INSIDE Sad state of affairs at 3 popular park page MMA chief right where she 4 needs to be page KUALA LUMPUR: Over RM78 billion worth of inheritance has been waiting to be claimed by beneficiaries of deceased persons since 2022. The sum includes RM8.8 billion in cash, said Malaysia Will and Trust Association president Datuk Chua Meng Min. He added that despite its importance, fewer than 20% of Malaysians have a legally valid and up-to-date will. Chua said the association is concerned over the matter as many individuals are not even aware that they are the beneficiaries of a deceased individual’s estate. “Also, some of the beneficiaries could not be traced to hand over the inheritance, leaving the monies in the care of the government in the person of the Registrar of Unclaimed Money,” he said. A will is a legally binding document that outlines how a person’s assets and estate will be distributed after his demise. It also appoints an executor who will be responsible for ensuring the individual’s wishes are carried out according to the law. Rockwills senior estate planner Chong Mok Yong said most Malaysians still hold cultural beliefs that discussing wills is taboo as it relates to death. “The Chinese community, in particular, holds strong superstitions around wills. This superstition has resulted in people avoiding conversations about them. “There is also a misconception that wills are only for older individuals, leading many younger Malaysians to procrastinate on writing one,” he said. On the consequences of not having a will, Chong said without one, the assets are distributed according to the Distribution Act 1958. This leads to fragmentation and division among surviving parents, spouses and children. oColossal figure highlights importance of preparing, updating legally valid will █ BYSIVANISVARRY MORHAN [email protected] TELLING IT AS IT IS ON WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 20, 2023 No. 8355 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) www.thesundaily.my STAPLE CHECKS ... Acting Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, who is also minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah, Sarawak Affairs and Special Duties) checking on supply and prices of rice during Ops Jamin at a hypermarket in Selayang, Selangor yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC Muhyiddin seeks to strike out three money laundering charges KUALA LUMPUR: Former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin will apply to set aside three more charges of money laundering amounting to RM200 million related to the Jana Wibawa project. Lawyer Datuk Hisyam Teh Poh Teik, representing Muhyiddin, informed the court that the application, made under Section 173 (g) of the Criminal Procedure Code, will be filed soon. “In addition, we will also file a written application for the return of the client’s passport,” said Hisyam. Muhyiddin, 76, was not present at yesterday’s proceedings because his presence was excluded. The proceedings were initially set for the hearing of the prosecution’s application for all seven charges against Muhyiddin be tried together. DPP Datuk Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin said the prosecution applied to postpone the hearing for the application for all seven charges to be tried together. “This is because the prosecution filed a notice of appeal on Aug 15, and an appeal petition was filed in the Court of Appeal yesterday against the decision of the High Court, which discharged and acquitted the accused after allowing his application to set aside the four charges of power abuse. “The Court of Appeal set case management for the appeal on Sept 27. Both parties agreed on the mention date of the case in this court on Nov 29,” he said. Hisyam did not raise any objection to the postponement. “However, we request that the presence of our client on Nov 29 be excluded,” he said. Sessions Court Judge Azura Alwi fixed Nov 29 for mention of the case, and both parties need to inform the court about the development of the case management at the Court of Appeal, before deciding on the exclusion of Muhyiddin’s presence. It can also create a messy situation for families, especially with properties that have multiple joint owners. “Challenges also arise when deciding the guardianship of minor children or managing business assets in the absence of a will. “Legal processes, such as obtaining a Letter of Administration, which is costly to some, is a time-consuming and lengthy process, so it’s always best to prepare a will in advance.” Supporting the call for Malaysians to prepare a will, Dylan Ng from SmartWills Malaysia said the consequences of not having one in place can be disastrous. “Without clear instructions, disputes can arise among family members, leading to lengthy legal battles, strained relationships and in some cases, even financial ruin.” Turn to — page 5 Turn to — page 3 RM78b unclaimed
2 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | SEPTEMBER 20, 2023 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS Syed Saddiq slammed over ‘Nato’ remark KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Adam Adli Abd Halim has hit out at Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman for calling the unity government a “Nato (no action, talk only) government”. In a post on his Facebook page, Adam Adli said all three matters raised by the Muar MP, namely allocations for the Opposition, asset declaration by Cabinet ministers and the dismissal of ongoing corruption trials, have been explained many times either inside or outside Parliament. On asset declaration, he said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed his firm stand on the matter since January and ordered that a more transparent and comprehensive mechanism be created, rather than just a declaration without a specific format. “Not just in a press statement but it was also agreed upon in the Special Cabinet Committee on oOpposition allocation, asset declaration and graft trial issues raised by Muda chief already explained repeatedly: Deputy minister GOING GREEN ... Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor trying out a hydrogen-powered scooter while visiting an exhibition at Universiti Malaysia Sabah in Kota Kinabalu yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC Anti-Corruption meeting Series 17 Bill 1 of 2023, which was chaired by Anwar last July,” said Adam Adli, who is also Angkatan Muda Keadilan chief. On the court decision to grant a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi on his corruption charges, Adam Adli said it was explained in detail by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said in Parliament on Monday. “The decision to drop the court case, which I am sure refers to the deputy prime minister’s case, has been answered in detail in Parliament by Azalina in her capacity as minister of law and institutional reform while stressing the government’s commitment to the separation of powers between the attorney-general and the public prosecutor. “The decision to grant a DNAA to Ahmad Zahid has also been brought to the attention of the Parliamentary Special Select Committee.” As for allocations for opposition MPs, Adam Adli said the government has repeatedly reminded the Opposition to initiate negotiations on the matter. “On the ‘Nato government’ labelling, it would be better for Syed Saddiq not to just reflect on issues according to his taste. “Look at welfare policies under Budget 2023, and ongoing initiatives to eradicate hardcore poverty, resolve the people’s problems and ensure basic needs, including schools, healthcare facilities and clean water supply.” He added that the government is also focusing on post-pandemic economic recovery and the energy transition that would begin soon. Adam Adli, who is Hang Tuah Jaya MP, also lashed out at Bersatu Youth (Armada) chief and Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal for claiming that the government is practising “pork barrel politics”. “I’m not sure where the idea of ‘pork barrel politics’ came from, when his constituency, Machang, is one of the areas that received a large allocation of RM1.44 billion for Kelantan in the form of basic infrastructure like roads and bridges. “This does not include the government’s commitment to solve the state’s water supply issues, which also require a billion ringgit.” PM to lead delegation to UN assembly NEW YORK: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is heading Malaysia’s delegation to the 78th Session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly here. In his first appearance at the annual gathering of world leaders, Anwar will share Malaysia’s efforts in addressing the climate crisis and action taken towards achieving the 2030 Agenda. “He will also share the Malaysia Madani framework. It is very important for us to let the world know what it is all about,” Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir told Malaysian media at the Office of Permanent Mission of Malaysia to the UN here yesterday. Also present were Malaysian Ambassador to the United States Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz, Foreign Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Seri Amran Mohamed Zin and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ahmad Faisal Muhamad. Zambry said Anwar, who is scheduled to arrive here today, will deliver Malaysia’s national statement at the General Debate on Friday. He will be accompanied by his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa and several MPs and government officials. The General Debate, which began yesterday and will end on Sept 26, will see state and government leaders from 157 countries, as well as 35 ministers delivering their national statements at the UN headquarters. This year’s theme for the General Debate is “Rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity: Accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards peace, prosperity, progress and sustainability for all”. Zambry said Anwar’s presence at the assembly is expected to receive prominent coverage as many other national leaders who were met earlier stated that they were looking forward to Anwar’s speech because of his experience and leadership. “He will also speak about global conflict, including the Ukraine crisis, and the long-standing Palestine and Myanmar issues.” Anwar has been invited to deliver a Friday sermon at the Islamic Cultural Centre of New York on Sept 22, the first foreign leader to be given such an honour. – Bernama E-commerce laws review for wider protection KUALA LUMPUR: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry is reviewing existing e-commerce laws, and will propose a suitable regulatory mechanism to ensure that the welfare of industry players and consumers is protected. Its deputy minister Fuziah Salleh said the laws being reviewed are the Electronic Commerce Act 2006, Consumer Protection Act 1999 and the Consumer Protection (Electronic Trade Transactions) Regulations 2012. She said the ministry would work with e-commerce platform providers, industry players, consumer associations and experts to further streamline the Acts. “There is currently no law regulating goods on e-commerce platforms and there is no law requiring vendors on such platforms to ensure that the goods they offer exist. “Also, service providers cannot take action against a seller if a problem arises,” she told a media conference after officiating at a seminar titled “Today’s Malaysian E-Commerce and Consumer Protection Regulatory Framework: The Way Forward” yesterday. Fuziah said there are several challenges that consumers are currently facing as a result of the fast growth of the e-commerce sector. She said among them were non-delivery of goods purchased online, delivery of goods that does not meet customer requirements, non-compliance with product safety standards and the unethical use of “dark patterns” by online traders to mislead consumers. “The ministry is receiving an increasing number of complaints, particularly those involving online transactions. As of Aug 31, a total of 10,377 complaints had been received, with 35% of them involving online transactions. “There are also complaints regarding online traders who sell essential items such as rice, sugar and packed cooking oil at a higher price than the controlled price.” Fuziah said the e-commerce platform Shopee recorded the highest complaints, followed by Facebook and Instagram. – Bernama Perlis welcomes feedback on tourism, says Raja Muda KANGAR: Perlis always welcomes any feedback and constructive suggestions from agencies and representatives of tourism operators and visitors to boost the tourism sector in the state to ensure the success of Visit Perlis Year 2024-2025, said the Raja Muda of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail. “The Perlis Tourism Physical Planning Master Plan covers five sectors known as tourism trails, which are Eco-tourism Trails, Agro-tourism Trails, Cultural, Historical, Art and Heritage Tourism Trails, Shopping and Food Tour Trails as well as Sports and Recreation Tourism Trails,” he said after the launch of the Perlis Food Promotion in Istanbul, Turkiye. Also present were the Raja Puan Muda of Perlis Tuanku Dr Hajah Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil and their son, Syed Sirajuddin Areeb Putra Jamalullail. Also accompanying the royal family is the Consul-General of Malaysia in Istanbul Tengku Mohd Dzaraif Raja Abdul Kadir. – Bernama Special training for caregivers KUALA LUMPUR: The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry plans to establish programmes to provide special training to caregivers of children, the elderly and individuals with special needs. Its minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the ministry has requested an allocation for the implementation of the programme, which is expected to start next year. She said the implementation of the programme is due to the need for individuals who serve as caregivers to obtain training and have skills appropriate to the requirements of the job. “We have requested a budget allocation so that we can provide training to those interested in these jobs. “We have many homes for the elderly and children’s (shelter) homes, especially those that are privately run.” – Bernama
3 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | SEPTEMBER 20, 2023 Will writing service offered at post offices Ng said the government and relevant authorities have acknowledged the issue and have taken steps to address the lack of awareness relating to will preparation. In one such effort, Pos Malaysia Bhd extended its services in 2017 to offer will and estate administration through its partnership with the Malaysian National Cooperative Movement subsidiary, MyAngkasa Amanah Berhad. A Pos Malaysia spokesman said: “The service is available at all branches of Pos Malaysia in Peninsular Malaysia and the cost to prepare a will starts at RM371.” Ng said the intricacies of will writing and estate planning are not commonly taught or discussed in public forums, which has left many Malaysians in the dark about its importance. He emphasised that individuals should consult a qualified will-writing professional or a lawyer to ensure that their will is properly drafted and legally binding. “It is crucial to consider factors such as the appointment of guardians for dependents, the distribution of assets and tax implications when preparing a will. “It is also important to update wills periodically to reflect any changes in personal circumstances, such as marriages, divorces, childbirth or the acquisition of new assets.” Ng said by taking proactive steps towards proper estate planning, individuals not only protect their assets but also provide their loved ones with peace of mind during a difficult time. Suhaizan sworn in as Pulai MP KUALA LUMPUR: Johor Amanah vicechairman Suhaizan Kaiat took his oath of office as a member of the Dewan Rakyat yesterday. The swearing-in ceremony took place before the Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul prior to the resumption of the debate session of the 12th Malaysia Plan mid-term review. Suhaizan, 50, won in the Pulai parliamentary by-election on Sept 9. During the ceremony, Johari congratulated Suhaizan and expressed hope he would be able to carry out his duties responsibly and serve with dedication. “The Dewan Rakyat has the highest position in determining the laws of the country and provides check-and-balance to the executive branch to benefit the development of the country.” Johari also expressed confidence that Suhaizan would carry out his duties as a people’s representative honourably, as demanded by the institution. In the by-election, Suhaizan won with a majority of 18,641 votes, defeating Perikatan Nasional candidate Zulkifli Jaafar and independent candidate Samsudin Mohamad Fauzi. The Pulai and Simpang Jeram by-elections were called due to the unexpected vacancy of the seats following the death of the incumbent, Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub, who was also the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living minister, on July 23. Meanwhile, former MP for Bachok Nik Mohamad Abduh Nik Abdul Aziz, 53, took his oath of office as a senator before Dewan Negara President Tan Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar. The appointment of Nik Mohamad Abduh for the period July 8 to July 7, 2026 is based on the election of Kelantan state assembly members. In congratulating Nik Mohamad Abduh, Wan Junaidi expressed confidence he would contribute to raising the quality of debates at the Dewan Negara. “I suggest the honourable members of the Dewan Negara be more proactive and creative in ensuring that their intellectual opinions are also communicated to the people through mainstream and social media. “It is important for the people to know that the productive and creative opinions and input from the honourable members of the Dewan Negara play an important role in discussing and considering motions brought from the Dewan Rakyat,” he said. – Bernama Parliamentary Bill draft well-received KUALA LUMPUR: The proposed policy and framework of the 2023 Parliamentary Services Bill currently in the drafting stage has received positive reactions from members of the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara. The matter was conveyed by Dewan Negara President Tan Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar yesterday after a briefing on the matter was held on Monday. He said members of both Houses welcomed the reintroduction of the 1963 Parliamentary Services Act to realise the concept of separation of powers in the country. “Next, this Bill will complement the requirements of the Federal Constitution to dignify the Institution of the Malaysian Parliament, which is independent of the government’s executive branch. “We hope this Bill will be tabled at the Dewan Rakyat session in October and the briefing session on Monday allows Dewan Negara and Dewan Rakyat members to get information in advance so that they can cooperate on matters relating to the tabling and debate of the Bill in the respective Houses.” On Aug 29, Wan Junaidi said the implementation of the reintroduction of the Parliamentary Services Act 1963 was now in the second stage of the process of drafting Cabinet papers. – Bernama Seven forms sold for Pelangai by-election KUANTAN: Seven nomination forms for the Pelangai state by-election have been sold so far, Pahang Election Commission director Datuk Zamree Hamli said in a statement yesterday. He said Umno, representing Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) each bought three sets of forms while one set was sold to Pertubuhan Suara Anak Pahang (PSAP). The Election Commission has fixed Oct 7 as polling day, following the death of incumbent Datuk Seri Johari Harun, 53, who was among 10 victims of a plane crash in Shah Alam on Aug 17. Nomination and early voting for the byelection have been fixed for Sept 23 and Oct 3 respectively. BN and PN are expected to announce their respective candidates for the polls tomorrow in Bentong and Pelangai. – Bernama From front page Sad state of affairs at popular park oOnce stellar public space rendered derelict due to poor maintenance of facilities KUALA LUMPUR: Despite numerous complaints about poor maintenance at the Taman Pudu Ulu Recreational Park, City Hall (DBKL) has not acted on the matter, said Friends of The Pudu Ulu Park Association chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye. He said the park was one of the best in the city, but is now in a derelict state after years of little or no maintenance. “The main attraction is the wading pool. It was opened in 2017 but has not been functioning for almost a year due to lack of maintenance. “It is also poorly designed as the wading pool is built beneath a slope. Soil flows into the pool when it rains, dirtying the water and exposing children to safety and health risks.” Lee said although the pool is drained and cleaned occasionally, parts of it have puddles of stagnant water that have become breeding grounds for mosquitoes. He added that if the pool is unsuitable for children to use, it should be turned into something else or replaced with exercise equipment instead of leaving it as it is. Another popular facility in the park was a covered space that was used for recreational activities, but the canopy has disappeared. “Heavy rain and strong winds caused the canopy to detach from its structure. Luckily, there was nobody there when it happened. The concrete ground is also uneven and cracked, which poses a danger to the public,” Lee said. The issue of cleanliness was also frequently brought up by visitors and members of the association, involving jogging tracks that are covered with dried leaves and rubbish scattered on the ground. “The heaps of dried leaves and rubbish are potential hiding places for small snakes and centipedes.” Lee also highlighted that there has been a lack of cleaning contractors for almost a year, adding that DBKL did not retain the previous contractor for undisclosed reasons. “The rubbish bins are full. They are only emptied once in a while by the management staff. The authorities should either renew the cleaning contract or appoint a new company once the contract expires.” Lee said despite his numerous reminders to DBKL, the matter has fallen on deaf ears. “I raised the matter of the park’s dilapidated state to its public park division many times, but the only response I received was that action would be taken.” A strong maintenance culture must begin with the government as it controls the budget, said Lee, while calling for adequate funds to be allocated for maintaining public amenities. “Civic-mindedness is important to keep public amenities in good condition. People should not vandalise public property. “The state of our public spaces not only reflect the image of the city but also DBKL as an effective and reputable city council.” Lee added that despite its condition, the park has remained popular as there is a shortage of public parks in Kuala Lumpur. When contacted, DBKL Landscape Development and Recreation Department director Zulkifli Endut declined comment on the complaints and poor maintenance of the park. █ BYALLEN WONG [email protected] Lee examining the unused pool during a visit to the park. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN
4 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | SEPTEMBER 20, 2023 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS Get a jump start today on creating a successful tomorrow! For the best in local and international higher education institutions, catch theSun's fortnightly Education Focus. FOCUS 2023 EDUCATION Contact us now for special deals on digital, video and print advertising. More yield to keep rice affordable KOTA KINABALU: Local rice production and supply in Sabah needs to be increased to ensure there are no sudden hikes in prices and that it will remain affordable, especially for the low-income group. In contrast to the situation in the Peninsula, Sabah local rice prices float in the market and are not included in price controls based on the Padi and Rice Control Act 1994 (Act 522), Rice (Grades and Price Control) (Amendment) (No. 5) 2008 Order. Surveys in several cities in the state, including Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan and Tawau, found that the supply of local rice has dropped and the price has increased to RM37 for a 10kg bag compared with RM26 for the same packaging previously. Supermarket supervisor Adam Hakimi Romme, 28, said at present, there is no shortage of both local and imported rice, but the selling price depends on supply and demand. “When the supply of rice is limited, demand becomes high, so the price will increase,” he said. Heavy machinery mechanic Mohd Hasli Juraimi, 31, said normally, Sabahans would buy local rice because it is cheaper than imported ones. “However, local rice now also costs more, which is posing a problem for us,” Mohd Hasli added. – Bernama Sabah launches energy masterplan KOTA KINABALU: The state government yesterday launched the Sabah Energy Roadmap and Masterplan 2040 (SE-RAMP 2040) to address the state’s power industry and ensure long-term resilience that is sustainable for the industry by 2040. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the state government is expected to take over the regulatory authority on power supply and renewable energy from the federal government in January next year. He said the Sabah government is committed to ensuring SE-RAMP 2040 is implemented systematically and effectively and the Sabah Energy Council will be established to monitor, support and provide guidance for the implementation of the initiatives. “The SE-RAMP 2040 is to ensure a dependable power supply, with equal access and comprehensive coverage at an affordable price, in line with the government’s aspirations to continue making electricity accessible to the people,” Hajiji said at the launch of the plan yesterday He said the plan, which was formulated by the Energy Commission of Sabah, covers various strategies and initiatives to balance the three elements that make up the energy trilemma, namely energy security, energy affordability and environmental sustainability. – Bernama MMA chief right where she needs to be PETALING JAYA: Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) president Dr Azizan Abdul Aziz, who was elected on Sept 8, has her work cut out for her. Apart from looking into the well-being of public healthcare workers, she will also focus on tackling issues faced by the medical profession, including general practitioners (GP). Having graduated with an MBBS degree from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia in 1986, she served in both public and private hospitals before becoming a general practitioner in 1999. She was also MMA Wilayah branch first female chairman from 2010 to 2012, as well as the MMA honorary deputy and honorary general treasurer. Azizan told theSun she is passionate about addressing nonc o m m u n i c a b l e diseases and is a firm believer in the role of n u t r i t i o n a n d lifestyle Azizan says she is a firm believer in the role of nutrition and lifestyle interventions for better patient outcomes. oAppointment allows better position to address issues concerning general practitioners, contract doctors and specialist shortage █ BY LEE KIAN SENG [email protected] interventions for better patient outcomes. “I have always wanted to contribute to improving the healthcare system and the quality of care in the country, and I have been doing this through my active involvement in the MMA since 1986. “But I am in a much better position to do so now, through deeper and more meaningful engagement with my colleagues and the Health Ministry on issues facing public and private healthcare.” Azizan said it is important to keep the best and brightest talents as junior doctors today would become the senior doctors and specialists of tomorrow. Furthermore, a high percentage of the population depends on public healthcare, so it is vital to prioritise their wellbeing. Among her priorities are issues concerning the wellbeing of healthcare workers, contract doctors, the maldistribution of doctors, and the shortage of specialists. Others are doctors’ remuneration, junior doctor’s career pathways, work environment, work-life balance, and digitalisation of the healthcare system. “The GP fee schedule and Third Party Administrator issues are the main ones in private healthcare, which I hope to discuss with the Health Ministry soon,” she said. Through meetings with the ministry and press statements, the MMA has expressed concern over the well-being of healthcare professionals, in particular their burnout due to overwork, she said. “Public healthcare workers are overworked due to their maldistribution, shortages in personnel across the board and high volumes of patients. “The workload is much higher now compared with five or 10 years ago as the population and its healthcare needs have increased. “The demand for healthcare in 2030 is expected to further increase as Malaysia will reach ageing nation status where 15% of our population will be 60 years and above.” She said healthcare allocations under Budget 2024 need to be improved when it is tabled soon. As the government works to increase the salaries of civil servants, healthcare workers should not be neglected either. The working hours also need to be looked into urgently to ensure optimal performance and a healthy work-life balance, she added. Azizan said current consultation fee limits for private GPs are set under Schedule 7 of the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act of 1998. “The Act needs urgent deregulation as private GPs can only charge between RM10 and RM35 for consultation, while medical officers on the same level as GPs in terms of qualification in private hospitals can charge between RM30 and RM125 under Schedule 13. “The MMA set these rates in 1992 as a guide. However, the Health Ministry legislated it in 2006. These rates should be updated from time to time, but this has not happened,” Azizan said.
