green ventures. Innovative ideas, such as zero-waste stores, sustainable fashion brands or eco-friendly tech solutions, can make a significant impact. Advocacy and awareness: Join or establish environmental advocacy groups to raise awareness about the importance of green skills and sustainable practices. Social media platforms can be powerful tools for amplifying voices. Community engagement: Organise tree-planting drives, clean-up campaigns and workshops on composting or energy conservation within local communities. These initiatives can foster a sense of ownership and responsibility. In addition, educational institutions, especially higher education centres, can play a crucial role in shaping green leaders of tomorrow. With the largest population of young individuals concentrated within these institutions, the potential for instilling environmental consciousness and nurturing green skills is unparalleled. By offering specialised courses on green skills, such as sustainable architecture or renewable energy engineering, institutions can not only equip students with the tools to combat climate challenges and inspire them to become advocates for sustainable change, but also with the skills necessary to excel in a rapidly changing job market. Amid these efforts lie the importance of strengthening Education for Sustainable Development strategies within the existing educational frameworks. By infusing sustainable principles across disciplines, educational institutions can instil a holistic understanding of the interconnectedness between the environment, society and economy. This will prepare graduates to tackle complex global issues through a sustainable lens, enabling them to drive change across diverse sectors. The result is a generation of graduates who will possess the knowledge, skills and determination to weave environmental stewardship into the fabric of their professional endeavours, shaping a world where green skills are not just desirable but indispensable for progress. The symphony of our struggle for independence still reverberates through the corridors of time, reminding us of the power of unity and determination. Just as our ancestors fought fiercely for freedom from colonisation, we are now faced with a different kind of battle – a battle for the survival of our planet. As we raise our voices to wish our nation a joyful Merdeka, let us channel that same spirit of liberation toward environmental protection. May the 66th year of our nation’s journey toward independence inspire us to forge a legacy of environmental stewardship, echoing through generations to come. The writer is the Youth Climate Champions Consultant at the UN International Children’s Emergency Fund in Malaysia, co-founder of Project Ocean Hope and PhD candidate at Universiti Putra Malaysia. Comments: [email protected] “Green jobs are not just a lifeline, they are the foundation of our survival. They include a wide range of professions, aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and addressing climate change, in diverse sectors, such as manufacturing, construction, renewable energy and others. Tree-planting drives can foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among youths. – REUTERSPIC CLIMATE VOICE BY MOGESH SABABATHY

9 SPEAK UP theSUN ON THURSDAY | AUGUST 24, 2023 Cultural respect and brand image IN the realm of global entertainment and cultural exchange, the recent incident involving the popular band The 1975’s performance in Malaysia has ignited discussions about the delicate balance between artistic expression, cultural sensitivities and brand perception. In today’s interconnected landscape, it is vital to realise that different countries uphold unique values, traditions and cultural sensibilities. The incident with The 1975 in Malaysia underscores the importance of comprehending and respecting these differences. Whether it is artistes or brands, those entering a foreign territory should possess cultural awareness. While Malaysia is known for its warm hospitality, it also embraces certain beliefs that deserve consideration. The incident serves as a reminder that cultural awareness is not just about compliance, it is about building meaningful connections with local audiences. Brands and artistes must invest time and effort in understanding the nuances of the local culture to ensure that their messages and actions resonate positively. Respecting diversity We must be mindful of the essential sentiment about balancing global norms and preserving local identity. The call for progress in areas, such as human rights and equality, is universal, but this progress does not have to undermine a nation’s unique values and customs. Malaysia’s commitment to a live-and-letlive attitude demonstrates that it is possible to uphold respect for diversity without making grand proclamations. This also offers an important lesson for brands in approaching global campaigns with a nuanced perspective. Acknowledging diversity does not always necessitate a one-size-fits-all approach, instead, it demands a keen understanding of local contexts and a willingness to tailor messaging while staying true to brand principles. Mitigating brand perception risks The incident with The 1975 highlights the potential risks to a country’s perception when sensationalised news spreads unchecked. Misconceptions can colour the opinions of people who are unfamiliar with a nation, leading to biased perceptions. This concept also applies to brands – adverse incidents or public relations mishaps can impact how a brand is perceived globally. Brands need to manage their image and perception vigilantly. Clear communication, timely responses and an active presence on various media platforms are crucial for mitigating potential damage and setting the record straight. Balancing priorities While tending to a brand’s or nation’s image, it is essential to maintain focus on more urgent matters. Similar to any developing nation, Malaysia has concerns beyond these incidences, emphasising the significance of maintaining perspective. Brands and nations alike must adapt to crises while concentrating on essential matters that demand attention. Insights for brand communication The incident with The 1975 serves as a guide for brands navigating the intricate landscape of global engagement. Understanding, empathy, flexibility and dedication to cultural sensitivity are not just ideals but indispensable tools for building resonant connections in our increasingly interconnected world. The incident reminds us that true success in brand communication lies in recognising the profound impact of actions on local cultures and crafting strategies that unite rather than divide. The writer is the Malaysia Market Lead at Precious Communications. Comments: [email protected] COMMENT by Joey Gan THE initiative by Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek to instil the Rukun Negara ideology among young children in school is lauded. Despite being embraced as Malaysia’s national philosophy since its inception in 1970, the Rukun Negara has yet to achieve prominence within our nation. In contrast, the “Pancasila” in Indonesia has firmly established itself as a unifying pillar in Indonesian society and appears to have been integrated into the education system. The plan to encourage the formation of more Rukun Negara clubs in schools is commended. Students should be taught about the reasons behind the formulation of the Rukun Negara by the National Consultative Council following the events of the May 13, 1969 clashes. Malaysia has effectively dealt with the fundamental issues of poverty and unemployment, which were perceived as the primary factors contributing to economic disparities. With the implementation of the New Economic Policy, Malaysia was able to address these imbalances. Although the economic disparities have decreased considerably, certain factions are leveraging other issues to sow discord among the races. Thus, the suggestion to incorporate the Rukun Negara into the school ethos is opportune as it can nurture the younger generation into becoming responsible and open-minded citizens, and less susceptible to manipulation by individuals who exploit race and religion for political gain. Compared with other countries, Malaysia is a relatively young nation and is characterised by its multiracial makeup, with each group having its distinct cultural and religious traditions. Whatever the differences, Malaysians must learn to live as one big family, recognising that no single racial group can exist in isolation from the rest. The Rukun Negara club should be set up in all schools, including vernacular and religious schools. Efforts should be made to bring state-managed religious schools under the jurisdiction of the Education Ministry, subjecting them to comply with the Education Act of 1996, which mandates adherence to the national education curriculum. In addition, G25 advocates for broader and more profound efforts to foster an understanding and respect for the essence and tenets of the Rukun Rukun Negara initiative in schools COMMENT minimising excessive diversity. This instructional exercise should engage teachers and lecturers at the grassroots level, and be closely monitored and evaluated to gather feedback for potential corrective actions by the planning and implementation teams. It is important to note that the Rukun Negara includes principles, such as the supremacy of the Constitution and the Rule of Law. Therefore, we recommend the inclusion of the Federal Constitution in the school curricula as these will complement each other. The teaching of constitutional principles should commence in primary schools, with a particular focus on fundamental liberties and human rights. This is to ensure that pupils develop an appreciation for human values, such as equality, freedom of speech and expression, personal liberty, freedom of assembly, freedom of movement and freedom to profess one’s religion, among others, from a young age. The part of the Federal Constitution that pertains to the system of government can be taught at secondary schools. A grasp of the Constitution will enable them to understand their constitutional rights and responsibilities, making them better citizens. If this can be properly planned and executed, we can anticipate a deeper appreciation and understanding of the Rukun Negara and the Constitution throughout the nation. However, adequate funding for the whole undertaking must be assured. The other pressing issue that needs to be addressed in our schools is the lack of quality education. We want to emphasise that empowering teachers and enhancing their competencies must be prioritised. It is essential to provide teachers with the necessary support to enable them to establish a conducive and productive learning atmosphere for students. The school curriculum and time allocated for core subjects must be reviewed. For example, more time should be allocated for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects. It is important that students from religious schools are also exposed to a well-balanced national education curriculum. Although there was a Malaysia Education Blueprint Report 2013-2025, highlighting the best practices from other countries, the weakness lies in its implementation. The Education Ministry must prioritise the implementation strategies. We urge Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to present this report to the Cabinet, raising consensus among ministers to enact the required reforms. This article was contributed by civil society organisation G25 Malaysia. Comments: [email protected] Negara across the entire educational spectrum, spanning from early childhood education to higher education, encompassing both the public and private education sectors within the nation. The essence is already embedded within the National Philosophy of Education, but it requires clearer articulation through amendments aimed at instilling the principles of the Rukun Negara. The implementation of this initiative should include strategies to cultivate a deeper understanding and respect for the Rukun Negara. This exercise should involve various segments of the government and society, including educational experts, public and private sectors and civil society organisations, to propagate the spirit of unity among all Malaysians. Our nation needs a strong boost in unity based on the principles of the Rukun Negara. There is a pressing need to systemise the type of messaging that needs to be carefully crafted, with the assistance and guidance of experts and educationists. This collaboration is essential for the development of a comprehensive action plan and educational pedagogical strategy. This initiative can be disseminated and deliberated upon in nationwide educational workshops to ensure the smooth adoption of the principles and essence of the Rukun Negara, The teaching of constitutional principles should commence in primary schools, with a particular focus on fundamental liberties and human rights. – BERNAMAPIC “There is a pressing need to systemise the type of messaging that needs to be carefully crafted, with the assistance and guidance of experts and educationists. This collaboration is essential for the development of a comprehensive action plan and educational pedagogical strategy.

10 theSUN ON THURSDAY | AUGUST 24, 2023 UEM Sunrise brightens Mont’ Kiara skyline with The MINH PETALING JAYA: Property developer UEM Sunrise Bhd has rolled out a premium resort livinginspired residence, The MINH, that will continue to elevate the lifestyle of residents in Mont’ Kiara. Located next to Bukit Kiara Hill along Jalan Kiara 7, The MINH – Mont’Kiara Indochine Inspired Nature Homes – meaning “bright” in Vietnamese, was launched under the Club Edition of UEM Sunrise’s Happy+ product series, which caters to homebuyers with varying lifestyle and lifestage needs. UEM Sunrise has set out to deliver a more streamlined customer experience and implement innovative product features into its future products. Properties of the Club Edition are curated residences that offer high-end features with a resort-inspired lifestyle. The MINH has a gross development value of RM979 million and is scheduled for completion in 2027. Occupying 6.2 acres of elevated freehold tract, it will comprise 496 units spread over two towers. With six units on each floor, it is a lowdensity development providing exclusivity and privacy for its residents. Selling prices range from RM1.4 million to RM2.8 million, and there are four types of layouts and builtups ranging from 149 sq m to 279 sq m (1,607 sq ft to 3,010 sq ft), with options of three bedrooms plus one utility room or plus two utility rooms. The units have been designed with bungalow as well as semiArtist’s impression of The MINH’s dual-level pools. detached house concepts and will feature a balcony as well as three to four parking bays, depending on layout. The interior design of the units is heavily inspired by French colonial and Vietnamese vernacular styles. Residents will enjoy panoramic views of Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya, Mont’Kiara and Banjaran Titiwangsa. There will be full-fledged resortinspired facilities, such as a French colonial-inspired garden with a courtyard, jacuzzi, kickabout lawn, poolside cabana, sauna and halotherapy room, steam room, yoga and ballet studio, barbecue area and gymnasium. There will also be indoor facilities such as reading room, residents’ lounge for private gatherings and playground. The MINH is easily accessible from major highways such as the North-South Expressway, Duta-Ulu Kelang Expressway, Kerinchi Link and Penchala Link, and is near Damansara Heights, Sri Hartamas and Bangsar. UEM Sunrise is dedicated to promoting and upholding sustainability initiatives in the Malaysian real estate sector. As such, The MINH was awarded the Provisional Gold GreenRE Certification for the Residential Category by GreenRE in January. Among the residence’s energysaving initiatives are a five-star energy-rated building cooling system, LED lighting in public areas, water-saving fittings, rainwater harvesting system, automated waste collection system, recycling bins and community compost area. It has also received accolades in this year’s StarProperty Real Estate Developer Awards for the Skyline Award (High Rise Luxury), the Family-friendly Award (High Rise) within Greater KL, the Outstanding Award and the Pinnacle Award. In addition, the project brought home two five-star awards for the Best Landscape Architecture and Best Residential High Rise Architecture, and was named the winner for the Residential HighRise Development, all under the Malaysian category in the Asia Pacific Property Awards 2023- 2024. Potential homebuyers still resisting higher asking prices PETALING JAYA: Potential homebuyers continue to resist higher asking prices amid a challenging economic landscape, according to PropertyGuru Malaysia. In its Property Market Report Q3 2023, it found that there is a steep downward trend for property enquiries on its website, with the sale demand index declining by 10.2% quarter-onquarter (q-o-q), which it opined is consistent with Bank Negara Malaysia’s data, whereby home loan applications saw a decrease of 11% q-o-q in June. It said the lower demand from potential homeowners is likely linked to the sale price index increasing by 2.1% q-o-q, reflecting a continued rise in asking prices on listed properties. PropertyGuru Malaysia country manager Sheldon Fernandez said it found that there is a decrease in property demand, with the second quarter in 2023 (Q2’23) being the fourth consecutive quarter where there exists a visible gap between property demand and pricing. “However, we hope to see an increase in consumers’ appetite for property as the overnight policy rate (OPR) is currently paused at 3%. Keeping in mind that current borrowing rates remain lower than the pre-Covid rate of 3.25%, we are hopeful that an uptick in demand is on the oSteep decline in enquiries on website, gap between demand and pricing for fourth consecutive quarter: PropertyGuru report horizon as Malaysia’s inflation eases”, he said in a statement recently. Despite the downtrends in property enquiries, the report revealed notable areas that are growing to be favourable among potential homebuyers, such as Cheras, Kuala Lumpur which has been a hotspot for potential homebuyers as it boasts a mature township with convenient access to main highways and the mass rapid transit system. “As property values in urban centres continue to rise, homebuyers are shifting their focus to m o r e a f f o r d a b l e options in s u b u r b a n locations. Strategically situated townships on the outskirts, such as Taman Connaught in Cheras and Pandan Indah in Ampang, offer properties with comparative value and connectivity at lower price points. “Given current market conditions, it is unsurprising that recently completed projects in these areas are garnering increased interest from prospective homeowners,” said Fernandez. In Johor, Permas Jaya experienced increased interest in its property market, driven by factors such as affordability, proximity to Singapore and longterm investment potential. The report said projections suggest the Johor real estate market might experience further growth, given the anticipated operation of the Rail Transit System line in 2026 and the potential revitalisation of the Kuala LumpurS i n g a p o r e High-Speed Rail. Similar to the previous quarter, the top two most viewed landed projects are located in Johor, with Leisure Farm maintaining its top spot on the list. Country Heights Kajang – a township in Kajang is the most viewed landed project within Klang Valley. Both are gated communities, which could indicate that competitively priced properties are still attracting higher demand from consumers. In addition, the report indicated a decrease of 11.3% quarter-on-quarter in rental demand index, following the drop in purchasing demand, which is likely due to rising rental prices that exceed the budgets of many prospective tenants, as indicated by the 4.9% q-o-q increase in the rental price index during the same period. With the existing contrast between landlords’ expectations and tenants’ financial capability, it could indicate that more younger Malaysians are delaying their plans to move out of family homes and live independently. Concurrently, the rental supply index witnessed a 13.1% surge, reflecting the increase in property owners who remain optimistic with the gradual recovery of the economy along with increased job opportunities brought in by foreign investments. In Q2’23, Princess Cove in Johor continued to be the leading high-rise development among prospective renters as its location near the Johor Causeway appeals to tenants working in Singapore, with more professionals seeking alternatives to the higher-priced Singapore market. Oversubscription of sukuk reflects market confidence, says Sime Darby Property PETALING JAYA: The oversubscription of Sime Darby Property Bhd’s sukuk speaks volumes of the market’s confidence in the company’s fundamentals, reinforcing its position as the nation’s leading property developer, said its managing director, Datuk Azmir Merican. “Sime Darby Property remains committed to maintaining robust financial channels. The Sukuk Musharakah Programme exemplifies this commitment, funnelling resources to underpin our transformation from a focused property developer to a holistic real estate enterprise, in tandem with our 2030 Sustainability Goals,” he added. Azmir was commenting on the recently completed second sukuk issuance under the Sukuk Musharakah Programme with a nominal value of RM600 million. The issuance attracted significant attention from a diverse group of fixedincome and high-calibre investors, reaching an oversubscription of more than eight times and accumulating an order book valued at over RM4.8 billion. Notably, RM200 million of the sukuk issuance was designated as sustainability sukuk, aligned with the Sustainable and Responsible Investment Sukuk Framework issued by the Securities Commission Malaysia and Asean Sustainability Bond Standards issued by the Asean Capital Markets Forum. Interest from investors remained strong throughout the book-building process, demonstrating investors’ confidence in Sime Darby Property’s strong credit and leading position in the property development sector. LBS Bina registers robust sales, bookings pipeline PETALING JAYA: LBS Bina Group Bhd delivered profit before tax of RM57.2 million and profit after tax of RM36.7 million for the second quarter ended June 30 (Q2’23), a year-on-year increase of 8.0% and 10.7% respectively. This was on the back of RM375.4 million in revenue. The group reported commendable financial results despite facing industry-wide challenges such as rising inflationary pressure. For the six months ended June 30, 2023, revenue clocked in at RM760.3 million. Meanwhile, profit after tax increased by 9.1% to RM73.1 million from RM67.0 million in comparison to the preceding year’s corresponding period. As at June 30, 2023, LBS Bina’s cash and cash equivalents stood at RM258.4 million. The group announced that as at Aug 15, it has secured total property sales of RM1.09 billion with bookings in the pipeline of RM373 million. Furthermore, as at July 31, the group has a landbank for future development of 2,916 acres, with unbilled sales of about RM2.5 billion. This provides earnings visibility for the next two to three years. LBS Bina executive chairman Tan Sri Lim Hock San said its consistent performance throughout the quarters is testament that it is on a steady footing and hopes to keep up the momentum in the second half of 2023. LBS Bina expects to complete and hand over eight projects in the second half of the year.

