The Sun Daily - 20 April 2022

INSIDE

TELLING IT AS IT IS Flood victims Everyone
page lament slow page entitled to equal
2 3disbursement protection
of aid under law

ON WEDNESDAY APRIL 20, 2022 COLOURS OF RAYA ... Kuantan

No. 8010 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) www.thesundaily.my resident Nurul Syazwani Rozi shopping at a
supermarket for an outdoor lighting set,
that is a popular decoration item during
Aidilfitri celebrations. – BERNAMAPIX

Malaysia safe
█ BY RAJVINDER SINGH
[email protected] oWith diverse resources, country not at
risk of suffering same predicament as
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Sri Lanka: Experts
economy is well diversified,
making it resilient enough to avoid country goes above the limit, there might tackle. There are those who see
a financial crisis such as that be some problems.” economic issues through the lens of
which has hit Sri Lanka, said economists. race and religion, although the issues
Kuperan said to get the economy to may have nothing to do with that.”
They were commenting on fears greater heights, the government needs to Iskandar Puteri MP Lim Kit Siang
expressed on social media about Malaysia stop short-term economic decisions. said Malaysians must ensure the
going down the same path as the South country does not end up like Sri
Asian island nation, that was tethering on He added that a major difference Lanka, that he said “took a wrong
the edge of financial collapse before its between Malaysia and Sri Lanka was that turn” on nation-building policies
government recently announced that it there was very little upheaval here as the and is now on the verge of
was suspending repayments on all people do not take to the streets to protest, becoming a failed state.
external debts. therefore the economy does not suffer. “Sri Lanka has defaulted on
foreign debts for the first time. The
Universiti Utara Malaysia professor of “The national reserves are still high, the people are facing crippling power
economics Prof Dr K. Kuperan economy is strong and the currency is cuts and scarcity of food, fuel and
Viswanathan said Malaysia’s stable. The ringgit has remained in the essential items,” said the veteran
well-diversified economy is able to shield same bandwidth against the US dollar, DAP leader who recently quit active
the country from such turmoil. euro, Sterling and the Singapore dollar.” politics.
Universiti Tun Abdul Razak
He pointed out that the economy is not Kuperan called for focus on social economist Prof Emeritus Dr Barjoyai
reliant on one main product, with natural cohesion to enable the economy to grow Bardai agreed that Malaysia would
resources, commodities, services, foreign further, adding that people may have taken not end up like Sri Lanka.
investment, tourism and other sources to social media to compare Malaysia with “Malaysia’s economy is Turn to
contributing to it. Sri Lanka because of concerns over social
cohesion. doing well. Government —
“The main problem with Sri Lanka was borrowings might be high, but it
that 80% of its economy relied on tourism. “They may be worried because the page 2
When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, the economy could be affected,” he said on a
country lost its major source of income,” social media discussion on the matter. is still manageable,” he said.
he told theSun yesterday.
“There is a growing racial and religious
“This is very unlikely to happen to divide, that the government needs to
Malaysia, but we have to be careful with
our borrowing by keeping it below 70% of
gross domestic product. However, if the

2 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | APRIL 20, 2022 Flood victims lament
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS slow disbursement of aid

Bears ravage honey o Many households waiting since February for promised She tried reaching out to the Klang District and
bee farm cash assistance from federal government Land Office to clarify the delay, but did not receive
any favourable response from the office.
KUALA KRAI: Bears have wreaked havoc at █ BY SIVAA TANGAI RAJU waited in line for four hours with other victims.
a honey bee farm in Kampung Geretak [email protected] She said flood victims from various areas such “Senior citizens of about 60 to 70 years queued
Kangkong, where the farmer has suffered PETALING JAYA: The country has seen several up under the sun, and it felt like we were deceived
losses of about RM20,000 since the end of disasters, such as the floods in Selangor, that have as Port Klang, Klang Utama, Bukit Raja, Setia Alam since all of us went there expecting to receive
last year. disrupted people’s lives, including their peace and and Kapar had also gathered at the aid collection RM2,000 each.
financial stability. point.
Kelulut (stingless bee) honey farmer “They took our bank details and promised to
Che Awang Mat Zin, 69, said the bears Despite government efforts to help victims “The initial promise was that the Selangor bank in the balance soon. But they said this in
struck for the second time on Monday, overcome their burden, many have lost their government would give the victims RM1,000. February, and it’s now April. Until now, there’s no
destroying kelulut logs and fences at the income and homes due to such disasters. Selangor has already done so. But what about the word from them and all of us are asking where the
farm. federal government? They were supposed to give promised money is?
Of more concern is whether the aid promised us RM3,500, but we haven’t seen a single sen,” she
Che Awang, who cultivates honey on a by authorities has reached the intended victims. said. “They called us and said to line up in a long
0.4ha site, said the animals have Some Selangor residents complained they have queue. In Sri Muda, it was almost 5,000 people,
destroyed 30 of his 180 kelulut beehives yet to receive it. “In February, I received a call to collect the aid and in Klang almost 2,000 that day. And we
so far. at Pandamaran in Selangor. They said to come and queued up for hours to get the RM1,000,” she said.
Anisha Nair from Klang Utama, who was collect the aid (cash), so a lot of people went there.
“Each log is priced at RM700, and due promised RM4,500, said she had only received half Initially, they promised to give us RM2,000, but Anisha, who was relieved that the Selangor
to the attacks, I have lost about the sum and has been waiting for the balance when we got there, we only received RM1,000.” government had supported them as promised,
RM20,000. These incidents have also since February. said she would wait for the remaining amount
affected my income. Anisha said many people, including senior since RM1,000 was insufficient to cover the flood
Anisha told theSun that she was called to collect citizens, were disappointed to learn they would damage.
“Previously, I used to earn between the money at Pandamaran in Klang and had only receive RM1,000 that day, with the remaining
RM1,500 and RM2,000 a month from the sum to be transferred to their bank accounts. In response, the Selangor administration
sale of kelulut honey,” he said yesterday. acknowledged that aid allocated for the flood
victims had been provided while efforts to get a
Che Awang added he had previously response from the federal government were
lodged a report with the Department of unsuccessful at press time.
Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan).

“Perhilitan took action by installing
traps to catch the bears a few months ago
but it was unsuccessful as the animals
are smart. I hope the relevant authorities
will take action to overcome this
problem,” said the government retiree.
– Bernama

‘Social cohesion threat could hurt economy’ Strict rules
needed on roads
“About 80% of borrowings are funded as the biggest challenge facing the country government cannot continue giving fish to
internally from organisations such the EPF that could hurt the economy. the B40. It must provide them with fishing PETALING JAYA: Road safety experts have
(Employees Provident Fund), LTAT He added that while the government rods. welcomed the Transport Ministry’s latest
(Armed Forces Fund Board) and has policies aimed at helping the B40 regulations to prevent accidents during the Hari
other institutions. From economically via subsidies, there is a “More than 6.5 million households Raya season.
“It is a win-win situation as these need to look at “how big” the poor received government help during the
institutions need fixed income and front have grown. pandemic. This is unsustainable,” he said, However, they urge travellers to be extra
while urging the government to come up cautious when heading back to their hometowns.
the government pays them interest.” page “The long-term plan of providing with long-term plans to help the economy
grow while assisting the poor. Universiti Putra Malaysia Road Safety Research
Barjoyai singled out social cohesion subsidies is untenable. The Centre head Assoc Prof Dr Law Teik Hua said
human behaviour on the road is vital in bolstering
FESTIVE CHEER ... Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow presenting Hari Raya essential items to underprivileged residents during a Dato Koyah the ministry’s guidelines to ensure public safety.
Muslim Association event in George Town, Penang yesterday. – MASRY CHE ANI/THESUN
Law, who emphasised public participation in
Negri Sembilan records RM9.3m in revenue from forest licensing limiting road tragedies, said road users should be
wise with their clothing choices and aware of their
SEREMBAN: The Negri Sembilan RM2.8 million in 2020 (1,124ha) and RM2.3 or (61%) are classified as production forests vehicle condition before leaving for their
government recorded RM9.3 million in million in 2021 (1,198ha). while 60,169ha (38%) are protected forest,” he destinations.
revenue through 3,706ha of licensed said at the first meeting of the fifth session of
permanent forest reserves from 2019 to 2021, “The licensing of forest reserves covers the 14th state assembly here. “Legislative limits are not always the best
the state legislative assembly was told several locations, including the Triang Forest option. As one of the public health issues, road
yesterday. Reserve, Kenaboi Forest Reserve, Lenggeng He was responding to a question from safety problems can only be completely resolved
Forest Reserve and Pasoh Forest Reserve. Datuk Shamshulkahar Mohd Deli (BN- by all stakeholders, including public and road
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Serting) who wanted to know the total areas users.
Harun said of the total, RM4.2 million was “The total area of permanent forest approved for logging activities in the state
recorded in 2019 with a total area of 1,384ha; reserves in the state is 155,143ha, covering from 2019 to 2021. – Bernama “For example, following the law on the use of
23% of the state’s land area, of which 94,973ha rear seat belts. This is being disregarded by many
now and implies that the safety problem will not
be solved by relying on laws alone. I believe that
the support and involvement of other parties are
required to comprehend the nature of the issues
and potential solutions.

“Please make sure that your vehicle is in good
condition, especially the tyres and that they have
adequate tread depth and optimum pressure. I
advise people to wear bright coloured outfits,
such as a reflective jacket or shirt, and white
helmet to boost visibility. Road users should also
remember to keep a safe distance between
themselves and the driver in front,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Consumers’ Association of
Penang education officer N. V. Subbarow said
authorities should strengthen the rules so that
travellers do not feel tempted to flout them.

He also recommended that authorities keep
watch on motorcycle convoys and reckless
motorcyclists who may race on the roads, adding
that this could end in tragedy.

Subbarow also said that authorities should not
grant discounts on summonses as it would
encourage road users to repeatedly violate the
law.

“Human behaviour is difficult to change
unless strict regulations are enforced. It was a
smart move to push individuals to go to court if
they commit an offence. Only then would they
learn from their mistakes as nobody wants to
attend court.

“The Transport Ministry and police should
not allow any motorcycle convoy during Hari
Raya. For instance, if there are more than five
motorcyclists on the highway, the Road
Transport Department or police must issue
summonses to them.” – by Sivaa Tangai Raju

3theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | APRIL 20, 2022
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

King, Queen convey condolences to Perak royal family Tourism Malaysia woos
visitors from India
KUALA LUMPUR: The Yang di-Pertuan Abdullah, the mother of Raja Muda Perak hoped that her family would remain calm and
Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Raja Jaafar Raja Muda Musa, who died resilient as they cope with the loss. NEW DELHI: Tourism Malaysia is on a six-city
Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Raja Permaisuri yesterday. Indian tour to woo visitors, as regular flights
Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah “The royal couple also pray for her soul to between Malaysia and India have resumed.
Maimunah Iskandariah have expressed In a statement posted on the Istana Negara be blessed by Allah SWT and placed among
condolences to the family of Che Mariam Facebook page, the royal couple expressed the righteous,” according to the statement. Since India allowed regular international
sadness over Che Mariam’s passing and – Bernama passenger flights from March 27 and Malaysia
reopened its borders on April 1, the number of
‘Are our laws being flights between the two countries have reached
enforced fairly?’ 76 per week.

o Action against ‘mat rempit’ and ‘basikal lajak’ weak, the irresponsible parents be held responsible More flights are in the offing and this is
unlike enforcement against drink drivers and those who fail as well? expected to result in reduced fares on the
to use seat belts and helmets: Safety activist Malaysia-India route, according to Tourism
“Perhaps our law enforcers should Malaysia officials.
█ BY JOSHUA PURUSHOTMAN ensure their safety. If their parents do not consider hauling parents to court if their
[email protected], exercise their responsibilities, shouldn’t they children behave in ways that put themselves A Malaysian tourism industry group
PETALING JAYA: Are there double standards be held accountable?” and others at risk,” Lee said. comprising travel agents, hoteliers and
in our law enforcement? This is the question operators of tourist attractions kicked off a
that Alliance for Safe Community chairman Lee said most basikal lajak accidents He added that when some parents were roadshow in Delhi on Monday.
Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye is asking. occurred during the early morning hours asked why they did not discipline their
when the riders’ parents were safe at home children, they said it was to avoid causing Apart from the Indian capital, roadshows are
He questioned why law enforcement in the while their children were in danger elsewhere. them (the children) stress. being organised in Ahmedabad, Mumbai,
case of mat rempit and basikal lajak is weak Hyderabad, Bangalore and Chennai during the
when action is being taken against drink “It’s no use crying over spilt milk and a little “Is it better to avoid giving children stress April 18-30 tour.
drivers and those who fail to use seat belts and too late to close the barn door after the horse compared with putting their lives in danger?
helmets, when all such cases can end in has bolted. We need preventive measures “This is our first major international
tragedy. now. And this starts with parents. Shouldn’t “After all the hue and cry over the tragedy, campaign since the reopening of Malaysia’s
no solutions have been found, reports and borders.
He was commenting on the case of recommendations have not been made public
motorist Sam Ke Ting, who was convicted by and lessons have not been learnt. The “With India being one of our important
the High Court for reckless driving and situation will soon simmer down and be sources of tourists, this is the right time to
causing the death of eight teenagers. The case forgotten until the next big tragedy strikes,” conduct such a campaign,” said Manoharan
has generated national interest, with many on he said. Periasamy, a senior director in Tourism
social media expressing sympathy and Malaysia’s international promotions division.
support for her. Sam had earlier been A teen on a ‘basikal lajak’,
acquitted by the magistrate’s court. oblivious to the danger he poses The roadshows aim to instil confidence
among Indian travellers that Malaysia is fully
“What does this say about our law to himself and motorists. – FILE prepared to welcome tourists, he said.
enforcement? Is it one rule for the goose and
another for the gander? All lives matter. And PIC, MARCH 2018 “We have received good feedback from the
everyone is entitled to equal protection under Indian market. As air connectivity grows, fares
the law. What about the responsibility of our will come down and more people will travel to
educators, and are the right values being Malaysia,” Manoharan said.
emphasised as part of our school
curriculum?” Tourism Malaysia’s New Delhi office director
Sulaiman Suip said AirAsia, Malindo Air and
Lee said the tragic event of five years ago other airlines are planning to connect more
brought into sharp focus questions Indian cities with Kuala Lumpur this summer.
concerning road safety, parental
responsibility, law enforcement and common Malaysia recorded 735,309 Indian tourist
sense. arrivals in 2019 compared with 600,311 in 2018.
India was the seventh biggest source of foreign
“The court case aside, questions regarding arrivals for Malaysia prior to the pandemic.
these issues need urgent attention and long-
term solutions. The primary issue is how Malaysia has removed quarantine
much and whether we will ever learn from this requirements for international travellers who
tragedy, and what steps will be taken by the are fully vaccinated against Covid-19.
government and society to prevent a
recurrence of such incidents.” An RT-PCR test is required two days before
departure and travellers must undergo an RTK-
Lee said the first question that leaps to Ag test within 24 hours upon arrival in Malaysia.
mind is why teenagers are drawn to the – Bernama
basikal lajak craze? He said the answer is
possibly a natural need for thrills, to expend RM6.2m aid given
pent-up energies, and even perhaps kill to flood victims
boredom.
SEREMBAN: The state government has
“But does the end justify the means? The channelled about RM6.2 million, from the end
simple answer is no, especially not if the of last year to March this year, to 6,186 families
activities are harmful to others. It has been affected by floods, said Negri Sembilan Mentri
proven time and again that teenagers Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun.
resorting to such activities are a danger to
themselves and others. They (the activities) He said lists of victims involved were
unnecessarily drain the resources of law confirmed by district-level disaster committees
enforcers. and aid was channelled through service centres
in affected areas.
“When children become a danger to
themselves, the responsibility for them lies “Apart from the Bantuan Ihsan Banjir aid of
with their parents, who are supposed to RM1,000 to each family, the state government
provides assistance, including exemption for
land title reprint fees and registration fees for
lost titles.”

He said RM1 million has been allocated for
repairing houses and infrastructure, RM5
million for emergency work to repair damaged
roads and bridges as well as RM700,000 for
basic needs such as clothing and food.

He was replying to a question from Anthony
Loke Siew Fook (PH-Chennah) at the state
legislative assembly sitting yesterday.

Anthony Loke wanted to know the steps
being taken by the state government for the
recovery process after the massive floods that
hit Negri Sembilan in December last year.
– Bernama

SUPP gears for triennial delegates conference

SIBU: With most of its 52 branches scheduled giving way to the young ones. I want to thank SUPP, remaining united rather than fighting candidates in GE15 should always be close to
to complete their elections by this weekend, them. I appreciate those who have contributed among themselves after winning elections,” the people.
the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) will towards the party, especially when it was really said Sim, who is deputy premier of Sarawak.
move into high gear for its triennial delegates down in the past six to seven years.” “What I have said many times is that one
conference in Kuching on May 21, said its “People are only interested in what you can should not work only after being announced
president Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian. He was speaking after opening the SUPP do for them, for the economy, for as a candidate but be on the ground always,
Bukit Assek Service Centre at Tong Sang Road development. That is also our aim.” helping the people, sharing their aspirations
He said the elections have been going on yesterday. and showing sincerity.
smoothly at all branches, with some senior Asked about the party’s preparations for the
leaders expected to make way for younger Sim said some senior members wanted to 15th general election (GE15), he said SUPP “The more you are on the ground, the more
members. continue contributing to the party for more would be monitoring the situation closely as popular you will be. That’s what I have always
years. nobody knows when it would be held. told SUPP members. Get ready to do your
“The senior members are saying they are work.” – Bernama
“We welcome them. This is the culture of He said those aiming to be SUPP

4 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | APRIL 20, 2022

NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

Comfort for cancer patient caregivers

o Rumah RM1 in Putrajaya available for family people have come through its doors,” patients who require treatment, or as well as prayer and bath amenities.
members who need place to stay while loved Kuan told theSun. family members who are mostly All rooms can accommodate up
ones receive treatment at national institute from out of state.
He said he has volunteers who to four people. Rooms one and two
█ BY SURAYA ALI for those who live far away or in help to manage the home and As for utility bills, Bibi Aishah have queen-sized beds and two
[email protected] another state. However, one schedule residents to live there said they were paid by Kuan and his double-decker beds, while room
PETALING JAYA: Having to cope individual has come forward to help temporarily. Uncle Kentang team. She estimated three has two double-decker beds.
with a life-threatening disease like those seeking treatment at NCI. the bills to be about RM400 during Room four is reserved for storage.
cancer is bad enough. But just as bad “The unit has never been vacant full occupancy.
is living with the knowledge that the It started when a homeowner since it opened, and rooms are For reservations, the public can
patient’s family members and donated her apartment in Putrajaya occupied by different families. “All rooms are air-conditioned. contact Kuan at 012-273 2148 or Bibi
caretakers are suffering as well. to philanthropist Kuan Chee Heng, However, since the pandemic The house is also equipped with a Aishah at 019-777 9900. Kuan and
better known as Uncle Kentang. The started, we only allow one family at a refrigerator, a television and his Uncle Kentang team are also
Cancer treatment is extremely apartment is known as Rumah RM1 time. Despite this, we continue to microwave oven,” she said. calling on the public to donate to the
expensive. Some patients spend and is now rented out to families and welcome residents at a rental of just home.
days, weeks or months in a hospital cancer patients in need of a home RM1 a day,” he said. The Rumah RM1 transit home is
or need to commute to the National while they or their loved ones are a temporary abode that was He urges businesses and
Cancer Institute (NCI) in Putrajaya getting treated at NCI. A volunteer at Rumah RM1, who specially set up for B40 patients and corporations to contact his team at
for treatment. wished to be known only as Bibi those from underprivileged families. 018-268 3999 to get more details on
“Since we first received the keys to Aishah, said the longest staying other causes they are working on.
This can be a burden, especially the home about three years ago, it resident was a cancer patient who The home, located at Apartment
has been put to good use and many needed 31 cycles of radiotherapy. Pudina, Precinct 17 in Putrajaya, has “We have RM1 hotels, RM1
four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a ambulance, RM1 car rental and help
“The patient needed therapy but kitchen, living room, dining hall, with essential food items and
was not warded at the hospital, so he laundry room and a veranda. education fees or equipment too,
had to stay with us for more than two depending on the cases and our
months,” she said. The living room and each ability to afford it, so donations from
bedroom are equipped with air corporations will be helpful,” he said.
Other residents include repeat conditioners, a stand fan and a bed

Kawasaki disease threat to children Covid-19 recovery
cases surpass 14,000
KUALA LUMPUR: Kawasaki disease, or coronary arteries, which can lead to heart parents to seek immediate treatment if their
Kawasaki syndrome, although rare, can cause problems and death if not treated properly,” child showed Kawasaki symptoms to reduce KUALA LUMPUR: Covid-19 recovered cases
death among infected children if it is not she said. risk of heart complications. exceeded the number of new infections for the
given appropriate treatment immediately. 10th consecutive day when 14,423 recoveries
Intan Hakimah, who is also UPM head of Intan Hakimah said most of the children, were recorded on Monday.
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Teaching clinical immunology unit, said parents can who developed Kawasaki disease, recovered
Hospital senior consultant paediatrician and take the first step by taking their child to a within a few days. However, in some serious Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor
consultant clinical immunologist and allergist doctor, preferably a paediatrician, if he shows cases, patients need to be given intravenous Hisham Abdullah said 7,140 new cases were
Assoc Prof Dr Intan Hakimah Ismail said the symptoms such as fever for more than five infusion to help reduce swelling and reported on Monday, bringing the cumulative
disease, that involves inflammation of blood days, rashes, swelling of glands, red and inflammation in the blood vessels. number of positive cases to 4,396,165.
vessels, tends to strike children below the age swollen tongue called “strawberry tongue”, as
of five. well as red eyes. Senior consultant paediatrician Datuk Dr “Of the new cases, 3,639 (50.96%) were in
Amar Singh said Kawasaki syndrome is not category two; 3,458 (48.43%) in category one; 15
“The most worrying complication of On Monday, the Health Ministry posted an caused by virus and Asian young children (0.21%) in category five while categories three
Kawasaki disease is inflammation of the infographic on Kawasaki disease and advised were more prone to the disease. – Bernama and four recorded 14 cases (0.2%) each,”
he said.

