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Published by xkbadlee, 2021-12-15 22:19:49

The Sun Daily-161221

The Sun Daily-161221

INSIDE Ketum water page
peddlers nabbed
TELLING IT AS IT IS page 5

Majority support 2 after mistaking
cops for customers
for amendments
on MA63 shows

unity, says PM

ON THURSDAY DECEMBER 16, 2021 Final preparations being made for the
state polls on Saturday, that is expected
No. 7926 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) www.thesundaily.my to yield good results for Gabungan Parti
Sarawak. – BERNAMAPIX

A walk in the park
█ BY RAJVINDER SINGH
[email protected] oGPS should come home winners, but
urban votes may still elude the coalition
PETALING JAYA: When voting
begins on Saturday morning, majority because the Opposition remains “Most opposition parties don’t
Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) is fractured, but it is very unlikely that it will come close to GPS in this area.
expected to sail through in the do better in urban constituencies now Some of them are only one or two
heartland but may encounter resistance in than it did in 2016,” Jeniri told theSun. years old,” Jeniri pointed out.
urban and some Dayak seats. He said the incumbents fielded
Apart from the three components of the by GPS are also well liked by their
There is no doubt that the coalition of Pakatan Harapan coalition, other parties constituents, thereby putting their
four parties, which has held power in the contesting are PAS, Parti Aspirasi Rakyat opponents at a disadvantage.
state in one form or another since it joined Sarawak, Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak Baru, “GPS has political capital,
the Federation of Malaysia, will win a Parti Bumi Kenyalang and Parti Sedar resources, money, manpower and
majority again. Rakyat Sarawak. grassroots support. Its chairman, Tan
Sri Abang Johari Abang Openg, who
The lynchpin of the four-party coalition, Several independents have also thrown is also chief minister, has won the
Parti Pekasa Bumiputera Bersatu, is their hats in the ring, making for an hearts of the people with initiatives
contesting 47 seats and is not expected to unwieldy group of parties with disparate introduced to ease their sufferings
have any trouble retaining most of them. interests trying to unseat GPS. during the Covid-19 pandemic,” Jeniri
said, adding that in the last four years,
That already gives GPS enough The coalition’s component that will 60% of the state’s budget has been
representation to form a simple majority in likely face the strongest challenge from the allocated for development of rural
the 82-seat state assembly. Opposition is the Chinese-based Sarawak areas, where the political power lies.
United People’s Party, which has Jeniri added that in
GPS could even win up to 65 seats, traditionally contested urban seats. The Sarawak, religious issues
more than enough for a two-thirds other parties in the coalition are the are a non-starter, as Turn to
majority, according to Council of Sarawak People’s Party and the proven by the large
Professors senior fellow Dr Jeniri Amir, Progressive Democratic Party. number of inter-faith —
who has been following the campaign on
the ground. There is a lot going for GPS. It has the page 3
most well-oiled election machinery,
However, he said the coalition has yet having had 60 years of campaigning marriages.
to make major inroads into urban areas experience under its belt.
where the Chinese-majority electorate has
traditionally supported the Opposition,
particularly DAP.

“GPS will certainly retain its two-thirds

2 theSUN ON THURSDAY | DECEMBER 16, 2021 Move to promote
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS Housing Credit
Guarantee scheme
PM: Support for MA63
amendments shows unity KUALA LUMPUR: The Finance Ministry is
in talks with the Housing and Local
oA‘ pprovalmarksnewhistoryforcountry,pavingwayfor the passing of the Federal Constitution Government Ministry to intensify efforts to
Sabah, Sarawak to enjoy benefits and advantages’ Amendment 2021 Bill was momentous and will promote a Housing Credit Guarantee
pave the way for full restoration of MA63. Scheme.
KUALA LUMPUR: The passing of the Bill with special status of Sabah and Sarawak when they
more than a two-thirds majority to amend the joined Malaya to form the Federation of “It is a significant moment in our country’s Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri
Federal Constitution on the Malaysia Malaysia. history. We have been persistent about this and Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz said this is due to
Agreement 1963 (MA63) in the Dewan Rakyat the MA63 Special Council chaired by the prime the low number of applications received,
on Tuesday is proof of the nation’s spirit of unity A total of 200 MP voted in favour of the Bill minister has been forthcoming on requests with the ministry approving the
in diversity, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri on the second reading, while 20 others were submitted by Sabah and Sarawak,” he said in a applications of 1,819 borrowers, involving a
Ismail Sabri Yaakob. absent. On the third reading, 199 MP voted in statement yesterday. total guarantee of RM303 million last year.
favour, while 21 others were absent.
He said the Bill’s approval marked a new Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abang Johari He attributed the low number of
history for the country and expressed hope that Minister in the Prime Minister’s Abang Openg yesterday also expressed borrowers to a lack of promotion by
Keluarga Malaysia in Sabah and Sarawak could Department (Parliament and Law) Datuk Seri appreciation over the passing of the Syarikat Jaminan Kredit Perumahan (SJKP)
enjoy all the benefits and advantages. Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said the constitutional amendment. to make the public aware of the facility.
amendment would see MA63 placed on par
“The proposed constitutional amendment with the Federation of Malaya Agreement 1948 Abang Johari said he was thankful for the “To increase public awareness of the
on the definition of states in the Federation and the Federation of Malaya Independence large turnout of MP who voted in favour of the scheme, the ministry is in discussions to
involving Sabah and Sarawak related to MA63 Act 1957. Bill, which carried amendments to strengthen strengthen cooperation with relevant
received the approval of backbenchers and the position of Sabah and Sarawak in the ministries. We want to promote this scheme
opposition members of Parliament (MP). Wan Junaidi added that by recognising Federation, Bernama reported. through home ownership campaigns
MA63 in the Constitution, the government conducted by them,” he said in the Senate
“Congratulations and appreciation are in could now refer to all the promises made in “This is the spirit that we, especially in yesterday.
order for the MP who expressed support for the 1963 in detail and stated in the Sarawak, and perhaps our friends in Sabah,
Bill,” said Ismail Sabri through a post on his Intergovernmental Committee Report, which want in the Federal Constitution,” he said after He was responding to a supplementary
official Facebook page yesterday. is an in-depth study of the Cobbold handing Bumiputra Communal Reserve question from Senator Datuk Razali Idris on
Commission Report on Sabah and Sarawak’s Gazette documents and land title deeds to the implementation of the Housing Credit
On Tuesday, the Dewan Rakyat passed the claims. recipients in Roban Selatan in Kuching. Guarantee Scheme and the number of
Bill to amend the Federal Constitution related borrowers who have benefited from it and
to MA63 to give recognition to the claims and Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Hajiji Noor said In his speech earlier, he said the passing of the value involved.
the Bill was part of efforts taken by Gabungan
Parti Sarawak, which he chairs, to safeguard the Tengku Zafrul said those eligible could
people’s rights according to laws and as submit their housing financing
stipulated in MA63. applications at any of the 15 banks that had
entered into an agreement with SJKP.
Blinken commends Malaysia’s handling of Covid-19
He said under Budget 2022, the Housing
PUTRAJAYA: The United States Secretary of Saifuddin welcoming Blinken on his arrival at the Foreign Affairs Ministry in Putrajaya yesterday. – AFPPIX Loan Credit Guarantee Scheme would be
State Antony J. Blinken yesterday continued through the provision of
commended Malaysia’s handling of the donate 1.2 billion vaccines around the world working together in vaccine development guarantees by SJKP of up to RM2 billion and
Covid-19 pandemic and was also without strings attached. We have a and distribution, Blinken said during the it is expected to benefit at least 6,000
appreciative of Malaysia’s contribution of commitment to see what can be done to bilateral meeting he and Saifuddin had members of the target group, including
vaccines to Covax, a worldwide vaccine close the gaps in terms of vaccinations,” concurred that producing vaccines alone young people, gig workers and
sharing initiative. he said. would not suffice but ensuring that they get micro-entrepreneurs.
into arms is equally important. – Bernama
Blinken said because of Malaysia’s On the question of Malaysia and US The scheme is offered to non-fixed
remarkable leadership and success, it even income earners to obtain financing
had the capacity to distribute excess vaccines facilities from financial institutions
to other countries and even to Covax. regardless of their occupation to help them
own homes.
“This is deeply appreciated and evidence
of real leadership,” he said during a joint “It is also expected to improve the
media conference with Foreign Minister performance of the local property market.”
Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah.
To a supplementary question from
He said during a bilateral meeting with Senator Datuk Isa Ab Hamid on the status
Saifuddin earlier, both had touched on what of Rumah Mesra Rakyat under Syarikat
could be done together to overcome the Perumahan Negara Bhd, Tengku Zafrul said
current challenge of Covid-19 and be better as of Nov 30, a total of 48,000 units had been
prepared for the next pandemic. completed and 1,600 applications were
approved. – Bernama
“We have to take this moment to
strengthen the global health security system. 13% of teen girls
So, the next time we are better able to in KL cannot afford
hopefully prevent, certainly detect, and as sanitary pads
necessary deal effectively with a new
pandemic,” he said. KUALA LUMPUR: Studies carried out by the
Women, Family and Community
Blinken arrived in Kuala Lumpur on Development Ministry relating to “period
Tuesday night for a two-day working visit. He poverty”, involving teenagers and women
had earlier stopped in Jakarta, Indonesia and from the B40 group in the capital, found that
will continue with his itinerary in Bangkok, 13.1% of them could not afford to buy sanitary
Thailand. pads.

He said the US is also working hard on “The pilot study involved teenagers and
making good on its commitment to provide women aged 13 to 24 in 13 People’s Housing
vaccines again through Covax, so that they Projects and two Social Welfare Department
will be equitably distributed. institutions,” Deputy Minister Datuk Siti
Zailah Mohd Yusoff said in the Dewan Negara
“By the end of 2022, the US expects to yesterday.

Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill tabled in Dewan Rakyat She was replying to a question from
Senator Datuk T. Mohan, who wanted to
KUALA LUMPUR: The Anti-Sexual for the respondent to pay whatever “This Bill is an important manifestation of know the actual situation of period poverty in
Harassment Bill 2021, which among others, is compensation or damages not exceeding sexual harassment as a human rights the country as well as the government’s
for the setting up of a tribunal to handle RM250,000 for any loss or damage suffered by violation and gender-based violence. long-term plans to address the problem.
sexual harassment complaints, was tabled for the victim of sexual harassment.
first reading in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday. “I hope the Bill can raise public awareness Period poverty refers to a situation where
The tribunal can also issue an order for of sexual harassment and against normalising girls or their families cannot afford to buy
The tribunal, known as the Anti-Sexual parties concerned to attend any programme it, hence contributing to a safe environment sanitary pads due to financial constraints.
Harassment Tribunal, requires its members, it deems fit. for society, especially women.”
including the president and deputy To overcome the problem, Siti Zailah said
president, to be appointed from among The Bill was tabled by Women, Family and Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah the ministry had held awareness
members of the judicial and legal services. Community Development Deputy Minister Zainudin tabled the Offenders’ Compulsory programmes, distributed hygiene kits to
Datuk Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff for first Attendance (Amendment) Bill 2021 for first 130,000 teenagers as well as educated
The Bill provides the tribunal the reading. reading. teenagers on health issues.
jurisdiction to hear and determine sexual
harassment complaints made by any Later at a media conference in the The Bill, among others, is aimed at “The distribution (of hygiene kits) was
individual. Parliament building, Siti Zailah said among replacing subsection 5(1) of the Offenders’ implemented for teenagers aged between 13
the important elements introduced in the Bill Compulsory Attendance Act 1954, with a and 17 last year through schools, with 1,105
The tribunal also has the authority to order are the broader applications of the law proposal that the court be given the authority schools nationwide involved.”
a respondent to issue a statement of apology regardless of whether the offence occurred at to order compulsory attendance of
to the complainant in whatever way as stated the workplace or anywhere else, while individuals convicted of offences punishable Apart from that, she said the ministry held
in the order. compensation for victims would be through with imprisonment not exceeding three programmes to help teenagers manage their
suitable remedies. years. – Bernama hygiene routine as well as physical and
In addition, the tribunal can issue an order mental health, especially during the
pandemic. – Bernama

3theSUN ON THURSDAY | DECEMBER 16, 2021

NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

Guild wants more Chinese in civil service

o ‘Need to rebalance their numbers in the private sector, if not better,” he said in already engaged the state’s human career path.
government in relation to the state population’ an interview. resource authorities to organise road “What we are doing here is a
shows to explain the type of services
KUCHING: Sarawak’s leading Federation of Chinese Associations The doors to Sarawak’s civil in the local government, salary and genuine effort to rebalance the
Chinese community leader Datuk and Federation of Kuching, service were widened to the benefits but the activity had been numbers but sometimes, it takes two
Richard Wee has only one item on his Samarahan and Serian Divisions community when the Unified curtailed because of the Covid hands to clap,” said Wee.
wish list but it will not be fulfilled Chinese Associations. Examination Certificate (UEC) issued pandemic.
before this Saturday’s state election or by Chinese independent secondary He was glad that the state
even by Christmas. “The number of Chinese civil schools was recognised by the late The first event was held in government was willing to listen to
servants is still low, about 4% to 5% chief minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem. Kuching in early 2020 and there were the federation’s feedback and, in
He wants to see more Chinese in when Chinese make up 20% to 22% of plans to take it to Sibu and Bintulu. turn, relate the challenges faced in
the state civil service to reflect the the population. We need to On Tuesday, his successor Tan Sri hiring Chinese.
diversity and community encourage more Chinese and let Abang Johari Openg said the Sarawak The federation also received
demographics in Sarawak. them know working in the government was the only one in support from the police which Sarawak has 14 independent
government is actually as good as the Malaysia to recognise UEC and it organised a two-day recruitment Chinese secondary schools and they
Wee is the president of Sarawak would be a loss of human resource exercise just for Chinese applicants. received a grant of RM10 million in
capital otherwise as the graduates January this year.
would work in other countries. “We will continue (to) work on
this. It takes time to change mindsets The funding had increased by
Wee said his federation had to make the civil service a choice RM1 million annually in recent years.
– Bernama