KLCI 1,440.11 STI 3,174.18 14.30 HANG SENG 17,845.92 54.91 SCI 3,078.40 153.55 NIKKEI 32,010.26 10.24 TSEC 16,576.90 139.29 KOSPI 2,505.50 S&P/ASX200 7,148.40 26.80 THURSDAY AUGUST 24, 2023 Editorial Tel: 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7785 2624/5 Email: [email protected] Advertising Tel: 03-7784 8888 Fax: 03-7784 4424 Email: [email protected] 5 MOST ACTIVES August 23, 2023 STOCK VOL CLSG (sen) +/– (sen) PERDANA 2,025,182 24.0 +5.0 PARKSON 105,927,200 37.5 +4.5 HSI-CRN 80,088,400 18.5 +1.0 WIDAD 72,298,600 44.5 UNCH RAMSSOL-WA 72,200,700 14.0 +2.0 EXCHANGERATES AUGUST 23, 2023 Foreign currency Bank sell Bank buy Bank buy TT/OD TT OD 1 US DOLLAR 4.7175 4.5845 4.5705 1 AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR 3.0560 2.9330 2.9030 1 BRUNEI DOLLAR 3.4780 3.3780 3.3650 1 CANADIAN DOLLAR 3.4810 3.3890 3.3720 1 EURO 5.1300 4.9650 4.9600 1 NEW ZEALAND DOLLAR 2.8200 2.7180 2.6870 1 SINGAPORE DOLLAR 3.4780 3.3780 3.3650 1 STERLING POUND 6.0200 5.8340 5.8240 1 SWISS FRANC 5.3470 5.2270 5.2220 100 UAE DIRHAM 130.0200 123.3200 123.0200 100 BANGLADESH TAKA 4.4020 4.1160 3.9130 100 CHINESE RENMINBI 64.8000 62.3000 N/A 100 HONGKONG DOLLAR 60.8600 57.8600 57.6100 100 INDIAN RUPEE 5.7800 5.4200 5.2200 100 INDONESIAN RUPIAH 0.0319 0.0289 0.0238 100 JAPANESE YEN 3.2440 3.1430 3.1170 100 NEW TAIWAN DOLLAR 15.8000 N/A N/A 100 PAKISTAN RUPEE 1.6000 1.5000 1.3100 100 PHILIPPINE PESO 8.5100 8.0200 7.8200 100 QATAR RIYAL 130.9800 124.3400 124.0300 100 SAUDI RIYAL 127.2600 120.8100 120.5100 100 THAI BAHT 14.0900 12.5100 12.0300 Source: Malayan Banking Berhad/Bernama KL MARKET SUMMARY August 23, 2023 INDICES CHANGE FBMEMAS 10,635.90 -62.08 FBMKLCI 1,440.11 -11.42 CONSUMER PRODUCTS 558.46 -1.72 INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS 168.35 -1.76 CONSTRUCTION 174.21 -1.01 FINANCIAL SERVICES 16,182.90 -85.24 ENERGY 823.78 +12.51 TELECOMMUNICATIONS 583.01 -4.02 HEALTH CARE 1,691.74 -12.27 TRANSPORTATION 927.38 +3.18 PROPERTY 807.12 +1.07 PLANTATION 6,963.08 -67.52 FBMSHA 10,859.70 -73.38 FBMACE 5,285.14 -0.42 TECHNOLOGY 63.49 -0.10 TURNOVER VALUE 3.229 BIL RM1.967 BIL 5 TOP GAINERS August 23, 2023 STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM ALLIANZ-PA 7,400 17.38 +0.40 MCEMENT 1,720,100 3.98 +0.14 PANAMY 8,300 21.28 +0.14 AYER 2,500 7.00 +0.10 BPLANT 34,462,000 1.37 +0.09 5 TOP LOSERS August 23, 2023 STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM NESTLE 51,600 130.90 -0.60 HLFG 145,200 18.36 -0.36 KLK 732,100 22.50 -0.28 PCHEM 6,113,600 6.80 -0.21 HEIM 150,600 25.72 -0.18 Sports Toto registers RM1.62b revenue, RM95m pre-tax profit for Q4’23 KUALA LUMPUR: Sports Toto Bhd (SPToto) reported RM1.62 billion revenue for its fourth quarter 2023, registering an increase of 10.7% over the revenue of RM1.46 billion in the previous year’s corresponding quarter. The group also registered RM95 million pre- tax profit, which is an improvement of 15.1% from the pre-tax profit of RM82.6 million in the corresponding quarter of the previous year. The improved results for the current quarter ended June 30, 2023 was mainly due to the better performance reported by H.R. Owen Plc (H.R. Owen) but partially set off by lower results from STM Lottery Sdn Bhd (STM Lottery). For the current quarter ended June 30, 2023, STM Lottery reported higher average revenue per draw as compared to the previous year corresponding quarter. However, the total revenue in the current quarter was lower by 2.5%, mainly attributed to a lesser number of draws (i.e. 40 draws versus 42 draws in the corresponding quarter) conducted in the current quarter. This resulted in a 16.0% drop in pre-tax profit which was in line with the lower revenue attained and the higher operating expenses incurred in the current quarter under review. H.R. Owen achieved an 18.1% growth in revenue as compared to the previous year corresponding quarter, which was attributed to the improved sales from both new and used car sectors coupled with favourable foreign exchange effect. Its pre-tax profit has risen by 105.9% to RM22.8 million from RM11.1 million recorded in the previous year corresponding quarter. The increase was due to lower restoration costs incurred as compared to the amounts that had been provided for, as well as the lower lease related expenses incurred in the current quarter following the relocation of certain showroom and aftersales service sites to the Hatfield Centre. In the current financial year ended June US firms pledge RM100b investments in Malaysia KUALA LUMPUR: US companies have made investment pledges totalling RM100 billion in various sectors in Malaysia over the last 18 months, US ambassador to Malaysia Brian McFeeters said. He said these are significant investments in areas where the US wants to strengthen its presence, namely electronics and semiconductor sectors, as well as oMade over last 18 months as companies aim to stengthen presence in electronics, semiconductor and data centre segments 11.42 41.93 data centre segment which is a big growth area. “US investments are really coming strong into Malaysia and that is good for the US because we found out during the Covid19 pandemic that Malaysia is a key part of the world’s supply chain. “A lot of US factories are depending directly on something made in Malaysia, so we have a mutually beneficial economic relationship that has been developed to this day,” he said recently on Bernama TV’s The Nation programme. He added that most US companies that have invested in Malaysia have also gained the benefits from latest technologies coming into the country. Meanwhile, McFeeters noted that Malaysia has been playing a very constructive role in terms of economic integration within the Asean region. He also highlighted that Malaysia has agreed to host the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework negotiation round which will be held in October this year to discuss ways of creating a clean economy with renewable energy (RE). The negotiation round, he said, will look into 21st century issues in areas of how to create a clean economy using more RE and improve the supply chain to avoid another breakdown in the future. “The (negotiation) round in October is particularly important because by November this year, the US will host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’ Meeting where we will announce the results of the discussions. “Hopefully, Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) will be there because Malaysia is playing a very big part in hosting the negotiation,” he added. – Bernama 30, 2023, SPToto reported a revenue of RM6.1 billion, representing an increase of 16.6% over the revenue of RM5.23 billion reported in the previous year. The group’s pre-tax profit has also increased by 23.4% to RM337.1 million compared to the pre-tax profit of RM273.3 million reported in the previous year. The improved performance was mainly attributed to improved sales from STM Lottery and higher share of associated companies’ profits but partially set off by H.R. Owen’s lower results recorded in the current year under review. STM Lottery registered revenue and pretax profit growth of 32.1% and 30.7% respectively as compared to the previous year, driven by the full resumption of business operations and higher accumulated jackpot prizes. In the previous financial year, there were cancellation of 37 draws arising from the imposition of nationwide lockdown from June 1, 2021 to September 13, 2021. H.R. Owen’s revenue rose 2.7% in the current year ended June 30, 2023 as compared to the previous year but its pretax profit dropped by 56.3% to RM38.6 million in the current year from RM88.3 million in the previous year. The outstanding performance recorded in the previous year benefitted from the exceptionally strong demand in used car leading to strong used car profit margin as a result of new car supply constraints. Its current year pre-tax profit was impacted by higher operating costs as a result of inflationary pressures and higher finance costs arising from interest rate hike during the current year under review. The board of directors has declared a fourth interim dividend of 2.5 sen per share for the financial year ended June 30, 2023. This dividend, payable on October 20, 2023, amounts to RM33.3 million. The entitlement date has been fixed on October 2, 2023. With this, the total dividend distribution for the financial year is 9.0 sen per share, amounting to approximately RM120.8 million. The management of SPToto is cautiously optimistic about the prospects of the Number Forecast Operation (NFO) business in Malaysia. They anticipate continued per draw sales growth driven by stronger consumer spending, easing inflation rates, and positive momentum in the labour market. The management remains vigilant in mitigating potential local political risks and will closely monitor the financial impact of global and local political and economic developments particularly in the countries that the group has operations. STM Lottery registered revenue and pre-tax profit growth of 32.1% and 30.7% respectively as compared to the previous year, driven by the full resumption of business operations and higher accumulated jackpot prizes. – BERJAYA CORP WEBSITE Participation 27.8 43.8 28.4 100.0 Retail Institutions Foreign Bought RM m 542.8 927.6 496.9 1967.3 Sold RM m 553.4 794.2 619.7 1967.3 Net RM m -10.6 133.4 -122.8 0 % Preliminary stats (excluding trade amendments). For final data, please refer to www.bursamalaysia.com Source: Bursa Malaysia A Participating Organisation of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad A Trading Participant of Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Berhad S E C U R I T I E S S D N. B H D. 197201001092 (12738-U) 23/8/2023