Noor Hisham also said 308 patients were
admitted to hospitals on Monday. They
comprised 171 cases (55.5%) in categories
three, four and five, while 137 (44.5%) in
categories one and two.

He said no state recorded over 50% of bed
occupancy at the intensive care unit and
low-risk quarantine and treatment centres,
adding that the number of patients requiring
ventilators decreased to 68, with the ventilator
usage rate at 9%.

Noor Hisham added the country’s infectivity
rate (Rt) stood at 0.88 with Selangor recording
the highest Rt value at 0.91.

No new cluster was identified on Monday,
while 114 clusters are still active. – Bernama

Over 15m adults
receive booster shots

Visitors who throng Ramadan bazaars to buy food for breaking fast are required to follow SOP such as wearing face masks. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 1,420,019 children
aged five to 11 or 39.9% have received at least
Volunteers ensure SOP compliance at bazaars one dose of Covid-19 vaccine under the
National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme
KUALA LUMPUR: Volunteers are fully they scan the QR code on the MySejahtera the number of visitors to enter a bazaar, he for Children as of Monday.
committed to carry out their tasks at app before entering the bazaar area. needs to make sure there is no congestion in
designated Ramadan bazaars to ensure the area. According to the CovidNOW website, a total
visitors comply with the standard operating “There is less restriction at bazaars this of 452,633 children or 12.7% of the group have
procedures (SOP). year, but we cannot be complacent and “We will monitor the visitor’s entry point to been fully vaccinated.
everyone must continue to comply with the avoid traffic congestion or accidents,” he said,
Although the country is in the transition SOP to avoid being infected with Covid-19,” adding that he will be on duty throughout the For adolescents aged 12 to 17, a total of
into the endemic phase, SOP compliance, he told Bernama. Ramadan period. 2,875,587 or 92.4% have been fully vaccinated,
such as wearing of face masks, is still while 2,976,803 or 95.7% have received at least
mandatory to curb the spread of Covid-19. Another volunteer, Fakhrul Ihsan These volunteers, who are representatives one dose of the vaccine.
Syahrizal, 22, said apart from ensuring the of the Federal Territory Malay Hawkers and
Raziq Rusyaidi Ruslani, 23, a volunteer at wearing of face masks, he would also control Petty Traders Association Jalan Raja Bot As for adult population, a total of 15,980,555
Ramadan Bazaar Jalan Raja Alang, Kampung and monitor physical distancing among branch, have been doing their part at or 67.9% have received a booster dose, while
Baru, said among his daily tasks was to ensure visitors. Ramadan bazaars for the past two years since 22,961,507 or 97.6% have been fully vaccinated
that visitors wore their face masks and that the pandemic hit the country. and 23,238,533 or 98.8% have received at least
He said although there was no set limit on one dose.

On Monday, a total of 55,642 doses of
vaccine were administered, with 40,397 as
second doses, 6,247 booster doses and 8,998
first doses, bringing the cumulative total doses
of vaccine dispensed under the immunisation
programme to 69,692,713.

According to the Health Ministry’s GitHub
portal, 16 deaths due to Covid-19 were reported
on Monday, with Selangor recording the
highest number at five cases, followed by Johor
with three cases. Kedah, Penang and
Terengganu recorded two cases each, while
Perak and Sarawak recorded one case each.
– Bernama

5theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | APRIL 20, 2022

NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

‘E-learning enhances skills acquisition’

█ BY SHIVANI SUPRAMANI o Students gain confidence with improved place themselves in real-life proactively,” she said.
[email protected] digital literacy, says educator scenarios, such as helping to organise Centre for Learning and Teaching
PETALING JAYA: Contrary to a social event, initiating a
popular belief that prolonged Ngeow said digital communicating tactfully, observing collaborative project, volunteering in chairman, assistant professor Dr Wei
e-learning could harm skills communication such as giving and social etiquette and taboos, a community, giving service to Chooi Yi, said how prolonged
acquisition, educators say it has receiving feedback via e-mail has building trust and bonding in someone in need, joining a team e-learning affects students depended
instead helped students gain skills. made teaching and learning more relationships. mentored by experts or seniors, or entirely on their attitudes and
personalised, efficient and leading others to improve a social preferences.
Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman environmentally friendly. On whether this affects the quality phenomenon.
deputy head of curriculum “Learning is a social activity where of university students, Ngeow said “Some students can enhance their
development Dr Ngeow Yeok Meng peers are important learning declarative knowledge is about what “Through practice, we make digital skills, while some prefer
said her students have gained much partners. I have observed active we know, while functional ourselves available and establish physical learning.
confidence, particularly with learners with a good fundamental knowledge refers to what we apply in social networks with all walks of life.”
improved digital literacy and skills. knowledge of a subject, or a course daily life and actual scenarios. “I believe no skill loses out as there
often developing a greater interest in She said students empowered by are various interactive learning tools
“They are resourceful and students who share and collaborate “Learning online caters better to knowledge and people skills will still for virtual classes. For physical
responsive to questions, supported with their peers,” she said. the former but not the latter. We can need opportunities to unleash their learning modes, there will be physical
by information technology. They However, Ngeow said with digital have all the knowledge to deal with potential. interaction with peers and
share views and opinions, knowing skills enhanced, people skills may an issue, but it is when we face it that educators.”
that there are many other deteriorate among some students. we learn if we can handle it well, as “Hence, from an educator’s point
perspectives and alternatives out She said this includes the act of declarative knowledge would of view, I hope to provide guidance However, she said students in
there waiting to be adopted. delivering ideas persuasively, direct us. and reassurance for learners to speak years one and two who had never
speaking convincingly, up, have multiple perspectives, try entered a campus could experience
“Whenever they are not sure, a “Hence, it would be ideal for out new ideas, make use of their the learning environment in a
new search will lead them to learners to be proactive and resourcefulness and creativity, and lecture room.
professional advice, offering constantly seek opportunities to apply what they know to be of service
solutions to their question, anytime, to the community and society. We “As for declarative skills,
anywhere.” need to provide the space and universities have carried out some
opportunities for them to respond events or activities conducted by
respective departments to equip
students with them,” she said.

Border Watchmaker Mohd Firdaus Call for more
reopening boon says it is satisfying to be awareness
for traders able to repair or bring a campaigns on
damaged timepiece back parental
JOHOR BARU: The reopening of to life. – BERNAMAPIX negligence
the land border between Malaysia
and Singapore since April 1 has ‘Clock-watching’ pays off for Kuching craftsman KUALA LUMPUR: Government
provided much-needed relief to agencies have been urged to work
many parties, especially traders KUCHING: For 20 years, Mohd vital in repairing these timepieces,” small cart at a shopping mall in Jalan with non-governmental
selling Aidilfitri necessities around Firdaus Abdullah has been gazing at he said. P Ramlee, where he did repair and organisations to conduct more
the city. timepieces, and more so now with maintenance services for awareness campaigns for parents and
the upcoming Aidilfitri festive Hailing from the Bau district, mechanical watches. guardians on what legal action can be
Trader Mohd Naharudin Isa, season, enabling him to earn Mohd Firdaus became interested in taken against those who are negligent
53, who sells traditional and RM4,000 a month by repairing the trade when he was 18 years old “Every business has its and leave their children without
modern Raya cookies, said that he them. after working at a watch shop. challenges but I will continue doing proper supervision.
did not expect his stall to receive a what I love to do. I do not mind
very encouraging response from It is imperative for the 38-year- Without undergoing formal gazing at timepieces for hours on Alliance for Safe Community
the public. old watchmaker to have good vision training to become a watchmaker, end just to repair them. It is chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said
as he is working with tiny parts when he gained experience working in satisfying for a watchmaker to be the group needed to be made more
“I thought business would not repairing clocks and watches. different watch shops for several able to repair or bring a damaged aware of the offence, which could be
be vibrant but when the years until he decided to open his timepiece back to life,” he added. prosecuted under Section 33 of the
government allowed the country’s “Precision and patience and skill own business. – Bernama Child Act 2001, as many were still
borders to reopen and with the necessary equipment are ignorant of the existence of the law.
Singaporeans could enter, the He began in 2009 with just a
response now is similar to the time “For example, in western
before the Covid-19 pandemic,” he countries, if parents are found guilty
said. of exposing their children to risk due
to neglect, they will definitely
The owner of Nahar Power said be imprisoned.
that the company now faces the
problem of limited production “Malaysia needs to see the
due to a lack of manpower, but effectiveness of the enforcement of
received high demand from the Act as accidents involving
customers. children or minors continue to occur
unabated,” he said.
Meanwhile, the owner of Su
Home Bakers, Suhaiza Ibrahim, Lee said this when asked to
45, also expressed her gratitude as comment on parents and guardians
her business has now recovered. who did not monitor their children’s
movements until they were involved
“Before the pandemic, 80% of in accidents such as legs being stuck
our customers were Singaporeans. on escalators and the basikal lajak
We experienced a severe decline, (modified bicycles) issue.
with a pile of unsold stock,” said
Suhaiza, who sells 50 types of Raya Section 33 of the Child Act 2001
cookies. stipulates that legal action can be
taken against parents and guardians
Meanwhile, Singaporean Nur’ for leaving their children without
Aida Purwantu Jame’at, 31, said reasonable supervision which could
that the reopening of the border result in a fine not exceeding
between the two countries RM20,000 or imprisonment not
allowed her to find necessities for exceeding five years or both, if
the Aidilfitri celebration in Johor convicted.
Baru, which offered various
options. – Bernama Meanwhile, crime analyst Kamal
Affendi Hashim said the failure of
Task force set up to overcome congestion at Causeway parents to monitor their children’s
movements and being insensitive to
SINGAPORE: A task force has been Onn Hafiz, accompanied by He is confident that the modern 10,000 passengers per hour in either their child’s welfare was a real tragedy
set up and mobilised to come up Singapore Transport Minister S. transportation system, which will be direction. that needed to be addressed.
with solutions to reduce congestion Iswaran, said the establishment of completed in the next four years, will
at the Johor Causeway especially the task force was a short term be able to overcome the congestion Passengers will enjoy a fast and “Parents should always hold their
during the weekends, while waiting solution to ease congestion. problem at the Johor Causeway. seamless experience travelling children’s hands while on escalators,
for the Singapore-Johor Baru Rapid between Singapore and Johor Baru but instead, many of them is busy
Transit System (RTS) link project to An estimated more than 300,000 “I am also confident that when on the RTS Link, and a journey time with their own affairs, especially on
be completed by 2026. Malaysians cross the Johor the RTS project is completed, it will of about five minutes. their mobile phones.
Causeway every day, making it the bring economic benefits to the
Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn busiest border crossing in the region. people and the state,“ he said. Both countries had recently “Parents need to monitor their
Hafiz Ghazi posted this piece of appointed a consortium comprising children’s movements and see what
information on his official Facebook Onn Hafiz is currently on a three- The RTS Link is a 4km rail shuttle Systra SA, Minconsult Sdn Bhd and activities they do. This all helps
page on Monday after visiting the day official visit to Singapore starting service between the Singapore Bureau Veritas Singapore Pte Ltd as reduce the risk of children being
RTS Woodlands north terminus April 17, his first official trip to the terminus at Woodlands and the the independent verification and involved in unexpected incidents,
project site. city-state after being appointed Bukit Chagar station in Johor Baru. validation agent for the RTS Link while maintaining their safety,”
mentri besar of Johor in March. project. – Bernama he said. – Bernama
It has the capacity to ferry up to

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Drunk Congo Major Russian offensive ruined city of Mariupol, Russia gave
soldiers kill 15 in eastern Ukraine the last Ukrainian defenders holed
up in a giant steel works an
BUNIA: Two drunken Congolese oMariupol defenders given offensive,” Zelenskiy said in a video ultimatum to surrender by noon or
soldiers gunned down a total of 15 new ultimatum to surrender or die address overnight. die.
people in separate attacks in volatile
eastern DR Congo, authorities said KYIV: Russian forces tried to push called the “Battle of the Donbas”, the “No matter how many Russian “All who lay down their arms are
yesterday. through Ukrainian defences along long-awaited second phase of the troops they send there, we will fight. guaranteed to remain alive,” the
almost the entire front line in eastern war. Defence Ministry said.
One inebriated soldier killed Ukraine yesterday, launching what “We will defend ourselves.”
eight passengers and wounded President Volodymyr Zelenskiy A “very large part of the entire Zelenskiy’s chief of staff Andriy Russian-backed separatists said
seven on Monday aboard a boat on Russian army is now focused on this Yermak assured Ukrainians their the pro-Moscow forces were
Lake Tanganyika, South-Kivu forces could hold off the offensive. preparing to storm the Azovstal
province’s Fizi territory “Believe in our army, it is very factory, believed to be the last base
administrator Aime Kawaya strong,” he said. of Ukrainian troops, who have
Mutipula told AFP. Meanwhile, in the besieged, survived the longest and most brutal
siege of the war.
“Among the victims, all of themBRIEFS
civilians, are men, women and Driven back by Ukrainian forces
children,” he said. Local residents gathering in a courtyard near a block of heavily damaged flats in Mariupol on Monday. – REUTERSPIX in March from an assault on Kyiv in
the north, Russia has poured troops
Local army spokesman Marc in to the east to regroup for a ground
Elongo said the soldier, Lukusa offensive in two provinces known as
Kabamba, was then lynched by the Donbas.
angry residents before he could be
arrested and died from his injuries. It has also been launching
long-distance strikes at other
Local civil society group targets, including the capital.
coordinator Andre Byadunia had
earlier said the soldier had been Ukrainian media reported
locked up and urged “the authorities explosions, some powerful, along
to put him on trial and sentence the front line in the Donetsk region,
him”. with shelling taking place in
Marinka, Sloviansk and Kramatorsk.
On Sunday, another soldier shot
dead the bodyguard of a colonel Blasts were also heard in Kharkiv
before killing the officer and five in the northeast, Mykolaiv in the
civilians at Bambu, in Djugu south and Zaporizhzhia in the
territory, authorities in Ituri southeast while air raid sirens were
province announced. also going off in main centres near
the front line, media said.
The village “woke up Sunday
morning to shooting and thought it The governor of the Russian
was an attack”, said local official province of Belgorod said Ukrainian
Claude Mateso. forces had struck a border village
wounding one resident.
But he explained it was a soldier
who had been disarmed by his Ukraine’s National Security and
colleagues the previous evening Defence Council secretary Oleksiy
because he was drunk. Danilov said Russian forces
attempted to break through
The killer, who had recovered his Ukrainian defences “along almost
gun, was eventually shot dead by the entire front line of Donetsk,
another soldier who gave chase. Luhansk and Kharkiv regions”.
– AFP
The coal and steel producing
SIX KILLED IN BLASTS Donbas has been the focal point of
AT BOYS’SCHOOL Russia’s campaign to destabilise
Ukraine since 2014 when the
KABUL: At least six people were Kremlin used proxies to set up
killed and 11 wounded yesterday separatist “people’s republics” in
by two bomb blasts at a boys’ Luhansk and Donetsk.
school in the Afghan capital, with
social media showing grisly Ukrainian generals said Russian
images from the Hazara Shiite forces aimed to establish full control
neighbourhood. Kabul police over the Donetsk, Luhansk and
spokesman Khalid Zadran said Kherson, while intensifying missile
blasts at Abdul Rahim Shahid strikes in west Ukraine. – Reuters
School were caused by
improvised explosive devices and UK premier to apologise to parliament
left six people dead and 11
wounded. “These are preliminary LONDON: British Prime Minister “When he spoke to parliament compared to 16% that were positive. resign has abated with the war in
figures,”he said. Khalid said a third Boris Johnson will apologise to he was speaking what he believed to The most common word used Ukraine in which he has sought to
blast had occurred at an English parliament early today as he faces be the truth,” Britain’s Northern play a leading role in the West’s
language centre in the same area, lawmakers for the first time since he Ireland Minister Brandon Lewis told was “liar”, it reported. response.
but did not specify whether it was was fined by police for breaking his Sky News. Opposition parties are in talks
caused by an explosive. Grisly own Covid-19 lockdown rules, a While a handful of have repeated
images posted on social media government official said. “He did not believe at that point about how best to seek to censure calls for him to go, most say now is
networks showed several bodies that anything he had done was Johnson, either by pushing for a not the time.
lying at the gate and compound Johnson was fined last week by against the rules but he absolutely vote on whether he is in contempt of
of the school. – AFP the police for attending a birthday accepts the police have looked at parliament, or to refer him to a Conservative lawmaker Geoffrey
party thrown in his honour in June this, they have taken a different parliamentary committee to Clifton-Brown, treasurer of the
GUITAR THAT BROKE 2020 when people from different view.” investigate whether he deliberately party’s “1922 Committee” which
OASIS UP FOR AUCTION households were not allowed to misled lawmakers. represents lawmakers who have no
meet indoors. Following the fine last week, government jobs, said he would
PARIS: A guitar, the smashing of Johnson said it had not occurred to “It is simply incredible for the reserve judgement until the police
which triggered the break-up of Opposition parties have called him he was in breach of the rules but Prime Minister to say that he just investigation had concluded and
Oasis stars Liam and Noel for Johnson to resign, accusing him he now “humbly” accepted he was. didn’t know,” senior opposition the British public had had their say
Gallagher, goes under the of misleading parliament after he Labour Party lawmaker Emily in local elections early next month.
hammer here next month. Later told lawmakers last year that all A poll by J L Partners for The Thornberry told Sky News.
repaired, the red Gibson’s rules were followed in Downing Times newspaper, which asked “At the moment my judgement
destruction at the French capital’s Street – the prime minister’s official almost 2,000 people to give their “He should tell us that he has would be, it is certainly not in the
Rock en Seine festival in 2009 was residence and workplace – during view of the prime minister in a few lied, that he misled parliament and country’s interests to think about
“a cult moment” in music history, the pandemic. words, found comments from 72% he should resign.” replacing the prime minister,” he
said Jonathan Berg, co-founder of of respondents were negative, told BBC Radio. – Reuters
the Artpeges gallery holding the Pressure from Johnson’s own
auction. With a starting price at Conservative lawmakers for him to
€150,000 (RM690,000), the
auctioneers say bids for the guitar South Africa declares flooding national disaster
could reach €500,000 in the sale
on May 17. The notoriously PRETORIA: South African “The Port of Durban, which is measures imposed to fight the help restore power and water and
fractious Britpop legends had President Cyril Ramaphosa on one of the largest and busiest Covid pandemic, unlocks additional search for the missing.
been slated to play at Rock en Monday declared a national state of shipping terminals on the continent resources to help rebuild.
Seine towards the end of a global disaster over the deadly floods on and which is vital to our country’s But hopes for finding the missing
tour – but “things had been the east coast, warning that economy, has been severely To ease concerns around were fading.
brewing for a while between the rebuilding even basic services will affected,” he said. corruption which plagued Covid
two brothers”, Berg said. “It take time. efforts, Ramaphosa said the Clyde Naicker said his brother
exploded backstage, one of Noel’s At least 443 people have died, government would create a special Ronald had been missing for a week,
guitars got broken and that led to “This is a humanitarian disaster with 48 still missing, around the east oversight body that will include the since he disappeared while trying to
the group breaking up.” – AFP that calls for a massive and urgent coast city of Durban, he said. auditor-general, business and get to his job in a hospital.
relief effort,” he said in a televised religious groups, as well as
address. Some badly damaged areas professional associations of “Apparently from what we heard,
remain inaccessible, he said, engineers and accountants. his vehicle got flooded and then he
“The lives, health and well-being including 16 schools that are tried to go to safety,” Naicker said.
of thousands of people are still at completely cut off. Earlier on Monday, the military
risk. said 10,000 troops were deployed to The family has been searching
The state of disaster, similar to every day, but police only joined
their effort on Monday. – AFP

7theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | APRIL 20, 2022
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

China signs security pact with Solomon Islands

BEIJING: China said yesterday it had Wang Wenbin told reporters at a next month to sign cooperation pacts. On Monday, the White House said Honiara’s parliament was told by
signed a security pact with the regular briefing in Beijing. Although the Chinese embassy a high-level American delegation, Douglas Ete, chairman of the public
Solomon Islands, a move set to including Indo-Pacific coordinator accounts committee and lawmaker
heighten the concerns of the United He did not give details of where, or and Solomon Islands officials had Kurt Campbell, would also travel to for East Honiara, that Chinese
States and allies Australia and New precisely when, the signing took previously initialled a security pact Honiara this week to discuss Foreign Ministry officials would
Zealand about growing Chinese place. that would allow Chinese police to concerns about China, as well as the arrive next month.
influence in a region traditionally protect infrastructure and social reopening of a US embassy.
under their sway. Canberra is concerned that the order, ministers had not yet signed it. Ete said the visit meant the two
pact, details of which have not been “Deliberate attempts to inflate nations would increase cooperation
The framework pact was recently made public, could be a step towards Last week, Australia’s Minister for tensions and mobilise rival camps on trade, education and fisheries, but
signed by State Councilor and a Chinese military presence less than International Development and the are also doomed to fail,” Chinese added that he rejected the idea of the
Foreign Minister Wang Yi and 2,000km from Australia. Pacific Zed Seselja visited Honiara to spokesman Wang said yesterday, Solomons signing a security pact
Solomon Islands Foreign Minister ask Prime Minister Manasseh when asked about the US officials’ with China to set up a military base.
Manele, Foreign Ministry spokesman Earlier yesterday, the Pacific Sogavare not to sign the framework scheduled visit. – Reuters
island nation was told that China pact.
would send officials to the capital

Rising Thai politician faces 15 years’ jail for biting
off activist’s ear
sex abuse allegations HONG KONG: A man was jailed for nearly 15
years yesterday after biting off the ear of a
o Democrat Party’s deputy of sexual assault against a well-known figure. Following the woman’s statement, he democracy activist and attacking three others at
to contest accusations Democrat Party leader and Deputy Prime resigned from the Democrat Party. the height of the city’s protests in 2019.
by 14 women in court
Minister Jurin Laksanawisit formally Since then, more women have come The prison term for Joe Chen, who shouted
BANGKOK: An up-and-coming Thai apologised yesterday and promised an forward to accuse Prinn, with three charges of Chinese nationalist slogans before his attack, is
politician is facing allegations he sexually investigation. rape and sexual harassment filed on Saturday. the longest of those charged in relation to the
abused more than a dozen women, in what is city’s social turmoil three years ago.
fast becoming the country’s most high-profile “I feel very sorry and would like to Lawyer Sittra Biebangkerd, who is
#MeToo case. apologise to the public for the incident related representing some of the women, said on High Court judge Judianna Barnes said
to Prinn Panitchapakdi.” Monday he was aware of “14 in total right Chen’s biting off part of the ear of democracy
According to Thai police, 14 women now”, without going into further detail. activist Andrew Chiu was “very barbaric” and
formally filed complaints against former Jurin acknowledged he fast-tracked the defied belief.
Democrat Party deputy Prinn Panitchpakdi, 44-year-old into a leadership role in Among the accusers is Bangkok Council
whose father was deputy prime minister and Thailand’s oldest political party, which was candidate Anna Vidhyaphum, who alleges In December, a jury found Chen guilty of
later director-general of the World Trade founded with a pro-royal and conservative that Prinn raped her last year. three counts of wounding with intent – an
Organisation. agenda. offence punishable by up to life imprisonment –
Prinn has denied all of the allegations, and one count of common assault.
The #MeToo movement – which He also vowed to look into the party’s adding he would contest the accusations in
originated in the United States – swept the vetting process and said that he would resign court. The court earlier heard that Chen, 52,
globe in 2017 but, until now, Thailand had from two committees examining gender shouted “Reclaim Taiwan” outside a shopping
not seen a similar wave of public accusations equality and promoting women’s rights. He has been released from custody on a mall in Taikoo Shing, a middle-class
700,000 baht (RM88,000) bail and is banned neighbourhood, in November 2019.
The statement follows increasing calls from travelling abroad.
from women’s rights groups for the party to China views self-ruled Taiwan as its own
take Prinn’s alleged misconduct seriously. Prinn, a former investment banker, was territory and has vowed to one day seize it.
seen as a rising political star after being
The allegations against Prinn have appointed the Democrat Party’s deputy leader Chen attacked a man and two women with a
snowballed since he was accused last week of in 2019, less than three years after joining it. knife when they confronted him, leaving the
sexually harassing an 18-year-old student. – AFP man in critical condition.