5 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | SEPTEMBER 20, 2023 US$30m sent to Najib from shell company: Witness KUALA LUMPUR: A Bank Negara Malaysia analyst told the High Court yesterday that a personal account belonging to former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak received US$30 million from shell company Blackstone Asia Real Estate Partners, purportedly set up by fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho, or Jho Low. Adam Ariff Mohd Roslan, 29, said US$5 million was transferred on Oct 30, 2012 and another US$25 million was deposited on Nov 19 that year. “Standard Chartered Bank records for Blackstone Asia confirmed that the beneficiary account for both transfers was account number 2112022009694 held under the name ‘AmPrivate Banking – LMR’ with AmIslamic. “The bank statement and records dated Oct 31 and Nov 20, 2012 for the account number maintained in the name of ‘AmPrivate Banking – MR and/or Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Abd Razak’ provided by AmIslamic matched the transfers.” The 47th prosecution witness was replying as he verified a money trail report at Najib’s trial involving the misappropriation of RM2.3 billion of 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) funds. It was reported that Low set up Blackstone Asia, similar in name to real estate private equity firm Blackstone Real Estate, deliberately using a naming convention for his offshore shell companies to resemble well-established firms and siphon millions of dollars from 1MDB. Adam Ariff earlier confirmed RM60.6 million was received by the accused in his personal bank account in February and June 2011, that originated from a 2009 Islamic medium term note bond by the Terengganu Investment Authority. It was renamed as 1MDB on Sept 25, 2009. On the first day of trial on Aug 28, 2019, the prosecution said it would show that 1MDB funds had been transferred in multiple transactions to Najib’s accounts, comprising US$20 million in the first phase and US$30 million in the second phase. The prosecution said it would also show US$681 million had been transferred in the third phase, along with transactions in British pounds equivalent to over RM49 million in the fourth phase. Najib, 70, is facing four charges of using his position to obtain bribes totalling RM2.3 billion belonging to 1MDB and 21 charges of money laundering involving the same amount. The trial before Judge Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah continues. – Bernama Coffee shop operation woes PETALING JAYA: Complaints were raised by members of the Petaling Jaya Coffee Shop Association on various matters concerning their business during a recent town hall with Bukit Gasing assemblyman Rajiv Rishyakaran. Among others, they questioned oLicensing, waste disposal among issues raised by operators in meeting with Bukit Gasing rep █ BYJADEN RAUL [email protected] Bike crash unintentional, says police IPOH: A motorcyclist colliding with a police officer’s motorcycle, as seen in a video posted online, was an unintentional act that occurred on April 26, said Mualim district police chief Supt Mohd Hasni Mohd Nasir. He added that two motorcycle patrol unit personnel were heading towards the Pos Bersih Orang Asli settlement in Slim Village after receiving a report of a crash. “Along the way, they stopped to ask a group of residents for the location of the incident and a villager, who was following behind, accidentally hit the back of the officer’s motorcycle.” He said the collision did not cause any damage and was resolved amicably, and advised the public against making any speculation and comments that could tarnish the image of the force. – Bernama Foreigner charged with murder KUALA KANGSAR: A Bangladeshi man was charged in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday with the murder of his countryman earlier this month. Mohammad Mokul Hossain, 34, did not understand the charge read to him in Malay and no plea was recorded as murder cases are under the purview of the High Court. He was charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code and accused of killing Hossen Md Monowar at Jalan Kuak Pekan Kuak, Lenggong in the Hulu Perak district between 7pm and 8pm on Sept 8. Magistrate Mohd Shazmeer Zamhari set Oct 20 for the appointment of an interpreter at the Lenggong Magistrate’s Court. DPP Sufi Aiman Azmi appeared for the prosecution while the accused was not represented. It was previously reported that the body of a man, believed to have been killed, was found at a banana plantation in Kampung Pengkalan Ikan near Kuak, Lenggong. – Bernama the necessity of applying for as many as 10 licences just to operate. Its president Keu Kok Meng said they needed to apply for a Petaling Jaya City Council business licence, apart from licences for advertising, signboards, fire safety, sales and service tax and storage. He added that food and beverage retail shops comprised traditional coffee shops, modern cafes, food courts, bakeries and restaurants. “Different licences are required for different outlets and that depends on the setup of the shop. “All of them require specific licences, apart from having a business licence to operate. However, most coffee shops do not apply for a storage licence as it is a grey area in regard to how much stock is kept in a shop to be classified as storage.” Keu said they generally buy their stock daily or weekly and not in bulk. The members also protested over being blamed for waste discarded in drains. “There are food and beverage shops in every residential area and coffee shops usually take up corner lots. “We get blamed for anything that goes into drains, although we have seen food truck operators dumping their waste where coffee shops are located before leaving for the night. This is not fair to us,” he said, adding that coffee shops were equipped with mandatory grease traps and proper wash areas to filter waste. Rajiv expressed concern over the issues raised and assured them that he is always ready to assist in resolving problems. “We know that the coffee shop business is not an easy one and that all of you work very hard to put food on the table for your families. So, don’t worry and keep raising your problems with me. One by one, I will look into and resolve them. “We will invite the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry to brief (everyone) on licensing. I am confident it can help us to streamline licensing requirements.” He also said hawker stalls may be opened outside of coffee shop premises, provided the owners apply for the correct licences. “Having hawker stalls is the culture of coffee shops. But they don’t always have to be inside the shops and may be located outside the premises. “We can work with other government departments and agencies to resolve cleanliness and waste disposal issues,” he added. BORDER PATROL ... Immigration Director-General Datuk Ruslin Jusoh (second from right) with Kelantan police chief Datuk Muhammad Zaki Harun checking on security in Sungai Golok yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC “Case management developments need to be filed in the system,” she said. Muhyiddin, who is also Bersatu president, is facing two charges of receiving money from illegal activities totalling RM195 million from Bukhary Equity Sdn Bhd, which was deposited into Bersatu’s CIMB Bank account. He is alleged to have committed the act at the CIMB Bank, Menara KL Branch in Jalan Stesen Sentral between Feb 25 and July 16, 2021 and Feb 8 and July 8, 2022. The Pagoh MP was also charged in the Shah Alam Sessions Court on March 13 with receiving money from illegal activities amounting to RM5 million. The case has been transferred to the Sessions Court for a joint trial. On Aug 15, the High Court discharged and acquitted Muhyiddin of four charges of abuse of power for bribes amounting to RM232.5 million for Bersatu related to the Jana Wibawa project, after allowing his application to quash all the charges. – Bernama Bersatu chief case management ongoing From front page
6 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | SEPTEMBER 20, 2023 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS @thesundaily FOLLOW ON TWITTER SCAN ME SYDNEY: Australia’s weather bureau confirmed yesterday that an El Nino weather pattern is under way, bringing hot and dry conditions that risk a severe wildfire season and drought. The announcement, which follows similar confirmations from other weather agencies, came as the country bakes in unseasonal heat, with the weather agency warning of more to come. Forecaster Karl Braganza said elevated surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean could impact the country until early next year. “This summer will be hotter than average and hotter than the last three years,” he said. “With the El Nino now settling in the Pacific Ocean, that increases our confidence that this pattern is going to last until the end of summer.” The El Nino climate pattern occurs on average every two to seven years and usually lasts between nine to 12 months. In July, the UN’s World Meteorological Organisation declared El Nino was under way and said there was a 90% chance that it would continue during the second half of 2023. El Nino is typically associated with warming ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. It can bring severe droughts to Australia, Indonesia and other parts of southern Asia, coupled with increased rainfall in parts of southern South America, the southern United States, the Horn of Africa and central Asia. – AFP B R I E F SCHINESE WARPLANES BUZZ TAIWAN TAIPEI: Dozens of Chinese warplanes were detected around Taiwan in a day, the island’s Defence Ministry said yesterday as it called on Beijing to stop its “provocative actions”. This came a day after China flew 103 warplanes in the 24- hour window from Sunday to Monday around Taiwan, which the island’s authorities said was a “recent high” number. Yesterday, the ministry said China flew 55 aircraft and sailed seven naval vessels around the island. Taiwan’s ministry accused China of carrying out “provocative actions” that were leading to “rising tensions and deteriorating regional security”. Around half of the 55 warplanes detected crossed the so-called median line of the Taiwan Strait that separates the island from China. On Monday, Taiwan had urged China to “immediately stop such destructive unilateral actions”. – AFP INDONESIA HOSTS ASEAN DRILLS BATAM: Militaries from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) began their first-ever joint exercises yesterday in Indonesia, with a Myanmar representative present despite the bloc’s ban on its junta leaders. Asean countries have participated in multinational defence drills before but these are the first featuring just the bloc, which is battling perceptions of irrelevance on major regional issues, such as the turmoil in Myanmar and disputes in the South China Sea. However, these are non-combat exercises, with member forces training in areas such as humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, rescue operations and joint maritime patrols. “By uniting together, we can maintain stability in the region for the people,” Indonesian military chief Margono Yudo told reporters. He said forces from every nation in the bloc are taking part in the five-day Solidarity Exercise. – AFP Canada expels Indian diplomat over murder of Sikh activist OTTAWA: Canada has expelled a top Indian diplomat after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged there was “credible” intelligence linking New Delhi to the assassination of a prominent Canadian Sikh activist. The accusations, which India rejected as “absurd”, sent already sour relations between Ottawa and New Delhi to a dramatic new low. Meanwhile in retaliation, New Delhi’s Foreign Ministry said a senior Canadian diplomat was ordered to leave India yesterday, hours after Ottawa expelled an Indian diplomat over the killing of a Sikh separatist. New Delhi’s decision reflected its “growing concern at the interference of Canadian diplomats in our internal matters and their involvement in anti-India activities”, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Trudeau told an emergency session of the parliamentary opposition that his government had “credible allegations” linking Indian agents to the slaying of an exiled oTrudeau claims possession of ‘credible’ intelligence linking New Delhi to slaying Sikh leader, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in June in British Columbia. “The involvement of any foreign government in the murder of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil is an unacceptable violation of our sovereignty,” Trudeau added. He called “in the strongest possible terms” on the Indian government to cooperate in clearing up the matter. Foreign Minister Melanie Jolie said the Trudeau government had taken immediate action. “Today we have expelled a senior Indian diplomat from Canada,” she said, without naming the official. Jolie said the expelled Indian is the head of the Research and Analysis Wing, India’s foreign intelligence agency in Canada. Five Americans detained in Iran freed DOHA/NEW YORK: A US-bound plane carrying five Americans freed by Iran left Doha on Monday as part of a prisoner swap for five Iranians held in the United States and the transfer of US$6 billion (RM28 billion) in Iranian funds, marking a rare deal between the long-time antagonists. “Today, five innocent Americans who were imprisoned in Iran are finally coming home,” US President Joe Biden said in a statement shortly before the US detainees descended a Qatari jet in Doha. The White House confirmed a plane carrying the five, along with two family members, was en route to the US, where they were to receive medical treatment by the military. Separately, Iran’s state-owned Press TV said the five Iranians held by the US and charged with committing crimes had been freed, an apparent reference to their being granted clemency, and that two of them had landed in Tehran. The other three are not expected to return to Iran. “This was purely a humanitarian action,” Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said after arriving in New York for the annual United Nation General Assembly. “It can be a step where other humanitarian actions can be taken in the future.” It was unclear whether the exchange may bring progress on the many issues that divide the two nations, including Iran’s nuclear programme, its support for regional Shi’ite militias, the presence of US troops in the Gulf and US sanctions on Iran. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken acknowledged the importance of diplomacy on the nuclear file, which he described as “the number one concern”, but indicated no immediate action. – Reuters Nijjar, whom India had declared a wanted terrorist, was gunned down on June 18 in Surrey. Nijjar advocated the creation of an independent Sikh state to be carved out of parts of northern India and perhaps part of Pakistan. New Delhi had accused Nijjar of carrying out terrorist attacks in India, a charge he denied. India’s Foreign Ministry yesterday rejected Canada’s claims of involvement in his death. “Allegations of Government of India’s involvement in any act of violence in Canada are absurd and motivated,” the ministry said in a statement, adding: “We are a democratic polity with a strong commitment to rule of law.” – Agencies Residents cooling off along Melbourne’s Altona Beach yesterday. – AFPPIC Australia warns of worse fires, hot weather as El Nino kicks in Escaped crocodiles from China farm recaptured BEIJING: Dozens of crocodiles that escaped a flooded Chinese farm have all been recaptured, state media reported yesterday, a week after the reptilian runaways wriggled free. More than 70 reptiles escaped from a commercial crocodile farm in Maoming earlier this month after a typhoon inundated the area. Authorities in Guangdong Province launched an expansive hunt, with state broadcaster CCTV running footage of workers in rain boots dragging a crocodile out of the water with a rope. “The escaped Siamese crocodiles have all been caught, with the last one being hauled to shore on Monday night,” the Beijing News reported. Footage showed a dozen crocodiles wriggling in mud with their jaws bound shut with fabric and rope as workers stood among them holding umbrellas. Beijing News said the “escapees” included 69 fully grown crocodiles and two juveniles. – AFP
7 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | SEPTEMBER 20, 2023 US, China call for stable ties in latest top-level talks NEW YORK: America’s top diplomat and China’s vice-president voiced hope on Monday for more stability in the often tense relationship as the rival powers held their second highlevel talks in days. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, meeting Vice-President Han Zheng in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, said he believed in “faceto-face diplomacy” to deal with disagreements. “I think it is a good thing that we have this opportunity to build on the recent high-level engagements that our countries have had,” Blinken told Han as they opened their meeting at China’s mission to the UN. The talks aim to “make sure that we are maintaining open communications and demonstrate that we are responsibly managing the relationship between our two countries.” Han said the world’s two largest oMeeting comes as Washington watches staff changes in Beijing with growing intrigue economies face “a lot of difficulties and challenges”. “The world needs healthy and stable US-China relations, which benefit not only China and the US, but the whole world,” he said. The meeting comes as the United States watches personnel changes in Beijing with growing intrigue. Qin Gang, handpicked by President Xi Jinping as foreign minister, was abruptly replaced in July by the veteran policymaker Wang Yi. Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping told two US Flying Tigers veterans who fought for China during World War II that China and the US “should and must” achieve peaceful co-existence, offering further cues for both sides to lower persistent tensions. In his reply to a letter from former pilot Harry Moyer and pilot gunner Mel McMullen, Xi said the people of China and the US had shared the same enemy in their fight against Japan and had forged a “profound” friendship, according to Chinese state media yesterday. “Looking to the future, China and the US, as two major countries, bear more important responsibilities for world peace, stability and development,” Xi said. “They should and must achieve mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation.” The US and China remain at loggerheads on a host of issues including Taiwan, the self-ruling democracy that Beijing claims and has not ruled out seizing by force. – AFP EU voices solidarity with ‘detained’ envoy NEW YORK: The European Union’s top diplomat on Monday voiced solidarity with France’s ambassador to Niger, who has faced intense pressure after refusing expulsion orders from military leaders. After sacking the elected government in late July, the military said it was expelling Ambassador Sylvain Itte, but the former colonial power does not recognise the authority of the putschists. President Emmanuel Macron said last week the ambassador was “literally being held hostage” in the embassy, living off military rations after the military cut off supplies. “We expressed our solidarity with France over the situation of its ambassador on the ground,” EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell told reporters after the bloc’s foreign ministers met on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. He also renewed the bloc’s “full solidarity” with Mohamed Bazoum, the elected president who has been detained by the military, praising his “courage and determination”. Borrell said the Europeans also agreed on the need to “reassess” their strategy in the Sahel, where France in particular has led years of efforts aimed at defeating jihadists. “We need a new approach as we are facing a much more complex environment,” he said. “We insisted on the idea that we need African solutions for African problems.” – AFP B R I E F SGUATEMALA PRESIDENT-ELECT SEEKS REMOVAL OF AG GUATEMALA CITY: President-elect Bernardo Arevalo of Guatemala asked the Supreme Court on Monday to fire the attorney general, accusing her of plotting to keep him from taking power after his surprise election win. “We are resorting to the law to defend our rights,” Arevalo said after visiting the court with hundreds of supporters to present his request for the removal of Attorney-General Consuelo Porras and two other officials. It is the latest episode in a tug-of-war between Arevalo and authorities, who have repeatedly moved to act against the politician and his party after he unexpectedly won a presidential election last month. Arevalo called for Porras’ resignation after prosecutors earlier this month seized ballots cast in a first-round election on June 25. – AFP DEBRIS FROM MISSING U.S. STEALTH JET FOUND WASHINGTON: The US military said it finally found debris from a crashed F-35 fighter jet in South Carolina on Monday, a day after asking for the public’s help in locating the elusive wreckage. The incident drew amazement and ridicule over the failure by the military to track the aircraft. Joint Base Charleston on Sunday asked people on the social media platform X to “please call the Base Defence Operations Centre” with any information to assist the recovery teams. The incident unfolded after the pilot ejected for unknown reasons, leaving the jet flying in what some called a “zombie state”, prompting a search operation. – Agencies Glaring energy issue shines on Big Apple NEW YORK: The annual Climate Week in New York is under way, bringing together activists, politicians and business leaders for hundreds of events aimed at addressing the planetary crisis. However, the bright lights that give the “city that never sleeps” its iconic glow have long been a source of frustration for campaigners, something at odds with the spirit of conservation embodied by the yearly summit, which takes place on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. “We have a long way to go until a brightly lit city is seen for what it is, which is just an egregious waste of energy – and something that is having a direct impact on the natural world,” director of the International Dark-Sky Association Ruskin Hartley told AFP. According to US Department of Energy figures, outdoor lighting in the United States consumes enough energy annually to power 35 million homes, but any given time, only 1% of artificial light reaches human eyes. Studies have found that New York is among the worst offenders in the United States, which as a country is far more wasteful than Europe. – AFP Zelensky tells wounded soldiers to ‘stay strong’ STATEN ISLAND: Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in New York on Monday to address the United Nations General Assembly and plead for more aid as Ukraine pushes ahead with a high-stakes counteroffensive to wrest back territory from Russian forces more than 18 months into the war. Before meeting world leaders, Zelensky headed to Staten Island University Hospital, where a group of Ukrainian soldiers are receiving prosthetic arms and legs and rehabilitation services. The Ukrainian president watched as several soldiers practised walking and lifting weights with newly acquired prosthetic legs and arms. Zelensky chatted with the soldiers. Even as he tried to lift their spirits, the Ukrainian leader was visibly shaken. “Is it tough?” Zelensky asked one soldier. “A little,” came the reply. Another soldier, who hails from the Zaporizhzhia region in southern Ukraine, tried to put on a brave face. “How are you doing? Is it difficult?” Zelensky asked. The soldier answered: “It’s okay.” “Stay strong,” Zelensky implored. According to hospital staff and the Ukrainian-American non-governmental organisation Kind Deeds, which supplies prostheses for war amputees, nine Ukrainian soldiers are currently undergoing treatment at the hospital. The clinic has helped a total of 35 servicemen over the past year. “Get home soon, thank you for your service,” Zelensky told the soldiers. The New York Times reported last month that US officials estimate the number of dead and wounded Ukrainian soldiers to be nearing 500,000. – AFP The Ukraine president visiting wounded servicemen at the Staten Island University Hospital in New York City on Monday. – AFPPIC
8 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | SEPTEMBER 20, 2023 SPEAK UP Or download app on the AppStore or Google Play ENJOY A SEAMLESS READING EXPERIENCE. Read our iPaper at https://www.thesundaily.my/ Migrate to higher middle ground ETHNIC diversity improves the way people think. Disrupting conformity prompts you to scrutinise facts, contemplate more totally and develop rational opinions of your own. Such diversity benefits everyone, minorities and the majority alike. This was the conclusion of two American university professors from the University of Texas and Columbia University, who conducted a series of experiments back in 2015. Part of the research was done in Singapore involving Chinese, Indian and Malay participants. The experiments showed that diverse groups were far more likely to produce the right answers and right solutions. It isn’t because minorities have special knowledge. It is just that in the absence of diversity, we are easily influenced by groupthink and more likely to accept wrong ideas. Ethnic diversity, on the other hand, keeps us from drifting towards errors and miscalculations. Well-managed ethnic diversity is like fresh air prompting sharper thinking and benefiting everyone who experiences it. Malaysia, like Singapore, attained world renown for ethnic diversity management back in the Merdeka days. However, the majority of our politicians are now championing ethnoreligious identity or its counterpart ethno-secularism. If you have to pick between a plantation and a forest to depict Malaysia 2023, which will you choose if you know the biggest difference is that a forest cherishes diversity while a plantation destroys it? In a monoculture plantation such as durian, oil palm or rubber, there are no varieties of plants that naturally provide nutrients to the soil. There are also fewer microbes and insects to ensure that no particular species gets excessively dominant. Last year, 30,000 hectares of pine forest in France were razed by wildfires. The highly flammable pines burnt easily because their numbers were excessively dominant without other species to tone down the flammability. As University of British Columbia Professor Suzanne Simard has discovered, species variety creates a more stable environment. Her lifetime of research which she describes in her book Finding the Mother Tree shows that there is a woodwide web of trees and mycorrhizal fungi that form part of a connected society where all lifeforms collaborate more than they compete. Simard also found that paper birch and Douglas fir traded photosynthetic carbon back and forth, with birch giving more to fir because fir needed more. She further observed that mycorrhizal fungi transmitted salmon nitrogen into cedar trees and Sitka spruces, and possibly between trees. The forests returned the favour by shedding nutrients into the rivers where salmon bred. In an interview with New Scientist Weekly two years ago, she lamented the separation of humanity from nature and that we had moved away from a holistic spiritual way of seeing the world. Evolutionary biologist Dr Frank Ryan points out in Virusphere that the human body isn’t just composed of blood and tissue. An ecosphere of viruses forms part of our body and one virus – cytomegalovirus – by its presence in the myeloid cells of the bone marrow helps strengthen our body’s immune system. A paradigm shift is happening in science: no longer do biologists erect fences to separate plants, animals and microbes into separate bounded divisions. The keyword in biology is now holobiont, meaning, every living thing owns a microbiome component or a collection of micro-organisms, most of which confer health benefits. Biologists used to tell us there are 27 trillion cells in our body. Now the count is double that number with the inclusion of the cells of microbes. But while nature is powered by the fuel of moderate inclusive diversity, with no pendatang except for invasive pathogens, one former politician has reportedly coined the term Parti Pendatang to label political opponents. However, the Sultan of Johor pointed out two years ago that the Chinese are not pendatang as they have helped transform the state’s economy and are one of its pillars. Confrontational diversity is an abomination to nature and will guarantee our destruction by climate change. Yet we remain in the grip of confrontational politics, with some political parties championing ethnoreligious identity and some other parties widely acknowledged as the champions of ethno-secular identity. The Malay voters strongly adhere to the traditional values of their religion and believe in the authoritarian commands of their political and religious influencers. The other Malaysian voters resolutely adhere to the traditional values of secularism, and unquestioningly believe in these secular tenets. This strong tilt towards identity politics reveals that both the Malays and other Malaysians are highly conservative. Politicians in one coalition advocate the rule of sacred law, while politicians on another side promote secular rule, completely ignoring the fact that there is no fundamental division between the secular and the sacred, between the temporal and spiritual worlds. Temporal refers to the finiteness of nature and spiritual refers to the infinity behind nature. The indigenous forest-dwelling Orang Asli, as people of nature who revere the spiritual realm, know that God is within nature. To put it metaphorically, nature is the face and hand of God. Telling voters to choose between the sacred and the secular is like tearing the heart out of nature. There is a higher middle ground where the secular meets the sacred, where Malays and Muslims can stand in the same spot as Malaysians of other ethnicities and religions without fearing each other or regarding each other as a threat. But to reach this higher middle ground, there needs to be a paradigm shift by all Malaysians and a political willingness to advocate moderation. The Yang di-Pertuan Agong in his speech at the Ma’al Hijrah national celebration two months ago pointed the way for our nation to manage its diversity. The way is to use the spirit of hijrah or migration to a higher good. At the Perak state-level celebration in Ipoh, the Sultan of Perak called for a migration of the mind to break free from comfort zones and embrace essential changes. Back in January at a book launch, the Sultan of Perak spoke of the emphasis on planetary health where people’s health and well-being are inextricably connected to those of the planet. Just a week ago, the Sultan of Selangor warned: “The country will regress in every aspect if political leaders are keen on propagating racial polarisation and instigating the people in the name of race and religion. Leaders and politicians must instead inculcate national unity among the various races.” Malays and other Malaysians, Muslims and non-Muslims need to migrate to a higher middle ground, to a spot labelled “planetary and personal health” so that we can progress instead of regress. In nature, there is no binary division into fundamental opposites. Any human society that bifurcates its population into hostile irreconcilable halves is risking its survival in the face of climate change, which is itself brought on by our separation from nature and a rejection of the holistic spiritual way of seeing the world. Our next article will explore the details of a nature-enriched lifestyle that will enhance planetary health as well as the personal health of every Malaysian while uniting all communities. Importantly, too, a courageous paradigm shift towards upgrading our lifestyles to a higher integrative quality will align all the various religions. The writer champions interfaith harmony. Comments: [email protected] “The country will regress in every aspect if political leaders are keen on propagating racial polarisation and instigating the people in the name of race and religion. Leaders and politicians must instead inculcate national unity among the various races. Ethnic diversity keeps us from drifting towards errors and miscalculation. – BERNAMAPIC