12 theSUN ON THURSDAY | AUGUST 24, 2023 SUNBIZ @thesundaily FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM SCAN ME Enhance knowledge, capabilities in SRI, financial planners told PETALING JAYA: Financial planners and unit trust consultants must increase their understanding and develop capabilities in the area of sustainable and responsible investment (SRI), said Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) chairman Datuk Seri Dr Awang Adek Hussin. He said investors, especially the younger generation are becoming increasingly interested in ensuring that the capital they deploy is used for good causes such as transition towards clean energy, which may for example involve investment in a renewable energy SRI fund. “In this respect, they may rely on the financial planner to guide them on the different types of SRI funds to meet their sustainability goal as well as their other financial goals,” he said in his keynote address at the Annual Signature Financial Planning Symposium 2023 organised by the Financial Planning Association of Malaysia yesterday. Awang Adek said Muslim investors would also be interested in waqf featured funds that integrate commercial, social and religious objectives and allow unit holders to channel all or part of their income distributions received for waqf recipients. “As such, there is a need to incorporate SRI considerations as a routine component of advice. “This will ensure that investors are wellinformed of the investment options available and the opportunity to align their preference and motivation with their investment goals,” he added. He said that to ensure that financial planners are equipped with the right information, the SC will be conducting consultations with industry associations and firms next year to understand challenges in incorporating sustainability considerations, and providing guidance to industry on incorporating sustainability considerations into suitability assessments thereafter. On the digital tools for the future, Awang Adek said the SC, in partnership with the Capital Market Development Fund, introduced the Digital Innovation Fund (DIGID) in 2022 to enable new and competitive proposition to the Malaysian capital market. He said through the DIGID fund, the SC envisions all capital market intermediaries including financial planners, to digitalise services in order to improve the investor experience and provide greater access for financial planning services. “Investments into technology have become crucial to sharpen the competitive edge for businesses in order to deliver the personalised services that investors seek, as well as improve the investor experience and expand these services to a wider range of investors,” he said. – Bernama Hibiscus Petroleum’s Ebitda exceeds RM1b for second year in a row KUALA LUMPUR: Hibiscus Petroleum Bhd reported revenue of RM2.3 billion for FY2023, while ebitda and PAT stood at RM1,269.7 million and RM400.5 million respectively. This was disclosed when it released a corporate and business update outlining the group’s operational and financial highlights in conjunction with the release of its unaudited quarterly financial results for the fourth financial quarter of FY2023 (Q4 FY2023). Over the course of FY2023, the group sold 4.5 MMbbl of oil and condensate and 2.6 MMboe of gas. On a combined basis, this represents an increase of 55% or 2.5 MMboe as compared with FY2022. The group provided guidance that for FY2024, it estimates to sell approximately 7.5 to 7.8 MMboe of oil, condensate and gas, an increase of between 6% and 10% compared to 7.1 MMboe achieved in FY2023. The consistent positive financial performance has allowed the group to continue rewarding its loyal shareholders. Yesterday, the group declared a third interim single-tier dividend of 0.50 sen per ordinary share for FY2023, with a total of 2.0 sen having been declared to date. In line with the group’s earlier guidance, they target to declare a minimum total dividend per share of 2.5 sen over the course of FY2023, representing an increase from the 2.0 sen declared for FY2022. In the UK, the Teal West Environmental Statement was approved by the UK Regulatory Authorities on July 7, 2023. The North Sea Transition Authority subsequently approved the Field Development Plan on Aug 1, 2023 and issued a Production Consent for Teal West. The drilling of the initial development well is planned to commence in the middle of CY2024, with first oil from the development expected in late CY2024/early CY2025. Commenting on the group’s outlook, managing director Dr Kenneth Pereira said “FY2023 marks the first full year of the Peninsula Hibiscus Group’s assets contributing to the group’s financial and operational performance. With those assets on board, we’ve crossed the RM2 billion mark in revenue for the first time.” He added that they are pleased to achieve this milestone and look forward to increasing their output by between 6% and 10% in FY2024, as evidenced by their larger production volume guidance of 7.5 to 7.8 MMboe. SDP expects better performance in second half of FY23 PETALING JAYA: Sime Darby Plantation Bhd (SDP) is anticipating an improved performance in the second half of fiscal year 2023, driven by increased crop production following the normal peak crop trend. Group managing director Datuk Mohamad Helmy Othman Basha mentioned that their fresh fruit bunches (FFB) production is expected to steadily increase as the group moves into the peak production period in the upcoming months. “I can only give a range, we are going to see an increase of a single digit increase between five to 8% overall. But for Malaysia, I believe the increase over last year will be a double digit increase in the production of crops,” he told a virtual media conference during Sime Darby Plantation’s Second Quarter Financial Year 2023 results announcement. Additionally, he expressed optimism about further FFB production improvement as they enhance field conditions in their Malaysian operations. “These efforts complement the group’s commitment to continue transformational initiatives to mechanise, automate and digitalise its operations in Malaysia,” he said. He stated that the ongoing aggressive rehabilitation of their upstream Malaysia operations is starting to yield positive results, with improvements observed in Malaysian FFB production in the second quarter of 2023. “This, coupled with the arrival and upskilling of new harvesters will put our harvesting operations and field conditions back on track to deliver better productivity for the rest of the year,” he said. Regarding prices, the company mentioned that the rebound in CPO and other commodity prices is primarily attributed to the growing uncertainty in key oilseed FFB production expected to steadily increase as the group moves into the peak production period in the upcoming months. - BERNAMAPIX █ BY HAYATUN RAZAK [email protected] regions’ weather conditions and the escalating Russia-Ukraine conflict. Hence, there’s an expectation of ongoing price volatility in the near term, particularly as geopolitical crises and global macroeconomic conditions further contribute to existing uncertainties. “The CPO price is now trading in the upper kind of reading range and could even cross 4,000 levels. We believe that the market will probably be around these levels until the end of the year,” said Sime Darby Oils managing director Mohd Haris Mohd Arshad. For the second quarter of 2023 (Q2’23) ended June 30, 2023, SDP net profit fell by 53% to RM380 million, from RM812 million a year ago. Meanwhile, revenue decreased 23% to RM4.31 billion from RM5.59 billion in the same period last year. For the six months period, the group registered a net profit of RM449 million as compared to RM1.53 billion in the same period last year and revenue of RM8.37 billion as compared to RM9.97 billion. The group said that the decline in profits was primarily due to lower average realised CPO and palm kernel prices, which have declined from the peak levels in the previous year. In addition, there was higher operating expenditure, mainly from higher fertiliser prices and labour costs, particularly in Malaysia, where the group is rehabilitating its operations. Wellspire teams up with Khee San Food KUALA LUMPUR: Wellspire Holdings Bhd via its wholly owned subsidiary Wellspire Global Trading Sdn Bhd has inked a strategic cooperation agreement with Khee San Bhd’s subsidiary Khee San Food Industries Sdn Bhd to be the latter’s sole and exclusive distributor of its products as it expands into the Thailand confectionery market. The partnership will combine the Wellspire’s infrastructure, distribution From left: Wellspire Holdings Bhd executive director Kua Chin Teck, CEO and executive director Mo Guopiao, Tan and Khee San Bhd deputy CEO Steven Ng Chee Keong during the press conference. █ BY GLORIA HARRY BEATTY [email protected] oPartnership will see companies gain footing in Thailand ‘s confectionery market channels and marketing expertise in Thailand with Khee San’s manufacturing and packaging capabilities in the mass market consumer food and snacks manufacturing industry. The agreement is valid from Aug 23, 2023 until Aug 22, 2026. As a start, Wellspire will distribute, import, export, sell and resell Khee San products, namely Fruit Plus and Kiss Me. Khee San CEO Edward Tan Juan Peng said the partnership will introduce its products into Thailand, where the revenue for the confectionery market is expected to grow annually by more than 6.05%. “Our expansion into Thailand is a showcase of our commitment to drive business growth by tapping into opportunities across the region while continuously improving our existing products as well as introducing new line-ups so as to generate sustainable value creation for our shareholders and stakeholders,” he said during the signing between Wellspire and Khee San yesterday. He added the group is optimistic on the snack industry as he observed that a lot of players are increasing as well as expanding its revenues. “The snack market is very huge market if you look at the statistics. From time to time … differentiation and product innovation must be escalated in order to secure and retain the market share. That is our most challenging part,” he said. Meanwhile, he shared that hyperinflation is among the main challenges that the company is facing with raw material prices hike, particularly sugar prices having surged to RM3.50 per kg compared with RM2.70 per kg, for manufacturers. Moving forward, he said the group will produce and introduce more health-conscious products, namely vegan products as an alternative, to replace some of its sugar-based products. Additionally, it will locally source sugar alternatives for its healthconscious products as “looking at the current trends it is not really favourable to all the manufacturers”. He said that due to the hyperinflation, it has gradually increased its product prices for the past six months due to raw material rate escalation. “The government is doing a lot of initiatives to retain the inflation, especially the necessity ingredients, such as sugar and flour. So, we hope that once the price stabilises, we will be able to cope better,” said Tan.

13 SUNBIZ theSUN ON THURSDAY | AUGUST 24, 2023 KUALA LUMPUR: Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) aims to expand its portfolio in renewable energy (RE) in existing international markets such as the United Kingdom as well as throughout the AsiaPacific and Europe. TNB chief new energy officer Mohd Zarihi Mohd Hashim said the expansion of the portfolio will be implemented through the establishment and increased expertise in asset development, covering solar and wind energy, whether on land or at sea, supported by utility storage (battery storage). He said one of the main drivers of the exploration strategy is a strategic collaboration to increase the rate of market penetration and the development of capabilities or competencies to provide operational excellence. “At TNB, we also believe in collaboration, both inside and outside the country. Collaboration is essential to foster innovation and to implement a successful energy transition. “Thus, we will continue exploring new markets in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region,” he said on the “Ruang Bicara: Renewable Energy Pillar of Energy Transition” programme produced by Bernama TV on Tuesday. Mohd Zarihi said that to carry out market exploration in Europe, TNB has a wholly owned subsidiary, Vantage RE Ltd in the UK, which will be the focal point of operations in exploring renewable energy generation assets in the UK and Europe. “In addition, we are actively exploring the Southeast Asian market where we have several strategic partners in Vietnam, Laos and Thailand to further develop cooperation at the Asean level in cross-border topics for Malaysia to become a green energy hub in the region,” he said. He added that investors now have the confidence to invest in the renewable energy industry, in line with the government’s aspirations to provide clear policies, guidance and funding for new technology investments. Currently, Mohd Zarihi said, Malaysia and Asean are very interested in obtaining the same benefits from cross-border trade as their partners in Europe where cooperation in the region has reached an estimated €34 billion in strengthening the cross-border market in the union. “There is already a common understanding among Asean countries about how critical the importance of energy transition is. This has helped push the Asean region to speed up the long-delayed connectivity programme,” he noted. Touching on the allocation of capital expenditure and high investment in this energy transition, Mohd Zarihi said TNB continues to increase capital expenditure and investment to ensure electricity infrastructure is ready for the future and enable the country to achieve energy sustainability in line with the set targets. He said according to the proposed plan to invest RM22 billion from 2022 to 2024 based on the Incentive-Based Regulatory (IBR) framework, TNB wants to continue to develop the grid of the future as the main enabler of the transition through the connectivity of the entire value chain starting from generation to distribution to consumer premises. “Therefore, TNB needs about RM450 billion in capital expenditure (capex) for the same period in pursuing its own energy transition agenda for Malaysia. This is a huge investment,” he added. Meanwhile, TNB aims to record more than 14GW of renewable energy capacity by 2050. That objective is in line with TNB’s aspiration to become the best supplier of sustainable energy solutions in Malaysia and internationally, Mohd Zarihi said. Touch ‘n Go launches ParkInsure, ‘first of its kind’ parking insurance PETALING JAYA: Touch ‘n Go Group has launched a first-of-its-kind personal accident insurance/takaful product, ParkInsure, for users who utilise the Touch ‘n Go card for entry to parking sites. With a premium of only RM5 per month, ParkInsure caters to the affordability of all Touch ‘n Go card users and can be subscribed seamlessly via GOprotect, the digital insurance/takaful hub on Touch ‘n Go eWallet. They can opt for takaful underwritten by Zurich General Takaful Malaysia Bhd or conventional insurance underwritten by Allianz Malaysia Bhd. Besides the cashless convenience, users can rest assured that their transactions are safe and secure. TNG Digital Sdn Bhd CEO Alan Ni said the latest insurance/takaful product on GOprotect provides personal accident insurance/takaful protection for their users who use the Touch ‘n Go card for payment at parking sites. ParkInsure is unique in the sense that it is a value-added service of the Touch ‘n Go card, expanding its utility beyond mobility purposes such as parking, transit and tolls. The benefits of ParkInsure include reimbursement of up to RM70,000 for permanent disablement or accidental death caused by accident while within the car park compound; a snatch theft inconvenience benefit of up to RM1,500 for snatch theft cases within the car park compound; as well as reimbursement of up to RM1,500 for forcible car break-ins within the car park. Users will also be given a key reimbursement fee of up to RM200 should their car key be stolen or damaged during the period of coverage. Additionally, under the conventional plan, users will be given a transport reimbursement fee of up to RM200 should there be transportation charges incurred for admission to the hospital due to accidental cause within the car park compound as well as a RM10 reimbursement fee, should users lose their enhanced Touch ‘n Go card due to snatch theft within the car park compound. Separately under the takaful plan, users will be given an inconvenience benefit reimbursement of up to RM200 should their car be damaged due to an accident within the car park compound. TNB aims to expand international RE portfolio oPower company will continue to explore new markets in Europe and Asia-Pacific E&O off to good start in FY24 with strong first-quarter results PETALING JAYA: Premier lifestyle property developer Eastern & Oriental Bhd (E&O) reported revenue of RM85.4 million for the first quarter of its financial year ending March 31, 2024 (Q1’24), up 11.5% from RM76.6 million in the corresponding quarter last year. The improvement was attributed to higher revenue from the property segment by 6.2% from RM57.4 million to RM60.9 million in Q1’24, as a result of increased contribution from land reclamation and the newly launched Arica@Andaman project. Similarly, the hospitality segment registered higher revenue of RM23.4 million against RM18.4 million a year ago, translating to a 27.2% increase, driven by better occupancy rates at Eastern & Oriental Hotel (Penang) and E&O Residences (Kuala Lumpur) due to the influx of domestic and international tourists. The group’s profit before tax and profit after tax for Q1’24 surged 11-fold and 43-fold to RM35.8 million and RM36.9 million, respectively, from RM3.2 million and RM0.9 million a year ago. The growth was due to enhanced revenue and unrealised foreign exchange gain of RM25.7 million recognised during the quarter under review, compared to unrealised foreign exchange loss of RM22.8 million in Q1’23. Correspondingly, earning per share improved to 2.16 sen from a loss of 0.11 sen. Managing director Kok Tuck Cheong said, “We are pleased with the promising results to commence the beginning of our financial year. The visible strong take-up rates of our two newly launched properties at the Andaman Island namely The Meg and Arica reflect our track record and market recognition as a lifestyle developer. “Likewise, our hotels in Malaysia and London are experiencing higher occupancy rates, coupled with higher demand for our banqueting services for corporate and private events.” He said E&O anticipates the Malaysian property market to improve. “We are cautiously optimistic that we will be able to execute our plans and strategies to bring the group to greater heights. The launch of our new product offerings is already in the pipeline, with launches expected in the fourth quarter of our financial year 2024,” he added. FM Global: RM62.3m pre-tax profit for FY23 PETALING JAYA: FM Global Logistics Holdings Bhd, a provider of international multimodal freight and integrated logistics services, reported that its pre-tax profit fell 36.6% yearon-year (y-o-y) to RM11.2 million, on the back of a 40.8% y-o-y decline in revenue to RM197.4 million for the fourth quarter of the financial year ended June 30, 2023 (Q4’23). Net profit (after taxation and noncontrolling interests) for the quarter was RM7.7 million, compared with RM12.6 million in the previous corresponding quarter. For FY23, FM posted pre-tax profit of RM62.3 million, a moderate decline from the RM66.6 million recorded in FY22. This was achieved despite a 17.7% y-o-y reduction in revenue to RM948.4 million. Net profit fell 7.8% to RM42.1 million, from RM45.6 million in FY22. The board of directors declared a third interim single-tier dividend of 2 sen per share, to be paid in October. PETALING JAYA: Databricks, a data and artififical intelligence (AI) company, and Petronas Digital Sdn Bhd, the digital arm of Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas), recently inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to accelerate data and AI initiatives, aiming to advance innovation and improve productivity. Powered by the Databricks Lakehouse platform, the collaboration will support Petronas Digital’s commitment to using data securely and responsibly to drive organisational decision-making. Databricks and Petronas Digital plan to build generative AI models specific to Petronas’ needs; deploy Petronas’ ESG analytics use cases; train talent and enable talent building; provide Databricks’ cuttingedge technologies and latest data science tools through the Databricks’ university alliance; and leverage Petronas as a Databricks marketplace partner to monetise data assets and AI models to a large, open ecosystem of data consumers all from a single platform. “Data and AI play a pivotal role in creating new value and sustaining business growth at Petronas. As we join forces with Databricks, we are confident in advancing towards a data and AI-driven future and to continually unlock new value for the organisation. This collaboration highlights our commitment to innovation,” said Petronas Digital CEO Phuah Aik Chong. Meanwhile Databricks Asia Pacific and Japan senior vice-president and general manager Ed Lenta said, “Data and AI are the top priority for businesses across the world and we are thrilled to deepen our partnership with Petronas to enable and support its data and AI vision with the Databricks Lakehouse platform, democratising data, analytics and AI across the organisation. I’m confident that our technology, resources and training will help build a data-driven culture within Petronas and the next-generation of data and AI talent in Malaysia.” Databricks, Petronas Digital collaborate to accelerate data and AI innovations From left: Databricks field engineering senior director Kunel Taneja, Lenta, Phuah and Petronas Digital platform Services head Toh Yen Chan.

