THE SUN

TELLING IT AS IT IS INSIDE 31 cops linked
Time right to to Macau page

ease travel page scam ring to 5

restrictions: 3 face action

Association

ON TUESDAY MARCH 2, 2021

No. 7730 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) www.thesundaily.my

LET’S BEGIN ... A teacher
briefing her Year 1 pupils during
their first day in school yesterday
at SJK (C) Khai Chee in
Segambut, Kuala Lumpur.
– ADIB RAWI Story on
YAHYA/THESUN
—

page 4

Jostling for presence

█ BY ALISHA NUR MOHD NOOR oExperts question effectiveness
[email protected] of political parties using free news
portals to control the narratives
PETALING JAYA: Much resources ahead of GE15
are being poured into free news
portals as political parties pointed out. although it had war rooms,
compete to control the narratives Former Bernama editor-in-chief cybertroopers and sophisticated
ahead of the 15th general election (GE15). software to mine social media.
Datuk Zakaria Abdul Wahab said news “To win the next GE, political
In the past few months, new portals portals could narrate according to their parties need to continue to focus
have sprung up and there were even political masters’ whims and fancies, but on social media and narrate
negotiations to buy over existing ones. he believes it would not have much believable stories to the voters,”
influence on voters for GE15. Zakaria added.
These point to the importance placed Veteran newsman and former
by parties on putting their spin on current “Voters now have many avenues to get group editor-in-chief of The New
events, according to veteran journalists information other than news portals,” he Straits Times Datuk A. Kadir Jasin
and political analysts. said. feels the proliferation of news
portals would be a blow to
Parliamentary observer and former “They know where to get the official journalism in the country as it would
journalist Ong Ooi Heng said it has been news if they want to check the facts. The lead to a cyberspace battle between
overstated that political parties can most powerful media to influence voters cybertroopers and social media
effectively secure votes by having its own would be WhatsApp and other social activists.
media agency. media platforms. “Mainstream media will
be pushed further into
“Owning a media (asset) can help to “The last GE was won by political obscurity. It will be Turn to
push forward certain narratives. But you parties that were able to penetrate social reporting facts and
need to take into consideration other media and Barisan Nasional (BN) failed fallacies for the digital —
factors when talking about securing because it focused too much on
votes,” he said. government media machinery to page 3
promote itself and that was boring (to
While there may still be non-partisan readers). illiterates only to be
news portals that are unbiased, Ong said
the reality is media establishments would “BN failed to penetrate social media
have taken a stand on what to highlight
and who would be given publication
space.

Effectively, they cannot remain
unbiased as they have political
paymasters even if it is by proxy, he

2 theSUN ON TUESDAY | MARCH 2, 2021
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

Lower daily losses PN could yet succeed
recorded under despite tough first year
MCO 2.0
o Right moves need to be made to strengthen position and during the Covid-19 pandemic. “Policies must
KUALA LUMPUR: The reopening of shake ‘backdoor’ stigma, say analysts be well thought out, consistent and
more economic sectors under the multi-partisan.”
second phase of the movement control █ BY ALISHA NUR MOHD NOOR his Tebrau colleague Steven Choong Shiau
order (MCO 2.0) has succeeded in [email protected] Yoon pledged their support to Prime Minister He said that this is possible even for a
reducing the country’s losses to RM300 PETALING JAYA: The going has been tough for Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. Both, who were PKR minority government, as has been
million a day compared with RM2.4 Perikatan Nasional (PN) in its first year in members, have been sacked from the party. demonstrated in New Zealand.
billion daily during the first MCO. Putrajaya, but that could change if it makes the
right moves, according to political analysts. “There is still room for improvement and PN “Prime Minister Jacinda Arden headed a
Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri will need to strengthen its position as the ruling minority government during her first term in
Zafrul Abdul Aziz said more economic Speaking to theSun yesterday in conjunction coalition, and it is not too late,” Awang Azman office but she has been able to introduce strong
sectors were allowed to operate under with the first anniversary of the coalition’s said. policies during extraordinary times,” Wong
MCO 2.0 to strike a balance between the ascent to power, they said that while PN had to said.
health aspects of the people and current contend with the “backdoor government” label This could be a turning point for PN as it has
economic pressures. for a year, it could still strengthen its position as shown that it can garner the support of the But while the opportunity is there for PN to
the ruling coalition. Malay majority as well as the backing of the show its mettle, some analysts argue that the
“During the first MCO, our country smaller ethnic groups, he said. coalition had yet to show that it is capable.
suffered a loss of RM2.4 billion a day and University Malaya Prof Dr Awang Azman
if it were implemented continuously, Awang Pawi said that while it would be difficult “The biggest challenge for the PN Wong felt that the government had
surely our country’s economic system, to shake off the stigma, the decision by two government is to reverse the economic performed poorly during the Covid-19
including the public health system, Pakatan Harapan (PH) MPs to join ranks with setbacks. This will help it gain the people’s trust, pandemic and in managing the economy.
would have been paralysed,” he said in PN recently was a signal that it was open to the given that many have been affected by the
his opening remarks at the virtual 25th voices of “other races”. Covid-19 pandemic.” “Its reluctance to strike a multi-partisan deal
Revenue Day of the Inland Revenue and agree to a ceasefire amid the pandemic was
Board yesterday. The PN coalition, which comprises Barisan Awang Azman said institutional reforms an opportunity lost.”
Nasional (BN), PAS and Bersatu, has always need to be implemented to win over people in
He added that the country had been seen as Malay-centric. MCA and MIC, the next general election. Another analyst who shared the same
managed to limit the number of deaths which are part of BN, account for only a small sentiment is Oh Ei Sun, a senior fellow at the
due to Covid-19 to 0.3%, which is in the percentage of seats in the Dewan Rakyat. “For a start, a new legislation on political Singapore Institute of International Affairs.
lowest 5% category globally. funding must be put in place to prevent a trust
Recently, Julau MP Larry Sng Wei Shien and deficit between the government and the rakyat.” He noted that while the people were
He said the effectiveness of the required to observe tough measures to help
government’s measures to curb the Political scientist Dr Wong Chin Huat curb the spread of Covid-19, senior leaders had
spread of Covid-19 had also been observed that it had been tough to govern been exempted from those rules. “That is very
recognised by international credit rating negative.”
agency, Moody’s, which maintained
Malaysia’s A3 rating with stable Oh said the level of competency in Covid-19
projections in January this year. response was largely attributable to the private
– Bernama sector and civil service.

Ministers, Emergency not to
mentris besar, keep me in power
chief forever: PM
ministers,
heads of PUTRAJAYA: Not a single ordinance
agencies and introduced under the Emergency proclamation
departments was aimed at enabling the prime minister to
as well as remain in power forever, Tan Sri Muhyiddin
members of Yassin said.
corporate
bodies He pointed out that the Emergency even has
following an “end date”, which is
Muhyiddin’s Aug 1, Bernama reported.
virtual
keynote “This is the first time in the history of our
address country that an Emergency has an end date. I
yesterday. am aware of and I understand the meaning of
democracy,” he said in his One-Year Malaysia
Better times ahead with global economic recovery Prihatin keynote address yesterday, which was
carried “live” on local TV.
KUALA LUMPUR: The government expects as well as the resumption of major Nasional government in the past year.”
Malaysia’s economic position to improve this infrastructure projects.” On the subject of education, the prime Muhyiddin said since the Emergency came
year, in line with the recovery in global into force, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong had
economic and trade activities, Prime Minister On the Covid-19 pandemic, Muhyiddin said minister said the government would focus on promulgated three ordinances, namely the
Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said. much had been learned from the data that had the implementation of the Digital Education Emergency (Essential Powers) Ordinance 2021,
been compiled in the year after it was first Policy with three main objectives – to create a Emergency (Workers’ Minimum Standards of
Citing a World Economic Outlook report, he detected in the country. “For instance, we have digitally-fluent generation capable of mastering Housing, Accommodation and Amenities)
said the world’s gross domestic product (GDP) found that 10% of Covid-19 clusters contributed digital literacy and skills, as well as to produce (Amendment) Ordinance 2021 and Emergency
in 2021 is projected to recover at 5.5%, while more than 85% of cases.” innovations using digital technology. (Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases)
world trade is also expected to grow at 8.1%. (Amendment) Ordinance 2021.
He said the movement control order in He said the objective was to improve
“International bodies such as the locations where there were clusters was a more competency and enhance professionalism in He said all the ordinances were aimed at
International Monetary Fund and World Bank targeted approach at addressing the Covid-19 digital education technology. enabling the government to deal with the
in January projected that our country’s problem. This could therefore ensure that Covid-19 pandemic more efficiently and
economy will grow at a rate of 7% and 6.7%, economic activities would proceed, subject to “The third objective is to close the digital gap effectively, including improving the
respectively,” he said in his One-Year Malaysia strict compliance with standard operating to produce responsible and functioning citizens management of foreign workers’
Prihatin keynote address yesterday. procedures, he added. in a knowledge virtue-based society.” accommodation, which is one of the main
causes of the spread of the virus in the country.
Muhyiddin said the country’s economic At the same time, Muhyiddin said the Muhyiddin said the government would
recovery would also be led by the services and government also introduced various economic continue to focus on the digitilisation agenda, He requested that the government be given t
manufacturing sectors, which contribute more stimulus packages worth RM305 billion to ease in line with the growth of the nation’s new space to focus fully on efforts to stem the
than 80% of GDP. the burden of the people and ensure business sources of wealth and economic disease. The prime minister gave an assurance
continuity. transformation through knowledge and that once the virus problem was resolved, he
“At the same time, domestic demand is innovation-based activities. would advise the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to
projected to record a steady growth, supported “Our challenge is to strike a balance between dissolve Parliament for the general election to
by improvements in the labour market, low protecting lives and livelihoods. These are key “The digital economy is expected to be held.
inflation and favourable financing conditions, words that reflect the focus of the Perikatan contribute 22.6% of GDP by 2025.”
– Bernama “As I have repeatedly stressed, I uphold the
Federal Constitution and the principles of
democracy. The main focus of this government
at this moment is to steer this country clear of
the double whammy of health and economic
crises.

“Once the pandemic is over, which I hope
will be very soon, I will advise the Yang
di-Pertuan Agong to dissolve Parliament. Until
then, my colleagues in the Cabinet and I will
continue to carry out our duties and
responsibilities to the best of our abilities.”

3theSUN ON TUESDAY | MARCH 2, 2021
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

Army still relevant in Zamrose (nearest to the camera) with officers and
these challenging times personnel of the army at its 88th anniversary

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian army celebrations in Port Dickson yesterday. – BERNAMAPIX
continues to be a credible and relevant force
despite the many challenges it has faced in its Sabah and Sarawak. He said the team was also directly involved he added.
long history. In line with efforts to enhance its in efforts to curb the spread of Covid-19 Meanwhile, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-
through Op Benteng and in assisting flood
Army commander Jen Tan Sri Zamrose capabilities, several acquisitions of new assets victims through cooperation with other Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah
Mohd Zain attributed the success to not only have also been carried out, including the authorities in Op Penawar and Op Murni. Shah also expressed the highest appreciation
timely replacement of assets and acquisitions acquisition of the 8X8 Gempita Armoured Car to the families of army officers and personnel
of new high-tech equipment but also the and the 105MM Cannon. To boost morale and ensure the welfare of who had been killed while on duty.
discipline of its personnel. army personnel are cared for, their comfort in
Other successes included the aspect of the armed forces family home and technical The King, who is the Supreme Commander
“Discipline has remained the core of the operations, administration and logistics, he buildings had been enhanced through welfare of the Malaysian Armed Forces, also
army’s identity despite the many negative added. initiatives, he said. commended and expressed deep appreciation
influences,” he told Bernama on the occasion for the services and sacrifices made by all
of the force’s 88th anniversary celebrations Zamrose said among the organisation’s “The Malaysian army has also intensified present and former army personnel in
yesterday. other achievements was the effectiveness of welfare visits and provides better protecting the country’s sovereignty and
operations conducted in helping the opportunities for promotion to its members,” security. - Bernama
“Such negative influences can make it government to manage disasters.
difficult for the force to build and maintain its
identity. The soldier’s discipline is the core of
the army’s identity,” he said.

Fortunately, he said army personnel have
learned to adapt to a more complex
environment, thus ensuring that their fighting
spirit is not affected.

This, he added, has enabled the army to
safeguard the country’s interests and
sovereignty.

Zamrose said various plans had been
drawn up since he took the helm at the
Malaysian army in June last year.

He said these plans were based on the five
pillars, namely readiness and mission
continuity; strengthening organisational
integrity; safeguarding the well-being of army
personnel; strengthening defence relations,
and enhancing civil-military relations.

“These initiatives have begun to show
positive results despite the many challenges,
among which is the Covid-19 pandemic that
has swept across the world since the
beginning of last year,” Zamrose said.

He said the army has managed to continue
with its restructuring exercise in 2020 to
enhance its asset capacity and human
resource in the Army Field Command East in

Tourism sector divided ‘Voters will be
on easing of restrictions influenced by
perception’
oDomestic tour players want told theSun that in line with the government Perak nearly had to fold up because of the
travel curbs lifted but their effort to promote domestic tourism, these steps pandemic. contested, denied and lampooned by digital
inbound tour peers disagree would be timely. “Such a move would and social media,” he said.
stimulate domestic tourism,” he said. Mohd Khalid said many Mata members had
█ BY ALISHA NUR MOHD NOOR already moved on to other professions to make “Unless newspapers, TV
[email protected] “I believe theme park operators, such as ends meet as the tourism industry in the and radio stations are able to
PETALING JAYA: With the Covid-19 vaccine Sunway Lagoon, are ready to welcome visitors country “is going nowhere”. “Many have From match the independent
being rolled out across the country, players in again, and this can be done by strictly entered the food business, selling items such as front news portals, they will
the domestic tourism sector believe that the enforcing the standard operating procedures cakes online to sustain themselves,” he added. page suffer a more severe
time has come to not only lift travel restrictions (SOP). As more people get vaccinated, it rejection than during GE14.”
but also reopen entertainment outlets. should be alright to allow entertainment The Malaysian Inbound Tourism Kadir pointed out that the
outlets to operate again,” he said. Association (Mita) said it would take some rush to acquire or to start news portals is an
On the other hand, their colleagues who time for Malaysia to reopen some sectors, such admission that online media will be the
manage inbound tourists are taking a more “All the stakeholders are prepared to adapt as entertainment. lynchpin.
cautious stand, for fear that a rapid surge in to the changes and ensure the SOPs are strictly “Journalism and quality reporting will
travel could lead to a third round of movement observed. Gradual easing of the restrictions Mita president Uzaidi Udanis is also suffer further. Already, a large number of
control order (MCO 3.0) that, they fear, would will encourage locals to travel to various tourist cognizant of the fact that more virulent strains senior and experienced journalists have
be devastating. spots again,” he added. of the Covid-19 virus have surfaced. been laid off in post-GE media bankruptcies
and reshuffles,” he said.
The Association of Malaysian Travel Mohd Khalid said most players in the travel “The virus is getting ‘smarter’ so we have to “Truth may not count for much. Voters,
Agencies (Mata), which represents about 4,000 industry have been badly hit. Citing his own ‘outsmart’ it. On the other hand, we are still especially the first-timers, will be influenced
tour agencies, said restrictions on interstate business as an example, he said he has had to learning how to beat it, so reopening more by perception than the real thing.”
travel should be lifted now, and theme parks close two of his offices in Kuala Lumpur entertainment outlets, particularly those that Political commentator Prof Dr Mohd
and even cinemas should also be allowed to because he could no longer pay the rent. operate indoors, such as cinemas, may not be Tajuddin Mohd Rasdi said the battle for
welcome patrons again. appropriate yet,” he told theSun. hearts and minds of voters will be more
He said many other companies could suffer effectively executed on social media
Mata president Datuk Mohd Khalid Harun the same fate or even close down if the Uzaidi said it would be wise to take into platforms and through free portals.
restrictions remain in place for too long, and account safety before restoring freedom to “The reality is that political parties or
the travel industry would shut down for good. travel. While loosening travel restrictions will people with political interests will be
motivate people to travel, there is also the risk proactive in social media to gear up for GE15
For instance, Sunway Theme Parks of infection. by preparing their cyber warriors, in an
executive director Calvin Ho recently told the attempt to influence public opinion,” he said.
media the company’s theme park in Bandar “I would rather face an extension of MCO “Usually, a cyber warrior will create
Sunway and the Lost World of Tambun in 2.0 than deal with an MCO 3.0. That will spell content based on any non-issue and turn it
doom for the industry,” he added. into an extremely big issue. They will also
counter those unfavourable news by
Cuepacs pledges support for govt’s anti-Covid efforts phrasing the issue into a more palatable
manner. They can manipulate the content
KUALA LUMPUR: The Congress of Union of people and the country. In a separate statement, National Book and pass it on to social media like WhatsApp.
Employees in the Public and Civil Services “As Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Council of Malaysia (MBKM) director Mohd I know a person whose only task is to share
(Cuepacs) has pledged its continued support Khair Ngadiron said it welcomed the prime news through WhatsApp.”
for the government in its efforts to help the Yassin said, civil servants and the government minister’s message and aspiration on Tajuddin said the party that will win (the
people affected by Covid-19. are inseparable because the main focus of empowering the digital economy to support narrative) will be the team with the most
both parties is to help the people and the economic growth of the book industry. motivated cyber warriors.
In a statement issued yesterday, its facilitate the economic sector. “People are interested in defending
president Adnan Mat said civil servants and In line with this, he said, the MBKM would religion, race and class struggles, they are
government leaders should move together “Cuepacs also hopes the government will hold the largest online Kuala Lumpur no longer bothered about the truth,” he
without any prejudice to ensure every policy fully trust the civil servants because International Book Fair from March 19 to April added.
is implemented smoothly for the good of the everything we do is for the country and the 4. - Bernama
people.”

4 theSUN ON TUESDAY | MARCH 2, 2021 Relief as schools reopen
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS
o Students, parents their children to participate in PdPR. 6% had personal computers, 9.3% had laptops,
High level of welcome move, with experts Amirah Haikal, 15, a Form Three student in 5.8% had tablets and 46.5% had smartphones.
SOP compliance describing it as ‘long overdue’
on first day, says the Klang Valley, and her friends are eager to Anuar Ahmad, a senior lecturer at the
minister KUALA LUMPUR: While the sentiment has return to school. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Centre
been largely negative on social media, many of Community Education and Wellbeing, said
PUTRAJAYA: There was a high level of parents and students are relieved that schools She said most of them, who cannot afford many parents had been asking for schools to be
compliance with standard operating have finally reopened. new a smartphone, tablets or laptops, had not reopened.
procedures (SOP) to curb the spread of been able to participate in PdPR.
Covid-19 on the first day of school yesterday. Even education experts have welcomed the “Our children have not been in school for a
move, describing it as long overdue, pointing “We are relieved. My mother is a kuih seller year, and they have not been properly taught.
Senior Minister (Education) Datuk Dr Radzi out that face-to-face learning is always more and she earns only about RM60 a day. My father Many are trailing behind in their studies,” he
Jidin said both students and school staff strictly efficient. is ill, so we cannot afford a computer,” she told said.
adhered to the SOP. Bernama.
Pre-schoolers and pupils in Year One and A study by UKM’s Education Faculty showed
Classes resumed yesterday for Two were in class for the new school year “All we have now is an old smartphone, that 70% to 80% of teachers reported that getting
pre-schoolers as well as Year One and Two yesterday. Those in Year Three to Six will which is constantly giving problems,” she said. the attention of students was a challenge.
pupils. resume face-to-face learning in class on
Monday. “My two siblings and I have to share the “It is clear that PdPR 1.0 has failed in the 10
Radzi said the children had proven wrong RM20 worth of data that my mother can afford, months it was in place,” he said. “Teachers lack
the assumption that they would not be For those in secondary school, classes will which is barely enough to support online the skills and parents are either not ready or do
obedient. resume on April 5 in Johor, Kedah, Kelantan and classes and to download school work. I fear I not know how to help their children with virtual
Terengganu, and on the following day in other have missed out a lot.” learning.”
“From what I have seen, children do comply states as well as the three federal territories of
with the SOP, especially in classrooms. Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan. An Education Ministry study on the National Parent-Teacher Associations
preparedness of students for virtual learning Consultative Council president Datuk Dr
“We had discussions with the Health Meanwhile, netizens and social media users between March 28 and April 2 last year revealed Mohamad Ali Hasan said mobile devices and
Ministry and the National Security Council have expressed objection to the government’s that 36.9% of students do not possess any laptops would not go to waste as they could still
and have been advised that keeping decision to reopen schools, saying it is not the devices to enable them to engage in online be used for learning sessions during weekends
movements to a minimum is the best right time, given that the Covid-19 pandemic is learning. The study showed that of the 670,118 or the holidays.
approach,” he said. still raging across the country. parents of 893,331 students interviewed, only

“It is difficult to exert control if there is too Some pointed out that parents had already
much movement. But in school, movement is spent a lot of money to purchase laptops, tablets
limited,” he said. and smartphones for their children to enable
them to participate in home-based learning
He was speaking at a press conference after (PdPR).
Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s
keynote address on the first anniversary of the On the other hand, many among the B40
Malaysia Prihatin initiative, Bernama reported. group from urban, rural and remote areas have
welcomed the move.
The decision to reopen schools earlier for
primary pupils was to allow them to adapt to They are largely those who cannot afford
the new normal at school. electronic gadgets such as laptops,
smartphones and tablets and do not have
Radzi said during his visits to two schools access to the internet, making it impossible for
yesterday, he found that parents had complied
with guidelines by leaving their children at the
school gate and letting teachers take them to
their classrooms. It is important for parents to
ensure there is less congestion at the school
gate for easier SOP compliance.