9 SPEAK UP theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | SEPTEMBER 20, 2023 Kim outsmarts Beijing, squeezes the US NORTH KOREA leader Kim Jong Un’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin remains a strategic win for the former, in capitalising on Putin’s vulnerability and sending a message to both Beijing and the West. Kim actually has more options and more leverage over Moscow and Beijing, knowing that Moscow will need his weapons and that the fulcrum of needs tilts towards the advantage of Pyongyang. The US heightened regional defence friendshoring, from the Camp David Summit to a deeper presence in the Philippines, has further reinforced Pyongyang’s notion that Washington will never cease its target of upping the pressure on not only Beijing’s backyard but with a closer eye to deterring Pyongyang. Moscow, sensing this inevitability, also capitalised by reaching out to Pyongyang with its offering of food and energy assurances, in return for greater long-term returns. Kim’s brilliant playcard The key interest is in what gains could Kim extract from Putin, in the former trying to capitalise on the latter’s desperate need. Kim might press for long-term assurance in defence support, apart from the normal requests for satellite technology, food and energy aid. This might include greater high-technology military assets, including submarines and torpedoes as well as advanced weapons and know-how in nuclear offensive weapons, including nuclear-armed submarines, all of which will be unlikely for Putin to easily commit, as the backfiring implications are simply too risky. However, the very act of Putin extending a helping hand to Kim in the form of food and energy aid alone will indirectly help Kim’s nuclear modernisation and military enhancement course. The global split over Ukraine and the bloc rivalry have emboldened Pyongyang, with Kim finding a new voice and confidence amid the new anti-West and anti-US bulwark, to which it can choose between Moscow or Beijing to latch. Kim has always wanted to have a reliable fallback apart from depending on China’s President Xi Jinping. He is also cognisant of the fact that Pyongyang is critical for Beijing to maintain that vital buffer zone from the West and Kim now has the leverage in offsetting Pyongyang’s predominant dependence on Beijing for food and economic aid. Both have greater advantages in working together than being adversaries as both face the worst sanctions by the West. They have endured the sanctions for the longest time and they have built resilience and long-term adaptation. For Putin to choose a different venue to host Kim with the pomp and splendour given in Vostochny instead of being held in Vladivostok on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum, shows the intent of Putin to honour and value Kim, and as a message to the West on the essence and perception of their ties. The meeting is also used as a message to US President Joe Biden that Kim is not impacted by Biden’s orientation and hardball approach in mocking the administration’s clueless approach, unlike Donald Trump. Kim is cognisant that only Trump has the non-political baggage in changing tides and the recent moves are to force Biden’s hands and to shore up resilience in case of any escalatory moves from Biden before the potential comeback of Trump in 2024. It is to force his hands to tone down on the administration’s moves to continue the joint military drills with Seoul which continue to irritate Kim. Since 2019, Kim has lost faith in leaning on the US to make overtures or changes in orientation. Denuclearisation negotiations have stalled and sanctions are not working. Kim knows that Biden is preoccupied with Beijing and Moscow, and sees Beijing as the single most existential threat. Now is the time for Kim to seize the moment and capitalise on this. Putin’s new trusted fallback option The meeting is used as a strategic platform for Putin to send a message to Beijing that Moscow still has options with Pyongyang for arms support and that the no-limits ties are not the be-all and end-all arrangement. There are still wariness and future uncertainties, and Moscow dislikes being subservient to Beijing and continues to see Beijing as a potential future long-term threat, underlined by past historical discord and a yoyo trajectory in relations. The risk of Beijing turning the table against Moscow is higher than Pyongyang. Putin’s offer of space assistance will provide Kim with a much-needed push in his twice failed attempts to get a spy satellite into space this year. Putin wanted geopolitical clout and legitimacy in sending a defiant message to the West, more than weapons support alone. Moscow can also rely on Pyongyang for a future conflict with Japan, especially over territorial claims and use Pyongyang as leverage and an added distractive capacity against both the West and the potential additional combined weight of a new Asian Nato. Putin is not really in desperate need of Pyongyang’s weapons, knowing that putting these weapons into the Ukraine war will only invite greater Western offensive and sanctions, but instead uses the meeting as a platform for greater long-term alliance possibilities and fallback options, where Pyongyang is trusted more than Beijing. Both Pyongyang and Moscow face similar realities and the impact of the West’s economic squeeze and sanctions compared with Beijing has greater secondary fallback options and does not really need Russia as much for food security and joint economic support. The arms race is intensifying in Northeast Asia, led by both Tokyo and Pyongyang in upping their defensive and deterrence capacities and best preparing for the possibilities of the worst outcome. Pyongyang still spends around 20% to 30% of its GDP on military expenditure, with rising weapons production rates and an estimated stockpile of more than 100 nuclear warheads. The fact that it has never fought a full-blown conflict means that it also has a massive amount of weapons and ammunition stockpile, an advantage that Putin is eyeing. The visit to meet with Putin is also complementing its missile testing and launch strategy, which has gained steam this year, seeing how the Biden administration is getting back to the same old conventional hardline approach in handling Pyongyang with the usual precondition of complete denuclearisation. Pyongyang has already fired 26 ballistic missiles and two space rockets so far this year. The ties between Pyongyang and Moscow are not predominantly economic in nature, as COMMENT by Collins Chong Yew Keat there are nearly non-existent money flows between the two and trade remains near zero, according to estimates from Seoul. Pyongyang is heavily reliant on Beijing for its trade income, accounting for over 95%. The cosying up to Moscow is also meant to seek ways to diversify and as a long-term leverage and second-front option for its economic assurances. Beijing remains the worst victim Beijing remains the party that loses out the most, where Putin rolling out the red carpet for Kim further displeased Xi, as the latter has always wanted Kim to remain under its firm grip and obedience, with the predominant lifeline given to him. It is seen as a rogue move by Kim to choose Putin and Russia over Beijing as the first visit abroad in years. Russia is resilient in terms of food security, with long-term returns from its Siberian plank and future trade advantages from its Northern Sea Route, which will be crucial for Pyongyang. However, Pyongyang can still rely on Beijing for food sources as a quid pro quo in giving Beijing security assurances in its eastern flank by denying Western push and maintaining a buffer zone for Beijing. Beijing will be wary of the West to use Pyongyang as a pretext to destabilise the region and jeopardise its critical buffer. Pyongyang is also critical in the same regard for Moscow as a buffer to mitigate Western presence and to keep Tokyo and Washington on their toes. Pyongyang remains Beijing’s only ally in the east and northeast, besieged by Tokyo and Seoul and an ever-present American presence. In case of a Taiwan conflict, Beijing needs Pyongyang as a second front offensive power to distract the West and its containment force by using Pyongyang’s constant Achilles heel and its offensive capacity to threaten Seoul or Tokyo and by that, stretch the West’s capacity. China is also wary that any eventual arms deal between Moscow and Pyongyang will result in further escalation of the Ukraine war which will further put Beijing in a prolonged dilemma. Any potential arms deal with Pyongyang might compel Putin to use it as a precedent in pushing Xi to do the same. Beijing still hopes to play safe and refuses to publicly take a side, in safeguarding its own future manoeuvrability and being wary of the risks of being too close or dependent on Putin which will backfire on Xi’s regional security plans. The Ukraine war has already impacted Xi’s plans for Taiwan. Beijing’s bellicosity and growing pressure to act militarily have emboldened Tokyo’s hard power deterrence and with it toying with the idea of a future alignment or spearheading a move to either enlarge or militarise Quad or to lead the formation of an Asian Nato or expanded functions of current Nato boundaries. The Camp David pact is the final nail in the coffin for Beijing’s hope for any weakening of regional resolve and in continuing the historical divide between Seoul and Tokyo. Strengthening Pyongyang-Moscow ties will threaten the long-held conventional status quo of Beijing at the top of the hierarchy of pulling the strings on economic and security dictates and agenda, and this provides a two-pronged long-term affront and threat to Beijing apart from dealing with the West. The tie-up in arms collaboration makes sense as Moscow desperately needs weapons, especially ammunition and artillery shells for the war in Ukraine, and Pyongyang has plenty of both. The ball in Washington’s court Washington must offer more than trying to sever the dependence of Pyongyang on Moscow and Beijing alone to engage with Pyongyang. For Washington to ignore the right way to rein in Pyongyang as a direct threat or a threat to allies, especially Seoul and Tokyo, or as leverage to be used by Moscow and Beijing, will be at Washington’s own peril. Although Moscow is keen on North Korean arms, with their compatibility with Russian weapons and military systems, any immediate impact will be limited. Pyongyang’s small arms and weapon munitions, even if eventually approved for transfer to Putin’s war chest in Ukraine, will not make a substantial and distinctive difference in the outcome of the war against the sustained, more lethal and technologically superior weapons from the West. There is nothing substantial that the US can do to impose deterrence or costs to the PutinKim gestures, as current and future toothless sanctions are ineffective for both powers where they seem to have built an ingrained immunity and alternative fallback options to circumvent the implications of those sanctions without jeopardising their strategic intent and inner resilience. The West will need new audacity in changing its playbook in dealing with Kim, as he now holds the ultimate card in helping Washington in both reining in Xi and Putin and creating the pinnacle of Western countermove in the IndoPacific by turning the Kim regime into its orbit which will effectively checkmate Beijing and in a large part, Moscow. A Trump return might escalate that prospect or Kim might make the pre-emptive countermove to outsmart both Washington and Beijing by his next move to play as the kingmaker to the latter’s fate and the former’s Indo-Pacific vision. Comments: [email protected] Kim shaking hands with Russia’s Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu during his visit to Vladivostok, Russia recently. – REUTERSPIC
10 TRAVEL & LEISURE theSun LYFE ON WEDNESDAY | SEPTEMBER 20, 2023 Book your vacation today QUITE often, when we book vacation accommodation, we first check the prices on rental booking websites before considering whether to look for a hotel. In fact, you may be surprised to learn that in 38 out of 50 popular destinations, a night in a hotel is actually a cheaper option. When you’re looking at the destination for your next vacation and you’re not tempted by an allinclusive holiday offer, you may be quick to log on to holiday rental platforms like Airbnb, especially if you’re looking for a bargain. That’s hardly surprising, given that when Airbnb launched in 2008, the vacation rental giant capitalised on the promise of offering not only a homestay experience (even if the host isn’t present) but, above all, a good deal. Since then, the Californiabased start-up has come a long way, becoming a behemoth in the temporary rental market for apartments, houses, and, above all, unique accommodations such as trailers, cabins, and even castles. Despite its evolution, travellers often still see the platform as a tool for finding cheaper accommodation than that offered by hotels. But according to a study carried out by the British consumer association Which?, it’s usually not the case. Out of 50 destinations analysed, 38 featured average hotel rates that were more affordable than what was available on rental platforms such as Airbnb or Vrbo, which is another vacation rental giant owned by the Expedia group. This comparative analysis was based on prices posted by the two websites between May 2022 and May 2023, not taking into account service costs. For hotels, the comparison used prices generated by online comparison site Kayak, based on the average price of a hotel room, excluding five-star establishments, again for the same analysis period. For the rental platforms, the analysis was based on the average price of a one-bedroom rental. Hotels are often cheaper than private holiday rentals, says a British consumer association. oAre private holiday rentals truly a good deal? Surprising as it may seem, even in popular destinations such as London, Dubai, and Barcelona, where hotels are generally reputed to be expensive, the choice of hotel is a more budget-friendly option. You’d save £60 (approx. 70 euros or US$75), £56 (approx. 65 euros or US$70), and £45 (approx. 52 euros or US$56), respectively, by choosing this type of accommodation. Amsterdam, in the Netherlands, is the best place to follow this recommendation since the budget for a night in a hotel would be 116 pounds (around 135 euros or US$144), compared to 183 pounds (around 212 euros or US$227) with a platform like Vrbo or Airbnb. Taken as an ensemble, the average price of a one-bedroom private rental across these 50 destinations is 19% more expensive than a hotel room. In response to these results, the rental platforms emphasised that vacation rentals most often include a kitchen, which can help travellers save money during their stay. Which? admits that “private rentals can still offer good value, however, and larger groups are more likely to save when compared to booking into a hotel.” It’s also worth noting that the analysis was based on Kayak data, which provides the various offers of booking websites such as Booking, Hotels.com, or Opodo but does not include the direct websites of hoteliers, who sometimes offer more attractive rates. Some of the destinations where it was worthwhile price-wise to book a private rental rather than a hotel were cities in Sicily, Italy (Palermo and Syracuse), as well as Vancouver (Canada), Seville (Spain), and Avignon (France). - ETX STUDIO German circus replaces live animals with holograms THE smell of sawdust and popcorn fills the air. The clowns, acrobats and magicians are all in place. As the audience is guided to their seats inside the big top, all the classic elements of the circus are there -- except one. The live animals have been replaced by holograms. Due to concerns over animal welfare, Germany’s Roncalli Circus stopped using lions and elephants in its shows in 1991. But it went further in 2018 and completely removed live animals from its programme. “It is no longer appropriate for Roncalli to show real animals in the ring,“ circus boss Patrick Philadelphia, 49, told AFP. Over the last few years, circuses have found themselves increasingly constrained by space. “If you’re setting up in the middle of a marketplace in the centre of town, there is no space for outdoor enclosures for animal runs,“ said Philadelphia. The nomadic character of circus life was also a strain for animals like horses which had to be loaded onto wagons and then driven to the next town. “This no longer made sense for an animalprotecting circus,“ said Philadelphia. As Roncalli looked for ways to preserve the magic of animals for children, a show in which Justin Timberlake “collaborates” with a hologram of the late Prince triggered the idea to turn to 3-D imagery. “If you can project someone who’s no longer living onto a holographic screen, why can’t you do it with an animal, a horse, an elephant? So that’s where the idea came from,“ said Philadelphia. Something unexpected In Luebeck, a steam train circling the ring kicks off the show to the sound of “Sunday Morning” by Nico and The Velvet Underground, before a bright green parrot appears. The bird gives way to an elephant and her baby, who stomp and trumpet at the audience, only to be chased by a herd of galloping horses. Designing the visual illusion was a technical challenge, as the circus seats its audience in a circle, unlike a theatre where the public sits in front of the stage. Using 11 cameras, arranged on the ceiling of the big top around the ring, the high-resolution images are projected onto a fine-mesh netting which surrounds the performance space. When the lights go down, the netting becomes almost invisible, but the images pop out. While live animals give a thrill, the new technology also makes it possible for Roncalli to do something unexpected. “Whatever you can imagine, it can be created by an animator, by a graphic designer, then it can also be shown up in a Spectators of the Roncalli Circus Show look at a hologram projection during a show in Luebeck, northern Germany. circus show,“ said Toni Munar, the technical director of the circus. Good without animals The absence of animals has become a draw in itself. “I had never heard of Roncalli before. And then all I found out was that there were definitely no animals. That was especially important to me,“ said student Sophie Schult, 29. Previous visits to the circus with her family had left a bad impression on Schult. “I always saw the narrow cages where they (the animals) were all kept. That is basically animal cruelty,“ she said during the intermission. Despite the absence of real elephants or lions, the show still manages to enthuse Andreas Domke and his two sons. “I think it’s good without (animals) because they really try to make the rest of the show special,“ said the 39-year-old doctor. The performance works its magic on older audience members, too. Mathias and Marina Martens, both 63, said the spectacle made them feel like children again. “The acrobatics on show here are amazing,“ said Mathias Martens, before his wife chimed in: “You do not need the animals there. For that, you can go to the zoo and see them.” - ETX STUDIO
KLCI 1,457.66 STI 3,240.75 HANG SENG 17,997.17 66.62 SCI 3,124.96 NIKKEI 33,242.59 290.50 TSEC 16,636.32 KOSPI 2,559.21 S&P/ASX200 7,196.60 WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 20, 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 September 19, 2023 STOCK VOL CLSG (sen) +/– (sen) SAPNRG 340,575,900 5.5 -0.5 KNM 245,555,400 12.0 +1.5 MERSEC 219,988,500 30.0 +5.0 ICON 79,980,500 13.0 +1.5 UEMS 76,291,100 85.0 +0.5 EXCHANGERATES SEPTEMBER 19, 2023 Foreign currency Bank sell Bank buy Bank buy TT/OD TT OD 1 US DOLLAR 4.7540 4.6210 4.6110 1 AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR 3.0820 2.9610 2.9450 1 BRUNEI DOLLAR 3.4880 3.3880 3.3800 1 CANADIAN DOLLAR 3.5250 3.4320 3.4200 1 EURO 5.0940 4.9310 4.9110 1 NEW ZEALAND DOLLAR 2.8290 2.7250 2.7090 1 SINGAPORE DOLLAR 3.4880 3.3880 3.3800 1 STERLING POUND 5.8990 5.7160 5.6960 1 SWISS FRANC 5.2880 5.1670 5.1520 100 UAE DIRHAM 131.0300 124.3000 124.1000 100 BANGLADESH TAKA 4.4160 4.1300 3.9300 100 CHINESE RENMINBI 65.6800 62.9400 N/A 100 HONGKONG DOLLAR 61.5100 58.4800 58.2800 100 INDIAN RUPEE 5.8100 5.4600 5.2600 100 INDONESIAN RUPIAH 0.0320 0.0290 0.0240 100 JAPANESE YEN 3.2250 3.1240 3.1140 100 NEW TAIWAN DOLLAR N/A N/A N/A 100 PAKISTAN RUPEE 1.6400 1.5300 1.3300 100 PHILIPPINE PESO 8.5200 8.0300 7.8300 100 QATAR RIYAL 131.9800 125.2900 125.0900 100 SAUDI RIYAL 128.2700 121.7700 121.5700 100 THAI BAHT 13.9300 12.3600 11.9600 Source: Malayan Banking Berhad/Bernama KL MARKET SUMMARY September 19, 2023 INDICES CHANGE FBMEMAS 10,766.00 +3.68 FBMKLCI 1,457.66 -0.33 CONSUMER PRODUCTS 558.34 +0.33 INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS 173.69 +0.75 CONSTRUCTION 182.11 -0.45 FINANCIAL SERVICES 16,319.96 -21.08 ENERGY 907.77 +15.23 TELECOMMUNICATIONS 586.51 +2.61 HEALTH CARE 1,691.58 -2.64 TRANSPORTATION 917.33 -1.32 PROPERTY 863.36 +13.40 PLANTATION 6,956.67 -20.93 FBMSHA 10,999.93 +4.29 FBMACE 5,205.93 +16.49 TECHNOLOGY 62.95 +0.02 TURNOVER VALUE 3.947 BIL RM2.138 BIL 5 TOP GAINERS September 19, 2023 STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM RAPID 207,200 24.00 +4.00 BLDPLNT 100 11.00 +0.28 PETDAG 1,309,900 23.42 +0.26 HAPSENG 4,241,800 4.48 +0.21 NESTLE 18,000 129.90 +0.20 5 TOP LOSERS September 19, 2023 STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM HEXTECH 4,100 23.98 -0.38 F&N 165,100 25.24 -0.32 PPB 168,200 15.80 -0.20 GENM-C2L 170,000 0.075 -0.175 SIMEPROP-C21 91,500 0.085 -0.165 0.33 22.64 0.98 61.92 15.51 33.80 Mihas 2023 rakes in sales of RM3.1b, exceeds target PETALING JAYA: The 19th edition of the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (Mihas 2023), the world’s largest halal industry exhibition – hosted by the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry and organised by Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) – recorded RM3.11 billion in sales. The amount exceeded its target of RM2.5 billion by 24%, underscoring the event’s significance as a premier global trade platform for the halal industry. Mihas 2023 took place from Sept 11 to 15 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre in Kuala Lumpur. Sales were contributed by business deals concluded from two key programmes – the International Sourcing Programme (INSP) on Sept 11 for Malaysian exporters and the signature trade exhibition involving exhibitors from 44 countries between Sept 12 and 15. The showcase focused on elements of sustainability and digitalisation, enhancing its value to the global halal community by facilitating and accelerating the mainstreaming of the halal ecosystem into global supply chains. Preliminary calculations showed that INSP – Matrade’s flagship programme – achieved sales worth RM1.22 billion, while exhibitors garnered total sales of RM1.89 billion. These preliminary sales figures could potentially increase as the virtual oMiti-Matrade event proves itself as premier global trade platform for halal industry BNM steadfast on value-based finance adoption KUALA LUMPUR: Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) is doubling down on the implementation of value-based finance and is calling for its wider adoption, not only in Islamic finance but across the financial industry. BNM governor Datuk Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour (pic) said it is his firm belief that value-based finance can be a strong catalyst for sustainable growth and development. “By prioritising values in our financial systems, we can elevate the purposefulness of finance and create a more enduring financial system that contributes to the well-being of our planet and its people,” he said in his keynote address at the Kuala Lumpur Islamic Finance Forum 2023 and the launch of myWakaf 2.0 yesterday. The central bank governor acknowledged that it is not an easy feat to progress from the “emerging” phase since the introduction of the Value-based Intermediation (VBI) strategy framework in 2017. █ BYHAYATUN RAZAK [email protected] INSP business matching lasts until Nov 30. The exhibition covered 13 halal segments and the business matching involved companies in all sectors, opening market access for Malaysian companies in some of the largest supermarket chains in the world including Walmart, Aldi, Asda, Marks & Spencer, Guardian, Sainsbury and Woolworths. It also provided access for Malaysian companies to markets where Malaysia does not have strong presence, such as Romania, Poland and Morocco. Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said Malaysia’s Halal Industry Master Plan 2030 targets a contribution of RM266 billion, or 11% of gross domestic product by 2030. To achieve this, he added, they will continue to build on the momentum generated by Mihas 2023, particularly in facilitating market access for halal industry players to major supply chains globally. “The commendable RM3.11 billion sales achievement, which surpassed our target by 24%, proves that Mihas is still the premier global halal platform,” he said, adding that, most importantly, in line with the New Industrial Master Plan 2030’s economic security and inclusivity agenda, platforms like Mihas contribute significantly to the government’s objective of internationalising micro, small and medium enterprises and strengthening Malaysia’s position as the halal hub in Asia. “We are committed to promoting sustainable growth and ensuring that the halal industry continues to thrive in a responsible and environmentally friendly manner,” said Tengku Zafrul. He added that this achievement was also due to the leadership shown by Matrade chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican and CEO Datuk Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz, as well as the tireless effort by everyone at Matrade, including staff at overseas offices. Going forward, he said, as the VBI principles are universal, BNM hopes to see wider adoption of value-based finance beyond the Islamic finance community of institutions to promote an inclusive and sustainable financial ecosystem in Malaysia. “Adopting sustainability principles in financial business is no longer a ‘niche’, but a business imperative, one that is aligned with a global movement that encourages value-driven financial and investment decisions,” he added. He said the UN Conference on Trade and Development and the International Monetary Fund estimate that US$4.3 trillion (RM20 trillion) in global annual investments are needed to make strides in sustainable development goals (SDG). “While this may appear as a staggering figure, this is equivalent to only around 1% of the US$379 trillion of the total financial assets held by banks, institutional investors and asset managers,” said Abdul Rasheed. With this, the space for innovation in Islamic finance is vast, and yet, to this day, the full potential of Islamic finance has not been fully optimised. “We have diverse syariah contracts and instruments which can be tailored to engineer solutions that can serve varying needs of different segments of society. In Islamic finance, we have the ability to ‘blend finance’ using different forms of capital such as philanthropic capital and risk capital, thus expanding its intermediation role beyond credit provisions and risk transfers,” Abdul Rasheed said. He also said that the integration of SDG into Malaysia’s national development plans and monitoring of their implementation, bring together efforts to elevate quality of life, reduce inequalities, promote more inclusive growth and improve the country’s global competitiveness. “The recently announced ‘Ekonomi Madani: Memperkasa Rakyat’ framework crystalises our aspiration and commitment in this endeavour to balance economic growth with sustainable considerations.” On the part of the financial sector, he said new initiatives are under way to accelerate progress towards sustainable development through the introduction of tools for investors to find SDG-aligned investment opportunities in Malaysia and new sustainable finance instruments to raise capital. Participation 28.3 44.1 27.6 100.0 Retail Institutions Foreign Bought RM m 605.5 861.5 671.4 2138.4 Sold RM m 605.6 1023.2 509.6 2138.4 Net RM m -0.1 -161.7 161.8 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) 19/9/2023 Mihas 2023’s focus on elements of sustainability and digitalisation enhanced its value to the global halal community.