14 theSUN ON THURSDAY | AUGUST 24, 2023 SUNBIZ /thesundaily FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK SCAN ME Xiaomi said to have won state planner’s nod to make EVs HONG KONG: Xiaomi Corp has won the approval of China’s state planner to manufacture electric vehicles, said two people with knowledge of the matter, marking a major step towards the smartphone maker’s goal of producing cars by early next year. The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), which regulates new investments and production capacity in China’s auto industry, gave the nod for EV manufacturing to Beijing-based Xiaomi earlier this month, said the people. Xiaomi’s venture is only the fourth since end-2017 to win NDRC approval. While NDRC’s nod brings Xiaomi closer to mass production of EVs more than two years after it first announced the plans, the venture still needs clearance from the Ministry of Industry and Information (MIIT), which assesses new automakers and models for technical and safety requirements. And it would be entering China’s car manufacturing sector at a time when the world’s largest auto market is wrestling with a series of issues, including a capacity glut and slowing demand that have stoked a bruising price war and hit supplier margins. Xiaomi had pledged a US$10 billion (RM46.5 billion) investment over a decade in the automobile business and set a goal of mass producing its first cars in the first half of 2024. But there were doubts if the timeline could be met as the NDRC has been cautious in approving new EV production plans of companies because of concerns on overcapacity and slowing demand in the sector. Xiaomi, which owns the world’s third largest smartphone brand by shipments, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The NDRC and the MIIT also did not immediately respond to faxed requests for comment. The sources declined to be named as the matter is private. – Reuters B R I E F SGEELY’S ZEEKR TO START INVESTOR TOUR AHEAD OF IPO HONG KONG: Zeekr, Chinese automaker Geely’s premium electric vehicle (EV) brand, will meet global investors from August-end to test appetite for a US$1 billion (RM4.6 billion) initial public offering (IPO), said people with direct knowledge of the matter. It is hoping the share sale will yield a valuation of over US$13 billion, as achieved during a private US$750 million funding round in February, two people said. Hangzhou-based Zeekr will meet investors over two weeks in Hong Kong, Singapore, London, New York, Boston, California and the Middle East, the people said. – Reuters SOUTH AFRICA, CHINA SIGN POWER DEALS JOHANNESBURG: South Africa and China on Wednesday signed deals covering emissions technology, electricity transmission and distribution, and nuclear power on the sidelines of the BRICS summit. The agreements are part of the South African government’s efforts to end record power cuts that are a major constraint on economic growth. Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa said one of the deals would see Chinese firms share technology to help South Africa’s state utility Eskom cut emissions from its coal-fired power plants. – Reuters Big Tech to face full force of EU’s new law BRUSSELS: The world’s biggest digital companies will have nowhere to hide starting tomorrow, when the toughest European Union (EU) rules on online content since social media first burst onto the scene enter into force. The landmark law is part of the EU’s legal arsenal deployed to bring tech companies to heel and enforce order in what officials have described as an online “Wild West”. The Digital Services Act (DSA) forces companies to more aggressively police digital content and protect online users from disinformation and hate speech, or face the risk of heavy fines. From tomorrow, all eyes will be on how the platforms comply and on how the DSA will change online life in Europe, with experts predicting it could trigger a wave of change beyond the bloc. “The DSA is part of a bigger strategy to give more power to individuals, to the regulators, to civil society,” said Suzanne Vergnolle, a professor of technology law at the National Conservatory of Arts and Crafts in Paris. “It is another step towards more accountability,” she told AFP. Under the DSA, sites with at least 45 million active monthly users must obey more stringent rules including annual compliance audits and a duty to effectively counter disinformation. In April, the EU named 19 sites oLandmark Digital Services Act – which forces companies to more aggressively police digital content – kicks in tomorrow including the Amazon Store, Apple’s AppStore, and Google’s Play, Maps and Shopping, and clothing retailer Zalando, as well as the social media giants Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube and Twitter (now rebranded X) and the search engines from Google and Microsoft’s Bing. Even before the rules kick in, Amazon and Zalando have filed legal challenges, claiming their platforms do not fit the criteria to fall foul of the first wave of regulation. The bloc’s top official for enforcing digital regulation, industry commissioner Thierry Breton, said companies “had now enough time to adapt their systems to their new obligations”. “My services and I will thoroughly enforce the DSA, and fully use our new powers to investigate and sanction platforms where warranted,” he told AFP. That was on full display in changes heralded by companies this summer. For example, Facebook and Japan’s price trend gauges hit record, signal broadening inflation TOKYO: Japan may be seeing early signs of sticky inflation with several measures of broad price trends hitting record highs in July, data showed, heightening the case for a retreat from decades of ultra-loose monetary policy. Based on the government’s consumer price data, the Bank of Japan (BOJ) releases several measurements of underlying inflation that look at the distribution of price changes. The indices are closely watched by the BOJ for clues on whether price rises are driven by one-off factors like fuel, or broadening enough to sustainably hit its 2% inflation target. The “trimmed mean” index, which strips away the upper and lower tails of the distribution, rose a record 3.3% in July from a year earlier, data showed on Tuesday, accelerating from a 3.0% gain in June. The “mode” index, which measures the most frequently seen rate of inflation in the distribution, was also up a record 3.0% in July, exceeding the BOJ’s 2% target for six straight months. The ratio of items that saw prices rise year-on-year hit a record 85.6% in July. The ratio kept rising after marking a low of 46.7% in January 2021. “The results show not just that trend inflation accelerated in July, but that companies continued to steadily pass on costs,” said Naoya Hasegawa, senior bond strategist at Okasan Securities. “The outcome could prod the BOJ to become more upbeat on the price outlook.” Japan’s annual core consumer inflation hit 3.1% in July, slowing from 3.3% in June due to sliding utility bills but staying above the BOJ’s target for the 16th straight month. In a quarterly report in July, the BOJ said there were “signs of change” in corporate price- and wage-setting behaviour that could lead to sustained achievement of its price target. The assessment was partly behind the BOJ’s decision last month to allow long-term interest rates to rise more freely in line with increasing inflation - a move seen by markets as a slow shift away from decades of massive monetary stimulus. BOJ governor Kazuo Ueda has stressed the bank’s resolve to keep ultra-loose monetary policy until the recent cost-driven price hikes turn into more sustainable inflation driven by robust domestic demand and higher wages. – Reuters Eurozone services slide deepens economic gloom LONDON: The downturn in eurozone business activity has deepened far more than thought this month in a broad-based fall across the region, particularly in Germany, Europe’s largest economy, a survey showed. In the bloc’s dominant services industry activity fell into decline and while the contraction in manufacturing output continued there were however some signs of a turnaround. HCOB’s flash Composite Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for the bloc, compiled by S&P Global and seen as a good barometer of overall economic health, dropped to 47.0 in August from July’s 48.6, its lowest since November 2020. That was well below the 50 mark separating growth from contraction. A chunk of that activity was driven by firms completing old orders. The backlogs of work index fell to 45.2 from 46.0, its lowest since June 2020 when the Covid pandemic was cementing its grip on the world. The services PMI sank to 48.3 from 50.9, its first time below the breakeven mark this year, as indebted consumers feeling the pinch from rising borrowing costs reined in spending. The Reuters poll had predicted a reading of 50.5. “The service sector of the euro zone is unfortunately showing signs of turning down to match the poor performance of manufacturing,” said Cyrus de la Rubia, chief economist at Hamburg Commercial Bank. “Indeed, service companies reported shrinking activity for the first time since the end of last year, while output in manufacturing dropped again.” Demand fell sharply as prices rising far faster than the European Central Bank would like put off customers. The services output prices index remained elevated at 55.9, albeit the lowest since October 2021 and below July’s 56.1. – Reuters Instagram owner Meta and TikTok announced in August steps they would take to comply, including giving European users more control over how they view content, with the option to opt out of recommendations based on profiling. Google, meanwhile, says it has not waited for the DSA’s rules to apply, and has already implemented policies aimed at greater transparency and accountability. The European Commission said that despite the legal challenges, companies must still comply. EU officials say more companies could be added to the list. Violating the rules could lead to fines of up to 6% of a company’s global revenue, or even a ban. Meanwhile, another EU law is looming for big tech firms. Next month, the bloc will name which tech companies have to obey tougher competition rules under the new Digital Markets Act (DMA). In July, Brussels published a list of companies deemed to be “gatekeepers” including Amazon, Apple, TikTok’s owner ByteDance, Google, Meta, Microsoft and Samsung. Such a status comes with extra rules that include preventing companies from controlling what apps are preinstalled on phones, or from directing users to their products. A company in DMA violation risks a fine of up to 10% of its annual global revenue. – AFP Japan’s annual core consumer inflation hit 3.1% in July, slowing from 3.3% in June due to sliding utility bills but staying above the BOJ’s target for the 16th straight month. – AFPPIC

2 4 A U G U S T 2 0 2 3 T H U R S D A Y Do you Don’t let anybody ‘wear’ your colour down One woman is changing the fashion industry for plus sizes on page 20 The colours come out to play on page 20 A star-studded wedding extravaganza. Find out more on page 16

16 ENTERTAINMENT theSun LYFE ON THURSDAY | AUGUST 24, 2023 @thesundaily FOLLOW ON TWITTER SCAN ME Star-studded nuptials A prominent wedding extravaganza featuring Jack Antonoff and Margaret Qualley witnessed an impressive procession of celebrity attendees. Esteemed figures including Taylor Swift, Lana Del Rey, and Cara Delevingne graced the event with their presence as they celebrated with the newlyweds over the weekend. The Bleachers frontman Jack and actress Margaret tied the knot on Aug 19, at the picturesque seaside resort town of Beach Haven, New Jersey. Margaret looked resplendent in a beautiful white halter gown complete with a white veil, while Jack opted for a classic Del Ray, Kravits, Tatum and Swift arrive as wedding guests. – PEOPLE oCelebrities grace Jack Antonoff and Margaret Qualley’s wedding █ BY HAZIQUE ZAIRILL black tuxedo. Accompanied by close friends and family, the couple was seen walking down the street to reach the venue. Taylor and Lana, both of whom share a long-standing professional relationship with the groom, were among the illustrious celebrities who added their glamour to the event. Lana, known for her collaborations with Jack, including this year’s acclaimed single A&W, graced the occasion in a summery pink and white lace party dress. She complemented her attire with a sky-blue bag and pink platform sandals. Taylor, on the other hand, donned her signature red lip, which served as a striking contrast to her icy blue lace dress. She completed the look with matching heels and earrings while leaving her hair down. British model Cara opted for a stylish allblack outfit and completed her look with open-toed platform heels. Among the attendees were also Channing Tatum and Zoe Kravitz. Margaret’s mother, actress Andie MacDowell, was seen happy and smiling throughout the event. Jack and Margaret met in August 2021 and were engaged in May 2022, setting the stage for their star-studded wedding at Parker’s Garage and Oyster Saloon in Beach Haven. The wedding festivities quickly turned into excitement as guests began to arrive. However, Taylor had to leave the rehearsal dinner venue on Friday night due to hundreds of her devoted fans, known as Swifties, converging on the street outside. The crowd gathered at the Black Whale Bar & Fish House, all hoping to catch a glimpse of their beloved idol. The situation escalated to the point where the street had to be closed off, and law enforcement was called in to prevent the chaos from getting out of hand. Not a young Superman JAMES GUNN is making a Superman movie with a younger actor than the former Man of Steel, Henry Cavill, but that doesn’t mean he’s making a “movie about a young Superman”. On Threads, Gunn, the writer, director, and DC Studios’ co-chief, clarified a widely held assumption about Superman: Legacy Corenswet replaces Cavill as Superman. – THE HOLLYWOO D REPORTER █ BY MARK MATHEN VICTOR Hell hath no fury THE famous demon nun Valak is picking a legal fight with Warner Bros Discovery, or at least the actress playing the iconic horror character is. Bonnie Aarons, who plays the terrifying nun, is suing Warner Bros Discovery, New Line Cinema, and Scope Productions over merchandise revenue from her role. “Instead of accounting and paying in a transparent fashion, Warner Bros obscures and hides the true amount of Ms Aarons’ rightful share of merchandising revenues, all while continuing to exploit her,” states the suit filed last week in Los Angeles Superior Court. First appearing in The Conjuring 2, the popularity of Aarons’ Valak led to The Nun, a spin-off that grossed US$365 million (RM1.698 billion) worldwide, along with an entire army of merchandise that used Aarons’ likeness, the lawsuit stated. Despite that, Aarons’ alleges that she only received US$71,500 (RM330,000) for her work in the spin-off, while her contract stipulates “the opportunity for additional compensation through box office bonuses” and that she would receive a cut of the gross receipts from “merchandise exploiting Ms Aarons’ likeness.” According to her lawyers, none of the latter happened. “Instead of accounting and paying in a transparent fashion, Warner Bros obscures and hides the true amount of Aarons’ rightful share of merchandising revenues, all while continuing to exploit her,” states the lawsuit. While Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga’s Ed and Loraine Warren are the faces of The Conjuring Cinematic Universe, there is no denying that Aarons’ Valak is the most successful character in it. The time of the lawsuit also coincides with Aarons’ return to the role in the upcoming The Nun 2, which will release next month. Aarons plays Valak in The Nun. – TWITTER/@ SILVERBCIN EMAS █ BY MARK MATHEN VICTOR Gadar 2 a hit GADAR 2, a sequel to Gadar: Ek Prem Katha, returned to the big screen after 22 years with the lead actors Sunny Deol and Ameesha Patel, and it has been declared a huge hit with millions earned at the ticket counter. The long-awaited sequel was released on Aug 11. Sunny plays the main role as Tara Singh, a Punjabi truck driver, while Ameesha reprises her role as Sakeena. The first movie was set during the 1947 partition era, while the sequel is set in IndoPakistan in 1971, in which Tara tries to rescue her son in Pakistan. Since 2022, a lot of Bollywood movies have bombed at the box office. Surprisingly, this movie about a traditional Punjabi family won the hearts of many, and the nostalgic film has collected millions in India. The stars reprise their roles in Gadar 2. – IMDB █ BY S. TAMARAI CHELVI Gunn himself about why he recast the role. He wrote on Twitter in December: “In the initial stages, our story will be focusing on an earlier part of Superman’s life, so the character will not be played by Henry Cavill.” In June, Corenswet was announced as the new Superman, along with Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane. They were among six actors who tested for lead roles, with Nicholas Hoult and Tom Brittney also in contention for Superman. Filming for Superman: Legacy is expected to start early next year, as Warner Bros Discovery and DC Studios have already announced a release date of July 11, 2025. The film will also cast new actors for the roles of Lex Luthor, with it being the first project fully made under Gunn and DC Studios co-CEO Peter Safran. In an April cover story for The Hollywood Reporter, Gunn exclaimed that he completely relates to Superman. “He’s somebody who is an outsider who feels like an alien, but also the ultimate insider, because he’s Superman. And that’s kind of like what I feel like.” and the reason the studio shifted from Cavill (who is 40) to David Corenswet (30). A fan asked Gunn if his “young Superman movie” is set in the past. Gunn replied: “I was never making a ‘young Superman’ movie, just a Superman movie.” To be fair, part of the reason fans assumed his story was going to be a youthful portrayal was a comment from