302,580

25,542 1,135 A policewoman registers for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination at the Jinjang Health Clinic in Kuala
Lumpur yesterday. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

3,135 police personnel vaccinated

275,903 KUALA LUMPUR: The first phase of Covid-19 Saiful said the immunisation, which is being
immunisation for police frontliners started carried out at the Jinjang and Putrajaya health
1,828 198 2,486 5 yesterday with 3,135 personnel being clinics, will run until March 18 for the first dose
vaccination. and between March 22 and April 8 for the
second dose.
Kuala Lumpur police chief Comm Datuk
Saiful Azly Kamaruddin said priority for the The rest of Kuala Lumpur police personnel
immunisation programme was given to will be vaccinated in subsequent phases, which
personnel at high risk of contracting the virus. will be determined by the government.

He said the 3,135 personnel were from the “We appreciate and support the
six districts here, namely Brickfields, Cheras, government’s efforts in carrying out the
Dang Wangi, Sentul, Wangsa Maju and immunisation programme,” Saiful said.
Putrajaya. – by Charles Ramendran

1 Group wants review of RM10,000 fine

16 36 KUALA LUMPUR: The government has been Company directors could also be taken to
15 urged to reconsider raising the fine for court for such violations.
85 0 violations of movement control order
144 8 regulations. “The inconsistency of SOP interpretations
167 and enforcement has instilled fear and anxiety
453 The National Chamber of Commerce and among the public and businesses,” NCCIM
104 Industry of Malaysia (NCCIM) said the said.
75 on-the-spot fine of RM10,000 was “too hefty
6 and disproportionate”. It also emphasised that efforts to educate
Malaysians to comply with the SOP must
8 It said it would be “inconsiderate” to add to continue, and urged the government to come
the already heavy burden on the low and up with better methods, including consistency
490 middle-income households as well as small of the SOP.
and medium enterprises.
220 “While we reckon that harsher punishments
“There also are concerns that the RM10,000 can deter SOP violations, the quantum of the
fine could open the door to abuse and bribery increase need not be so steep, and enforcement
as well as double standards,” the organisation units must enforce the SOP in a consistent and
said in a statement yesterday. objective manner.

While the penalty for violating the standard “Every Malaysian bears the responsibility to
operating procedures (SOP) has been raised comply with the SOP. Businesses must strictly
from RM1,000 to RM10,000 for individuals, the adhere to the SOP to keep the workplace safe
fines for business has been raised to RM50,000, and clean for their employees to work,” it added.
from RM10,000. – Bernama

5theSUN ON TUESDAY | MARCH 2, 2021
* NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

Tow truck driver TEAM EFFORT ... Cpl Muhamad Shahilmi Shahadan (left) and
loses appeal in Cpl Simon Pasang Kana of the motorcycle patrol unit at the
Najadi case Seberang Perai police station showing their certificates of
appreciation yesterday for smashing a narcotics syndicate on
PUTRAJAYA: The Federal Court here Feb 25 last year. – MASRY CHE ANI/THESUN
yesterday upheld the conviction and death
sentence imposed on a former tow truck Cops linked to Macau
driver for the murder of Arab-Malaysian scam to face action
Bank (AmBank) founder Hussain Ahmad
Najadi in 2013. o 31 policemen facing “The Department of Integrity and Standard China, and working with cartels abroad.
termination, demotion Compliance has already completed the MACC also detained and investigated
A three-member bench, led by Court of and salary deduction: IGP investigations and submitted the paper to the
Appeal President Tan Sri Rohana Yusuf, also commission, chaired by Home Minister Datuk several popular celebrities, police officers and
affirmed the 18-year jail term on Koong IPOH: Thirty-one police personnel who have Seri Hamzah Zainudin. personnel, who protected the syndicate.
Swee Kwan for attempting to murder been identified colluding with a Macau scam
Najadi’s wife Cheong Mei Kuen. syndicate and online gambling activities will “This is because we view the offence as very Meanwhile, Abdul Hamid said police have
face severe punishment soon. serious, in the interest of the people. As the not received any request from the Bangladesh
The bench, which also comprised Federal inspector-general of police, I have taken it to the High Commission in Kuala Lumpur regarding
Court Judges Datuk Abdul Rahman Sebli Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri top to be tried as fairly as possible.” claims that a fugitive, Anis, purportedly a
and Datuk Seri Hasnah Mohammed Hashim, Abdul Hamid Bador said yesterday the results brother of General Aziz Ahmed, head of the
dismissed Koong’s final appeal against his from investigations conducted had been He said this at a media conference during the Bangladesh Army, is hiding in the country.
conviction and sentence. submitted to the Police Force Commission for closing ceremony of the PDRM orang asli
further action, Bernama reported. Constable Basic Course Series 1/2020 at the He said police will investigate if there is an
Justice Rohana said evidence against Main Shooting Range, General Operations official request from the high commission to
Koong was overwhelming. He said that they were previously suspected Force Northern Brigade in Hulu Kinta here. determine whether media reports claiming they
of being involved in the Macau scam syndicate own property around Kuala Lumpur had basis.
Koong’s lawyer Hisyam Teh Poh Teik said orchestrated by Zaidi Kanapiah, better known Abdul Hamid said the officers and personnel
his client’s last recourse is to appeal to the as Addy Kanna, and Goh Leong Yeong, or Alvin involved could face the sack, demotion and “We will not allow any organised criminal
Pardons Board for clemency. Goh. salary deductions. activity abroad to operate in the country nor any
terrorist elements to take root here.
He had submitted in the appeal that his Prior to this, the media reported that Addy
client’s defence was not fairly and justly Kanna and Goh were detained by the Malaysian “We will wait if there’s any request from the
assessed by the trial judge. Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) after Bangladesh High Commission on whether what
they were found running a Macau scam and was alleged has basis.
Koong, 52, known as Sei Ngan Chai was online gambling activities targeting victims in
sentenced to death on Oct 27, 2017, for “Currently, there has been no such request,”
killing Najadi, 75, after a retrial of his case. he said.

He was also sentenced to 18 years in jail Court throws out defamation MACC fails in bid
for attempting to murder Cheong. suit filed by NFCorp to forfeit RM2.7m

The man was charged with committing PUTRAJAYA: The Federal Court has dismissed on Dec 4, 2013 against Nurul Izzah, who was KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-
the offences in the parking lot of Kuan Yin a defamation suit filed by National Feedlot then Lembah Pantai MP, and Saifuddin, over Corruption Commission has failed in its bid
Temple in Lorong Ceylon between 1.30pm Corporation Sdn Bhd (NFCorp) and its their alleged statements concerning the to forfeit RM2,738,525.08, allegedly linked
and 2pm on July 29, 2013. executive chairman Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad purchase of eight units of property at KL Eco to 1Malaysia Development Bhd funds that
Salleh Ismail against Permatang MP Nurul City. was in the account of Selangor Umno
On Sept 5, 2014, Kuala Lumpur High Izzah Anwar and PKR. liaison committee.
Court Judge Mohd Azman Husin sentenced They claimed that Nurul Izzah had made a
Koong to death for murder and 18 years’ jail A three-member bench comprising Datuk slanderous statement on Malaysiakini TV on High Court Judge Datuk Muhammad
for attempted murder. Seri Mohd Zawawi Salleh, Datuk Seri Hasnah March 7, 2012. Jamil Hussin said the applicant failed to
Mohammed Hashim and Datuk Harmindar prove that the money was proceeds from
However, on Dec 14, 2016, the Federal Singh Dhaliwal upheld the decisions of the The High Court had, on March 4, 2016, unlawful activities. The applicant also did
Court set aside his conviction and ordered High Court and Court of Appeal in dismissing dismissed NFCorp and Mohamad Salleh’s not challenge the accounts and statements
the case to be retried in the High Court after NFCorp and Mohamad Salleh’s suit. lawsuit. Their appeal in the Court of Appeal submitted in the affidavit by the
ruling that Justice Mohd Azman could have was also dismissed on July 10, 2017. respondent, he said.
been prejudiced since he had heard the Justice Harmindar Singh, who delivered the
appeal of a taxi driver, Chew Siang Chee, court’s decision, said Nurul Izzah and Harmindar said the Court of Appeal had Furthermore, he added the money,
who was facing charges of possession of a Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, who was sued in his agreed with the findings of the High Court that purportedly received by the political body
pistol and bullets. capacity as PKR secretary-general, had made there was substantial truth in the statements, from former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib
out the defence of justification and they could which was on the conflict of interest Abdul Razak, had been spent.
Chew was said to have driven Koong not be liable for damages for defamation. surrounding Mohamad Salleh’s wife Tan Sri
away after the shooting. Shahrizat Abdul Jalil when she was the MP for The prosecution was led by deputy
He also said that the High Court held that Lembah Pantai. public prosecutor Nik Haslinie Hashim,
Chew was convicted and sentenced to 10 Nurul Izzah’s statement read in its entirety was while lawyers Datuk Hasnal Rezua Merican
years in jail on two charges by a sessions not defamatory. Harmindar said it was the court’s view that and Muzzammil Merican represented
court for possessing a pistol and bullets. the real question for determination was on the Selangor Umno. The forfeiture application
However, he was acquitted by the Court of The court ordered NFCorp and Mohamad impression created in the mind of the ordinary was filed under the Anti-Money Laundering,
Appeal in 2015. Salleh to pay RM50,000 in costs. and reasonable viewer after viewing the whole Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of
press statement. – Bernama Unlawful Activities Act 2001. – Bernama
The retrial of Koong’s case was heard by NFCorp and Mohamad Salleh filed the suit
then judicial commissioner Ab Karim Ab
Rahman (now High Court judge).

Meanwhile, deputy public prosecutor
Tetralina Ahmed Fauzi argued that the
conviction against Koong is safe as there
were overwhelming evidence to support it.
– Bernama

12 ‘hungry’ men
go on rampage

KUALA LUMPUR: Two suspects were
arrested after a dozen men went on a
rampage, smashing chairs and tables at a
popular Indian restaurant in Brickfields here
last Sunday.

Brickfields police chief ACP Anuar Omar
said a group of men had gone to the
restaurant at about 10pm but were turned
away by the manager as the place was
about to close for business due to the
movement control order (MCO) regulations.

He said this angered the men, who then
started throwing chairs and tables in the
restaurant, and attacked staff.

Anuar said three staff were injured in the
altercation.

“We received a call at about 10.20pm and
despatched a team to the scene. The
suspects were upset that they were not
allowed to order food due to the MCO
procedures. They began threatening staff
with wood and parang.

“We arrested two suspects and are
looking for four others.”

He said the case is being investigated for
rioting under Section 148 of the Penal Code.

Videos of the commotion went viral last
Sunday. – by Charles Ramendran

6 theSUN ON TUESDAY | MARCH 2, 2021
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

YANGON: Myanmar’s ousted leader Suu Kyi slapped with BRIEFS FEAR OF HISTORY
Aung San Suu Kyi appeared at a two new charges REPEATING ITSELF
court hearing via video
conferencing yesterday, the first LOS ANGELES: Britain’s Prince
time her lawyers had seen her since Harry, who has blamed press
she was detained in the Feb 1 coup. intrusion for contributing to his
Supporters, meanwhile, mother Princess Diana’s death in
marched in several towns and cities 1997, has told U.S. chat show host
in defiance of a crackdown after the Oprah Winfrey he was worried
bloodiest day so far in the aftermath about history repeating itself.
of the coup, with security forces Harry and his wife Meghan
killing at least 18 people in protests Markle rocked Britain’s monarchy
on Sunday. across a street in the northeastern with their announcement last
Suu Kyi, aged 75, looked in good o Ousted Myanmar leader shown in court via town of Lashio, chanting slogans as year that they were stepping
health during her appearance video link in first appearance since detention police marched towards them. back from royal duties. “My
before a court in the capital biggest concern was history
Naypyidaw, one of her lawyers said. Protesters also marched in the repeating itself,“ Harry, 36, said,
Two more charges were added to central town of Bagan. apparently referring to the death
those filed against her after the Later, a charge of violating a disperse hundreds of protesters of his mother in a car crash in
coup, he said. natural disaster law by breaching yesterday. Foreign ministers from the Paris in 1997 as she tried to
“I saw A May on the video, she coronavirus protocols was added. Association of Southeast Asian escape paparazzi. The couple
looks healthy,” lawyer Min Min Soe “We have to continue the protest Nations, of which Myanmar is a have launched several legal cases
told Reuters, using an affectionate Two more charges were added no matter what,” Thar Nge said by member, will hold a special video against British news outlets
term meaning “mother” to refer to yesterday, one under a section of a telephone after police firing tear gas meeting on Myanmar today, alleging invasion of privacy. – AFP
Suu Kyi. colonial-era penal code prohibiting forced him and others to abandon a Singapore’s foreign minister said.
“She asked to meet her lawyer.” publication of information that may barricade in a Yangon street. BENEDICT: POPE’S IRAQ
The Nobel Peace laureate, who “cause fear or alarm”, and the other “We will listen to the TRIP IS DANGEROUS
leads the National League for under a telecommunications law “This is my neighbourhood. It’s a representative of the Myanmar
Democracy, has not been seen in stipulating licences for equipment. lovely neighbourhood but now military authorities,” the minister, VATICAN CITY: Benedict XVI, who
public since her government was we’re hearing gunfire and we don’t Vivian Balakrishnan, told resigned as pontiff eight years
ousted and she was detained along The next hearing will be in feel safe at home.” parliament. ago, warned in an interview
with other party leaders. mid-March. published yesterday that Pope
She was initially charged with Demonstrators marched in the He called yesterday for the Francis’ historic upcoming trip to
illegally importing six walkie-talkie Critics of the coup say the northwestern town of Kale holding security forces to desist from the use Iraq was “dangerous”. “I think it’s a
radios. charges were trumped up. up pictures of Suu Kyi and chanting of lethal force, for Suu Kyi’s release very important trip,“ the
“democracy, our cause, our cause”. and for parties in Myanmar to 93-year-old pope emeritus, who
Meanwhile, witnesses in the discuss political solutions and a way lives in a monastery here, told the
main city of Yangon said police used Live video on Facebook showed back to democratic transition. Corriere della Sera daily.
stun grenades and tear gas to a small crowd in hard hats gathered – Reuters “Unfortunately, it comes at a very
difficult time, which also makes it
DISPERSE OR a dangerous trip: for reasons of
ELSE ... Police security and for coronavirus. And
holding up warning then there’s the unstable
banners as protesters situation in Iraq. I will accompany
gather outside West Francis with my prayers.” Francis,
Kowloon court in 84, will become the first pope to
Hong Kong yesterday, visit Iraq when he begins a
ahead of court three-day trip on Friday. – AFP
appearances by
dozens of dissidents OVERHAUL DIGITAL
charged with LAW, UN URGES DHAKA
subversion in the
largest use yet of DHAKA: Hundreds of Bangladeshi
Beijing’s sweeping activists staged a fourth day of
new national security protests yesterday over the death
law. – AFPPIX of a writer in detention as the UN
rights chief called for a review of a
digital security law used against
opposition figures. Protesters are
demanding action over what
they called the “murder” of
Mushtaq Ahmed, as well as the
repeal of the Digital Security Act
(DSA). “There needs to be an
overhaul of the DSA under which
Ahmed was charged – and all
those detained under this act for
exercising their rights to freedom
of expression must be released,“
UN high commissioner for
human rights Michelle Bachelet
said. Ahmed was detained for
publishing an article and sharing
Facebook posts critical of Prime
Minister Sheikh Hasina. – AFP

Aussie PM refuses to suspend minister Netanyahu blames Iran for blast
on Israeli-owned ship
CANBERRA: Australia’s prime Morrison said he had raised the police – said there was “no
minister rejected calls yesterday to issue with the minister “who prospect” of having the case heard TEL AVIV: Israeli Prime Minister not allow them to spread fear in the
suspend a Cabinet minister absolutely rejects these and an independent investigation Benjamin Netanyahu blamed Iran region by such accusations.
accused of rape, saying the allegations”. should be established. yesterday for an explosion aboard an
unnamed official “vigorously Israeli-owned ship in the Gulf of Oman “The Zionist regime (Israel) knows
denied” allegations that have now “It is the police, in a country This is just the latest scandal to last week, an accusation rejected by very well that our response to our
been referred to police. where you’re governed by the rule hit Morrison’s government and Tehran. security issues and areas is always firm
of law, that determine the veracity Canberra politics this year. and precise,” he said.
Scott Morrison – already under of any allegations of this nature,” The vehicle-carrier MV Helios Ray
mounting public pressure to tackle Morrison said in a testy exchange Defence minister Linda was hit between Thursday night and Kan said the Netanyahu interview
what has been called a toxic sexist with journalists yesterday. Reynolds is currently on medical Friday morning by a blast above the was pre-recorded on Sunday night,
culture in Canberra politics – leave amid an investigation into a water line that a U.S official said ripped before Syria accused Israel of carrying
insisted the minister was innocent “The police have had this staffer allegedly being raped by a holes in both sides of its hull. An Israeli out missile strikes near Damascus.
until proven guilty. matter referred to them. The colleague in her parliamentary official said limpet mines were used.
individual involved here has office. Israel has previously said it was
“Allegations of criminal vigorously rejected these “This was indeed an operation by launching frequent military actions
conduct should be dealt with by allegations. And so, it’s a matter for The 26-year-old alleged victim Iran,” Netanyahu told Kan radio. against Iranian deployment or arms
competent and authorised the police.” Brittany Higgins said she was handovers within Syria.
agencies,” Morrison said, adding it treated like a “political problem” Asked if Israel would retaliate, he said:
was a “matter for the police”. Police said they had “received a when she reported the incident, “You know my policy. Iran is Israel’s Yoav Galant, a minister in
complaint relating to an historic which occurred in 2019 just a biggest enemy. I am determined to fend Netanyahu’s security cabinet, said
Morrison recently received a sexual assault”, but “will not be month before national elections. it off. We are striking at it all over the pictures of the Helios Ray showed each
letter detailing allegations that a making further comment.” region.” hole resulted from “a mine affixed to the
man currently serving in the Morrison initially defended his exterior, apparently in a nighttime navy
Cabinet raped a 16-year-old girl in The fact the woman can no government’s approach to the case Iran denied involvement. commando operation”.
Sydney in 1988. The woman took longer be questioned and the time before apologising. “We strongly reject this accusation,”
her own life last year. elapsed since the alleged attack foreign ministry spokesman Saeed The perpetrators would have known
meant prosecution is unlikely. Hanson-Young also revealed Khatibzadeh told a news conference. about the ship’s Israeli ownership from
The man not been named over the weekend that she had also “The security of the Persian Gulf is open-source material, and the incident
publicly due to Australia’s Opposition senator Sarah referred a rape allegation against extremely important for Iran and we will took place close to Iranian-controlled
defamation laws. Hanson-Young – who also received an unnamed Labour member of coastline, Galant told Ynet TV. – Reuters
the letter and forwarded it to parliament to police. – AFP

7theSUN ON TUESDAY | MARCH 2, 2021
* NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

NZ PM: Call out
rule breakers

o Public anger builds over infringements
that forced Auckland back into lockdown

WELLINGTON: Prime Minister “Do it with kindness, but do it.”
Jacinda Ardern urged New The stay-at-home order was
Zealanders to “call out” Covid-19 imposed in Auckland on Sunday,
rule breakers yesterday, as public after it became clear a snap
anger built over a series of three-day lockdown last month
infringements that forced the had not halted a cluster of
country’s largest city back into infections in the city.
lockdown. Concerns centred on a family
where the chain of transmission
A frustrated Ardern – who has was unclear, although it has since
won widespread praise for her emerged they had contact with
pandemic response – said the infected members of another
breaches that led to Auckland family in defiance of isolation
being shut down for the second orders.
time in a month were intolerable. One of those involved visited a
doctor, a college and the gym
She said some people involved while awaiting the results of a test
in the latest outbreak had ignored that eventually showed he had
clear instructions to remain in the virus.
isolation and failed to fully Ardern said “we’re all paying
disclose their movements to the price” for their actions.
contact tracers. Authorities have the ability to
take enforcement action against
“Those individuals are facing rule breakers, but have yet to
the judgement of the entire issue a single fine for not wearing
nation, there are consequences, a mask on a plane or public
undoubtedly,” she told reporters. transport.
Asked if enforcement needed
New Zealand has recorded to be more proactive, Ardern said
only 26 Covid-19 deaths in a it was an operational matter for
population of five million, but the police.
Ardern said everyone needed to “Politicians aren’t the ones
cooperate in order to keep the that determine enforcement, and
virus in check. that’s rightly so,” she said. – AFP

“If that means calling a family
member or colleague out for not
following the rules then we
should do that.