12 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | SEPTEMBER 20, 2023 SUNBIZ /theSunMedia FOLLOW ON YOUTUBE SCAN ME Win-win for Malaysia and Taiwan in smart manufacturing KUALA LUMPUR: The cooperation between Malaysia and Taiwan in smart manufacturing will be mutually beneficial and the partnership can be enhanced through technology platforms such as Smart Nation 2023, according to Taiwan Bureau of Foreign Trade director-general Cynthia Kiang. She noted that Malaysia is determined to be a technology hub in Southeast Asia, supported by its Industry 4.0 initiative, which is similar to the Taiwanese government’s efforts to assist its local companies to develop smart manufacturing for years. “The cooperation between Taiwan and Malaysia in smart manufacturing will be a win-win Kiang (front row, fourth from left) at the event. oCooperation mutually beneficial, can be enhanced through technology platforms, says Taiwanese foreign trade bureau chief █ BYGLORIA HARRY BEATTY [email protected] situation on both sides. “We know that the Smart Nation Expo is a very important tech platform for both Taiwanese and Malaysian partnership. It will be showing the 5G smart cities and intelligent emerging technologies. So through these types of cooperation, it will benefit all of us,” she said at the Taiwan Smart Manufacturing Pavillion in the Smart Nation Expo 2023 yesterday. She said the pavillion will showcase product launches by five Taiwanese companies, namely HwaCom System Inc, Axiomtek Co Ltd, Solomon Technology Corp, Asia IC MIC-Process Inc and Hang Quan Technology Co Ltd. An innovative technology and product launch as well as business matching took place at Booth 8119, Level 2, Hall 8, Mitec, yesterday. The event was held under the theme of “Smart Manufacturing Ecosystem” at Smart Nation 2023. Meanwhile, Taiwan Electronic Equipment Industry Association honorary chairman Laurie Wang said Malaysia is an important hub for high-tech industries in Southeast Asia, where many electronics and semiconductor manufacturers are based. “Through this event, we hope to strengthen cooperation on supply chains between Taiwan and Malaysia, to become the ideal strategic partner for each other,” he added. HwaCom System vice-president Steven Chen said the company is looking for local system integrator partners to carry out software installation for its end-users. He added that it has existing customers and distributors in Malaysia. “The Malaysian market is one of the best markets in Southeast Asia because your government is always promoting new technology. We believe that the demand in Malaysia is actually quite strong,” he remarked. HwaCom is a broadband system integrator and supplier of information communication technology, intelligence services, information security as well as multimedia application in Taiwan. Axiomtek technical director Lee Chee Chiang said demand for digital tranformation is increasing, and artificial intelligence (AI) is an emerging key component in technology. “(Our AI product) can be used to optimise (a company’s) process and achieve its goal, in a more datadriven way. That means cutting a lot of cost, manpower, energy and let them stay competitive in their market,” he said, adding that the company is seeking systems integrator partners. Axiomtek is a design and manufacturing company in the industrial computer and embedded field. CelcomDigi, Yinson team up to develop EV, eMobility innovations PETALING JAYA: CelcomDigi Bhd and Yinson Holdings Bhd, a global energy infrastructure and technology company, have sealed a memorandum of understanding for the development of innovative electric vehicle (EV) services and infrastructure for Malaysian consumers, driving EV and green energy adoption in the country. The collaboration enables Yinson to leverage CelcomDigi’s widest, fastest 4G LTE and 5G network to power up the connectivity for chargEV, the nation’s largest charge point operator, as well as for rydeEV and drivEV in the eMobility space. In addition, both companies will work together to explore new, innovative solutions that will allow consumers to stay connected while having easier everyday access to clean, technology-enhanced services including ebikes, electric vehicles, EV charging stations and solar infrastructure integration. CelcomDigi CEO Datuk Idham Nawawi said that via its Innovation Centre, the company continues to strengthen its commitment as the digital enabler for Malaysians, bringing innovation and IoT solutions beyond telecommunication services to connect lives everywhere and enhance Malaysians’ digital lifestyle. “This is a significant milestone in our longstanding partnership with Yinson – the first time in Malaysia that a telecommunication service provider teams up with a global energy infrastructure and technology company to jointly innovate the way we bring EV services to consumers,” he added. He said they will work with Yinson to drive green technology adoption among Malaysian consumers to support the nation’s energy goals as outlined in the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 besides exploring various opportunities, from enabling connected assets to developing a robust and integrated infrastructure ecosystem. Yinson Group CEO Lim Chern Yuan said they will join hands with CelcomDigi to put clean, integrated transportation solutions into the hands of everyday Malaysians, bringing them collectively closer to achieving the nation’s net zero goals. Smart Nation Expo important platform for new digital technologies, solutions: Fadillah KUALA LUMPUR: Smart Nation Expo 2023 serves as an important platform for the introduction of new digital technologies and solutions such as artificial intelligence and Web 4.0, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof. This is because the digital economy has become one of the fastest-growing industries and largest contributors to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), he added. “It currently contributes 22.6% to Malaysia’s GDP and is expected to rise to 25.5% by 2025,” he said at the launch of the three day expo here yesterday. His speech was read out by Deputy Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup, who represented Fadillah at the event. To support the digital transformation agenda, the government has introduced the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint and the 4th New Industrial Master Plan to create high-paying jobs and business opportunities for Malaysians, said Fadillah, who is also Agriculture and Commodity Minister. “With our 5G network rollout on track to achieve its target of 80% coverage in populated areas by year-end, all sectors of the economy, including agriculture, manufacturing, financial services, building, healthcare, transport, security, education, and government services, will be able to accelerate their digital transformation programmes,” he added. Fadillah expressed his confidence that Smart Nation Expo, held concurrently with EVM Asia Expo – an exhibition on electrified vehicles, mobility, manufacturing and auto parts – will be able to foster new partnerships and generate investments in the region. Showcasing 584 exhibitors from 23 countries, the event will feature smart technologies for key sectors of the economy including government, agriculture, manufacturing, transport and emobility, education, healthcare, building, energy, security and communications. – Bernama Enviro, Disrupt-X to tap smart building opportunities in region KUALA LUMPUR: Enviro Group Asia, provider of innovative building environmental solutions, entered into a strategic business collaboration with Disrupt-X, a developer and provider of Internet of Things (IoT) solutions platform, to capitalise on the growing opportunities in the regional markets of IoT and smart building facilities and engineering solutions. The partnership aims to combine the expertise and resources of both companies to accelerate the adoption of cutting-edge smart building technologies in the Asia-Pacific region. By leveraging Disrupt-X’s advanced IoT platform solutions and Enviro Group Asia’s experience in environmental engineering initiatives, the collaboration sought to create sustainable and energyefficient building solutions that aligned with the region’s escalating government efforts towards reducing energy consumption. Enviro Group Asia CEO Nitesh Malani said the collaboration enables them to collectively address the pressing challenges of energy consumption and foster greener, smarter cities. Disrupt-X CEO Asim Sajwani said that in today’s ever-evolving digital era, smart building solutions are no longer an option, but a necessity. B R I E F SBURSA MALAYSIA IN ESG PACT WITH INDONESIAN AND THAI EXCHANGES KUALA LUMPUR: Bursa Malaysia Bhd has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) and the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) to explore the establishment of an inter-regional environmental, social and governance-linked ecosystem that drives business value creation while fostering sustainable development across Asean. Bursa Malaysia, IDX and SET aim to collaboratively spur the adoption of good ESG practices and drive responsible growth in their respective markets, while offering cross-border opportunities related to ESG investments across the three markets. BANK NEGARA, JAPAN’S CENTRAL BANK RENEW CURRENCY SWAP PACT PETALING JAYA: Malaysia and Japan have renewed the Bilateral Swap Arrangement (BSA) effective Monday. The Bank of Japan (BOJ), acting as agent for the Minister of Finance of Japan, and Bank Negara Malaysia, renewed the BSA of up to US$3 billion (RM14 billion). The signed amendment and restatement agreement follows the BSA signed in 2020. The BSA will deepen financial cooperation between the two countries and enhance regional financial stability. The bilateral agreement allows both central banks to exchange their local currencies for US dollars, with Malaysia also having the option to exchange ringgit for yen.
13 SUNBIZ theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | SEPTEMBER 20, 2023 EdgePoint, MyNews to boost Malaysians’ digital experiences KUALA LUMPUR: EdgePoint Infrastructure – an Asean-based independent telecommunications infrastructure company via EdgePoint Towers Sdn Bhd partners with myNEWS Holdings Bhd – the holding company of myNEWS, the retail store chain and CU, the South Korean convenience store brand – to increase connectivity towards creating a seamless digital retail experience for customers across myNEWS and CU outlets throughout Malaysia. This collaboration will see the deployment of next generation telecommunications solutions aimed at enhancing capacity and coverage across myNEWS and CU outlets in the Peninsular. Customers will be able to enjoy seamless, efficient extended coverage and enhanced 4G/5G network capacity when conducting payments using eWallets, debit cards, and other cashless payment methods. EdgePoint Towers Sdn Bhd CEO Muniff Kamaruddin said the strategic partnerships such as these are key to them as it allows them to provide a wider access to connectivity throughout the country. “This initiative is one of the many steps we are undertaking to support our vision of providing a wider access to connectivity across all segments of the population. We understand the importance of connectivity when living in a cashless society which has become more prominent now among Malaysians, and are committed to working with likeminded, strategic partners towards unlocking the full potential of telecommunications through innovative solutions,” he added. myNEWS Holdings Bhd group CEO Dang Tai Luk said, “This collaboration with EdgePoint aligns perfectly with myNEWS’ purpose to provide exceptional service and convenience to our customers. We have noticed the increase in preference to go cashless and use digital payment methods among our customers, which makes seamless connectivity within our outlets key for our customers.” He added many of their customers also perform mobile reloads and uploads at their outlets, and they want to be able to provide them with an enhanced digital experience throughout. “That’s why it was essential for us to partner with the right infrastructure company, and EdgePoint checked all the boxes in terms of quality service and top-notch technology. By enhancing connectivity across our myNEWS and CU outlets all over Malaysia, we are able to improve our customers’ experience, right from the time they enter any of our outlets to the payment and exit point,” said Dang. Mercury notches 20% premium in debut on ACE Market KUALA LUMPUR: Mercury Securities Group Bhd (Mercury) had a commendable introduction on its maiden trading day on the Ace Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Bhd yesterday. The stockbroking firm had debuted at RM0.27 per share at the opening bell and closed at RM0.30, for a 20% premium over its initial public offering (IPO) price of RM0.25. Mercury was also the third most actively traded stock on the local bourse with 219.99 million shares changing hands. Mercury is an investment holding company and through its wholly owned subsidiary Mercury Securities Sdn Bhd is principally involved in the provision of stockbroking, corporate finance advisory services and other related businesses such as margin financing facilities services, underwriting and placement services, as well as the provision of nominee and custodian services. Mercury raised a total of RM39.27 million through the IPO and RM26.86 million of the proceeds will be allocated for margin financing facility services, RM2.88 million for the enhancement of digitalisation programme and marketing activities for the stockbroking business and operations, RM4.63 million for working capital purposes while the remaining RM4.9 million is for listing expenses. At the closing bell at 5pm yesterday, Mercury’s market capitalisation was RM267.9 million, based on the closing price of RM0.30 and its enlarged issued share capital of 893 million shares. KPJ Healthcare: Sale of Indonesian hospital to Columbia Asia concluded KUALA LUMPUR: KPJ Healthcare Bhd has concluded the sale of its hospital operation Rumah Sakit Medika Bumi Serpong Damai (RSMBSD) in Indonesia to Columbia Asia Group, with total cash proceeds of RM156.7 million. KPJ Healthcare in a statement said the deal includes the disposal consideration and the repayment of the shareholder’s loan. KPJ Healthcare president and managing director Chin Keat Chyuan said the divestment of KPJ’s Indonesian hospitals is a strategic move, which will allow the group to focus on its core businesses within the domestic market. “We are confident that this divestment will strengthen our position as a leading healthcare provider in Malaysia and enable us to continuously deliver sustainable value to our stakeholders. “The funds raised from the disposal allow us to optimise operational excellence while advancing care and clinical delivery of our hospital business. As we look ahead, we are fueled by enthusiasm for our growth prospects – both on home soil and eventually in emerging markets,” he said. Earlier this year, the group divested its other Indonesian hospital operation Rumah Sakit Medika Permata Hijau to the Indonesian hospital group Eka Hospital. On March 1, KPJ Healthcare announced its plans to divest RSMBSD as part of its asset rationalisation. The completion of the sale of RSMBSD marks KPJ Healthcare’s complete exit from the Indonesian market. – Bernama GoImpact CEO one of five faculties for directors’ sustainability training KUALA LUMPUR: ESG and sustainability education firm GoImpact announced that its CEO and co-founder Helene Li was appointed as one of five faculties for the newly launched Mandatory Accreditation Programme Part II: Leading for Impact (LIP) for all board directors of publicly listed companies on Bursa Malaysia. The programme is an initiative of the Securities Commission mandated by Bursa Malaysia and organised by Institute of Corporate Directors Malaysia (ICDM). LIP is an initiative under the Securities Commission’s Corporate Governance Strategic Priorities 2021-2023. The programme aims to equip directors with the foundational knowledge and practices needed to address sustainability matters effectively and exercise better oversight over their companies’ material sustainability concerns. ICDM president & CEO Michele Kythe Lim explained that the LIP has been curated to focus on the baseline knowledge and key considerations surrounding sustainability including questions which boards should direct towards management to ensure a more robust and effective oversight of sustainability risks and opportunities of the company. Malaysia’s trade balance remains positive in August PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia’s trade performance in August 2023 contracted by 19.8% or RM52.7 billion to RM213 billion as compared to RM265.8 billion in August 2022. Consistent with the reduction in total trade, exports registered a decrease of 18.6% to RM115.2 billion and imports declined by RM26.4 billion or 21.2% to RM97.9 billion, year-on-year (y-o-y). Meanwhile, the trade surplus continued to expand, rising by 0.1% to RM17.3 billion in August 2023 as reported yesterday in Malaysia External Trade Statistics Bulletin, August 2023. Chief Statistician Malaysia, Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said, “Malaysia’s exports in August 2023 decreased by RM26.4 billion from RM141.5 billion, reflecting a decrease in both re-exports and domestic exports. Reexports amounted to RM23.2 billion, shrank by 33.5% as compared to August 2022.” He added domestic exports worth RM92 billion, contributing 79.9% to total exports, contracted by 13.8% while imports fell by 21.2% from RM124.2 billion in August 2022 to RM97.9 billion. Meanwhile, he said, Malaysia’s trade surplus in August 2023 widened by RM21.1 million (0.1%) to RM17.3 billion as compared to the same month last year. “This was the 40th consecutive month of trade surplus since May 2020. Exports, imports, total trade and trade surplus contracted 1.4%, 1.6%, 1.5% and 0.3%, respectively in comparison to July 2023,” said Mohd Uzir. From the perspective of the commodity group, 144 out of 255 export groups and 172 out of 258 import groups showed a decrease as compared to the same month of the previous year. Mohd Uzir attributed slower exports to the decline mainly to Singapore (-RM4 billion), followed by China (-RM3.7 billion), Hong Kong (-RM3.2 billion), Indonesia (-RM2.7 billion), Japan (-RM1.8 billion), the US (-RM1.5 billion), Taiwan (-RM1.5 billion), Thailand (- RM1.3 billion), Myanmar (-RM1.2 billion) and South Africa (-RM1 billion). Meanwhile, the decrease in imports was mainly contributed from Taiwan (-RM4.8 oDespite decreases in exports and imports, surplus continues to expand billion), followed by China (-RM4.4 billion), Japan (-RM2.6 billion), the US (-RM2.4 billion), Saudi Arabia (-RM2.0 billion), Korea (-RM1.8 billion), Indonesia (-RM1.7 billion) and the United Arab Emirates (-RM1 billion). Commenting further on exports, Mohd Uzir said the fall was in line with the drop in electrical & electronic products (-RM7.8 billion); petroleum products (-RM7.8 billion); palm oil & palm oil-based agricultural products (-RM2.6 billion); liquefied natural gas (-RM1.6 billion); other manufactures (- RM1.6 billion); palm oil-based manufactured products (-RM841 million); crude petroleum (-RM751.6 million) and chemical & chemical products (-RM669.4 million). The contraction in imports, he added was logged for petroleum products (-RM9.9 billion); electrical & electronic products (-RM5.1 billion); crude petroleum (-RM2.2 billion); chemical & chemical products (-RM2.1 billion); other manufactures (-RM1.4 billion); liquefied natural gas (-RM1.2 billion) and coal, coke & briquettes (-RM938.3 million).