Chiu, a democracy activist and district
councillor, had part of his left ear bitten off
when he tried to restrain Chen.

Defence lawyers previously argued that Chen
had consumed alcohol before the attack, and
that he had suffered from chronic mental health
issues stemming from his unemployment.

In a letter to the court, Chen’s wife claimed
that her husband had never raised his hand
against her in 30 years together.

But Barnes questioned the accuracy of her
claims, citing a medical report that said Chen’s
wife once woke up to see her husband pointing
a knife at her throat.

At the time, Chen was institutionalised after
his wife called the police, which showed that he
had violent tendencies, Barnes said. – AFP

BRIEFS SHANGHAI URGES PUBLIC
COOPERATION ON TESTING
DANGEROUS
VISITOR ... BEIJING: The Chinese city of Shanghai
A forest official yesterday pleaded for public cooperation
removing a with a massive new push to test most of the
tranquilised population for Covid-19 as it tries to bring
leopard from a community transmission down to zero after
tree after it nearly three weeks of lockdown. The plea
wandered into a came as some people refused to join PCR
residential area in testing queues out of weariness after weeks
the Indian city of of such requirements, or fear it puts them at
Guwahati greater risk of infection. “By conducting
yesterday. multiple, consecutive rounds of PCR testing
– AFPPIX we will be able to dynamically detect
positive cases as early as possible, as this will
Fast-food chain fires official over sexist comments help us to reach zero-Covid at community
level more quickly,” city health official Hu
TOKYO: One of Japan’s most popular been fired for “extremely unacceptable words the remark “blatantly sexist” and “disgusting”. Xiaobo said. The city reported 19,442 cases
fast-food firms said yesterday that it had fired and deeds”. Other users pointed out that Ito appeared and seven deaths for Monday. – Agencies
a top executive who reportedly suggested a
marketing strategy of getting “virgins Ito reportedly said the firm should try to to be disparaging Yoshinoya’s food. EAST TIMOR VOTES TO PICK
addicted” to the company’s products. “get virgins addicted” to Yoshinoya’s food “What’s equally incredible is how little NEXT PRESIDENT
because “once men treat them to expensive
Yoshinoya, which operates a chain of meals they won’t eat beef bowls any more”. pride and love he has for his company’s own DILI: People across East Timor went to the
restaurants serving cheap beef bowls in Japan products,” one Twitter user wrote. polls yesterday to choose either a Nobel
and abroad, did not immediately confirm the His comments were posted on social laureate or a former guerilla fighter – the
exact comments made by Masaaki Ito, who media by a person who said they had Japan often appears towards the bottom of incumbent president – as their next leader.
was a managing director. attended a university lecture where Ito spoke. international gender equality rankings. Frontrunner Jose Ramos-Horta has pledged
to break a longstanding deadlock between
In a statement, the company said he had On Twitter, former Japanese Communist Last year, the World Economic Forum the two main political parties in Southeast
Party lawmaker Saori Ikeuchi called placed it 120 out of 156 countries on its Global Asia’s youngest country should he win the
Gender Gap Index rankings. – AFP run-off election against President Francisco
“Lu-Olo” Guterres. “If I win ... I will hold a
dialogue with political parties, including
(Guterres’) Fretilin, so they can work
together to maintain stability and peace in
Timor-Leste,” he told journalists yesterday.
Guterres, meanwhile, promised “to ensure
national stability, and to adhere to the
mission as president of the republic”. – AFP

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/theSunMedia

Corruption can bring LETTERS
a nation to its knees
SRI LANKA is going [email protected]
through the darkest “Sri Lanka’s How did Sri Lanka end up in rot for a new beginning was more
period ever in history. The calamitous this dire situation? It may have meaningful than celebrating the Do the right thing
island nation has declared situation can started as early at 2009 when its New Year at home. and check-in
itself bankrupt following its be blamed on foreign debt started increasing
inability to service foreign loans three major phenomenally, and over the Nowhere in the world will we THERE seems to be a drop in MySejahtera
totaling US$51 billion (RM217 reasons – the course of time Sri Lanka has see such blatant abuse of power check-ins as the country transitions to the
billion). Simply put, there is no massive approached the International as in Sri Lanka. The Rajapaksas, endemic phase. There are even calls for check-ins
money left in Sri Lanka and external debts, Monenatry Fund (IMF) at least who lead the country, come in a to be abolished for not being relevant, while
people are not able to have depleting 16 times for financial assistance, package of four brothers who some are worried over privacy concerns.
access to food, electricity, foreign of which it was successful nine control the entire government
medicines and a host of other reserves due to times. This is not something any machinery and politics in Sri Everyone has something to say about the
basic needs. higher imports nation should be proud of. Lanka. It is said that the family matter, ranging from conspiracy theories to solid,
and reduced dynasty controls about 70% of reliable statistics over the efficacy of the
The retail inflation has gone exports, and As we know, IMF monetary Sri Lanka’s budget with application.
up to 17% and food inflation the pandemic assistance comes heavily loaded highhanded ways and massive
has risen to 25%. Millions of that has also with conditions, and the corruption. The government has announced that a
students are unable to sit for contributed to borrowing country will more or decision will be made soon on the relaxation of
examinations due to a shortage this when less lose its authority over its Apart form China, Japan and MySejahtera check-ins. However, until then it is
of papers. Scores have died just tourism came own country. To begin with, IMF India, Sri Lanka has the Asian wise to abide by the check-in requirement
waiting in queue at petrol to a complete would demand to remove Development Bank and other into premises using the application.
stations for fuel. This is not halt. subsidies and increase taxes, fund providers – not forgetting
fiction but real people with real apart from instructing the that Sri Lanka has fallen into the It is true that we are in transition to the
problems. country on how the borrowed “China Debt Trap Diplomacy”, as endemic phase, but it does not mean that we can
money should be spent. These it is popularly known, by leasing now lower our guard against the virus. It is
The monks who have been would hurt the people and its new port to China on a becoming common to see people walking
the backbone to the ruling party, would push the country into 99-year lease. It is no secret that around without face masks while some are not
headed by the Rajapaksas, have further chaos. China offered the loan, fully even bothered to check-in with MySejahtera. The
started speaking against the very aware that Sri Lanka would not vaccines and boosters have their advantages but
people they supported to power Having said that, there does be able to repay it. Pakistan too it does not make one invincible against the virus.
in 2019. The discontent from the not seem to be much option for has fallen into this trap.
people has been growing over Sri Lanka as China has remained This lackadaisical attitude can be seen in
the months and has exploded silent when approached for a Sri Lanka’s calamitous public places such as restaurants, and I have also
into full-scale protests and loan. It is understandable as it situation can be blamed on three noticed university students on campuses not
street violence. would be unwise to extend major reasons as I see it – the abiding by the standard operating procedures.
help knowing that the borrower massive external debts,
As I write, the Sri Lanka would not have the capacity to depleting foreign reserves due to Some people are really making light of the
government is down to its knees, repay. higher imports and reduced situation. It was only several months ago when
having declared itself bankrupt. exports, and the pandemic that the country logged thousands of positive cases
It is pleading for monetary It is said that about US$3 has also contributed to this when and hundreds of deaths daily due to Covid-19.
assistance from other countries, billion to US$4 billion would be tourism came to a complete halt.
this despite the fact that India, its needed for Sri Lanka just for Tourism contributes 10% to Sri It is not burdensome or troublesome. It is a
closest neighbour, has been this year to be out of this Lanka’s growth domestic simple scan that does not take more than 10
pumping money into this ailing “comatose” state. product. seconds. The check-in feature helped with
nation. Even with an urgent contact tracing during the pandemic and it still
financial injection of US$1 It is no secret that Sri Lanka’s And the last would be the has its functions in combating the virus.
billion from India a few weeks politics has had a direct influence disastrous decision last year by
ago, the ship is sinking. in the economy, which has led the ruling government to ban Do be reminded that you may also run afoul of
the country to end up in this state. chemical fertilisers, in what was the law for failure to check-in into premises using
Last month while enroute to Friction between two ethnic seen as an ill-planned and MySejahtera.
India, I had a few hours of groups have been the cause of executed policy to turn the
stopover at Colombo airport. I civil wars, to the detriment of Sri agro-based industry fully According to the National Security Council,
did not notice any of these Lanka’s economy. organic, and this sent the the public still need to scan the MySejahtera QR
except that prices of food and country spiraling down on food code when entering premises or participating in
drinks were exorbitant and It comes to mind that the production. The countrywide activities. However, entry check and registration
beyond the affordability of current president was elected ban on agrochemicals and is exempted for the following: Outdoors, areas
locals. A cup of tea dispensed after receiving majority support fertilisers backfired, big time. without crowds and mass gatherings (e.g.
from the machine cost US$1, from the people and the monks recreational areas).
which is about Sri Lanka 277 but that has changed now. Just If we were to take a leaf out of
Rupees. People who have money last week when ethnic Hindus Sri Lanka as a lesson learnt, I would like to remind the public that the
are also frustrated as they are the world over were celebrating Malaysia can shine and standard operating procedures are clearly spelt
unable to have access to food, New Year, people in Sri Lanka outshine. out, so do the right thing. Do not take the matter
goods and services. took to the streets in anger and for granted. Most importantly, do not make light
frustration. They claimed that Comments: of the severity of Covid-19.
collectively seeking to end the [email protected]
I do not deny that there needs to be a balance
between lives and livelihoods. However, we must
all play our part to ensure that mistakes of the
past do not come back to haunt us.

Just like you, I yearn for the pre-Covid life. We
are about to achieve that. However, it requires a
commitment from all. It is not a blame game. It is
simply us upholding what is right for a better and
safe Malaysia.

Yeap Ming Liong
Subang Jaya

9theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | APRIL 20, 2022
SPEAK UP

Calamitous danger of world split
DOES the hostility between
Russia and the West originate all be “safe” from the “outside” world, “What leads surely into mainstream culture, these when catastrophes overtake nations.
from a fundamentalist he says. to national homelands are opened up for mining. What leads surely to national
mindset that splits the world catastrophe is The same phenomenon is happening in
into two halves – the good and the bad, Last year, a Cabinet minister conformism to some parts of Malaysia. catastrophe is conformism to
the saved and the unsaved, the announced that “non-Muslims are free groupthink, groupthink, repression of divergent
democrats and the autocrats? to propagate their faiths among repression of This bifurcation of humanity into the inputs, absence of collaborative efforts
themselves but not among Muslims”. divergent inputs, civilised and the primitive, the abode of to integrate diversities, reduction
The religious fundamentalist strategy absence of peace for the faithful and the abode of of creative thinking, spread
to overcome this bipolar division of If propagation means conversion collaborative war for the infidels, the democratic of ethno-nationalism, sustained
humanity is to convert or confine the with renunciation of your current faith, efforts to integrate liberals and the autocratic tyrants is underperformance, and a growing
opposing side. Hence, zealous adherents why is it all right for non-Muslims to diversities, rooted in the political history of tendency to move in the wrong direction.
of the two biggest religions in the world convert one another? reduction of West Asia.
see it as their sacred duty to convert creative thinking, The diversity of religions and cultures
non-believers. If it is wrong to convert a Muslim, it spread of Still influencing the worldviews of is as natural and as necessary as the
has to be equally wrong for anyone to ethno-nationalism, half the world’s population today was the diversity of animals and plants.
Politics reflects this bifurcation so convert a Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, sustained flight of Jews 3,500 years ago from Egypt
neatly that there is obviously a Taoist or Jain. Many Indian states have underperformance to the Sinai desert. In the previous article, this column
connection with religion and its passed laws forbidding religious and a growing highlighted the discoveries of Canadian
dominating influence over statesmen. conversion. tendency to move To persuade the wandering Jews to researchers that trees in the forest
American president Joe Biden’s view of a in the wrong form a huge army comprising all transfer nutrients to one another
global contest that pits democracies Probing deeper, are factional direction. able-bodied men so they can seize regardless of species.
against autocracies stems from the identities essential or merely Palestine that was then known as
fundamentalist paradigm. This view is functional? When people become too Canaan, it was necessary to depict the It comes as a stunning realisation that
two-faced because religious authorities proud of their ethnic or religious Canaanite religions as evil and that God plants are better than civilised humans
themselves wield autocratic power. identities, the consequences will always wanted them destroyed. So the Jewish in creating webs of collaboration in a
be dreadful. army went in, smashed the idols, burned forest to ensure healthy growth for all.
Should we demand that all religious down the cities and eliminated
authorities be elected in a poll of Over the past 30 years, 75% of civil Canaanite society. Trees of different species trade
adherents? wars in the world have been fought photosynthetic carbon back and forth on
between ethnic and religious groups that The Jews became the new people of a daily basis through a thick
Russia, in rejecting liberal democracy jostle for dominance within nations. Canaan, now sanctified with the underground network of micorrhizal
in favour of its preferred strongman name Israel. Long periods of Jewish fungus. And by the way, primitive tribes
autocratic style, is just as much ensnared Our moral sensitivities get dissolved history were, henceforth, governed live integrated with nature. They take
as the West is by this dichotomy, and by ethnocentrism and religious under theocracy (rule by religious only what is needed.
Russian president Vladimir Putin fundamentalism, making it easy to kill authorities).
justifies the invasion of Ukraine as a “others” that we see as evil. If they want to make clothing, they
pre-emptive strike. A fundamentalist paradigm of will slice some bark off a tree and let the
Down through history, good people dividing the world into the saved and the tree regrow new bark.
Another war in the making is that this intoxicated by religious fundamentalism unsaved has shaped religious-political
“convert or confine” strategy of the West have become killers without remorse. conditions throughout West Asia to this Today, we need these forest people to
is also being applied to its relationship day, ensuring lasting warfare with just show us how to dissolve the separation
with China, a nation that America sees The good in oneself can turn bad, as short bouts of peaceful years, like pit of humanity from nature if we are to save
as ruled by a belligerent autocracy that Canadians now realise with the shocking stops in the oases. the world.
ought to be overthrown. discovery of mass graves in which more
than 4,000 native tribal children were Two religions with affinity to Judaism We further need to combine the
How is this bifurcation perpetuated buried after dying from abuse in a 20th have long exhibited this polarised respective strengths of democracy and
from decade to decade and from century century assimilation drive to convert mindset and a penchant for displaying autocracy, while eliminating their
to century, moving from religion across them out of their cultures and into the their identities, but the Hindu weaknesses.
to politics? Architectural Prof Mohd dominant religion of Canada. nationalists of India and the Buddhist
Tajuddin Mohd Rasdi pins it on the nationalists of Myanmar and Sri Lanka Many democratically elected leaders
flawed methodology of religious Mass assimilation drives are have now adopted this practice of are corrupt and weak in governance,
instruction. We place adherents in a reinforced by economic policy. The bifurcating humanity. while at least one autocratic leader has
fenced-up place or tight box so they can Sami indigenous tribal people of pulled his nation out of poverty.
Finland, Norway and Sweden live in The hazardous results of confining
mineral-rich homelands, where they diversity are only felt many decades later The writer champions
carry out their traditional livelihood of interfaith harmony.
reindeer herding. With their absorption
Comments: [email protected]

Ukraine war, a silent killer threatening developing nations

█ BY ANTONIO GUTERRES Ukraine and the Russian Federation provide stockpiles and additional reserves
FOR the people of Ukraine, the over half of the world’s sunflower oil. could help to ease this energy crisis
Russian invasion is a waking in the short term. But the only
nightmare and a humanitarian Since the start of 2022, wheat and and serious social unrest. And we thank the global leaders in all sectors medium- and long-term solution is
disaster on a terrifying scale. But the maize prices have increased by 30%. know the roots of many conflicts lie who are supporting this initiative. to accelerate the deployment of
war is also fast becoming a matter of Brent oil prices have risen more than in poverty, inequality, under- renewable energy, which is not
life and death for vulnerable people 60% over the last year, while natural development and hopelessness. But On food, we are urging all impacted by market fluctuations.
around the world. gas and fertiliser prices have more while much of the world has stepped countries to keep markets open, This will allow the progressive
than doubled. up in solidarity with the people of resist hoarding and unjustified and phase-out of coal and all other
We have all seen the tragedy Ukraine, there is no sign of the same unnecessary export restrictions, and fossil fuels.
unfolding inside Ukraine: Cities The United Nations’ own support for the 1.7 billion other make reserves available to countries
flattened, people suffering and dying lifesaving operations are under potential victims of this war. We have at the highest risk of hunger and And on finance, the G20 and
in their homes and in the streets, the severe strain. a clear moral duty to support them, famine. This is not the time for international financial institutions
fastest displacement crisis in Europe everywhere. protectionism. There is enough food must go into emergency mode. They
since the Second World War. But The World Food Programme has for every country to get through this must find ways to increase liquidity
beyond Ukraine’s borders, far warned that it faces the impossible The Global Crisis Response crisis if we act together. and fiscal space, so that governments
beyond the media spotlight, the war choice of taking from the hungry to Group on Food, Energy and Finance in developing countries can invest in
has launched a silent assault on the feed the starving. It urgently needs that I launched last month aims to Humanitarian appeals must be the poorest and most vulnerable,
developing world. This crisis could US$8 billion (RM34 billion) to develop coordinated solutions to fully funded, including for the World and in the Sustainable Development
throw up to 1.7 billion people – over support its operations in Yemen, these interlinked crises, with Food Programme. We simply cannot Goals. This should be a first step
one-fifth of humanity – into poverty, Chad and Niger. governments, international financial allow people to starve in the towards deep reforms to our unfair
destitution and hunger on a scale not institutions and other key partners. I twenty-first century. global financial system, which makes
seen in decades. Some countries are already the rich richer and the poor poorer.
sliding from vulnerability to crisis On energy, the use of strategic
Ukraine and the Russian Social protection, including cash
Federation provide 30% of the transfers, will be essential to support
world’s wheat and barley, one-fifth of desperate families through this crisis.
its maize and over half of its But many developing countries with
sunflower oil. Together, their grain large external debts do not have the
feeds the poorest and most liquidity to provide these safety nets.
vulnerable people, providing more We cannot stand by and watch, as
than one-third of the wheat they are forced to choose between
imported by 45 African and investing in their people, and
least-developed countries. servicing their debt.

At the same time, Russia is the The only lasting solution to the
world’s top natural gas exporter and war in Ukraine and its assault on the
second-largest oil exporter. But the poorest and most vulnerable people
war is preventing farmers from in the world is peace.
tending their crops, while closing
ports, ending grain exports, As the United Nations works to
disrupting supply chains and support the innocent victims of this
sending prices skyrocketing. war – both inside and outside
Ukraine – we call on the global
Many developing countries are community to speak with one voice
still struggling to recover from the and support our plea for peace.
effects of the Covid-19 pandemic,
coupled with historic debt burdens This war must end, now.
and soaring inflation. Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General

of the United Nations.