UK hunts carrier
of Brazil Covid strain

LONDON: Britain yesterday He said community-wide
appealed for a person infected “surge testing” was starting in
with a powerful Covid-19 strain South Gloucestershire, western
from Brazil to come forward as England, after two of the Manaus
experts fretted about its impact cases were confirmed there.
on new vaccines.
Experts warned that based on
The public appeal came a data from Brazil, the variant was
week before England is due to both more transmissible and
start unwinding its third Covid better at evading antibodies than
lockdown, with progress hinging the UK’s predominant strain
on the vaccines’ ability to curtail which emerged in the
the pandemic. southeastern county of Kent last
September.
The variant that emerged in
Manaus, northern Brazil, has Danny Altmann, professor of
been detected in six people in the immunology at Imperial College
UK, one of whom cannot be in London, said the public should
located after they failed to fill in feel “somewhat worried but not
their contact details on a form total panic” about the emergence
after taking their coronavirus test. in Britain of the Manaus variant.

“We are working with several “It’s not that all immunity is
data points to try and locate gone, it’s that the vaccines look so
them, not least, of course, to try much less potent, so there’ll be
and highlight anyone who has more people who have low
had a test on Feb 12 to come antibody responses where it can
forward if they haven’t had a break through and get affected.
result,” vaccines minister Nadhim
Zahawi told BBC. “It all comes back much
harder.” – AFP

Drive-thru vaccination in Bali

JAKARTA: Indonesian resort The campaign was rolled out
island Bali has launched a at Nusa Dua Bali Convention
drive-thru vaccination campaign Centre in Bali’s capital Denpasar,
targeting thousands of hospitality set up in partnership with
workers, as the popular tourist ride-hailing company Grab.
destination eyes reopening to
foreign visitors. “This drive-thru programme is
good, because for us drivers who
Billed as the first such work on the street every day, we
campaign in Southeast Asia, are very vulnerable to being
Bali’s drive-thru vaccinations exposed to the virus,” ride-hailing
kicked-off at the weekend. driver Zul Widodo said.

The programme aims to In August, Bali closed the door
inoculate around 5,000 workers to foreign tourists over
in hospitality and ride-sharing coronavirus concerns, battering
services by the end of this month. its key tourism sector. – AFP

8 theSUN ON TUESDAY | MARCH 2, 2021
SPEAK UP

COMMENT by PhilipTN Koh

Reflection on state of emergencies
MODERN
democratic Parliament and the state legislative Nevertheless, there is clear textual Historically, the experience of
constitutions provide for a assembly sitting. support that a Proclamation of emergency declarations has been the
declaration of state of Emergency and Ordinance passed subject of interrogations.
emergency to meet the The Emergency (Essential Powers) under Article 150 is subject to the
exigencies of a grave threat to a nation. Ordinance 2021; PU(A)12/2021, jurisdiction of Parliament. Carl Schmidt, a German Jurist during
Such provisions are provided for the Sections 14 and 15 provide that for so the wane of the Weimar Constitutional
government to respond effectively when long as the emergency is in force all It cannot be that an instrument of law order, wrote trenchantly on what he
the security, economic life and public provisions relating to the summoning, which has its validity from Article 150 termed the state of exception.
order is under threat. proroguing dissolution of these august “It cannot be can itself negate the very body which
Citizens expect there would be an bodies shall not have any effect and any that an provided for its promulgation. The Schmittian question, “Who then
objective evaluation of circumstances meeting which has been summoned but instrument of is a sovereign in a modern state? You tell
that exist or are an imminent threat to has not been held is cancelled. law which has The Federal Constitution, the me who makes the final decision in a
security, economic life and/or public its validity supreme law of our beloved nation, has crisis; then I shall tell you who is the
order for such a declaration to be made The cancellation of the scheduled from Article the power to extend or to revoke and sovereign” has cast a light on the real
and for the suspension of the norms of sittings of both federal legislature (the 150 can itself annul such laws, i.e. the Parliament politics of an emergency declaration.
democracy. Parliament) and the state assemblies has negate the cannot be suspended or cancelled in its
It is expected that such emergency given rise to disquiet. very body sitting when it is part of the basic In Malaysia’s democracy, the
measures as may follow a proclamation which structure for supervisory authority over sovereign will of her people is expressed
ought to have a temporal duration Both instruments are promulgated provided for its the executive powers. through the ballot box and the elected
before the restoration of democratic under Article 150 of the Federal promulgation. assembly of legislature.
governance. Constitution. The Yang di-Pertuan Agong granted
In all democracies, the will of the an audience to Tan Sri Rais Yatim, the The Federal Constitution, within its
people is expressed through the It is significant that Article 150 speaker of the Dewan Negara (the provisions for the declaration of an
legislative assembly. expressly states that both a proclamation Senate) and Datuk Azahar Azizan B. emergency, contained clear provisions
The doctrine of parliamentary of emergency and any ordinance which Harun, the speaker of Dewan Rakyat for the temporal duration of such
sovereignty reflects this. has been promulgated under Clause (the House of Representatives) on Feb proclamation and ordinances.
In Malaysia, we have a written 2(B) of Article 150 “shall be laid before 24.
Constitution, which is the supreme law both Houses of Parliament”. The The legal and political legitimacy of a
of the federation. language is mandatory . The palace then issued a statement government and its laws is through the
Where does sovereignty reside in a with strong affirmation, “that Malaysia elected assembly.
modern state? In pre-modern It is also of interest that in the draft as a nation practises a system of
monarchies, the king as ruler is Constitution (Article 138) there was democracy which is founded on the The sooner Parliament is summoned
sovereign. provided, “that if Parliament is not principle of the Supremacy of the to sit either to continue the state of
In an ancient maxim: “The person of sitting it shall be the duty of the Yang di- Constitution”. emergency, or to revoke or annul the
the king is sovereign”, is by law made up Pertuan Besar to summon Parliament as same together with any ordinances the
of two bodies, a natural body, subject to soon as practicable”. His Majesty enjoins that the better it is for stability of the nation.
infancy, infirmity, sickness and death, administration of government involves
and a political body, perfect, powerful, Furthermore, again from the Draft not exclusively the Executive but also the His Majesty has expressed the same
and perpetual. Constitution, Article 13(8)(3) provides judiciary and Parliament. commitment with reference to
The proclamation of emergency now that a Proclamation shall cease to Keluhuran Perlembagaan.
gazetted PU(A)7/2021 states that the operate at expiration of two months His Majesty declared and opined that
emergency commences on Jan 11, 2021 from the date of its issue unless an there can be a sitting of Parliament In the intersection between law and
and ends on Aug 1, 2021 . extension is resolved by Parliament. notwithstanding there being a the political we also express the maxim:
The suspension and cancellation of proclamation of emergency on a date Quare siletis juristae in munere vestro?
As for ordinances, they are to be laid which His Majesty thinks appropriate on (Why are you jurists silent about what
before Parliament and shall cease to the advice of the prime minister. concerns you?)
operate within 15 days from the Houses
of Parliament. His Majesty’s statement is wise and We await the Executive’s response to
discerning. His Majesty’s wise affirmation.
It is regretted that these sound
provisions were not included in the This palace statement is to be Philip TN Koh is an advocate and
Federal Constitution. welcomed by all concerned citizenry. solicitor at the High Court of Malaya.
Comments: [email protected]

COMMENT byAmandaYeo

Vaccination challenges in rural Sabah, Sarawak

ALTHOUGH Malaysia has a plan to inoculate Pfizer doses to rural Sabah and Sarawak, the and 21 government hospitals in Sarawak would the delivery process;
more than 80% of the population (nearly 27 delivery process would be much more be about RM3.6 million. 0 The federal government perhaps could
million out of 32 million Malaysians) against complicated. allocate at least half of the AstraZeneca Covid-
Covid-19 by March 2022, there is no clear To guarantee the safety of high-risk groups in 19 vaccines (6.4 million out of 12.8 million
indication on how the vaccines are going to be After ensuring these vaccines are stored at a rural Sabah and Sarawak, the Ministry of Health doses) to both Sabah and Sarawak when the
distributed throughout rural Sabah and relatively low temperatures, the inter- Malaysia (MoH) has to re-evaluate whether first batch arrives in the second quarter of 2021.
Sarawak. warehouse transfer will be conducted through senior citizens and people with chronic This type of vaccine can be distributed using
flights where these ultra-cold vaccines can then diseases can receive Pfizer-BioNTech’s Covid- existing logistics and stored in normal
This is a valid concern as in the rural areas of be delivered from the Klang Valley to the 19 vaccines as there are 33 deaths among those refrigerators, which is relatively easy to store
Sabah and Sarawak more than a third of the distribution centres in Sarawak and Sabah. aged 80 and above being recorded in Norway in and easy to deliver compared with the Pfizer
population continue to live beyond 5km from mid-January after being vaccinated. and Moderna vaccines;
any kind of health facility. Thereafter, the vaccines will be repacked 0 As the federal government is going to hire
from these distribution centres and delivered to The MoH also needs to be aware of the more 3,500 extra healthcare staff to deal with the
Due to the lack of specialists and medical remote areas in both states via land transport transmissible variants from the UK, South country’s worsening pandemic, some of them
equipment, patients seeking treatments or within 48 hours. Africa and Brazil as it might impact the current can be allocated to Sabah and Sarawak, giving
follow-up treatments are often forced to refer to vaccines’ effectiveness. extra helping hands in vaccine injection for the
another public hospital that can cater to their Due to the storage and delivery challenges, benefits of Sabahans and Sarawakians;
respective medical needs. the Federation of Malaysian Freight Forwarders A study published in late January shows the 0 Both state governments could prioritise in
(FMFF) president Alvin Chua indicated that the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine offers good protection providing vaccines to the rural areas that were
Even in the case of medical emergencies, Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are not suitable against the UK and South African variants. identified as red or orange zones. Red zones are
they have to travel across state borders, which for East Malaysian states – Pfizer-BioNTech’s While the AstraZeneca vaccine offers 75% the areas with more than 41 confirmed Covid-
includes driving through muddy, uneven roads Covid-19 vaccine requires storage at -70°C effectiveness against the UK variant, a recent 19 cases whereas orange zones are the areas
besides having a boat ride at their own expense, whereas the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine is analysis on Feb 8 indicates that it only offers that have between 21 to 40 cases; and,
which is relatively cost- and time- consuming. stored frozen between -25°C and -15°C. 22% effectiveness against the South African 0 Both state governments should provide flying
variant. doctor services in the remote areas of both
As the official ratio of doctors to the Under normal fridge temperatures (2°C- states to shorten the delivery time of vaccines
population is 1 to 856 and 1 to 662 in Sabah and 8°C), Pfizer-BioNTech’s Covid-19 vaccine only As there is no information on how effective and allow the rural citizens in both states to
Sarawak respectively, which shows much fewer can be stored for five days while the Moderna both Pfizer-BioNTech and AstraZeneca receive vaccines sooner.
doctors per people in both East Malaysian Covid-19 vaccine can be stored for up to 30 vaccines are against the Brazilian variant, the
states than the nationwide average of 1 to 454, days. MoH needs to take extra precautions to avoid In conclusion, vaccine distribution in rural
this poses further challenges for the rural the more transmissible variants entering the Sabah and Sarawak poses a logistical challenge
hospitals to reach rural populations in both Given that most of the hospitals in Malaysia country. but at the end of the day, both federal and state
states. can only store a maximum of up to -20°C, governments should be well poised to
frontliners who are based in rural Sabah and Therefore, to ensure the effectiveness of the implement and execute a feasible delivery plan
Science, Technology and Innovation Sarawak might have to fly over to Klang Valley to vaccine distribution this year, EMIR Research and according to schedule.
Minister Khairy Jamaluddin stated that rural receive their first Pfizer shot during this quarter has several policy recommendations for the
Malaysians would most likely receive the as the Moderna vaccine that can be stored at government to look into: Amanda Yeo is research analyst at EMIR
AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine but as this type such temperature level for up to six months is 0 The Covid-19 Vaccine Supply Access Research, an independent think tank focused
of vaccine is only available in the second not available in Malaysia’s market yet. Guarantee Special Committee (JKJAV) should on strategic policy recommendations based
quarter of 2021, it is unclear whether the coordinate the joint-efforts between the federal
government will include frontliners, senior It would also be too costly for the and state governments to ensure the vaccines on rigorous research. Comments:
citizens and people with chronic diseases, who government to purchase cold storage freezers are distributed based on the logistical [email protected]
are based in rural Sabah and Sarawak to have for each hospital in East Malaysia. Given the requirements from vaccine providers. For
the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine. estimated cost per cold storage freezer is instance, Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine has to be
RM80,000, the total cost of having a cold storage stored in a lower freezing temperature during
Even if the government decides to deliver freezer in 24 government hospitals in Sabah

TELLING IT AS IT IS

LIFESTYLE YOUTH FASHION ENTERTAINMENT

exChpaseingriences TUESDAY | MARCH 2, 2021
TV3 newscaster Arief Subhan
understands the importance Model Silas Oo
of time management merges art and
>>> Page 4&5 fashion

>>> Page 3

PICTURE BY ADIB RAWI/THESUN Sharifah Sofia
supports a healthier
planet

>>> Page 6

ENTERTAINMENT

2 theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | MARCH 2, 2021

Lee Isaac Chung, winner of Best Motion Picture - Foreign Language for Minari and his daughter. – Taylor Simone Ledward accepts the award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama for Ma Rainey’s
Black Bottom on behalf of her late husband Chadwick Boseman. – REUTERS
Nomadland wins best drama movieREUTERS
oIts director Chloe Zhao is the first Asian
woman to win best director at the Golden
Globes Awards

█ BY JILL SERJEAN “Donald Trump is contesting the Chloe Zhao
result!” Baron Cohen joked about the win accepts the Best
DRAMA Nomadland and satire for the Borat sequel, which was a satire on Director – Motion
Borat Subsequent Moviefilm the America of the former US president. Picture award for
won movie honours at the Nomadland. –
Golden Globes on Sunday in a Netflix Inc’s period drama Mank, REUTERS
mostly virtual bicoastal ceremony that about Citizen Kane screenwriter Herman Sacha Baron
was marked by impassioned calls for Mankiewicz, had gone into Sunday’s Cohen, with Isla
more diversity and the dominance of show with a leading six nods but ended Fisher, accepts the
Netflix. the night empty-handed. Best Picture -
Musical/Comedy
Nomadland, a moving drama about Nevertheless, the streaming service award for Borat
van dwellers in recession-hit America was the biggest winner on Sunday, with Subsequent
from Searchlight Pictures, also took the four wins in the movie field and six for Moviefilm. –
best director prize for Chinese-born television, including best TV drama series REUTERS
Chloe Zhao. It made Zhao only the The Crown and limited series chess saga
second woman to win at the Globes in The Queen’s Gambit.
that category, and the first woman
director of Asian descent to win. The usual chummy gathering of
A-listers at a gala dinner in Beverly Hills,
“For everyone who has gone through California, was replaced by webcams in
this difficult and beautiful journey at the homes of celebrities that were either
some point in their lives, this is for you,” dressed up or, like Ted Lasso star Jason
said Zhao. Sudeikis, in casual garb.

“We don’t say goodbye, we say see you Hosted by Tina Fey in New York and
down the road,” she said, quoting a line Amy Poehler in Beverly Hills, the small
from the movie. physical audiences were made up of
masked frontline workers.
The two wins for Nomadland
increased the profile of the film ahead of Peter Morgan, creator of The Crown
nominations in March for the Oscars. said he missed being together. “I’m just
sorry I am sitting here in my tragic little
Sacha Baron Cohen, the creator of office and not surrounded by the people
Borat Subsequent Moviefilm from who make this show such a pleasure,”
Amazon Studios was named best comedy Morgan said, appearing by video.
movie actor, while singer Andra Day was a
surprise winner for her lead role in The However Jodie Foster, a best
United States vs. Billie Holiday. supporting actress winner for the
Guantanamo prison legal drama The

Jodie Foster, Mauritanian, told reporters backstage that people among its 87 members.
winner of Best she felt it was one of the best Golden Globe Soul, the first Pixar movie to have a
Supporting shows ever.
Actress Motion Black character in the lead, was
picture for The “It didn’t feel like it was filled with so named best animated movie and won best
much artifice,” said Foster. score.
Mauritanian. –
REUTERS Emotional high points included a The HFPA was the target of jokes and
posthumous best actor award for comments throughout the night. “We all
Andra Day, winner of Best Actress in a Chadwick Boseman, who died at age 43 know awards shows are stupid,” said Fey.
Motion Picture Drama for The United States vs. last August from an undisclosed battle “Even in stupid things, inclusivity is
Billie Holiday. – REUTERS with cancer. important and there are no Black
members of the Hollywood Foreign Press
“He would say something beautiful,” Association.”
said his widow Taylor Simone Ledward, as
she fought back tears. “I don’t have his Members of the HFPA appeared briefly
words.” on Sunday’s show and pledged to do
better.
British actors Daniel Kaluuya and
John Boyega were among other Black Jane Fonda, 83, used her lifetime
achievement acceptance speech to make
winners chosen by the Hollywood the case for elevating all voices in
Foreign Press Association (HFPA), Hollywood, saying that stories “really can
which has been lambasted in change people”. – Reuters
recent days for having no Black

YOUTH 3

theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | MARCH 2, 2021

Next Gen Between two loves
oModel Silas Oo merges art and fashion
for a stroke of difference

█ BY BISSME S.

SILAS Oo Wei Sheng is not the
average pretty boy model, he
stands out among the rest of
his peers for his edgy look, both
for the camera and runway shows.

The 25-year-old Kuala Lumpur
native only started his modelling
career last year, and is already making
waves. In that short period, he has
already worked with major
international and local brands. He has
also been featured on both
international and local magazine
covers.

In a recent interview with theSun,
he spoke candidly about his love for
both art and fashion and his journey
thus far.