14 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | SEPTEMBER 20, 2023 SUNBIZ BEIJING: China and the European Union (EU) held talks on topics including artificial intelligence (AI) and cross-border data flows on Monday in Beijing, amid disputes over an EU probe into China’s electric vehicle (EV) subsidies. The talks were part of an EUChina High-level Digital Dialogue co-chaired by China’s Vice-Premier Zhang Guoqing and the European Commission Vice-President for values and transparency Vera Jourova, the European Commission said in a statement. The meeting comes as tensions between China and the EU are heightened after the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced an investigation into whether to impose punitive tariffs on Chinese EVs to protect EU producers. Beijing criticised the probe as a “protectionist act” and warned it would damage economic relations. The talks on Monday covered key issues including platforms and data regulation, AI, and cross-border flow of industrial data, China and the EU said. The European Commission has conveyed concerns about “difficulties faced by EU companies in China to make use of their industrial data, as a result of the application of recent legislation.” The statement did not elaborate on which legislation it was referring to. China expanded its counterespionage law in July, with wideranging updates including banning the transfer of any information related to national security and broadening the definition of spying. Zhang told the meeting that China welcomes companies from all over the world including Europe, to share the development opportunities of its digital economy and achieve win-win results, the official Xinhua news agency reported. Both sides agreed to promote an open, fair and non-discriminatory environment for the development of the digital economy, Xinhua said. The two parties also discussed other topics including research and innovation, information and communication tech, and safety of products sold online. – Reuters B R I E F SSUNAC AND COUNTRY GARDEN DEBT DEALS BRING RELIEF TO SECTOR HONG KONG: Chinese developers Sunac and Country Garden brought some relief to the crisishit property sector by forging debt deals with creditors, but the outlook remained clouded by uncertainty about a recovery in home sales. Shares in Sunac China Holdings surged as much as 14% in early trade yesterday after creditors approved its US$9 billion (RM42 billion) offshore debt restructuring plan, the first green light of such a debt overhaul by a major Chinese developer. Separately, cashstarved Country Garden won approval from creditors to extend repayment on another onshore bond, the last in the batch of eight bonds it has been seeking extensions for, two sources familiar with the matter said yesterday. – Reuters THAILAND LAUNCHES PROBE INTO CHINESE ROLLED STEEL IMPORTS BANGKOK: Thailand launched an investigation into imports of Chinese rolled steel for evading anti-dumping measures, the commerce ministry said in a statement. The probe includes hot-rolled steel sheets in coils and non-coils from 17 manufacturers in China, according to the statement published on Sept 15. “There is sufficient evidence that there is avoidance of antidumping duties and so an investigation is warranted,“ the statement announced. The announcement comes after four Thai steel makers lodged a complaint with Thailand’s Foreign Trade Department. – Reuters UKRAINE FILES WTO COMPLAINT OVER FOOD BAN GENEVA: The World Trade Organization (WTO) confirmed yesterday that Ukraine had taken the first step in a trade dispute by filing a complaint to the global trade body over bans on food imports from Ukraine. “We can confirm that a request for consultations was received Monday evening. Further information will be provided once the request has been circulated to our members,“ a WTO spokesman said in an emailed response to a Reuters request for comment. – Reuters VIETNAM COURTS US FIRMS, SEEKS FUNDING IN CHIP SECTOR HANOI: Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has visited the headquarters of Nvidia and Synopsys, encouraging them and other US tech firms to invest further in the Southeast Asian country’s semiconductor industry. “Vietnam is willing to open its doors to all investors to invest and do business there,“ a government statement quoted Chinh as telling a technology business forum in San Francisco during his visit to the US. The statement quoted Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang as telling Chinh that “Nvidia wants to cooperate with Vietnam in semiconductor, information technology and artificial intelligence.” Synopsys, which has plans to build chip design centres in Vietnam, on Monday signed MoU with Vietnam’s information ministry and with the investment ministry. – Reuters Optimism among US businesses in China sags SHANGHAI: Political tensions and a slowing economy are sapping the confidence of US businesses operating in China, with the number of companies optimistic about their fiveyear outlook falling to a record low, a survey published yesterday showed. Even after the ending of Covid curbs, which weighed heavily on revenues and sentiment in 2022, the percentage of surveyed US firms optimistic about the five-year China business outlook fell to 52%, according to the annual survey published by the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Shanghai. This was the lowest level of optimism reported since the AmCham Shanghai Annual China Business Report was first introduced in 1999. “Frankly, if there was one thing that surprised me about the survey this year it was that number,” said AmCham Shanghai chairman, Sean Stein. “By the time we did this year’s survey a lot of the illusions had fallen away that we would see a sustained rebound in economic growth (post-Covid).” Tensions between major world powers remained a concern for many companies, with US-China tensions cited as a top business challenge by 60% of the survey’s 325 respondents, equal to the number who pointed to China’s economic slowdown as a significant challenge. Unease about the transparency of China’s regulatory environment also rose, with one third reporting that oSurvey shows political tensions, sluggish growth of world’s second largest economy sapping confidence policies and regulations towards foreign firms had worsened in the past year, although many respondents pointed to US government policy rather than China’s when asked about pressure to decouple. The European Union Chamber of Commerce’s European Business in China position paper, released later yesterday, outlined how European firms are already struggling with competing requests from Chinese and Western customers to produce goods containing no Chinese or USmade components or software. Companies have been at the centre of deteriorating relations between the two countries for several years. China has criticised US efforts to block China’s access to advanced technology and US firms have expressed concern about fines, raids and other actions that make doing business in China risky. Last month, US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said during a visit to China that US companies have complained to her that China Taiwanese giant Foxconn interest in India grows NEW DELHI: Foxconn has rapidly expanded its presence in India by investing in locations in the south of the country for its manufacturing facilities. Foxconn, the leading contract manufacturer of electronics, already has an iPhone factory in Tamil Nadu, which employs 40,000 people. Here are some of the areas where the company has invested, according to announcements and sources familiar with its plans. Apple assembly Foxconn plans to make casing components for iPhones at a new Karnataka facility with US$350 million (RM1.6 billion) in investment that will generate 12,000 jobs. It also won an order to make AirPods for Apple and plans to build a factory in India to produce the wireless earphones, two people with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters in March. Chip-making tools Foxconn said today it will tie up with Applied Materials for a US$250 million project to make chipmaking tools in Karnataka, creating jobs for around 1,000 people. Mobile components Foxconn has signed a deal on Monday with southern state of Tamil Nadu to invest 16 billion rupees (RM909 million) in a new electronic components production facility that will create 6,000 jobs. Chip-making Foxconn is in talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s home state Gujarat over a semiconductor plant, a top government official told Reuters last month, days after the Taiwanese giant broke off a US$19.5 billion jointventure plan with India’s Vedanta. Electric vehicle Foxconn’s venture to attempt to build a standardised electric vehicle platform is targeting India or Thailand for the production of a small battery-powered car under development, the unit’s CEO told Reuters. has become “uninvestible”. Rising political and trade tensions were also cited as the top risk to China’s future economic growth in the AmCham report, with improved USChina relations the number one factor respondents said would improve their industry’s prospects in China. Stein said that the survey had been conducted prior to Raimondo’s visit and, since then, he believed companies had begun to reconsider whether they had been “too pessimistic that there wasn’t any way to get out of a constant downward slide (in US-China relations)”. A larger percentage of firms – 40%, up from 34% last year – are currently redirecting or looking to redirect investment that had been earmarked for China, mainly to Southeast Asia. This echoed a report published by Rhodium Group last week, which said that India, Mexico, Vietnam and Malaysia were receiving the vast majority of investment US and European firms were shifting away from China. – Reuters China welcomes companies from all over the world including Europe, to share the development opportunities of its digital economy and achieve winwin results. – AFPPIX Beijing, Brussels hold talks on AI, cross-border data flow
2 0 S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 3 W E D N E S D A Y High School Musical still rocking Hercule Poirot’s latest adventure Brown-shaded lipstick is getting noticed page 20 page 17 page 16 In the eye of the beholder Miss Grand Malaysia 2023 graces page 19
16 ENTERTAINMENT theSun LYFE ON WEDNESDAY | SEPTEMBER 20, 2023 THE friendship between Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds isn’t just a show for the public; it’s genuine. During an interview at the Toronto International Film Festival, director Shawn Levy, who is helming Deadpool 3, confirmed the authenticity of their close bond. Levy, 55, emphatically stated, “It’s f---ing real,” playfully adding, “The guys love each other almost as much as Ryan Reynolds and I love each other. Because that bromance is a tale for all time.” Notably, Levy had previously collaborated with Reynolds, 46, on Free Guy (2021) and The Adam Project (2022), with Reynolds announcing a sequel for Free Guy after its successful debut. In the realm of Marvel, Reynolds and Jackman, 54, are gearing up to reprise their iconic roles as Deadpool and Wolverine, respectively, in Deadpool 3. The film commenced production in London in May. Deadpool 3 is expected to be the character’s grand entrance into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, marking the first time that Reynolds and Jackman have teamed up for a Marvel movie since Reynolds portrayed a different version of Deadpool in 2009’s X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Reynolds and Jackman initially revealed Wolverine’s involvement in the upcoming Deadpool movie in September 2022 through a video shared on social media. They assured fans that this wouldn’t disrupt the character’s previous storyline, which concluded with Logan’s death in the acclaimed film Logan. “Logan takes place in 2029 – a totally separate thing,” clarified Reynolds in a video statement. “Logan died in Logan. Not touching that.” Both actors have openly expressed their admiration for each other, with Reynolds sharing that Jackman provided valuable advice for his singing and dancing scenes in the holiday comedy Spirited. Jackman, known for his musical talents on both stage and screen, advised Reynolds to relish the experience because that enjoyment would translate to the audience’s enjoyment. Jackman himself shared his excitement about working with Reynolds in Deadpool 3, anticipating plenty of on-screen clashes between their characters. In Jackman’s words, “All jokes aside, I’ll probably have more fun on this movie than any other I’ve ever done.” Deadpool 3 is currently scheduled to hit theatres on May 3, 2024, promising to deliver a delightful dose of the ReynoldsJackman dynamic to Marvel fans. – BY YASMIN ZULRAEZ High School Musical lives on UNDOUBTEDLY, High School Musical continues to defy time’s grasp, as former East High Wildcats, including Vanessa Hudgens (Gabriella Montez), Monique Coleman (Taylor McKessie) and Olesya Rulin (Kelsi Nielsen), recently came together for a special event. This event was hosted by Hudgens’ Caliwater beverage brand, which launched its latest pineapple flavour at the Georgian hotel in Santa Monica, California. The trio captured the moment with a heartwarming selfie and another alongside Hudgens’ mother, Gina. Hudgens, 34, took to social media to express her excitement, sharing, “Such an incredible launch for pineapple @caliwater with my bestie and partner @olivertrevena.” She also thanked the Georgian hotel and all her supportive friends who attended the event. Coleman, 42, showered Hudgens’ post with yellow heart emojis and shared her own photos from the gathering, quoting lyrics from We’re All in This Together to reminisce about their time together. Coleman continued to praise the occasion, highlighting the growth of their friendship and the deliciousness of the new pineapple flavour. Hudgens reciprocated the love with a heartfelt response. These talented individuals, Hudgens, Coleman and Rulin, once starred in the 2006 Disney Channel Original Movie High School Musical, which skyrocketed to fame. The movie’s success led to two sequels: a concert tour and a Disney+ spinoff series. The cast’s bond remained strong over the years, evident from their participation in the 2020 ABC special, The Disney Family Singalong. Notably, Coleman reunited with her High School Musical co-star Corbin Bleu in the 2021 Lifetime holiday movie, A Christmas Dance Reunion. Hudgens and Zac Efron, who played Troy Bolton, visited the real-life school where the films were shot, showcasing the enduring impact of the franchise, even after 17 years since its debut. “The fact is, children are still watching it. Children are still being introduced to it”, Hudgens acknowledged, emphasising the franchise’s everlasting legacy. Trends on platforms like TikTok prove that High School Musical continues to captivate new generations, thanks to its dedicated fan base. – BY YASMIN ZULRAEZ Marvel’s favourite bromance The former High School Musical costars. – INSTAGRAM AQUAMAN and the Lost Kingdom may look like typical superhero fare, but director James Wan is going for an entirely different vibe beneath its watery costumed appearance. In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly (EW), Wan explained that the film was pitched as a sort of “bromance” action-adventure film with Jason Momoa’s Arthur Curry and Patrick Wilson’s Orm. “The first Aquaman was Arthur and Mera’s journey. The second movie was always going to be Arthur and Orm,” he revealed, attempting to clear the air over rumours that Lost Kingdom would be centred on Arthur and Amber Heard’s Mera. EW’s lengthy article with Wan also provided a synopsis for the film’s plot, which was shrouded in secrecy due to the film’s production, which saw multiple delays, along with the highly publicised, controversial court case involving Heard and Johnny Depp. In Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, Arthur forms a reluctant partnership with his half-brother Orm after Black Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) obtains the Black Trident, an ancient relic that powers up the supervillain and gives him control over an ancient evil. Wan also attempted to clear the air over the rumours that the film’s production had filmed two different versions of footage of Ben Affleck and Michael Keaton in their respective roles as Batman. “The tricky thing early on was not knowing whether Aquaman would come out first or after The Flash. So, we just had to be prepared. At the end of the day, the best thing I would say about this movie is that it is not connected in any way to any of those films,” Wan said, despite Momoa’s Aquaman and Affleck and Keaton’s Batman all appearing in The Flash. The second film also has elements that could be expanded in a third film. “If and when there is a third one, that’s what it should be; it should be growing these characters, because I think we have set up certain things in a good place in the second movie that you can definitely draw upon in a third,” he told EW. However, a third Aquaman film is not what Wan has in mind at the moment. “This film has taken up so much of my life and so much of my time. All I can think about now is taking a long break” Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom will be released in theatres on Dec 20. An unexpected pairing oJames Wan spills the beans on Aquaman 2 Momoa’s Arthur in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom forms a ‘reluctant partnership’ with Wilson’s Orm. █ BY MARK MATHEN VICTOR From left: Jackman, Levy and Reynolds. – PEOPLE
17 FASHION & BEAUTY theSun LYFE ON WEDNESDAY | SEPTEMBER 20, 2023 Subtlely, simplicity in new collection THE latest Uniqlo collaboration with acclaimed British designer Claire Waight-Keller (the designer behind Meghan Markle’s Royal bridal dress) for a ready-to-wear collection for fall and winter 2023 was recently revealed. The new collection, named Uniqlo: C, comprises fluid designs with a range of colours and modern silhouettes that bring a fresh new vision to Uniqlo Lifewear, which will be unveiled to customers on Sept 15. Uniqlo: C reflects many elements like curiosity, conversation, city, clarity, connection, creativity, and, apart from being the designer’s name, Claire’s first letter. “I am honoured to have been asked to create a new label for Uniqlo. I have long appreciated its LifeWear design philosophy of technical innovation, functional philosophy and functional authenticity,” according to Claire. “I have always admired the Japanese aesthetic of subtlety, simplicity and detailed perfection, so to be able to work with the Uniqlo team to craft a new sensibility for my womenswear collection on such a global scale is a truly exciting opportunity,” added Claire. Claire, creative director for luxury brands in London and Paris and the first female artistic director at Givenchy, not only made the bridal dress for Markle: she also designs haute couture, menswear, womenswear and accessories. Claire was named Womenswear Designer of the Year at the British Fashion Designer Awards in 2018 and listed among the 100 most influential people of 2019 in TIME magazine’s TIME 100 Awards. Uniqlo gave a sneak peek to the media by holding a media preview of the collection at its office at First Avenue on Sept 11. Media members Claire’s trenchcoats are elegant and comfortable, made for every wardrobe. – PICS BY ADIB RAWI/THESUN oUniqlo colloborates with famous designer Claire Waight-Keller ▪ BY S. TAMARAI CHELVI Fashion influencer Ariel Chin posing with bags in different colours. Assorted accessories. 90s brown lipstick makes a comeback WHILE fashion continues its obsession with the 2000s, it’s the 1990s that currently seem to be of interest to beauty fans. A case in point is the return of brown lipstick, which is proving a hit on social networks and at New York Fashion Week, reviving yet another ‘90s trend that some people might have been only too happy to forget. Down, but not out. After being shunned during the Covid-19 pandemic, lipstick has managed to make its way back into people’s makeup kits, even daring to get a little bit wild during the summer season. But now the focus is on fall and its warm, rich colours, with the return of a trend straight out of the 1990s. And it’s one that no one saw (or wanted to see) coming: brown lipstick. A no-no for some, a happy memory for others... in any case, the shade is winning over the younger generation on social networks, as is often the case, but also at New York Fashion Week. More than 100 million views For several weeks, and especially as fall approaches, brown lipstick has been spreading at speed on social Brown lipstick is making a comeback, both at Fashion Week and on social networks. – ETX STUDIO The incomparable Janet Jackson in shades of brown for her makeup and outfit at NYFW. – INSTAGRAM networks, to the point where the hashtags #brownlips and #brownlipstick have reached over 90 million and nearly 85 million views, respectively,on TikTok. The result is a host of tutorials celebrating this key trend of the 1990s, reminiscent of Rachel Green’s iconic beauty looks in the hit show Friends. By turns matte, glossy, dark, light, sophisticated or natural, warm or icy, brown lipstick can be worn in almost any way. Users all seem to agree on two points: the need to use a pencil to define the lip line and enhance the colour, and the need to keep the face and eyes simple to avoid makeup overload. But social media users aren’t the only ones to have embraced this throwback trend. The celebrities present at New York Fashion Week also seem to have jumped on the brown lipstick look. Avril Lavigne, Julia Fox, Paloma Elsesser, Emily Ratajkowski and Elsa Hosk all flaunted the colour on the fringes of the spring-summer 2024 shows held in the Big Apple, while many designers swapped red and pink for brown hues on the catwalks. This was the case at Sergio Hudson and PriscaVera, among others. and social media influencers had the chance to try out the simple yet sophisticated collection. The collection comprises 25 items and nine accessories. Most of the pieces range from knitwear, cardigans and elegant trenchcoats, all arranged from light to dark colours, from pastel yellow to peach, blue, brown, grey and black. Claire’s trenchcoats were loved by most visitors for their range of colours, material, comfort and elegant style. The classic trench coat was redefined in a four-season gabardine twill. Aside from outerwear for the cold climate, Claire created casual wear like the lovely floral-printed dresses, skirts and pants. The pieces can be layered differently to suit one’s personality and preferred style. In the collection, there are also boots, shoes, handbags in different shades, hats and much more. The price of outerwear, skirts and pants, shirts, knits, dresses with floral prints, shoes and bags ranges from RM149.90 to RM499.90, while the price of accessories starts from RM39.90 to RM149.90. Cherry Cola or Brownie Glazed? In recent months, all signs have been pointing to the return of brown lipstick. It started back in 2022 with “brownie-glazed lips,” which brought controversy for Hailey Bieber, the star who helped popularise the look. More recently, the “Cherry Cola lips” trend celebrates a brown shade reminiscent of the famous soda, albeit with a cherry red tint. Then there’s “espresso makeup,” which gives pride of place to warm, deep brown shades. All these signals pointed to the possible return of this flagship trend of the 1990s. And although the comeback is still in its infancy, brown lipstick could shape up to become one of the major inspirations of fall 2023. – ETX STUDIO