17 ENTERTAINMENT theSun LYFE ON THURSDAY | AUGUST 24, 2023 Keating couldn’t resist making a lighthearted remark, saying, “Back in my day, the crowd would usually pull out lighters, but nowadays, we all just use the flashlights on our mobile phones.” As the crowd enthusiastically joined in singing the chorus, the arena transformed into a mesmerising sea of twinkling lights, creating a truly magical atmosphere. The Irish singer’s voice remains astonishingly impressive, just as it was in the past. His charismatic presence on stage, along with that of his talented team, truly made the evening memorable. Additionally, Keating also pleasantly surprised the audience by delivering a set of Boyzone c l a s s i c s , i n c l u d i n g Picture of You and No Matter What. He m o v i n g l y dedicated the latter to his late former bandmate and close friend, Stephen Gately, who passed away in 2009. For his encore, Keating delivers Life Is A Rollercoaster, which serves as a fitting and unforgettable finale. The crowd got up on their feet, dancing POP sensation Ronan Keating gracefully took audiences on a musical journey of a lifetime in Genting Highland’s iconic Arena of Stars on Aug 19. Organised by MIC Entertainment Group, the Ronan Keating Live in Malaysia 2023 concert delighted more than 4,700 devoted Malaysian fans. The concert also marked the 46-yearold singer’s comeback to Malaysia after the Covid-19 pandemic. Presenting a nostalgic journey through the 90s, Keating’s concert took the audience on a walk down memory lane. The lead singer of Boyzone captivated Malaysians with a performance of his 20 most iconic hits, including classics like When You Say Nothing At All, No Matter What, Picture Of You, Father And Son, and Baby, Can I Hold You. The performance began promptly at the scheduled time of 8.30pm, with Keating taking the stage and captivating the audience with the timeless Heyday. This was followed by exhilarating renditions of Loving Each Day and Breathe. The singer then paused to address the crowd and express his warm greetings at the Arena of Stars. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to perform in such a remarkable venue, emphasising that singing in a venue like this was a true privilege and a source of immense joy. He concluded his sentiment with a heartfelt thank you to Malaysia. The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly when Keating took the stage to perform his biggest hit, When You Say Nothing At All. In a captivating moment, he urged the audience to illuminate the venue by turning on their mobile phone lights. Keating ignites Genting █ BY HAZIQUE ZAIRILL Keating takes fans down memory lane with timeless hits. – PICS BY MIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP Performing on guitar. Astro introduces two free channels, kids friendly profile ASTRO is celebrating the 2023 Hari Kebangsaan, Hari Malaysia and the upcoming school holidays by offering even more amazing content for customers. There are now two complimentary channels – #DemiNegaraku (Ch 100), for both Astro and NJOI customers, from Aug 20 till Sept 17, and Ultraman (Ch 400) for just Astro customers from Aug 20 till Sept 30. Both channels are available via TV, Astro GO and On Demand. #DemiNegaraku (Ch 100) offers uplifting Malaysian stories and entertainment comprising documentaries, movies, kids and fresh content inspired by the nation’s young sporting heroes in netball, sepak takraw, archery, sprint race, breaking and track cycling. Other gems include telemovie Dendam Hantu Latah 2: Roh YB Lama; game show Family Feud Merdeka Special (English, Bahasa Melayu and Tamil); and documentaries The Guardian and Kembara Chef Wan Laluan Sutera. Meanwhile, Ultraman (Ch 400) offers the best series and movies based on the titular superhero including Ultraman Blazar, Ultraman Decker, Ultraman Decker Finale: Journey to Beyond, Ultra oOn ‘uplifting’ stories, a classic superhero and keeping things appropriate for young ones Galaxy Fight: The Destined Crossroad, and many more. Ch 400 is also available to sooka TV subscribers and NJOI's Kids Pack subscribers. Astro group CEO Euan Smith said in addition to sports, Astro aspires to open the minds of Malaysia’s next generation of leaders by offering more high-quality content nestled in its “Home of Kids” slate. “As Home of Kids, Astro is committed to engage Malaysian kids with original local titles to enjoy, featuring popular local talents and relevant stories. Our refreshed kids’ content also encourages young ones to ignite their imagination and aspire to dream big with an exciting mix of educational and fun local and international hits. “As a responsible broadcaster, we are cognisant that we must provide a safer entertainment experience with the Kids Friendly feature. “The Kids Friendly Profile provides a safe and enjoyable space for children to discover and indulge in their favourite programmes, while giving parents peace of mind. It is available on the Astro Ultra and Ulti Box, Astro GO and the Multiroom Smart TV app; and ensures that any user of the Kids Friendly Profile can only access shows that are suitable for children. “This includes exclusive On Demand content, linear channels, programme recordings and search results.” For security, kids are not able to switch to an Adult Profile, as this is protected by a four-digit PIN security, which parents can easily set or modify. The Kids Friendly Profile delivers a worry-free experience for parents as they now have complete control over what their children can access on Astro. “Kids will have lots of wholesome fun on Astro that is especially tailored for them, including 10 dedicated channels and an extensive library of over 16,000 On Demand assets to enjoy anytime they wish.” Astro’s #DemiNegaraku and Home of Kids campaigns were launched by Minister of Communications and Digital Fahmi Fadzil on Aug 19. More kids’ content soon on sooka From Aug 26, sooka expands its sooka TV plan offering to include a selection of Malaysia's most popular kids’ content, including shows like Didi & Friends, Omar & Hana, Hello Pinkfong and more. This is in addition to the TAYO+ FAST channel, home to the “Tayo The Little Bus” and “Pororo” series, which is free for all users. Below: Entertaining 4700 people at Genting Arena of Stars. along with him. Keating made his debut in the early 1990s as the frontman of the now-disbanded Boyzone, an immensely popular boy band of its era renowned for its chart-topping songs that charted across the globe. Since the beginning of his solo career in 1999, Keating has released 12 studio albums. As a solo artist, he has sold more than 20 million records globally, and during his tenure with Boyzone, the group achieved sales of 25 million records. Throughout the years, Keating has established himself as more than just a singer and songwriter. He has also made a name for himself as a television host, actor, and advocate for cancer awareness.

18 LIFESTYLE theSun LYFE ON THURSDAY | AUGUST 24, 2023 Knowing our jungles WE have heard about the Malaysian rainforest being a tropical paradise and the most biodiverse habitat for thousands of animals, insects, plant species, and others. However, how many of us really know what types of animals actually live in our own jungles? You could easily say monkeys, elephants or tigers, but do we really know what species they are? Have you heard of the yellowthroated marten that has been sighted in Peninsular Malaysia? Do you know what type of mammal it is? The answer is probably no. Here lies the problem: Malaysians, despite being proud of our rainforests, don’t really know everything about the animals that live in our own “backyard” or about their survival. For example, a lone gibbon in a patch of forest, deemed the last one of its kind, was cut off from the rest in Bukit Serdang and has been living on its own all the while, but not much has been said in the news. Named Solo, the gibbons are the main subject of the documentary titled Finding Solo. Malaysian-born British filmmaker Myles Storey has been following the gibbons, a story close to his heart. The 15-minute documentary has an important message about educating Malaysians to care for gibbons and other animals that live in our jungles. Myles, who is half Sabahan and used to live around the Kinabatangan River, returned to Kuala Lumpur in search of Solo, a white-handed gibbon, and to learn about the impact of development on wildlife. There aren’t many documentaries on local wildlife content, and if there are any made on animals and the environment, they are made mostly for western audiences. To address the lack of wildlife content, Astro has created a range of series and documentaries for local audiences. Finding Solo. – PICS BY ASTRO oEnvironmentcentric documentaries made to educate and inspire █ BY S. TAMARAI CHELVI Wang Kelian. Bornean Elephant. Bukan Nelayan Gila. Sampah Melata. More local content with RimbaKita On Aug 14, Astro Malaysia Holdings Bhd launched the RimbaKita programme and signed a Memorandum of Understanding with WWF-Malaysia to build public awareness and support for WWFMalaysia’s conservation efforts through broadcasting and making available WWF-Malaysia content on Astro platforms. The MOU was signed by Astro’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Euan Smith, and WWF’s executive director and CEO, Sophia Lim, at Taman Tugu in Kuala Lumpur recently. As films or documentaries on the environment have the power to change people and reach them on a deeper level, some documentaries with local content are made in Bahasa Malaysia to reach local communities. For example, Layar Liar, a 52- episode series made in Bahasa Malaysia specifically for Malaysians, covers everything from the only great ape in Asia to the smallest bear species in the world, Malaysia’s wildlife, its natural habitats and conservation efforts to preserve nature. Lara Ariffin, who has been making documentaries for more than 25 years, said when she asked students in a school in Perak to name the animals in our jungle, they replied with zebra and giraffe. She said this is probably because they watch documentaries on South Africa. “The problem is there are lack of Bahasa Malaysia content on our animals. The series is for all Malaysians to understand what lives in our jungle and their habitats,” said film-maker Lara and the president of RIMAU, a non-governmental organisation. The series also covers heroes and the efforts involved to make a significant contribution, such as wildlife photographers and veterinarians, who deal with wildlife like tigers and tapirs. Among other documentaries expected to screen on demand from Aug 17 to Sept 6 are: * Wang Kelian discovers human settlements with the discovery of pottery that dates back 5,000 years in a cave in Wang Kelian, Perlis. The documentary covers its rich tin mining history, endemic flora and fauna, ancient limestone hills, and others. *Bornean Elephant: A Journey Through a Living Landscape, a 40- minute documentary, is about coexistence with elephants as they traverse through Sabah’s landscape. Despite challenges, Borneo elephants coexist while conservation efforts are made to safeguard their legacy. *The Conservationist explores the mysteries of our land and introduces local endangered species to increase awareness of conservation efforts. * Bukan Nelayan Gila is about a local fisherman from Penang whose life was ended by the 2004 tsunami, who planted more than 180,000 mangrove trees for the past three decades to safeguard the ecosystem and fishery. * Sampah Melata delves into the issue of solid waste management and marine litter and highlights the detrimental connection to water pollution and its impact on humans.

19 GAMING & TECH theSun LYFE ON THURSDAY | AUGUST 24, 2023 The Batman: Arkham games continue to be at the forefront of action gaming almost a decade later. – WARNER BROS GAMES Arkham Trilogy arrives on Switch GOTHAM’S Caped Crusader will smash his Batmobile through Nintendo Switch screens on Oct 13, developer Rocksteady revealed recently. This was revealed in a tweet from Rocksteady that contained the release date and a new artwork of the three main games in the Arkham franchise; Batman: Arkham Asylum, Batman: Arkham City and Batman: Arkham Knight. Dubbed Batman: Arkham Trilogy, the three games will come bundled in one package alongside all released DLC, reported IGN. Rocksteady previously announced the trilogy at the June Nintendo Direct. Oddly enough, the prequel Batman: Arkham Origins has been excluded from the release, while compromises are being made to make all three games available on the Switch. According to Warner Bros. Games FAQ for the Switch version, only Arkham Asylum will be available on the game’s cartridge upon purchase. Arkham City and Arkham Knight will require an online connection to download and install both titles when the Arkham Trilogy cartridge is in the Switch console. Despite being downloaded, the latter two games will still require the cartridge to be in the console before either are playable. Considering the size of the games, this is not surprising. There may be other compromises as well that we will only find out at launch, such as each game’s performance on the Switch. Back when Arkham Knight released on the PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC in 2015, it was unplayable for a majority of people that tried to play it on their computers. – BY MARK MATHEN VICTOR ARTIFICIAL intelligence firms must ask for permission before using copyrighted text and images to generate content, a consortium of news groups said recently. Media organisations including AFP, Getty Images and the Associated Press said in an open letter that AI tools risk shattering their business models, flooding the web with misinformation and breaking copyright laws. AI tools like chatbot ChatGPT and image generators DALL-E 2, Stable Diffusion and Midjourney exploded in popularity last year with their ability to generate a wealth of content from just brief text prompts. However, the firms behind the tools, including OpenAI and Stability AI, already face lawsuits from artists, authors and others claiming their work has been ripped off. The open letter from news organisations including European Pressphoto Agency and Gannett/USA TODAY is the latest attempt to influence the debate by organisations that have much to lose if AI firms continue to scrape material from the internet without restrictions. Watermarking pledge “Generative AI and large language models make it possible for any actor, without regard to their intent, to produce and distribute synthetic content at a scale that far exceeds our past experience,“ the news groups wrote. They listed potential problems including copyright breaches, a flood of false or biased content, and the creation of a vicious cycle where media groups can no longer fund journalism to provide reliable information. The organisations said they wanted to be part of the solution and called for talks to ensure legal access to content. AI firms have attracted billions in investment and all big tech firms have pivoted towards the technology, with Google and Microsoft leading the way. Major companies in the field have formed several coalitions – including the Partnership on AI and the Frontier Model Forum – and largely push for selfregulation. They committed in July to taking measures like watermarking AI content and have broadly pledged to fight misinformation, but with no specific timetables or measures. However, little has been said about copyright, which is likely to be a much thornier and potentially expensive issue. Google used a public consultation in Australia earlier this year to call for a “fair dealing” exception in copyright law specifically to allow data mining for AI. – ETX STUDIO AI bots need consent to use news material Media organisations created an open letter voicing their concerns over certain AI tools. – ETX STUDIO Starfield release Starfield has been described by game director Todd Howard as “Skyrim in space”. – PICS BY BETHESDA As the game will be set in space, there will be spaceship combat. Like many of Bethesda’s games, the player’s choices will dictate the direction the game moves in. AS Starfield inches closer to release on Sept 6, Bethesda is slowly pulling the curtain back on its Xbox console exclusive set in Space. Similar to many of Bethesda’s previous works like The Elder Scrolls and Fallout games, Starfield’s premise is relatively simple, featuring the usual warring factions, complex politics and uneasy conflicts, and all set against an expansive world ripe for exploration (or destruction). On Aug 16, Bethesda held a new Q&A with fans on Discord, with lead designer Emil Pagliarulo and lead quest designer Will Shen on question-answering duty. Though many of the answers were the usual ambiguous or expected ones, new details were revealed, such as these that were highlighted by Kotaku: 0 Playing the entire game non-lethally is not possible. 0 Crimes come with punishment, as players can be sent to jail, pay a fine or resist arrest. 0 Crews can have up to 20 named characters 0 Certain items are contraband, and will need to be hidden on the ship using special modules to pass inspection Universals, the Enlightened and the Great Serpent Pagliarulo and Shen also revealed how Starfield’s fictional religions play an integral part of the game’s world-building, and went a little in-depth on the three religions in the game. “The members of Sanctum Universum, called ‘Universals,’ believe that God very much exists somewhere in the universe. A higher power is guiding us all. Specifically, they believe that humanity’s ability to travel the universe and ‘grav jump’ is God’s way of saying, “I am out here. Come find me,” he explained. “[Secondly, there is] the Enlightened; these folks are essentially organised atheists. They teach that human beings have to take care of each other, and they practice what they preach through various community outreach programs”. Sounds rather benevolent, right? Not quite, as Pagliarulo moves on to the third religion, the House Va’ruun, a death cult that players will sometimes face in the game. “In the game, you’re not really sure what the complete truth is, but the gossip among the guards is this: a colony ship sets off for a new world, making grav jumps along the way. After one of the grav jumps, one of the passengers claims he spent that time communing with a celestial entity known as the Great Serpent. What was a few seconds for everyone else was much longer for him. And he brought back a mandate, which is basically: ‘Get onboard, or be devoured when the Great Serpent encircles the universe’.” █ BY MARK MATHEN VICTOR oNew world-building game includes religious factions