Tell us a little about yourself.
My dad was a pastor and my mum
was in real estate. I am the
youngest in the family. I have Trivia
three older siblings. I love
drawing. I started drawing Your favourite singer
at the age of three and Julian Casablancas. I love the
have never stopped progression of his career. I love
drawing since. I have a listening to experimental rock.
diploma in fine arts. Your favourite designer
Being an artist is the Although How do you keep fit? Carol Christian Poell. I love her
main goal of my life. I he is I used to be a fat boy when I was material construction of the human
want to create art relatively growing up. In later years, I used to do anatomy.
and content. In five new to weightlifting to bring down my Your favourite movie
years’ time, I wish to modelling, weight. I became obsessed with Jurassic Park (1993). I loved
own my own studio, Oo already weightlifting. I hurt my wrist badly five dinosaurs when I was young.
creating artistic has an years ago. It was a difficult recovery. I Your favourite pastime
content. impressive was very depressed about it. My wrist Watching YouTube, especially
portfolio of is still messed up. Now, I can only do comedies and gaming content, and
If you are interested when I am bored. I love figurative and work to his light exercises like planking, squats
in art, why did you get surreal works. There are many artists credit. – and running. In terms of diet, I reading audio books on
involved in modelling? whom I admire. For the moment, I PICTURES eat everything, but I control my philosophy.
I have a strong interest in could say I really admire Francis COURTESY portions.
fashion. But I am not Bacon. His life story is tragic. His work OF SILAS We heard you love travelling. Tell us I take
trained in fashion. I have is genuine but raw and disturbing. OO WEI about some of your travels. inspiration from
no road to take me to the The other artist I admire is HR Giger. SHENG I have been to Australia (Sydney), many people for different aspects of
fashion world. But In his artworks, he always combines United Kingdom, Belgium and my life. For example, in modelling
modelling opens the door machines and human. His works are Amsterdam. In terms of fashion, I and visual art, I really look up to
to the world I am weird and grotesque. In fact, the really enjoy London and Belgium. Riduan Ismail (artistic photographer).
interested in. I would love movie Alien is based on his designs. Amsterdam is great for sightseeing. It He definitely inspires me to reach my
to explore the worlds of also has an interesting art scene. I goals. He has his own studio. The
fashion and art, and find a Describe your fashion sense. would love to visit the United States in other person who inspires me is
way to blend both worlds. I would My friends call my way of dressing future. I have seen the country Arnold Schwarzenegger. I watched his
love to incorporate fashion into art ‘one feet away from looking homeless.’ through Hollywood movies, movies when I was growing up. A few
and art into fashion. I always struggle between looking especially Western movies, which is years ago, I picked up his
fashionable and homeless. I love why I would love to visit Nevada. autobiography. He has broken many
What motivates you to be an artist? ageing fabrics and textiles. I also love Who are your role models in life? boundaries. I love his mindset.
Who are some artists you admire? the dystopian look. There are times I I do not have one specific role model.
Drawing is very therapeutic for me. I love to dress sharp. The way I dress
draw when I have no friends. I draw really depends on my mood.

FEATURE

4 theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | MARCH 2, 2021

█ BY JOHN TAN The art of time management
o Arief Subhan is a man on the go who lives life to the fullest Arief in his
IT IS a pleasant Thursday evening element at
at the Mukha cafe in Taman Tun one of his
Dr Ismail in Kuala Lumpur. With a
serving of a Middle Eastern tea on training
the table, Arief Subhan is talking about sessions. –
how he keeps busy during his leisure
hours. PHOTO
COURTESY OF
“I try my best to maximise my time.
I don’t really like to spend my time ARIEF
with idle talk. I’d rather spend time SUBHAN
talking about bigger things like ideas
instead of just people,” he said. Arief at the
Indonesia
The 26-year-old sure is an expert Apnea
when it comes to time management. Competition
As a recognisable local media figure, 2019. –
Arief has worked the spectrum from PHOTO
Astro Awani to TV3, with glossy news COURTESY OF
segments and thought-provoking ARIEF
articles to show for it. As a newscaster SUBHAN
for TV3, he reads the business news for
Bizworld and local and international Arief posing
journal news for Nightline. with the Jalur
Gemilang at
With a schedule like his, the idea of the 16th Jeju
a “work-life balance” can be difficult to International
attain. Sometimes, it is even Ultra
unrealistic. Yet, despite his busy Marathon in
schedule, Arief makes time to pursue 2017. –
his many passions outside of work. PHOTO
From being a competitive free diver to COURTESY OF
a sponsored marathon runner, ARIEF
putting his time to good use has SUBHAN
sure worked very well for him.

As my chocolate latte arrives,
Arief mentions a time in South
Korea when he competed as an
ultra marathon runner.

“I did one in Jeju, South Korea.
That was pretty intense and tiring.
It was a 50km race,” he said proudly.
The race, that took place in 2018, saw
Arief being sponsored by COWA
Coconut Water.

“It was me who approached the
brand. I told them that I needed
someone to sponsor me

and don’t mind being the brand’s setting up the cones. I asked him about
ambassador. Lucky for me, they were it and he told me that it was for a race.
looking for someone. So, it was a I immediately registered for it that
perfect fit. It was tough because I had day.”
to pass their criteria, but I took it as a
challenge.” To his surprise, he came in third
and from then on, he started
Arief’s first experience with competing in races with longer
running began in school. As a student, distances.
he found serenity on the school track
as it allowed him to engage in Aside from running, Arief also
thoughts. Over time, he developed his spends his time diving as a
finesse for the sport. In fact, he became competitive free diver. He has a
a podium finisher in many of the ultra beginner’s licence (pool) issued by the
marathons he took part in. One of PADI Dive Centre.
them was the six-hour Universiti
Malaya Ultra Marathon Night Run. Prior to the pandemic, he would
practise with his team at the PJ Palm
He recalls a funny story behind his Centre three times a week.
participation.
His sessions culminated in a
“I was training for a 10km race in performance at the Indonesia Apnea
University Malaya and I saw a man Competition in 2019. The Selangor
native finished 4th in the overall
newcomer category.

On why he took up the sport, Arief
said it challenges him and teaches him
a valuable life lesson.

“Free diving is an interesting
activity because it makes you realise
that nothing is more important than
the breath you take.”

On his involvement in charity, Arief
said although he is not part of any
official establishment, he has

Senegal’s savannah jockey dreams of

Arief is a newscaster A HEAD shorter than his peers, racing in France next year, realising
with TV3. – ADIB Fallou Diop quickly vanishes into a dream coveted by some of
RAWI/THESUN the crowd of jockeys preparing for Senegal’s foremost riders.
early morning drills in the western
Senegalese village of Niaga. Horses are an integral part of
life in Senegal. Horse-drawn
When the racing begins, buggies are ubiquitous across the
however, his crouched silhouette is country, and over the past 50 years
far ahead of the field, aided by an competitive racing has developed
effortless riding style. into a national pastime.

“When I start riding I get a bit “It’s a passion in my family,” Diop
stressed, but after a moment, it’s said. “Since my grandfather we’ve
over,” Diop says. “At the time of the supported horses, then my father
race, I’m only thinking of victory.” after him.”

Diop is one of Senegal’s most In villages like Niaga, where
promising jockeys, having won the Diop lives, horse feed and supply
country’s top racing prize when he shops line the main roads, and
was just 17. He hopes to begin fields are dotted with men on

FEATURE

5theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | MARCH 2, 2021

Children skiing on trails
made of artificial snow in
Oslo, Norway, on Feb 10.

Norway moves mountains
for skiing

Arief helping NORWEGIANS, as the saying goes, are born Miriam Heen Skotland, a psychologist who
out at one of with skis on their feet. But with a lack of snow was out cross-country skiing in the
OKU Sentral’s and the global pandemic this year leaving Voldslokka park on her lunch break.
programmes. many in despair, authorities are bringing White Christmas?
– PHOTO snow and ski trails to downtown Oslo. Before working her night shift as a nurse,
COURTESY OF Karen Margrethe Igland has also strapped on
ARIEF For the past few weeks, big trucks have her cross-country skis, just 10 minutes away
SUBHAN been dumping hundreds of cubic metres of from her home.
fluffy white stuff, made by snow cannons
contributed to several local non- required, not sympathy. He believes perched on the hills outside the capital, in the “I have been trying to limit how much I use
governmental organisations. only with empathy can one truly city’s still-green parks. public transport these days. If I want to go to
understand the struggles of another the ‘marka,’ I have to take the train. So it’s
He is also involved in OKU Sentral, individual. Packed down or groomed with cross- better to be able to come here on foot,” she
that is run by Datuk Ras Adiba Radzi. country trails, the parks have transformed says.
Before Covid-19, he would frequently We end our conversation with one into winter wonderlands for skiing
assist in distributing basic items such final question – what is left on the enthusiasts of all ages: little children on Climate change has also made winters in
as rice and flour. Through helping, he bucket list of Arief Subhan? excursions with their daycare groups, active Norway shorter.
learned to appreciate the things he has seniors, and office workers taking a break
and to stand up for the community. While finishing his tea, he shares from their work-from-home schedule. According to the Norwegian
However, he is not driven by his dream to bungee jump, travel the Meteorological Institute, Oslo has over the
sympathy. world (to France and North Africa) “For three months, we’ve had very strict past 30 years lost 21 winter days, defined as
and his hope to obtain a masters in corona restrictions in Oslo, but we can still go days where the temperature dips below 0
As he firmly explains, empathy is International Journalism. outside,” city councillor Omar Samy Gamal degrees Celsius.
says, as a grooming machine behind him
prepares a snowboarding hill in the The city could lose another 26 winter days
Torshovdalen park. by 2050, the Institute has warned.

“Since we haven’t had a lot of snow this “When I was young, it wasn’t hard to
winter, we’re doing what we can to bring it to predict the weather in winter: it was often
the people. We’re bringing them a little bit of cold and there was usually a lot of snow,”
‘marka,’” he says. Norway’s Education Minister Guri Melby said
What’s marka? in January when new climate measures were
The word refers to the wooded hills outside presented.
Oslo, popular among urban dwellers for long
walks, or more frequently, skiing after work or “But for Christmas this year I wasn’t sure
at the weekend. whether I should buy my kids a sled, because
the winters nowadays are much milder with a
The first snowfall of the season in early lot fewer snowmen and ski days,” she said.
January caused long traffic queues, and, more
worryingly during the pandemic, crowded And in an almost sacrilegious move,
commuter trains. Norway opened its first indoor ski centre in
early 2020. It is however currently closed to
“We don’t want people packed together. the general public because of coronavirus
We want them to keep their distance from restrictions.
each other, and the best way to ensure that is
to make use of our local public spaces,” Gamal With Oslo fighting its battle against the
says. thermometer, is it really reasonable to
transport tonnes of snow by truck?
Four Oslo parks – including that belonging
to the royal palace – have already been or will The vehicles run on biodiesel, with
be partially covered in artificial snow to hydrotreated vegetable oil, the city notes.
quench locals’ thirst for sledding and skiing.
“Using these carbon-neutral trucks to
“It’s extremely important to keep people bring snow to the people so that they won’t
active these days without everyone having to use their own car to drive to the ‘marka,’ I think
take the same train to leave town,” says it’s a pretty beneficial equation for the
climate,” says driver Tom Kjetil Tangen. – ETX
Studio

glory Bao plans to send Diop to France
for three months in early 2022 to
horseback. before a growth spurt got in the farm near the salty shores of Diop with race for a French-Senegalese
Adorned with colourful ceramic way, boasts of Diop’s achievements Senegal’s Lac Rose for three Raisa Betty breeder. He would have travelled
to visitors. generations. whom he is last year, Bao said, had it not been
tiles on a busy back street, the house training to for the Covid-19 pandemic.
Diop shares with 12 family members “It’s the elders who taught us compete
is getting a new roof thanks to the everything since we were young, with in the On a recent Sunday afternoon,
money from his winnings. and that’s how I became passionate future. Diop’s skills were put to the test at
about horses,” Diop said. “[Diop] is very gifted,” Bao said. the racetrack in Thies, Senegal’s third
Depending on the number of “He could compete for up to 50 largest city.
horses in a race, Diop can earn up to Diop, who has dropped formal years with his weight and size.”
US$600 (RM2,432) per victory. schooling, was 12 when he left a Dressed in yellow and blue, Diop
Average monthly wages in Senegal tailoring apprenticeship to pursue calmly mounted his steed and led it
were estimated at around US$180 racing. According to his father, he towards the track. He went on to
(RM729) at the end of 2019. was so determined that he walked finish first in three of his five races
10 miles to enroll in the nearest that day, taking home nearly
Diop’s success is a source of pride training programme. US$1,000 (RM4,054) in winnings.
for his father, who spent much of his
life driving a horse and buggy Today, Diop and other jockeys in “I want to be the best jockey in a
around Niaga. His older brother, Niaga are taught by Adama Bao, country other than mine,” he said. “In
who also hoped to be a jockey whose family has maintained a stud Morocco or France, anywhere there
is horse racing.” – Reuters

URBAN

6 theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | MARCH 2, 2021

█ BY BISSME S. Nature’s guardian (above, left) Before we started planting, we
Sharifah is looked for mangrove seeds and put
IN 2016, actress Sharifah Sofia o Actress Sharifah Sofia wants to leave a happy that them in planter pots. When we
spent several months on the healthier planet for future generations her two began, we were all prim and
remote island of Perhentian. daughters proper and clean. But when we got
“During my time there, I had also love off the boat and stepped into the
the opportunity to talk with so nature and mud, it came up to our waist. Some
many people who have dedicated want to of us lost our shoes, some just
their lives to protecting nature and protect it. couldn’t move and needed help to
wildlife,” said the 35-year-old, who regain mobility. It was so funny
has been an actress for more than and so much fun.
20 years. One activity involved turtle create awesome everyday items. (above, right)
conservation. We scouted beaches What kind of changes have you Sharifah has What can we do to create more
She said the experience for turtle nests. We then retrieved made to your lifestyle? participated awareness among Malaysians on
changed her tremendously, and the eggs and transported them to a I now refuse to use plastic bags in numerous the importance of protecting
she decided to make conservation hatchery, to protect the eggs from and straws. I have stopped buying mangrove nature?
an important part of her life. poachers and natural predators. shampoo and soap in bottles. I use replanting There should be more
After 40 to 60 days, when the eggs bamboo toothbrushes instead of programmes environmental programmes in
Sharifah added that she does hatched, we released the baby plastic ones. I also make my own on coasts schools. Young adults, teenagers
not see herself as an activist, but turtles into the sea. body and face scrubs at home with and riversides and primary schoolchildren
acts as an advocate for protecting common kitchen ingredients. My in a number should be our target audience.
nature. I have also helped with making house cleaning products are of states. They are the future generation.
artificial reef blocks made of sand, purchased from refilling stations. They should know about climate
She is determined to leave a cement and glass bottles. Once I also cook at home more than change.
healthier planet for her two ready, we would plant them on the I eat out or buy takeaway.
daughters, nine-year-old Sharifah seabed, with coral fragments tied What is your best (left) Is it true that you want to start an
Ariana and seven-year-old to the bottles, and allow nature to memory in your Sharifah said online talk show focusing on
Sharifah Nur Ameera. take over. mission to save she has been environmental issues?
the planet? a tree hugger Yes, the show will be on air
“We must remember that the I have also participated in The mangrove since young. sometime in the middle of this
planet does not belong just to one numerous mangrove replanting replanting I – PICTURES year. I want to have a discussion
generation,” said the actress, who programmes on coasts and did in Kerteh, COURTESY with people involved in
shot to stardom with the cult riversides in a number of states Terengannu OF environmental work.
television series Spanar Jaya that across the country. I was an avid last October. SHARIFAH
aired from 1999 to 2005. volunteer at a local river clean up It was so SOFIA I want to invite guests from
initiative in Ara Damansara much fun. different countries. I want people
She believes it is important that (Selangor), and we would clean to understand that preserving
we do not hand a tainted planet to the river weekly. All the plastics we nature doesn’t have to be
future generations. collected would be recycled with a troublesome.
homemade recycling machine to
Sharifah said she is glad to see
that her actions have inspired her
two daughters to care for nature as
well.

“My daughters get upset when
they see people throwing rubbish
out of their car windows. They
randomly pick up after others. I
love how environmentally
conscious they are.”
Tell us about your early
childhood.
I have always been a tree hugger
since young. I also loved watching
the cartoon Captain Planet, which
encourages us to take care of the
planet. In my twenties, I was busy
with my acting career, so I did not
indulge in many activities related
to the environment. I just used my
voice to express my concerns to
save the planet. Only in my thirties
did I began to get involved in more
environmental activities.
Can you describe some
environmental activities that you
have carried out over the years?

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URBAN 7

theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | MARCH 2, 2021

No judgement
█ BY S. INDRA SATHIABALAN o Datuk Chef Ismail Ahmad did not need to
HIS jovial personality is be asked to be a Red Ribbon Ambassador
something that
celebrity chef and
restaurateur Datuk
Chef Ismail Ahmad is well known supporter.” Thanks to innovations in
for. The pandemic has not stopped medicine, people with HIV can
However, he is extremely live a full life. You could be
serious when it comes to a cause him from doing his bit to help working alongside someone with
that is close to his heart, which is those living with HIV or AIDS. HIV and not even know it.
spreading awareness about HIV
and AIDS, as well as offering “We are working with Shopee “Many of them are
support to those who are afflicted. to help raise funds. They are professionals. It can be
A brief recap for those who normal people like us, it is just that transmitted through the sharing
may have forgotten. AIDS is the they are living with a disease. With of needles or not using a condom.
abbreviation for “acquired the education given to them and Sometimes, the wife gets it from
immunodeficiency syndrome”, a also through Shopee, we want to her husband. Most of them get it
life-threatening condition caused tell people that AIDS doesn’t get because they are drug addicts.
by the human immunodeficiency transmitted through touching Most people think it is a disease
virus (HIV), which damages the and hugging. But it can be that you get because you are gay
immune system and disrupts the transmitted through bodily fluids or bisexual.”
body’s natural ability to fight like blood.”
infections and diseases. As a Red Ribbon Ambassador,
On how Ismail became a When it comes to what HIV and Ismail is involved in approaching
Malaysian AIDS Council Red AIDS are, Ismail is well-read on organisations to help raise funds.
Ribbon Ambassador, the bubbly the subject because he takes an
gentleman said it happened three interest in such topics. “We can’t knock on every door.
years ago. That would be a problem. We
“I was helping them to do a “Whenever I went abroad, I approach people who understand
women entrepreneur programme learnt that there are many people what the disease is about.”
for women living with AIDS. I gave living with HIV and they are living
a talk on being in the food and a normal life. Only in Malaysia, He also said young people
beverage industry, how to prepare people discriminate against those should be educated on AIDS and
a simple menu and the quality who are HIV-positive. Actually, HIV while they are in school.
standards in this business.” people living with HIV are just like Ismail says it “That is why we have to raise disease, but they are the ones who
He did not need a nudge or people living with diabetes and “This is everybody’s problem. is important funds. I have met people with HIV, must bear the social stigma.
push to become a Red Ribbon heart disease. It is not an individual problem. to educate they are full of joy. It is just a
Ambassador. Education is free, it is not people to sickness, a disease.” “People should understand the
“I just looked at what they were “I am not a person who expensive. We want people to be not ostracise world of people living with HIV. It
doing and decided to get involved discriminates against people. I educated so that they don’t those with He said it is important to is also important to give them
and support their programmes. I don’t judge people with diseases. I discriminate.” HIV. educate people to not ostracise moral support because they are
offered myself as a personality tend to sympathise with them.” people with HIV. There are our family. We live in the same
He feels that local dramas and children whose parents have the country.”
He said that a person with movies should also do their part to
Covid-19 is far more dangerous educate the public.
than a person who has HIV. The
same goes for a person who has Although there is medication
hepatitis. to help treat those who are HIV-
positive, it is not cheap.

Dua Lipa (left) and Drake offer the perfect workout music.