GPS seen as saviour for rural folk SUPP chief hopes to
serve for another term
“The PAS ideology will not fly in the out that incumbency will serve GPS well. Azmi said for Sarawakians, their concerns
state. Issues that are pertinent in the He said the coalition is very strong in rural are only issues pertaining to their state. This is KUCHING: Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP)
peninsula will not have traction in clearly reflected by the fact that ministers and president Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian hopes the
Sarawak because the people know From areas, giving it a vote bank that will deputy ministers from the state raise only Batu Kawah constituents will give him a chance to
that the state government will continue to generate dividends. Sarawak issues at the federal level. serve them for another term before he calls it a day.
never have divisive policies.” front
page “For the rural folk, GPS is their saviour.” “That is the political culture there, and it is The Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) candidate
However, he said it may prove difficult not good for the country as a whole,” he and incumbent said that at the end of the five-year
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia for GPS to retain all 72 seats it won in the added. period, he would give way to young candidates.
geostrategist Dr Azmi Hassan pointed 2016 election.
“On Dec 18, please go out early and cast your
Youth development is Miro’s main focus in Serembu votes so that we (will) have five more years before I
retire. After that, let’s give the young people (the
BAU: Marketability of youths is the main courses before they work, such as in wiring, were being done online. There was a time opportunity to serve),” Sim said at the Kampung
focus of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) agriculture and the mechanical field. So that when people had very little regard for online Rantau Panjang river safety and cleanliness
candidate Miro Semuh in the Serembu they can apply those skills while working methods, but the pandemic has now made it awareness programme yesterday.
constituency for his campaign in the 12th later,” he said in an interview with Bernama very important.
Sarawak state election. recently. The 56-year-old is up against Fong Pau Teck of
“As such, the digital e-marketing concept Parti Aspirasi Rakyat Sarawak (Aspirasi), Chai Kueh
From Kampung Kandis Baru here, he Miro, 49, who is also Parti Pesaka must be promoted further to provide more Khun of Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) and Dr Kelvin
said several programmes had been planned Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) deputy youth Sarawakians the opportunities to trade Yii Lee Wuen of DAP.
to enhance the group’s involvement in skills chief, said digital economy plans and online,” he said.
training, before they step into the working programmes must also be enhanced as the Meanwhile, Sim has hit out at a statement made
world. ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and On infrastructural development in the by a “doctor”, claiming that he (Dr Sim) failed to
technological advances have made it constituency, he said the focus now is on contain the Covid-19 pandemic in the state.
“We have to provide youths aged necessary for the community to embrace building new roads and settlements in the
between 18 and 20 with effective digital activity. area. The former state disaster management
programmes for them to enter the working committee (SDMC) adviser said data on Covid-19
world in the next two or three years, The Serembu-born Bidayuh said internet Miro will be up against Parti Sarawak for Sarawak showed that the pandemic situation in
especially those who didn’t do too well in facilities in Serembu need to be upgraded to Bersatu (PSB) candidate Iana Akam, the state was improving.
their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examination. enable its people to conduct online business Michael Saweng (PKR), Buln Patrick Ribos
transactions and activities. (Parti Aspirasi Rakyat Sarawak) and Dr Jecky “One doctor said that Dr Sim did not do a good
“They are not qualified for employment Misieng (PBK) in the Dec 18 polls. job in handling Covid-19. If that is the case, why is
yet. “The concept of digital economy brought the number of cases low, why is the number of
by the Sarawak government coincided with In the 11th state election, Miro won the fatalities (in Sarawak) among the lowest in
“For instance, we put them in training the time when Covid-19 hit, and all sales seat with a 1,397-vote majority in a four- Malaysia?
centres and provide them certain skills and cornered fight. – Bernama
“Not all doctors are the same,” he said,
supposedly in reference to a statement made by
DAP candidate Yii, who claimed that the SUPP
president had failed to control the Covid-19
infection and death rates when he was the SDMC
adviser. – Bernama

Create special hostel
warden post: Cuepacs

FUN ON THE BEACH ... Penangite Muhammad Syameen Shaker lets his daughter Arista Saffiya, six, and niece Erdina Rizal, 10, bury him in the sand PORT DICKSON: The Congress of Unions of
during their day out on the beach at Batu Ferringhi, Penang yesterday. – MASRY CHE ANI/THESUN Employees in the Public and Civil Services
(Cuepacs) has proposed to the government to
create special warden posts in every boarding
school in the country.

Its president Datuk Adnan Mat said this
was to allow civil servants to conduct their
duties as wardens full-time and more
efficiently without having other work
commitments.

“Currently, hostel wardens are appointed
among teachers. In addition to teaching,
these teachers were given additional tasks as
wardens with an allowance that did not
commensurate with their duties.

“Therefore, we would like to propose the
creation of special warden posts or appoint
other civil servants to serve as wardens
instead of appointing teachers to the post,” he
told a press conference here yesterday.

Adnan explained that prior to this, there
were the post of hostel supervisor but some
had been merged with other service schemes
and resulted in no main focus for the function
of wardens and finally, teachers were
appointed to the post.

“Most of the teachers declined (to being
appointed as wardens) but some accepted
the offer to ensure the welfare of their
students is not neglected,” he added.

Prior to this, the media reported that the
Education Ministry would study the proposal
to create the post of full-time warden in
boarding schools. – Bernama

4 theSUN ON THURSDAY | DECEMBER 16, 2021 FOLLOW ON TWITTER SCAN
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS ME
@thesundaily

Covid-19 no longer Tourism sector players urged
to go digital to gain edge

formidable enemy KUALA LUMPUR: Tourism agenda,” he said in a statement
industry players need to adopt yesterday.
and adapt digitalisation in order
to boost their productivity and The DSP Directory for the
gain a competitive edge in the tourism industry was launched
marketplace. on Nov 23 to enable access to
Malaysia Productivity information on available digital
PETALING JAYA: Covid-19, which o Availability of treatment options and human Corporation director-general solutions for tourism firms.
struck fear into our hearts when it biological defence system capable of helping Datuk Abdul Latif Abu Seman
made its entry almost two years ago, is fight against infections, say experts said challenges in digital Its maximum utilisation by
no longer a formidable enemy. adoption and technology industry players is expected to
onboarding are inhibiting the escalate digital adoption in the
Apart from several medical productivity growth and business industry to boost the sector’s
treatments, including vaccination, the expansion. productivity growth.
human biological defence system also “In World Competitiveness
has the capability to fight the already in collaborative efforts to find many treatment options that have Yearbook report 2021, Malaysia Champion of Tourism
infection, according to medical therapies that have the potential to proven effective in treating patients was in the 22nd spot for digital Productivity Nexus Rohizam Md
experts, who spoke at a media treat and manage Covid-19. with Covid-19 are neutralising transformation among Yusoff said the industry needs a
round-table hosted by Roche antibodies (NAbs), antivirals and enterprises. This is an reset and builds resilience to
Malaysia yesterday. The search for safe and effective immuno-modulators. improvement from the 26th future-proofing the sector.
treatments must continue, he said. position in 2020.
Roche is a global player in He said the NAbs are “Malaysia progresses better They must adapt and adopt
pharmaceuticals and diagnostics. “Therefore, it is imperative that the naturally-occurring antibodies that this year, but there are still much technology and digitalisation
healthcare system acts early with the play an important role in the body’s to be done in digital adoption, quickly for operation, delivery,
Dr Peter Tok of the Institute for help of vaccines, as well as preventive immune system. especially by micro, small and communication, marketing and
Clinical Research Malaysia centre for and treatment methods to eradicate medium enterprises. promotion.
clinical outcome research said the Covid-19.” “They signal the presence of a “The Digital Solution
people should be aware that there are pathogen (a micro-organism that Providers Directory (DSP “The industry must go online.
treatment options available now, and Chua said while the vaccine helps causes diseases) so that the white Directory) will facilitate the To do so, the DSP Directory for
more are being developed that will the body build up an adequate blood cells can locate and kill them.” tourism will facilitate the players
help manage the symptoms and antibody response against Covid-19, by providing options for
contribute to the prevention and not everyone is able to develop such Leong said such neutralising collaboration and engagement
treatment of Covid-19. defences. antibodies are responsible for with relevant digital solution
blocking the entry of a pathogen into providers. – Bernama
He believes these “tools” are “Those who are unable to do so the cell, preventing it from replicating
necessary to prevent and fight future because of factors, such as itself and causing severe infection. Identify causes for building
Covid-19 outbreaks so that the comorbidities or medication, are most materials price hike, govt told
negative impact on the economy vulnerable to breakthrough infection.” Antivirals help to fight viral
could be minimised and the people infections and lower the viral load, ALOR STAR: Relevant Mohd Zayad added the price
would feel more at ease living with However, a number of treatments which is the amount of active virus in stakeholders, such as the Works increase had resulted in an
Covid-19. are now either already available or are the body, he said. Ministry and the Construction increase in construction costs by
in development to address the needs Industry Development Board, 7%, thus reducing the profit
The Sarawak General Hospital of patients. He added immuno-modulators are need to take immediate steps to margin of contractors, especially
consultant for internal medicine and a class of agents that stimulate or address the current increase in those from small companies, by
infectious diseases Dr Chua Hock Hin “Hopefully, these will help to suppress the immune system to fight prices of basic building materials about 15% to 25%.
said the best way to stay safe is not prevent those infected from cancer, infection or other diseases. to help small contractors survive.
only to understand the disease but developing severe illness and offer He said the price increase has
also to stay on top of the treatment more treatment options when they are Despite these options, the fight Kedah Malay Chamber of a different effect on small and big
options currently available. hospitalised, enabling them to live against Covid-19 is far from over. Commerce Malaysia president contractors depending on the
with Covid-19 under the new normal.” Datuk Mohd Zayad Md Ismail purchase quantity and other
“These include modern medicines, As health experts have warned, said the government needed to factors, such as the rise in raw
diagnostics solutions and vaccines.” Clinic infectious diseases people should not let their guard identify the causes of the increase material costs and limited stocks
consultant Dr Leong Hoe Nam at down just yet. The Covid threat is here as well as control it and of building materials.
He said many companies, research Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist to stay for a long time, if not implement comprehensive and
institutions and governments are Centre in Singapore said among the indefinitely. long-term solutions. The situation has made it
difficult for small contractors,
“The authorities need to especially bumiputras in Grade
immediately study measures to G1, G2, G3 and G4 categories to
address the impact of the continue their operations.
increase, especially the prices of
steel and other basic building Mohd Zayad also urged small
materials, to protect the welfare bumiputra contractors to set up a
of the people,” he said in a consortium to overcome the
statement yesterday. problem of obtaining supplies of
building materials. – Bernama

PRETTY DANGEROUS ... Kedah C VID-19
Municipal Council workers putting UPDATE
up a barrier to prevent the public
from accessing a jetty at an As of noon yesterday
oxidation pond in Taman Ria Jaya
that has become a local attraction Total 2,703,140
due to blooming water hyacinths. concafisremsed
– MASRY CHE ANI/THESUN

Total
ac�ve cases cNaesews 3,900
Take rising global temperature seriously: PM
57,674

KUALA LUMPUR: The country needs The prime minister said during the meeting agreed to a proposal to gazette Total
to pay serious attention to the impact of meeting it was recommended that government land reserves for flood recoveries Current
rising global temperature of above actions should be taken immediately to retention ponds and river reserves to recovery 96.58%
1.1°C, which results in dry season and address the impact of climate change ensure water quality and conserve the 2,610,610
higher frequency of floods. to avoid increased property damage environment. rate
and loss of life.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail The prime minister said short, Death 6,266Brought
Sabri Yaakob said the matter was The meeting also discussed the medium and long-term actions should toll
emphasised at a third meeting of the water sector transformation agenda be taken to protect coastal areas, taking -in-Dead
National Water Council 2021, which he starting from the 12th Malaysia Plan into account climate change and rising 30,956
chaired virtually yesterday. (12MP) to the 15MP. sea level.
PROGRESS STATISTICS FOR THE NATIONAL COVID-19 IMMUNISATION PROGRAMME
It was also attended by federal Ismail Sabri said the agenda would He added water recycling projects As of December 14 Received rst doses
ministers, chief ministers and mentris give the water sector an economic between Indah Water Konsortium Sdn Received second doses
besar, chief secretary to the boost and generate dynamic growth by Bhd and operators in the states would
government, secretary-general of the 2040. also be implemented in an effort to 25,935,479 25,522,460
Treasury, as well as heads of relevant achieve a sustainable environment and
departments and agencies. Realising that rapid urbanisation optimise water resources. – Bernama
causes frequent flooding, he said the

5theSUN ON THURSDAY | DECEMBER 16, 2021

NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

Stiffer fines proposed for lawmakers

o Not enough for ministers or state reps to just offer apology for failing “The rakyat will be furious if this repeat offenders.
to observe SOP, says former SME association chief amendment is passed in Parliament. It He said it was critical to have clear
is a ridiculous, unfair and an
█ BY CHARLES RAMENDRAN Kang said lawmakers should set an “Lawmakers should lead by unworkable proposal. So, which guidelines as small business
[email protected] example and proposed that ministers example (and be liable to) perhaps a businesses are liable to a fine of up to operators such as hawkers or burger
PETALING JAYA: Before imposing or state representatives who fail to RM5 million fine, for ministers and RM1 million? Will corporations include sellers have been unfairly fined
hefty fines on business operators who comply with the SOP face much state assemblymen who violate the government-linked companies? It RM10,000 under laws of the
breach Covid-19 standard operating higher fines than the proposed RM1 SOP. A mere apology from them after should be spelt out clearly. There are a Emergency Ordinance.
procedures (SOP), the government million announced recently by they break the law is not enough. If lot of grey areas in the proposal. What
should propose even higher fines on Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin. that’s the case, a regular man on the about small and medium-sized Syed Hussain said MEF was of the
lawmakers for similar offences, a street should also be entitled to it and enterprises? How many can afford to view that the proposed maximum
former business association head He cited the crowding at the police let off by simply saying ‘sorry’,” pay the RM1 million fine?” compound of RM1 million for large
suggested yesterday. summons discount initiative under Kang said. companies, that were undeterred by
the 100-day Malaysian Family Malaysian Employers Federation earlier penalties imposed on them, is
Former SME Association of Aspiration programme recently at the He added that Khairy’s proposal (MEF) president Datuk Syed justified.
Malaysia president Datuk Michael KL Convention Centre, where the should be clearly worded to define Hussain Syed Husman said it was
organiser was fined only RM1,000. the planned amendments. important for the government to Khairy had said there will be
issue clear guidelines so as not to guidelines to ensure huge penalties
heavily penalise minor offences but of up to RM1 million are not issued
impose more severe penalties on recklessly and will likely be imposed
on large companies which are repeat
offenders.