10 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | APRIL 20, 2022

CommitmentMEDIA&MARKETING to the underserved
o XES Shoes’ year-long CSR campaign
to help impoverished families

TO mark the start of Ramadan, Conceived in 2018, Kongsi Rezeki
homegrown footwear brand Bersama XES Shoes is an initiative
XES Shoes today announced year-long campaign in which the XES
that it will be launching its team seek out families and charity
annual Corporate Social organisations in need of financial
Responsibility (CSR) campaign. The assistance.
campaign, aptly named “Kongsi
Rezeki Bersama XES Shoes”, is an XES Shoes Founder and
ongoing year-long initiative, Managing Director, Simpson Wong
commencing on April 7 until Dec 31, said: “We want to take this
2022. opportunity to assist families and
Through this initiative, XES Shoes children facing difficulties, especially
is looking to distribute approximately after a worldwide pandemic.
RM 100,000 on top of free footwear to
impoverished families and “Through the direct financial
communities. assistance provided, we hope that we
In the first phase of the CSR can relieve some of the burdens of
campaign, XES Shoes will be the impoverished and underserved.
donating RM 12,000 to a few charity
houses across the Klang Valley such “Coming from humble beginnings
as Rumah Bakti Nur Syaheera, myself, I understand the effects of the
Cahaya Kasih Bestari and Pusat hardships and challenges that many
Jagaan Telaga Nur Kasih have been facing on a daily basis due
Muhammad. to financial restraints that have been
Also in the month of Ramadan, further exacerbated by the effects of
the company will be collaborating Covid-19 these last two years.
with Lotus’s Malaysia and its affiliates Kongsi Rezeki Bersama XES Shoes is a year-long CSR campaign to aid underserved communities.
to support the needy. “Because of this, my team and I
The team has allocated RM 55,000 have been committed to charity and festivities, but also for a more assured “I hope that our contributions will Founded in 2002, XES Shoes
in the form of cash vouchers to giving back since our establishment. year ahead. lead to brighter futures, especially for manufactures more than 2 million
ensure that impoverished families We believe that the month of younger generations. pairs of shoes for Malaysians.
receive the care and resources Ramadan is a good time to kick-start Wong added: “Being a local
needed during this holy month. the year-long campaign as it is a favourite brand does not only mean “More than that, I hope to work Proudly made in Malaysia, XES
Meanwhile, the remainder of the month for reflection and charity.” that we make our products available with my fellow business owners in Shoes ensures that their shoes are
budget will be directed towards more to Malaysians, but also the steps that supporting our local communities, comfortable, practical, affordable,
charity initiatives moving forward in More than monetary support, the we take to support our local continuing to share our successes and fit the local lifestyle and culture.
the year. XES team are also working with communities, especially those who with the people who need it the
Pertubuhan Hati Seni Selangor to require a leg-up in life. most.” To find out more, please head on
provide free shoes for the needy this to www.shop.xesshoes.com.my.
coming Aidilfitri, giving families the
opportunity and breathing space to
not only prepare for the upcoming

Ramadan delights at Sunway Putra Hotel Still #1 for Art and Design!
TREAT your senses to a gastronomic
indulgence as the culinary maestros Nostalgia Mal-Indo’ at Coffee House combat Covid-19. The Sunway Safe MANAGEMENT and Science 500 for Business & Management
of Sunway Putra Hotel Kuala Lumpur is available for dinner from 9th April Stay programme incorporates five (5) University (MSU) maintains its No. Studies.
bring forth a feast not to be missed! to 1st May 2022, 6.30pm to 10.00pm. pillars of safety and hygiene 1 ranking in the QS World
During the Ramadan month, treat comprising over 30 protocols of University Rankings (WUR) by Fifty-one disciplines grouped
your family and friends to dinner in Wait no longer! Go ahead and heightened cleaning practices for Subject 2022. The top school for into five broad subject areas – Arts
style as our kitchen features a plan your fasting gathering with your greater assurance, comfort and well- Art and Design in Malaysia also & Humanities, Engineering &
delectable spread themed “Selera loved ones today at Sunway Putra being standards, providing each ranks in the World Top 151-200 in Technology, Life Sciences &
Nostalgia Mal-Indo” at the Coffee Hotel’s Coffee House. For guest with peace of mind when the Arts & Humanities group of QS Medicine, Natural Sciences, and
House, where you can find your reservations, call 03 4040 9888 or staying at Sunway Putra Hotel. WUR by Subject 2022. Social Sciences & Management –
favourite mouth-watering delights email [email protected] to make up the QS World University
and perhaps a reminiscent tastes at book your seats today. The hotel continually adjusts its MSU first bagged the top spot Rankings by Subject 2022.
our collection of stalls and live practices, services, and operational for Art & Design in the QS World
cooking stations with each Rest assured the hotel is strict on hours in adherence and full University Rankings 2021 through The QS WUR by Subjects 2022
presenting its origin cuisine from its implementation of the new- compliance with the Government of Fashion Design. evaluation method is based on
Malaysia and Indonesia. normal standard operating Malaysia’s regulatory standards and four indicators, namely Academic
procedures (SOPs) and enhanced its policies. In addition, MSU has risen one Peer Review, Employer Peer
‘Selera Nostalgia Mal-Indo’ aims hygiene practices and protocols to rank to emerge Top 10 in Malaysia Review, Citations and H-Index.
to bring about sentimentality from for the University’s Business and
past gastronomy experiences, Management Studies in the QS First rated QS 5 Stars in 2016,
boasting of more than 200 mouth- World University Rankings by MSU currently ranks at World Top
watering specialities from authentic Subject 2022. #601-650 on the QS World
Malaysia and Indonesia cuisines. University Rankings, World Top
Guests can expect an array of popular Ranked in the Social Sciences #301-500 on the QS WUR Graduate
local Malaysian dishes such as Kari and Management group of QS Employability Ranking, and #147
Kepala Ikan Merah (Red Snapper WUR by Subject 2022, MSU’s on the QS Asian University
Fish Head Curry), Rendang Tok, Business and Management Studies Rankings in 2022.
Bakar-bakar Seafood and Assorted had entered QS WUR by Subject
Meat, Satay and Lemang with 2021 at #11 in Malaysia. Management and Science
Serunding Ayam & Daging and many University (MSU) is a multi-global-
more along with our 100-metre buffet Social Sciences and ranked institution focused on
spread. Management on QS World building holistic human capital.
University Rankings 2022 also
Across the Sumatra, Sulawesi, Java places MSU in Malaysia’s Top 5 for Envisioning a better, more
and parts of Borneo, guests can Hospitality and Leisure sustainable future for all, MSU
expect our Indonesia cuisine Management. continues to champion equality by
representation such as Soto Betawi, providing a level playing field
Sup Tulang Rawon, Nasi Uduk, The QS WUR by Subject 2022 across extensive efforts in
Daging Dengdeng Berlado, Pecel for MSU remain at World Top 101- transforming lives and enriching
Lele Kuah Santan, Paru-paru Sambal 50 for Hospitality & Leisure futures through compelling
Terasi, Ayam Bakar Taliwang, Gulai Management and World Top 451- learning experiences.
Daun Singkong and many more,
while you witness our chefs create
dishes ‘live’ at our cooking stations
for a whole new dining experience
that engages your attention and
heartily satisfies your appetite.

‘Selera Nostalgia Mal-Indo’ Buffet
Dinner is priced at RM 129+ per
person only while Children aged 5
and below are able to dine in for free.
Children aged 6 to 12 years old will
enjoy a 50% discount. Other terms
and conditions apply. The ‘Selera

S E C U R I T I E S S D N. B H D. WEDNESDAY
APRIL 20, 2022
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
18/04/2022 Fax: 03-7784 4424

Participation Bought Sold Net Email: [email protected]

% RM m RM m RM m

48.1 Institutions 793.1 719.5 73.6

34.1 Retail 537.4 535.8 1.6

17.8 Foreign 242.8 318.0 -75.2

100.0 1573.3 1573.3 0 CLOSED 4.06 490.32 1.50 185.38 94.53 25.68 41.80
STI HANG SENG SCI NIKKEI TSEC KOSPI S&P/ASX200
Preliminary stats (excluding trade amendments). For final data, please refer to www.bursamalaysia.com KLCI 3,307.13 3,194.03 26,985.09 16,993.40 2,718.89
Source: Bursa Malaysia 21,027.76 7,565.20
*April 19, 2022

KL MARKET SUMMARY China lockdowns could
April 18, 2022

INDICES 11,356.90 CHANGE -56.70 weigh on Malaysia’s trade
FBMEMAS
FBMKLCI 1,581.14 -7.87
CONSUMER PRODUCTS 583.44 -3.74
INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS 214.84 +0.37
CONSTRUCTION 169.12 -1.15
FINANCIAL SERVICES 16,490.40 -145.00
ENERGY 756.74 +5.47
TELECOMMUNICATIONS 637.16 -1.78 o Impact mild in short
HEALTH CARE 2,074.21 -13.20 term as local producers
TRANSPORTATION 878.54 -7.40 that depend on Chinese
PROPERTY 721.40 -5.35 imports will still have stock
PLANTATION 8,363.36 +8.09 in hand, pinch will only be
FBMSHA 12,014.10 -33.30 felt in three to six months’
FBMACE 5,719.48 -67.00 time: Head of research
TECHNOLOGY 72.10 -0.34

TURNOVER VALUE
2.447 BIL RM1.573 BIL

5 MOST ACTIVES
April 18, 2022

STOCK VOL CLSG (sen) +/– (sen) █ BY AMIR IMRAN HUSAIN SAFRI
TECHNAX 183,690,600 10.5 +1.0 [email protected]
CENGILD 162,809,100 46.5 +13.5
PERMAJU 75,105,500 9.0 +0.5 PETALING JAYA: Lockdowns in China are An employee working at a textile factory in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. China, on Sunday.
KGROUP 49,173,300 1.0 UNCH expected to have repercussions on For Malaysia, China is a source of imports not only for finished goods but also intermediate or
HEXIND 44,335,500 37.5 +3.0 Malaysia, as the world’s second largest semi-finished goods for re-export. – AFPPIX
economy struggles with port shutdowns as
5 TOP GAINERS part of its zero Covid-19 pandemic strategy, zero Covid-19 stance, he foresees the months of double-digit expansion.
April 18, 2022 according to Inter-Pacific Securities Sdn shutdowns could extend beyond the city. The ministry revealed that exports to
Bhd head of research Victor Wan.
STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM For now, he believes the local producers China climbed by 10.7% to RM17.79 billion
PMBTECH-WA 600 15.50 0.34 “This could have a far-reaching impact that depend on Chinese imports would still supported by higher exports of electric &
AJI 1,200 14.76 0.32 for Malaysia as it is a source of imports not have stock in hand and the pinch would be electronic products as well as palm oil &
SP500-H13 2,000 1.83 0.23 only for finished goods but also felt in three to six months’ time. palm oil-based agriculture products.
MYCRON-WA 384,100 0.455 0.225 intermediate or semi-finished goods for re- Meanwhile, imports from China expanded
SUBUR 1,163,500 2.20 0.20 export, and raw input across various “It is important to note that this situation by 19.3% to RM21.23 billion.
sectors,” he told SunBiz. is not unique to us, and it will affect the
5 TOP LOSERS whole world, given China’s trade position.” In the first quarter of the year, China
April 18, 2022 On March 28, 2022, the Chinese posted a growth of 4.8% y-o-y, higher than
government called for a two-week In addition, the situation is also the 4.0% growth reported in the same
STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM shutdown in Shanghai, which includes one compounded by the shortage of freight quarter of 2021 and 4.0% registered in the
F&N 63,100 22.80 0.68 of the country’s busiest ports, to stem the containers in the global supply chain that preceding quarter.
CARLSBG 212,400 21.18 0.40 outbreak as part of its zero Covid-19 has yet to abate.
DLADY 3,700 33.60 0.40 strategy. Subsequently, the shutdown Despite the encouraging figure, news
MPI 208,100 32.30 0.40 entered a two-week easing period on April China is Malaysia’s top trade partner, reports stated that Zhongyuan Bank’s chief
HLFG 122,300 19.00 0.34 12 in which residents were allowed to with bilateral trade totalling some RM740 economist Wang Jun, pointed out the
venture out of their homes but remained billion last year. growth is still far away from its annual target
confined to their neighbourhoods. growth of 5.5%. The chief economist was
The trade figures for March 2022 from quoted as saying that March’s growth is
At the moment, Wan sees the impact to be Malaysia’s International Trade and Industry severely impacted by the anti-virus curbs,
rather mild as the shutdowns are limited to showed that China accounted for 16.5% of reflected by the greatly hit consumption in
Shanghai but given the Chinese government’s the country’s total trade, which had the service sector.
increased 15.2% year-on-year (y-o-y) to
RM39.2 billion, marking the 16th straight

EXCHANGE RATES APRIL 18, 2022 Global E&E, commodity demand will
support Malaysian exports: Research house
Foreign currency Bank sell Bank buy Bank buy
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s near-term expected (+27.3% y-o-y) to a new monthly Russia by the Western nations and Russian
1 US DOLLAR TT/OD TT OD outlook for production and trade can be high of RM236.6 billion in March, driven by President Vladimir Putin last Tuesday (April
1 AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR 4.2990 4.1730 4.1630 constrained by prolonged disruption in the stronger growth in both exports and 12) vowed to continue the invasion of
1 BRUNEI DOLLAR 3.1930 3.0660 3.0500 global supply chain and increased imports. Export growth jumped to +25.4% Ukraine until his goals are fulfilled.”
1 CANADIAN DOLLAR 3.1610 3.0690 3.0610 inflationary pressures, but the continued y-o-y, above market’s expectations, backed
1 EURO 3.4020 3.3100 3.2980 expansion in global demand for electrical by demand for E&E and commodities, UOB said Malaysia would be affected by
1 NEWZEALAND DOLLAR 4.6500 4.4990 4.4790 and electronic products (E&E) and particularly liquefied natural gas, crude higher cost pressures and via indirect trade
1 SINGAPORE DOLLAR 2.9140 2.8070 2.7910 commodities will support overall export and refined petroleum, and palm oil and channels, especially if growth prospects of
1 STERLING POUND 3.1610 3.0690 3.0610 outlook, while the reopening of economies palm oil products. its key trading partners (the US, the
1 SWISS FRANC 5.6140 5.4350 5.4150 will facilitate growing trade activity this year. European Union and China) are impacted
100 UAE DIRHAM 4.5460 4.4400 4.4250 Meanwhile, UOB Research, to reflect the by the heightened geopolitical risks.
100 BANGLADESHTAKA 118.4500 112.2900 112.0900 MIDF Research, which maintained its robust export growth of 22.2% in first-quarter
100 CHINESE RENMINBI 5.0710 4.7580 4.5580 growth forecast for exports and imports at 2022, has raised its full-year export growth “Our sensitivity analysis suggests that a
100 HONGKONG DOLLAR 67.5000 64.9000 7.8% and 9.6%, respectively, said the forecast to 8.0% (from 2.0%; Bank Negara 1.0% drop in global trade translates to a
100 INDIAN RUPEE 55.4100 52.6500 N/A external trade numbers continued to Malaysia estimate: 10.9%; 2021: 26.0%), 1.2% decline in Malaysia’s trade, with a 0.9%
100 INDONESIAN RUPIAH 5.7300 5.3700 52.4500 surprise on the upside in March, driven by suggesting moderation ahead. drop in exports and 1.1% decline in imports.
100 JAPANESE YEN 0.0310 0.0281 the jump in mining exports on top of
100 NEWTAIWAN DOLLAR 3.3990 3.2910 5.1700 stronger E&E exports. This shows Malaysia, “We remain cautiously optimistic on “From a statistical point of view, year-
100 PAKISTAN RUPEE 15.8000 0.0231 as a commodity-exporting country, stands Malaysia’s overall trade outlook in the near ago high base effects suggest that Malaysia’s
100 PHILIPPINE PESO 2.4200 N/A 3.2810 to benefit from the rising prices. term given prevailing risks from geopolitical export growth momentum will soften over
100 QATAR RIYAL 8.3600 2.2600 risks, China’s zero-Covid policy, ongoing the course of the year. The sharp pick-up in
100 SAUDI RIYAL 119.1000 7.8800 N/A “However, we are still cautious on the supply chain disruptions, and tighter global March reversed the downtrend since its last
100THAI BAHT 115.9300 113.0700 2.0600 outlook going forward given the extended financial conditions. While there is limited peak in November 2021. The upturn in
13.3300 110.0600 7.6800 lockdown and slowdown in China and first order impact on Malaysia from the near March could be partly attributed to pick-up
11.8300 112.8700 ongoing Russia’s military action in Ukraine,” two-month long Russia-Ukraine conflict, following seasonal effects in January-
109.8600 it said in a report. the risk of second order impact has emerged February, higher export and import prices
11.4300 following the expansion of sanctions on due to the commodity price surge, and
Malaysia’s total trade grew faster than potential trade diversification,” it said.
Source: Malayan Banking Berhad/Bernama

12 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | APRIL 20, 2022 FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK SCAN
SUNBIZ ME
/thesundaily

Paris Olympics offers export
opportunities for M’sian firms

o ICT, F&B, construction and professional consulting 2024 stood at €5 billion (RM24 billion). Thus far,
services, and halal transformation among sectors that can be 25% of the contracts valued at €164.4 million
tapped, says Matrade have been awarded to companies including
small and medium enterprises from various
Ong (left) and Lee at the Go by City Energy PETALING JAYA: The Malaysia External Trade event ends. economic segments.
signing ceremony. Development Corp (Matrade) is encouraging Matrade director of Europe and Americas
Malaysian companies that are export-ready to Matrade’s Trade Commissioner in Frankfurt
Singapore’s leverage the business opportunities from the Section Razida Hanim Abdul Razak said with Zuhaila Sedek said it is pivotal for Malaysian
Go by City Energy preparation works by France for Paris Olympics this in mind, Malaysian companies must utilise companies to prepare themselves by adhering to
offers EV-charging and Paralympics 2024, which is scheduled from the event as a stepping stone to accessing the sectoral rules and regulations imposed by
service in Malaysia July 26, 2024 to Aug 11, 2024. France, with the intent of maintaining their the European Union (EU).
long-term footprint.
PETALING JAYA: Singapore’s sole piped The current areas of opportunities are seen in “Although works on the Olympic Village have
town gas provider City Energy yesterday sectors such as information and “In the previous Olympic Games in Tokyo, commenced, there are still pockets of
launched Go by City Energy, its electric communications technology (ICT); food & Malaysia was involved in facilitating the opportunities for Malaysian companies through
vehicle (EV) charging service across beverages (F&B); consulting in construction and preparation of Japanese food outlets to be halal- the tenders that are made available for all. We
Singapore and Malaysia with a mobile professional services; security; transport; as well ready. We hope this time around, we would be would suggest for Malaysian exporters to work
application. as event management and halal transformation. able to emulate this and even go beyond by with a local partner in France due to the
offering support in other sectors. With the language barrier and for operational support.
Go, the EV service provider The Olympic Delivery Authority, a key current challenging global economic landscape Hopefully, by having more Malaysian
finances, operates and maintains a governance structure established by the French with disruptions in the supply chain as well as companies’ footprint in France, ultimately there
network of EV charging stations; government, is responsible for organising this geopolitical issues, we think we can strengthen will be more local companies who are EU-ready,
supported by its mobile app and largest sports event in the world. They are tasked the Malaysia-France collaboration for mutual which just means they are worldwide-ready
partnership with EV Connection Sdn with delivering the Olympic & Paralympic benefits through the Olympic and Paralympic too.”
Bhd to extend charging connectivity into venues as well as infrastructures and are also Games in Paris,” Razida said in a statement
Malaysia. responsible to ensure the sustenance of these yesterday. Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics are
transformations post-Paris 2024, signalling expected to generate €10.7 billion in economic
City Energy CEO Perry Ong said Go continued opportunities even after the sporting Overall, the value of tenders offered from the benefits and create more than 250,000 jobs in
will be the first service in Singapore that organisation of the Olympics and Paralympics the Ile-de-France region. The world-renowned
extends EV charging capabilities into event is expecting 9.7 million spectators and four
Malaysia, providing an added billion viewers around the globe, offering an
convenience for drivers on both sides of immense opportunity to brand Malaysia in the
the Causeway as well as up and down the global arena.
North-South Highway.
Small and medium businesses should go for digital payments: Study
EV Connection is an EV charging
solutions provider and an authorised EV PETALING JAYA: Consumers in Malaysia (72%) SEA believe that SMB should begin using digital browser (31%).
charging station distributor registered strongly favoured the small and medium payments for financial transactions. For the respondents across the region, their
with the Energy Commission, businesses’ (SMB) adoption of digital payment
Construction Industry Development systems, followed by Singapore (68%) and the The survey showed an overall belief (64%) top three reasons for being familiar and
Board, Tenaga Nasional Bhd and Philippines (68%), according to a Kaspersky among the respondents that mobile wallets can comfortable around these technologies are its
MyHijau. They are a TÜV SÜD certified study to identify the attitude and challenges of even positively boost businesses by increasing convenience, ease of access and privacy.
EV charger installer, and works with digital payment users in Southeast Asia (SEA). their earnings. Thailand is the most confident
numerous auto manufacturers. with this idea (71%), followed by Malaysia (68%) Interestingly, users here are also aware of the
Nearly three in five (59%) of respondents said and Vietnam (64%). issues that hamper SMBs in embracing this
With this partnership, Go drivers may that they would shop more at stores that accept technology. More than a quarter (27%) of the
access EV Connection’s network of digital payments. Malaysian consumers (70%) According to the study, the frequently used total respondents admitted that local
charge points in Malaysia starting are the most inclined to do so followed by forms of digital payment among SEA consumers businesses are not ready to use digital payments
yesterday. Vietnam (63%) and the Philippines (59%). are mobile payment apps (58%), internet yet because of internet issues and lack of
banking via mobile app (53%), debit card (36%), devices.
EV Connection and JomCharge More than half of e-finance users (67%) in credit card (33%) and internet banking via
managing director Lee Yuen How said: This view is highest in the Philippines (31%),
“EV Connection strives to provide In Southeast Asia, Malaysian consumers are the most inclined to shop more at stores that accept digital followed closely by Vietnam (30%), Indonesia
practical solutions to spearhead the payments. – BERNAMAPIX (29%) and Thailand (28%). More developed
green industry in Malaysia. This countries in the region logged lower, Malaysia
partnership with Go by City Energy (21%) and Singapore (20%).
allows both Singapore and Malaysia EV
drivers to extend their range across both However, it’s a different matter when an e-
countries for maximum connectivity and commerce provider or seller is subjected to a
convenience.” cyberattack. The survey showed that the
confidence of consumers to shop at stores that
suffered data breaches dropped by 42% in
general.