In the mood for a home workout
WHILE not all of us respond to music in the songwriter is followed by rappers Drake and
same ways, science has proven that listening Eminem, whose songs respectively appear in
to songs when exercising can help improve 1,047 and 903 exercise-friendly musical
performance and endurance. But curating the selections on the streaming platform. Kanye
perfect playlist for your home workout can be West and David Guetta also help fitness
an intimidating task. A new study has enthusiasts get through their training with
analysed the songs fitness enthusiasts are their energetic tracks, as does Dutch DJ Tiesto.
listening to while working up a sweat. Although Lizzo is known for motivational
anthems like Juice and Good As Hell, she sits at
As fitness centres are still closed in most the bottom of the list of the most popular
European countries as a result of the artists to listen to while working out.
pandemic, finding the motivation to exercise
can be tough. Some songs can get you in the If you are looking for songs that will keep
mood for a home workout and even distract you motivated and energised throughout your
your mind from the pain and uncomfortable workout, try listening to Roses (Imanbek
effort of training. That is why PureGym has Remix) by SAINt JHn. This remix, which
analysed over 145,000 songs found in playlists became viral on TikTok last spring, appears in
on Spotify with the words “home workout” 382 home workout playlist on Spotify.
and “workout at home” in their name. The Blinding Lights by The Weeknd and Don’t
results reveal the songs and artists being Start Now by Dua Lipa are also popular
favoured by those that have already converted options to put on repeat during the hard
their spare rooms into makeshift gyms. middle of a HIIT routine. The London-born
songstress pops up twice in the top 10 of the
Dua Lipa is at the top of the list, as she is most popular home workout songs, as
featured in nearly 1,340 home workout Physical sits at No. 4. – ETX Studio
playlists on Spotify. The English singer-

MEDIA & MARKETING

8 theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | MARCH 2, 2021

mLeosrsefcoormmafol,rtable
SUITS and tailored shirts are out, o Covid-19 pandemic transforms work attire
sweatpants and pajamas are in:
remote working is changing work said a spokesperson for Goldman Sachs. “The open collar shirt is going to be Above: The gift FISE’s mySolar
clothes habits, and while vaccines The pandemic has seen the trend great,” he told AFP. of solar power bags RICES
may bring back some formality, old- for the Orang gold
school office attire should emerge from toward comfort accelerate, though. The shift is already visible among Asli.
the pandemic far less starched and strict. “Suits and ties were already going fashion brands, which are pushing more Left: The MANAGEMENT AND SCIENCE
and more cotton and linen jackets as well relaxation of UNIVERSITY (MSU) has been awarded
“For the last year, everybody has just away in IT. The pandemic gave the last as polo shirts and even simple sneakers. dress codes in a gold medal for social innovation by the
been dressed from the waist up, wearing hangers-on an excuse to let go,” said the professional Research Innovation Commercialization
a nice short for Zoom calls,” quipped Triner. Workplace looks will become more world was and Entrepreneurship Showcase (RICES)
stylist Sascha Lilic. individualistic, but also respectful of the already under 2020.
The trend has been catastrophic for office environment, Lilic believes. way long
Many workers who have already formal menswear companies like Brooks before the MSU mySolar by the Faculty of
returned to offices notice a new relaxed Brothers and the parent company of “It will respect more of your pandemic, with Information Sciences and Engineering
vibe. Men’s Wearhouse, which both declared personality,” he said. “But I don’t think it the tech sector (FISE) comprises a series of projects
bankruptcy last year. is going to be so impactful on men’s and start-up dedicated to resolving the energy-related
“I saw someone wearing just their fashion that everybody’s going to turn up needs of rural and indigenous
socks when they walked through to get New York designer David Hart, a in their banking office as a rapper.” generation communities across Malaysia through
something from another department,” specialist in luxury men’s ready-to-wear leading the small-scale renewable solutions that
recalled Deanna Narveson, a journalist in items, has taken “a step back” from Appearance, and some formality are way. improve lives.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana. tailoring for the time being to focus on “still important to some customers,” said
knitwear, masks, sweaters and polo shirts. Triner, though “as customers get younger, The affordable clean energy it supplies
“I think I’ve been dressing slightly 0 ‘Disruptive’ this is changing rapidly,” he added. delivers to the United Nations
more casual myself,” added Narveson, The pandemic will have “lasting Sustainable Development Goals: Zero
who nevertheless makes sure she puts on consequences” in the way people dress “I think the suit will stay but it won’t Poverty), Good Health and Well-being,
“real clothes” when working from home. for work, particularly men, according to have the blatant physical effect. It will less Quality Education, Gender Equality,
Lilic. (be) something to hide behind,” said Lilic. Climate Action, and Partnerships for the
According to employees at several Goals.
companies, the casualness has happened “The outfit will become more casual. It For American designer David Hart,
by itself without management or HR will still be a suit, but there might be a “there will be a strong urge for men to The latest to benefit among the rural,
teams intervening. drawstring waist or elasticated waist,” he start dressing up again” after the the Orang Asli, and the vulnerable target
said. pandemic. groups of MSU mySolar have been
“Shorts and T-Shirts at the Pentagon villagers in Perak and Pahang.
was pretty new,” said Matt Triner, boss of Lilic, who has worked with several “I think that people will start dressing
IT consulting firm Hunter Strategy. major fashion houses like Hugo Boss up for themselves and not because they Receiving 12 hours of electricity daily
and Elie Saab, predicts more loafers on two-day autonomies are Surau
The relaxation of dress codes in the and a lot fewer are required to for work,” Kampung Teluk Dalam at Pangkor Island
professional world was already under ties. he said, confident and the Orang Asli of Paloh Hinai.
way long before the pandemic, with the that the rise of
tech sector and start-up generation men’s fashion “The Gift of Solar Power” to the former
leading the way. will is delivered by two 100W solar panels
continue. whilst “Lights Up My Life” for the latter is
It was even catching on at banks. – ETX powered by a 15W flexible solar panel.
“We have had a ‘flexible’ dress code Studio
policy for almost two years now, which MSU mySolar has been funded by the
encourages our people to use MSU SEED Grant as well as industry
their own judgment for sponsorship and alumni contribution.
what is appropriate to
wear for their
work
day,”

POSTGRAD

The key to success is to first start somewhere.

PUBLICATION DATE 30 MARCH, 2021 (Tuesday)

Speak to theSun’s Sales team now for special deals on BOOKING & STORY DEADLINE 16 MARCH, 2021 (Tuesday)
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9theSUN ON TUESDAY | MARCH 2, 2021
* SPEAK UP

COMMENT by Anis Chowdhury and Jomo Kwame Sundaram

Developing countries are struggling
THE ongoing Covid-19 pandemic is
adversely impacting most developing for public health. i.e. by around 15%. disrupted by the pandemic. More open to the
countries disproportionately, Implementing IMF-World Bank structural And the situation is getting worse. Rich outside world, their government revenue and
especially the United Nations’ least fiscal space have been more severely affected.
developed countries (LDCs) and the World adjustment programme conditionalities, most country resistance to the developing countries’
Bank’s low-income countries (LICs). sub-Saharan African countries drastically request for a TRIPS waiver, vaccine Revenue shortfalls from output drops,
Years of implementing neoliberal policy reduced their healthcare budgets. Per capita imperialism and the flawed COVAX concurrent commodity price drops and debt
conditionalities and advice have made most public spending on health in LICs fell during arrangements are deepening the crisis in poor demands have limited many LICs’ fiscal
developing countries much more vulnerable to 2004–2012, while their shares of national countries as most remain far behind in the capacities. The pandemic is thus more likely to
the Covid-19 pandemic by undermining their income declined during 2004-2015. vaccine queue. leave lasting impacts, including worse poverty
health systems and fiscal capacities to respond and malnutrition.
adequately. Years of public sector underinvestment To boost their profits, vaccine developers
seriously undermined public health systems in restrict greater output. Despite having received The IMF head urged countries not to
Less taxes most developing countries, especially LDCs various generous government subsidies, they hesitate to “spend, but keep the receipts”,
Four decades of “neoliberal” policy influence and LICs. Government provision was refuse to share research findings needed to suggesting a major U-turn in IMF fiscal policy
has resulted in a “race to the bottom” to cut deliberately reduced to promote for-profit massively scale up generic production. advice. Likewise, despite her earlier reputation
direct taxes, particularly corporate tax rates, private healthcare, adversely affecting public Meanwhile, rich countries have secured many as a ‘debt hawk,’ World Bank Chief Economist
ostensibly to promote investments and spur service quality, effectiveness, costs and access. times more vaccines than they need. Carmen Reinhart advised “First fight the war,
growth. Limited fiscal space then figure out how to pay for it”.
Unsurprisingly, these economies not only Before the Covid-19 pandemic, low income
But most LDCs and LICs were left high and lacked fiscal resources to cope with the countries already had the largest deficits, But most LICs have little alternative but to
dry as foreign direct investment (FDI) seeks pandemic, but their fiscal systems had also higher borrowing costs and more debt relative rely heavily on foreign aid. Even before the
profitable locations considering various been made incapable of responding to the to government revenue than high-income pandemic, aid from the OECD countries only
relevant criteria besides tax rates. Thus, tax challenge. Thus, these poorly funded, countries. Thus, they devote ever larger shares reached 0.31% of their gross national income
cuts have not induced the promised inadequate health systems were grossly of their modest revenues to pay interest. (GNI), less than half the 0.7% of national
investments, but also resulted in net revenue unprepared for the pandemic. income target agreed to more than half a
losses. Uneven impacts The pandemic has undoubtedly worsened century ago.
United Nations Secretary-General António public finances. Average deficits in LICs
Revenue loss due to such tax competition Guterres cautioned last July that Covid-19 was increased from -4% of GDP in 2019 to -5.7% in Had donors met their LDCs aid target of
could be five times that due to illicit financial making achievement of the sustainable 2020, with debt rising from 43.3% to 48.5% of 0.15~0.20% of their national incomes, LDCs
flows seeking to evade taxes. Low and middle- development goals (SDGs) “even more GDP. would have received an extra US$32 billion
income countries lose US$167-200 billion challenging” as many developing countries more annually at least. Donor government cuts
annually, around 1.2-1.5% of their national were already “off track” in 2019, before the Fiscal responses have been influenced by in bilateral aid commitments by almost 30%,
incomes, to corporate tax competition. pandemic. access to financing. Global fiscal support from US$23.9 billion in the first five months of
reached nearly US$14 trillion in 2020, 2019 to US$16.9 billion during January-May
Poor countries’ tax bases have narrowed On April 3, International Monetary Fund comprising US$7.8 trillion in additional 2020, have only made things worse.
since the 1990s, with Sub Saharan African (IMF) managing director Kristalina Georgieva spending or foregone revenue, and U$6 trillion
countries suffering the highest revenue losses warned that the worst recession since the in equity injections, loans and guarantees. Meanwhile, despite Boris Johnson’s
as a share of national incomes. More indirect Great Depression would hit developing rhetoric about reviving Commonwealth, i.e.,
taxes have not compensated for less direct tax countries hardest, as they have “less resources Nearly US$12 trillion (about a fifth of GDP) colonial, connections now that Britain has
revenues. to protect themselves”. World Bank President was deployed in advanced economies to “Brexited”, he plans to cut bilateral aid by 50-
David Malpass also acknowledged that it address the pandemic and its economic 70% following the £2.9 billion cut in July 2020!
Less government spending would “hurt world’s poorest countries the fallout. Meanwhile, LICs could only afford
As the tax system became less progressive, tax most”. US$26.6 billion (1.2% of GDP), as emerging Britain is now paying “Covid bills off the
cuts also depleted the public coffers in most market economies deployed around 5%. backs of the poor”, even breaching UK law!
developing countries. Pressures on The pandemic has already set back decades Declining fiscal space
governments to pursue fiscal consolidation of modest and uneven progress in developing Countries relying on primary commodity Ever clever on the hoof, BoJo may yet
and austerity grew, with devastating impacts countries. The World Bank recently estimated production, tourism or manufacturing for donate the excess vaccines he has ordered to
those falling into extreme poverty worldwide in transnational supply chains have been most the “most deserving” in another typically
2020 at between 119 and 124 million people, spectacular, grandiloquent gesture while
continuing to block much broader access by
denying developing countries’ TRIPS vaccine
waiver request. – IPS

COMMENT byYSChan

Seminars can unlock full potential of domestic tourism

THE Department of Statistics grouped all domestic, inbound and outbound operators if they cannot be translated into those that bring immediate results.
domestic tourism expenditures in 2019 under expenditures, travel agents’ share rises to 1.8% concrete actions to generate income. Others may prefer to develop tour services
eight categories and percentages. of the total tourism industry, with the smallest Initiatives that could bring in business almost
contribution from domestic and highest from immediately or develop solid groundwork for that can put Malaysia on the world map for
They were shopping (37.8%), automotive outbound. tourism to recover are needed. epic road journeys, or offer unique customs
fuel (15%), food and beverage (14.3%), visited for experiential tourism, exporting Malaysian
households (10.2%), accommodation (8.4%), Most of the domestic package tours sold It should go beyond what have already culture in the process.
transport (6.2%), other activities (5%) and are to isolated areas where public transport is been announced or repeated in different
before the trip, entrance fees and tickets scarce or when assistance is required to safely versions. In any case, participants that have put in
(3.1%). explore natural sites in a jungle, mountain, the required effort will be laughing all the way
cave, island or under the sea. Over the past decades, tour operators have to the bank, more so after realising that only
As 98.5% of domestic visitors used land often been urged by the authorities to be more change is needed to turn failure into success.
transport, automotive fuel was the second But many nature enthusiasts can manage creative in their tour packages.
highest expenditure. on their own and tourists looking for soft Since time immemorial, it was not the
adventures are relatively few and not enough Over the past year, tourism associations strongest of the species that have survived,
Most domestic tourists stayed at unpaid to support the 4,625 travel agents currently have been pleading for more help be given to nor the most intelligent, but those most
accommodations provided by relatives or registered with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts the industry, as many businesses have adaptable to change. And the current global
friends (70.9%), followed by hotels (18.5%), and Culture (Motac). perished and more will follow suit. crisis is only a blip in eternity.
homestays or vacation homes (3.8%),
apartments (3.6%), rest houses (1.7%) and As the number of foreign tourists in the One of the best ways forward is to conduct The pandemic has inadvertently created
chalets (1.5%). coming years would only be a fraction of the training seminars. an opportunity to unlock the full potential of
monthly average of 2.1 million in 2019, domestic tourism, and not just figures
The main purposes of domestic visitors, inbound tour operators would have to rely on All ideas, including crazy ones, are compiled by the Statistics Department.
which comprised excursionists on day trips the domestic market for these few years. welcome during brainstorming.
and tourists staying overnight away from Those waiting to continue just like before and By empowering eager tour operators,
home, were for visiting relatives or friends pick up where they had let off are unlikely to During the workshop, participants would many tour buses would be running,
(42.3%), shopping (35.4%), holiday, leisure or survive. be compelled to explore how the silliest ideas participating retailers doing roaring business,
relaxation (9%), entertainment, attending might just work. food and beverage outlets busy serving
special event or sport (4%) and medical Although many are determined, almost all customers, and hotels again enjoying high
treatment or wellness (4%). are clueless in overcoming existing Webinars are great for talking and occupancy.
challenges. But if training seminars are listening, and can be swiftly organised at
Hence, domestic tourism is less by design organised for them by Motac or various travel minimal cost, but they will not produce the But dishing out more of the same will not
and more through default, and dependant on associations, they could learn or test their desired results. get us out of this predicament. Thinking
disposable incomes and peak during holiday ideas among peers. outside the box is easier said than done, and
seasons. Like many others, I also have several great seldom accomplished through a solo effort.
This would lead to creating ideas to share in a seminar, which can be held
With Covid-19 infections going up and unconventional tour packages and highly in a day from 9am to 5pm at a hotel’s function However, harvesting synergies from
down, it would be contingent on the types of innovative services that are incredibly room. likeminded groups in seminars, threats can
movement control order (MCO), which attractive and saleable in the tourism market. easily be turned into opportunities.
includes enhanced MCO, conditional MCO It can start with a “What I feel like
and recovery MCO. It may be true that leaders in both expressing” (Wifle) session to allow Finally, will the powers that be take a small
government and industry are very participants to get it off their chest and settle step that may well be a giant leap in the right
Although travel agents’ share of domestic knowledgeable and have done their part down. The chances of finding solutions are direction for our tourism industry? Or shall we
tourism expenditure is well below 1%, they communicating to tourism players. better when people use more of their brains remain as we are and continue with status
play a pivotal role by linking the services of than emotions. quo?
multiple sectors in package tours. Combining But all these are of no value to tour
The learning outcomes of training seminars Comments: [email protected]
will enable large numbers to work on their own
or team up on bigger projects, starting with

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

A Trading Participant of Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Berhad Email: [email protected]
Advertising: Tel: 03-7784 8888
Participation Bought Sold Net
% Fax: 03-7784 4424
RM m RM m RM m Email: [email protected]

45.1 Institutions 2664.9 2836.3 -171.4

40.9 Retail 2548.7 2427.6 121.1

14.0 Foreign 879.6 829.3 50.3 10.61 86.74
KLCI KOSPI
100.0 6093.2 6093.2 0.0 1,567.14 23.96 472.36 42.32 697.49 CLOSED 3,012.95 116.28
STI HANG SENG SCI NIKKEI S&P/ASX200
Preliminary stats (excluding trade amendments). For final data, please refer to www.bursamalaysia.com 29,663.50 TSEC
Source: Burs Malaysia 2,973.00 29,452.57 3,551.40 6,789.55

KL MARKET SUMMARY Settlement will resolve
March 1, 2021 AMMB’s 1MDB legacy issues

INDICES 11,562.20 CHANGE -51.96
FBMEMAS
FBMKLCI 1,567.14 -10.61
CONSUMER PRODUCTS 622.29 +0.08
INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS 184.12 -1.22
CONSTRUCTION 172.20 +1.65
FINANCIAL SERVICES 14,959.60 -42.68
ENERGY 943.38 +11.49
TELECOMMUNICATIONS 695.97 -3.71 o It should also discharge financial group from any further
HEALTH CARE 3,130.19 -61.48 legal pursuits by Malaysian government, says KAF Research
TRANSPORTATION 772.99 -7.68
PROPERTY 695.24 -0.75
PLANTATION 7,152.19 -24.94
FBMSHA 12,888.80 -90.35 PETALING JAYA: AMMB Holdings Bhd’s 19 pandemic. The group’s liquidity coverage ratio stood
FBMACE 10,705.30 -168.10 global settlement of RM2.83 billion with the Its net profit for the third quarter ended at 155.8%, with all banking subsidiaries
TECHNOLOGY 89.91 +1.04 Ministry of Finance (MOF) announced last registered a net stable funding ratio4 of
Friday should resolve all legacy issues Dec 31, 2020 fell 31% to RM263.83 million above 100% as at Dec 31, 2020.
TURNOVER VALUE related to 1Malaysia Development Bhd that from RM382.15 million a year ago on macro
10.689 BIL RM6.093 BIL the financial group has with the government provisions of RM59.7 million, as revenue At the same time, core equity Tier 1
and its agencies, including the Securities dropped 11.8% to RM2.09 billion from (CET1) ratio and total capital ratio (TCR)
5 MOST ACTIVES Commission and Bank Negara Malaysia. RM2.37 billion. strengthened to 13.5% and 16.4% respectively
March 1, 2021 from capital accretion through profit
In a note following the group’s analyst For the nine-month period (9M’21), formation and the adoption of transitional
STOCK VOL CLSG (sen) +/– (sen) briefing yesterday, KAF Research said this AMMB’s net profit fell 20.8% to RM866.32 arrangements introduced by the regulator.
GFM-WC 772,141,700 20 +12.5 should also unconditionally discharge million from RM1.09 billion in the same
GFM 475,196,700 40.5 +20 AMMB from any further legal pursuits by period last year. Revenue dropped 9.4% to As of Dec 31, 2020 the estimated proforma
ARMADA 303,609,100 42.5 +3 the government of Malaysia. RM6.44 billion from RM7.11 billion. impact to CET1 and TCR ratio is estimated to
ITRONIC 269,219,600 66.5 +18.5 be reduced from 13.52% to 11.01%; and
DNEX-WD 255,079,800 36,5 -1 To recap, AMMB’s agreement with MOF The group posted a net impairment 16.39% to 13.88%, respectively after the
for a sum of RM2.83 billion is to be paid charge of RM644.5 million in 9M’21, against proposed provision for the global settlement.
5 TOP GAINERS towards the full and final settlement in RM133.5 million a year ago, due mainly to
March 1, 2021 relation to all transactions involving 1MDB macro provisions of RM274.5 million. CGS-CIMB said AMMB’s 1MDB settlement
and its related entities. with MOF is a negative surprise as AMMB had
STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) RM The total pre-emptive macro provisions not disclosed any discussions previously.
MPI 1,352,300 41.10 4.10 “AMMB indicated that it was made aware to-date amounted to RM441.8 million and
D&O 22,470,600 4.50 0.48 of this potential issue only within days prior were made in relation to the group’s Factoring in the RM2.83 billion 1MDB
FANG-2XL 14.12 0.44 to the announcement on Feb 26. Further, it exposure to retail and SME customers settlement, the research house is now
PEB 100 2.14 0.34 was only made aware of the amount of affected by the Covid-19 pandemic as well as forecasting a net loss of RM2 billion in FY21
DATAPRP 5,127,300 1.44 0.33 global settlement hours before the release of the aviation and oil and gas sectors. Gross versus its net profit forecast of RM829.6
113,043,500 the announcement in the evening. The impaired loan ratio remained at 1.73% (FY20: million previously.
intention of the settlement is to settle 1.73%) as the group closely monitors its
5 TOP LOSERS outstanding matters relating to 1MDB once credit portfolio and proactively reschedules “We downgrade AMMB from an add to
March 1, 2021 and for all. and restructures vulnerable loans. reduce as we believe the stock would be
clouded by the negative sentiment in the near
STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) RM “AMMB also hinted that if there had been AmBank group CEO Datuk Sulaiman term due to the 1MDB settlement. Potential
NESTLE 137,500 136.00 1.90 further legal pursuits by other authorities, Mohd Tahir said while the settlement will derating catalysts include a net loss and the
F&N 43,900 29.96 1.30 they would have likely reached out first to undoubtedly have a material impact on the absence of dividends in FY21F, caused by the
KESM 181,400 14.10 1.00 the Malaysian government and AMMB group’s Q4’21 earnings and consequently 1MDB settlement,“ said CGS-CIMB.
VITROX 286,100 16.22 0.98 would have been made aware of any such FY21 results, it is important to note that it
HARTA 10,115,400 9.38 0.62 actions. At this point it had not been made has adequate capital buffers to absorb the KAF Research, however, is maintaining its
aware of any further action by other foreign global settlement without an immediate ‘buy’ call on AMMB, as its latest briefing
EXCHANGE RATES MARCH 1, 2021 authorities,” the note added. need to raise additional equity capital. should reassure investors as it affirmed that
there is unlikely to be any further investigation.
As a result of the settlement, AMMB has There are, however, plans to raise Tier 2
said, a material impact is expected for its debt capital to increase total capital “Share trading has been suspended for two
fourth quarter ending March 31, as a available for on-going working capital. days, on March 1 and 2. We expect a knee-jerk
provision for the full amount of RM2.83 reaction downwards to the share price, given
billion will be reflected. However, the “However, as a consequence of the global that this news is totally unexpected.
group’s third quarter net earnings were also settlement, the group will not be proposing However, we would look to buy on
impacted by macro provisions, as a any final dividends for FY21. We remain weakness once the share price stabilises, as
proactive measures arising from the Covid- financially resilient and are ready to capitalise this looks to be a one-off event and, more
on the opportunities ahead with our refreshed importantly, implies there should be no
Focus 8 strategy,“ he said in a statement. further future investigation on AMMB.”