20 FASHION & BEAUTY theSun LYFE ON THURSDAY | AUGUST 24, 2023 Glossy lips are back THIS August, MAC is generating major buzz with a lip product destined to become an iconic essential. Its revolutionary Plumping Gloss Stick brings together stand-out packaging, a sensorially engaging experience, subversive style and unexpected innovation. This universally flattering lip product guarantees a feel-good finish that you’ll simply need, want and love. Specifically, this Plumping Gloss Stick isn’t making a quiet entrance. It is here to stir things up with its Glossy lips with Squirt Balm. – PICS BY M·A·C oMAC drops a Squirt Balm that beats any other █ BY YASMIN ZULRAEZ Squirt Balm in Jet. Squirt Balm in Nova. Squirt Balm in Violet. Squirt Balm’s full line-up. Plus-size movement reshapes fashion in Brazil DEFYING the fashion world’s narrow stereotypes of beauty, Brazilian plus-size designer Amanda Momente started her own clothing label after failing to find other options that fit. More than half of all adults in Brazil are overweight, but Momente is part of a growing movement of entrepreneurs, activists and models who are fed up with a fashion industry that they say fails to fit their needs and shames them for their bodies. “Society judged me based on one thing, so I took that thing and used it... to launch my business,” says Momente, 34, dressed in a sheer black bodysuit created by Wondersize, the company she founded in 2017. The former real-estate agent, who sports a pink mohawk and multiple tattoos, got the idea after feeling uncomfortable at the gym in clothes she says were too tight, turned transparent when stretched or bunched up around her thighs. She decided to find a seamstress to help her make her own workout outfit. It turned out so well she quit her day job and plunged headfirst into the fashion world, she says. The rise of colourful, stylish clothes for Brazilians with large bodies is part of a broader international trend rejecting unrealistic standards of beauty, especially for women. “The fashion industry needs to fit our bodies, not the other way around,” says Momente. Identity and dignity Major brands tend to dedicate at most a small portion of their lines to clothing in larger sizes, leaving “repressed” demand, says Marcela Liz, head of the Brazil Plus Size Association. The plus-size sector grew in Brazil more than 75% in the decade through 2021, reaching sales of about US$1.9 billion (RM9 billion) that year, according to the association. It projects sales will more than double by 2027 in Latin America’s biggest economy. “Supply has improved, but we’re still not meeting demand,” says Liz. The nascent industry sashayed through Sao Paulo this month at the Pop Plus fair, where indie designers showed off sparkling skirts, racy tops, T-shirts stamped with bold statements and other clothes in sizes ranging up to 70. “The market saw fat people as people who didn’t like fashion, who just wanted to hide their bodies,” says Flavia Durante, the activist who founded the fair in 2012. “We had clothes, not fashion,” she told AFP. “Fashion isn’t just about consumption. It’s about identity and dignity.” More work to do TV presenter and plus-size model Letticia Munniz has strutted the runway at glitzy Sao Paulo fashion week, made the cover of glossy magazines and been the face of numerous ad campaigns. But she says real inclusion remains a long way off for the overweight and obese in Brazil – 57% and 23% percent of the adult population, respectively, Momente poses confidently wearing her own designs. – ETX STUDIO in the country of 203 million people. “Things have improved, but our work is still seen as just checking a quota box. We’re not seen as real equals,” she says. The activist and influencer, who usually wears custom-made clothes, says she is glad to see more plus sizes on runways – but adds that doesn’t necessarily mean they are actually available in stores. She encourages her more than one million followers on social media to love themselves as they are. “When you find something made to exalt your body instead of hide it, it changes everything,” she says in one post. – ETX STUDIO naughty tints that infuse lips with glossy, luscious colour in a convenient stick format. The It-gloss you adore now comes in all-new naughty tints for that voluptuous, juicy shine. MAC Senior Artist for the UK and Ireland, Dominic Skinner, hails the arrival of this next-level lip innovation. The OG Squirt is making a splash and staying put. It may sound brand new, but it’s a blend of both a yes and a no. The original Squirt made its debut back in 2000 when MAC introduced a vibrant, honey-hued green Lipglass for those who embraced uniqueness. The Y2K icon was revived in April 2021 as a remixed #MACUnderground collector’s item, creating a frenzy due to its limited quantities. This gloss-meets-balm stirred such demand that it reappeared in the US in February 2022 for a second limited-life release. Now, the current collection not only revels in OG Squirt’s legacy but also elevates it with nine additional tints, encouraging the use of supereditorial shades every day. The reimagined OG Squirt sports an exciting array of colours: lime green, baby blue, true violet, jet black, classic red, electric pink, pure white, milk chocolate, espresso brown and fluorescent orange. All 10 hues are encased in shadematched packaging, showcasing MAC’s trend-setting innovation. This stick of melting gloss glides on for a hint of plumping tint, offering glosslike shine, balm-like nourishment and plumper-like volume. For a fresh perspective, try lining lips neutrally with Chroma-Squirt graphic Pencil Plumping in Hi-Def Cyan. Blend it towards the centre using a 228S Brush, then coat it with Squirt Plumping Gloss Stick in Nova for the high-shine finish you desire. From subtle hints of pink to bold blues, these glossy balms are perfect for creating playful looks. “I’m obsessing over this fun, festival neon-lit, lip-lacquered look!” Skinner enthusiastically declared. Pair the Plumping Gloss Stick with a creamy Lip Pencil for instantly fullerlooking lips. The experience is as sensational as the colour – ginger root oil and capsicum extract provide a warming sensation while menthol crystals cool, resulting in a subtle tingly feeling that delivers instant plumping and visible volume. Additionally, coconut oil, shea butter and avocado oil provide nourishment, conditioning and a glassy shine. Each translucent tint imparts a lightweight, non-sticky shine, delivering a nourished, polished and plumped-up pout. Designed for all ages, races, and genders, the Squirt Plumping Gloss Stick is a stylish, non-standard essential that effortlessly fits your on-the-go lifestyle. Starting Aug 12, the Plumping Gloss Stick will be available in Malaysia at M·A·C locations and online at www.maccosmetics.com.my. Don’t miss out on the chance to grab this must-have product and share your stunning looks with #MACSquirt #MACCosmeticsMalaysia.