“It is worthy to note that while consumers are
embracing the digital lifestyle and trusting these
tools that make their financial transactions
smooth and fast, they are also starting to gain an
awareness of the dangers and risks of cyber
threats in their personal lives,” said Kaspersky
general manager for Southeast Asia Yeo Siang
Tiong.

“To put things in perspective, the cost of data
breaches in SMBs rises by 54% but with early
breach detection, the average losses would go
17% lower. The SMBs are now in a position to
speed up their digital transformation,” Yeo
added.

Experts from Kaspersky advised SMB owners
in SEA to perform risk assessment, train
employees, keep software updated, back up files
regularly and deploy a robust security software.

GIIB exec director: I was suspended after I raised questions on deals

PETALING JAYA: GIIB Holdings Bhd hostility and contempt,” he said in a investigated by an internal audit remains to the shareholders. This investigation process against the
executive director Wong Weng Yew statement yesterday. committee and the relevant current set of actions can only be to allegations against Wong.
yesterday revealed that he was regulatory bodies,” Wong said. silence my questions with regard to
suspended after raising questions “In a further affront to good the suspicious transactions and to GIIB had on April 12 told the
about the nature of several governance, the executive He said he had on April 7, defame me in the eyes of the public, stock exchange that the suspension
transactions, which he found to be chairman Tai Boon Wee, directly responded to the show cause letter and as such, I reserve all my rights.” of Wong’s executive roles in the
suspicious in nature. requested for me to approve certain with full explanation and company and its subsidiaries was to
payments although I am still supporting evidence denying all On Monday, GIIB announced facilitate the investigation into his
“Ever since I have brought the suspended from duty. These allegations. that it has established an management and handling of the
transactional issues to light, the irregular actions by the executive investigative committee to assist glove business and the group’s
management has treated me with chairman should be a matter “My fiduciary duty as executive the board in overseeing the accounts.
director and authorised signatory

FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM SCAN 13theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | APRIL 20, 2022
ME * SUNBIZ
@thesundaily

█ BY HAYATUN RAZAK Higher minimum wage does
[email protected] not mean higher jobless rate
PETALING JAYA: The implementation
of a RM1,500 minimum monthly oIn fact, it is seen as a motivator that boosts the efficiency of the
wage from May 1, with exemption for Malaysian labour market and lowers employee turnover
some sectors, is not expected to
increase Malaysia’s unemployment
rate, although it could have a negative
impact on small and medium
enterprises (SME).

The country’s unemployment rate
is currently at its lowest since the first
movement control order (MCO) that
was implemented in March 2020. The
unemployment rate in February 2022
stood at 4.1% versus 5.30% in May
2020.

Pang daily shift rates that when added will improve foreign investor Ferlito Malaysia’s unemployment rate
FastJobs Malaysia general together, more than exceed the sentiment, according to him. wage studies that showed is currently at its lowest since
minimum wage of RM1,500. insignificant effects on employment the first movement control
manager Joelle Pang opined that the “Foreign investors will not be from a practical and statistical order implemented in March
implementation of the minimum “It shows the demand for an deterred by a higher minimum wage perspective. 2020. – BERNAMAPIX
wage policy will be a win-all situation operational workforce by companies because they would pay it anyway. changes would close but then their
for the country in the long run. if they want to ride on the growth and Many would be horrified that wages In addition, a 2019 study in the businesses were not viable anyway,”
Besides that, she pointed out, the economic rebound that comes with were so low before and that they Quarterly Journal of Economics he said.
median wage offered has already the reopening of the Malaysian remain so low. So increasing found that increases in the Center for Market Education Sdn
exceeded the minimum wage to be economy and elsewhere,” she said. minimum wages is not a deterrent, it minimum wage did not impact the Bhd CEO Dr Carmelo Ferlito said
implemented. will be viewed positively. overall number of low-wage jobs in people earning below minimum
Williams the five years after they were wage are a limited part of the
As Malaysia’s economy reopens Malaysia University of Science “Second, if higher labour cost introduced. workforce, mainly unskilled
gradually, there is a huge increase in encourages firms to change their workers (often foreign workers).
demand for talent to support rising and Technology Provost for business models and introduce Williams also cited the work of Therefore, there is the risk of
operational requirements, Pang said. Research and Innovation Dr productivity-improving technology Professor David Card, who won the growing unemployment. But he
But some employers might hire fewer Geoffrey Williams said the they can offer higher-value services Nobel Prize in Economics last year, as sees this risk to eventually stretch
workers because their companies are minimum wage is meant in part to in the supply chain to foreign evidence that the minimum wage over time.
forced to pay higher wages. transfer money from employers to companies that invest here. This does not reduce jobs overall. The biggest effect of the higher
employees without funding from the would also help attract FDI because it minimum wage, he said, will be for
“However, if we look back to the government. signals that local firms compete on “So we do not expect a manufacturers which limit and delay
data from the Statistics Department, quality and technology, not on low- widespread loss of jobs but we might their post-pandemic recovery plans,
we can see that when the nationwide “The employers can pay despite paid labour.” see some job losses in non-viable and therefore may limit growth and
minimum wage was inaugurated in the complaints that they cannot,” he companies. create less opportunity for jobs in the
2014, and when it was raised in 2016 opined. Williams also said Malaysia does future.
and 2019, it did not trigger not have a properly functioning “SME that cannot afford to pay the He also cautioned that forcing
widespread job losses. Both Concurring with Pang, Williams labour market in which the right minimum wage would be forced to higher wages by law is a tool for bad
unemployment rate and GDP growth said “higher minimum wages raise wage can emerge. change their business model and economic consequences.
rates held steady in those years. consumption at the lower-income become more efficient. The benefits “Pay the right price for something,
segment and promote economic “The enforcement of labour of a minimum wage is that it weans and the right price can only emerge
“That being said, it is true that the growth in the long term”. contracts, especially for foreign bad managers away from low-paid in the market; also, workers are not
imposition of a higher minimum workers, is impossible in the current business models all the same, you do not get the same
wage so soon after the reopening of Besides, increasing the minimum system. The imbalance between for each worker; to pay them equally is
most economic sectors could impact wage signals that Malaysia is employers and employees in “Those that cannot make effective a source of inequality because it does
companies negatively, especially reforming its employment negotiating wages is too much in not take into account the individual
SME, as many are still recovering environment which has been in a favour of employers. We do not have contribution to the production
from the aftermath of the pandemic negative spotlight in recent years. It effective trade unions for example process.”
and multiple rounds of MCO. and certainly not in low-paid job Ferlito said that wages should be
sectors.” the outcome of a negotiation, not an
“However, it is still imperative for imposition.
wages to be increased to a baseline Besides, wages are not determined “We can refer to less investment
that would enable Malaysians to have by individual contributions to too, and therefore slower growth.
a better economic ability to spend production. Employees are all given “Another can be rising prices for
their money, and this will improve the the same wage and the same terms on consumer goods not only because of
country’s economy at a faster rate,” a take-it-or-leave-it basis, he said. the higher costs (which
Pang told SunBiz. entrepreneurs will try to transfer to
“The simple reality is that the selling prices) but also because
She views a higher minimum wage minimum wage is necessary because higher wages increase the demand
as a motivator that increases the of the failure of the labour market to for consumption goods and therefore
efficiency of the local labour market provide fair wages. If we fully reform the price for those goods.
and decreases employee turnover. the labour market, with a tax credit “The ‘original sin’ in the current
system (negative income tax) and an debate is that it is fixated with the
Pang noted that some companies, effective system to enforce contracts minimum wage while little is
including Aeon and Sime Darby and the rule of law then things would discussed about growth chances.
Plantation, have already started to be different.” Social mobility is the real issue,” said
implement the higher minimum Ferlito.
wage, and she expects more Williams cited a meta-study by
companies to follow suit. John Schmitt in 2013 of 64 minimum

“These companies are aware that
they may run the risk of missing out
on this recovery period if they do not
have the necessary manpower to
operate during the longer operating
hours, and to serve the needs of
consumers that are rebounding after
the pandemic.

“An interesting point to note is that
companies that are currently not able
to fulfil their operational needs are
already hiring part-timers and
freelancers from the gig economy at

14 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | APRIL 20, 2022
SUNBIZ

Japan finance minister makes starkest warning yet on yen slump, economic fallout

TOKYO: Japanese Finance Minister currency weakened to fresh 20-year His remarks came before his trip to has lost about 10% against the dollar so watching how the weakening yen may
Shunichi Suzuki said yesterday the lows on the dollar. Washington to attend a gathering of far this year. affect the economy, as stability in the
damage to the economy from a financial leaders from the Group of 20 currency market is important, Suzuki
weakening yen at present is greater “A weak yen has its merit, but (G20) major economies this week. Investors say verbal warnings won’t added.
than the benefits accruing to it, making demerit is greater under the current Among the many discussions, the have much of an impact as the yen’s
the most explicit warning yet against situation where crude oil and raw minister is also scheduled to a hold a weakness reflects fundamentals, An April 1-11 poll of 5,400
the currency’s recent slump versus the materials costs are surging globally, meeting with US Treasury Secretary noting contrasting prospects for an Japanese firms conducted by private
dollar. while the weak yen boosts import Janet Yellen. aggressive streak of Federal Reserve credit research firm Tokyo Shoko
prices, hurting consumers and firms tightening with that of the Bank of Research showed roughly 40%
The yen’s fall has worsened that are unable to pass on costs,“ Suzuki Suzuki vowed to stick to Group of Japan’s commitment to maintain its suffered a negative impact from a
imported inflationary pressures in said. Seven (G7) advanced economies’ powerful monetary easing plan. weak yen, with assumed dollar/yen
Japan amid a spike in global agreement on currencies and closely rates being as low as ¥110 among
commodity and oil costs, and an Taken together, the minister’s communicate with US and other G7’s fundamental stance is that listed manufacturers.
increase in supply snags, which have comments marked the clearest signal countries’ currency authorities to currency rates are set by the market and
intensified in the wake of the Ukraine about Japanese authorities’ discomfort “respond appropriately” to currency that members will closely consult with The previous poll in December,
crisis. over the yen’s continued decline. movements. each other on any action in the foreign when the dollar was moving around
exchange market. The group further ¥113, found only about 30% of
“Stability is important and sharp Suzuki declined to comment on The currency market shrugged off acknowledges that excess volatility and Japanese firms saw a weak yen as
currency moves are undesirable,“ how the government and the Bank of the minister’s verbal jawboning, disorderly moves can adversely affect negative, underscoring how the rapid
Suzuki told parliament, repeating Japan should respond to the yen’s sending the yen to 127.80 to the dollar, economic and financial stability. depreciation since the start of this year
previous comments as the Japanese weakening, including whether its lowest level since May 2002. The yen is hitting companies. – Reuters
intervening in the market is an option. Japanese authorities were carefully

China to lower benchmark BRIEFS AUSTRALIA’S CBA BRANDS
lending rates after RRR cut ARTICLE ON CRYPTO
TIE-UP AS‘TOTALLY FALSE’
o Beijing cautiously eases monetary conditions to aid Bank, who expected a 10 bps cut in the LPR
economy hit by coronavirus lockdowns in several cities today. BENGALURU: Commonwealth Bank of
Australia warned of a fake news article
SHANGHAI: Benchmark lending rates for expect a reduction to either rates within a The PBOC has eased policy cautiously, doing rounds on social media platforms
China’s commercial banks are likely to be range of 5 to 10 bps. lowering the RRR by a smaller-than-expected alleging the country’s No. 1 lender to have
lowered at a monthly fixing today, a Reuters margin to provide a relatively modest cash partnered with a cryptocurrency trading
survey showed, as Beijing cautiously eases The remaining 11 respondents expected injection. platform to encourage people to invest in
monetary conditions to aid an economy hit by both rates to remain unchanged this month. crypto assets. CBA branded the article to
coronavirus lockdowns in several cities. Global investment banks including be “totally false and untrue” yesterday,
Most new and outstanding loans in China Goldman Sachs said the PBOC’s restraint may adding that it had reported it to the
The loan prime rate (LPR), which banks are based on the one-year LPR, which reflect concern over inflation and policy relevant authorities and asked social
normally charges their best clients, is set on currently stands at 3.7%. The five-year rate, divergence between the world’s two largest media publishers, including Facebook to
the 20th of each month, when 18 designated which influences the pricing of home economies as the US Federal Reserve raises take down the article. The report comes
commercial banks submit their proposed mortgages, is 4.6%. interest rates. months after Australia’s richest man and
rates to the People’s Bank of China. chairman of Fortescue Metals Group
China last lowered the LPR in January, and The divergence in policy could lead to Andrew Forest filed a lawsuit against
A vast majority of the 28 traders and has held the rates steady in the following two money flowing out of China and weaken the Facebook-owner Meta Platforms alleging
analysts surveyed in a snap Reuters poll months. yuan. it breached anti-money laundering laws
yesterday expect a reduction this month. and used his image to promote
Expectations for imminent monetary “It seems liquidity injection is the cryptocurrency schemes. Last month,
Among them, 11, or 39% of all easing were heightened last week when the preferred way to support the growth amid the Australia’s competition watchdog had also
respondents, predicted a marginal cut of 5 People’s Bank of China (PBOC) cut the rising uncertainty from the global inflation filed a similar lawsuit against Meta with
basis points (bps) to both the one-year loan amount of cash banks must hold in reserves. and faster than expected Fed tightening,“ said allegations of promoting fake cryptocurrency
prime rate (LPR) and the five-year rate Tommy Xie, head of Greater China research at ads featuring well-known people. – Reuters
tomorrow. Another six participants also “The easing cycle is still underway, but is OCBC Bank.
not in the traditional format,“ said Ken INDONESIA KEEPS RATES
Cheung, chief Asian FX strategist at Mizuho The PBOC kept borrowing costs of its STEADY, EYES PRICE RISKS
medium-term lending facility (MLF), which
serves as a guide to the LPR, steady for the JAKARTA: Indonesia’s central bank left its
third straight month last week. – Reuters policy rates at record lows yesterday, as
expected, to support the economy’s
Sri Lanka says IMF to consider request for rapid aid recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic
though it recognised risks from rising
inflation. Bank Indonesia (BI) kept the
benchmark 7-day reverse repurchase rate
at 3.5%, as projected by all economists in a
Reuters poll. It also kept unchanged the
overnight deposit facility rate and lending
facility rate at 2.75% and 4.25%,
respectively. – Reuters

COLOMBO: The International Monetary Fund NEW ZEALAND IMPOSES NEW
(IMF) will consider providing quick financial SANCTIONS ON RUSSIAN BANKS
assistance to debt-burdened Sri Lanka following WELLINGTON: New Zealand unveiled new
representations by India, Sri Lanka’s finance sanctions yesterday targeting Russia’s
ministry said yesterday. largest banks and financial institutions, in
its response to the invasion of Ukraine.“We
A delegation headed by Sri Lanka’s Finance are deeply concerned at the reports of
Minister Ali Sabry kicked off formal talks with brutality from Russian forces,“ Foreign
the IMF in Washington on Monday for a Minister Nanaia Mahuta said in a
programme the government hopes will help top statement after the measures were
up its reserves and attract bridge financing to announced. “New Zealand continues to
pay for essential imports of fuel, food and condemn Putin’s war and supports the
medicines. International Criminal Court’s
investigations into the atrocities
Shamir Zavahir, an aide to Sabry, said on committed against the citizens of Ukraine.”
Twitter that Sri Lanka asked for a loan under the She said the central bank and the
rapid financial instrument (RFI) window, meant sovereign wealth fund were among three
for countries needing urgent balance-of- core government financial bodies affected,
payment support. But the global lender was as well as eight of Russia’s largest banks
initially not inclined to grant the request, he said. and seven others with ties to oligarchs, the
defence sector and the annexation of
“The IMF has subsequently informed The Sri Lankan government hopes the aid will help top up its reserves and attract bridge financing Crimea. Moscow calls its action in Ukraine
Minister Sabry that India had also made to pay for essential imports of fuel, food and medicines. - AFPPIX a “special military operation”. – Reuters
representations on behalf of Sri Lanka for an
RFI,“ Sri Lanka’s finance ministry said in a power, food and medicines have been running Nirmala Sitharaman on the sidelines of the IMF SUPPORT CATERING, RETAIL
statement. low for weeks. deliberations, and both sides said they agreed to SECTORS: CHINA STATE PLANNER
deepen their cooperation.
“It had been communicated that IMF will Street protests have erupted against BEIJING: China’s state planner called
consider the special request made despite it President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his brother, Sources have told Reuters India would keep yesterday for the implementation of
being outside of the standard circumstances for Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, in the helping out its neighbour as it tries to regain policies to support the country’s catering
the issuance of an RFI.” island nation of 22 million people. influence lost to China in recent years. Beijing is and retail sectors. Spending on new energy
one of Sri Lanka’s biggest lenders and has also vehicles should also be supported, said
Sri Lanka’s sovereign dollar-denominated Sri Lanka is seeking US$3 billion (RM13 built ports and roads there. Meng Wei, spokesman for the National
bonds came under pressure again yesterday, billion) in the coming months from multiple Development and Reform Commission.
with longer-dated issues falling as much as 1.4 sources including the IMF, the World Bank and Last week, Sri Lanka’s central bank said it was Data on Monday showed March retail sales
cents in the dollar to trade at deeply distressed India to stave off the crisis, Sabry told Reuters suspending repayment on some of its foreign contracted the most on an annual basis
levels of just over 40 cents, Tradeweb data earlier this month. debt pending a restructure. since April 2020 due to widespread Covid-
showed. 19 curbs across the country. – Reuters
Both India and China have already extended In the commercial capital Colombo, protests
The country’s devastating financial crisis has billions of dollars in financial support to Sri demanding the ouster of the Rajapaksas have
come as the effects of Covid-19 exacerbated Lanka. Sabry met his Indian counterpart dragged on for more than a week. – Reuters
mismanaged government finances and as rising
prices of fuel sapped foreign reserves. Fuel,

W E D N E S DAY
20 APRIL 2022

IN Egypt natural curls were
considered “shaggy”, “messy”,
and “unprofessional.” They were
once looked down upon in
favour of Western beauty with sleek,
straight locks. Now, things are
changing.
For Rola Amer and Sara Safwat,
their curls were once a career-
hindering nuisance. Now part of an
aesthetic liberation movement
sweeping Egypt in recent years, they
own a curly hair salon that caters to
women and men like them.
Amer used to spend hours
straightening her bouncy curls, she
told AFP as she began her day at the
Curly Studio, which became Egypt’s
first natural hair salon in 2018.
“Curly hair takes a lot longer to cut
than straight hair,” Amer said,
meticulously snipping her way
through a client’s curly mane in an
affluent suburb of Cairo.
Three hours later, she can finally
show the result to her client, and both
are delighted as the salon buzzes
around them.
It’s a far cry from Amer’s own
experience a few years ago. “If I ever
left my hair curly, I’d feel shaggy, like
I wasn’t taking care of myself,” she
said.
In this rare type of salon in Cairo,
the final product fits each client’s curl
pattern, and rollers have replaced
straightening irons to prevent heat Get this straightMariam Ashraf, a teacher and‘natural hair influencer’, combs her hair during a livestream to her more than 90,000 followers. – AFP
damage.

Safwat, 38, explained the dangers
of straightening, adjusting her curly
bangs as she spoke.