Foreign currency Bank sell Bank buy Bank buy A third of Hin Leong founder’s ships sold to repay debt

1 US DOLLAR TT/OD TT OD SINGAPORE: About one-third of the sold by late this year, although some of View of the
1 AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR 4.1185 3.9905 3.9805 roughly 150 ships owned by companies them are tied up in various lawsuits as deck of one of
1 BRUNEI DOLLAR 3.2100 3.0810 3.0650 controlled by Singapore tycoon Lim Oon counterparties try to lay claim to the Hin Leong’s
1 CANADIAN DOLLAR 3.0970 3.0050 2.9970 Kuin and his family have been sold as part cargoes on the ships, the source said. VLCCs in the
1 EURO 3.2400 3.1510 3.1390 of efforts to repay billions of dollars of debt waters off
1 NEWZEALAND DOLLAR 4.9880 4.8230 4.8030 owed to creditors, two sources told Reuters. The sources declined to be named as Jurong Island
1 SINGAPORE DOLLAR 3.0080 2.8950 2.8790 they were not authorised to speak with in Singapore
1 STERLING POUND 3.0970 3.0050 2.9970 Accounting firm Grant Thornton, court- media. A Lim family representative, their in July 2019. –
1 SWISS FRANC 5.7660 5.5810 5.5610 appointed supervisor of Xihe Holdings, put lawyer and Grant Thornton did not REUTERSPIX
100 UAE DIRHAM 4.5230 4.4160 4.4010 up several vessels for sale through immediately reply to a Reuters request for with his son Evan Lim Chee Meng and
100 BANGLADESHTAKA 113.4000 107.4500 107.2500 shipbrokers in September last year. Xihe comment on the sale of the vessels. daughter Lim Huey Ching, had owned just
100 CHINESE RENMINBI 4.9360 4.6310 4.4310 Holdings is owned by the Lim family and over 150 ships before their flagship trading
100 HONGKONG DOLLAR 63.6000 61.2000 held the bulk of their fleet. Lim Oon Kuin, also known as O.K. Lim, company Hin Leong Trading, fleet manager
100 INDIAN RUPEE 53.6400 50.9400 N/A Ocean Tankers (Pte) Ltd and Xihe Holdings
100 INDONESIAN RUPIAH 5.6600 5.3100 50.7400 The rest of the ships are majority-owned were placed under judicial management
100 JAPANESE YEN 0.0299 0.0270 by Xihe Capital – currently under liquidation last year.
100 NEWTAIWAN DOLLAR 3.8730 3.7490 5.1100 according to Singapore business registry The bulk of the Lims’ fleet remains idled
100 PAKISTAN RUPEE 0.0220 records – and 10 single purpose companies. in the South China Sea, off Peninsular
100 PHILIPPINE PESO N/A N/A 3.7390 Malaysia, shipping data on Refinitiv Eikon
100 QATAR RIYAL 2.6400 2.4800 The ships owned by the Xihe group have showed. – Reuters
100 SAUDI RIYAL 8.5700 8.0700 N/A been sold at prices of US$2 million to US$3
100THAI BAHT 114.2700 108.4800 2.2800 million (RM9.11 million to RM13.66
110.9400 105.3200 7.8700 million) each for coastal barges and around
14.1600 12.5500 108.2800 US$30 million each for very large crude
105.1200 carriers, said the two sources.
12.1500
Buyers include Greek ship owners, one
Source: Malayan Banking Berhad/Bernama of the sources said. Further details were not
available.

It is expected the rest of the ships will be

Sime Darby Plantation 11theSUN ON TUESDAY | MARCH 2, 2021
forms commission to * SUNBIZ
review labour practices
Hays Asia survey sees hope
PETALING JAYA: Sime Darby Plantation for 2021 amid pandemic
Bhd (SDP) has established an expert
stakeholder human rights assessment o Findings include increase in innovation, decline in work-life factor for those looking to remain in their
commission and has appointed ethical balance and stagnation in salaries over last 12 months role, a 10% rise since 2017.
trade consultant, Impactt Ltd as its third-
party assessor, to conduct a PETALING JAYA: Despite the challenges for that employees could work from home with Hays also pointed out that salary is the
comprehensive evaluation of SDP’s labour companies and their employees stemming minimal disruption,” it said. primary concern as prioritised by 49% of
practices across its Malaysian operations. from the pandemic, there is an underlying employees and 58% of candidates alike, with
hope for the year ahead according to Hays To ameliorate the latter, 70% of jobseekers in China (69%) and employees
It stated that the consultant has Asia Salary Guide 2021. employers established a number of flexible Malaysia (57%) most likely to make this
expertise in detecting and remediating working options, up from 54% in 2020. The selection.
forced labour issues in supply chains in The survey – involving over 7,000 working most common options are remote working
line with the International Labour professionals across China, Hong Kong, (57%) and flexitime (31%). Over the last year, it found that salaries
Organization’s (ILO) 11 indicators of Japan, Malaysia and Singapore – found 34% have stagnated with 35% of companies
forced labour. of employers noted a rise in innovation over However, the survey found a decline in providing no increase, against 18% reported
the last twelve months, a testimony to the work-life balance, despite the fact that for the previous year. In addition, 6% of
The panel is also expected to review truism that crisis spawns creativity. jobseekers regularly demand these options companies in Asia decreased wages, and
whether or not forced labour indicators when chasing a new role, with home and these trends are likely to continue in 2021,
are detected within SDP’s operations, and “This can be seen in the rise of digital mobile working the most preferred option with 37% of employers forecasting stasis and
if there are any, to determine how transformation across numerous industries, (63%) followed by flexitime (57%) and 4% predicting decrement.
prevalent the issue is. the implementation of AI and cloud compressed hours (28%).
technologies and the utilisation of various Given the tightened salary and
In addition, it will review any proposed technological advances required to ensure On the flip side, 48% of the respondents recruitment budgets in 2021, the survey
remediation plans recommended for cited work-life balance as an important found only 36% of companies expect
implementation by the assessor, which permanent staff levels to increase in the next
will offer stakeholders the comfort of Over the last year, salaries have stagnated with 35% of companies providing no increase in wages, 12 months, while 45% expect headcount to
independent and transparent oversight. against 18% reported for the previous year. – REUTERSPIX remain the same.

The stakeholder panel includes Shift, “However, while these figures may not
the leading centre of expertise on the UN suggest overt assurance, they are an
Guiding Principles on Business and improvement on the previous year, when
Human Rights; migrant worker rights only 29% of companies increased staffing
activist and human rights researcher levels, and 30% saw cutbacks, including 32%
Andy Hall; along with a representative of in Malaysia,” said the recruitment firm.
the National Union of Plantation Workers,
the largest trade union for plantation It noted that the projection for this year
workers in Malaysia. may reflect the fact that 42% of organisations
will implement hiring freezes – whether for
Its group managing director Mohamad the first three months of the year (9%) the
Helmy Othman Basha expressed that the first six months (16%) or indefinitely (17%),
establishment of the commission is an with companies in Malaysia being the most
important and transparent step the group likely to do so (10, 21 and 21% respectively)
is taking to move forward. – with the potential for lifting them later in
the year.
To recap, on Dec 30, 2020, the US
Customs and Border Protection issued a When hiring, the survey found 59% of
Withhold Release Order (WRO) against companies prefer candidates with hard
SDP’s palm oil based on information that skills particularly in Malaysia and Singapore
reasonably indicated the presence of all 11 with 68% and 67% respectively. Reflecting
of the ILO’s forced labour indicators in its the growing desire for candidates in digital,
production process. AI and Big Data fields, employers are on the
hunt for professionals with technical (67%),
The WRO was issued after a petition analytical (66%) and project (45%) skills.
had been filed in April 2020 against SDP,
which was then announced in July 2021. On the whole, Hays Asia managing
director Richard Eardley commented
Since then the group has engaged with despite the hardships faced last year, 55% of
involved stakeholders to understand the companies in Asia expect business activities
issues raised and take any necessary to increase in 2021, backed by how the
remediation measures, but said it has not companies foresee their respective
received useful information from the economies growing in the next 6-12 months.
complainant who filed the petition
despite various engagements. “And while this may be scant consolation
for those undergoing the hardships imposed
Avarga buys into by the unprecedented year that has gone
Straits Inter Logistics before, it signals a gradual return to brighter
times ahead. It may take time, with potential
PETALING JAYA: Straits Inter Logistics substantial shifts in how businesses operate
Bhd has announced Avarga Investment and the skills in which employees must
Pte Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of develop, yet there is a definite feeling that
SGX-lsited Avarga Ltd, as its new improvement is within reach.”
substantial shareholder, following the
latter’s purchase of 78.1 million shares KAB resolves disputes over Kuching hotel, Thai projects
representing 10% in Straits via an off-
market transaction at 17.5 sen per share. PETALING JAYA: Electrical and mechanical required to withdraw the claims with no liberty relieved that this litigation proceedings have
engineering services provider Kejuruteraan to file afresh and with no order as to costs. come to an end, as we believe that this
Avarga is an investment holding Asastera Bhd (KAB) said it has resolved the Likewise, the interlocutory applications filed by settlement agreement is the right decision for
company primarily involved in paper disputes concerning the Pullman Hotel project the KAB parties will also be discontinued the company.
manufacturing, power generation and in Kuching and the Robinson Rama 9 and without liberty to file afresh and with no order
building materials distribution. It Robinson Prachinburi projects in Thailand. as to costs. “Through this settlement agreement,
operates in five countries and employs unnecessary costs and risks of further
more than 800 people with an annual KAB together with KAB Technologies Sdn Under the breach of contract suit, one of the litigations have been avoided,” said Lai in a
revenue of RM4.5 billion. Bhd (KABT), KAB managing director Datuk Lai conditions in the settlement agreement stated statement.
Keng Onn and Jonathan Wu Jo-Han, have that KABT is required to pay RM120,000,
Straits group managing director entered into a global settlement agreement despite ICEE International’s claims totalling In June last year, KABT commenced a writ
Datuk Seri Ron Ho Kam Choy said: with ICEE parties, comprising of ICEE RM265,776.81. This will be the full and final action against ICEE International and ICEE
“Needless to say, we are excited for the International Sdn Bhd, ICEE Energy Services settlement sum due to ICEE International, in Energy Services. The claim against ICEE
new synergies that will be formed out of Sdn Bhd and Prabodh Kumar Kantilal. relation to the Pullman Project, Kuching and International and ICEE Energy Services is
this collaboration as we strive towards two other projects in Thailand namely the premised on a work order and agreement
bringing Straits to even greater heights.” The settlement agreement indicates two Robinson Rama 9 Project and Robinson respectively whereby both are required by
agreed courses of action with regard to the Prachinburi Project. contract to ensure that KABT receives its
Straits Inter Logistics is principally claims by KAB’s wholly owned subsidiary KABT guaranteed savings which corresponds with an
engaged in oil trading and fuel and Lai (main claims) and the counterclaims Upon payment of the settlement sum, amount of monetary return.
bunkering services, ship management, filed by the ICEE Parties, respectively. neither party will have any further claims and
port operation and management, inland will not initiate any new legal proceedings KABT alleged that ICEE Energy Services has
transportation and investment holding For the main claims, both KAB parties and against each other arising from the projects. breached the material terms of the work order,
activities. ICEE parties are to enter into a consent while ICEE International breached the material
judgment on the same terms as set out in the “Now that all disputes have been resolved terms of the agreement, causing KABT to have
At present, Straits Inter Logistics statement of claim filed by KABT and Lai. As for with a mutual understanding that works well suffered and continue to suffer loss and
55%-owned subsidiary Tumpuan the counterclaims, the ICEE parties are for every party involved, we are grateful and damage in the Kuching and Thailand projects.
Megah Development Sdn Bhd operates
in 15 ports in Malaysia, and has a fleet
size of 13 vessels.

12 theSUN ON TUESDAY | MARCH 2, 2021
SUNBIZ

BRIEFS LIM HOCK SAN TAKES Manufacturing PMI loses
OVER AS LBS CHAIRMAN momentum in February

PETALING JAYA: LBS Bina Group o Pandemic continues to adversely affect order books a renewed slowdown in the level of backlogs in
Bhd’s non independent non- and disrupt supply lines and shipping: IHS Markit Malaysia February following a stabilisation in January,” it
executive chairman Datuk Seri Lim said.
Bock Seng has retired. The group PETALING JAYA: Domestic manufacturers lost signs of reviving, production growth should
has appointed Tan Sri Lim Hock San further momentum in February as businesses start to pick up again in the second quarter, and Firms also reported that an increased
to succeed him as the executive scaled back production and incoming orders it was encouraging to see business optimism demand and shortages of raw materials
chairman and unanimously elected moderated, due to Covid-19 restrictions about the year ahead improve after its weak meanwhile contributed to an increase in input
Datuk Lim Hock Guan as the new domestically and internationally which led to a start to the year,” he said in a statement. costs for the ninth consecutive month in
managing director effective March reduced demand for manufactured goods. February.
1. Bock Seng had served as “Businesses are increasingly anticipating a
chairman since Dec 6, 2001, having The IHS Markit Malaysia Manufacturing resurgence in demand as the impact of the IHS Markit stated that the pace of input cost
been involved with LBS for over 40 Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) dipped to pandemic eases as the year proceeds.” inflation softened slightly from January, yet
years prior to this. “Upon my 47.7 in February from 48.9 in the previous remained marked overall.
retirement, I strongly believe LBS month, indicating a further moderation of the In February, production and new order
will be in good hands under the manufacturing sector although considerably volumes weakened quicker than January, but In this situation, it reported Malaysian goods
chairmanship of Hock San, Hock less than the first wave of pandemic in April the deterioration rate remained markedly softer producers sought to partially pass higher cost
Guan and the management team 2020. than the peak rates of decline seen last April. burdens on to clients, as factory gate charges
where they have more than rose modestly, extending the current sequence
demonstrated their abilities to Despite this, it reported that manufacturers IHS Markit found that firms commonly of inflation to nine months.
continue growing the group,” he were increasingly optimistic regarding the year- attributed the ongoing weakness to continued
said in a statement. ahead outlook, with hopes that the pandemic virus-fighting measures, which dampened On the other hand, with the ongoing supply
would subside and trigger a broad recovery in demand in domestic and external markets. chain disruptions, businesses often reported
FU RESIGNS AS STAR MEDIA demand and production. Foreign demand for Malaysian manufactured difficulties in sourcing inputs for production,
CHAIRMAN, DIRECTOR goods was subdued as firms highlighted strict reflected in a fall in purchasing activity. At the
PETALING JAYA: Star Media Group Commenting on the latest survey results, measures to curb Covid-19 infections in key same time, manufacturers utilised existing
Bhd’s independent non executive IHS Markit chief business economist Chris international markets. stocks of pre- and post-production inventories
chairman Datuk Fu Ah Kiow has Williamson said that February was another to fulfil incoming orders.
tendered his letter of resignation at tough month for manufacturers, with the However, it said the pace of reduction in
the group’s board meeting held Feb pandemic continuing to adversely affect order export sales fell at a softer pace than total new However, some firms reported deliberate
25, resigning as director and books and disrupt supply lines and shipping. orders. At the same time, the IHS pointed out efforts to streamline stockpiles as a result of
chairman effective March 1. Fu said that employment levels fell only marginally in lower market demand.
that Star Media Group, after a He highlighted that business conditions February and at a pace that was softer than the
restructuring exercise, now has a consequently deteriorated at a rate not seen previous month. Looking forward, firms operating in the
capable, united, dedicated and since last May, adding to the picture of a Malaysian manufacturing sector are
young top management team. disappointing first quarter. “Firms took the opportunity to reduce increasingly optimistic regarding the 12-month
With the appointment of the new volumes of outstanding business while spare outlook for production.
group CEO Alex Yeow Wai Siaw to “However, with global demand showing capacity was available, as manufacturers noted
lead the team, Fu expressed “Positive sentiment strengthened to the
confidence that the transformation highest for five months amid hopes that the end
programmes would eventually of the pandemic would result in stable
bear fruit and propel the group to operating conditions and boost production and
new heights. Fu was appointed sales.”
independent non-executive
director on Feb 27, 2014 and board
chairman on May 21, 2014.

ADVANCECON AWARDED Rakuten rewards
RM154M SARAWAK PROJECT system gets a Boost

PETALING JAYA: Advancecon PETALING JAYA: Rakuten Trade Sdn
Holdings Bhd has secured its single- Bhd has inked an agreement with Boost
largest earthworks contract worth in a move to ramp up its rewards
RM153.5 million to undertake ecosystem to focus more on cashless
earthworks in Samalaju Industrial transactions.
Park, Bintulu, Sarawak, via its
associate Advancecon (Sarawak) The collaboration will see Rakuten
Sdn Bhd. The contract runs for 12 Trade shifting towards providing its
months from site possession on digital retail investors with more
March 15 up to the projected immediate gratification through reward
completion on March 14, 2022. With points being converted into affiliate
this, works in Sarawak now make up rewards that can be turned into Boost e-
more than one-third of the group’s wallet coins.
enlarged order book of RM863.5
million, which provides earnings Rakuten Trade’s CEO Kazumasa Mise
visibility for at least 34 months. said constant evolution is crucial for the
company’s business development and
OPR expected to growth.
remain at 1.75%
“The current environment has
KUALA LUMPUR: Bank Negara Even with rollout of the Pfizer vaccine last week, market saw net foreign outflow every day except dictated the need for digital transations
Malaysia (BNM) is expected to maintain Thursday. – BERNAMAPIX to be an integral part of our day to day
the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) of 1.75% existence. A key benefit of online trading,
at the year’s second Monetary Policy Foreign net selling on Bursa besides the low brokerage fees, is the
Committee meeting on Thursday, amid at RM477 million last week reward. With the profile of retail
expectations of an economic recovery, investors continuously evolving, rewards
said economists. PETALING JAYA: Foreign investors were net at RM274.05 million and smallest net purchase must be flexible to adapt to their
sellers last week with outflow to the tune of was on Thursday at RM90.88 million. changing expectations,” he said in a joint
Malaysia’s trade surplus soared by RM477.43 million, according to MIDF release.
38% year on year to RM16.6 billion in Research. Meanwhile, local institutions were net
January 2021, while total trade widened sellers every day of the week, except on Rakuten Trade, which launched its
by 4.1% on-year to RM162.6 billion. As the market reopened on Monday last Monday. The mixed ending was recorded after Rewards Eco System in August 2017,
week, foreign investors sold RM225.46 million three weeks of net selling this year. issues an average of 4.3 million RT points
The country’s total exports continued net of local equities, with retailers and local monthly. As at Dec 31, 2020, revenue
its positive momentum for the fifth institutions as net buyers of RM194.06 million Cumulative weekly outflow was to the tune generated from its rewards ecosystem
consecutive month, expanding 6.6% on- and RM31.4 million respectively. of RM461.26 million. The biggest outflow was stood at RM16.3 million and has been on
year to RM89.6 billion in January, while on Thursday at RM235.35 million of last week an upward trend each year.
imports continued to record an increase “Even with the rollout of the Pfizer- trading period and smallest outflow was on
of 1.3% to RM73 billion. BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine in Malaysia, last Tuesday at RM29.31 million. Boost CEO Mohd Khairil Abdullah
week, the market saw net foreign outflow every added the collaboration will drive
Malaysia’s January headline inflation day except on Thursday. The inflow was Since the beginning of 2021, cumulatively, interoperability between digital
came in better than expected, dipping insufficient to reverse the negative momentum. retailers are the only net buyers of our equity providers and push the envelope on
0.2% to 122.1 from 122.4 a year earlier, he Largest foreign outflow was recorded on market at RM3.75 billion. Local institutions Boost’s capabilities as an omni-channel
said, adding that the current rates are Monday at RM225.46 million and the smallest and foreign investors are net sellers at RM2.05 platform that is both rewarding and
supportive of the economy and any outflow was on Friday at only RM80.11 million,“ billion and RM420 million respectively. functional, moving beyond just digital
decision with regard to the OPR would MIDF said in its fund flow report yesterday. payments.
obviously be based on the incoming data. In terms of participation, the retail
It was the opposite for retailers. Retailers investors, foreign investors and local With this new partnership, Rakuten
UOB Malaysia senior economist Julia were net buyers every day last week. The institutions recorded a weekly increase of Trade clients can convert their RT points
Goh said the bank thinks BNM is less largest net buying was recorded on Wednesday 0.43%, 8.42% and 48.83% in average daily trade on a point to coin basis (1 RT point = 1
inclined to use broad and blunt value respectively. Boost coin). Boost coins can be
monetary policy tools at this stage, redeemed for everyday essentials like
despite weakness in gross domestic food and beverages, household items,
product and extension of MCO 2.0. – groceries, bill repayment and even
Bernama conversion into e-wallet cash.