CM earned RM44,375 a month, court told Bungling ketum
peddlers nabbed
KUALA LUMPUR: The sessions court was told four charges involving the construction of the Lim is charged with using his position as
yesterday that Lim Guan Eng received a salary Penang undersea tunnel project worth then Penang chief minister to obtain a bribe of KLANG: Four local men were arrested for
and allowance amounting to RM44,375 as RM6.3 billion. RM3.3 million for helping a company owned by processing, selling and distributing ketum
Penang chief minister from March 2008 to Consortium Zenith BUCG Sdn Bhd director water (mitragynine) after mistaking police
May 2018. Mohd Farulizam said Lim was Air Puteh Zarul Ahmad Mohd Zulkifli to secure the personnel for customers at a house near Pulau
state assemblyman, a seat he won on a DAP construction project, worth RM6,341,383,702. Indah in Port Klang on Sunday.
Former principal senior assistant secretary ticket for three terms and was chief minister for
(State Legislative Assembly) at the Penang state two terms. The offence was allegedly committed South Klang district police chief ACP
secretary’s office Mohd Farulizam Che Meh, 43, between January 2011 and August 2017 at the Cha Hoong Fong said one of the suspects had
said when Lim held the post between March 11, Meanwhile, lawyer Haijan Omar, Penang Chief Minister’s Office. even asked a policeman how many bottles he
2008 and May 14, 2018, he received a basic representing Lim, told the court that his client wanted to purchase before the police team had
salary of RM14,175 and an allowance of had been discharged from the National Heart On a second amended charge, Lim is a chance to identify themselves.
RM30,200 a month. Institute (NHI). accused of soliciting bribes amounting to 10%
of the profits from Zarul Ahmad to be earned by Cha said the four suspects, aged 30 to 33,
“Lim had also declared his assets and side When asked by judge Azura Alwi whether the company, as gratification for helping his were packing the ketum water when they were
income on the Penang web portal,” he said Lim could appear in court, Haijan said the trial company secure the project. arrested in a raid on a semi-detached house
during examination-in-chief by deputy public would continue with the presence of his client. between 12.10am and 2am.
prosecutor Francine Cheryl Rajendram. The offence was allegedly committed near
The trial had proceeded for two days since The Gardens Hotel in Lingkaran Syed Putra, Police also found a store and the location
The 20th prosecution witness said this Monday with Lim in absentia as he was Mid Valley City between 12.30am and 2am in where they processed the illegal beverage, and
during Lim’s corruption case, where he is facing admitted to NHI since Sunday to undergo a March 2011. – Bernama seized 600 litres of packed ketum water, 20kg of
medical procedure. ketum leaves, 583.2 litres of suspected kodien
(cough mixture), ketum water processing
equipment and RM250 in cash, suspected to be
proceeds from ketum water sales.

“Police estimate the total value of seized
items to be about RM12,000,” he said during a
media conference at the South Klang district
police headquarters yesterday.

The suspects were arrested under Section
30(3) of the Poisons Act 1952 and have been
remanded for further investigation.

In another development, Cha said police
managed to bust a gang that is believed to be
behind 20 cases of snatch theft and robberies
around South Klang following the arrests of four
local men on Dec 9.

The arrests of the suspects, aged 26 to 42,
followed a complaint lodged by a local
55-year-old man in Lorong Resak, Taman Palm
Grove near here after he was approached from
behind by two men on a motorcycle, who then
snatched his sling bag and escaped. – Bernama

Mum pleads not
guilty to child neglect

ILLEGAL VENDING ... Food safety and health officers impounding a water dispensing machine that was placed in a public area without approval from KUALA LUMPUR: A woman whose son died
the Health Ministry in Butterworth, Penang yesterday. – MASRY CHE ANI/THESUN after falling from the 16th floor of a
condominium near here last month, was
RTD extends summons discount offer to Dec 31 charged at the Selayang magistrate’s court
yesterday with neglecting
PETALING JAYA: The Road Transport The department said offenders who were all RTD branches and its agents between 8am the boy. However, the 24-year-old woman
Department (RTD) has followed the police in blacklisted will also enjoy the discount but are and 5pm daily. pleaded not guilty to the charge before
extending its 80% discount offer on required to personally be present at any RTD magistrate Nor Rajiah Mat Zin.
summonses until Dec 31. branch to process certain documentation. On Sunday, Inspector-General of Police Tan
Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani said police were She was charged with having neglected the
The RTD said the discount, which was Since the launch of the discount offer under extending the discount offer until Dec 31 to child in a manner likely to cause him physical
initially offered between Dec 9 and yesterday, the 100-day Malaysian Family Aspiration ensure all those who have unpaid traffic injury at a condominium unit in Jalan
will be for all summonses issued by the programme, over RM4.1 million has been summonses have the opportunity to settle their Lebuhraya Selayang-Kepong, Gombak between
department, except for those that have gone to collected through 81,146 transactions fines without overcrowding and compromising 9.45am and 10.48am on Nov 17.
court or have been issued arrest warrants. nationwide. The public may settle their fines at social distancing measures.
The charge was framed under Section
31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, which provides a
maximum fine of RM50,000 or imprisonment of
up to 20 years, or both.

Deputy public prosecutor Nur Shasha
Hidayah Nor Azahar proposed bail at RM15,000
in one surety but the accused, who was
unrepresented, said she could not afford it as
she was unemployed and her husband worked
as a dispatch rider.

The court then set bail at RM8,000 in one
surety and ordered her to report to the nearest
police station once a month and not to
intimidate the witnesses in the case. The court
set Jan 13 for mention. – Bernama

6 theSUN ON THURSDAY | DECEMBER 16, 2021 FOLLOW ON YOUTUBE SCAN
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS ME
/theSunMedia
FIREMEN DOUSE HONG KONGBRIEFS
TRADE CENTRE FIRE US mulls new measures
against Myanmar junta
HONG KONG: A fire broke out yesterday in
the World Trade Centre here, trapping o Blinken says situation in the country has not improved The United States said it was “outraged by
about 150 people on its roof, and 13 credible and sickening reports” the military
people were injured before firefighters KUALA LUMPUR: The United States is democratic trajectory,” the top US diplomat tied up and burned the victims alive.
put out the blaze. The 39-floor building considering new measures to pressure the said.
houses restaurants, offices and shops in Myanmar junta to return to a “democratic The junta, locked in a bloody stalemate with
the bustling Causeway Bay commercial trajectory”, Secretary of State Antony Blinken “That is something that we are looking at,” anti-coup militias, denied the claims.
and shopping district. The fire broke out said yesterday, as alarm grows over an he added, without saying what the measures
in a utility room on a lower level of the escalating crackdown on dissent. might be. The generals have shown little sign of
building’s mall at noon before it spread to changing course despite sustained diplomatic
bamboo scaffolding on the exterior. Myanmar has been in chaos since February The coup triggered nationwide protests but pressure.
Authorities said firefighters had battled when Aung San Suu Kyi’s civilian government the junta has responded with a brutal
the blaze with two high-powered hoses, was ousted by the military. crackdown that has left more than 1,300 people Asean took the unprecedented step of
using ladders and breathing apparatus in dead and seen thousands arrested, according banning junta chief Min Aung Hlaing from its
their efforts to rescue those trapped. “The The United States has imposed some to a local monitor. October summit after the generals refused to
fire was extinguished at 4.30pm,” the Fire sanctions and the Association of Southeast let the bloc’s envoy meet Suu Kyi.
Department said. – Reuters Asian Nations (Asean) has drawn up a peace Blinken also said the United States was
roadmap, but there are serious doubts about looking “very actively” at whether the But there are signs that Cambodia – which
TRUMP WHITE HOUSE CHIEF the junta’s commitment. treatment of the Rohingya minority in takes over Asean’s rotating chairmanship next
HELD IN CONTEMPT Myanmar might “constitute genocide”. year – is seeking to bring Myanmar back into
Speaking during a visit to Malaysia, among the fold.
WASHINGTON: US lawmakers voted on several Asean states that have strongly The group faces widespread discrimination
Tuesday to recommend criminal criticised the coup, Blinken conceded that the in Myanmar, and hundreds of thousands fled Its strongman premier Hun Sen plans to
contempt charges against Donald “situation has not improved”. to neighbouring Bangladesh in 2017 following travel to the country for talks in January,
Trump’s former top aide Mark Meadows a military crackdown. becoming the first international leader to visit
for refusing to testify before the “I think it is going to be very important in Myanmar since the coup.
congressional panel investigating the Jan the weeks and months ahead to look at what Last week, the United Nations warned of an
6 assault on the Capitol. The rebuke from additional steps and measures we can take, “alarming escalation” of human rights abuses Last week, Suu Kyi was sentenced to two
the House of Representatives moves him individually, collectively, to pressure the in Myanmar as the junta tried to crush dissent. years’ detention for incitement against the
a step closer to becoming the first White regime to put the country back on a military and breaching coronavirus rules.
House chief of staff to be prosecuted after They were responding to the reported
leaving the post since H.R. Haldeman in killing of 11 villagers, including children. The junta has justified the coup by alleging
the Watergate scandal nearly 50 years electoral fraud in last year’s poll, and Suu Kyi
ago. “We’ve given Mark Meadows every faces a raft of further charges that could see her
opportunity to cooperate. He’s brought jailed for decades if convicted. – AFP
this situation on himself,” the House Jan 6
committee said in a statement. – AFP GLOOMY X’MAS ... Residents clearing debris from where their second-floor
apartment used to be in the devastated US town of Dawson Springs on Tuesday,
Haiti gas truck four days after tornadoes hit the state of Kentucky. – AFPPIX
explosion kills 62
Putin hails ‘model’ Russia-China relations
PORT-AU-PRINCE: A massive gas truck
explosion killed at least 62 people in Haiti’s MOSCOW: President Vladimir Putin yesterday representatives to the Olympics over China’s Xi has invited Putin to attend.
second city of Cap-Haitien on Tuesday, after hailed Russia’s “model” relations with China in alleged abuse of Uyghurs and other minorities Both China and Russia have seen their
bystanders swarmed the vehicle to collect a call with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping and in Xinjiang. relationship with Western nations deteriorate
spilled fuel – a precious commodity in a confirmed he would attend Beijing’s Olympics, in recent years and have sought to project a
nation plagued by acute shortages. as both countries face increasing criticism Beijing and Moscow denounced the more unified front.
from the West. diplomatic boycott and Putin said yesterday Putin told Xi that “a new model of
Prime Minister Ariel Henry said his heart both leaders opposed “any attempt to politicise cooperation has been formed between our
was “broken” after meeting some of the The video call came days after G7 foreign sport and the Olympic movement”, a criticism countries” that includes a “determination to
dozens of injured in a local hospital. ministers discussed Moscow’s sabre-rattling Russia has repeatedly levelled at the West. turn our common border into a belt of eternal
against Ukraine and Beijing’s crackdowns in peace and good-neighbourliness”.
The charred remains of the truck sat in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. Russia was found to have used a “I consider these relations to be a real
the Samarie area of the city, where some of state-backed doping programme at the 2014 model for inter-state cooperation in the 21st
the dead were left on the road in body bags. US President Joe Biden warned Putin in a Winter Games in Sochi and was banned from century,” the Russian leader said.
video call last week against invading Ukraine. international competitions afterwards. The US and its allies have for weeks accused
“We have now counted 62 deaths,” Russia of planning an invasion of its ex-Soviet
Deputy Mayor Patrick Almonor said, adding “In February, we will finally be able to meet Russian athletes are allowed to compete as neighbour Ukraine, warning of massive
that authorities were still searching for in person in Beijing,” Putin said in a national neutrals – without the Russian flag or anthem – coordinated sanctions should Putin launch an
victims in nearby damaged buildings. television broadcast of the conversation after if they can prove their doping record is clean. attack.
he said he would attend the Games, calling Xi Russia rejected the allegations. – AFP
Almonor said he had seen dozens of his “dear friend”. Russian officials, including Putin, are
people “burned alive” and that it was banned from attending international
“impossible to identify them”. The United States, Britain, Canada and competitions unless invited by the head of
Australia are not sending political state of the host country.
The truck is believed to have flipped over
after the driver lost control while swerving to
avoid a motorcycle taxi.

“Following this accident, civilians took
the chance to collect the gas by filling up
makeshift receptacles – causing a terrible
explosion that led to numerous victims and
major material damage,” civil protection
director Jerry Chandler said. – AFP

Zebras caught after
months on the run

WASHINGTON: Two zebras that had been
on the run for months in the countryside
outside the US capital have finally been
caught, an official said on Tuesday.