21 * SPORTS theSUN ON THURSDAY | AUGUST 24, 2023 FERRARI must take their chances and improve in all areas when the Formula One season resumes at Zandvoort this weekend, according to team boss Fred Vasseur. Speaking to reporters ahead of a Dutch Grand Prix likely to bring Red Bull a 14th win in a row, 13 this season, the Frenchman said Ferrari lacked two or three tenths of performance. The most successful team of all time are fourth in the championship after 12 of 22 races, five points behind Aston Martin and 56 adrift of secondplaced Mercedes who have 247. Red Bull (503) are in a league of their own and championship leader Max Verstappen, chasing a record-equalling ninth successive win, has scored more points (314) alone than any other team. “There is a huge gap with Mercedes in terms of points but also when I look at the first part of the season we missed too many opportunities,” said Vasseur, who took over at Maranello in January and has drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz. “We have to be much more opportunistic in the second part of the season. “We need something a bit special if we want to catch up with Mercedes (in the championship) but the most important for me is to catch up with Mercedes in terms of pace.” Vasseur felt Ferrari, who have no major upgrades planned this weekend, were faster than the Mercedes of Lewis Hamilton and George Russell on average in qualifying but not race pace. He emphasised, however, that there was no single area of weakness and did not believe something needed to be ‘unlocked’ on the car. “I’m more convinced that we have to improve everywhere than just on one topic. We are speaking about tenths, not about seconds, and we show on some occasions that we are able to fight with Red Bull at least in quali,” he said. “It means the potential of the car is there and we have to understand why we are a bit less performance in the race and try to improve in these conditions. But I’m not sure its coming from the concept of the car.” – Reuters Silence is golden FERRARI Formula One boss Fred Vasseur trod carefully when asked to comment on the team’s former driver Felipe Massa seeking compensation from the sport for missing out on the 2008 championship. Lawyers for Brazilian Massa last week notified Formula One chief executive Stefano Domenicali and Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the governing FIA, of the intent to claim compensation. They argued Massa had lost out on tens of millions of euros in likely earnings and bonuses as a result of Renault team bosses fixing the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix with a deliberate crash. “As you can imagine I don’t want to make any comment on this matter. I have a good relationship with all the stakeholders of this story and it’s quite tricky,” Vasseur told reporters on a video call ahead of this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix. “For sure the circumstances were completely exceptional.” The scandal, widely known as “Crashgate”, did not emerge until a year later and led to Renault team bosses being banned. Massa sought legal advice this year after the German website www.f1-insider.com quoted former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone in March as saying he and former FIA president Max Mosley knew in 2008 that Piquet’s crash was deliberate but had not acted. Former Zimbabwe captain Streak dies FORMER Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak (pix), who had been undergoing treatment for cancer, has died at the age of 49, his former teammate Henry Olonga said yesterday. The all-rounder was the all-time leading Test wicket-taker for his country. He took 216 wickets and scored 1,990 runs in 65 Tests between 1993- 2005. He also played in 189 oneday internationals, scoring 2,943 runs and taking 239 wickets. “Sad news coming through that Heath Streak has crossed to the other side. RIP Zimbabwe cricket legend,” Olonga said on messaging platform X, formerly known as Twitter. “The greatest all-rounder we produced. It was a pleasure playing with you.” Reuters has contacted Zimbabwe’s cricket body for comment. Post-retirement Streak served as Bangladesh coach and was the bowling coach of twice Indian Premier League champions Kolkata Knight Riders. IN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYA AT KUALA LUMPUR IN THE STATE OF WILAYAH PERSEKUTUAN KUALA LUMPUR (COMMERCIAL DIVISION) COMPANIES (WINDING-UP) PETITION NO.: WA-28NCC-5-01/2023 In the matter of Section 465 (1) (e) and 466 (1) (a) of the Companies Act 2016 And In the matter of REGAL OFFSHORE SDN BHD (Company No.: 200101026331 / 562089-M) BETWEEN FARVIEW SUPPLY SDN BHD (Company No.: 200201013182 / 580845-V) …PETITIONER AND REGAL OFFSHORE SDN BHD (Company No.: 200101026331 / 562089-M) …RESPONDENT NOTICE OF WINDING-UP ORDER In the matter of REGAL OFFSHORE SDN BHD (Company No.: 200101026331 / 562089-M). Winding-Up Order made on: 16th day of August 2023. Name and address of Liquidator: The Official Receiver Department of Insolvency Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur Branch) 22, 23, 24 & 25, Menara TH Perdana 1001 Jalan Sultan Ismail 50250 Kuala Lumpur Dated this 16th day of August 2023 signed ……………………… MESSRS. LEE WONG & CO SOLICITORS FOR THE PETITIONER This NOTICE OF WINDING-UP ORDER is filed by Messrs Lee Wong & Co, solicitors for the Petitioner abovenamed whose address for service is at 28, Jalan 19/13, 46300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Tel: 03-7957 8300 Fax No: 03-7957 6300 Email: [email protected] [Our ref: TW/M/211299/FSSB] IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF ABMANN (M) SDN. BHD. Company No. 198201011517 (91242-T) (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING-UP) NOTICE is hereby given that the Final General Meeting pursuant to Section 459(1) of the Companies Act, 2016 of the abovenamed Company will be held at No. 23, Jalan Sulam, Taman Sentosa, 80150 Johor Bahru, Johor on the 25 September 2023 at 11.00 a.m. for the following purposes:- (1) To receive and consider the Liquidator’s Account showing the manner in which the winding up has been conducted and to receive any explanation thereon. (2) To determine pursuant to Section 518(3)(b) of the Companies Act, 2016 the manner in which the books, accounts and documents of the Company shall be disposed off after the expiration of three (3) months from the date of the dissolution of the company. Dated this: 24.08.2023 CHAI MIN YEAW Liquidator 23, Jalan Sulam, Taman Sentosa, 80150 Johor Bahru, Johor. Note: A member entitled to attend and vote at this meeting is also entitled to appoint a proxy or proxies to attend and vote on his/her stead. No person shall be appointed a proxy unless he is a member of the Company and qualified to vote or a person approved in writing by Directors. All form of proxies must be deposited at No.23, Jalan Sulam, Taman Sentosa, 80150 Johor Bahru, Johor not less than 48 hours before the time appointed for holding the Meeting. IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF INJAYA SDN. BHD. (168628-X) (In Members’ Voluntary WindingUp) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to Section 439 of the Companies Act, 2016 that the Special Resolutions set out below was duly passed by the members of the Company on 21 August 2023: - 1. THAT the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 439 of the Companies Act, 2016 AND THAT Mr Yeoh Beng Sang of YBS Corporate Services Sdn Bhd, 47-02 Jalan Tun Abdul Razak, Susur 1/1, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor be and is hereby appointed as the Liquidator for the purpose of such winding up at a fee to be agreed upon. 2. THAT the said Liquidator be and is hereby authorised to distribute either in cash, specie or in kind amongst the contributories the assets of the Company in accordance with their respective rights and interest therein. 3. THAT the said Liquidator be indemnified by the Company against all costs, charges, losses, expenses and liabilities incurred or sustained by him in the execution and discharge of his duties in relation thereto. TAN CHOON SOON Director Dated: 24 August 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF INJAYA SDN. BHD. (168628-X) (In Members’ Voluntary WindingUp) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Creditors of the abovenamed Company, which is being wound-up voluntarily, are required on or before 25 September 2023 to send in their names and addresses with particulars of their debts and claims, and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to the Liquidator, Mr Yeoh Beng Sang, at 47-02 Jalan Tun Abdul Razak, Susur 1/1, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor and, if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidator, are, by their solicitors or personally, to come in and prove their debts or claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice, or in default thereof, they will be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made before such debts and claims are proved. YEOH BENG SANG Liquidator Dated: 24 August 2023 DALAM MAHKAMAH SESYEN DI KUALA LUMPUR DALAM NEGERI WILAYAH PERSEKUTUAN KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA. WRIT NO.: WA-A52NCC-2674-06/2023 ANTARA B2B FINPAL SDN BHD (NO. SYARIKAT: 1192385-H) PLAINTIF DAN 1) BD LOGISTIC SDN BHD (NO. SYARIKAT: 201801024432/1286452- U) 2) AHMAD RUSUFF BIN ABDUL RAHMAN (NO. K/P: 821205-14-6109) DEFENDAN-DEFENDAN NOTIS Kepada: AHMAD RUSUFF BIN ABDUL RAHMAN (NO. K/P:821205-14-6109) No.21, JLN 4/3C, Seksyen 4, 43650, Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor Ambil perhatian bahawa suatu tindakan telah dimulakan terhadap kamu dalam Mahkamah Sesyen Di Kuala Lumpur dalam Writ No: WA-A52NCC-2674-06/2023 oleh B2B Finpal Sdn Bhd (No. Syarikat:1192385-H) yang mempunyai alamat di Unit T2 -L9, Level 9, Tower 2, PJ33 (Jaya 33), Jalan Prof Khoo Kay Kim (Jalan Semangat), 46200, Petaling Jaya, Selangor yang mana Plaintif menuntut daripada Defendan-Defendan seperti berikut :- a) Jumlah prinsipal Issued Note sebanyak RM274,400.00; b) Faedah pada kadar 14.50% setahun mengikut pengiraan faedah harian, ke atas jumlah principal Issued Note dari tarikh pinjaman diberi kepada Penerbit (“Issuer”)(“Disbursement Date”) sehingga tarikh penyelesaian penuh dan muktamad; c) Faedah penalti lewat pada kadar 8% setahun ke atas setiap Issued Note dari tarikh matang setiap Issued Note sehingga tarikh penyelesaian penuh dan muktamad; d) kos; dan e) relif-relif yang yang dianggap sesuai dan berpatutan oleh Mahkamah yang Mulia ini. DAN MAHKAMAH TELAH MEMERINTAHKAN BAHAWA penyampaian Writ dan Pernyataan Tuntutan tersebut dalam Tindakan tersebut disampaikan kepada kamu melalui penampalan Salinan Writ dan Pernyataan Tuntutan tersebut di atas berserta dengan Salinan perintah untuk penyampaian ganti bertarikh 10 Ogos 2023 Dengan menampalkan sesalinan serupa di Papan Notis Mahkamah Sesyen di Kuala Lumpur serta mengiklankan penyampaian dalam bentuk notis di dalam surat khabar tempatan “The Sun” untuk satu terbitan dan bahawa segala penampalan dan pengiklanan setelah tamat tempoh tujuh (7) hari selepas tarikh akhir penampalan dan pengiklanan tersebut hendaklah disifatkan sebagai penyampaian yang sempurna dan mencukupi bagi Writ dan Pernyataan Tuntutan tersebut ke atas kamu. Jika kamu berhasrat untuk membela diri dalam tindakan tersebut, kamu mestilah dalam masa tujuh (7) hari dari tarikh tersiarnya iklan ini, memasukkan kehadiran di Pejabat Pendaftaran Mahkamah Sesyen Kuala Lumpur. Jika ingkar memasukkan kehadiran, penghakiman boleh diberikan atau perintah dibuat terhadap atau berhubungan dengan dirinya sebagaimana yang difikirkan adil dan suaimanfaat oleh Mahkamah Bertarikh pada10 Ogos 2023 ……………t…t…………… Tetuan Maylee Gan & Tai Peguamcara bagi pihak Plaintif NOTIS ini dikeluarkan oleh Tetuan Maylee Gan & Tai beralamat di No.12, 1st Floor, Jalan BK1/17, Bandar Kinrara Industrial Park, 47180 Puchong, Selangor Darul Ehsan, peguamcara bagi pihak Plaintif yang dinamakan di atas ((Tel. No: 03 -5887 3839 / Faks No:03-5887 4143). (Ruj: MG/349/(BLSB)23) 322 Notices NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR VOLUNTARY WINDING UP OF LIMITED LIABILITY PARTNERSHIP (Section 50(4)(a) of the Limited Liability Partnerships Act 2012) Notice is hereby given that Synergy Wellness & Concept Training PLT [LLP No. 201904000075 (LLP0018887- LGN)] will be making an application to the Registrar of Limited Liability Partnerships for a declaration of dissolution pursuant to section 50(2) of the Limited Liability Partnerships Act 2012 within seven (7) days after the publication of this notice. Any partner or creditor of the LLP desiring to object to the application may do so in writing to the Companies Commission of Malaysia within thirty (30) days from the date of this notice. LAND FOR SALE 5 Vacant Lands and 1 Vacant Land both located at Jln. Kampung Besar, Bukit Mertajam. For sale at RM28-RM33 per sqft. Total approx. 15acres in 2 difierent sites. Interested, contact Chris 012-5559398 / MayFang 012-4553727 204 Land for Sale 322 Notices NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR VOLUNTARY WINDING UP OF LIMITED LIABILITY PARTNERSHIP (Section 50(4)(a) of the Limited Liability Partnerships Act 2012) Notice is hereby given that J. HENG BPO SERVICES PLT (201304001409 (LLP0001399-LGN) will be making an application to the Registrar of Limited Liability Partnerships for a declaration of dissolution pursuant to section 50(2) of the Limited Liability Partnerships Act 2012 within seven (7) days after the publication of this notice. Any partner or creditor of the LLP desiring to object to the application may do so in writing to the Companies Commission of Malaysia within thirty (30) days from the date of this notice. IN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYA AT GEORGETOWN IN THE STATE PULAU PINANG COMPANIES (WINDING UP) NO : PA-28NCC-79-07/2023 In the matter of Section 466 (1) (a) of the Companies Act, 2016 And In the matter of S LITE ELECTRICAL AND ENGINEERING SDN. BHD. [Company No : 201501003229 (1128561-X)] And In the matter of Companies (WindingUp) Rules, 1972. Between PEN POWER SDN. BHD. [Company No : 201401045856 (1122041-D)] … Petitioner And S LITE ELECTRICAL AND ENGINEERING SDN. BHD. [Company No : 201501003229 (1128561-X)] … Respondent ADVERTISEMENT OF PETITION NOTICE is hereby given that a Petition for the winding-up of the abovenamed Company, S LITE ELECTRICAL AND ENGINEERING SDN. BHD. [Company No : 201501003229 (1128561-X)] by the High Court was on the 21st July, 2023 presented by PEN POWER SDN. BHD. [Company No : 201401045856 (1122041-D)]. And that the said Petition is directed to be heard before the Court sitting at 9.00 a.m. on the 26th September, 2023; and any creditor or contributory of the said Company desiring to support or oppose the making of an order on the said Petition may appear at the time of hearing by himself or this counsel for that purpose; and a copy of the Petition will be furnished to any creditor or contributory of the said Company requiring the same by the undersigned on payment of the regulated charge for the same. The Petitioners’ address is at No. 1 & 3, Lorong Industri Ringan Permatang Tinggi 9, Taman Industri Ringan Permatang Tinggi, 14100 Simpang Ampat, Pulau Pinang. The Petitioners’ Solicitors are Messrs BP Ang & Tan of No. 7-1, Lorong Usahaniaga 5, Taman Usahaniaga, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang. .........t.t.............. Solicitors for the Petitioner NOTE:- Any person who intends to appear on the hearing of the said Petition must serve on or send by post to the abovenamed Solicitors notice in writing of this intention so to do. The notice must state the name and address of the person, or, if a firm, the name and address of the firm, and must be signed by the person or firm, or his or their solicitor (if any) and must be served, or, if posted, must be sent by post in sufficient time to reach the abovenamed not later than twelve o’clock noon of the 25th September, 2023. (Ref: ABP/PP/WP/Slite/1790/23/GK) Advertise with us & connect to our urban readers. KLANG VALLEY PENANG | KEDAH PERAK | PERLIS PAHANG | KELANTAN TERENGGANU MS. Shoba TEL: 03-7784 8888 FAX: 03-7784 4424 MALACCA MR. Rajah TEL: 012-628 2844 FAX: 06-764 2051 JOHOR BAHRU MS. Anne Lim TEL: 013-770 6699 FAX: 07-355 5549 Ferrari need to improve in every area Team boss says lack of pace a worry for Prancing Horse BRIEFS

22 theSUN ON THURSDAY | AUGUST 24, 2023 SPORTS /thesuntelegram FOLLOW ON TELEGRAM SCAN ME J ON RAHM enters the Tour Championship in a somewhat unfamiliar position – the role of the hunter. After bursting out of the gates of the 2022-23 season with three wins and seven consecutive top-10 finishes on the PGA Tour, Rahm captured his first Masters title in April. He has also spent 30 consecutive weeks ranked No. 1 in the FedEx Cup rankings. That’s not even counting a win at the DP World Tour Championship in November. However, Rahm admitted fatigue set in after being in contention week after week, including dealing with weather delays at Augusta. He hasn’t won since. Rahm has fallen short in nine attempts to become the first player since Justin Thomas in 2016-17 to win five times in a single PGA Tour season. “Being in contention every time, it’s a little bit more taxing, especially Sundays if you’re on the lead or close to the lead, mentally,” Rahm said yesterday at East Lake Golf Club ahead of this week’s Tour Championship. “You think you’re always putting the same output, but the pressure’s a little bit different.” Rahm does have a pair of runner-ups in his past nine starts, including a T22 at The 151st Open Championship. However, he has finished T37 and T31 in the first two legs of the playoffs to slip to No. 3 in the world rankings and No. 4 in the FedEx Cup standings. The leader until just last week, Rahm begins 020 490 + DOG 729 662 + BOAR 788 799 + DOG Draw Date: 23/08/23 (Wed) Draw No: 5628/23 Venue: PERAK TURF CLUB 0490 9662 8799 8536 + 7573 1286 + 1336 6963 + 4615 8535 + 4758 7873 + 9052 9537 + 4326 9303 + 2892 6795 + 3564 3671 + 3931 4828 + 9433 RM7,622,717.10 0490 + 9662 9662 + 0490 0490 + 8799 8799 + 0490 9662 + 8799 8799 + 9662 RM109,979.10 RM1,880,327.50 RM1,766,527.70 RM2,458,691.30 668 536 997 573 041 286 731 336 486 963 644 615 088 535 424 758 247 873 279 052 339 537 144 326 639 303 582 892 586 795 743 564 763 671 773 931 534 828 159 433 490 662 799 RM670,229.30 490 + 662 + 799 662 + 799 + 490 490 + 799 + 662 799 + 490 + 662 662 + 490 + 799 799 + 662 + 490 1+3D Jackpot 2 RM562,140.40 won on 20/08/2023! Special allure Rahm would give up Tour streak for first FedEx title the Tour Championship four strokes behind Scottie Scheffler, two behind Viktor Hovland and one behind Rory McIlroy in today’s staggered scoring start. Rahm is a fan of the course in Atlanta, where he finished second to Patrick Cantlay in a dramatic finish two years ago. He is also tied with Tony Finau and Xander Schauffele for the longest active streak in qualifying for the Tour Championship in each of the past seven seasons, but has yet to claim that elusive first FedEx Cup title. “To be a 100% honest, I’ll gladly give up that streak to be able to say that I have a win out here,” Rahm admitted. “Obviously, majors are the most important thing in golf. That’s how it’s been and that’s kind of how it is,” he said. “But there’s a difference to being the FedEx Cup champion, just because you enter the playoffs in certain position, you earned your spot to this week, and then to just be able to finish it off. “It feels like it’s more than just one week. It’s a culmination of a whole year in these last three weeks in a row. So, it has a little bit of a different special feel to it. I want to be able to say I’m a FedEx Cup champion.” – Field Level Media Season finale format confusing: Schauffele XANDER SCHAUFFELE has experienced the evolution of the Tour Championship in ways few others can claim. Schauffele made his first Tour Championship as a PGA Tour rookie in 2017, and he went on to win the tournament. Sure, Justin Thomas still wound up as the FedEx Cup champion for winning the season-long points race, but Schauffele still left with a tidy check. In 2019, the PGA Tour changed the season finale’s format – the top 30 players would still qualify, but their starting scores would be “staggered” from 10-under to even par based on their points. That way, the Tour Championship winner and the FedEx Cup champion would be one and the same. And in 2020, Schauffele was the first player to post the lowest 72-hole score at East Lake Golf Club but not go home as a champion. Schauffele shared his complicated feelings about the format yesterday ahead of this week’s tournament in Atlanta. “I can happily say I’ve been on both sides of it,“ Schauffele said. “I’ve never won the whole thing, but I’ve won this event and I was given a trophy and I’ve won it and was not.” He said he couldn’t comment on whether the format should be tweaked again, “just because I haven’t thought of a way to make it better.” “I still believe that when I talk to some friends and people they still feel like a little confused on how it all happens,“ Schauffele said. “I think this is supposed to be like our most important event all year. It kind of comes down to this moment. And, like, for people to be like a little bit confused, it’s still not a finished product to me in that sense.” One thing Schauffele surely doesn’t want changed is the venue. Since winning in his debut at East Lake, Schauffele has two runner-up finishes, a fourth, a fifth and a seventh. He is a combined 66-under (81- under including staggered starts from 2019-22) in those six years and has never shot a round over par. East Lake will be closed for a largescale renovation after this Tour Championship in order to be ready for next year’s. “Man, I’m a big believer in not changing anything that’s already really great,“ Schauffele said. “When you go to a restaurant and order something that tastes really good, I usually order it over and over and over again. ... . “So when this course is set up great and the condition it’s in right now, with really fast greens, rough is up, it’s awesome. It’s hard. You have to golf your ball.” – Field Level Media Spain’s Jon Rahm speaks to the media prior to the TOUR Championship at East Lake Golf Club yesterday in Atlanta, Georgia. – AFPPIX Toto 4D Jackpot 2 (i-System) RM497,766 RM563,568 won on 20/08/2023 ! Toto 4D Jackpot 2 Toto 4D Jackpot 1 (i-System) RM276,016 5681/2023 23/08/2023 (WED) 6791 4639 1604 7925 3872 9946 9911 1716 8957 0119 5949 3662 1814 3189 0383 2276 5216 6438 9487 7924 0025 7936 4574 13,867,023.78 6791 6791 6791 1604 1604 4639 1604 1604 4639 4639 6791 4639 215,767.86 6791 4639 1604 RABBIT 19031 92411 2411 411 79005 1 1 4 6 806846 06846 6846 846 80684 8068 806 8 0 8,965,058.89 4,975,388.62 21 30 33 36 39 45 100,000.00 11 16 22 25 40 43 3 11 12 24 28 29 38 24,597,152.88