13theSUN ON TUESDAY | MARCH 2, 2021

SPORTS

Tiger ‘touched’ Future bright for Morikawa
by red shirt Young American claims fourth career title with WGC winOLLIN MORIKAWA continued to
tribute solidify his place among the next
generation of golf, winning for the
TIGER WOODS, recovering in hospital after
surgery for serious leg injuries received in a car Cthird time in eight months with a
smash, tweeted thanks yesterday for a show of spot in the third round with a run of six birdies including a major victory, since 1945.
support from fellow pro golfers. over nine holes. After Horschel briefly tied for the lead early

“It is hard to explain how touching today was Morikawa became the only in the final round, Morikawa channeled
when I turned on the tv and saw all the red shirts,” player other than Tiger Woods’ final-round focus with birdies at
the 15-time major champion said in a tweet. victory yesterday at the World Golf Woods to win a major title the fifth, seventh and ninth holes to
Championships – Workday and a WGC event before make the turn with a 2-under 34.
“To every golfer and every fan, you are truly Championship at The Concession in the age of 25 and the On the back nine he put away his
helping me get through this tough time.” Bradenton, Florida. seventh player victory with eight pars and a birdie at
The 24-year-old shot a 3- under 25 No. 12.
A host of golfers at the World Golf under 69 to finish at 18-under Horschel, who played in the final
Championships Workday Championship in Florida 270 and win by three strokes round with Morikawa, had two
– and quite a few at the LPGA Tour event in over Billy birdies on the front nine, but
Orlando, as well – took the course for their final Horschel (70), delivered an up-and-down back side
rounds wearing Woods’s signature Sunday colors Brooks Koepka with with two bogeys and two birdies to
of red and black. (70) and Norway’s four or shoot 2-under for the day.
Viktor Hovland (67). more Koepka, who won three weeks prior
The PGA Tour tweeted a picture of the Morikawa won for the fourth victories at Scottsdale, Arizona., had a look at an
maintenance staff at its Puerto Rico Open on time since turning pro in on the PGA eagle at the par-5 17th hole, but missed
Sunday all turned out in red and black. 2019, taking the lead into the To u r, a chance to pick up ground with a
final round for the first time in three-putt par. – Field Level
Former world No. 1 Rory McIlroy, Tommy his career. Media
Fleetwood and Tony Finau at the WGC and Phil “It shows that I can come out
Mickelson at a PGA Tour Champions event were here and compete, but what a
some of the players who turned out wearing week,” Morikawa said on the NBC
Woods’s iconic color combo. broadcast.
“I was working on so much over the Collin Morikawa
“I guess for us it’s just a gesture to let him know of the United
that we’re thinking about him and we’re rooting past couple of weeks. I got tips from
for him,” McIlroy said. “Obviously things are looking Mark O’Meara and Paul Azinger and it States celebrates
a little better today than they were on Tuesday, but got me through this week. My game felt so with the Gene
he’s still got aways to go. good and I’m just so excited right now.” Sarazen Cup
during the
“He’s got a huge recovery ahead of him. But I Scottie Scheffler (68) finished alone in trophy ceremony
think (it’s) just for everyone to show their fifth place at 14-under, while South Africa’s
appreciation for what he means to us out here. Louis Oosthuizen (69), Northern Ireland’s after winning the
final round of
“If there was no Tiger Woods, I just think the Rory McIlroy (71) and Webb Simpson (72) World Golf
tour and the game of golf in general would be in a finished tied for sixth place at 12-under.
worse place. After a bogey at the second hole Championships-
yesterday, Morikawa got his final round
“He’s meant a lot to us, he still does mean a lot on track, going 4-under over a stretch of Workday
to us and I think that was just a little way to show Championship at
that.” eight holes from Nos. 5-12. The Concession
The 2020 PGA Championship winner,
Collin Morikawa, who lifted the trophy at who also won an added event at Muirfield in Florida
Concession Golf Club in Bradenton, added: “Tiger Village in Dublin, Ohio, last year, never yesterday. –
means everything to me. Yes, he had the crash and relinquished the lead after moving into top
thankfully he’s okay and will make a quick AFPPIX
recovery.” – AFP

322 Notices BRIEFS same time, be respectful to each and Korda captures Gainbridge LPGA title
Kiwis barred from every one. Don’t let no one take away
IN THE MATTER OF T20 matches your choice.” FLORIDA native Nelly Korda converted her US$4 million (RM16m), thanks to the
THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 third-round lead into a three-shot win US$300,000 (RM1.2m) first-place prize.
THE last three matches of New Froome comeback on track yesterday, carding a bogey-free round of 3-
AND Zealand’s Twenty20 series against under 69 to capture her fourth career title Her win also comes on the heels of her
IN THE MATTER OF Australia will be played at a closed CHRIS FROOME’S bid for a record- at the Gainbridge LPGA in Orlando. sister Jessica Korda’s victory at the LPGA’s
BAY REVENUE SDN. BHD. Wellington Regional Stadium as fans equalling fifth Tour de France in June most recent event – the Diamond Resorts
199501028780 (357986-H) have been barred after a Covid-19 took another “small step” forwards Korda finished at 16-under 272, three Tournament of Champions on Jan. 24.
lockdown in Auckland, New Zealand last week as he finished “comfortably shots ahead of Lexi Thompson (68) and
(In Members’ Cricket (NZC) said yesterday. NZC in the peloton” in his first race with New Zealand’s Lydia Ko (69), who had led “I knew I had to make a run,” said
Voluntary Winding-Up) moved Sunday’s fifth and final match new team Israel Start-up nation. after each of the first two rounds at Lake Thompson, who got an extra boost with
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the to Wellington from Tauranga, having Froome insisted ahead of the seven- Nona Golf & Country Club. an eagle at No. 11. “I just tried to stay
Creditors of the abovenamed Company already moved the fourth to the New day UAE Tour that he was there to within my game and focus on one shot at
which is being voluntarily wound-up, Zealand capital from Auckland. work towards full fitness and had no “I think it’s just all the stress from today,” a time, and that definitely helped. I
are required on or before the 2nd day Australia spinner Ashton Agar said ambitions of winning the race. said Korda, who was visibly emotional after bogeyed the next hole, but I just tried to
of April 2021 to send in their names organisers had made the right call. Cycling’s former No. 1 was blown into her win. Yeah, honestly, I did not play very stay in it and birdie coming in.”
and addresses with particulars of “They’ve made sure that they’ve a wall by a gust of wind two years good golf today, and I just stayed really
their debts and claims, and of any looked after the players’ mental and ago suffering career-threatening solid. Honestly, I don’t even know what I Ko also tried to mount a charge,
security held by them, and the names physical wellbeing and come to the injuries. But the steel that made him did. It was definitely very stressful.” stringing together four straight birdies
and addresses of their Solicitors (if right decision,” he told reporters a champion has driven Froome to dig over Nos. 12-15, but also came up short.
any) to the undersigned Liquidator at yesterday. New Zealand lead the T20 deep, and target the top once more. The victory also marked a few
Suite D23, 2nd Floor, Plaza Pekeliling, series 2-0 after winning the opening “This is my first race with ISN and I’m milestones for the 22-year-old, who won “Today I drove it so well, and then my
No. 2 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala matches in Christchurch and here to start my progression towards for the first time on American soil and ball-striking wasn’t there, and then when I
Lumpur and if so required by notice in Dunedin. The third match is the Tour de France,” he told a pre-race bolstered her career earnings to more than did hit it close, I didn’t hole many,” said Ko.
writing from the said Liquidator, are by tomorrow. press conference. “This is the – Field Level Media
their Solicitors or personally required beginning of my campaign to be
to write in and prove their said debts Blake not taking ready for the Tour de France.” Stop your fussin, Viv tells England
and claims at such time and place as any chances
shall be specified in such notice, or in Goffin ends title drought FORMER West Indies captain Viv batters. There are times batters
default thereof they will be excluded OLYMPIC champion sprinter Yohan Richards has weighed in on the debate sometimes cope with that,” Richards
from the benefit of any distribution Blake of Jamaica said he would rather BELGIAN David Goffin fought back surrounding the pitch on which the said in a video posted on his Facebook
made before such debts and claims miss the Tokyo Games than get the from a set down to beat Roberto third Test match between India and page.
are proved. Covid-19 vaccine, although getting Bautista Agut 5-7, 6-4, 6-2 in the final England was played, saying people
Kuala Lumpur vaccinated will not be required of the of the Open Sud de France in around the world have got to stop “But now you’ve seen the other side,
Dated this 2nd day of March 2021 athletes competing there this Montpellier for his first ATP title in cribbing about the nature of the surface. and this is why I think it was given the
Yap Siew Cheng summer. “My mind still stays strong, I more than three years. It was the fifth name Test match cricket, because of the
Liquidator don’t want any vaccine, I’d rather miss singles ATP crown for the world No. Richards pointed out that playing in test of the mind and will and
Note: the Olympics than take the vaccine, I 15 and follows his success on the India have always been about tackling everything else that goes with it when
This notice is purely formal. am not taking it,” he was quoted as hardcourts of Tokyo in 2017. “It’s spin and that had England done their you’re competing.
All known creditors have been or will saying in Jamaican newspaper The never easy to win tournaments. This homework ahead of the tour – they
be paid in full. Gleaner. “I don’t really want to get is my fifth and every tournament I’ve would have been better prepared about “People seem to forget that if you’re
into it now, but I have my reasons.” won was special,” Goffin, only the playing on such tracks. going to India, you should expect that.
IN THE MATTER OF Blake, a one-time rival of Jamaican third non-Frenchman to lift the You are going to spin land. You should
THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 great Usain Bolt, will likely still be able trophy at the ATP 250 event, said in “I’ve been asked questions recently basically prepare yourself to know what
to participate in what is expected to an on-court interview. Goffin said he about the Test match that was played in you’re going to encounter.
AND be the 31-year-old’s third and final was delighted to end his title India… the second and third Test match
IN THE MATTER OF Games even if he does not get the drought and credited the work he against England. “Ever since that first Test match,
BAY REVENUE SDN. BHD. vaccine. “Follow your mind, don’t put in after “tough weeks” last season. England were in their comfort zone.
199501028780 (357986-H) follow the crowd,” the two-time “I’m really happy at the end because “And I am a little confused about the They have now been taken out of their
(In Members’ Voluntary Olympic gold medalist said in a video it was a tough moment. I had tough question really because there seems to comfort zone at present and they have
posted to Twitter on Saturday. “At the weeks last season. I’m happy that I’m be a lot of moaning and groaning about got to find ways and means to cope
Winding-Up) back with a level like this.” the wicket that they were playing on. with what they are going to encounter.
At an Extraordinary General Meeting Spin in all part of the game.
of the members of BAY REVENUE SDN. “I just felt that the ones who are
BHD. duly convened and held at Suite moaning, in my opinion, should realise “I just believe all the moaning and
D23, 2nd Floor, Plaza Pekeliling, No. 2 that there are times that you’re going to groaning has got to stop and just not
Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur get a seaming track, a ball that is see the classical side of things in terms
on the 20th day of February 2021 the basically jumping off a good length and of Indian armoury. And from where I’m
following special resolutions were duly everyone thinks that’s a problem for sitting, it’s good to see.” – Agencies
passed:-
That the Company be wound up
voluntarily and that Yap Siew Cheng of
Suite D23, 2nd Floor, Plaza Pekeliling,
No. 2 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala
Lumpur be and is hereby appointed
Liquidator of the Company.
That the said Liquidator be authorised
to distribute either in cash, specie or
in kind amongst the contributors of
the Company in accordance with their
respective rights and interests therein.
That the Liquidator be indemnified
by the Company against all costs,
charges, losses, expenses and
liabilities incurred in or sustained by
him in the execution and discharge of
her duties as Liquidator and in relation
thereto.
TAN CHEONG KIE
Director

14 theSUN ON TUESDAY | MARCH 2, 2021

SPORTS

ROMELU LUKAKU scored Inter title push on track
after 33 seconds and set up Quick-fire Lukaku helps Milan bounce back against Roma
another in Inter Milan’s 3-0
win over Genoa yesterday to came off the bench to add a third the end if we want to do something championship is long.” collecting a pass from Alexis
keep their title push on track ahead with 13 minutes to go. good.” Milan won an intense battle with Saelemaekers following a poor
of city rivals AC Milan, who beat clearance from Roma goalkeeper
Roma 2-1. “We’re first in the standings and Lukaku led the way, completing a rivals Roma at the Stadio Olimpico in Pau Lopez.
it’s a good feeling,” said Lukaku as give-and-go with Lautaro Martinez the Italian capital, as Stefano Pioli’s
Inter remain four points ahead of Inter try to deny Juventus a 10th after good work from Nicolo Barella side push for a first league title since Off-form Milan star Zlatan
second-placed Milan, who got back consecutive league title after to fire in from an angle for his 18th 2011. Ibrahimovic had been substituted
to winning ways in Rome after finishing runners-up last season. Serie A goal of the season, one shy of shortly before Croatia international
consecutive league losses including leading scorer Cristiano Ronaldo. A Franck Kessie penalty gave Rebic scored the decisive goal.
last weekend’s derby defeat. Antonio Conte’s side followed on Milan the lead five minutes before
from last weekend’s 3-0 derby win The 27-year-old has scored six the interval after Federico Fazio “I told the lads that two games
Champions Juventus are a further over Milan, notching up a fifth win in goals in the last five games. fouled Davide Calabria. (losses) cannot take away the
six points adrift after being held 1-1 a row as they push for a first league confidence build up over a year,” said
at Hellas Verona on Saturday, but title since 2010. “I’m in a good moment of my Jordan Veretout pulled Roma Pioli.
have played a game fewer. career but the important thing is that level five minutes after the break with
“We’re happy because our hard Inter win,” added the former an arrowed shot, but the away side “It’s an important win at a
Atalanta, equal on points with work is paying off,” said Conte. Manchester United player. were soon back in front. decisive moment in the season
Juventus, take fourth spot two points which takes us out of two very
ahead of Roma who drop to fifth “We know that there are 14 games “These matches are opportunities Ante Rebic drilled home the strange weeks.” – AFP
following the loss to Milan. left. Let’s keep our antennas up until for us to give signals to others, but the winner eight minutes later after

Lukaku scored with the first
chance at the San Siro, then laid on
Matteo Darmian for Inter’s second in
the 69th minute. Alexis Sanchez

Atletico keep rivals at bay with Villarreal win SHORTS

ATLETICO MADRID bounced back from the gap between them and rivals Real clearance by Pau Torres to lash home the Fonte rescues point for Lille
recent poor form with a hard-fought 2-0 Madrid to six points ahead of this second from just outside the penalty area.
win at Villarreal yesterday that allowed the weekend’s local derby. PORTUGAL centreback Jose Fonte's late header rescued
La Liga pace-setters to extend their lead to Felix appeared to direct an angry look at Ligue 1 leaders Lille a 1-1 draw against Strasbourg
five points. Madrid can go back to within three Simeone after scoring, reportedly yesterday which kept them two points ahead of the
points of Atletico when they host Europe- prompted by a lack of game time. chasing pack as Lyon were held by Marseille, while
An own goal from Alfonso Pedraza and chasing Real Sociedad overnight. Monaco moved closer to the top of the table by cruising
Joao Felix’s powerful strike gave Atletico a “I love rebel players, those that have past Brest.
precious win after a wobble which had “We suffered, and even after the second pride. The goal brought something out in
allowed Barcelona and Real Madrid to gain goal they had good chances. But we come him,” Simeone said. Lille extended their lead over second-placed Paris
ground in the title race. home with a very important victory at this Saint-Germain and stayed three points clear of Lyon, who
point in the season,” said Simeone. “He needed it, and the team needed missed the chance to move within a point after a 1-1
Diego Simeone’s side had come into the that goal.” draw at Marseille.
match off the back of a Champions League Atletico opened the scoring thanks to
last 16 defeat to Chelsea and a league run Pedraza’s odd own goal mid-way through Earlier Real Betis moved above Villarreal Monaco sit in fourth place, only four points off the
in which they picked up just five points the first half, which came after long VAR as they maintained their bid for European summit.
from their previous four matches. check to see if Stefan Savic, who was football next season thanks to Juanmi’s late
initially credited with the goal, had strayed strike which earned them a 1-0 victory at Christophe Galtier's Lille, bidding for a first major
However despite Villarreal coming close offside for Thomas Lemar’s cross. struggling Cadiz. trophy since winning the league and French Cup double
on a number of occasions Atletico held on in 2011, are unbeaten in nine league games since a defeat
for a win that ensures they keep second- Joao Felix gave the away side the two- Real Valladolid climbed out of the by Angers in early January, but lost both legs of their
placed Barca at bay and crucially increase goal cushion they needed in the 69th relegation zone despite extending their Europa League last-32 tie.
minute, quickly latching onto a poor winless league run to eight in a 1-1 draw at
Celta Vigo. – AFP “We’re disappointed,” Fonte told Canal+. “We did
everything in the second half, but we have to create more
Bayer chances.
Leverkusen’s
Charles Aranguiz “But we didn’t lose… There was perhaps a bit of
(left) and fatigue from the game (on Thursday) against Ajax, but
Freiburg’s there are no excuses, we have to do better.
Ermedin
Demirovic vie for “It’s a disappointment, but we continue the fight. It’s
the ball during not over.”
their Bundesliga
match yesterday. Chinese media urge football rethink
– AFPPIX.
THE “shocking” collapse of champions Jiangsu FC is a
watershed for Chinese football that should prompt a
rethink from top to bottom, state media said.

Jiangsu, who are owned by the conglomerate Suning
– which also owns Italy's Inter Milan – said on Sunday
they will “cease operations”, just over three months after
winning the Chinese Super League.

The announcement underlines the financial problems
coursing through the league that could also see rival side
Tianjin Tigers fold this week.

It also highlights the declining fortunes of a league
that repeatedly smashed the Asian transfer record just a
few years ago, attracting a number of foreign stars.

“It seems incredible and shocking, but it feels like the
dust has now settled,” state-run Xinhua news agency said.

“The most important thing at the moment is to…
reload and start again, rather than being lost in confusion
or remorse.

“To some extent it is a good thing that the bubble has
burst earlier (than expected),” it added.