The pair had escaped from an exotic
animal farm in Maryland at the end of
August and eluded numerous attempts to
capture them, their escapade enthralling
local residents and media.

But after repeatedly thwarting the
authorities, the quadrupeds have been
snagged, said Richard Bell of the US
Department of Agriculture.

The affair had been documented on
social media by bemused residents, but the
saga took a sad turn when a third zebra that
had escaped with the others died after being
caught in an illegal snare.

Their owner, Jerry Holly, owns a large
farm with a herd of about 30 zebras.

He is facing charges of cruelty to animals
after yet another zebra was found dead on
his property in October, media said. – AFP

7theSUN ON THURSDAY | DECEMBER 16, 2021

NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

WHO urges countries to act BRIEFS REVOLT OVER VIRUS
as Omicron spreading fast RESTRICTIONS
LONDON: Almost 100
Conservative lawmakers voted
on Tuesday against new
coronavirus restrictions,
dealing a major blow to British
Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s
authority. The new rules, which
included ordering people to
wear masks in public places
and use Covid-19 passes for
GENEVA: The World Health o Initial data indicates new coronavirus variant Omicron variant,” said US President some venues, passed thanks
Organisation (WHO) warned on could be resistant to vaccines Joe Biden. largely to the main opposition
Tuesday Omicron was spreading at Labour Party. Rebelling
an unprecedented rate and urged Europe is the global coronavirus lawmakers said the vote was a
countries to act. hotspot, recording 62% of the world’s warning shot that Johnson
total cases in the past seven days, needed to change how the
Omicron, first detected by South that is expected to rise rapidly as has conclusion that this is a mild disease”. while the five countries with the government was operating, or
Africa and reported to the WHO on been seen in other countries. “We could be setting ourselves up world’s highest infection rates are all he would face a leadership
Nov 24, has a large number of European. challenge. Some 99
mutations, setting alarm bells ringing Although Britain on Monday for a very dangerous situation.” Conservatives opposed plans
since its discovery. confirmed what is thought to be the The warning came as Pfizer on The Netherlands followed other for the Covid passes. Many said
world’s first Omicron death, there is European nations in reintroducing some of the new measures are
Early data suggests it can be no proof yet that the variant causes Tuesday said clinical trials of its Covid restrictions on Tuesday as Prime draconian. – Reuters
resistant to vaccines and is more more severe illness. pill reduced hospital admissions and Minister Mark Rutte announced
transmissible than the Delta variant, deaths among at-risk people by primary schools will shut next week BOOSTER REQUIRED
which was first identified in India and The WHO on Tuesday provided almost 90%. and a night-time lockdown will be FOR HEALTH PASS
accounts for the bulk of the world’s room for cautious optimism saying extended over Omicron fears.
coronavirus cases. Africa had recorded a massive rise in The American drug maker said its PARIS: France yesterday began
cases over the past week but a lower new treatment, Paxlovid, held up Schools will close from Dec 20 tightening its Covid-19 rules,
WHO Director-General Tedros number of deaths compared with against Omicron in lab testing. instead of on Dec 25 due to concerns with people aged 65 and over
Adhanom Ghebreyesus told previous waves. that children, among whom infection set to lose the validity of their
reporters the strain had been Chief executive Albert Bourla rates are the highest, could pass it on health pass unless they have
reported in 77 countries and But it urged countries to act swiftly called the news a “game changer” to older relatives. had a third booster shot. The
“probably” spread to most nations to rein in transmission, protect their and said he expected approval from health pass was introduced in
undetected “at a rate we have not health systems and guard against the US medicines regulator as early as France on Tuesday registered the summer and makes full
seen with any previous variant”. complacency. this month. 63,405 new coronavirus cases – its vaccination against Covid-19, a
highest daily total since April – even recent recovery or negative
Omicron now accounts for 3% of WHO expert Bruce Aylward “This news provides another with more than 77% of its population test obligatory for visiting any
cases in the United States, a figure warned against “jumping to a potentially powerful tool in our fight having had at least one shot. – AFP restaurant or cafe, inter-city
against the virus, including the train travel and going to
Europe ramps up cultural venues like cinemas or
vaccination drive museums. The government
for children said some 400,000 people
aged 65 and over who are
BERLIN: Several European nations eligible for the booster shot
started vaccinating children aged five have yet to take it. – AFP
to 11 against Covid-19 yesterday in an
effort to contain a raging pandemic Covid-19 deaths
and keep schools open, while others in US exceeds
are still deciding their approach. 800,000

Germany, Spain, Greece and HELPING HANDS ... Polish soldiers delivering medical support to migrants on the border with Belarus yesterday. WASHINGTON: The United States,
Hungary were among those opening – REUTERSPIX the country hardest hit by the
up their inoculation drives to younger coronavirus pandemic, crossed
children, with doctors reporting 800,000 Covid-19 deaths on Tuesday,
strong initial demand from parents a tracker maintained by Johns
amid concerns about the Hopkins University showed.
fast-spreading Omicron variant.
Around 450,000 of the deaths
Greek Education Minister Niki occurred this year, despite highly
Kerameus was among the first to effective vaccines that were first
arrive at an Athens hospital to have authorised in December last year and
her young son vaccinated. widely available by springtime.

The country has so far registered The vast majority of the deaths
more than 30,000 vaccine have been among the unvaccinated.
appointments for children.
“As we mark the tragic milestone
The European Union’s medicines of 800,000 American deaths due to
watchdog last month approved the Covid-19, we remember each person
Pfizer-BioNTech shot for five to and the lives they lived, and we pray
11-year-olds, an age group for the loved ones left behind,” Joe
experiencing high coronavirus Biden said in a statement.
infection rates across the continent.
“To heal, we must remember. We
Denmark, which has seen a surge must also act,” the president said.
in cases attributed to the new
Omicron variant, and some Austrian According to official data, the risk
regions already began offering jabs to of dying from Covid-19 was 14 times
younger children last month. higher among people who had not
been fully vaccinated, compared to
The United States was the first those who had, in September, the
large country to take the plunge and latest month analysed.
has so far vaccinated more than five
million children in the five to 11 age Vaccinations picked up during the
bracket. – AFP fourth wave of the disease, driven by
the Delta variant, and more than 60%
German police raid anti-vaxxers of the country’s 332 million people
are now fully vaccinated.
BERLIN: Germany vowed yesterday impose its will on the whole of preparation of a violent crime that Germany will “use all the means
to “defend itself” against radicalised society”. threatens the state”, police later said of its democratic rule of law to defend The country is now into its fifth
anti-vaccination groups after police on Twitter. itself against this tiny minority of the wave, with the epicentre in colder
launched raids in response to death The security forces earlier hateful attacking the rest of us”, he northern states, as people gather
threats against a top politician launched the operation in the eastern The investigation was opened said. more often indoors.
backing decisive measures to fight city of Dresden following threats from after journalists from public
the pandemic. an anti-vaccine group against Saxony broadcaster ZDF infiltrated an A large, partly radicalised Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer,
Premier Michael Kretschmer. encrypted Telegram chat and movement has emerged in Germany who lead the House of Representatives
Police and special forces staged an reported on the death threats last against health restrictions imposed and Senate respectively, held a
operation in Saxony after an “Statements from certain week. during the Covid-19 pandemic. moment of silence with other
anti-vaccine group targeted the members of the group suggested they members of Congress on the steps of
region’s state premier, who has might have real weapons and ZDF revealed the contents of Scholz has said compulsory the Capitol building on Tuesday night.
vocally supported national measures crossbows,” police said, without messages allegedly involving a vaccination could be voted on by
against the unvaccinated in one of indicating if any arrests had been hundred members of the chat group parliament in the coming weeks, with “On this day ... we will remember
the areas of the country with the made. “linked by their opposition to the obligation to get the jab coming that 800,000 loved ones did not make
lowest inoculation rates. vaccines, to the state and the current into force in February or March. it this far: a lost father or grandfather,
Audio messages called for health policies”, police said. mother or grandmother, a friend, a
Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who took opposing “if necessary with The number of individuals familiar face in the neighborhood,”
office last week, said Germany would weapons” the measures in place, In his first speech to parliament as opposed to the health restrictions Schumer said in a statement.
“not allow a tiny minority of targeting politicians and in particular, chancellor, Scholz vowed a and prepared to use violence was
uninhibited extremists to try to Kretschmer. zero-tolerance policy against such between 15,000 and 20,000, security “All of us know of someone whom
extremist groups. expert Sebastian Fiedler said. – AFP this disease has taken away.” – AFP
Authorities suspected “the

8 theSUN ON THURSDAY | DECEMBER 16, 2021 FOLLOW ON TELEGRAM SCAN
SPEAK UP ME
/thesuntelegram
Time to revisit
ministerial perks LETTERS [email protected]

Turning the tide for
Malayan tiger conservation

COMMENT been abolished a long time ago – increased to a THE announcement on the set-up of a of the wildlife that provide balance to
scandalous 8.4%. All these data are from the Wildlife Crime Bureau (WCB) by the ecosystem.
by Jason Loh Department of Statistics, applying the current Poverty Deputy Inspector-General of Police
Line Income set at RM2,208 per month. Datuk Seri Mazlan Lazim presents a The continued presence of tigers in
IN times of crises, including at the present, we gleam of hope in the fight to protect the wild is key to a balanced forest
should not expect the political elite of the In short, statistics after statistics from our our Malayan tiger. ecosystem, which is crucial for our
day to continue with pre-existing socio-economic data point to a grim outlook. For the own long-term survival.
perks/benefits/privileges and pensions – and even vast majority of the rakyat, they continue to struggle to WWF-Malaysia applauds the police
salaries – which gives the perception of “unbridled” survive and cope while some have barely enough to put for this welcome announcement, When we protect the tiger’s
enjoyment of “lavish” treatment, rightly or wrongly. food on the table. which marks yet another step forward habitat, we protect the various
in the fight against wildlife poaching ecosystem services that the forest
This is at the expense of the money belonging to the We have learnt from the lessons of other countries and trafficking. provides like freshwater, clean air,
rakyat. As revealed by member of Parliament for Muar that austerity should not be imposed on the rakyat flood mitigation and other natural
Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman and leader of the during times of economic difficulties. Countries such as We also express our appreciation resources; all of which benefit us.
Muda (Malaysian United Democratic Alliance) party, Greece that experienced austerity saw its gross to the Energy and Natural Resources
there has been no let-up in the provisioning of domestic product (GDP), output and employment Ministry and Perhilitan for their With stronger protection, tiger
ministers’ salaries and perks during what is an contracting and shrunk massively. immense support in leading the landscapes also store more carbon on
unprecedented spell and the most devastating charge against wildlife crimes. average than other forests in the
economic impact ever, brought about by Covid-19. In the UK, the austerity measures (timed over a region, helping to mitigate climate
five-year period) were unable to go on full swing as With our wild tiger population change. For many years, we have
In fact, ministers have doubled down on their claims it stalled by 2012 when GDP fell to 0.2% (in numbers still below 200, it gives me persevered to protect the Malayan
and self-entitlements, which have created anxiety and inflation-adjusted GDP – this is below the level in 2007, great hope to see other recent key tiger in the wild, through patrolling
unease among MPs, giving their due response on behalf i.e. the year before the onset of the Great Recession of developments in our fight for the efforts, advocacy and many meetings
of the rakyat, who have been put through the most 2008/09). But savings and cuts should be made by the Malayan tiger: to present our research and proposals.
severe economic and socio-economic upheaval so far. government on itself. If at all, any self-imposed 1. In June, the Cabinet had agreed
constraints and restraint should be upon the to nine strategic actions for the It has been a long journey, and we
This is set against a real-world backdrop where it has government’s internal expenditure, whatever one conservation of the species for a period are now at the cusp where we can turn
been estimated that unemployment together with wants to call it – “efficiency savings” and what-not. of 10 years from 2021 to 2030. the tide of extinction for our beloved
under-employment could well have reached more than 2. In September, Energy and Natural national icon. With the creation of
two million by now. Some have had to endure pay cuts Specifically, the government should go all out in Resources Minister Datuk Seri NCTF, TWG and the WCB, and the
before the wage subsidy kicked in. Worse still are those plugging leakages and wastages from public Takiyuddin Hassan announced the whole nation rallying behind this,
whose pay cuts were never restored. expenditure as reported in the Auditor-General’s formation of the National Conservation from our anti-poaching units on the
Report year after year, by tightening up the screws Task Force (NCTF) to be chaired by the ground to the support of our donors
Tragically, thousands of businesses have shut down on the procurement process and implementing a prime minister, and the set-up of a and Maybank, our partner in tiger
because they were unable to withstand the impact from zero-based budgetary system. Tigers Working Group (TWG) to look at conservation, Energy and Natural
the movement control orders or lockdowns that had ways to increase the tiger population in Resources Ministry, the police,
caused such a drastic drop in sales in conventional or More to the point, and to put it simply – ministers’ the wild. Perhilitan, other agencies and non-
face-to-face transactions. Hundreds of thousands more pay, perks and pensions should be revisited and subject 3. In October, the passing of the Wildlife governmental organisations, we can
are on the verge of bankruptcy and closure. to a reasonable reduction, accordingly. For one, there Conservation (Amendment) Bill 2021 be on the right track to recovering our
should be a temporary or time-limited cap on by unanimous vote in Parliament wild tiger population.
For businesses that have adapted to and adopted ministerial pay, perks and pensions across the board. marked a timely boost for Malaysia’s
digitalisation by way of low contact transactions, some On top of that, there should be a freeze or halt to any critically endangered wildlife. It does take a nation to save the
(i.e. high growth businesses) have found success proposed rises. 4. Budget 2022 presented in Malayan tiger. What is important is
and their niche in the market through e-commerce October announced an allocation of that we keep up the momentum.
platforms such as Shopify Plus, and digital Just because the government is allocating funds to RM450 million for environment and Minister in the Prime Minister’s
marketing solutions providers in the form of Meekco, the rakyat to help them tide over the impact from the biodiversity initiatives. Department Datuk Seri Dr Wan
among others. pandemic, it therefore, does not mean that Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar stated in the
ministers are “equally” entitled to a “reward” for what WWF-Malaysia has advocated for Dewan Rakyat that Malaysia is set to
Whereas for the wider real economy, getting they are doing. Such casuistry, if at all, is only several years the establishment of a lose the Malayan tiger within five to 10
onboard delivery platforms like Grab, Food Panda, self-serving above all. wildlife crime unit under the police years if no drastic actions are taken
Shopee, Lazada, it has been a mixed picture. Many and a National Tiger Task Force chaired immediately.
continue to struggle, and sales from digital orders A mild or modest belt tightening on our ministers by the highest level of government.
barely cover the losses from the conventional or will not hurt them in any way. In fact, it will elevate their Implementation of the nine
face-to-face transactions. standing in the eyes of the rakyat and assure them that The establishment of similar task strategic actions is of utmost criticality
our political elite and masters truly empathise with force and wildlife crime units in Nepal to save this species, even more
On top of that, businesses suffer from the perennial their situation. and India as early as the 1970s was urgently now with the Year of the Tiger
cashflow problem that is compounded by high gearing instrumental for the gradual increase around the corner. After all, what
ratios or highly leveraged financial positions (i.e. high A big thanks to Syed Saddiq for raising and of their wild tiger population and this would the Year of the Tiger mean five
debt) as well as outstanding rental payments to highlighting this matter. is what we hope to see emulated in years from now if there were no more
landlords, among others. Malaysia. It will take time and there is tigers in the wild? Would we also want
Please, dear ministers, can we see some show of not a second to lose. our Jata Negara to symbolise a
A staggering 580,000 households from the M40 real empathy? majestic national icon that we were
classification have slipped into the B40 category, Our nation’s critically endangered unable to save from extinction?
whereas there are now 639,800 households that are Jason Loh Seong Wei is Head of Social, wildlife population has plummeted
deemed as poor as of 2020. Law & Human Rights at EMIR Research, an over just a few decades due to Sophia Lim
independent think tank focussed on strategic policy rampant poaching and illegal wildlife Executive director and chief
Incidences of absolute poverty – that should have recommendations based on rigorous research. trade. If this is allowed to continue
unchecked, our forests will be devoid executive officer
Comments: [email protected] World Wide Fund-Malaysia