18 LIFESTYLE theSun LYFE ON WEDNESDAY | SEPTEMBER 20, 2023 READ OUR HERE /thesundaily SCAN ME Lace up and light up the night oIn collaboration with JomRun, Puma announces upcoming ‘Puma Nitro Night Run’ THE renowned sports brand Puma has unveiled the Puma Nitro Night Run, scheduled for Nov 4 at Dataran Putrajaya. In collaboration with JomRun, this thrilling event offers an evening filled with energy, entertainment and endurance. This night run marks the return of the event after a hiatus of several years, with the last occurrence dating back to 2017. Runners have the option to choose from two race distances: 5km or the more demanding 10km challenge. Both races feature a tiered pricing structure, ensuring that those who register early enjoy the best available rates. The Puma Nitro Night Run offers more than just a calorie-burning experience. After completing the race, participants will be treated to vibrant and energetic stage performances, creating a memorable conclusion to their evening. “At Puma, we’re not just about sportswear, we are about encouraging vibrant, active lifestyles. Our collaboration with JomRun to bring the ‘Puma Nitro Night Run’ back again this year echoes our commitment to helping Malaysians embrace health and fun simultaneously. It’s not just a race; it’s an experience – a fusion of athletic spirit and leisurely celebration”, said Puma Malaysia’s country manager, Steven Tan. The Puma Nitro Night Run offers different pricing tiers for its 5km and 10km runs. For the 5km run, the super early bird registration (limited to the first 200 participants) is priced at RM75, followed by the early bird rate (available for the next 500 participants) at RM95 and the normal rate (until sold out) at RM115. For the 10km run, the super early bird registration (limited to the first 200 participants) is priced at RM95, followed by the early bird rate █ BYHAZIQUE ZAIRILL Fourtwnty takes Nalar on tour FOLLOWING the success of its performances in Malaysia in both 2019 and 2022, the Indonesian folk-pop band Fourtwnty is once again returning to continue its tour for its third album, Nalar. This time around, the band will perform in multiple cities across the country, including Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Bahru and Pahang. The band, comprising Ari Lesmana, Asep Nurohman, Andika Dwi Putra Arman, Primanda Ridho and Ryan Maulana, will treat its fans in Malaysia to a selection of songs from its latest album, Nalar. Nalar stands as their third album, comprising 10 tracks that explore themes related to personal struggles, often leading to mental health challenges. Frontman Ari emphasised that Fourtwnty’s intention with Nalar goes beyond mere auditory or visual experiences through mediums like TV or smartphones. The band aim to personally introduce the album to its audience. “It’s an extraordinary opportunity for Fourtwnty to embark on a series of tours in several cities in Malaysia,” Ari expressed. “We can hardly believe that our dreams are becoming a reality with our third album, Nalar, especially after having performed only a few shows in KL previously.” He added, “We eagerly anticipate our upcoming meetings and can’t wait to celebrate Nalar together with you all.” Ari also characterised its third album as a source of solace for its fans, who may be going through challenging times. The band had previously gained widespread recognition with some of its hit songs, including Zona Nyaman, Aku Tenang, Fana Merah Jambu and Hitam Putih. Its most recent performance in Malaysia was at Nusafest 2023, which took place in July of this year at Bandar Malaysia, Sungai Besi. The Indonesian band will be performing in Singapore’s Capitol Theatre on Oct 7 before kicking off their Malaysia tour in Pahang at the Sukpa Indoor Stadium, Kuantan on Oct 13, followed by a performance at the Persada Johor International Convention Centre in Johor Bahru on Oct 15. The tour then proceeds to Penang, where the band will take the stage at the Vervea Trade and Exhibition Centre (VTEC) in Batu Kawan on Oct 20 and a final show at Zepp KL on Oct 22. Tickets for Fourtwnty’s Nalar Tour are now on sale, with prices ranging from RM125 to RM500. Visit myticket.asia for more information. Stolen Van Gogh returned ‘damaged but restorable’ THE precious Vincent Van Gogh painting stolen and sensationally returned to a Dutch art sleuth in an Ikea bag has been scratched but should be reparable, its museum director told AFP last week. Thieves snatched the Van Gogh masterpiece “Parsonage Garden at Nuenen in Spring” in the middle of the night in 2020 while the painting was on loan to a museum near Amsterdam from its home at the Groninger Museum in the northern Netherlands. The painting, worth up to US$6.45 million (RM30 million), was then returned last week to Arthur Brand, known as the “Indiana Jones” of the art world for his work in researching and recovering stolen artworks. Brand took possession of the painting bound in bubble wrap, a pillowcase and stuffed in a blue Ikea bag, but the work still appears to have sustained some damage. “It is scratched, so it’s not in a perfect state, but it’s restorable,” Groninger Museum director Andreas Bluhm told AFP in an interview. “When it’s there in the IKEA bag, of course it was hot, so this is not ideal. It had already suffered for three and a half years”, he said, adding, “But then bringing it in that same bag is quite safe because it’s the least conspicuous way of moving it. Nobody would suspect anything.” The painting is now at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, where it is being examined, he said, adding that it could be some time before the work is available to the public. “Even the restorer cannot tell you how long it will take. Probably months rather than weeks,” he said. What offers some hope for a successful restoration is that Van Gogh painted the work on paper glued to a thick wooden panel rather than on canvas, so scratches should be superficial. Bluhm said the time between the robbery and the recovery had been a rollercoaster of emotions. The piece had never before left his museum, so its theft came as a hammer blow. “The painting is part of our museum’s identity and our collective collection. So that hurt even more,” he said. Then came news last week of a possible return, giving him sleepless nights. “They said, ‘Please come to Amsterdam to identify the painting’. I said, ‘OK, but I’ll believe it when I see it’.” “You constantly keep on thinking about it, but at the same time, you don’t want to hope too much because it could still fail,” he said. When the painting was finally identified, he went straight to the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam to give them an almighty surprise. “They did not even know I was coming. I called and said, ‘I’m coming: are you there? Can you open the door and let me in? I have something for you’.” – AFP Brand, known as the “Indiana Jones” of the art world holds the stolen and returned Van Gogh painting. – AFP Official tour poster. – SHIRAZ PROJECTS █ BYHAZIQUE ZAIRILL (available for the next 500 participants) at RM115 and the normal rate (until sold out) at RM135. Regardless of the chosen distance, all participants in the Puma Nitro Night Run will receive exclusive memorabilia from Puma and a memorable experience. 5km participants will receive an all exclusive Puma Nitro Run tee, a finisher’s medal, an E-certificate and a Puma drawstring bag. On the other hand, 10km participants will enjoy the same benefits along with a timing chip to push their limits. The name of this nighttime run was inspired by Puma’s renowned Nitro series of running shoes. Recognised for its exceptional cushioning and cutting-edge technology, the Puma Nitro shoe series empowers every runner to surpass their limits by delivering peak performance. The Puma Nitro Night Run registration is now open. Reserve your spot for a night of fun, fitness and fantastic memories. For more information and to register, go to jomrun.com/event/PUMA-NightRun-Powered-By-JomRun. Run under the stars at Puma’s Nitro Night Run 2023. – JOMRUN
20 ENTERTAINMENT theSun LYFE ON WEDNESDAY | SEPTEMBER 20, 2023 /thesundaily FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK SCAN ME Nostalgic cinematic gem THE latest A Haunting in Venice undoubtedly emerges as the crowning achievement in Kenneth Branagh’s series of Hercule Poirot adaptations. Within his illustrious filmography, I could say this film undoubtedly ranks as one of his most outstanding creations. This cinematic gem marks the third installment in which Branagh takes on the dual roles of director and star, bringing Poirot’s investigative prowess back to the screen. Having previously ventured into Poirot’s world with Murder on the Orient Express and Death on the Nile, this third chapter presents a new and intriguing challenge. Certainly, the credit for this achievement is largely attributed to the remarkable collaboration between Branagh and screenwriter Michael Green, who approached Agatha Christie’s 1969 novel Hallowe’en Party with the utmost respect and admiration. They skillfully seized the opportunity to create a film that not only exudes exceptional intelligence but also boasts a visually opulent aesthetic reminiscent of classic cinema. Incorporating cutting-edge technology to improve the film’s quality and presentation, they create a nostalgic and innovative cinematic experience. Despite that, they are still able to remain faithful to the essence of Christie’s original source material while delivering a truly immersive and captivating cinematic journey for audiences. The exceptional role of Poirot In A Haunting in Venice, Branagh’s portrayal of Poirot Branagh as criminal investigator Hercule Poirot. – PICS BY 20TH CENTURY STUDIOS oKenneth Branagh directs and stars in adaptation of Agatha Christie’s ghostly mystery █ BY HAZIQUE ZAIRILL From left: Fey as Ariadne Oliver with Branagh’s Poirot. Oscar-winning Yeoh. Branagh takes on the dual roles of director and star. A compelling storyline. 0Director: Kenneth Branagh 0Cast: Kenneth Branagh, Camille Cottin, Jamie Dornan, Tina Fey, Michelle Yeoh, Riccardo Scamarcio E-VALUE 7 ACTING 8 PLOT 9 leading the séance. The event is hosted by the renowned opera singer Rowena Drake (Kelly Reilly), driven by her desire to communicate with her late daughter, Alicia Drake (Rowan Robinson). However, the seemingly supernatural gathering takes a dark turn when a gruesome murder occurs, suggesting a hidden agenda at play. In this storyline, Branagh embarks on a ghostly and unfamiliar journey, incorporating elements often associated with horror films. While donning his detective persona, he is thrust back into action, racing against time to uncover the perpetrator before the night concludes. Branagh’s portrayal of Poirot is infused with a sense of reluctance and curiosity, creating a character who is not only a masterful detective but also a complex and multidimensional individual. As the narrative unfolds, viewers can anticipate being deeply immersed in Branagh’s skilful direction, Green’s intricate storytelling, and the captivating blend of suspense, mystery and supernatural elements. This “whodunnit” undeniably serves as a testament to Branagh’s unwavering commitment to bringing the beloved Belgian detective to life with profound respect for Christie’s legacy while simultaneously captivating and engaging modern audiences. Excellent storyline One of the aspects that truly resonates with me in this genre of film is the intricate detective presents him as a retired and somewhat reluctant detective who becomes entangled in a seance, a gathering event designed to connect with the departed. His involvement starts with a compelling request from Ariadne Oliver (Tina Fey), a renowned best-selling author who appears at his doorstep seeking his assistance. Her request is straightforward: she wants Poirot’s help in debunking the alleged supernatural abilities of Joyce Reynolds (Michelle Yeoh), a wellknown celebrity medium who will be work, the enigmatic nature of the mystery, and the intellectual challenge of deciphering seemingly inscrutable puzzles. Even though I haven’t delved into the depths of many iconic Agatha Christie novels, I find the film to be equally engaging, replete with captivating plots and an aura of intrigue that keeps me hooked. When the storyline unfolds into a mystery riddle where every character present becomes a potential suspect, it immediately sparks a sense of excitement and suspense reminiscent of cinematic gems like Knives Out, Clue, Sherlock Holmes and Murder Mystery. This gripping vibe pulls the audience into the story’s secrets and revelations. Furthermore, the film benefits from an exceptional cast, including the Oscar-winning Yeoh, whose commitment to her role adds a perfect touch to the narrative. Clarity of vision and concept Apart from that, it’s impossible to deny the exceptional art direction and the overall atmosphere of the film. It possesses all the elements one would expect in a horror movie, to the extent that a quick glance at the trailer would easily convince anyone of its terrifying credentials. The film effectively creates a haunting and disquieting environment primarily through its adept use of lighting and subtle background elements like rain and shadows. This allows it to establish an eerie atmosphere without resorting to the overtly Gothic characteristics typically associated with Dracula’s castle. While it’s accurate to say that some of the moments meant to frighten the audience rely on jump scares, the careful and gradual buildup to the murder, coupled with the lasting sense of unease it generates is executed with exceptional skill. A Haunting in Venice is now showing in cinemas nationwide.
21 * SPORTS theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | SEPTEMBER 20, 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF VIRTUAL MIND SDN BHD (200801023774 (825097-M)) (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING-UP) NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to Section 459 of the Companies Act, 2016, the Final Meeting of the Company will be held at 199 Jalan 8, Taman Tan Yew Lai, 58200 Kuala Lumpur on 23 October 2023 at 10.30 a.m. for the following purposes :- (i) To receive an account from the Liquidator showing the manner in which the winding-up has been conducted and of hearing any explanations that may be given by the Liquidator; and (ii) To determine the manner in which the books, accounts and documents of the Liquidator and of the Company thereof shall be disposed of. Date: 20 September 2023 LIEW SIEW LIN Liquidator A member of the Company entitled to attend and vote at the Meeting is entitled to appoint a proxy to attend and vote instead of him. The instrument appointing a proxy must be in writing under the hand of the appointer or his attorney duly authorised in writing or if the appointer is a corporation under its common seal or the hand of its attorney and must be deposited at the above address not less than forty-eight (48) hours before the time set for the Meeting. 322 Notices IN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYA AT JOHOR BAHRU IN THE STATE OF JOHOR DARUL TAKZIM COMPANIES (WINDING-UP) NO. JA – 28NCC – 136 – 08 / 2023 In the Matter of Section 465 of the Companies Act 2016 And In the Matter of Tek Automotive Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. [Company No. 201701007146 (317954-P)] BETWEEN KINGSTON LOGISTICS SDN. BHD. (Company No. 1241878-W) …Petitioner AND TEK AUTOMOTIVE MALAYSIA SDN. BHD. [Company No. 201701007146 (317954-P)] …Respondent ADVERTISEMENT OF PETITION NOTICE is hereby given that a Petition for the winding-up of the abovenamed Company by the High Court was on the 15.8.2023 presented by KINGSTON LOGISTICS SDN. BHD. (Company No. 1241878- W) and that the said Petition is directed to be heard before the High Court sitting at Johor Bahru at 9.00 a.m. in the morning on Tuesday, 10.10.2023 and any creditor or contributory of the said Company desiring to support or oppose the making of an Order on the said Petition may appear at the time of hearing by himself or his counsel for that purpose and a copy of the Petition will be furnished to any creditors or contributories of the said Company requiring the same by the undersigned on payment of the regulated charge for the same. The Petitioner’s address is c/o Messrs. Jal & Lim, Suite 33.02, Level 33, City Square (Office Tower), 106- 108, Jalan Wong Ah Fook, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor. Dated this 15th Semptember 2023 Signed MESSRS. JAL & LIM Solicitors for the Petitioner NOTE : NOTE—Any person who intends to appear on the hearing of the said Petition must serve on or send by post to the above named Solicitors for the Petitioner notice in writing of his intention to do so. The notice must state the name and address of the person, or, if a firm, the name and address of the firm and must be signed by the person or firm, or his or their Solicitors (if any) and must be served, or, if posted, must be sent by post in sufficient time to reach the above named not later than twelve o’ clock noon of the 9.10.2023 (the day before the day appointed for the hearing of the Petition). [10.10.2023] 322 Notices IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF INDAH PLASMA SDN BHD Registration No.: 201301023197 (1053026-V) (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING UP) Notice is hereby given pursuant to Section 439(2)(b) of the Companies Act 2016, that the Resolution set out below was duly passed by the Members of the Company on 15 September 2023: SPECIAL RESOLUTION – MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING UP “That approval be and is hereby given for the Company to proceed with a members’ voluntary winding up pursuant to Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act 2016. And that pursuant to Section 445(1) of the Companies Act 2016, Mr Cheai Weng Hoong of No. 1 Jalan Lasam, 30350 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan be and is hereby appointed as the Liquidator to act for the purpose of winding up the affairs of the Company and distributing its assets at a remuneration to be determined by the directors.” Cheai Weng Hoong Secretary Ipoh Date: 20 September 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF INDAH PLASMA SDN BHD Registration No.: 201301023197 (1053026-V) (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING UP) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the creditors of the abovenamed Company which is being wound up voluntarily are required on or before 20 October 2023 to send their names and addresses with particulars of their debts or claims and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to the undersigned Liquidator of the abovenamed Company; and if so required by notice in writing from the Liquidator, either 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 benefits of any distribution made before such debts are proved or such priority is established or as the case may be, from objecting to such distribution. Ipoh Date: 20 September 2023 Cheai Weng Hoong Liquidator No. 1 Jalan Lasam 30350 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan 322 Notices DALAM MAHKAMAH MAJISTRET DI KUALA LUMPUR DALAM WILAYAH PERSEKUTUAN, MALAYSIA (BAHAGIAN SIVIL) GUAMAN SIVIL NO: WA-A72NCC-21723-06/2023 ANTARA TOONG YANG SEAFOOD SUPPLY SDN BHD (No. Pendaftaran: 686419-U) …PLAINTIF DAN 1. NG KAI JIE (No. K/P: 920807-08-5319) Berniaga Di Bawah Nama & Gaya MNR Life Trading (201803377730/ JM0886057-V) …DEFENDAN-DEFENDAN 2. NEW ERA & LIFE SDN BHD (No. Pendaftaran: 201901023651/1332980-D) NOTIS PENYAMPAIAN GANTI-BENTUK IKLAN Kepada :- 1. NG KAI JIE (No. K/P: 920807-08-5319) Berniaga Di Bawah Nama & Gaya MNR Life Trading (201803377730/ JM0886057-V) No. 39, Jalan SILC 2/3, Kawasan Perindustrian SILC, 79200 Iskandar Puteri, Johor. Dan/atau 2. NG KAI JIE (No. K/P: 920807-08-5319) Berniaga Di Bawah Nama & Gaya MNR Life Trading (201803377730/ JM0886057-V) No 729, Jalan Taman Pertama, Taman Pertama,34000 Taiping, Perak. Ambil perhatian bahawa suatu tindakan telah dimulakan terhadap kamu dalam Writ No. WA-A72NCC-21723-06/2023 oleh TOONG YANG SEAFOOD SUPPLY SDN BHD (No. Pendaftaran: 686419-U) di mana tuntutan Plaintif untuk Defendan Pertama membayar kepada Plaintif untuk jumlah tunggakan sebanyak RM40,422-60 dan Defendan Pertama membayar kepada Plaintif faedah pada kadar 5% setahun ke atas jumlah penghakiman mulai 30.04.2022 sehingga tarikh penyelesaian sepenuhnya. Dan bahawa telah diperintahkan bahawa penyampaian writ itu dalam tindakan tersebut kepada kamu kena dilaksanakan melalui iklan ini. Jika kamu berhasrat untuk membela dalam tindakan tersebut kamu mestilah dalam masa 7 hari dari tarikh tersiarnya iklan ini, termasuk hari penyiaran itu, memasukkan kehadiran di Pejabat Pendaftaran Mahkamah. Jika ingkar apa-apa kehadiran yang demikian maka penghakiman boleh dibuat terhadap kamu. Bertarikh pada 24 Ogos 2023. -T.T- ……………….…… Peguamcara Plaintif Tetuan Kelvin Wong, Phang & Associates Notis Penyampaian Ganti (Bentuk Iklan) ini difailkan oleh Tetuan Kelvin Wong, Phang & Associates, peguamcara dan peguambela bagi Plaintif yang dinamakan di atas yang beralamat di Block J-3A-04, Setiawalk, Pusat Bandar Puchong, 47160 Puchong, Selangor. Tel: 03-8600 2162; Faks: 03-8600 2163 Email: [email protected] (Ruj: LIT/KWPA/5123/TYSS/NKJ/h) 322 Notices IN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYA AT GEORGETOWN IN THE STATE OF PENANG, MALAYSIA COMPANIES (WINDING-UP) PETITION NO. PA-28NCC-88-08/2023 In the matter of Section 464(1)(b), 465(1)(e) and (h), 466(1)(a) and 469 of the Companies Act 2016; And In the matter of the Companies (Winding-Up) Rules 1972; And In the matter of the Rules of Court 2012; And In the matter of RESTORAN K-HALEEL SDN BHD (Company No. 200201012037 [579700-D]). BETWEEN LOH CHIA CHEANG (NRIC No. 790918-02-5623) … PETITIONER AND RESTORAN K-HALEEL SDN BHD (Company No. 200201012037 [579700-D]) … RESPONDENT ADVERTISEMENT OF PETITION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Petition for the winding-up of the abovenamed company by the High Court was, on the 1st of August 2023, presented by LOH CHIA CHEANG. And that the said Petition is directed to be heard before the High Court sitting at Georgetown in the state of Penang at 9.00 o’clock in the morning, on the 6th of October 2023; and any creditor or contributory of the said company desiring to support or oppose the making of an order on the said Petition may appear at the time of hearing by himself or his counsel for that purpose; and a copy of the Petition will be furnished to any creditor or contributory of the said company requiring the same by the undersigned on payment of the regulated charge for the same. The Petitioner’s address is at No. 196, Lorong 6, Taman Seri Aman, Mukim Kuah, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah. The Petitioner’s solicitor is Messrs John Ung & Co. whose address for service is at 2nd floor, 60B, Jalan Sri Bahari, 10050 Georgetown, Penang. .......................... (Messrs John Ung & Co.) NOTE: Any person who intends to appear on the hearing of the said Petition must serve on or send by post to the abovenamed Messrs John Ung & Co., notice in writing of his intention so to do. The notice must state the name and address of the person, or, if a firm, the name and address of the firm, and must be signed by the person or firm, or his or their 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 5th of October 2023 (the day before the day appointed for the hearing of the petition). IN THE MATTER OF AIF FURNITURE SDN. BHD. 201401011449 (1087525-T) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-Up) AND IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the final meeting of the members of the abovenamed company, called under the provision of Section 459(2) of the Companies Act, 2016 will be held at No 37A, Jalan Seruling Dua, Taman Sri Kulai Baru 2, 81000 Kulai, Johor on 21 October 2023 at 10.00 a.m. The meeting is called to receive the liquidators’ accounts and any explanations they may give, to confirm the liquidators’ remuneration and to authorize the retention and subsequent destruction of the company’s books and records. Dated this : 20 September 2023 LAI HON CHUNG Liquidator 322 Notices IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF FIRSTFRUITS INTERNATIONAL SDN BHD (200801007353 (808637-P)) (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING-UP) NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to Section 459 of the Companies Act, 2016, the Final Meeting of the Company will be held at 199 Jalan 8, Taman Tan Yew Lai, 58200 Kuala Lumpur on 23 October 2023 at 10.30 a.m. for the following purposes :- (i) To receive an account from the Liquidator showing the manner in which the winding-up has been conducted and of hearing any explanations that may be given by the Liquidator; and (ii) To determine the manner in which the books, accounts and documents of the Liquidator and of the Company thereof shall be disposed of. Date: 20 September 2023 LOO MEE DI Liquidator A member of the Company entitled to attend and vote at the Meeting is entitled to appoint a proxy to attend and vote instead of him. The instrument appointing a proxy must be in writing under the hand of the appointer or his attorney duly authorised in writing or if the appointer is a corporation under its common seal or the hand of its attorney and must be deposited at the above address not less than forty-eight (48) hours before the time set for the Meeting. NOTIS JUALAN SECARA LELONG AWAM Akta Pemegang Pajak-Gadai(81)1972 Sandaran-sandaran yang tidak ditebus Pemegang Pajak Gadai yang tersebut dibawah ini yang mana sandaran-sandaran itu telah di-gadaikan dalam tempoh seperti di bawah Akan Di-jual Dengan Lelong Umum Di No 124-A Jalan Jelutong, 11600 Penang. Pada Hari 4hb Okt 2023, Waktu 2.00pm. NEGERI PULAU PINANG No. NAMA PAJAK GADAI TEMPOH GADAIAN SANDARAN ALAMAT PAJAK GADAI YANG AKAN DILELONG 1 Pajak Gadai Sheng Lon (Bayan Baru) Sdn Bhd Sep 2022 - Dec 2022 54 Jalan Tengah, Taman Sri Tunas, 11950 Bayan Lepas, Penang. 2 Pajak Gadai Sheng Lon Sdn Bhd (Jelutong) Jun 2022 - Dec 2022 124 Jalan Jelutong, 11600 Georgetown, Penang. 3 Pajak Gadai Sheng Lon Sdn Bhd (Bukit Jambul) Feb 2022 - Dec 2022 88Q Jalan Tun Dr Awang, 11900 Bukit Jambul, Penang. 