Freiburg pile misery on Leverkusen PSG player walks out of fitness drill

BAYER LEVERKUSEN’S miserable run of form and-grab attack to take the lead just after goal as the capital club were held to a 1-1 PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN hold a huge 4-1 advantage over
continued yesterday as they fell to a shock 2- half-time. draw at home by Hoffenheim. Barcelona in their Champions League last 16 tie, but not
1 home defeat to Freiburg thanks to a everything is perfect at the French club.
brilliant second-half performance from Lucas With a darting run into the box, Hoeler cut Kruse gave Union the lead from the
Hoeler. the ball back to an unmarked Ermedin penalty spot on nine minutes but Mauricio Pochettino’s arrival has seen Layvin Kurzawa
Demirovic, who swept it past debutant Hoffenheim equalised through an own-goal used much more at leftback than Mitchel Bakker, who
Having topped the Bundesliga in goalkeeper Lennart Grill. shortly before the half-hour mark. was well-liked by previous coach Thomas Tuchel.
December, Leverkusen are now five points
adrift of the Champions League places in Hoeler doubled the lead 10 minutes later, The draw sees Union hold onto seventh The Dutch defender didn’t play a minute in the most
sixth after winning just one of their last six tapping the ball in after a sharp cross from place while Hoffenheim remain in 11th. recent game away at Dijon, a 4-0 win where it was Abdou
games. Vincenzo Grifo. Diallo who was brought in to give Kurzawa a break.
Crisis club Schalke sacked almost their
For Peter Bosz’s team, who crashed out of “We had a bit of luck in the first half, but entire sporting leadership, including coach L’Equipe have reported that Bakker was angry at
the Europa League on Thursday, a promising we said in the break that we wanted to take Christian Gross, after an alleged player revolt essentially being demoted to third-choice and that he
season is now beginning to fall apart. the game to them,” Hoeler told Sky. and a 16th league defeat plunged their grew tired of the instructions given by the fitness coaches
nightmare season deeper into crisis. as he and some of the other players who didn’t play did
“There are always setbacks in life – the Jamaica winger Leon Bailey pulled a goal some exercises after the Saturday game. He walked off
question is how you turn things around,” a back 20 minutes from time, but Freiburg held Schalke were thumped 5-1 at Stuttgart on and even reportedly kicked an advertising board.
dejected Bosz told Sky. on to condemn Leverkusen to their eighth Saturday to leave them bottom and nine
defeat in all competitions in 2021. points clear of safety, the final straw for the ”Mitch, come back, come back,” those witnessing the
After a dominant first-half performance club hierarchy after being humiliated by fierce scene reportedly shouted, but the Dutchman marched
from Leverkusen, Freiburg launched a smash- Union Berlin striker Max Kruse celebrated rivals Borussia Dortmunud last week. – AFP off down the tunnel to the dressing room.
his long-awaited return from injury with a
But he returned and apologised to Pochettino’s staff.
While PSG weren’t happy with the behaviour, the
incident hasn’t escalated any further because of the
apology.

15theSUN ON TUESDAY | MARCH 2, 2021

* SPORTS

RESULTS & STANDINGS Welsh wizard Tuchel has
has Jose purring made Blues
ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE: Chelsea 0 difficult to beat
Manchester United 0, Crystal Palace 0
Fulham 0, Leicester 1 (Tielemans 7)
Arsenal 3 (Luiz 39, Lacazette 45-pen, Pepe
52), Tottenham 4 (Bale 2, 55, Kane 15,
Moura 31) Burnley 0, Sheffield United 0
Liverpool 2 (Jones 48, Bryan 64-og).

P W D L F A Pts █ JONATHAN VEAL Bale is better than ever, █ MELISSA REDDY
Man City 26 19 5 2 52 16 62 says Mourinho as Spurs AT THE end of Frank Lampard’s first
Man Utd 26 14 8 4 53 32 50 TOTTENHAM boss Jose Mourinho is thump Burnley season in charge at Stamford Bridge, in
Leicester 26 15 4 7 45 30 49 revelling in Gareth Bale getting his mojo which fourth was viewed as a success
West Ham 26 13 6 7 40 31 45 back and said any manager in the world he’s not flat. Now he has ups and downs in the through the prism of a transfer ban and
Chelsea 26 12 8 6 41 25 44 would want him with the form he showed speed he brings to his actions. the exit of Eden Hazard, there was a
Liverpool 26 12 7 7 47 34 43 against Burnley. statistic that could not be sugar-coated.
Everton 24 12 4 8 35 35 40 “Even in the area in which he plays, sometimes
Tottenham 25 11 6 8 41 27 39 The Wales international delivered the most outside, sometimes inside. He played very well Chelsea had conceded 54 goals in the
Aston Villa 24 12 3 9 38 26 39 devastating impact of his second spell in north and his condition is very good. I’m just pleased for League, the club’s worst record in 23
Arsenal 26 11 4 11 34 27 37 London with two goals and an assist in the 4-0 the team because he helped the team to win and years.
Leeds 26 11 2 13 43 44 35 victory against the Clarets. that’s the most important thing. I’m happy for
Wolves 26 9 7 10 27 33 34 him.” Much of the blame for that deficiency
Crystal Palace 26 9 6 11 29 43 33 Bale’s homecoming from Real Madrid had was pinned on goalkeeper Kepa
Southampton 25 8 6 11 31 43 30 threatened to be a flop after he suffered with Bale lasted 70 minutes against the Clarets and Arrizabalaga, who remained a scapegoat
Burnley 26 7 7 12 18 34 28 fitness issues for the first half of the campaign, but will be instrumental in deciding whether he will at the start of the current campaign.
Brighton 26 5 11 10 26 33 26 he showed he is back to his best. be ready for two Premier League games in four
Newcastle 26 7 5 14 27 44 26 days this week. Lampard’s men were too easily done
Fulham 26 4 11 11 21 32 23 Mourinho, who barely used him during that on the counter and via set-plays, which
West Brom 26 3 8 15 20 55 17 period, said the 31-year-old is no longer “flat” and “Day after day, day after day, and as I was pointed to a greater issue than simply one
Sheffield Utd 26 3 2 21 15 43 11 is “better than ever”. saying, he is experienced and his knowledge of his player shorn of confidence and forgetting
body and his feelings are going to be the basics in-between the sticks.
LA LIGA: Villarreal 0 Atletico Madrid 2 “Sometimes people write things, fundamental,” Mourinho added.
(Pedraza 25-og, Felix 69), Celta Vigo 1 and sometimes, some of you like Without the ball, Chelsea were
(Murillo 90+4) Real Valladolid 1 (Orellana to imagine stories, you need to “A player that gives me this kind of consistently vulnerable. By the point of
70), Cadiz 0 Real Betis 1 (Juanmi 84), write stories and sometimes performance of course I want to play him on Lampard’s axing, they had made more
Granada 2 (Quina 31, Puertas 79) Elche 1 you like to say things Thursday and on Sunday, and I want to play him errors leading to goals than any other
(Boye 40). that are not really next week against Dinamo Zagreb but I don’t team in the division this season.
true but there is not think I can.
TOP 10 P W D L F A Pts one single manager No Chelsea manager since Ruud Gullit,
Atletico 24 18 4 2 47 16 58 in the world that “So this is a process that we have to manage who departed in February 1998, had
Barcelona 25 16 5 4 55 22 53 doesn’t play Gareth day by day and see how he feels tomorrow and see overseen a worse record of successful
Real Madrid 24 16 4 4 42 19 52 Bale if Gareth Bale how he feels after tomorrow. He’s a very important efforts conceded per game.
Sevilla 24 15 3 6 34 18 48 is in very good part of this decision-making because he has a lot
Real Sociedad 24 11 8 5 41 20 41 c o n d i t i o n ,” of experience.” These defensive frailties were most
Real Betis 25 12 3 10 33 38 39 Mourinho said. obvious against fellow Big Six opposition.
Villarreal 25 8 13 4 33 27 37 “There is not Boss Sean Dyche was disappointed his side
Granada 25 9 6 10 31 42 33 one, but now he is could not play on Spurs’ weaknesses by conceding Since August 2019 under Lampard,
Levante 25 7 11 7 35 34 32 better than ever. It’s in just the second minute. Chelsea had secured just 15 points from
Athletic Bilbao24 8 6 10 34 28 30 not just about the two 15 games against their rivals, a joint-low
goals he scored, it’s “A lot was made before the game about their alongside Arsenal – scoring 17 goals and
SERIE A: Sampdoria 0 Atalanta 2 fundamentally about run and that was always in the back of my mind,” conceding 28 times.
(Malinovskiy 40, Gosens 70), Crotone 0 his physical he said.
Cagliari 2 (Pavoletti 56, João Pedro 60- performance. Chelsea’s inability to impose
pen), Udinese 1 (Nestorovski 86) Now “Sides like this very rarely continue that run of themselves let alone overcome anyone in
Fiorentina 0, Inter Milan 3 (Lukaku 1, form, they are too good to have form like that so it the top half of the table prior to Thomas
Darmian 69, Sanchez 77) Genoa 0, Napoli is going to change and you don’t want to be the Tuchel’s arrival was largely on account of
2 (Mertens 34, Politano 66) Benevento 0, ones who help change it for them. not having a steely defensive framework.
Roma 1 (Veretout 50) AC Milan 2 (Kessie
43-pen, Rebic 58). “And we were in the early part of the game. The German’s first directive upon
We never got anywhere near getting them replacing Lampard was to make the team
difficult to beat, which they now are.
to a nervy stage and that would have
been a weapon today.” – The At Stamford Bridge yesterday,
Independent Manchester United were restricted to just
two shots from inside the box. They did
TOP 10 P W D L F A Pts not create a big chance and only sparked
Inter Milan 24 17 5 2 60 24 56 in the final, more open minutes of the
AC Milan 24 16 4 4 47 29 52 encounter with the hosts pressing for a
Juventus 23 13 7 3 45 20 46 decisive goal.
Atalanta 24 13 7 4 55 31 46
Roma 24 13 5 6 48 37 44 Tuchel, who has already navigated
Napoli 23 14 1 8 49 25 43 narrow victories over Tottenham and
Lazio 24 13 4 7 38 32 43 Atletico Madrid, has quite instructively
Sassuolo 23 9 8 6 37 34 35 fortified Chelsea in the area they most
Hellas Verona 24 9 8 7 31 27 35 needed it.
Sampdoria 24 9 3 12 33 36 30
Chelsea have not yet fully clicked
BUNDESLIGA: Union Berlin 1 Hoffen- SIDENETTING to win matches and chase Man City down. I think offensively, but seven clean sheets in nine
heim 1, Mainz 0 Augsburg 1, Bayer Keane‘annoyed’by United’s they’re concentrating on let’s cement second fixtures is a brilliant foundation for a
Leverkusen 1 Freiburg 2. lack of attacking intent place.” manager – arriving in the middle of the
most congested campaign going – to
TOP 10 P W D L F A Pts ROY KEANE said watching Manchester United’s Former Barca president build a formidable structure from.
Bayern 23 16 4 3 67 32 52 stalemate with Chelsea left him “annoyed”, as Ole Bartomeu arrested
RB Leipzig 23 15 5 3 43 20 50 Gunnar Solskjaer’s side failed to score against a The attacking cohesion will come. As
Wolfsburg 23 12 9 2 37 19 45 top Premier League side yet again. Keane was FORMER Barcelona president Josep Maria Tuchel analysed: “We were not good
E. Frankfurt 23 11 9 3 46 32 42 watching the goalless draw as a pundit for Sky Bartomeu was arrested yesterday after Catalan enough in the first half to attack the
Dortmund 23 12 3 8 48 31 39 Sports, and was highly critical of his former club’s police officers searched the La Liga club's offices, space, we had too many easy ball losses.
Leverkusen 23 10 7 6 41 26 37 performance. “It was a poor game, I was getting Spanish radio station Cadena Ser reported We lost a little bit of confidence because
Union Berlin 23 8 10 5 36 26 34 more annoyed as the game went on,” Keane said yesterday. A regional police spokeswoman of that, which can happen.
Freiburg 23 9 7 7 37 35 34 afterwards. “No desire to get in the box. Real lack confirmed several arrests had been made
M’gladbach 23 8 9 6 40 36 33 of quality from United. The big games where following an investigation by the force's financial “We said that at half-time – ‘don’t
Stuttgart 23 8 8 7 44 36 32 they’ve not produced, that must be a concern. crimes unit, without confirming the number of worry’ – and we changed the structure to
They do try and win, but these games I think their arrests made or their identities. A Barca 5-3-2 to have higher ball recoveries and
LIGUE 1: Monaco 2 Brest 0, Angers 2 mindset is let’s not be beaten. I think United are spokeswoman confirmed the offices had been put the pressure up high to regain
Lens 2, Lorient 2 Saint-Etienne 1, Nimes looking at teams behind them rather than trying searched but did not make any additional confidence. The boys did that very well
1 Nantes 1, Reims 0 Montpellier 0, Lille 1 comment. and we dominated the second half.
Strasbourg 1, Marseille 1 Lyon 1.
“In the second half I felt we were very
strong. Performance-wise I am very
satisfied. We defended very high, very
brave, and I am very happy with that.” –
The Independent

Cottagers don’t feel like losing at all, says Loftus-Cheek

FULHAM midfielder Ruben Loftus- would have closed the gap on fellow narrowly wide from the edge of the a team who sit deep and defend Palace were virtually non-existent
Cheek said the Cottagers “don’t feel Premier League strugglers Newcastle penalty area before forcing Vicente well,” added the Chelsea loanee. “We as an attacking force, registering just
like losing at all” after producing and Brighton to one point. Guaita into a one-handed save with a said we needed to take our chances three attempts and failing to test
another dominant, yet profligate, header from Ivan Cavaleiro’s delivery. but we couldn’t. Alphonse Areola in the Fulham goal.
display in Sunday’s goalless draw at “It’s kind of the story of our
Crystal Palace. season,” Loftus-Cheek told the BBC. Joachim Andersen had a header “We are diligent in our defensive The draw lifts the Cottagers to 23
“We’re playing well and dominating blocked and Loftus-Cheek also went work and hard to break down. We points – three behind 17th-placed
Scott Parker’s side created by far games but can’t see it off.” close, drilling a powerful effort wide don’t fear conceding goals, it’s just Newcastle – while the Eagles are 10
the better opportunities at Selhurst of Guaita’s left-hand post. outscoring teams that we want to points above the relegation zone in
Park but failed to earn a win which The visitors came to life after a improve.” 13th. – Agencies
poor first half, Josh Maja curling “We said before the game they are

TUESDAY • MARCH 2, 2021 QUOTE OF THE DAY

It is hard to explain how touching
today was when I turned on the tv and saw all
the red shirts. To every golfer and every fan,
you are truly helping me get through this
tough time.”

Tiger Woods

Klopp eyes Champions League qualification after crucial win

JURGEN KLOPP says it is up to Liverpool heading to Anfield this week. Liverpool’s Curtis Jones
to show they are in the chase for a top-four When asked if Chelsea will fancy their (right) in action with
Premier League finish after yesterday’s 2-0
win at Sheffield United. chances of a victory, he told Sky Sports: “Of Sheffield United’s John
course. If you look at the game today, Lundstram during their
Liverpool ended a run of four Sheffield United had some chances. English Premier League
successive League defeats with victory match at Bramall Lane
against the Premier League’s basement “Liverpool going forward are a
club, with Curtis Jones and a Kean Bryan dangerous side, we all know that, but at yesterday. – AFPPIX
own goal handing them an important the moment, you get opportunities
three points. against Liverpool that before, you
would never have got.
With four of the five teams above
Liverpool failing to win last weekend, it “If you’re at Chelsea, you’ll be
boosts the Reds’ chances of finishing in the looking at that and definitely
Champions League places, now two points going to Anfield with a little bit
behind West Ham in fourth place. more positivity and trying to win
that game and it’s definitely
It also sets up an incredibly important possible.”
tie against Chelsea on Thursday (Friday,
4.15am Malaysian time) with Thomas Yesterday’s defeat means
Tuchel’s side just a point ahead of the Blades are the first side
Liverpool in fifth after their 0-0 draw since Newport County in the
against Manchester United earlier fourth tier in 1970-71 to lose at
yesterdday. least 21 of their first 26 matches in an
English Football League season.
Klopp wants his side to prove once
again that they remain in the hunt for a Manager Chris Wilder said before
top-four finish. yesterday’s fixture that the “most
optimistic” of Blades fans may believe his
“It was very important (the result) side can deliver the required results to
because plenty of people have written us keep them in the Premier League, though
off and that’s completely fine,” he told Sky the boss himself remains more realistic.
Sports.
Speaking to BBC’s Match of the Day,
“It’s about us to show we are still there Wilder said: “We had a right go but lacked
and tonight, we showed that. On Thursday, quality and strength in depth. You need
we play Chelsea and we have to show it your best players to be at the top of their
again. game. You need a bit more in this division
because it’s brutal and it exposes you.
“But with all the problems we’ve had,
we’re still around the exciting places and “Liverpool have got some world-class
that’s where we want to be, where we players because not only have they been
want to fight for and that’s what we will successful on the European stage but also
do. the world stage.

“I have never thought about controlling “The two goals we conceded were
the situation or whatever, you just have to really disappointing. You have to be
win football games, we know that and the perfect out of possession and perfect in
rest is controlled by itself and it’s always possession against Liverpool and we
like this. weren’t.

“There’s no way without results into the “We haven’t taken chances that have
Champions League and that’s what we come to us. There in a nutshell is our
need. We got it tonight and now we keep season. We’re not defending anywhere
on going.”
near as well as we
Chelsea are yet to lose under new did last season.” –
manager Tuchel and former Blues striker Express
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink believes his old Newspapers/
club will have more belief than usual Agencies

Devils fume
Solskjaer angry at penalty decision and slams cheeky Chelsea for influencing referees

MANCHESTER UNITED manager well have affected the outcome.” not going to be good for him.” The German boss suggested that the
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was irate that But Solskjaer was not happy that the incident Told what Shaw said, the Norwegian decision was obvious from the start,
his side were not awarded a penalty questioning the necessity of an on-field review.
in their 0-0 draw with Chelsea at got a mention as he criticised rivals who have continued: “Of course it is (concerning) – I
Stamford Bridge yesterday and also hit out at claimed that United have been given favourable didn’t say it, I don’t want to cause controversy. “How can this be a VAR intervention? The
the Blues for an article posted on their website treatment by officials in recent months. It’s not right is it? player in red plays the ball with the hand and
before the match singling out Harry Maguire. then we are checking for a penalty? Why does
Solskjaer felt referee Stuart Attwell should “It’s all these outside influences. Even the the referee have to see this?
Previewing the clash between the two teams, have pointed to the spot after Callum Hudson- VAR talk before the game on Harry (Maguire).
Chelsea made note of a controversial moment Odoi twice appeared to have handled the ball in That’s cheeky when they (Chelsea) put that on “I’ve seen it on the iPad, I don’t understand
in the previous encounter when Harry Maguire the first half of their goalless stalemate. their website. That’s influencing the referees. why the referee has to check it but I’m glad it
appeared to foul Cesar Azpilicueta in the box. was no penalty. That would make it even
Leftback Luke Shaw claimed to Sky Sports “You can go back and look at the website. worse.”
The United captain had both arms round the post-match of the incident: “The ref even said to You can read what they’re saying about Harry
Chelsea skipper as he competed for a header H (Harry Maguire) if it’s a penalty then it’s going Maguire. Putting pressure on referees to give United’s draw means Manchester City sit 12
but no penalty was given despite a VAR check. to cause a lot of talk about it after. penalties against us. points clear at the top of the Premier League
table ahead of the Manchester derby meeting
Chelsea wrote: “The Man United skipper’s “So I don’t know what happened there. H “We’ve seen… Was it Frank (Lampard) who between the two teams this week.
actions will also be under scrutiny again after (Maguire) got told it was a pen (penalty). I’m started it? There’s loads of talk about us getting
his penalty area tangle with Jamal Lascelles last not sure. I don’t understand.” penalties when there is no doubt whatsoever And Solskjaer admitted the Red Devils, who
weekend. and now of course we should have had a are resigned to a top-four fight rather than a title
And Solskjaer then told the cameras: “100% penalty. That’s as clear as it is.” battle, weren’t good enough against Chelsea.
“In recent Chelsea meetings the Red Devils’ (it was a penalty).
centreback has survived VAR reviews of a In complete contrast to Solskjaer, Chelsea “Poor game really. But then we played some
potential penalty foul on Cesar Azpilicueta and “It was a penalty, 100% nailed on. If that’s a boss Thomas Tuchel claimed that the Red good stuff at times. When we settled we created
violent challenge on Michy Batshuayi that may natural position for a hand to be in when the Devils did not deserve a penalty and that a few chances but we didn’t have enough.” –
ball comes in then I must be blind. Attwell’s final verdict was accurate. Express Newspapers/Agencies

“I can’t say (what the ref said), because that’s

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