TELLING IT AS IT IS

LIFESTYLE YOUTH FASHION ENTERTAINMENT

THURSDAY | DECEMBER 16, 2021

giCfhtirnisgtmidaesas MOVIE REVIEW:
We’ve listed some Spiderman: No Way
interesting Christmas Home
gift suggestions for
your festive shopping >>> Page 3
>>> Page 4&5
Time Magazine’s
123RF Person of the Year
2021

>>> Page 7

ENTERTAINMENT FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM SCAN
ME
2 theSun LYFE ON THURSDAY | DECEMBER 16, 2021 @thesundaily

Gotham Knights█ COMPILEDBYMARIETTAMU, MARKMATHENVICTOR,JOHNTAN& S. TAMARAICHELVI
on the horizon
o A new TV show will bring together Batman’s
son and the children of his archenemies

THE CW is looking to develop executive producer. the Arrowverse that aired on The (from far left) The new series is set after
a new drama called Gotham In addition to Batwoman, Fiveash CW’s online streaming platform, CW Fiveash, Batman’s death, and sees his
Knights based on characters Seed – Vixen and Freedom Fighters: Abrams and son join forces with his
from DC Comics’ Batman and Stoteraux have written and Stoteraux will archenemies’ children in order
and The Joker, created by Bob Kane produced Fox’s Gotham and Syfy’s helm the new to clear their names. – DC
with Bill Finger. Krypton, while Abrams was the Gotham Wayne’s murder, his rebellious
writer for several Batwoman and Knights adopted son forges an unlikely
Though the writers of the show – Supergirl episodes. project. – THE alliance with the children of
Chad Fiveash, James Stoteraux and HOLLYWOOD Batman’s enemies when they are all
Natalie Abrams – are originally from Currently, The CW’s DC universe REPORTER framed for killing the Caped
Batwoman, the project is not going to comprises of four shows – The Flash The Ray. Crusader. And as the city’s most
be a Batwoman spinoff nor will it be in its eighth season, Legends of The network’s synopsis for the wanted criminals, this renegade
related to the Gotham Knights game Tomorrow in its seventh season, show reads: “In the wake of Bruce band of misfits must fight to clear
currently in the works, which is also Batwoman in its third season, and their names. But in a Gotham with no
set in post-Batman Gotham City. Superman & Lois filming its second Dark Knight to protect it, the city
season. descends into the most dangerous
Like the other DC series, Gotham it’s ever been. However, hope comes
Knights will be produced by Warner The shows that have ended are from the most unexpected of places
Bros. TV and Berlanti Productions. Arrow, which concluded in early as this team of mismatched fugitives
Fiveash, Stoteraux, and Abrams are 2020 with eight seasons, Black will become its next generation of
currently writing the script. Fiveash Lightning, which wrapped up in mid- saviours.”
and Stoteraux will executive produce 2021 with four seasons, and
with Berlanti Productions’ Greg Supergirl, which ended in its sixth
Berlanti, Sarah Schechter,
and David Madden, while season.
Abrams will be a co- In addition to their

television series, The CW
also has two web series in

Rademacher is Anti-vaxx soap opera drama
suing ABC for
firing him after he ABC is being sued by former General email to Disney’s human resources
expressed anti- Hospital star, Ingo Rademacher, as the department.
vaxx views. – ABC actor argues that the company’s Covid-
This excuse was rejected by ABC.
19 vaccine mandate is unconstitutional The suit argues that ABC was
and even amounts to religious required to honour Rademacher’s
discrimination. religious exemption, as questioning the
Rademacher who has played sincerity of his beliefs amounts to
Jasper Jacks on the soap opera religious discrimination.
for over 25 years, was fired last Rademacher was not the only actor
month after refusing to get to be fired on these grounds.
vaccinated. Another General Hospital star, Steve
According the lawsuit which Burton, confirmed on Nov 23 that he
was filed on Monday, was also fired from the show for
Rademacher sought religious refusing to comply with the vaccine
exemption from the mandate. mandate, and this was after he too had
“I am entitled to a religious applied for religious and medical
exemption against exemptions, which were denied by
mandatory vaccination for ABC.
Covid-19 on the basis of my Rademacher’s suit also claims that
deeply and sincerely held the vaccine mandate violated his right
moral belief that my body is to privacy.
endowed by my creator with “This should not be a political issue,” Jisoo and Jun on the Snowdrop poster. –
natural processes to protect the suit states. “There is no need for JTBC
me and that its natural everybody to get the Covid-19 shot,
integrity cannot ethically be even if the president demands it.” uSnnvoewidlerdop poster
violated by the The actor is being represented by
administration of artificially John W. Howard, an attorney that has THE poster for the much-anticipated
created copies of genetic filed several lawsuits challenging Korean romance drama series,
material, foreign to nature vaccine mandates, and Robert F. Snowdrop, was unveiled to showcase a
and experimental,” Kennedy, Jr., another lawyer and anti- romantic scene featuring the main
Rademacher wrote in an Oct 11 vaccine advocate. lead Jun Hae-in and BLACKPINK’s
Jisoo, just days before the premiere.
V is the social media king
In the poster, the two lovers are
KOREAN sensation BTS has once million followers just after 43 V has broken the record for fastest followers gained on Instagram. – captured in a special moment with
again made history by setting an minutes of going live. The record- KOREABOO their eyes locked together. This
all-new record. Upon joining breaking streak continued as more romantic scene is enough to make
Instagram on Dec 6, the boy band ARMYs followed his account. One is the most viewed music Thanks to their popularity, the fans want to watch the upcoming
broke the record for being the video in 24 hours and the most group has also been added to the series!
fastest users to reach one and 10 This resulted in him being the streamed track on Spotify in the Guinness World Records 2022 Hall
million followers on Instagram. fastest user to gain 10 million first 24 hours. of Fame. The drama is set in Seoul in 1987
followers in just 4 hours and 52 and tells a story of a young man who
Member V in particular is minutes. breaks into the girls’ dormitory of a
primarily responsible for this college, covered with blood. One of
incredible milestone. While V lead in the numbers, he the female students takes him in and
and members – RM, Jin, Suga, J- prevents him from being found, and a
“[V] led the charge in terms of Hope, Jimin and Jungkook – all forbidden romance soon blossoms
follower count, breaking the now have over 20 million followers between them.
record for the fastest time to reach on Instagram.
1 million followers on Instagram in In the series, a female student
just 43 minutes,” said Guinness Apart from this remarkable named Young Ro takes and gives
World Records via their achievement, the band has also shelter to avoid being caught by the
announcement. broken other records this year. people, who were chasing him.
Their single Butter broke five
Along with other members, V’s world records across Youtube and The JTBC drama will premiere on
account, @thv, amassed one Spotify. Dec 18.

ENTERTAINMENT

3theSun LYFE ON THURSDAY | DECEMBER 16, 2021

Spider-Man has
to seek out the
help of Dr
Strange to solve
his problems. –
MARVEL
STUDIOS

One of the many
different Spider
costumes Peter
Parker dons in the
film. – MARVEL
Hitting a homeSTUDIOS run
█ BY MARINA MUHTAR wrong and villains from other
universes start showing up.
AFTER watching Spider-
Man: No Way Home’s While the multiverse is a
trailer, I was among those complicated concept, Jon Watts
who had a couple of managed to tackle the theory and
questions rattling around in my introduce the subplot of
head. With Electro (Jamie Foxx) o Tom Holland’s Spider-Man finally learns the reason for why the movie flawlessly. Every
and Dr Otto Octavius (Alfred “with great power comes great responsibility” 0 CAST: Tom scene was intense, packed
Molina) back in the picture, fans Holland, with emotion and waves of
were quick to speculate on who else MJ and Peter’s Zendaya, laughter despite the
would make a return to the Spider- relationship is Benedict chaos, and will certainly
Verse, and it got my curiosity going. put to the test Cumberbatch, leave the audience
after his identity Jamie Foxx wondering what will
When Avengers: Endgame was is revealed. – and Marisa happen next, after an
released, one of the fan theories MARVEL Tomei ending that is sure to tug
proposed that this film would kick STUDIOS 0 DIRECTOR: on your heartstrings.
off the next phase of Marvel movies Jon Watts
in the form of new Avengers which The movie doesn’t give
eventually led to Spider-Man: No E-VALUE you a break and you’ll be
Way Home being billed as the 10 invested throughout,
Marvel Cinematic Universe’s especially with the visual
introduction to the multiverse – a ACTING
vast world of infinite possibilities 10
that are steeped in parallel
universes. PLOT effects that will elevate
10 your entire movie
Considering how Peter Parker experience. Throughout
(Tom Holland) ends up being the Homecoming trilogy, Holland’s
thrown into the multiverse thanks character in Spider-Man: No Way
in part to Doctor Strange’s Home has grown into a more
(Benedict Cumberbatch) role in the mature version of himself. And with
film, you will realise that Loki’s the detailed narrative and pace that
season finale did in fact introduce a audiences will have no trouble
full and endless multiverse for the picking up, it is no wonder that
MCU’s future. early reviews have dubbed this
movie as the MCU’s best Spidey
In Spider-Man: No Way Home, film.
the story picks up right after the While I don’t want to give out
events of the previous film, where spoilers, I can confirm that this film
Peter’s identity was shockingly has two end credit scenes that you
revealed to the world by none other don’t want to miss out.
than Mysterio (Jake Gyllenhaal). If you’re ready to go on an
This new development ends up throwing up his life, and the lives of Aunt May (Marisa Tomei) into Doctor Strange to return to a world emotional roller coaster ride,
his girlfriend MJ (Zendaya), best disarray. Affected by the incident, where no one knows he’s Spider- Spider-Man: No Way Home is now
friend Ned (Jacob Batalon) and he desperately asks help from Man. Unfortunately, the spell goes out in cinemas.

GSC now at Tropicana Gardens Mall
IT’S good news for movie buffs
living near Tropicana Gardens
Mall, as GSC has moved in to the
third floor cinema halls once
occupied by now-shuttered
cinema chain MBO.
During a recent launch of the
newly-refurbished cinema,
members of the media were given
a tour of the facilities, which
promise to take the moviegoing
experience to the next level.
The 12-screen cinema has a
total of 1,717 seats, and includes
six special halls that allow for a
variety of cinema experiences.
These include:
0 Onyx Cinema LED with Dolby
Atmos (1 screen)
This hall delivers 4K LED screen
visuals and distortion-free High-
Dynamic-Range (HDR) picture The Onyx hall where visuals and sound are prioritised.
quality with Dolby Atmos’ – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN The MX4D
immersive, atmospheric surround hall which
sound. Dolby Atmos sound and plush area and relax on plush twin seats lets you feel
0 MX4D (1 screen) leatherette seats. to enjoy their movie. as though
If you want to feel like you are a 0 PlayPlus family halls (2 you are a
part of the movie, settle yourself in screens) Besides the updated halls, GSC part of the
the moving seats equipped with Perfect for a day out with the little Tropicana Gardens is also the only
Motion EFX Technology, with ones, the PlayPlus experience cinema to offer fresh, hot oden movie. –
special EFX generators that add includes a lounge outside where along with all the usual AMIRUL
environmental effects like light, you can wait for the movie to start, concessions and snacks. SYAFIQ/
wind, water, scent, fog and more. as well as a play area inside the THESUN
0 GSC BIG with Dolby Atmos (1 hall. The Oden Table serves a variety choice of either a single serving of Moviegoers can also enjoy
screen) 0 GSC Premiere (1 screen) of 10 different ingredients, Japanese udon/ramen, or two pastries like green tea cake,
GSC’s premium large format For those looking for a more including Korean-style fish cake, Korean-style fish cakes, or fishball blueberry cheesecake, tiramisu
(PLF) combines the biggest exclusive experience, they can sea urchin balls, Japanese cheese with fish roe, sea urchin ball and cups and muffins. – by Anansa
screen in the cinema, with big order food and drinks at the lounge tofu, cheesy lobster balls and cuttlefish ball combo. Jacob
more.