“One time, a mother brought her
three-year-old daughter. She had
tried a chemical treatment to
straighten her hair, and now it was o Curly hair is making a head-turning comeback in Egypt
falling out,” she said.
The obsession with straight hair,
rooted in what Safwat calls
“completely false beauty ideals”, increasingly embracing their curls in Egyptian director Mohamed Diab.
compelled generations of women to a natural hair care movement. Many “There has been a real social
burn their hair to a crisp using of the biggest brands built by Black movement,” Doaa Gawish told AFP.
chemical treatments and excessive women at the time would eventually In 2016, Gawish launched a Facebook
heat damage. find their way onto the shelves of group called The Hair Addict to help
curly salons in Cairo. women give their hair a break from
A marked change In 2012, Egyptian actress Dina el- harsh chemicals and blow dryers.
With her curls considered Sherbiny became one of the first to Within months, the online forum
“unprofessional” Safwat says that, break the taboo on screen, flaunting had grown from 5,000 to more than
before she became a hairdresser, she her chestnut curls in hit TV series 80,000 members, as the local
would often be asked in job Hekayat Banat (Girls’ Stories). cosmetics market grew by 18%,
interviews: “Will you be coming in to Ten years later, curly heads feature according to Euromonitor
work like this?” in TV shows, movies and the International.
In the early 2000s, Lebanese billboards that line Cairo’s highways, Two years later, Gawish launched
singer Myriam Fares was one of the a marked change in pop culture. her eponymous haircare company.
first curly-haired icons in the Middle In Hollywood, Egyptian- “A lot of big cosmetics companies
East. Palestinian actress May Calamawy started releasing products for curly
Halfway across the world, Black even shows off her curls in Marvel’s hair, because they could see it was an
women in the United States were latest series, Moon Knight, helmed by essential customer base,” Gawish told
AFP.
This base is steadily growing in
Egypt’s sizable cosmetics market.
With a population of 103 million, the
country has about 500,000 salons and
more than three million employees,
as estimated in 2020 by Mahmoud el-
Degwy, head of the hairdressers’
division at the Cairo Chamber of
Commerce.
Teacher and natural hair
influencer Mariam Ashraf has seen
the market’s potential firsthand. Only
a hobby at first, her Instagram videos
quickly became “a real source of
income”, she told AFP before filming a
new clip for her 90,000-plus
followers.
“Brands are contacting me more The curly hair movement is aimed at encouraging Egyptian girls to embrace their
and more to showcase curly hair natural locks. – AFP
products,” the 26-year-old explained.
“And now modelling agencies are Studio can cost up to one-tenth of friends in a conservative and
contacting me for advertisements.” that. patriarchal society.
Since he inadvertently discovered “We have a problem with fragile
Fragile masculinity his curls during Covid-19 lockdown, masculinity; people think a man
But the world of natural hair care is cybersecurity expert Omar Rahim shouldn’t take care of his hair or buy
not accessible to everyone. has been gladly paying to maintain products,” he told AFP.
While the average monthly his style. “I want people to understand that
Sara Safwat, an owner of the Curly Studio, says the obsession with straight hair is income in Egypt is 6,000 pounds Today, he maintains an intricate this is normal, but I’m not ready to
rooted in completely false beauty ideals. – AFP (RM1,376.50), a haircut at the Curly regimen, despite jeers from his fight this fight just yet.” – AFP

16 theSun LYFE ON WEDNESDAY | APRIL 20, 2022

Doing it his way
o Pedro Pascal says he’s and I don’t have it.”
keeping a ‘healthy distance’ Fortunatey, Pascal can count on some help A promotional image of the live action HBO series. – HBO
from The Last of Us hero Joel
in bringing Joel to life on the small screen. The would want to imitate too showrunners].
PEDRO Pascal is currently basking in the series has brought on the video game’s creative much, which I think could be “There’s a very, very creative way of
overwhelming acclaim for his new director Neil Druckman, who right in some
comedy action film The Unbearable created the character and honouring what’s important and also
Weight of Massive Talent, but is also knows him better than circumstances, and then a preserving what is iconic to the video game, and
preparing to switch to a more sombre everyone else. mistake in others. So I just also [to include] things that you wouldn’t
performance as Joel Miller, in the upcoming wanted to create a healthy necessarily expect And then directions that you
live-action adaptation of the popular video The actor also told would expect it to go, and it might not … they’re
game series The Last of Us, which is due to GQ that he tries to distance, and leave it in doing some really smart things, is all I can say.”
premiere on HBO sometime in 2023. keep a “healthy the hands of [the
distance” from the
While many acknowledge that Pascal has all protagonist so as to
the ability to portray a dark, brooding hero – as not imitate him for
seen during his recent performance in the Star the show.
Wars original television series The Mandalorian
– the actor may be at a slight disadvantage in He explained: “I
getting the nuances of the video game character found Joel so
down, as he admits that he never really played impressive – I found the
the game. whole of it such a visually
impressive experience.
In a recent interview with GQ magazine, And then I got
Pascal stated: “It’s so sad, I haven’t any skill. I worried that I
tried, you know. And then it was only a matter of
minutes before I had to hand it over to my Pascal is set to
nephew. It really takes a specific kind of skill, feature in the live-
action adaptation of
The Last of Us. – AFP

Anya Taylor-Joy celebrates shared birthday Steven Yeun recording
MOST people already know her as one of the from both fans and some of the couple’s high for Invincible season 2
most captivating young actresses of today. profile acquaintances.
However, few know that Anya Taylor-Joy also FANS of Amazon Prime’s comic book
shares a birthday with her boyfriend, “Happy birthday my two babies,” wrote adaptation animated series Invincible have
musician Malcolm McRae. Taylor-Joy’s Last Night in Soho co-star Sam been patiently waiting for news of a second
On Saturday, the Golden Globe Claflin. “HAPPY BIRTHDAY!” commented season, and recently, the show’s official Twitter
winner celebrated the occasion with Nicholas Hoult, who will next be starring with account dropped a bit of promising news.
McRae. The two of them turned 26 the actress in the upcoming film The Menu.
and 28 years old, respectively. In a short video teaser, actor Steven Yeun,
Instead of the expected Meanwhile, musician Maggie Rogers and who voices Invincible’s lead Mark Grayson, was
glamorous party, the two marked Emma. director Autumn de Wilde both shown in a recording booth. Looking
the day with a wholesome weekend responded with red heart emojis. somewhere off-camera, he says: “Can’t wait to
date. The actress shared some make – ”, before getting cut off by the Invincible
sweet photos to her Instagram The couple, who have been dating since title card and theme song, mirroring the show’s
account, showing the couple early 2021, have also been taking their gimmick of having the title card cut off
getting lost in the woods and relationship more public. Taylor-Joy was characters’ lines before they can say the hero’s
out enjoying a ride at a accompanied by McRae last week as she name.
theme park. attended the London premiere of her new
“16.04.94 [and] movie The Northman, sharing a kiss on the Even the caption for the post echoed the
16.04.96. Happy red carpet. gimmick, reading: “With how many lines he
birthday to us baby. has, his vocal cords really will need to be … ”
Thank you all for Last month, in an interview with British
your love,” Taylor- Vogue, Taylor-Joy spoke about their shared Yeun’s return to the recording booth appears
Joy wrote in the interests. to be all the information fans are getting for the
caption. time being. At the moment, there’s no
The post was “I said to my partner the other day that he confirmation about when season 2 will release,
greeted with plenty was my hobby. I see reading as something although the studio is expected to make an
Taylor-Joy and McRae celebrating their joint birthday. – INSTAGRAM of birthday wishes that I have to do,” she said. announcement very soon.

“He loved it because he’s the same. I’ve Invincible, based on Robert Kirkman’s comic
finally found someone who will happily sit in series of the same name, follows the story of
silence with me reading. We’re basically 80 Mark Grayson, a high schooler and the son of
years old and seven at the same time, and it the world’s most powerful superhero Omni-
works really well.” Man, who is later revealed to have been sent to
facilitate Earth’s conquest by the Viltrumite
Is aespa going to perform at Coachella? Empire.

RECENTLY, fans of K-pop group aespa have right now in the US. confirmed for quite some time, additional The series, which features a main voice cast
been wondering about the not-so-subtle Soon afterwards, the members began surprise guests are expected to perform at of Yeun, Sandra Oh, and J.K. Simmons, received
hints the girls have been dropping on their Coachella’s DoLaB. critical acclaim, with fans and critics praising
social media accounts. updating the group’s official Instagram story just about everything, from its storyline to its
with a series of posts, all asking questions If the fans are correct, aespa will be only action sequences.
First, the girls sent a series of random, about travel and things to do while in the second K-pop group to take the stage
unrelated Bubble messages, reading: “Koalas California, where Coachella is being held. since BLACKPINK joined the festival’s 2019
are cute”, “Cello, I want to try learning it” and lineup.
“Ramen sounds tasty”. Fans began to speculate the the group
were indicating that they would be travelling Right now, there has been no
Some fans pieced together the first to perform over at the music festival for its confirmation, but hopefully as the weekend
syllables of each message, which read: “Ko- second weekend, which takes place from draws closer, aespa will make an
Cell-Ra”, a homonym for Coachella, the April 22 to 24. announcement if they indeed will be
recently revived music festival taking place performing.
While the full Coachella lineup has been

Aespa teasing Yuen is shown back in the recording booth. –
their fans online. TWITTER
– INSTAGRAM

READ OUR HERE SCAN 17theSun LYFE ON WEDNESDAY | APRIL 20, 2022
ME
/thesundaily Nelson Dilipkumar’s
Beast is an action
Beast is Vijay’s 65th film after the box 0Cast: Vijay,
office hit Master.– INDIAN EXPRESS Pooja Hegde, thriller with several
VTV Ganesh, applause-worthy
Selvaraghavan, moments. –
Yogi Babu TWITTER/@SUN
PICTURES

0Director:
Nelson
Dilipkumar

E-VALUE 8
ACTING 9
PLOT
7

█ BY THASHINE SELVAKUMARAN Beast, a stylishly

AFTER creating a strong shot action thriller
impression with his
distinctively engaging films, oVijay and Pooja Hegde entertain in
director Nelson Dilipkumar Nelson Dilipkumar’s action comedy hit
makes a massive leap to attempt
something really bold with Vijay, who does not go about preaching what is than that, Beast will definitely Vijay and Pooja Hegde in a still from Beast. – TWITTER/@SUNPICTURES
is unquestionably one of India’s right or wrong. Only when things entertain and engage you, regardless
greatest stars. become personal does he vow to of whether you are a Vijay fan or not.
rescue the mall hostages. And the way
In Beast, Vijay plays Veera his scenes were filmed in the movie Apart from Thalapathy and
Raghavan, a RAW agent who risks his will make anyone fall in love with him Nelson’s humour, Anirudh’s music is
life to assist in the apprehension of just because of his charm and screen another pillar of the film. His
terrorist mastermind Umar Farooq. presence. Beast will keep you background score elevates the stunt
However, the death of an innocent girl entertained, but if you think about the sequences to a new level, and this is
during the mission prompts Veera to storyline too much, you will notice that one of those rare films in which the
resign from his work due to remorse the script takes cinematic liberties that music, cinematography, and editing
and the betrayal of his support team. will question logic. all work in tandem.

One thing leads to another, and our Pooja Hegde is super attractive and Accepting Beast’s unsubtle,
hero gets a girlfriend (Pooja Hegde) does a good job as Veera’s love interest. inconsistent, and even absurd terms
and ends up in a mall that has been The other characters appear to be and conditions is the main key to enjoy
taken over by terrorists, who demand doing very little. It’s impossible to the movie. Vijay is in top form as he
that the government release their select a single notable moment from performs a beastly performance. Vijay
leader, Umar Farooq. their performances. However, a more seems at ease and gives a stunning
powerful antagonist would have performance, whether it’s through his
His former colleagues who get a improved the film much more. Other style, dance, or dialogue delivery.
hint of his presence at the mall
approach him for help. Veera is told by Beast is now playing in theatres.
the government that he is their best
hope. How Veera saves the hostages in
the mall and destroys the terrorists
forms the story of Beast.

It’s a basic action-comedy that
combines aspects of a hostage
situation with terrorists involved. Vijay
appears to be in great shape, and his
character is undeniably mean. He

SPRITE collabs with YOUNGOHM on new song Putting on the pounds

GROUNDBREAKING rapper and MARK WAHLBERG has a famously played by Teresa Ruiz (”Narcos”),
young rising talent from the Eastside punishing physical routine that has and sets out to win her heart by
of Thailand, SPRITE – also known as kept the 50-year-old in enviable going to her church.
the first Thai Artist to have a track shape. But for his latest outing,
charted highest at No. 89 on Father Stu, he had to ditch the He then decides he will become
Billboard – is pushing Thailand’s training and eat. A lot. a priest, despite the scepticism of
music scene onto the international his parents, played by Jacki Weaver
arena. “Porterhouse steaks, baked and Mel Gibson.
SPRITE’s talent in songwriting is potatoes, a dozen eggs every
reflected in his ability to combine morning, a dozen pieces of bacon, He must also face his biggest
different types of music and create a two bowls of white rice, a glass of challenge: a diagnosis of a
unique sound, through genres of olive oil,“ he tells AFP. degenerative disease that will rob
Rap, hip-hop and even Thai country. him of the use of his body.
He debuted in the Thai hip-hop “Lots of high protein for the first
scene from Show Me The Money two weeks; second two weeks, we For Wahlberg, who also
Season 2 , as 1st runner up, which he had lots of starch. And then the last produced the movie, the real-life
blew audiences away with his two weeks, we had lots of sodium story of Father Stu is a departure
talents, vocal skills and ability to to kind of get the bloating effect, from previous action outings like
handle fierce rap competition, but but not fun at all.” Mile 22 and Uncharted – but, he
this only marks the beginning of his insists, not unexpected.
amazing artistic journey. The physical transformation
SPRITE abruptly rose to fame from taut athlete to out-of-shape “It’s an unusual role, but it’s also
with his second release Ton, this and overweight was in aid of his (a) pretty obvious choice if you
record-breaking single, created a role as Stuart Long, an amateur kind of know me and my own
viral trend on TikTok leading to boxer who hangs up his gloves personal journey and what I’m
astonishing stream numbers with after an injury and moves to looking to do as I get older and try
Hollywood to become an actor. to find things that have a little bit
more meaning and purpose,“ he
Long then meets Carmen, told AFP. – ETX Studio

over 100 million views in a few Mark Wahlberg
weeks, moreover, SPRITE had also put on 30
received Best New Asian Artist 2021 pounds for his
at Mnet Asian Music Awards. role in Father
This huge viral wave of Ton had Stu.– COLUMBIA
gained him a tight-knit fan base PICTURES
locally and international, creating a veteran rapper YOUNGOHM, the intense feelings of lust. Both the
miracle for Thai hip- song tells the tale of lyrics and tunes for KIMINOTO let
hop scenes and has the two rappers listeners see a new side of these two
also inspired the New Scan the QR secretly crushing on a rappers.
Wave to pursue their code to cute girl – the
dreams. watch the euphoria of being The music video has already
MV swept away and the garnered more than 11 million views
Teaming up with on YouTube.

18 theSun LYFE ON WEDNESDAY | APRIL 20, 2022 With Songcraft,
songwriting has
sEoffnogrwtleristsing never been
easier. –123RF
oSongcraft is the first all-in-one
online platform for songwriters &
writing a song has never been so easy

█ BY MARIETTA MU On the right of the editor is the built-in to your song. With the progression generator string.
dictionary. Under the dictionary, there are three function, Songcraft gives you thousands of Within your song editor, you’ll see a blue
GABE Grazier G’Sell is the founder & tabs – rhymes, synonyms, and related words – so chord progressions for you to choose from,
CEO of Songcraft, an online that you’ll always find the perfect word. which you can randomise and cycle through. Insert Tab icon to the right of any selected line
songwriting platform and tab builder. where you can add your tabs. By default, it
The app combines an intuitive In the editor, you can also work on your This helps a lot when you’re out of ideas or would be a guitar tab in standard tuning.
workspace with integrated tools and real-time chords. You can do so by typing the key you just need a fresh idea. When you play it through
collaboration to produce the ultimate creative want above your lyrics and it will be in blue. and like what you hear, the pro version even The Easy Tab Builder allows you to play any
songwriting platform. Once you write your first set of chords down, allows you to save them for later. If not, you can chord on guitar, ukulele, mandolin, banjo, in
Songcraft will automatically detect what key just write them down or drag them to the editor. any tuning you want. You can easily navigate
Songcraft puts your lyrics, chords, tabs, and your song. around the staff with your arrow keys, adding
recordings all in one place, with features like Another cool feature in the editor is that you hammer-ons, pull-offs, or bends without having
chord recognisation, easy tab builder, built-in Since it recognises chords automatically, you can hover over the chords and it’ll show you the to tab your guitar solos with countless hyphens.
dictionary and collaboration features. can also transpose all of the chords in your song guitar finger placements for the chord. You can
How to write your first song with Songcraft with one click. click on the buttons below to see what kind of Songcraft is for all songwriters from
The first step is to create a new song with the string instruments you want to play it on too. beginners to advanced. If you’re just getting
song creator, where you’ll work on your lyrics There is also the chord explorer function Tab building started, Songcraft provides the tools you need to
and chords. In the song creator interface, the where you can explore all the chords that will With Songcraft, you can insert tabs right into write your first song, and if you’re an
editor on the left allows you to see the syllable sound cohesive in the key your song is in. your song with Easy Tab Builder for your six- experienced songwriter, the app can help you
count as you write your lyrics. manage your songwriting process.
When you click on the chords, you can even Teamwork makes the dream work
In songwriting, lyric setting is the process of hear what they sound like and even drag them Since collaboration is an integral part of
placing lyrics in the context of musical rhythm Songcraft, the platform supports real-time
so that the lyrics go with the music’s rhythm to Out of ideas? Cycle through thousand of chord progressions on Songcraft! collaborative editing, shared recordings,
preserve the natural shape of the language and commenting, text chat and even video chat. Just
promote natural rhythm, meaning and like a Google doc, you can invite cowriters by
emotion. email or share a view-only link.

How you can edit tabs easily with the Easy Tab Builder. In August last year, they introduced Version
History, which was one of the most commonly
requested features. With Version History,
songwriters won’t have to maintain several
versions of a song until they narrow in their final
cut. Instead, they will now have the confidence
and freedom to write and re-write their songs
and they won’t have to worry about their cat
walking over their keyboard and messing up
their song either.

Need to capture that melody idea before you
forget it? Songcraft even has a built-in audio
recorder. Upload a recording, attach an external
demo, or even record a new clip without leaving
Songcraft.

Instead of spending too much time
managing notes, documents, folders, and voice
memos, Songcraft’s Library lets you search, tag,
and organize your songs all in one place. Attach
a demo from your computer, Soundcloud,
Spotify or Youtube.

Since Songcraft runs right in your browser on
any device, you don’t even need to download an
app. Your work is saved automatically and
instantly.

With the basic free plan, you can write up to
five Songs and get one rotating weekly exercise
that changes every Monday. With just $5 (~RM
21) a month, Songcraft’s pro version will allow
you to write unlimited songs, get access to 15
interactive songwriting exercise videos, and
gives you the ability to collaborate.

19theSun LYFE ON WEDNESDAY | APRIL 20, 2022

Steps to manifesting your dream job
oYou may be following some of these strategies
already. But if not, now’s the time to start

█ BY THASHINE SELVAKUMARAN believe “I am not good at job interviews”,
reverse it to “I am good at job interviews”. These
HAVE you ever wondered why good make the most powerful and effective
things comes easy to some people, affirmations. Repeat them as often as you can.
while others struggle? The answer is
actually simple. They must have Show gratitude
gotten their manifestation techniques correct Gratitude is an instant energy booster you can
either consciously or subconsciously. We’ve all use in the manifestation process. You can make
heard the phrase “you get what you give.” With this part of your daily routine. Think of all the
manifesting, the practice of intentionally good things that happened to you and allow the
creating what you want, this takes on a whole feeling of thankfulness to well up in your mind.
new meaning – one that revolves around the During the
concept of energy. manifestation
process, you are
Do you know imagining that your
that all of us are goal is already
manifesting all the manifested. Use
time, even without this opportunity to
being aware of it? give thanks to the
By understanding Universe for helping
how it works and you get your dream job.
how you can Feeling grateful for the
improve your techniques, blessings already
you can channel your received is
energy on the right path and powerful. Giving
manifest exactly thanks in advance
what you want. helps you
become an Don’t try to vibrations seeping away
To manifest energetic match take control of the from your body and mind.
something is to to your desire quickly. outcome as this Do not let negative people
clearly focus on and isn’t going to pull you down and embrace
think about it, to Understand that you may work. You have to every challenge comes your
secure yourself in a be obstructing your be patient, way. Replace every negative
mindset where you so firmly manifestations continue
believe in what you’re There’s always this hit of working action with a positive
manifesting, that it is bound to negativity, this “reality” that bites us and tells us towards outcome. One day
come your way. To summarise we’re wrong. This negative voice in your head is your goals, soon, you will realize
it in one sentence: the energies what is constraining you. Everyone has this little and wait
you exude will attract the same kind of energies voice and for some, the voice is a lot louder. for the that finding your
in return. Here you will find how to manifest This eventually builds up into anxiety, and you universe to dream job was
your dream job, explained in simple steps. shouldn’t let anxiety stand in your way of a allow things effortless all along!
Clarify what you want positive mental wellbeing. These negative to align.
The key to manifesting is to feel the energy of beliefs are usually picked up as children. Think positive Now that you’re
what you’d like to experience. Does this require Negative energy, self-doubt, all of this is When the going gets tough, sure about what job you want
work on your part? Of course it does! While the blocking you from manifesting a new job and and you feel like your and have the right mindset,
universe does want to help you out and give you career. Acknowledge this weakness and begin dream job can’t become a get cracking into some action.
the best, you still need to work towards your replacing negative thoughts with positive reality, always remember Look for courses and classes
goals. You’ll have to clarify what you want and affirmations. that positivity creates that will help you enhance
why you want it. The more specific you can be, miracles. Change your way of thinking, if the skills required for the job.
the better it will get. Make a list of precisely what Don’t try to control the outcome all you ever thought about was how you can’t Network around and
you want because this list helps you clarify your It is important to know that you just can’t sit and achieve anything. Have a positive outlook introduce yourself to as
intentions and access a vibrant mental picture let things come to you. You still need to help the towards life, and you can feel the negative many people as you can.
of what you desire. You need to set your universe and work for what you want as well. Grab every opportunity you
intention when you’re writing this down. When can and don’t leave out hard work. That’s
you clarify what you want to feel, you can start very important. It won’t be too long till you find
to tap into those feelings. that dream letter at your doorstep.
Visualise reaching your goals
An important component in knowing how to Put yourself in the right head-space
manifest anything is to point your energy and work towards landing your
towards attraction. Once you have set those dream job. – 123RF
clear intentions, take time each day to soak in
the feeling of what you want. This can be done
in various ways, but popular ones are
meditation and visioning exercises. Remember,
if you want this to become a reality, you’re going
to have to visualise yourself experiencing this
job and truly feel it. Feel the happiness and
pressure that this dream job has. The more you
take time to feel the feeling of what you
ultimately desire, the closer you will be to
attaining it. Carve time out of each day to take
action. Sit in your favourite outdoor spot or walk
a quiet path and really envision yourself where
you want to be. Visualise yourself sitting in an
office, wearing a suit, chatting with coworkers,
clients, working on projects, essentially
everything that you want to have from your job
will need to be visualised.