4 MCG Pawnshop Sdn Bhd Mei 2022 - Nov 2022 2952 Jalan Perai, Taman Inderawasih, 13600 Seberang Perai, Penang. 5 Hoong Goon Pawnshop Sdn Bhd Ogos 2022 - Ogos 2022 4-D Jalan Bayan Lepas, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang. 6 Pajak Gadai Wangmax Sdn Bhd Ogos 2020 - Nov 2022 500 Jalan Dato Keramat, 10460 Penang. 7 Pajak Gadai Wangmax Fettes Sdn Bhd Okt 2022 - Nov 2022 16 Jalan Fettes, 11200 Tanjung Tokong, Penang. 8 Pajak Gadai Wangmax Farlim Sdn Bhd Mac 2022 - Nov 2022 63 Jalan Pisang Embun, 11500 Farlim, Penang. 9 Pajak Gadai Cheng Chang Sdn Bhd Dec 2022 – Dec 2022 8 Jalan Penanti 1, Taman Penanti, Bukit Mertajam, 14000 Penang. 10 MCG Pawnshop (Nibong Tebal) Sdn Bhd Jul 2022 - Nov 2022 34 Jalan Besar, Taman Merbah, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Penang Sandaran-sandaran tersebut boleh diperiksa dengan Pemegang Pajak Gadai berkenaan diatas pada 20hb Sep 2023 sehingga 26hb Sep 2023, pukul 10.00 Pagi sehingga 4.00 Petang sebelum tarikh jualan lelong itu. Neoh Boon Hooi Licensed Auctioneer Pelelong Berlesen 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 322 Notices 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 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF VIRTUAL MIND SDN BHD (200801023774 (825097-M)) (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING-UP) NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to Section 459 of the Companies Act, 2016, the Final Meeting of the Company will be held at 199 Jalan 8, Taman Tan Yew Lai, 58200 Kuala Lumpur on 23 October 2023 at 10.30 a.m. for the following purposes :- (i) To receive an account from the Liquidator showing the manner in which the winding-up has been conducted and of hearing any explanations that may be given by the Liquidator; and (ii) To determine the manner in which the books, accounts and documents of the Liquidator and of the Company thereof shall be disposed of. Date: 20 September 2023 LIEW SIEW LIN Liquidator A member of the Company entitled to attend and vote at the Meeting is entitled to appoint a proxy to attend and vote instead of him. The instrument appointing a proxy must be in writing under the hand of the appointer or his attorney duly authorised in writing or if the appointer is a corporation under its common seal or the hand of its attorney and must be deposited at the above address not less than forty-eight (48) hours before the time set for the Meeting. 322 Notices IN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYA AT JOHOR BAHRU IN THE STATE OF JOHOR DARUL TAKZIM COMPANIES (WINDING-UP) NO. JA – 28NCC – 136 – 08 / 2023 In the Matter of Section 465 of the Companies Act 2016 And In the Matter of Tek Automotive Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. [Company No. 201701007146 (317954-P)] BETWEEN KINGSTON LOGISTICS SDN. BHD. (Company No. 1241878-W) …Petitioner AND TEK AUTOMOTIVE MALAYSIA SDN. BHD. [Company No. 201701007146 (317954-P)] …Respondent ADVERTISEMENT OF PETITION NOTICE is hereby given that a Petition for the winding-up of the abovenamed Company by the High Court was on the 15.8.2023 presented by KINGSTON LOGISTICS SDN. BHD. (Company No. 1241878- W) and that the said Petition is directed to be heard before the High Court sitting at Johor Bahru at 9.00 a.m. in the morning on Tuesday, 10.10.2023 and any creditor or contributory of the said Company desiring to support or oppose the making of an Order on the said Petition may appear at the time of hearing by himself or his counsel for that purpose and a copy of the Petition will be furnished to any creditors or contributories of the said Company requiring the same by the undersigned on payment of the regulated charge for the same. The Petitioner’s address is c/o Messrs. Jal & Lim, Suite 33.02, Level 33, City Square (Office Tower), 106- 108, Jalan Wong Ah Fook, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor. Dated this 15th Semptember 2023 Signed MESSRS. JAL & LIM Solicitors for the Petitioner NOTE : NOTE—Any person who intends to appear on the hearing of the said Petition must serve on or send by post to the above named Solicitors for the Petitioner notice in writing of his intention to do so. The notice must state the name and address of the person, or, if a firm, the name and address of the firm and must be signed by the person or firm, or his or their Solicitors (if any) and must be served, or, if posted, must be sent by post in sufficient time to reach the above named not later than twelve o’ clock noon of the 9.10.2023 (the day before the day appointed for the hearing of the Petition). [10.10.2023] 322 Notices IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF INDAH PLASMA SDN BHD Registration No.: 201301023197 (1053026-V) (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING UP) Notice is hereby given pursuant to Section 439(2)(b) of the Companies Act 2016, that the Resolution set out below was duly passed by the Members of the Company on 15 September 2023: SPECIAL RESOLUTION – MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING UP “That approval be and is hereby given for the Company to proceed with a members’ voluntary winding up pursuant to Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act 2016. And that pursuant to Section 445(1) of the Companies Act 2016, Mr Cheai Weng Hoong of No. 1 Jalan Lasam, 30350 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan be and is hereby appointed as the Liquidator to act for the purpose of winding up the affairs of the Company and distributing its assets at a remuneration to be determined by the directors.” Cheai Weng Hoong Secretary Ipoh Date: 20 September 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF INDAH PLASMA SDN BHD Registration No.: 201301023197 (1053026-V) (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING UP) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the creditors of the abovenamed Company which is being wound up voluntarily are required on or before 20 October 2023 to send their names and addresses with particulars of their debts or claims and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to the undersigned Liquidator of the abovenamed Company; and if so required by notice in writing from the Liquidator, either 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 benefits of any distribution made before such debts are proved or such priority is established or as the case may be, from objecting to such distribution. Ipoh Date: 20 September 2023 Cheai Weng Hoong Liquidator No. 1 Jalan Lasam 30350 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan 322 Notices DALAM MAHKAMAH MAJISTRET DI KUALA LUMPUR DALAM WILAYAH PERSEKUTUAN, MALAYSIA (BAHAGIAN SIVIL) GUAMAN SIVIL NO: WA-A72NCC-21723-06/2023 ANTARA TOONG YANG SEAFOOD SUPPLY SDN BHD (No. Pendaftaran: 686419-U) …PLAINTIF DAN 1. NG KAI JIE (No. K/P: 920807-08-5319) Berniaga Di Bawah Nama & Gaya MNR Life Trading (201803377730/ JM0886057-V) …DEFENDAN-DEFENDAN 2. NEW ERA & LIFE SDN BHD (No. Pendaftaran: 201901023651/1332980-D) NOTIS PENYAMPAIAN GANTI-BENTUK IKLAN Kepada :- 1. NG KAI JIE (No. K/P: 920807-08-5319) Berniaga Di Bawah Nama & Gaya MNR Life Trading (201803377730/ JM0886057-V) No. 39, Jalan SILC 2/3, Kawasan Perindustrian SILC, 79200 Iskandar Puteri, Johor. Dan/atau 2. NG KAI JIE (No. K/P: 920807-08-5319) Berniaga Di Bawah Nama & Gaya MNR Life Trading (201803377730/ JM0886057-V) No 729, Jalan Taman Pertama, Taman Pertama,34000 Taiping, Perak. Ambil perhatian bahawa suatu tindakan telah dimulakan terhadap kamu dalam Writ No. WA-A72NCC-21723-06/2023 oleh TOONG YANG SEAFOOD SUPPLY SDN BHD (No. Pendaftaran: 686419-U) di mana tuntutan Plaintif untuk Defendan Pertama membayar kepada Plaintif untuk jumlah tunggakan sebanyak RM40,422-60 dan Defendan Pertama membayar kepada Plaintif faedah pada kadar 5% setahun ke atas jumlah penghakiman mulai 30.04.2022 sehingga tarikh penyelesaian sepenuhnya. Dan bahawa telah diperintahkan bahawa penyampaian writ itu dalam tindakan tersebut kepada kamu kena dilaksanakan melalui iklan ini. Jika kamu berhasrat untuk membela dalam tindakan tersebut kamu mestilah dalam masa 7 hari dari tarikh tersiarnya iklan ini, termasuk hari penyiaran itu, memasukkan kehadiran di Pejabat Pendaftaran Mahkamah. Jika ingkar apa-apa kehadiran yang demikian maka penghakiman boleh dibuat terhadap kamu. Bertarikh pada 24 Ogos 2023. -T.T- ……………….…… Peguamcara Plaintif Tetuan Kelvin Wong, Phang & Associates Notis Penyampaian Ganti (Bentuk Iklan) ini difailkan oleh Tetuan Kelvin Wong, Phang & Associates, peguamcara dan peguambela bagi Plaintif yang dinamakan di atas yang beralamat di Block J-3A-04, Setiawalk, Pusat Bandar Puchong, 47160 Puchong, Selangor. Tel: 03-8600 2162; Faks: 03-8600 2163 Email: [email protected] (Ruj: LIT/KWPA/5123/TYSS/NKJ/h) 322 Notices IN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYA AT GEORGETOWN IN THE STATE OF PENANG, MALAYSIA COMPANIES (WINDING-UP) PETITION NO. PA-28NCC-88-08/2023 In the matter of Section 464(1)(b), 465(1)(e) and (h), 466(1)(a) and 469 of the Companies Act 2016; And In the matter of the Companies (Winding-Up) Rules 1972; And In the matter of the Rules of Court 2012; And In the matter of RESTORAN K-HALEEL SDN BHD (Company No. 200201012037 [579700-D]). BETWEEN LOH CHIA CHEANG (NRIC No. 790918-02-5623) … PETITIONER AND RESTORAN K-HALEEL SDN BHD (Company No. 200201012037 [579700-D]) … RESPONDENT ADVERTISEMENT OF PETITION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Petition for the winding-up of the abovenamed company by the High Court was, on the 1st of August 2023, presented by LOH CHIA CHEANG. And that the said Petition is directed to be heard before the High Court sitting at Georgetown in the state of Penang at 9.00 o’clock in the morning, on the 6th of October 2023; and any creditor or contributory of the said company desiring to support or oppose the making of an order on the said Petition may appear at the time of hearing by himself or his counsel for that purpose; and a copy of the Petition will be furnished to any creditor or contributory of the said company requiring the same by the undersigned on payment of the regulated charge for the same. The Petitioner’s address is at No. 196, Lorong 6, Taman Seri Aman, Mukim Kuah, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah. The Petitioner’s solicitor is Messrs John Ung & Co. whose address for service is at 2nd floor, 60B, Jalan Sri Bahari, 10050 Georgetown, Penang. .......................... (Messrs John Ung & Co.) NOTE: Any person who intends to appear on the hearing of the said Petition must serve on or send by post to the abovenamed Messrs John Ung & Co., notice in writing of his intention so to do. The notice must state the name and address of the person, or, if a firm, the name and address of the firm, and must be signed by the person or firm, or his or their 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 5th of October 2023 (the day before the day appointed for the hearing of the petition). IN THE MATTER OF AIF FURNITURE SDN. BHD. 201401011449 (1087525-T) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-Up) AND IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the final meeting of the members of the abovenamed company, called under the provision of Section 459(2) of the Companies Act, 2016 will be held at No 37A, Jalan Seruling Dua, Taman Sri Kulai Baru 2, 81000 Kulai, Johor on 21 October 2023 at 10.00 a.m. The meeting is called to receive the liquidators’ accounts and any explanations they may give, to confirm the liquidators’ remuneration and to authorize the retention and subsequent destruction of the company’s books and records. Dated this : 20 September 2023 LAI HON CHUNG Liquidator 322 Notices IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF FIRSTFRUITS INTERNATIONAL SDN BHD (200801007353 (808637-P)) (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING-UP) NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to Section 459 of the Companies Act, 2016, the Final Meeting of the Company will be held at 199 Jalan 8, Taman Tan Yew Lai, 58200 Kuala Lumpur on 23 October 2023 at 10.30 a.m. for the following purposes :- (i) To receive an account from the Liquidator showing the manner in which the winding-up has been conducted and of hearing any explanations that may be given by the Liquidator; and (ii) To determine the manner in which the books, accounts and documents of the Liquidator and of the Company thereof shall be disposed of. Date: 20 September 2023 LOO MEE DI Liquidator A member of the Company entitled to attend and vote at the Meeting is entitled to appoint a proxy to attend and vote instead of him. The instrument appointing a proxy must be in writing under the hand of the appointer or his attorney duly authorised in writing or if the appointer is a corporation under its common seal or the hand of its attorney and must be deposited at the above address not less than forty-eight (48) hours before the time set for the Meeting. NOTIS JUALAN SECARA LELONG AWAM Akta Pemegang Pajak-Gadai(81)1972 Sandaran-sandaran yang tidak ditebus Pemegang Pajak Gadai yang tersebut dibawah ini yang mana sandaran-sandaran itu telah di-gadaikan dalam tempoh seperti di bawah Akan Di-jual Dengan Lelong Umum Di No 124-A Jalan Jelutong, 11600 Penang. Pada Hari 4hb Okt 2023, Waktu 2.00pm. NEGERI PULAU PINANG No. NAMA PAJAK GADAI TEMPOH GADAIAN SANDARAN ALAMAT PAJAK GADAI YANG AKAN DILELONG 1 Pajak Gadai Sheng Lon (Bayan Baru) Sdn Bhd Sep 2022 - Dec 2022 54 Jalan Tengah, Taman Sri Tunas, 11950 Bayan Lepas, Penang. 2 Pajak Gadai Sheng Lon Sdn Bhd (Jelutong) Jun 2022 - Dec 2022 124 Jalan Jelutong, 11600 Georgetown, Penang. 3 Pajak Gadai Sheng Lon Sdn Bhd (Bukit Jambul) Feb 2022 - Dec 2022 88Q Jalan Tun Dr Awang, 11900 Bukit Jambul, Penang. 4 MCG Pawnshop Sdn Bhd Mei 2022 - Nov 2022 2952 Jalan Perai, Taman Inderawasih, 13600 Seberang Perai, Penang. 5 Hoong Goon Pawnshop Sdn Bhd Ogos 2022 - Ogos 2022 4-D Jalan Bayan Lepas, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang. 6 Pajak Gadai Wangmax Sdn Bhd Ogos 2020 - Nov 2022 500 Jalan Dato Keramat, 10460 Penang. 7 Pajak Gadai Wangmax Fettes Sdn Bhd Okt 2022 - Nov 2022 16 Jalan Fettes, 11200 Tanjung Tokong, Penang. 8 Pajak Gadai Wangmax Farlim Sdn Bhd Mac 2022 - Nov 2022 63 Jalan Pisang Embun, 11500 Farlim, Penang. 9 Pajak Gadai Cheng Chang Sdn Bhd Dec 2022 – Dec 2022 8 Jalan Penanti 1, Taman Penanti, Bukit Mertajam, 14000 Penang. 10 MCG Pawnshop (Nibong Tebal) Sdn Bhd Jul 2022 - Nov 2022 34 Jalan Besar, Taman Merbah, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Penang Sandaran-sandaran tersebut boleh diperiksa dengan Pemegang Pajak Gadai berkenaan diatas pada 20hb Sep 2023 sehingga 26hb Sep 2023, pukul 10.00 Pagi sehingga 4.00 Petang sebelum tarikh jualan lelong itu. Neoh Boon Hooi Licensed Auctioneer Pelelong Berlesen 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 322 Notices 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 Keeping Kuldeep under wraps India to ‘preserve’ wristspinner ahead of World Cup KULDEEP YADAV is riding a wave of confidence following a Playerof-the-Series effort at the Asia Cup. Ahead of the World Cup, the Indian team management is doing all it can to “preserve” its lone wristspinner in the squad, and not “expose” him much against Australia, by resting him for the first two ODIs. “Kuldeep is a rhythm bowler, we all know that,” India captain Rohit Sharma said. “But we thought of a lot of things and took this call. “His bowling is going well, like (BCCI selection committee chairman) Ajit (Agarkar) said, we had to give players a chance, especially those who played just one game at the Asia Cup and are in the World Cup squad. “We have been looking at Kuldeep for the last one, one and a half years, this is why we don’t want to expose him a lot. He is coming back for the last match. There are a lot of reasons. “This is the best decision for us, to have him sit out for two games and play the third. We also have two practice matches (before the World Cup opener), so for the bowling rhythm, he will be back in it.” Kuldeep (pix) picked up nine wickets in five games, returning an average of 11.44 and economy of 3.61. All these wickets came across two games; he began with a five-for against Pakistan in India’s record 228-run win and then followed that up with four wickets in India’s spirited defence of a modest 213 against Sri Lanka. Kuldeep’s control and variety earned plaudits from the coaches and experts alike. Agarkar, who worked with Kuldeep at Delhi Capitals in the IPL not long ago, spoke of the virtues that make Kuldeep a vital cog in India’s World Cup wheel. He reiterated how a little bit of “faith and confidence” could do wonders for a bowler’s mindset. “I spent a couple of years with him, he is a guy who has a special skillset,” Agarkar said via espncricinfo.com. “Every player needs to be shown faith, given a bit of confidence, which the team management has done and it is showing on the field. “In various conditions and against varied opposition, he is one of the trump cards for the team. I’m happy and excited about what he is doing. “Clearly, most teams coming up against him find it a challenge, and where he is at, all of us are excited at what lies ahead.” – Agencies Rohit, Virat, rested for Australia ODIs INDIAN selectors yesterday rested captain Rohit Sharma and batting superstar Virat Kohli from the 15-member squad for the first two ODIs against visitors Australia. Veteran R Ashwin and Washington Sundar, both offspinners and handy lower-order batters, have been included in the squad in a sign that they may be back in contention for the home World Cup in October. India have also rested left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav and allrounder Axar Patel, who is recovering after an injury scare in the recently concluded Asia Cup tournament in Sri Lanka. Rohit told journalists that it was important to test their bench strength in the bilateral series starting on Friday before the allimportant World Cup when they will have to travel extensively across India. KL Rahul, who recently returned from a long injury layoff, will lead the Indian side against Australia in Rohit’s absence. India squad (first two ODIs): KL Rahul (captain), Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, Tilak Varma, Prasidh Krishna, R Ashwin, Washington Sundar. ‘Roy axe shows ruthless side of sport’ JASON ROY fell victim to “the ruthless side of sport” when he was axed from England’s World Cup squad on the eve of the tournament, selector Luke Wright said yesterday. The powerful opening batter was named in a provisional group of 15 players for the tournament in India but the combination of his own injury problems, Dawid Malan’s outstanding form and the growing claims of Harry Brook have cost him his place. “It’s not a decision we’ve taken lightly,” said Wright. “In the early squad, we had him down for opening the batting with Jonny Bairstow in the World Cup… but things happen in sport, injuries happen. Everyone was told ‘Look, this is the 15 we’re looking to take to the World Cup’, but unfortunately that’s the ruthless side of sport isn’t it? It’s not the nice side of sport that changes do have to be made. We certainly haven’t ruled him out… there’s definitely the option for him to come in as the reserve.” BRIEFS
22 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | SEPTEMBER 20, 2023 SPORTS @thesundaily FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM SCAN ME Grand Slam reality check Nadal casts major doubt over comeback hopes RAFAEL NADAL has downplayed his chances of winning another Grand Slam when he returns from injury. In a revealing interview back home in Spain, Nadal has painfully accepted that another triumph at the French or Australian Opens is not likely at all. The tennis icon has warned that people are “disorientated” if they believe he can return from a recurring hip injury and compete for Grand Slams again. The 37-year-old has not played since the Australian Open, pulling out of Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open this year. Nadal accepted earlier this year that he will likely retire at the end of 2024. It will bring to an end a remarkable career that has already included 22 Slam victories. But the two-time Wimbledon champion does not want to promise any more triumphs at majors. Having struggled with the intensity of a gruelling tennis season for quite some time, he has been eager to manage expectations. Speaking to Movistar, Nadal said: “I would like to play again, to be competitive. But I’m not expecting to come back and win Roland Garros or Australia, so that people are not disoriented. “I am fully aware that at the time when I am in my life, it is a distant idea. I don’t say ‘impossible’. I’ve said it a thousand times, things change very quickly in sport.” However, Nadal has explained that he would not be frustrated if he fails to win another Grand Slam. He says he has done “everything possible” to get the best out of his career. Nadal also pointed out that Novak Djokovic would harbour far more frustration if he did not end his career as the most decorated Grand Slam player of all-time. Djokovic leapfrogged Nadal’s 22 majors earlier this year and now sits on a men’s singles record of 24 after winning the US Open. “I’m not frustrated for a simple reason. I believe that, within my means, I have done everything possible to ensure that things go as smoothly as possible for me,” Nadal continued. “Novak could be frustrated because he lives everything more intensely and that’s why he’s the best” Nadal underwent surgery earlier this year having struggled with his hip problem and reiterated yesterday that finishing his career in 2024 remains his goal. “I said that possibly 2024 was my last year, I maintain that, but I can not confirm it 100% because I do not know,” Nadal said. “I am well aware of the difficulties that I face, one is insurmountable, that is age, and the other are physical problems. “What makes me hopeful is to play again, to be competitive again.” – Express Newspapers/ AFP McIlroy talks up secret Ryder Cup weapon Molinari RORY MCILROY has outlined Team Europe’s secret weapon ahead of this month’s Ryder Cup clash against the United States. McIlroy was one of 12 European players on the end of a record-breaking defeat at the hands of Team USA at Whistling Straits in 2021. Two years on, the Northern Irishman and his teammates – under the guidance of captain Luke Donald – will be out for revenge on home soil at Marco Simone in Italy. The hosts have formed a new-look team from the lineup that lost so heavily two years ago, with four rookies joining the likes of McIlroy, Jon Rahm, and Viktor Hovland. As well as the talent on the course, star man McIlroy has revealed that his team has some newfound firepower away from the action too courtesy of vice-captain Edoardo Molinari. The Italian has become renowned in the world of golf for his deep-diving statistical work, and Molinari has brought this to the Team Europe set-up in a bid to win the Ryder Cup back. “He’s (Molinari) delved really deep into the stats in terms of pairings for fourballs, for foursomes, course setup, what our team does well and what their team does well; how can we set ourselves up for success in whatever way possible,” claimed McIlroy. As well as his number-crunching, Molinari is a man with Ryder Cup-winning experience having been part of Europe’s 2010 win at Celtic Manor, something McIlroy also believes is key to his input this time around. “I think Edoardo comes in there not just as a statistician but as someone that’s played the Ryder Cup and still plays the game at a competitive level,” McIlroy added. “I think all of those things combined, there’s a big level of trust that he obviously knows what he is talking about, and what he’s giving us is good information.” – Express Newspapers FORMULA ONE found fresh air in the heat and humidity of Singapore on Sunday but this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix could provide a reality check for those celebrating the end of Red Bull’s record run of success. Until Singapore, Red Bull had won all 14 races this season with runaway leader Max Verstappen chasing his 11th victory in succession. This time there was no Red Bull in the top 10 on the starting grid and a Red Bullfree podium at the end as Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz held off McLaren’s Lando Norris and Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton. Singapore is something of an outlier and Red Bull are expected to bounce back at Suzuka where they won onetwo last year and can also retain their constructors’ championship. “I wouldn’t get carried away too much, I think Red Bull are always the main guys to beat and I think in Japan they will be back to where they used to be,” commented Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. “I expect Red Bull to dominate in Japan,” agreed Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso. “Singapore was also not good for Mercedes in the past, when they were dominating the championship, so it’s a very special race weekend.” Rivals were still enjoying the moment, however. “It’s