Prices start from RM8.50 for a

LIFESTYLE

4 theSun LYFE ON THURSDAY | DECEMBER 16, 2021

‘Tis is the season for joy and new toys!
█ BY THASHINE SELVAKUMARAN o Here is our top 10 toys for kids this holiday season

THE holiday shopping season is as they build and play with the Legos.
ramping up! Getting a gift for They also get a free Santa logo with
your little ones can be a little every purchase of this set.
challenging, as every year there
are endless choices of new, trendy toys 4. Peppa Pig dollhouse
to be considered. British animated series Peppa Pig is
trending worldwide as fans of the
If you are still making your list, here character can’t get seem to get enough.
are 10 toys that are sure to be hot this If your child is a fan of all things Peppa,
holiday season, to make shopping for then this is the right one to get them
your loved ones a relatively easy feat. excited with the new dollhouse pick.
1. Funko Pops It’s suitable for children aged two and
Funko Pop is a company best known older, and includes seven separate
for its vinyl action figurines. The best chambers, some of which light up and
way to celebrate Christmas is by produce sounds!
bringing home Funko Drops Disney
Christmas Pops. This new holiday- 5. Pie Face working together and creating the thinking as they proceed to complete over 40 animals like monkeys,
themed release includes Pop figures of A game that might smack you in the perfect train whistle. the different sets of robots. and unicorns, Fingerlings are
Daisy Duck, Donald Duck, Winnie The face. This viral game will bring kids 7. 13-in-1 Solar Robot 8. Dollhouse toy set for Barbie dolls affordable and an exciting toy
Pooh, Mickey Mouse and other Disney together to enjoy their festive holidays. This 13-in-1 solar robot can be You can’t go wrong with Barbies. There kids. They make a lot of adora
characters, all dressed up in Christmas Place a good amount of whipped transformed into 13 different modules. is always a Barbie set that your kid can noises and speak in their ow
attire and holding festive presents, cream on the throwing arm and wait to This can challenge kids’ motor and enjoy. Kids can construct their own dialects. There are two sensor
making them the cutest collectibles of see if you will end up with whipped thinking skills as they learn to play with houses based on their preferences and on top of their heads. Tapping
the season. cream all over your face when you it. It comes with a manual along with ideas with this dollhouse toy set on them once or twice will
2. Squid Game dolls crank the handle. A game that would simulation furniture. It can help them produce a variety of different
Following the worldwide hype over the keep the kids hooked and excited for a the DIY set that would be more creative, develop their hands- reactions.
Netflix show Squid Game, shop online fun experience. be easy for the kids to on skills, and expand their imagination. 10) Rainbow High
for collectible stuffed toys featuring the 6. Thomas & Friends 2-in-1 assemble different With new sets getting released every Fashion Studio
distinctive guards from the series. Transforming Thomas playset models. Kids will year, you’ll be able to find the right one Rainbow High Fashion
These soft and huggable Squid Game Thomas & Friends is a television series be able to for this holiday season. Studio includes a variety of
plush toys would be fun for kids to play based around railway engines that live enhance 9. Fingerlings doll clothes and dol
with, even if they’re too young to watch on the Island of Sodor, and is one of the their Fingerlings are toys that can be accessories. Kids are able to m
the show. As they come in multiple best children’s shows of all time. The creative wrapped around your fingers. With match and create their own loo
sizes and designs, they make a perfect Thomas & Friends 2-in-1 Transforming set features an array of fashion
gift for both children and adults. Thomas Playset allows children to help your child create the
3. Marvel Super Heroes Escape from construct their own Sodor adventures. glamorous look for their dolls.
The Ten Rings Lego set This train set includes a push-along
This set gives kids the adventure and Thomas and passenger cars Annie &
superhero action they crave Clarabel. This game
with iconic characters from
the hit blockbuster movie, allows kids to practice
letting them roleplay with
their favourite Marvel
characters. This set will
be able to keep kids

busy for days

Thoughtful Christmas gifts for under RM100

CHRISTMAS is just around the corner, and it’s item in the closet. Tableware or kitchen uten
about time to start your shopping for presents. The Gifting an organiser would be much appreciated Since the MCO was imple
shopping centres and malls are decked with have ventured into cooking
Christmas decorations, and ready to welcome as it can help clear the clutter in their wardrobe. cakes. As such, consider get
shoppers with competitive prices! Bullet Journals or unique kitchen utensils
Inspire others to start a new habit, either to write or kitchen utensils.
We’ve come up with a list of ideas for adorable get creative with journals. Games sets
and unique presents for your loved ones this year so Consider gifting a games se
you don’t have to burn a hole in your pockets. Gift a planner or bullet journal for ‘to-do-list’ for bocce ball or even Mono
work or to pen down their thoughts, or even as a motivating your friends to
As many people are on a tight budget, here are creative outlet to express art. game.
our 10 suggestions for gifts priced less than RM100.
Personalised jewellery organiser case Get a personalised book cover with their Besides, playing games
For women, a jewellery organiser is a must-have favourite art and thoughtful words, or even their
photograph on the cover.

LIFESTYLE

5theSun LYFE ON THURSDAY | DECEMBER 16, 2021

, pandas
e very
y for
able
wn
rs
g
l
ll
mix and
oks. The
n tools to
e most

nsils can help them reconnect, especially with friends or Streaming service subscriptions
lemented, most people family members who were separated by the MCO. With new streaming services seemingly being
g and baking breads and launched each month, we now have a wealth of
tting creatively designed By the way, a game night is also a good way to choices when it comes to entertainment. Why not
s, or even personalised spend time in the home if there are any future grab a subscription for your loved ones and let
lockdowns. them binge on their favourite shows this festive
et such as one for chess, Computer or phone gadgets period?
opoly, as you will be From phone covers to headphones, a thoughtful Scented candles
o get active and play a gadget would make an ideal gift, especially for people Scented candles can change the mood of a house
with a group of people who love to listen to music or who practice an active and make a perfect gift for both men and women.
lifestyle. There are a variety of candles, scents and shapes in
the market. – by S. Tamarai Chelvi
Miniature gadgets or lightweight gadgets are also
good for those who love to travel light.

HEALTH

6 theSun LYFE ON THURSDAY | DECEMBER 16, 2021

OMICRON has caused Still effective Omicron has caused global concern over
global concern over signs signs that it can transmit faster than previous
that it can transmit faster strains and fears that its multiple mutations
than previous strains and could help it evade immune defences
fears that its multiple mutations provided by vaccines. - AFP
could help it evade immune
defences provided by vaccines. No o Pfizer/BioNTech says three doses
deaths have so far been associated are ‘effective’againstOmicron
with the variant.
antibodies from the Pfizer- results of what is generating very high levels of imposed
In preliminary results published BioNTech vaccine to neutralise happening out there,” antibody which should potentially border restrictions
on Wednesday, Pfizer and BioNTech Omicron, compared to an early he told AFP. still provide valuable protection in response to the
said their vaccine “is still effective in strain. Emerging evidence against infection”. spread of the new virus variant and
preventing Covid-19, also against Omicron counts more than 30 raised the possibility of a return of
Omicron, if it has been administered The results suggest “that there is mutations on the spike protein The detection of the first economically punishing lockdowns.
three times”. definitely much less neutralisation that dots the surface of the Omicron cases two weeks ago
against Omicron compared to coronavirus and allows it to invade coincided with soaring infection Omicron has so far been found in
But they warned that “the neutralisation against the original cells. numbers across the world, and the 57 countries, the WHO said. – ETX
Omicron variant is probably not strains that came out of Wuhan variant added fuel to concerns about Studio
sufficiently neutralised after two initially,“ said Willem Hanekom, Given the array of changes in this a global Covid resurgence.
doses”. executive director of the Africa strain of the virus, Paul Moss,
Health Research Institute, which Deputy Head of the College of Dozens of nations have re-
According to early laboratory carried out the study. Medical and Dental Sciences at the
research using blood serum from University of Birmingham, said this
vaccinated people, a booster third But he cautioned that it was kind of result “was not unexpected”.
dose generated around the same important to be “extraordinarily
level of antibodies against Omicron careful” interpreting the results However he said “emerging
as is seen after a second dose with because they only reflect a evidence from booster vaccinations
the initial strain. laboratory setting. shows that they are capable of

Blood samples from people who “What we need is real world
had received two doses of the
current vaccine showed on average
a 25-fold reduction in neutralising
antibodies compared to the early
strain of the virus, the companies
said.

But they added that another part
of the immune response – from T
cells – were probably still effective
against the variant, adding that
“vaccinated individuals may still be
protected against severe forms of
the disease”.

Their results have not been peer
reviewed.
Real world test
Speaking at a press conference,
BioNTech CEO Ugur Sahin said that
reducing the time required between
second and third doses of the
vaccine was the “right way to go” to
increase protection through the
winter.

The United Kingdom has begun
giving booster shots to individuals at
least three months after their second
dose, while the delay to receive an
additional shot is longer elsewhere.

The vaccine-makers said that an
Omicron-specific version of the jab,
currently in development by
BioNTech, would be ready for
delivery by March, pending
regulatory approval.

The decision to switch
production to the tailored vaccine
would depend “on the spread of the
Omicron variant”, the German
company’s chief operating officer
Sierk Poetting said at a press
conference.

The announcement comes after
other preliminary results from a
small study in South Africa
suggested there was up to a forty-
fold drop in the ability of the

FEATURE 7

theSun LYFE ON THURSDAY | DECEMBER 16, 2021

TIME magazine on named Year of Musk Controversial Tesla
Tesla chief and space chief and space
entrepreneur Elon Musk as o Time names the billionaire its Person of the Year entrepreneur Elon
its person of the year, citing Musk was been
his embodiment of the technological honoured by Time
shifts but also troubling trends magazine.
reshaping people’s lives.
billion (RM1.05 trillion), according to markets and the value of
Musk – who overtook Amazon Forbes’ real-time billionaires list. cryptocurrencies with a single tweet,
founder Jeff Bezos this year to but his main terrestrial influence for
become the world’s wealthiest He has also courted controversy now is with his electric vehicles.
person – wields impact on Earth with with his provocative Twitter feed that
his Tesla electric car company and can attack, joke and provoke – “Our intent with Tesla was always
beyond our planet with his SpaceX including a poll in November asking that we would serve as an example to
rockets. Twitter whether he should sell a 10% the car industry, and hope that they
share of his Tesla stock. also make electric cars so that we can
“Musk’s rise coincides with accelerate the transition to
broader trends of which he and his Felsenthal noted Musk’s sustainable energy,” Musk told Time.
fellow technology magnates are part provocative vision is accompanied by
cause and part effect,” Time editor-in- a persona which is a “blunt Time notes that in an earlier era
chief Edward Felsenthal wrote. instrument that often seems to revel interplanetary travel was a collective
in division and aggressive mockery as undertaking that leaders used to rally
Among those trends, Felsenthal he gives the world access to his id their nations, but that increasingly
listed “the continuing decline of through social media.”
traditional institutions in favor of private companies are
individuals; government dysfunction Musk has appeared ever-present involved.
that has delivered more power and in American culture in recent years,
responsibility to business and amassing 66 million Twitter “ To
chasms of wealth and opportunity.” followers and guest-hosting the Musk, that is
famed late-night comedy show progress,
Time editors have previously Saturday Night Live in May. steering capital
defined the title – which last year allocation away from
went to President Joe Biden and Vice Musk speaks ambitiously about the government to those
President Kamala Harris – as going to his interest in colonising Mars, and who will be good stewards of it,”
people who “embodied what was plans orbital flights next year as part Felsenthal wrote.
important about the year, for better or of SpaceX’s planned American return
for worse.” to the Moon. “To others, it is testament to
capitalism’s failings as staggeringly
In October, Musk’s electric car “The goal overall has been to wealthy, mostly white men play by
company’s valuation soared above a make life multi-planetary and enable their own rules while much of society
trillion dollars, and SpaceX has humanity to become a spacefaring gets left behind,” he added.
teamed up with US space agency civilization,” Musk told Time in an
NASA to launch various missions interview released with the Person of
including a test run of protecting the Year announcement.
Earth from an asteroid.
He has also been known to move
The brash South African-born 50-
year-old has seen his wealth soar
during the pandemic to over US$250