23 SPORTS theSUN ON THURSDAY | AUGUST 24, 2023 MANCHESTER CITY have announced that Pep Guardiola underwent “emergency surgery” on his back in Barcelona with the Spaniard set to sit out the club’s next two games. The City boss flew to Barcelona following the club’s 1-0 win over Newcastle to undergo the operation. The Premier League champions stated that Guardiola had been “suffering with severe back pain for some time lately”. City have confirmed the operation was a success with Guardiola set to remain in Spain to recover. The club statement read: “In his absence, assistant manager Juanma Lillo will oversee coaching of the first team on the training field and will assume duties on the touchline until Pep’s return. “He is expected to return after the forthcoming international break. Everyone at Manchester City wishes Pep a speedy recovery, and look forward to seeing him back in Manchester soon.” Guardiola will now be missing from the touchline for City’s next two Premier League games against Sheffield United and Fulham. It’s not the first time Guardiola has been hospitalised with back problems having needed treatment back in March 2011. The Spaniard was suffering from acute lower back pain when he was taken to hospital overnight. He was diagnosed with a spinal disc hernia before going on to lead Barcelona to glory in the Champions League as well as a third successive La Liga title. The man who will take Guardiola’s spot in the City dugout, Lillo, rejoined Guardiola’s backroom staff this summer. Enzo Maresca was Guardiola’s No. 2 last season before he left to take over at Leicester City. Lillo had left City in 2022 after working with Guardiola for two years to take up a job in Qatar’s top flight. But Guardiola was delighted to have Lillo back working by his side when his return was confirmed this summer. Guardiola said: “Juanma sees things no one else in the game sees. He understands football on an incredible level, so he is the perfect person for me to work alongside. “I have always been inspired by him – his knowledge of football, his intelligence and his humanity mark him out as a very special person in my life – and we have a shared ideology.” – Express Newspapers Arteta’s rotation dilemma Arsenal boss questioned over Smith Rowe as Havertz theory raised DARREN BENT has questioned Mikel Arteta’s usage of Emile Smith Rowe following the arrival of Kai Havertz by claiming something is not right between the pair behind the scenes. The 23-year-old had looked central to the Spaniard’s rebuild but following a string of injuries last season, the attacking midfielder has found opportunities hard to come by. The emergence of Martin Odegaard into one of the Premier League’s finest players has had damaging implications for Arsenal’s Hale End starlet. Smith Rowe’s best position is operating as a No. 10 and while he can also play as a No. 8, minutes are proving hard to come by. The England U-21 European Championship winner has been an unused substitute in each of Arsenal’s opening two victories thus far. While he did feature in the Community Shield, it looks as though the player may have to be patient for opportunities this season. Bent has questioned whether Arteta feels as though he has to justify the signing of Havertz by shoehorning him into the side. The ex-England striker and Arsenal fan said on talkSPORT: “I think there’s something going on there. I don’t know, I thought he’d certainly get given an opportunity. But he hasn’t. “Kai Havertz, it’s almost like Mikel Arteta is trying his hardest to get him into his Arsenal side.” Havertz has started both of Arsenal’s first two top-flight matches and also led the line in the Community Shield against Manchester City. He is currently operating as a No. 8 with Declan Rice playing as the single pivot behind the German and skipper Odegaard. Arsenal shelled out a £65 million (RM377m) fee for the former Bayer Leverkusen man but he is already facing an uphill battle to win over some of his critics in north London. During the latter stages of his Chelsea career, supporters grew frustrated with his performances and his lack of cutting edge in the final third. It appears Arteta envisages fielding Havertz in a deep role for Arsenal although he can also play as a false No. 9 as he did at Stamford Bridge. Speaking at the back end of last season, Arteta made it clear he was at fault for halting the development of Smith Rowe and others by failing to rotate his side. Smith-Rowe had hoped to kick on in the second half of last season but made just 12 topflight appearances following an operation on his groin last September. “I have to be critical of myself. My job is to get the best out of 24 players we have available and I haven’t been able to do that,” Arteta said. “There are three or four I would say that still have huge potential but for different reasons, they haven’t been able to do that (this season). “Whether it’s injuries or game time or whether it’s because I haven’t had the opportunity or I have decided not to play them enough.” – Express Newspapers Pep set to miss City’s next two games ‘Date set’ for Manchester United takeover A DATE is reportedly in the books for Manchester United to announce who has won the biggest takeover race in sports history. Speculation has circulated for months regarding who out of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Qatari royal Sheikh Jassim bin Hamal Al Thani would cross the line and purchase the Premier League powerhouse. The chase was reduced down to those two suitors, with Sheikh Jassim seeking a total takeover while British business magnate Ratcliffe offered to keep the Glazers involved as stakeholders. But it appears the Red Devils will join the growing list of major clubs controlled by those with Middle Eastern connections after The Sun reported Sheikh Jassim could put the finishing touches on his buy-out by midOctober. However, an announcement over the deal could some as soon as next month. It’s understood Sheikh Jassim’s team are “completing their due diligence” before officially signing off on the £6 billion (RM34.8b) deal, which will see the Glazers leave Old Trafford for good. Yesterday’s news will be like music to the ears of many supporters desperate to see the Americans – who also own the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the NFL – out of Old Trafford. As well as wiping out United’s mountain of debt – thought to be in the region of £725 million (RM4.2b) – it’s understood Sheikh Jassim would prioritise renovations to Old Trafford in the event he takes over the club. In addition, the club’s Carrington training base would also undergo an upgrade. The finish line may finally be in sight as supporters approach one of the most significant moments in United history. – Express Newspapers Apology over kiss ‘insufficient’ SPANISH Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez yesterday blasted as “insufficient” the apology given by Spain’s football federation chief for kissing star player Jennifer Hermoso on the lips after Spain won the Women’s World Cup. Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) chief Luis Rubiales, 45, kissed Hermoso as he handed the Spanish team their gold medals after they beat England 1-0 in the final on Sunday in Sydney, provoking outrage in Spain. He kissed other players on the cheek or embraced them. “What we saw was an unacceptable gesture,” Sanchez told a news conference when asked about the outcry over the unsolicited kiss. I also think the apologies given by Mr Rubiales are insufficient. And I even think that they are inappropriate, and that he must go further,” added Sanchez. The RFEF announced later Tuesday that it would call an extraordinary general assembly tomorrow “as a matter of urgency” to address the incident. Bayern chief Rummenigge defends Rubiales BAYERN MUNICH supervisory board member and former chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has come out in defence of Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales, who kissed Women’s World Cup winner Jenni Hermoso on the lips following their final 1-0 win over England on Sunday. “I think you shouldn’t overdo it,” Rummenigge said at the Sport Bild awards in Hamburg according to Sport1. “When you become world champion, you are emotional. And what he did there is – sorry, with all due respect – absolutely okay. I can remember: When we won the Champions League last time, I kissed men – not on the mouth, but out of joy. Emotionality is important in football, you should leave the church in the village.” Germany and Bayern icon Lothar Matthaus had a similar view: “You can kiss. These are emotions, love, passion, bliss. I have nothing against such pictures, even if it is the president of the association. Maybe you went a bit too far. For me it’s not a discussion and it’s okay.” … as head coach comes under spotlight AFTER Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales was widely criticised for kissing Jenni Hermoso on the lips on the presentation stage, footage has now emerged of head coach Jorge Vilda appearing to touch a female staff member inappropriately during the game. In the moments following Olga Carmona’s World Cup-winning goal, the Spanish staff celebrated, but Vilda’s arm appeared to move from his colleague’s shoulder to her breast for longer than a brief moment, before returning. Vilda is a divisive figure in Spain, backed by Rubiales he has been surrounded by controversy. Many players have reportedly felt infantilised, and The Athletic reported that until four years ago, there was a rule from the top that players were not permitted to lock the doors of their hotel rooms at night on international duty until the manager had come over and checked everything. SIDENETTING

theSun is published and printed by Sun Media Corporation Sdn Bhd (221220-K) of Lot 6, Jalan 51/217, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Tel: 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7783 7435 • Tel (Editorial): 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7785 2624/5 Email: [email protected] • Tel (Advertising): 03-7784 8888 Fax: 03-7784 4424 Email: [email protected] THURSDAY • AUGUST 24, 2023 or download app from the App Store or Google PlayTM . Read iPaper at www.thesundaily.my Free access to iPaper PDF Download SCAN ME Would a transfer to United or Liverpool suit Gravenberch most? “IF HE’S PATIENT, he’ll get his chance.” Thomas Tuchel once again discussed Ryan Gravenberch recently as rumours resurfaced surrounding a potential summer exit. The Dutchman struggled for game time in his debut season at Bayern Munich and with both Manchester United and Liverpool in the market for midfield reinforcements, the Premier League pair have turned their attention to the former Ajax man. Since joining from the Dutch outfit, Gravenberch has needed to be incredibly patient. He registered just 561 minutes of game time in the Bundesliga last season, with just three of his 21 appearances coming from the outset. The addition of Konrad Laimer seems to have pushed him further down the pecking order. No wonder an exit has been mooted. Given the stage of his career, Gravenberch needs regular game time to continue his development, and there is the impression he is being wasted on the Bayern bench. The opportunity to link back up with former Ajax boss Erik ten Hag at United is one that would undoubtedly appeal to the player himself, while Liverpool are long-term admirers of the Netherlands international. The argument now is which team would be a better fit for the Bayern man. “I see him in an attacking position,” Tuchel said of Gravenberch recently, but his best performances have come when operating in a deeper role. He excelled in this position with Ajax, where he lined up alongside West Ham’s new ball winner Edson Alvarez in Ten Hag’s preferred 4-2-3-1 setup. It’s not too dissimilar to the system implemented at United now, but the issue is the Premier League outfit are far too open. In United’s opening two Premier League games this season, summer signing Mason Mount has started alongside Casemiro, and while the former is a high presser, the midfield has been carved open with ease. United have conceded the second-most shots (40) in England’s top tier after the opening two games, while as a team, they have been dribbled past at least nine more times (36) than any other side. Bruno Fernandes (7) tops this metric of all players, with Casemiro (6) ranking joint-second. Sofyan Amrabat has emerged as a potential target for the club between now and next week, but in Gravenberch, Ten Hag would be working with a player who he is familiar with. He can play that left-sided deeper midfield role and do so to a very good standard having averaged a modest 1.9 tackles per 90 in his final Eredevisie campaign. In addition, his sense of anticipation means he can quickly snuff out opposition attacks and use his strength to carry the ball upfield, as noted by a solid return of 2.6 dribbles per 90 in the 2021/22 Eredivisie season. Then there is the positional discipline that means United would be far more difficult to break down. Mount may work hard off the ball, but he’s better suited to an advanced role in Ten Hag’s side rather than at the base of the midfield. A natural tendency to drift forward means there is a lot of pressure on 31-year-old Casemiro to cover the ground, and at his age, he needs support. This much was obvious as Wolves carved United open at Old Trafford earlier this month, and again at the weekend once Tottenham wrestled control of the game. Gravenberch may be an effective ball carrier, but he does so to ease pressure on the defence and open the angles to feed passes to his attacking teammates. It’s these traits that would benefit Liverpool, too. The additions of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Wataru Endo have certainly eased the midfield clearout, but if the transfer window closes without further reinforcements, then the Reds could be in for a long season. Missing out on Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia to Chelsea was a blow for Liverpool, and if they were to lose out on Gravenberch to United, then their transfer window could be considered to some a disaster. – The Independent █ BEN MCALEER Call for calm Former Chelsea striker Hasselbaink appeals for patience at Chelsea under Pochettino FORMER Chelsea forward Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has stressed the need for Mauricio Pochettino to be given time but knows not all of the club’s bigmoney signings will handle the pressure. The Blues are without a win after two matches of this season’s Premier League after an encouraging 1-1 draw at home to Liverpool was followed up by Sunday’s 3-1 defeat at West Ham. Chelsea have spent more than £350 million (RM) on transfers this summer, which has taken their overall outlay under Todd Boehly’s Clearlake Capital consortium to nearly £1 billion (RM) since he completed his takeover at the end of the 2021-22 season. Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and Mykhailo Mudryk are among the club’s biggest buys but while Pochettino insisted in July there is “no patience” in football, Hasselbaink has called for calm. “Look, it is a project. Chelsea is a project and it will take time,” Hasselbaink told the PA news agency. “You need to give time. They have a lot of players, a lot of talented players but they need to gel and that takes time. It doesn’t matter how much money you throw at it. “The only way they will learn is by playing and having that pressure. You will see some of them will make it and be able to handle it, but some, as always is the case, they won’t handle the pressure. That is the nature of the beast. “I do think Chelsea have bought well, really well with a lot of young players and the most important thing now is to trim the squad because there is still a lot of players. Then mould it and everyone can get to know each other.” Hasselbaink believes the arrival of Caicedo is further proof of Chelsea’s continued growth – despite the midfielder’s difficult debut against West Ham. “Caicedo’s move shows you how far Chelsea have come over the last 20 years. If you look at the two institutions, Liverpool are the bigger club with their history. “You would think foreign players would choose Liverpool over Chelsea, so that shows what the Blues have become. “I think it’s a combination of two things really – London as a place to live and the last 20 years of the club’s history.” Hasselbaink has been impressed by Caicedo in his short Premier League career with Brighton and is confident that the highly-rated talent will improve Pochettino’s side. “Caicedo is an exciting player and forget about all the financial numbers. Will he make Chelsea better? I really think he will.” Chelsea will host Nottingham Forest on Sept 2, after they entertain Luton on Saturday (3am Malaysian time), and Hasselbaink suggested a topfive finish, which should be enough to secure qualification for UEFA’s new-look Champions League format from 2024 given England’s coefficient rating, would be success this season. “I think to get in the Champions League this year it is the top five isn’t it, so look without getting ahead of everything, it is a project,” Hasselbaink added. “There are a lot of things that have changed in the last two years at Chelsea. It is not the Chelsea any more that we had, but they are building to that again. “It is different and what you really want as soon as possible is to get a win behind your belt because from there you try to get momentum, which will get people confidence. “The Liverpool game showed they can compete with the best but second half against West Ham you can see there are a lot of things to work at. “It will not change overnight, that is just a fact and everybody in football knows that but I think they have a lot and they are on the right track. “With all due respect to everyone who was there last year, I think they look a lot better than last year.” – The Independent/Agencies Gravenberch Hasselbaink