Recognise your limiting beliefs
Your belief system is a mishmash of ideas
collected over a lifetime. Some of them are from
your own past experiences, while you must
have gained others from your environment.
This means some of your beliefs may not agree
with your dreams. Or even contradict them.
When you have limiting beliefs, it would be
impossible to realise your dreams. To succeed
in manifestation, you need to identify and
eliminate such mental blocks that do not
conform with your dream. Once you have
identified them, list them and turn them
around into affirmations. For example, if you

20 theSun LYFE ON WEDNESDAY | APRIL 20, 2022

Never too late
oMSU continues to widen access to
higher education for adult learners

ICON Lau Ay Kuen made up his meeting deadlines on assignments Icon Lau Ay Kuen (left) with MSU President, Prof Tan Sri Dato’ Wira Dr Mohd Shukri Ab Yajid after receiving the President’s List Award.
mind to pursue a Diploma in and tasks from the lecturers. Overall, I
Translation and Interpreting at really enjoyed the experiences, University (MSU) through the lack academic qualifications. The comprehensive education in
Management and Science including being surrounded by much Continuing & Extended Education APEL C pathway provides credit preferred areas of study. These
University (MSU). He has a sound younger colleagues and classmates.” Centre (CEdEC) offers breakthrough transfer for entry into diploma stackable programmes will allow for
background as a translator and ways for working adults wishing to programmes right up to PhD. exemptions into academic
interpreter with 20 years of Being an adult learner with a further their studies as well as programmes at MSU.
experience, including four years of greater sense of maturity along with enhance their skills and knowledge. APEL C or Accreditation of Prior
teaching Mandarin and English in long life experiences, Lau is more A wide range of programmes is Experiential Learning via Credit Lifelong learners from all walks of
secondary school after graduating likely to be focused, motivated and offered with the student’s Transfer allows the assessment of life may access MSU’s range of
with a basic teaching certificate from achievement-oriented. convenience as well as their credits against matching modules in undergraduate as well as
Maktab Perguruan Ipoh in 1991. educational and professional a programme of study. Once an APEL postgraduate programmes, and
All the hard work was worthwhile backgrounds in mind. C applicant’s competency level is choose from a variety of study modes
After many years in Sabah, he when he received the President’s List Accreditation of Prior Experiential determined, those credits can to fit their situation best: whether to
returned to his home town in Award from the university as an Learning (APEL) returns shorten his or her entire study attend classes on the weekdays, the
Tanjung Malim, Perak to look after his acknowledgement of his strong will opportunities lost to education put duration considerably, saving time weekends, or in the evenings or to opt
mother, and at the same time explore and ability to maintain his excellent on hold, with flexible learning at and money. for virtual learning that runs via video
other opportunities available. grades. MSU. conference supported by online
Introduced and approved by the Another flexible option for adult discussion.
Knowing well his skills and Among the materials that he had Malaysian Qualifications Agency learners to pursue their education is a
capabilities in translation and translated include testimonies from (MQA), APEL widens access to micro-credential programme. Its For a full range and information
interpreting, the family members magazines, fiction, novels, higher education for adult learners offer offers industry in-demand on flexible programmes offered at
encouraged him to get a formal inspirational quotes, business write- who are richly work-experienced yet programmes that provide flexible and MSU, please call 03-5521 6868, email
certificate from a qualified ups and research papers. made easy learning assessments that [email protected], or visit
institution. shall fulfil his or her needs for www.msu.edu.my
He is also a certified HRDF trainer.
His search for higher institutions His experience as a teacher also has
that offered courses related to offered him the opportunity to teach
translation and interpreting Mandarin at MSU.
eventually led him to MSU.
“It was an honour to serve the
Lau explained: “The flexible university because teaching is my
learning mode at MSU gives me the true passion, and I always enjoy
freedom and allows me to learn at my sharing knowledge with others.
own pace, which is within the Hopefully, I can work until my very
academic timetable and can be done last breath to benefit more people
at any time from any place. around me.”

“As I am self-employed, flexible There’s one Chinese proverb that
learning provides me with full control always reminds and inspires him that
and accountability for learning and to no one is too old to learn something
balance with other commitments. new. The proverb says: “Live until
Rather than having to attend classes you’re old, study until you’re old.”
as a requirement of conventional
learning, I am able to decide and As for Lau, earning this diploma
allocate time to study at my will never stop him from learning and
convenience. moving forward. Age is just a number,
and he would like to pursue more
“The biggest challenge is always success in the future.

Management and Science

21theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | APRIL 20, 2022

* SPORTS

As good as it gets
NOVAK DJOKOVIC said yesterday
302 Jobs 322 Notices 322 Notices that he is aiming to be “as ready as Djokovic doing all he
I can be” for the French Open as he can do to be ready for
WE ARE HIRING IN THE MATTER OF prepares for just his third French Open
THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 tournament of the season in Belgrade this
ASSISTANT MANAGER 322 Notices week. Monte Carlo Masters last week to eventual r
AND unner-up Alejandro Davidovich Fokina,
ADVERTISING SALES & MARKETING IN THE MATTER OF The world No. 1 was deported from after a quarterfinal exit in Dubai in
Job Description: CREATIVE SUBSTANCE SDN. BHD. Australia ahead of the Australian Open in February.
[Registration No. 200601036799 January over his Covid vaccination status,
• Building and sustaining strong working relationships with before also missing Indian Wells and the “I was not fully ready for the tournament
advertising clients. (756558-T)] Miami Open in the United States. in Monte Carlo and I knew that before the
(Members’ Voluntary Winding Up) tournament started,” he said.
• Drive to perform and bring in sales revenue for the company on all At a General Meeting of the members of Creative In the Serbian star’s absence, Rafael
media platforms. Substance Sdn. Bhd. duly convened and held at Nadal won a record 21st Grand Slam singles “However, I need match practice and this
108 (2nd Floor), Jalan Raja Ekram, 30450 Ipoh, title in Melbourne, moving out of a tie with is the surface (clay) that requires a lot of time
• Plan and executive new, creative, exciting and innovative Perak on 15 April 2022, the following resolutions Djokovic and Roger Federer. spent on the court during training sessions,
marketing campaigns for the company as Special Resolutions were duly passed:- and even more during matches.
1) That the Company be liquidated by way of Djokovic will be hoping to match his
• Develop and continuously improve marketing materials, members’ voluntary winding up pursuant to great rival’s tally at the French Open, which “I hope to play more matches in Belgrade
product/service presentations and proposals. Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act 2016. begins on May 22. than in Monte Carlo.”
2) That Mr. Lee Hoong Ch’ng of Peter Lee
• Work closely with the respective department to improve revenue Consultancy (M) Sdn. Bhd. of 108 (2nd “Roland Garros is the quintessential clay- Djokovic won an ATP event in the
generating platforms. Floor), Jalan Raja Ekram, 30450 Ipoh, Perak court tournament and I’m partly already Serbian capital last season, the week before
be and is hereby appointed as Liquidator of there in my thoughts, in terms of the start of the French Open, which he won
Requirements: the Company for the purpose of winding-up preparation and everything I’m doing at the for the second time despite trailing Stefanos
and that he be indemnified by the Company moment to get there as ready as I can be,” Tsitsipas by two sets in the final.
• Minimum Diploma/Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or against all costs, charges, losses, expenses Djokovic told reporters in Belgrade.
any other related field. and liabilities incurred or sustained by him in “I had never before played a tournament
the execution and discharge of his duties in The 34-year-old also said he was in the week ahead of Roland Garros but last
• Minimum 5 years of experience in sales and marketing in print relation thereto. planning to play in the Madrid Masters and year I decided to do just that.
and digital media 3) That the Liquidator be and is hereby the Italian Open ahead of Roland Garros.
authorised to distribute all or such parts of “Because it was Belgrade and I needed
• Good communication, presentation, problem solving and the assets of the Company either in cash, “My current plans include Madrid and the feeling that the audience is the wind
organizational skills specie or in kind amongst the contributories Rome,“ he added. beneath my wings. It came true, I won the
in accordance with his respective rights tournament, and it turned out I made a good
• Possess own transport and willing to travel and interest therein costs, charges, losses, “It depends, really, on my result here and decision ahead of the French Open.” – AFP
• Able to start immediately if successfully chosen expenses and liabilities incurred or sustained the shape I’m in. We’ll decide then.”
• Successful candidate(s) will be based in the Petaling Jaya office by him in the execution and discharge of his
duties in relation thereto. Djokovic lost in his opening match of the
SENIOR EXECUTIVE Chong Gim Guan
Director Barty signs up for golf celebrity series
DIGITAL MARKETING Ipoh
Job Description: Date: 20 April 2022 FORMER tennis world No. 1 Ash Barty has native Australia.
added fuel to speculation that her post- Among the others involved in the series
• Design and develop online marketing strategies, digital roadmap IN THE MATTER OF retirement sporting career will focus on
and creative campaigns that aligned with the business goals and THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 golf by signing up for a series of exhibition are football’s Pep Guardiola and Harry
directions. tournaments featuring 23 other celebrities Kane, multiple Olympic swimming
AND from the world of sport. champion Michael Phelps, boxers Canelo
• Provide creative ideas for content marketing. IN THE MATTER OF Alvarez and Oscar De La Hoya as well as
• Manage all digital marketing channels CREATIVE SUBSTANCE SDN. BHD. Barty, who retired at the age of 25 last American football’s Ben Roethlisberger.
• Plan and manage social media platforms. [Registration No. 200601036799 month, will represent a rest of the world
• Able to create content & produce graphics for social media team captained by Ernie Els against a Barty, who won three Grand Slam titles
(756558-T)] United States team led by another major over her tennis career, plays off a handicap
postings. (Members’ Voluntary Winding Up) winner, Fred Couples. of four at her golf club in Queensland and
• Prepare copywriting for the marketing campaign. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the creditors is engaged to a trainee professional.
of the abovenamed company which is being The first event in the Icons Series will
Requirements: wound up voluntarily, are required on or before take place at Liberty National in New Golf Hall of Famer and compatriot
19 May 2022 to send in their names and Jersey in June with further tournaments Karrie Webb said last month that Barty had
• Diploma/Degree in Marketing, Digital Marketing or equivalent. addresses and the particulars of their debts or planned for Europe, Asia and Barty’s the talent to be amateur golf champion of
• Minimum 3 years of experience in implementing digital claims and the names and addresses of their Australia one day. – Reuters
solicitors (if any) to the undersigned Liquidator
marketing strategies of the Company, and if so required in writing
• Excellent understanding of digital marketing concepts and from the Liquidator, are by their solicitors or
personally to come in and prove the said debts
best practices. or claims at such time and place as shall be
• Required Skill(s): Google Adwords, Google Analytics, SEO/SEM, specified in such notice or in default thereof
they will be excluded from the benefit of any
social media marketing and optimization. distribution made before such debts or claims
• Team player are proved.
• Good time-management skills Ipoh
• Great interpersonal and communication skills Date: 20 April 2022
Lee Hoong Ch’ng
Office based in Petaling Jaya (5 days a week) Liquidator
Closing date - 30 April 2022 c/o Peter Lee Consultancy (M) Sdn. Bhd.
108 (2nd Floor), Jalan Raja Ekram
Send in your CV with your photo via email to : 30450 Ipoh, Perak
[email protected]
322 Notices

DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI
KUALA LUMPUR

(BAHAGIAN DAGANG)
PETISYEN NO (PENGGULUNGAN

SYARIKAT) NO.
WA-28NCC-183-03/2022

Dalam perkara Seksyen 465 (1)(e) dan
Seksyen 466 Akta Syarikat 2016

Dan

Dalam Perkara Kaedah-Kaedah Things looking up for Spieth
(Penggulungan) Syarikat, 1972

Dan

322 Notices 322 Notices Dalam Perkara PROFICIENT RESOURCES
SDN BHD (No. Syarikat: 199801006852
(462979-T)

ANTARA JORDAN SPIETH hadn’t won since much of the field was still playing. Only
Easter Sunday of 2021. His first career Patrick Cantlay managed to match
IN THE MATTER OF IN THE MATTER OF PAINT MARKETING CO. (M) SDN BHD missed cut at the Masters raised Spieth, who returned to the course
THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 (No. Syarikat: 197001000918 (10196-V) … reasonable questions about and defeated Cantlay on the first hole
whether the three-time major of a playoff.
AND AND PEMPETISYEN winner was headed for another The missed Masters cut might
IN THE MATTER OF IN THE MATTER OF slump. have driven Spieth at Harbour Town
BHARAT OIL PALM PLANTATIONS SDN. BHD. BHARAT TEA TRADING SDN. BHD. DAN Golf Links.
[Registration No. 200801021987 [Registration No. 200801022353 But Spieth bounced back from his “I never missed a cut at the Masters
PROFICIENT RESOURCES SDN BHD Masters letdown and won on Easter before and very rarely had not had
(823305-T)] (823672-P)] (No. Syarikat: 199801006852 for the second straight year, this a chance to win on the
(Members’ Voluntary Winding Up) (Members’ Voluntary Winding Up) (462979-T) time taking the title at weekend,” Spieth said
At a General Meeting of the members of Bharat At a General Meeting of the members of Bharat the RBC Heritage, yesterday. “So I hated
Oil Palm Plantations Sdn. Bhd. duly convened Tea Trading Sdn. Bhd. duly convened and held …RESPONDEN which boosted him it.
and held at 108 (2nd Floor), Jalan Raja Ekram, at 108 (2nd Floor), Jalan Raja Ekram, 30450 10 spots in the “It was the worst
30450 Ipoh, Perak on 15 April 2022, the Ipoh, Perak on 15 April 2022, the following IKLAN PETISYEN Official World Golf feeling. It was the
following resolutions as Special Resolutions resolutions as Special Resolutions were duly Ranking worst feeling as a
were duly passed:- passed:- NOTIS ADALAH DENGAN INI DIBERI bahawa yesterday from golfer that I can
1) That the Company be liquidated by way of 1) That the Company be liquidated by way of suatu Petisyen untuk penggulungan No. 20 to No. 10. remember. It’s my
members’ voluntary winding up pursuant to members’ voluntary winding up pursuant Syarikat yang dinamakan di atas oleh favorite
Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act 2016. to Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act Mahkamah Tinggi telah, pada 07.03.2022, It’s his first tournament in
2) That Mr. Lee Hoong Ch’ng of Peter Lee 2016. dikemukakan oleh PAINT MARKETING CO. appearance in the world, and I
Consultancy (M) Sdn. Bhd. of 108 (2nd 2) That Mr. Lee Hoong Ch’ng of Peter Lee (M) SDN BHD. the top 10 just love
Floor), Jalan Raja Ekram, 30450 Ipoh, Perak Consultancy (M) Sdn. Bhd. of 108 (2nd since the end contending at
be and is hereby appointed as Liquidator of Floor), Jalan Raja Ekram, 30450 Ipoh, Perak DAN bahawa Petisyen tersebut diarahkan of the 2017- that event.”
the Company for the purpose of winding-up be and is hereby appointed as Liquidator of supaya dibicarakan di hadapan mahkamah 18 PGA Tour Cantlay took
and that he be indemnified by the Company the Company for the purpose of winding-up yang bersidang di Kuala Lumpur pada season. He second place for
against all costs, charges, losses, expenses and that he be indemnified by the Company 13.07.2022. started that the second time this
and liabilities incurred or sustained by him in against all costs, charges, losses, expenses season ranked season after winning
the execution and discharge of his duties in and liabilities incurred or sustained by him DAN mana-mana pihak pemiutang atau second in the the FedEx Cup in 2021.
relation thereto. in the execution and discharge of his duties penyumbang Syarikat tersebut yang ingin world and Shane Lowry of Ireland
3) That the Liquidator be and is hereby in relation thereto. menyokong atau menentang sesuatu wound up was one of seven
authorised to distribute all or such parts of 3) That the Liquidator be and is hereby perintah mengikut Petisyen tersebut boleh 10th. golfers tied for third,
the assets of the Company either in cash, authorised to distribute all or such parts of hadir dengan tujuan itu secara peribadi one stroke behind
specie or in kind amongst the contributories the assets of the Company either in cash, atau melalui peguambelanya pada masa Spieth shot a Spieth and Cantlay. –
in accordance with his respective rights specie or in kind amongst the contributories perbicaraan. Salinan Petisyen tersebut akan final-round 66 Field Level Media
and interest therein costs, charges, losses, in accordance with his respective rights dibekalkan oleh pihak yang bertandatangan early to set the
expenses and liabilities incurred or sustained and interest therein costs, charges, di bawah ini kepada mana-mana pemiutang clubhouse lead at
by him in the execution and discharge of his losses, expenses and liabilities incurred atau penyumbang Syarikat tersebut yang 13-under 271 while
duties in relation thereto. or sustained by him in the execution and memintanya dengan membuat bayaran
Dato’ Sri Kesav Kumar Agarwal discharge of his duties in relation thereto. yang ditetapkan.
Director Dato’ Sri Kesav Kumar Agarwal
Ipoh Director Alamat Pempetisyen adalah 1-17, Taman
Date: 20 April 2022 Ipoh Perindustrian Subang Utama, Jalan SU 4,
Date: 20 April 2022 40300 Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan.
IN THE MATTER OF
THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 IN THE MATTER OF Peguamcara Pempetisyen ialan Tetuan
THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 Zailan & Co. beralamat di Lot 6.10, Tingkat
AND 6, Wisma Central, Jalan Ampang, 50450
IN THE MATTER OF AND Kuala Lumpur.
BHARAT OIL PALM PLANTATIONS SDN. BHD. IN THE MATTER OF
[Registration No. 200801021987 BHARAT TEA TRADING SDN. BHD. t.t
[Registration No. 200801022353 ………………………
(823305-T)]
(Members’ Voluntary Winding Up) (823672-P)] Tetuan Zailan & Co
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the creditors (Members’ Voluntary Winding Up) Peguamcara Pempetisyen
of the abovenamed company which is being NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the creditors
wound up voluntarily, are required on or before of the abovenamed company which is being NOTA:
the 19 May 2022 to send in their names and wound up voluntarily, are required on or before
addresses and the particulars of their debts or the 19 May 2022 to send in their names and Sesiapa yang ingin hadir pada Jordan Spieth poses with the trophy after winning the RBC Heritage in a playoff at
claims and the names and addresses of their addresses and the particulars of their debts or perbicaraan Petisyen tersebut hendaklah Harbor Town Golf Links yesterday in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. – AFPPIX
solicitors (if any) to the undersigned Liquidator claims and the names and addresses of their menyampaikan, atau menghantar dengan
of the Company, and if so required in writing solicitors (if any) to the undersigned Liquidator pos, kepada Tetuan Zailan & Co yang
from the Liquidator, are by their solicitors or of the Company, and if so required in writing dinamakan di atas suatu notis bertulis
personally to come in and prove the said debts from the Liquidator, are by their solicitors or tentang niatnya sebegitu. Notis tersebut
or claims at such time and place as shall be personally to come in and prove the said debts mestilah menyatakan nama dan alamat
specified in such notice or in default thereof or claims at such time and place as shall be pihak berkenaan, atau jika ia sebuah firma,
they will be excluded from the benefit of any specified in such notice or in default thereof nama dan alamat firma, dan mestilah
distribution made before such debts or claims they will be excluded from the benefit of any ditandatangani oleh pihak atau firma
are proved. distribution made before such debts or claims berkenaan atau peguamcaranya, jika ada.
Ipoh are proved. Notis hendaklah disampaikan, atau jika
Date: 20 April 2022 Ipoh dihantar dengan pos, hendaklah dihantar
Lee Hoong Ch’ng Date: 20 April 2022 dalam jangka masa mencukupi, supaya
Liquidator Lee Hoong Ch’ng sampai kepada pihak yang dinamakan
c/o Peter Lee Consultancy (M) Sdn. Bhd. Liquidator di atas sebelum pukul 12 pm pada 12
108 (2nd Floor), Jalan Raja Ekram c/o Peter Lee Consultancy (M) Sdn. Bhd. haribulan Julai, 2022 (sehari sebelum tarikh
30450 Ipoh, Perak 108 (2nd Floor), Jalan Raja Ekram yang ditetapkan untuk perbicaraan Petisyen
30450 Ipoh, Perak tersebut.
IKLAN PETISYEN ini diisukan oleh Tetuan
Zailan & Co yang beralamat di Lot 6.10,
Tingkat 6, Wisma Central, Jalan Ampang,
50450 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel : 03-21649909
Faks: 03-21628596
Emel: [email protected]
Ruj: ZCKL/L/18796/2020 (SO)