A Blue Origin New Easy access through your phone
Shepard rocket launches
on Dec 11, 2021, in West HYATT has become the first hotel 15 or an Apple Watch running
Texas near Van Horn. – chain to offer room keys through watchOS 8.
ETX STUDIO Apple Wallet, on iPhone and
Apple Watch. This new feature Once the guest is checked in
Flying high dust as it touched down. became the first human in space, allows guests to open their room and the room is ready, the room
Laura Shepard Churchley, whose orbiting the planet. with their smartphone or key is immediately activated in
JEFF BEZOS’ Blue Origin company connected watch. For now, just Apple Wallet and can be used
blasted its third private crew into father Alan Shepard became the first Shepard, who died in 1998, went half a dozen establishments are from there at any time. At no
space on Saturday and brought it American to travel to space in 1961, on to be the fifth of twelve men to experimenting with this time can it be activated without
back safely, this time including the flew as a guest of Blue Origin. have set foot on the Moon. technology in the United States, the guest being checked in and
daughter of the first American before it rolls out countrywide. assigned a room. From then on,
astronaut. The company’s suborbital rocket Previous Blue Origin flights have all the guest has to do is bring
is in fact named “New Shepard” in flown the company’s billionaire Last spring, during its most their iPhone (or Apple Watch)
The stubby white spacecraft with a honour of the pioneering astronaut. founder Bezos as well as Star Trek recent developers conference close to the door lock and it will
round tip blasted off into clear blue actor William Shatner to space. (WWDC), Apple announced that open thanks to contactless
skies over West Texas for a roughly 11 Michael Strahan, an American it should soon be possible to technology (NFC). The key will
minute trip to just beyond the football Hall of Famer turned TV Bezos, who made his fortune with unlock your hotel room door then be deactivated when the
internationally-recognised boundary personality, was also a guest, while Amazon, envisages a future in which with your iPhone. Now this has guest leaves the hotel.
of space, about 100 kilometers high. there were four paying customers: humanity disperses throughout the become a reality, thanks to this
space industry executive and solar system, living and working in first collaboration with Hyatt. The idea is to be able to
The six-member crew hooted with philanthropist Dylan Taylor, investor giant space colonies with artificial provide access to a guest’s room
glee as they unbuckled to enjoy a few Evan Dick, Bess Ventures founder gravity. And the whole process is without a physical key, in a
minutes of weightlessness. Lane Bess, and non-binary influencer extremely easy for users. From secure way, but also to provide
Cameron Bess. Lane and Cameron This, he says, would leave Earth as the World of Hyatt mobile app, access to various common areas,
“I’ve never seen anything like Bess became the first parent-child a pristine tourism destination much guests can add their room key to usually accessible via a dedicated
that,” one unidentified crew member pair to fly in space. like national parks today. Apple Wallet as soon as they pass, such as gyms, swimming
said as Blue Origin livestreamed the make a reservation. If you’re fuzzy pools or even elevators.
flight. As of now, ticket prices have not The year 2021 has been significant about Apple Wallet, it’s an iOS
been disclosed. for the space tourism sector, with application that allows you to According to Hyatt, this
The capsule quickly returned to Virgin Galactic also flying its founder group together various loyalty solution is also a guarantee of
Earth for a gentle parachute landing Alan Shepard performed a 15- Richard Branson to the final frontier, cards, coupons, tickets and so security and privacy. In the future
in the desert, kicking up a cloud of minute suborbital space flight on and Elon Musk’s SpaceX sending four forth. Note that this operation this technology should be
May 5, 1961, just under a month after private citizens on a three-day orbital requires an iPhone running iOS available at all Hyatt properties
the Soviet Union’s Yuri Gagarin mission for charity. – ETX Studio worldwide.

Hyatt allows
guestroom
doors to be
opened by
iPhone in some
of its
establishments.

MEDIA & MARKETING

8 theSun LYFE ON THURSDAY | DECEMBER 16, 2021

Twofold awards in extraordinary times

SUNWAY Theme Parks continue to aspire to hospitality industry in Malaysia to promote the said Calvin Ho, Executive Director of Sunway
deliver ‘The Best Day Ever’ and ‘Awesome awareness of the high achieving tourism Theme Parks.
Moments’ through its rich tradition of creativity, business and brands that create a positive
innovation, and excellent quality, and these image of the country worldwide. Sunway Lagoon and Sunway Lost World Of
honours inspire us to push even harder toward Tambun are also ideal locations for those
that objective. “To be recognised as the best theme parks in wishing to enjoy the holidays with the perfect
this country despite the tumultuous times we family gathering. He added, “Sunway Theme
In the recent Malaysia Tourism Council are all living in is a testament to all our Parks is at the forefront of the attractions
(MTC) Gold Awards, Sunway Theme Parks was teammates in both Sunway Lagoon and industry in this region, and we’ll continue to
honoured to receive both Best Outdoor Theme Sunway Lost World Of Tambun. This period has evolve our ‘Best Day Ever’ and ‘Awesome
Park for Sunway Lagoon and Best Theme Park tested our zeal and commitment in providing Moments’ in years to come.”
for Sunway Lost World Of Tambun. MTC Gold world-class entertainment to all walks of life
Awards is to encourage the tourism and and ultimately reuniting people at our parks,“ For more information, you may check our

A balm for OrphanCare
o Suu Balm is donating part
of the proceeds from its
Christmas Gift Set to help
reduce baby abandonment

LEADING up to Christmas and the new time, save lives. All they need to do is purchase amongst Suu Balm users about OrphanCare Gift & Win with Netflx
year, Suu Balm recently launched an a Suu Balm’s Exclusive Christmas Gift Set from Foundation” said Riza. and 7-Eleven
Exclusive Christmas Gift Set which RM119 and 10% from the sales proceeds will
features the brand’s best-selling be channelled directly to OrphanCare to As one of the most recognized and trusted NETFLIX Fans, this is for you! 7-Eleven
products; Suu Balm Rapid Itch Relieving & benefit the cause”, added Kha Menn. skincare brands designed for anybody with Malaysia has organized the Netflix Buy & Win
Restoring Moisturizer and Suu Balm Dual dry, itchy skin and those who are suffering Contest that runs nationwide from now until 26
Cooling & Moisturizing Cream Body Wash, The Advocacy & Communications from skin conditions such as eczema, Dec 2021 with exciting prizes up for grabs.
traditional Christmas fruit cake and a holiday Manager of OrphanCare Foundation, Riza psoriasis, and hives, Suu Balm provides rapid
greeting card from the brand. Binti Alwi expressed her gratitude and itch relief while ensuring the consumer’s skin All you have to do is purchase any Netflix gift
appreciation for the donation initiative made is well moisturized with its premium quality card at 7-Eleven, snap a clear picture of the
The company also has committed to by Suu Balm to support the foundation and its skin-like ceramides. receipt and then scan the QR code to stand a
donating 10% of the sales proceeds to effort to curb baby-dumping as well as to chance to win RM35,000 worth of prizes. Every
OrphanCare Foundation, a non-profit reduce the stigma of unplanned pregnancies. Suu Balm’s Exclusive Christmas Gift Set will purchase of RM55 Netflix gift card entitles you
organization that advocates and works to give be available from 29 Nov to 25 Dec 2021 on to one entry, and every purchase of the RM100
children who are living in institutions and “OrphanCare is humbled to be chosen by Suu Balm’s e-store as well as their official Netflix gift card entitles you to three entry
unplanned babies whose lives are at risk, the Suu Balm for this great collaboration. The stores on Shopee and Lazada. For more submissions.
opportunity to grow up in a loving family. donation collected will definitely help in our information, please visit
mission and also will create higher awareness Better yet, there is no limit to the number of
It works closely with the Ministry of times you can enter the contest! So, what are
Women, Family and Community you waiting for? Increase your chances of being
Development (JKM) and has partnered with one of the 14 lucky winners by heading over to
Lumos, an international non-profit your nearest 7-Eleven stores to purchase your
organization that advises nations about Netflix gift card now!
deinstitutionalization, to coordinate the
transition from institutional care for children For more information on the Netflix Buy & Win
to a family and community-based care system. contest and full terms and conditions, please
visit www.7eleven.com.my or follow 7-Eleven
The brand manager of Suu Balm Malaysia, Malaysia’s official social media pages at
Kha Menn Chua in her statement said 7ElevenMalaysia.
“According to OrphanCare, as of 2021, baby
dumping cases are still rampant in the South
East Asian society and Malaysia being the
highest in the percentage with an average of
100 babies are abandoned every year in our
country. We are thrilled and honoured to be
collaborating with an organization such as
OrphanCare, which is committed to helping
reduce these baby abandonment cases with
their Baby Hatch initiatives”.

“We’re very hopeful that through this
collaboration, the consumers out there will be
able to play their parts in preventing baby-
dumping in random places and at the same

9thethSeUSNunOONNTHWUERDSNDEASYDA| DYE|CEMBER 16, 2021

NEWS WITHOUT SBPOERADKERUSP

RUKUN NEGARA: THE PRINCIPLES THE OBJECTIVES

BELIEF LOYALTY TO KING TO achieve greater unity TO maintain a TO create a just society in which
IN GOD AND COUNTRY among Malaysians democratic way of life the wealth of the nation shall be equitably shared

THE SUPREMACY OF THE RULE COURTESY AND TO ensure a liberal approach to her rich TO build a progressive society which shall be
THE CONSTITUTION OF LAW MORALITY and diverse cultural traditions oriented to modern science and technology

All must play role in climate action

COMMENT wealthier nations to give US$100 billion well as humans, destroying habitats terrific way to get some exercise and to
by Nur Irdina Norhisham (RM423 billion) per year for climate and disrupting livelihoods and go green. Additionally, minimising
action to poor countries from 2020. communities. The frequency dependency on energy reduces
ACCORDING to the United However, it was mentioned in the Combating and severity of such climate-related pollutants. It lowers energy
Nations’ 13th Sustainable conference that this was not climate change calamities is only growing. However, consumption by power plants, hence,
Development Goal (SDG), accomplished, and according to the will need climate change-affected countries may cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
every nation must take BBC, it is unlikely to be accomplished unprecedented not always have the power to advocate Therefore, we should cut down our
immediate action to prevent climate until 2023. efforts at all more change. household energy use. Turn off lights
change and its effects. The United levels – and disconnect gadgets after use.
Nations Framework Convention on Although the yearly climate institutional Even with such evidence, people Switch to energy-saving bulbs.
Climate Change holds an conferences have succeeded in and individual. remain unconcerned about the threats
annual meeting to monitor each galvanising the globe to take collective Everyone needs climate change pose to our way of life. Educating our community about
country’s progress towards combating action against climate change, they to bear While it is clear that each nation is renewable energy is the most effective
climate change. have been unable to avert the responsibility making an attempt and contributing to way to make a difference.
During this year’s two-week-long crisis’ deterioration in the previous for protecting climate action progress, they constantly
Climate Change Conference in two decades. the planet. fall short and are unable to resolve Explain the need to invest in
Glasgow, several of the countries’ climate concerns entirely on their own. renewable energy, which is better than
leading initiatives to address climate As research suggests, the magnitude consuming fossil fuels. Recycle paper,
change were revived, and each nation’s of action possible by these series of Such a worldwide crisis necessitates glass, plastic and electronics to
commitment was strengthened. meetings has always fallen far short of a concerted effort, not just at an eliminate waste and to avoid emission
The strategy was primarily focused the degree of action required to institutional level but also at an of greenhouse gasses.
on reversing climate change to avoid the worst implications of individual level, since earth is home to
pre-industrial levels, with the objective climate change. everyone. It is evident that awareness is Finally, but not least, participate in
of reducing global warming to a critical component of achieving this government-led efforts to mitigate
1.5°C. Countries have failed to fulfil their collective effort, and each individual climate change. Utilise our voting
According to UN News, about 120 objectives, broken commitments and must understand that climate action is power to pressure the government to
countries pledged to eliminate even delayed steps. Climate not just the duty of large organisations, improve, and elect politicians who will
deforestation and over 100 countries change-related decisions have not but rather the responsibility of all. assist in enacting legislations opposing
pledged to cut methane emissions by always been made solely on the basis of firms that contribute to climate change.
2030, with the United States and climate change concerns during these What then can we do to avert climate
European Union leading the way. sessions. Unfortunately, economic and change? Such an effort necessitates a To conclude, combating a global
Meanwhile, over 40 countries foreign policy imperatives sometimes greater degree of change in our daily issue such as climate change will need
committed to limiting coal emissions, trump environmental concerns despite actions. To start with, millions of people unprecedented efforts at all levels –
which scientists believe are a significant the seriousness of the climate issue. drive to work every day. The negative is institutional and individual. Because no
source of CiOn 2 emissions. An agreement that millions of cars pollute our one is immune to the dangers of climate
reached Copenhagen in 2009 Climate change is posing an atmosphere. Next to human industrial change, everyone needs to bear
included a guarantee by the world’s ever-increasing danger to world peace activities, vehicle emissions are a major responsibility for preventing it.
and security. Extreme weather events cause of climate change. Together, we can protect and take care
like flooding, droughts, desertification, of the planet for a brighter future.
hurricanes and rising sea levels have There are always ways to make our
displaced more people than conflict in commute more eco-friendly. Taking Nur Irdina Norhisham is a student at
2020, with 55 million people affected. public transport to work reduces the International Islamic University.
pollutants. Cycling to work is also a
Climate change threatens animals as Comments: [email protected]

Share data to beat Covid for good LETTERS [email protected]