a breath of fresh air that we have a different winner, we have a podium without them. You’ve got to take the small positives in a year of dominance,” said Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff. Commercial rights holders Liberty Media may also be feeling some relief. Liberty’s CEO Greg Maffei said earlier this month that Verstappen’s runaway success was not ideal from a business perspective. “The reality is we have a very attractive competitive product, other than the fact that Max is that fast,” he explained then. “Short of breaking his leg, a la Tonya Harding, I’m not sure what we can do about that,” he joked, referencing the 1994 Winter Olympic scandal where the US skater’s rival Nancy Kerrigan was attacked by a hired assailant. – Reuters F1 finds breath of fresh air in Singapore Kiwi De Groot gets two match ban ALL BLACKS prop Ethan de Groot will not play again until the quarterfinals of the Rugby World Cup after being suspended yesterday for two matches following his red card against Namibia. De Groot was yellow carded for a no-arms tackle attempt on Friday but it was later upgraded to red by the bunker review system. The disciplinary committee ruled that, contrary to De Groot’s defence, the tackle was “always illegal” and that the prop “was not sufficiently bent at the waist”. “Head contact… occurred and the degree of danger was high,” the committee said in a statement. New Zealand coach Ian Foster said he was disappointed and “a little bit surprised” by the decision, againt which De Groot can appeal, but “we’ll have to suck that up and take it”. “He’s going to miss the next two games but he’s got a job to do in the meantime,” said Foster. “This is an inevitable part of the game and it’s happened for Ethan.” Italy’s brothers in arms set to sing WHEN Italy line up to face Uruguay today (11.45pm Malaysian time), and the national anthem rings out around the Stade de Nice, the opening words will have a special meaning for four members of the team. Il Canto degli Italiani, (The Song of the Italians), is probably better known by those first words, Fratelli d’Italia, Brothers of Italy, and it’s sure to be an emotional moment for the Garbisi and Cannone siblings. For Paolo and Alessandro Garbisi, and Lorenzo and Niccolo Cannone, this is their first Rugby World Cup, and with all four picked to start against Uruguay, it will be the first time that Italy have two sets of brothers starting in a World Cup game. When scrumhalf Alessandro Garbisi made his Italy debut against Romania in July, 2022, his older brother Paolo was on the bench. Alessandro scored a try in that first game, and the pair were on the field together for just seven minutes. Lorenzo and Niccolo Cannone, on the other hand, started four of Italy’s 2023 Six Nations games together. Before that, just like the Garbisis, Niccolo also came off the bench to join his younger brother on his Italy debut. When they passionately sing their national anthem today before facing Uruguay, it will be a very proud moment for both the Cannone and Garbisi families, and all of the fratelli d’Italia. France A to start against Namibia FRANCE look set to recall their premium players for their third Pool A match against Namibia, hoping to rediscover their touch after a mediocre showing against Uruguay. Les Bleus got their campaign off to a flying start with a 27-13 victory against New Zealand but the reserve side was largely disappointing as they beat Uruguay 27-12 six days later. The last two training sessions ahead of Friday’s (3am) match against Namibia in Bordeaux suggest that scrumhalf Antoine Dupont and flyhalf Matthieu Jalibert, among others, will be back in the starting line-up. “What’s important for us is to play matches. We’ve also got plenty of weeks of training ahead of us, we’re working hard and we’ve got plenty of time to build up a momentum,” Jalibert told reporters yesterday. “There’s no need for me to take it easy, I’m happy to be able to play, I need some rhythm, I need to find my bearings with the team. I’m very happy to be able to get on with it, I’ll take everything there is to take.” Springboks could go forward-heavy against Ireland SOUTH AFRICA will not rule out a 7-1 split between forwards and backs on their bench for the highly anticipated World Cup clash with Ireland on Sunday (3am), director of rugby Rassie Erasmus said as he confirmed flyhalf Handre Pollard will not play. Erasmus says it is something they are thinking about for the Pool B encounter in Paris, with the forward muscle off the bench allowing them to physically subdue their opponents for 80 minutes. “I don’t think we can go 8-0, that is a bit extreme, but 7-1 is definitely an option,” Erasmus told reporters yesterday, suggesting the Boks have versatile forwards who can play in the backline if needed. “The 6-2 a couple of years back was new to people and now a lot of teams are doing it. If you go 7-1 you have to have players like (loose-forward) Kwagga Smith, someone that is used to playing at the sevens level against Fiji.” LINEOUT Nadal. – AFPPIX
23 * SPORTS theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | SEPTEMBER 20, 2023 /thesuntelegram FOLLOW ON TELEGRAM SCAN ME Gunning for action Arsenal’s Rice ready for first taste of Champions League MIKEL ARTETA expects Declan Rice to play a pivotal role in Arsenal’s return to the Champions League as the England midfielder prepares to make his debut in the tournament against PSV Eindhoven tomorrow (3am Malaysian time). The Gunners are back in the Champions League for the first time since 2016/17, giving Rice his first taste of Europe’s elite club competition after his close-season move from West Ham. Arteta splashed out £100 million (RM580m) on the midfielder precisely for occasions such as PSV’s visit to the Emirates Stadium in Arsenal’s opening Group B fixture. The 24-year-old has made a confident start to life with Arsenal, scoring his first goal for the club in dramatic fashion against Manchester United on Sept. 3. Rice’s finish deep into stoppage time put Arsenal on course for a 3-1 win in their first meeting with a top-four rival this season. It was a perfectly timed reminder of the quality Rice brings to Arteta’s side as they try to make amends for last season’s late collapse in the Premier League title race. Arsenal squandered an eightpoint lead in the final weeks of the season as Manchester City ended the Gunners’ bid for a first title since 2004. Arteta believes Rice’s astute reading of the game and unflappable demeanour strengthens his team, praising him after the win against United. “How he breaks up play, how he glues the team together in many moments when it was stretched a little bit,” he said. “He was really dominant and then produced a magic moment to win the game.” And the Arsenal boss said his new signing can also be a regular goal threat. “For sure and when you see the technical ability that he has and how he executed it in this moment, his range when he’s shooting from range, his accuracy, the power that he generates with no space, with both legs, he can do it with both feet. He’s got the timing to arrive in the box.” Along with helping Arsenal challenge for the title, Rice will be firmly in the spotlight in the Champions League. Having played his entire career with West Ham until this season, he has never experienced the thrill of lining up while the Champions League anthem booms out before kickoff. But he will finally be able to tick that off his bucket list tomorrow. “I’m so excited for that. I’ve said for many years now that I’ve wanted to play in the Champions League,” Rice said. “I’ve wanted to push myself at the biggest level. This opportunity at Arsenal has arisen. It’s a great club.” Despite their lengthy absence from the Champions League, the Gunners are expected to progress from a relatively undemanding group featuring Sevilla and Lens as well as PSV. But Rice knows he must use Arsenal’s opening group fixtures to show he can dominate at the highest level, with his sights already set on inspiring his side to a maiden Champions League triumph. “At the end of the day you get one career, and I want to be as successful as I can with Arsenal, make as many Champions League appearances as possible and hopefully one day get my hands on that trophy,” he said. – AFP Bellingham ready for Real European debut JUDE BELLINGHAM scored for Real Madrid on his debut, and in four of the five matches which have followed, in a superb start to life in the Spanish capital for the former Birmingham boy. The England midfielder has five goals in five games in La Liga, taking the Spanish top flight by storm after his €103 million (RM494m) move from Borussia Dortmund this summer. Real Madrid boast a 100% record from their opening raft of domestic games, but their season begins in earnest with the start of the Champions League this week. Bellingham, 20, is set to make his “second” debut for Los Blancos against Union Berlin tomorrow (12.45am Malaysian time) at the Santiago Bernabeu, in the competition they value above all others. The record 14-time European champions were thrashed 4-0 by Manchester City in the second leg of last season’s semifinal, 5-1 on aggregate, with Bellingham’s purchase in part a response to that stinging defeat. Facing a Bundesliga side in Europe, Bellingham should feel comfortable – although it has become clear that he has already made himself at home. In his first appearance at the hallowed Bernabeu the England international nearly blew the stadium’s new roof off with a last gasp 95th minute strike to earn Madrid a narrow win over Getafe on Sept. 2. Wearing the No. 5 on his back in tribute to Zinedine Zidane, Bellingham has quickly become a fan favourite at Madrid. He has been serenaded with the chorus of Beatles song Hey Jude, which he said was a special moment. “When they sang ‘Hey Jude’ at the end, I got goosebumps,” he told Real Madrid TV after the win over Getafe. “I just wanted to turn and stand still and listen to it while my legs were shaking.” Bellingham nodded to Spanish culture with a matador’s flag waving gesture after dodging an attempted barge by a Getafe player. “Good players with personality suffer a bit less than the others,” said Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti, when asked how Bellingham had clicked so quickly. “There’s no other reason. A player with personality, above all, more than quality, means that an important shirt like Real Madrid’s doesn’t weigh so much.” – AFP NOTTINGHAM FOREST boss Steve Cooper expected Callum Hudson-Odoi to have a big impact as his “moment of brilliance” earned a 1-1 draw with Burnley. Hudson-Odoi reminded the Premier League what he is capable of with a fine debut goal, bringing his side level with a brilliant curling effort in the second half after Zeki Amdouni had put the Clarets ahead. It is 18 months since the 22-year-old last played in England’s top flight as his promising Chelsea career petered out, but, after a year on loan at Bayer Leverkusen, he was back with a bang. He was Forest’s brightest spark following his deadline-day move from Stamford Bridge and got his reward. “Any new player will want to hit the ground running and show what they can do,” Cooper said. “We got Anthony (Elanga) and Callum in really good positions and we could have done more with them. “I know he has quality and he can have moments of brilliance. We need that at times in the Premier League and we got one tonight. It is great for him, great for us obviously. “He hasn’t played much football, he has trained well, but I backed him to do well tonight. He ran out of legs, I didn’t think we’d get that long out of him. We have got to push him to do more of that. “You see goals like that in the Premier League, there is so much quality. It is a brilliant goal. We have had a few of those scored against us but we haven’t had too many of them for us. “Beautiful strike, beautiful technique, great for him, great for the team. He will feel good about that.” The point for Burnley enabled them to get their campaign up and running after three successive defeats, but they might be disappointed they did not leave with all three after they were denied a late winner by VAR as Sander Berge was ruled to have handled the ball. – The Independent Cooper hails Hudson-Odoi’s ‘moment of brilliance’ Devils in ‘dressing room bust-up’ ERIK TEN HAG had to restore order in the Manchester United dressing room after four players were involved in a bust-up at Old Trafford on Saturday, according to reports. Tensions were high as United fell to a 3-1 defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion, causing a quartet to passionately air their grievances at each other. According to The Sun, club captain Bruno Fernandes let rip at midfield partner Scott McTominay after United’s second successive defeat. The report adds that underwhelming centreback duo Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof also went at it after being humiliated by Brighton’s free-scoring attack. Reds will give Europa League full respect: Klopp LIVERPOOL will approach the Europa League in the “right manner” and have the squad depth to be successful in both the Premier League and Europe’s second-tier competition, manager Jurgen Klopp said. “First and foremost, I think we all have to make sure that we all respect the competition in the right manner, that we respect the opponents in the right manner,” he told TNT Sports. “I would love to go to the final, obviously, but I have no clue if we can reach that because there will be a lot of fantastic football teams in between us and that target, so we have to make sure we perform.” Liverpool kick off their Europa campaign with a trip to Austria’s LASK on Friday (12.45am Malaysian time). Klopp said that while the talent coming through Liverpool’s academy means the “future’s bright” for the club, he would not use the Europa League as a proving ground for young players. Late header salvages draw for Neymar’s Al-Hilal ALI Al-Bulaihi’s equaliser 10 minutes into stoppage time spared Al-Hilal’s blushes as Neymar made his first start for the Saudi Pro League side in a 1-1 draw with Uzbekistan’s Navbahor in the Asian Champions League in Riyadh yesterday. Saudi Arabia international defender Al-Bulaihi rose to meet Brazilian winger Michael’s centre to cancel out a Toma Tabatadze strike in the 52nd minute of the Group D meeting that had looked set to earn Samvel Babayan’s side an unlikely win. Neymar, among the headline arrivals in Saudi Arabia over the summer, was included in the starting line-up for the first time since his €90m (RM432m) move from Paris St Germain but was frustrated throughout the encounter. There were no such problems for Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad, who cruised to a 3-0 win in Group C over AGMK from Uzbekistan despite coach Nuno Espirito Santo not including exReal Madrid striker Karim Benzema in his squad. ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE: Nottingham Forest 1 (Hudson-Odoi 61) Burnley 1 (Amdouni 41). P W D L F A Pts Man City 5 5 0 0 14 3 15 Tottenham 5 4 1 0 13 5 13 Liverpool 5 4 1 0 12 4 13 Arsenal 5 4 1 0 9 4 13 Brighton 5 4 0 1 15 7 12 West Ham 5 3 1 1 10 7 10 Aston Villa 5 3 0 2 11 10 9 Nottm Forest 5 2 1 2 7 7 7 Crystal Palace 5 2 1 2 6 7 7 Fulham 5 2 1 2 5 10 7 Brentford 5 1 3 1 8 6 6 Newcastle 5 2 0 3 8 7 6 Man Utd 5 2 0 3 6 10 6 Chelsea 5 1 2 2 5 5 5 Bournemouth 5 0 3 2 4 8 3 Wolves 5 1 0 4 5 11 3 Sheff Utd 5 0 1 4 5 9 1 Everton 5 0 1 4 2 9 1 Burnley 4 0 1 3 4 12 1 Luton 4 0 0 4 2 10 0 LA LIGA: Granada 2 Girona 4. Top 5 P W D L F A Pts Real Madrid 5 5 0 0 10 3 15 Barcelona 5 4 1 0 13 4 13 Girona 5 4 1 0 11 4 13 Athletic Bilbao 5 3 1 1 9 4 10 Valencia 5 3 0 2 7 4 9 SERIE A: Salernitana 0 Torino 3, Verona 0 Bologna 0. Top 5 P W D L F A Pts Inter Milan 4 4 0 0 13 1 12 Juventus 4 3 1 0 9 2 10 AC Milan 4 3 0 1 9 7 9 Lecce 4 2 2 0 7 4 8 Napoli 4 2 1 1 8 5 7 RESULTS & STANDINGS 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] Sources: UEFA, Gracenote Picture: Getty Images © GRAPHIC NEWS MATCHDAY 1: SEP 21 Head-to-head GROUP A Galatasaray TUR Copenhagen DEN Bayern GER Man Utd ENG Q-final – Group – Bayern Man Utd Copenhagen Galatasaray Form 2022-23 GROUP B Sevilla ESP Lens FRA Arsenal ENG PSV NED Group – – – Sevilla Arsenal PSV Lens GROUP C Real Madrid ESP Union Berlin GER Braga POR Napoli ITA Q-final S-final – Debut Napoli Real Braga Union Berlin GROUP D Real Sociedad ESP Internazionale ITA Benfica POR Salzburg AUT Q-final Final Group – Benfica Inter Salzburg Sociedad W D L UEFA Champions League 2023-24 1 0 1 1 0 1 4 5 2 3 3 2 First meeting First meeting First meeting First meeting PERENNIAL FAVOURITES Real start 28th Champions League campaign against competition debutants Union Berlin, who have enjoyed remarkable rise to join European elite after promotion to German Bundesliga for first time in 2019 40 24 16 48 Germany Italy England France Ukraine Win ratio: 49.1% 58.3% 50.0% 54.2% 50.0% 53 Real Madrid: Most UEFA Champions League matches against nation HIGH PRESSURE Real aiming to compete in Europe without talismanic forward Karim Benzema – departed to Saudi Arabia club Al-Ittihad Real: UEFA Champions League record L66 D56 W182 Carlo Ancelotti Real Madrid manager or download app from the App Store or Google PlayTM . Read iPaper at www.thesundaily.my Free access to iPaper PDF Download SCAN ME WEDNESDAY • SEPTEMBER 20, 2023 Heading into the abyss Manchester United are a mess – and it could be about to get even worse in Munich COACHING Bayern Munich II tends to be a stepping stone to a senior job. But not normally one of this magnitude. When Erik ten Hag goes to the Allianz Arena in the Champions League tomorrow (3am Malaysian time), it should be a triumphant return. He was nicknamed “mini Pep” in his time at Bayern Munich II but was a lower-profile figure in a lower-profile job. Now he is manager of one of the few clubs in world football who might be bigger even than Bayern. It is a personal triumph for a manager who described his decision to quit a first-team job at Go Ahead Eagles, who he had led to promotion, to go to Bayern’s youthful reserve team as an “unlogical move”. The danger, however, is that it becomes an unenjoyable reunion. For Manchester United, thoughts of Bayern are indelibly associated with memories of 1999, with the goals from Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer that rendered them treble winners and champions of England and took their unbeaten streak to 33 games. Now they head to Bavaria with three losses in four, with the setbacks still outnumbered by the problems, with issues in every department of the side. They have lacked form, changed formation, fielded the untried, the understudies, the out of position and the out of sorts. They have called upon Jonny Evans, who first played for them in 2007, and conceded to Danny Welbeck, who first scored for them in 2008. Under Ten Hag last season, they seemed to benefit from clarity of thought and unity of purpose. They seemed to have a manager who could turn United back from a soap opera to a football club. Now United again feel a mess, with Ten Hag unable to control everything from the mildly ridiculous to the more harrowing. While Anthony Martial’s de facto replacement, £72 million (RM417m) striker Rasmus Hojlund, faces comparisons that are both inevitable and unfair with Harry Kane tomorrow, Ten Hag’s costliest buy will be missing. Antony’s leave of absence stems from serious allegations of assault by three women (one accuser has withdrawn her complaints) which follows United’s aborted attempt to bring back Mason Greenwood. That prompted suggestions they had mislaid their moral compass. Thus far, Ten Hag has been more critical of the banished Jadon Sancho than Antony. Without both, United lost to Brighton, whose starting 11 cost £17 million (RM64m), about 20% of Antony’s fee; Ten Hag’s chosen 11 came in at £347 million (RM2b). While the two most dearest members of the current squad are unavailable; the third priciest, Hojlund, has only nine senior goals in major European leagues to his name. The other 2023 arrivals have had troubled starts. Mason Mount may be back for Bayern but his opening two games suggested he was miscast in midfield. Evans came on against Arsenal and, while it was not entirely his fault, United soon conceded twice. Sergio Reguilon had a difficult debut against Brighton, Andre Onana has passed the ball well but conceded 10 goals in his last four games. A patched-up, slipshod rearguard is the major cause but Raphael Varane is unlikely to feature tomorrow; Luke Shaw definitely won’t. An increasing liability is another of Ten Hag’s flagship signings, a second former Ajax player he pushed for. Lisandro Martinez has been lamentably poor this season; alongside him, Victor Lindelof has been substandard while Ten Hag’s reluctance to tell Harry Maguire to leave means the alternative is a player the fans have mocked and who he rarely trusts. Ten Hag’s first return to Bayern was as an underdog who excelled, earning Ajax a draw, taking them to the Champions League semifinals. United would surely settle for both of those outcomes. But for the success story from Bayern Munich II’s dugout, the fear may be that Bayern’s first team compound and capitalise on the problems at United. – The Independent HARRY KANE’S Bayern Munich host Manchester United tomorrow (3am), kick-starting their campaign in the competition which matters most to them this season. Despite domestic dominance which has seen Bayern win the past 11 Bundesliga titles, the club judges itself on its performances in the Champions League. Since winning in Lisbon in 2020, Bayern have been eliminated at the quarterfinal stage of the Champions League for three straight years. These early eliminations led to the exits of former managers Hansi Flick and Julian Nagelsmann. Current Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel, who took over from a sacked Nagelsmann who had won eight from eight in the Champions League, is aware that making it at least to the semis is considered par for the course in Munich. While this understanding is not new for Bayern or indeed any of the handful of modern superclubs where domestic success is assured, the big money addition of Kane makes winning now a necessity. Bayern broke their transfer record to lure Kane from Tottenham in the summer, paying €100 million (RM480m) for the 30- year-old England captain. With Bundesliga titles and German Cups finding their way to Munich more often than not, Kane’s move to Bayern has clearly boosted his chances of capturing that elusive first trophy. But only by winning the Champions League will his decision to leave England be seen as an unqualified success. The England captain said as much when unveiled in Munich, explaining “I want to play for the Champions League title, that’s why I came to Bayern.” Kane has shown few difficulties adjusting to life in Germany, having scored four goals in his first four league matches. Kane said yesterday he was looking forward to “something special” in his first Champions League match for Bayern – and first against Premier League opposition since arriving in Munich. The striker told Germany’s Sports Illustrated that he “wants to get the supporters behind us as early as possible and approach the game with a lot of intensity.” Early starts are common for Bayern in the Champions League. The six-time winners have won their opening match for the past 19 seasons. Bayern will however need to see the match through without Tuchel, who saw red as his side was eliminated by eventual champions Man City last season. Tuchel will watch from the stands, with his assistant Zsolt Low taking the reins. Typically firey, Tuchel has pointed much of his scorn at his own club this season, particularly after Bayern failed to sign a defensive midfielder. Bayern had tried – the club brought Fulham’s Joao Palhinha to Munich on deadline day and had the Portugal star taking pictures in club shirts on deadline day – but the deal broke down and the midfielder flew back to London. Despite netting Kane, Serie A defender of the year Kim Min-Jae and a host of other useful additions, Tuchel hit out at the club, calling the club “gutsy” for giving him such a “thin” squad. While squad complaints are a sport of their own for modern managers, letting go of Benjamin Pavard, Ryan Gravenberch, Lucas Hernandez, Josip Stanisic and to a lesser extent Marcel Sabitzer and Sadio Mane could come back to haunt the side once the games start coming thick and fast. While Bayern and Man United have a strong rivalry of their own. they have however started the year in contrasting fashion. While only goal difference is keeping Bayern from the top of the Bundesliga after an unbeaten start, United have stumbled out of the blocks this season. Kane however said Bayern should be wary, saying on Monday “I know Manchester United are having a difficult time at the moment, but sometimes teams like that are dangerous because they’re looking to come back in a big way.” – AFP Pressure on Bayern as Kane sets out for trophy that matters Ten Hag