22 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | APRIL 20, 2022
SPORTS

NAPOLI’S bid for a first Serie A title in El Shaarawy dents Napoli’s title hopes opponent we face, whether it’s a team
32 years suffered a massive setback fighting for the Scudetto or one already
yesterday as Stephan El Shaarawy’s hoping to lift a first Scudetto since the regret, though, comes from the final the gap to fourth-placed Juventus to relegated.
injury-time equaliser snatched a 1-1 second Diego Maradona-inspired stretch of the match. three points.
draw for Roma. triumph in 1990, but this bad- “Today it seemed that we did not
tempered draw could prove decisive “We didn’t do well at keeping hold The former Manchester United have the right to play to win. (VAR
Lorenzo Insigne’s early penalty come the end of the campaign. of the ball even though our midfielders manager took aim at the match official) Mr Di Paolo, not to mention
looked to have put third-placed Napoli were fresh.” officials, suggesting that teams fighting (referee) Mr Di Bello made me feel
on track to move within two points of “There’s a bit of disappointment, I for the Serie A title were being ashamed at least twice, the red to
league leaders AC Milan with five thought we conducted ourselves well “But then we conceded a goal that favoured by officials in a post-match (Napoli defender Alessandro) Zanoli
matches remaining, but El Shaarawy’s in this game for the most part,” Spalletti was completely avoidable from a outburst. which was not given, and for the
late intervention left them four points told DANZ. tactical point of view… we suffered too penalty not given to (Roma attacker
behind. much after the break.” “There are teams that play to win Nicolo) Zaniolo.
“We were up against a strong team the Scudetto, we don’t,” Mourinho told
Reigning champions Inter Milan are that gave us problems on a few The point was not much help to the DAZN. “But we still have the right to “Luckily they (the officials) found
two points behind their city rivals in occasions. Obviously the biggest top-four hopes of Jose Mourinho’s play to win games, regardless of the nothing in our goal to nullify it. But
second place, but with a game in hand. Roma, who missed the chance to cut enough, I ask for a little respect.” –
AFP/Agencies
Luciano Spalletti’s Napoli are Xavi slams limp Barca
Chahal
BRIEFS Catalans’s top-four finish in danger after shock defeat by Cadiz celebrates
Fury gets Whyte BARCELONA’S place in La hattrick in
warning Liga’s top four looks much leaders Real Madrid feel and determination. It’s been a really signature style
less secure after they uncomfortable are surely over, with bad week and we have to turn things
FORMER boxing great Carl suffered a surprise 1-0 Madrid 15 points clear at the top, around as soon as possible. YUZVENDRA CHAHAL (pix) had
Froch believes Dillian Whyte defeat at home to relegation-battling having played a game more. promised to recreate his signature
can stun the world and upset Cadiz yesterday. “The players are pissed off. I’ve pose from the 2019 World Cup if
heavyweight champion Tyson “We must be self-critical,” said tried to encourage them after the he did something special in the
Fury when the two Brits Lucas Perez’s close-range finish Xavi. “We have to say things to each match, but we must compete better. Indian Premier League so when
contest the WBC title in front early in the second half condemned others’ faces. This is Barca and we We have to look at what we have the Rajasthan Royals spinner
of a sold-out Wembley Barca to a second consecutive have to be better. done wrong in defence and attack.” captured his first career hattrick he
Stadium on Saturday. Fury defeat, on the back of their shock knew exactly what to do.
hasn’t fought since he retained exit at the hands of Eintracht “At home we have to show more Cadiz climb out of the relegation
his title against Deontay Wilder Frankfurt in the Europa League on hunger, more faith, more character. zone to 16th, two points clear of the Dropping to ground as his
in their epic grudge trilogy Friday. This was a final and we have not bottom three. teammates rushed around to
match in October 2021. While played it like that.” celebrate their victory over
former super-middleweight Barcelona stayed second but are The defeat by Frankfurt on Friday Kolkata Knight Riders, Chahal
champion Froch is backing level on points with both Sevilla in Xavi said he was angry with the was a particularly bitter pill to casually crossed his legs, propped
Fury to emerge from the clash third and Atletico Madrid in fourth nature of the Cadiz loss and his swallow, given the Catalans himself up on one elbow and
with his title still intact, he while Real Betis in fifth are only players are “pissed off”. effectively ceded their home cracked a huge smile.
does believe that Whyte does three points behind. Xavi advantage by allowing more than
have a chance. “It’s a great Hernandez’s team do have a game in “We are angry, the players first, 20,000 away fans into the Nou Camp. Jos Buttler’s second century of
fight. I think Dillian (Whyte) has hand over the trio below them. because we missed a golden chance the season had powered
a chance, but I’m picking Fury to separate ourselves from those in Xavi said on Saturday Barca had Rajasthan to a formidable 217-5 at
to win,” Carl Froch told iFL TV. But the loss means Barca have the fight for the Champions League felt “robbed in their own home” and the Brabourne Stadium but
“Fury is tall, awkward, rangey, won only one of their last four places and also to (keep) fighting for one of the club’s prominent fan Kolkata looked on course to catch
light on his feet, and he’s got matches, that victory coming via an La Liga, which we’ve practically said groups boycotted the Cadiz game in them at 178-4 in 16 overs.
more experience at the level in injury-time winner against 19th- goodbye to now,” Xavi conceded in a protest, with the section behind the
terms of self-belief. His fights placed Levante. news conference. goal at one end empty. Chahal then turned the match
with Deontay Wilder have on its head with a four-wicket
really taken him to the next Any hopes they had of making “We’re playing to be in the “We need everyone,” said Xavi. over, dismissing rival captain
level. I just think that it’s going Champions League, that’s why I am “Barca has to be more united than Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Mavi and Pat
to be difficult for Whyte to beat so angry. There was a lack of desire ever now.” – AFP/Agencies Cummins in successive deliveries
Fury, but he’s in the fight, to register his maiden hattrick.
Whyte is, and he has a massive Barcelona’s Ousmane
chance. He’s a decent puncher, Dembele (left) in action The 31-year-old leapt for joy
and he’ll have trained his best with Cadiz’s Ruben before striking the same pose that
for this. Good preparation Sobrino during the La went viral during the 2019 World
fights to build up for it.” Liga match at Nou Cup, when he was pictured lying
Camp yesterday. – by the boundary on drinks duty
Amir robbed REUTERSPIX while his teammates toiled on the
at gunpoint pitch.

BRITISH boxer Amir Khan said “It was a great feeling, I never
he had been robbed at had a hattrick in my career,”
gunpoint in London but that Chahal, whose 5-40 earned him
both he and his wife were the man-of-the-match award, said
unharmed in the incident. “Just on the tournament’s website.
had my watch taken off me at
gun point in East London, When asked about the
Leyton,” Amir wrote on Twitter. celebration, Chahal said, “It’s my
“I crossed the road with Faryal favourite meme from the 2019
(Makhdoom), luckily she was World Cup.
few steps behind me. “2 men
ran to me, he asked for my “It’s very special for me. I had
watch whist having a gun decided whenever I do something
pointed in my face. The main special, like taking five wickets, I
thing is we’re both safe.” The will do that.” – Reuters
35-year-old, who won
lightweight silver at the Athens
Olympics in 2004 and is a
former unified light-
welterweight champion,
suffered a comprehensive
defeat to Kell Brook in
February and said retirement
was “something to think
about”.

TOTO WOLFF has heaped praise on the Wolff gives title backing to ‘brilliant’ Max sympathetic after a huge crash at Silverstone last
“brilliant” Red Bull racer Max Verstappen and season which saw Verstappen taken to hospital.
backed him to win more world titles in his career. “(Last season’s success) was not Max’s last world champion.”
title,” the Mercedes chief told Dutch newpaper Wolff also spoke of rumours that there was a He said: “It’s true that there were some
Charles Leclerc has set the early-season pace De Telegraaf. “He is a brilliant driver. It’s controversial moments last year. Everyone has
this year, with Verstappen failing to finish in two completely normal that the battle was so intense rift between him and the Dutch racer stemming their own view on the matter, their own
of the opening three races. last year. It’s part of racing.” back several years, to when he turned the Silver perception of it.
Arrows down as a young F1 wannabe in 2014.
It may be seen as a somewhat surprising “If the situation had been reversed, we would “But if you ask me personally, I think Max is
prediction, considering Verstappen beat Lewis have claimed the trophy and been happy about Instead, he stuck with Red Bull – a very mature and intelligent, quite apart from his
Hamilton to the title in 2021 in acrimonious it. partnership which, after several seasons, has qualities as a driver at his age.
circumstances which left Mercedes and Wolff finally bore fruit.
himself furious. But it appears the Austrian was “Max performed strongly all last year and he “I have a lot of respect for him and for his
not dwelling on that injustice as he made his missed out on a lot of points. He deserved to be But the Austrian denied that any such bad father, Jos. That will never change, regardless of
2022 prediction. blood exists, even though he was less than the discussions that have been going on.” –
Express Newspapers

FOLLOW ON TWITTER SCAN 23theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | APRIL 20, 2022
ME * SPORTS
@thesundaily

TOUCHLINES Get it right!
Rangnick says Devils will spend years behind Liverpool if they keep signing flops
MANCHESTER CITY have agreed per-
sonal terms with Borussia Dortmund RALF RANGNICK has warned kind of football you want to play and what kind Edinson Cavani seemingly at odds with a stated
and Norway striker Erling Braut Manchester United they could spend of profiles for each individual position, then it is policy of building a younger squad.
Haaland, 21. City are poised to trigger years in the wilderness – unless they about finding them and convincing them to
the £62m release clause in Haaland’s learn from Liverpool and sort out their come. Rangnick also believes United’s injury record
contract. muddled recruitment strategy. is “an issue that needs to be taken care of for the
REAL MADRID are reluctant to meet “For Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool it took two future”.
Haaland’s wage demands because they The interim Old Trafford boss has set the club transfer windows. But even in the other transfer
do not want to unsettle their dressing a challenge of creating a team capable of windows that came later on there has been a lot “Well, a few things happened (since I arrived)
room of stars by making the striker the challenging for titles in just “two or three” – we also have to be honest with that,” said the
highest-paid player in the squad. transfer windows. of very, very good transfers and interim United boss.
IF a deal for Haaland does not materi- signings.
alise, Real may target Manchester But he claimed the club are going “This is what it is all about. It “This is also an issue that worries me a little
United and Uruguay striker Edinson nowhere unless they get a is not complicated. It is not bit, the number of injuries that we currently have.
Cavani, 35, instead. consistent policy over buying rocket science. But in order
REAL are closely monitoring Chelsea players. to have the best possible “If I compare that with Liverpool, although
wing-back Reece James, 22, with Carlo wind, you need to know they’re still competing in four competitions I
Ancelotti’s scouts watching the England United have veered wildly what your destination think they have no injury problems at all.
defender nine times this season. between big-name signings haven is. If you don’t
RB LEIPZIG have put a £54m price tag towards the end of their careers know that, it is always “We only play in the Premier League and we
on Manchester United target and young talent at the start of difficult.” have five, six players injured. This is also an issue
Christopher Nkunku.The 24-year-old their journeys. U n i t e d ’s that needs to be taken care of for the future, to
France midfielder has scored 17 goals recruitment has analyse why is that the case, why does that
in 30 Bundesliga games this season. Without a joined-up lacked a clear happen?”
PARIS ST-GERMAIN are hoping to sell strategy they have seen the vision with the
Argentina striker Mauro Icardi, 29, and his club slip miles behind the captures of United’s injury record is being compounded
compatriot Leandro Paredes, 27, in the likes of Manchester City and Cristiano by the fixture schedule. The PA news agency
summer. Liverpool. Ronaldo, understands that Rangnick was unhappy to see
URUGUAYAN striker Luis Suarez, 35, Raphael the match with Chelsea brought forward to next
could be set for a reunion with former “We spoke about Liverpool Varane Friday (2.45am Malaysian time) after Thomas
Liverpool teammate Steven Gerrard at and how long it took them. It and Tuchel’s men reached the FA Cup final.
AstonVilla, when his contract at will take two or three windows
Atletico Madrid expires in the summer. if you know what you are The club are believed to have spoken to the
HIS former side Lyon are among the looking for,” said Rangnick. Premier League about the decision – one
clubs Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette, that leaves a giant gap in their
30, is in talks with about a free-agent “If you don’t know what schedule and United now facing
move in the summer. you are looking for it Liverpool, Arsenal and
is a needle in a the Blues in a 10-day
haystack. If period. – Express
you Newspapers/The
know
what Independent

INTER MILAN’S directors are open to
taking back Chelsea and Belgium
striker Romelu Lukaku, 28, on a loan
deal.

JUVENTUS want to take Paul Pogba, 29, Man United interim manager Ralf Rangnick
back toTurin on a free transfer when his
Manchester United contract expires in Lloris urges Spurs not to throw away Euro chance
the summer – but they will face fierce
competition from Paris St-Germain and
Real Madrid for the France midfielder.
£1 = RM5.60

RESULTS & STANDINGS █ JONATHAN VEAL They got away with it to an have to go on another run,” he said. “We have a week to prepare for
TOTTENHAM captain Hugo Lloris extent as Arsenal lost at “But we must take it game by game the next game and I hope this
ENGLISH CHAMPIONSHIP: Middles- has warned his side not to throw Southampton, but Manchester because if we look too far forward, defeat will help the team to finish
brough 0 Huddersfield 2, Barnsley 0 away their chance of qualifying for United’s win over Norwich saw we can slip in other games. stronger.”
Peterbrough 2, Blackburn 0 Stoke 1, the Champions League next season. them close the gap on Spurs to
Blackpool 6 Birmingham 1, Cardiff 0 three points. “What hurts me the most is, we Lloris says beating Brentford on
Luton 1, Coventry 0 Bournemouth 3, Spurs saw a run of four have suffered so much, and to arrive Sunday (12.30am Malaysian time) is
Millwall 2 Hull 1, QPR 1 Derby 0, successive wins, which had Spurs seemed out of the race for in this position, it is not the moment the only way to respond to their
Reading 4 Swansea 4, Bristol City 1 catapulted them from eighth into most of the season and having got to throw away what we have built in defeat.
Sheffield United 1, Nottingham Forest the top four, come to an abrupt end into a position where it is in their the last few weeks.
4 West Brom 0. when they were beaten 1-0 by grasp, Lloris has called on his side to “We bounce back by winning...
Brighton on Sunday. keep hold of it. “We received a lot of kicks during but it is going to be a tough game
TOP 6 P W D L F A PTS the season and it is not the time to especially at this period of the
Fulham 41 25 8 8 95 37 83 “We don’t have a cushion so we give this boost to our rivals. season.” – The Independent

Bournemouth 41 22 11 8 65 35 77 Rooney takes swipe at former
Huddersfield 43 20 13 10 58 45 73
Luton Town 43 20 11 12 61 47 71
Nottm Forest 41 20 10 11 65 37 70 owner as Rams go down
Sheff Utd 43 18 12 13 55 44 66

LA LIGA: Barcelona 0 Cadiz 1 DERBY COUNTY manager Wayne sat at home tonight disappointed. We takeover has to happen. If it doesn’t,
(Perez 48). Rooney said he hoped former are disappointed as we’ve done I’m really unsure of my future and the
owner Mel Morris loses sleep everything we can to try and not let club’s future. This takeover has to
TOP 6 P W D L F A PTS over the club’s relegation to the this happen and worked extremely happen quick,” added Rooney.
Real Madrid 32 23 6 3 66 28 75 third tier of English football. hard.”
Barcelona 31 17 9 5 60 32 60 Luke Amos’ late goal secured a vital
Sevilla 32 16 12 4 46 25 60 Derby were handed two Despite their relegation, former three points for QPR’s bid to climb into
Atletico 32 18 6 8 59 39 60 separate deductions worth 21 Manchester United and England striker the playoff places and left Derby 10
Real Betis 32 17 6 9 56 37 57 points for entering administration Rooney said there were a few positives points off safety with just three games
Sociedad 32 15 10 7 32 30 55 and breaching financial rules to take out of the season. to play.
earlier in the season, with their 1-0
SERIE A: Napoli 1 (Insigne 11-pen) loss at Queens Park Rangers “We’ve earned enough points to “I am disappointed, sad, angry,
Roma 1 (El Shaarawy 90+1), Atalanta confirming their relegation from stay in this division next season and upset, but ultimately proud of the
1 (Scalvini 82) Verona 2 (Ceccherini the Championship. developed some really good, young, players, staff and fans, who have been
45+2, Koopmeiners 55og). “Hopefully he doesn’t have a local players,” Rooney said. “In that excellent,” Rooney said.
good night’s sleep tonight and that sense, the future of the club looks
TOP 6 P W D L F A PTS Wayne Rooney plays on his mind,” Rooney told the bright. But we need to get over what’s “We know we’d be safe without the
AC Milan 33 21 8 4 58 29 71 BBC yesterday. “I think he needs to happened.” penalties we’ve had. This is where
Inter Milan 32 20 9 3 68 25 69 have a think about it. Where the club’s we’ve been left by the previous owner
Napoli 33 20 7 6 59 27 67 been left, it was a complete mess. Derby are in talks on a potential and we’ve been trying to pick up the
Juventus 33 18 9 6 50 29 63 takeover, with American businessman pieces from that and trying to pull off
Roma 33 17 7 9 54 37 58 “I know Mel Morris is a big Chris Kirchner declared the preferred something really special. We’ve got
Fiorentina 32 17 5 10 53 40 56 Derby fan, so I’m sure he’s bidder earlier this month. close and haven’t managed to do it.” –
AFP/Reuters
“I want to rebuild this club. But the

WEDNESDAY • APRIL 20, 2022 QUOTE OF THE DAY

Strength Hopefully he (former owner Mel Morris)
doesn’t have a good night’s sleep tonight
and that plays on his mind. I think he needs to have a
think about it. Where the club’s been left, it was a
complete mess. I know Mel Morris is a big Derby fan,
so I’m sure he’s sat at home tonight disappointed.”

Derby County manager Wayne Rooney

in depth
Liverpool have done the unthinkable and built a deeper squad than Man City

█ MIGUEL DELANEY Liverpool’s Jordan time. This season undoubtedly
Henderson (left) represents immense achievement, even if
IF Jurgen Klopp is naturally unwilling fights for the ball they only end up with the League Cup.
to say Liverpool can win the with Manchester
quadruple, he was more than willing City’s Phil Foden It is a remarkable thought that, if they
to discuss the first step, in the latest during the English eliminate Villarreal in the Champions
step. FA Cup semifinal League semifinal, they will have ended up
football match at playing every possible fixture they could
That was Ibrahima Konate’s Wembley Stadium have at the start of the season. That
thunderous header, that set Liverpool on on Sunday. – AFPPIX further reflects that strength in depth, as
the way to a 3-2 win in their FA Cup well as how important it is.
semifinal against Manchester City. The
goal might have radiated raw power, but It also represents a rare case where
Klopp felt it was more about sleight of City’s planning can be criticised and there
hand – or head. are questions over the distribution of
their ample resources. The front position
“Teams are so focused on Virgil,” the is now just one of a few where they look
German said of his defensive leader, Van short while Saturday’s game reminded
Dijk. That allows Konate to come in out that they will need another midfielder,
of nowhere, and do the job. and at least one other defensive option.

It almost sums up the Liverpool team Again, Guardiola doesn’t have too
right now. There’s always someone ready much cause for complaint, though. It is a
to come in, and step up. squad that is just lopsided rather than
short. They have too many of the same
It raises a potentially crucial point, for strengths in too many of the same areas.
both the Premier League title, and this
unprecedented pursuit of all four major That might well be reflected in the
trophies. Do Liverpool now have the silverware, mind. City could yet end up
strongest depth in world football? with a “lopsided” season by winning the
two biggest trophies, in the Premier
It may feel surprising, given that is League and Champions League, rather
supposed to be one of City’s main than the two domestic cups.
qualities, but it felt one of the more
meaningful lessons from Saturday’s That was perhaps another lesson of
game. Saturday’s game. It showed the influence
of the fixture list and draws, as well as how
While so many of Pep Guardiola’s Guardiola is prioritising his squad.
second string struggled, from poor Zack
Steffen to an exposed Nathan Ake, so While Liverpool were able to rest most
many of Liverpool’s supposed of their stars in last week’s Champions
substitutes are indistinguishable in League second leg against Benfica, the
importance from their first XI. Catalan naturally had to go full strength
for their midweek game, and make
The defence is probably the only area changes for Wembley.
of the team where you could definitively
say they have a preferred four. It may well be crucial in the biggest
tests, as City’s biggest players are kept that
Further forward, Klopp has so many little bit fresher.
options and potential variations. It
speaks to the intelligence of Liverpool’s It is nevertheless an interesting
planning. It’s not just about depth now, inversion of what has happened in recent
either. They are essentially solving issues seasons, though. While it is now
before they become problems. Liverpool who might have the deeper
squad, it is City that have a more defined
It also offers a lesson for many of their best XI.
rivals. You can at least challenge limitless
resources by thinking outside the usual That may still be the best XI in England
parameters, by seeking to push and Europe, something that could yet be
boundaries yourself. proven by where the major trophies end
up. – The Independent
That remains a lesson from Klopp’s

Battle for Champions League qualification stumbles into home straight

█ MATTHEW DUNN The bad news is that this season they have announce themselves as Champions League have lost after spending the week at base camp
FIRST Brighton became the rock on which both lost all bar one of their fixtures against the “Big contenders. instead of suffering a midweek game.
Arsenal and then Tottenham seemed determined Six” sides in the Premier League. And these two
to wreck their Champions League dreams on, but games are against Chelsea and Manchester While the future leader of United’s fortunes Normally, for most of them that means
then instead of coasting level with their near- United. was busy dropping his goalkeeper and top scorer Antonio Conte’s voice roaring in their ears –
neighbours Arsenal’s wavering passage ran adrift for a massive showpiece final, United present was except Covid robbed them of that. Rest assured,
yet again down at Southampton. Similarly, their recent reversals against left hanging on against the Premier League’s though, that those vocal chords will be fully in
Brighton and most recently against rock-bottom club. action for the remainder of the season to keep
Manchester United, despite their best Southampton show a less gleeful approach from his players on their toes.
attempts late on against Norwich, managed to Mikel Arteta’s youngsters when they are pitched Three points may lift them back into
hold onto their three points to shoehorn against opposition willing to get right into them contention for fourth place and a direct clash With full-week preparation periods before
themselves between the north London pair in for the duration of 90 minutes. against Arsenal this weekend could allow them Brentford, Leicester and Liverpool – and then
the table. But how will the final charge for that to force the issue. Unfortunately, in the again before the final game of the season at
fourth position actually pan out over the coming For all of Mikel Arteta’s “process”, the Gunners meantime, they face rampant Liverpool, with Norwich – he will be confident of transmitting
weeks? still need a midfield enforcer capable of battling Chelsea to follow soon after. enough of his winning mentality to his players to
GUNNERS NOT STRONG ENOUGH with the likes of N’Golo Kante, Jorginho, Mateo get them over the line.
Kovacic, Paul Pogba, or even Scott McTominay. Nine points out of nine and Rangnick will
Arsenal could be three points clear of Until that happens, they will continue to be have earned his Champions League qualification. By contrast, Spurs’ win percentage dropped
Tottenham by the time their north London rivals bullied out of the Champions League spots. Much less and it will kill it. below 50% when the fixtures were coming thick
kick a ball again thanks to tomorrow’s catch-up TOO LITTLE TOO LATE FOR DEVILS SPURS WILL BE RESTED AND READY and fast – a fair sign that a manager like Conte,
fixture (2.45am Malaysian time) and the early with the intensity turned up to 11, is really what
kickoff on Saturday. That’s the good news. On the weekend that Erik ten Hag fails to add In more ways than one, Brighton was a blip. you need to climb aboard that Champions
the Dutch Cup to his already sparse CV, Ralf Not only did the late goal at White Hart Lane end League gravy train.
Rangnick’s Manchester United half-heartedly an impressive run of four successive wins, but it
was also the first time in nine games that they Express Newspapers

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