█ BY NIGEL SHADBOLT excellent work going on in pandemic disinformation that spreads via social Discrimination laws
EVEN before it had been named, the surveillance. But there are inherent media, messaging services and word should be preventive
Omicron variant had thrown travel risks with the “me-first” approach of of mouth. The more that facts and
plans into chaos, holiday businesses nations or organisations investing in analysis are open, the less spin can THE Association for Community of what constitutes discrimination.
into panic and politicians into initiatives without enough thought be put on them. Fragmentation and Dialogue (ACID) welcomes the For example, would humiliating an
concerned huddles. about how these may fit with other and gaps allow speculation and proposed amendments to the employee in front of his or her
efforts around the world. misinterpretation to creep in. Employment Act 1955 (EA 55), colleagues, to force a resignation
We all now know the economic Misinformation thrives in the which was tabled for the first be construed as discrimination?
and social implications of new We need global systems of vacuum of closed data. reading at the Dewan Rakyat last
variants, not to mention the impact monitoring that are both widely October, and the second reading Are we addressing issues like
on the National Health Service. interoperable and widely accessible, Of course, it is not just vaccine is expected to be today until violence and harassment at the
Identified first in South Africa, so that all communities can distribution or infection rate data that Dec 18. work place?
Omicron’s fallout naturally hit the benefit from the data and the insights needs to be shared in order to help
whole southern African region it yields. deal with this pandemic or the next. While we welcome such an What about transferring a staff
hardest, in what may come to be seen Early on in the pandemic, we saw the initiative by the government to to another department without
as punishment for exemplary The risk in potentially duplicating value of mapping and mobility data meet International standards of consent or demoting a staff
genome surveillance. surveillance typologies is that it can when it came to understanding the labour law, we are concerned without the appropriate reason
come at the cost of concentrating on impacts and spread of the disease, as about the issues related to the new and due cause? What about ethnic
Instant reactions, such as travel where the gaps in knowledge and well as how we were taking our Section 69F, in respect to discrimination of wanting certain
restrictions, are not hard to ability exist. And a fragmented global allotted daily exercise. discrimination in employment. The race to work in a particular
understand when the stakes, both landscape of incompatible pandemic proposed Section 1 states: department.
economically and health-wise, are so surveillance systems will make it We have learned from our own
high. Regardless, the speed and harder for those with fewer resources work at the ODI that non-medical “The director-general may The issues mentioned above
openness with which South African to get the most impact from their data can be as valuable for public inquire into and decide any are real issues of discrimination in
scientists acted – sending their investments and efforts. health emergencies as that coming dispute between an employee and the Malaysian context that goes to
concerns to the World Health from hospitals and vaccine his employer in respect of any the core of what it means to
Organisation – should be both So, what can the G7 and richer researchers. Indeed, both the public matter relating to discrimination in protect the dignity of the
praised and emulated. nations do? Cooperating around and private sector would do well to employment, and the director- workforce, and at the same time
what constitutes quality pandemic open up far more data in the interests general may, pursuant to such ensuring that employers benefit
There could not be a better preparedness data and safe sharing of pandemic preparedness. decision, make an order.” from a fair and equitable
illustration of the value of good data can mean that variants that impact eco-system that nurtures human
and the power of sharing it. people differently by gender, I am hopeful that the new German It seems that what constitutes capital development.
disability or existing health government will have open data at discrimination is based on the
As co-founder of the Open Data conditions can be identified rapidly, the heart of its deliberations as it subjective understanding of Therefore, ACID urges the
Institute (ODI), I am proud that we potentially saving thousands of lives takes on the G7 presidency at the end the director-general, employers Human Resources Ministry to
are part of the Global Pandemic Data with earlier interventions. of this year. and employees. create an objective criterion in the
Alliance, which has been tasked by amendment of the Employment
the UK as G7 president, with driving Such a standard can also The coalition leaned heavily on It depends on the discretion of Act on discrimination that would
forward safe data access and use for help support participation from the power of digitalisation and the director-general to mediate create a preventive culture against
future pandemics. But we must lower-income countries via modernisation in its appeal to the such issues that could end up in discrimination, rather than a
acknowledge that richer nations open-source approaches, giving German people, which bodes well for disagreement rather than an in reactive culture of subjectivity that
could do better when it comes to them fair co-ownership of data input on pandemic preparedness. depth understanding of what would depend on the continuous
both openness and efficacy. insights as well as boosting the global constitutes human dignity of a interpretation of courts on what
knowledge base. Such simple The power of open data is one of worker and how discrimination constitutes discrimination.
Alongside Alliance members technological solidarity can go some the most important and powerful violates this principle.
data.org and I-DAIR, ODI is looking way to mitigate the shared risks in the resources we possess as we seek to Ronald Benjamin
at how global health data disparity in the availability of deal with the impact of this variant, or The amendment lacks Secretary
infrastructure and global health data vaccines and treatment between the indeed the next. – The Independent objectivity in meeting higher
governance can help to predict and global north and global south. Sir Nigel Shadbolt is the principal of labour standards as it fails to spell Association for Community
deal with the impact of this and the out in a reasonable broader term and Dialogue
next pandemic. Open data and open analytical Jesus College Oxford and executive
models can also help to address the chair and co-founder of the
We are finding that there is damaging global pandemic of Open Data Institute

S E C U R I T I E S S D N. B H D. SunBIZ THURSDAY
DECEMBER 16, 2021
197201001092 (12738-U)
Editorial Tel: 03-7784 6688
A Participating Organisation of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad Fax: 03-7785 2624/5

A Trading Participant of Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Berhad Email: [email protected]
Advertising Tel: 03-7784 8888
15/12/2021 Fax: 03-7784 4424

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

44.3 Institutions 769.5 750.9 45.6

30.7 Retail 543.7 527.1 16.6

25.0 Foreign 404.4 466.6 -62.2

100.0 1744.6 1744.6 0.0 1.89 6.21 215.19 13.90 27.08 60.73 1.44 51.30
KLCI STI HANG SENG SCI NIKKEI TSEC KOSPI S&P/ASX200
Preliminary stats (excluding trade amendments). For final data, please refer to www.bursamalaysia.com 1,482.81 3,114.88 3,647.63 28,459.72 17,660.10 2,989.39
Source: Bursa Malaysia 23,420.76 7,327.10

KL MARKET SUMMARY Malaysian bond market’s
December 15, 2021

INDICES 10,815.44 CHANGE +22.25 foreign flow turns negative
FBMEMAS
FBMKLCI 1,482.81 +1.89
CONSUMER PRODUCTS 565.30 +2.17
INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS 193.92 +0.59
CONSTRUCTION 151.68 +0.95
FINANCIAL SERVICES 15,106.92 +28.28
ENERGY 671.80 -2.68
TELECOMMUNICATIONS 610.66 -5.57 o MARC: Net exit of November also contributed to the net “On the other hand, new issuances in the
HEALTH CARE 2,133.69 +17.71 RM3.5 billion in November foreign outflows. As a result of the net MGS segment were elevated to RM11.4
TRANSPORTATION 844.07 +5.19 after three consecutive foreign outflow, the ringgit depreciated to billion from RM9 billion in October, driven
PROPERTY 688.85 +0.31 months of inflow RM4.2265 against the US dollar in by switch auctions, but was outpaced by a
PLANTATION 6,387.04 -43.46 November from RM4.14 in October,“ MARC relatively high volume of maturities at
FBMSHA 11,640.27 +24.24 PETALING JAYA: After three consecutive said in a statement. RM13.9 billion,” MARC said.
FBMACE 6,198.13 +12.63 months of positive net foreign flow, the
TECHNOLOGY 95.07 +0.13 Malaysian bond market’s foreign flow The emergence of the Covid-19 The advent of the Omicron variant led to
slipped into negative territory in November Omicron variant at the end of November renewed haven demand for local government
TURNOVER VALUE 2021. flattened yield curves across global markets. securities at the end of November.
2.817 BIL RM1.744 BIL
According to Malaysian Rating Corp The Fed hinted that it would accelerate Investors were inclined towards bonds
5 MOST ACTIVES Bhd (MARC), the local bond market the pace of tapering of asset purchasing as with longer maturities, driving the 15-year
December 15, 2021 suffered from sell-offs, with a net foreign high inflation gripped the US economy. The and 30-year MGS yields to drop by 17bps
outflow of RM3.5 billion compared with an Fed also retired from describing the and 14bps month-on-month. The hefty
STOCK VOL CLSG (sen) +/– (sen) inflow of RM2.9 billion in October, as inflation as transitory as it has proven to be gains showed that investors shrugged off
ATAIMS 350,849,700 69.5 +14.5 investors reacted to the hawkish stance and more persistent and higher than the uptick in the country’s Oct inflation rate
PASUKGB 128,450,000 2.5 -1.0 the prospect of policy tightening by the US expectations. In the European Union, to 2.9% from 2.3% in Sept.
BCMALL 125,742,500 2.5 UNCH Federal Reserve (Fed). however, the European Central Bank stood
PERMAJU 118,238,500 4.0 UNCH by its view that inflation there is transitory. In the meantime, yields in the short-
KANGER 73,972,000 2.0 -0.5 “The share of foreign holdings diluted in Meanwhile, the Bank of England tilted tenure space remained anchored as Bank
November to 14.4% from 14.7% in October towards a dovish stance due to Negara Malaysia (BNM) signalled no
5 TOP GAINERS of the total outstanding as the foreign uncertainties over the impact of the imminent changes in the key policy rate at
December 15, 2021 holding magnitude declined to RM250.4 Omicron variant on the British economy. its November Monetary Policy Committee
billion from RM254 billion in October. (MPC) meeting, MARC said.
STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM Foreign outflows were dragged by the “Lesser issuances and higher
SAM 119,200 22.00 0.68 enormous outflow of Malaysian redemptions caused the local government BNM has maintained the overnight
F&N 351,500 24.88 0.60 Government Securities (MGS) of RM4.8 bond market to slow down with total policy rate at a historical low of 1.75% since
AMWAY 5,200 5.59 0.25 billion in November from RM2.7 billion in outstanding MGS/Government Investment May 2020. In an accompanying statement,
PETGAS 1,337,200 16.90 0.24 October. The high redemption value in Issues (GII) amounting to RM895.3 billion MARC noted, BNM reiterated that the
BIPORT 4.80 0.20 as of end-Nov 2021. In November, gross current monetary policy stance is
700 issuances declined by RM1.1 billion to accommodative and that its future
RM15.9 billion from RM17 billion in monetary policy stance will be data-
October mainly due to lower issuances in dependent. It is also worth noting that
the GII segment totalling RM4.5 billion in BNM’s assessment of the economic outlook
November and RM8 billion in October. was essentially unchanged from the
previous MPC statement.

5 TOP LOSERS Covid-19 relief measures help Serba Dinamik
December 15, 2021 avoid being tagged with PN17 status

STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM KUALA LUMPUR: Serba Dinamik classified as PN17 affected listed issuer,” it
GENETEC 116,400 36.30 0.70 Holdings Bhd has triggered PN17 criteria said in a filing with Bursa Malaysia
PMBTECH 55,700 12.60 0.38 but will not be classified as such following yesterday.
VITROX 51,000 19.60 0.22 the Covid-19 relief measures.
SP500-CW 10,000 0.765 0.17 Under the measures, the affected listed
CARLSBG 60,600 19.64 0.14 Serba Dinamik said it had on Dec 9, 2021 issuer must, upon the expiry of the 18
triggered the prescribed criteria as set out in months from the PN17 Relief
EXCHANGE RATES DECEMBER 15, 2021 Paragraph 8.04 and Paragraph 2.1(f ) of Announcement, reassess its condition and
Practice Note 17 – Criteria and Obligations announce whether it continues to trigger
Foreign currency Bank sell Bank buy Bank buy of PN17 Issuers of the Main Market Listing on Dec 9, 2021 pursuant to the US$300 any of the criteria in PN17 of the MMLR.
Requirements (MMLR) of Bursa Malaysia million (RM1.26 billion) trust certificates
1 US DOLLAR TT/OD TT OD Securities Bhd. due on May 9, 2022 amounting to US$6.5 If the affected listed issuer continues to
1 AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR 4.2955 4.1705 4.1605 million. trigger any of the criteria in PN17, it will be
1 BRUNEI DOLLAR 3.0710 2.9500 2.9340 The company confirmed yesterday that classified thereafter and must comply with
1 CANADIAN DOLLAR 3.1360 3.0430 3.0350 SD International Sukuk Ltd (SDISL), a “Pursuant to the abovementioned PN17 all the obligations under Paragraph 8.04 and
1 EURO 3.3380 3.2490 3.2370 wholly owned subsidiary of Serba Dinamik Relief Measures, Serba Dinamik will not be PN17 of the MMLR from the date of the
1 NEWZEALAND DOLLAR 4.8450 4.6890 4.6690 International Ltd, which in turn is a PN17 Subsequent Announcement.
1 SINGAPORE DOLLAR 2.9060 2.8010 2.7850 wholly owned subsidiary of the company,
1 STERLING POUND 3.1360 3.0430 3.0350 has defaulted in its payment of interest due Trading in Serba Dinamik’s shares has
1 SWISS FRANC 5.6920 5.5140 5.4940 been suspended since Oct 22. – Bernama
100 UAE DIRHAM 4.6370 4.5280 4.5130
100 BANGLADESHTAKA 118.3500 112.2300 112.0300 SKP plans remediation of recruitment fees to migrant workers
100 CHINESE RENMINBI 5.1050 4.7780 4.5780
100 HONGKONG DOLLAR 67.6000 64.9000 PETALING JAYA: Johor-based electronic existing company conditions upon which company has implemented a zero-cost
100 INDIAN RUPEE 55.6600 52.9000 N/A manufacturing services provider SKP the continued cooperation between SKP recruitment free policy since 2018.
100 INDONESIAN RUPIAH 5.7400 5.3900 52.7000 Resources Bhd will immediately carry out a and Hall is based,” SKP said in a statement
100 JAPANESE YEN 0.0310 0.0281 remediation programme with respect to yesterday. “That being said, I am certain that there
100 NEWTAIWAN DOLLAR 3.7810 3.6630 5.1900 repayment of recruitment fees previously have been gaps in the enforcement of this
100 PAKISTAN RUPEE 16.5000 0.0231 paid by its migrant workers to agents or SKP has reached out and held policy. We will therefore carry out a
100 PHILIPPINE PESO 2.4600 N/A 3.6530 other parties, and it will commission an discussions with Hall with regard to the remediation programme with respect to the
100 QATAR RIYAL 8.6700 2.3000 Independent Third-Party Social welfare of migrant workers at the company. repayment of recruitment fees previously
100 SAUDI RIYAL 119.3200 8.1700 N/A Compliance Audit by April 2022, the The discussions with Hall were centred on paid by our migrant workers. This
100THAI BAHT 115.8100 113.2800 2.1000 specifics of which will be agreed on by SKP addressing issues of working hours and remediation will also be verified by the third
13.4300 109.9400 7.9700 and independent migrant worker rights payment of recruitment fees. These issues party audit we have agreed to commission
11.9100 113.0800 specialist Andy Hall. are in the process of being remediated to in April 2022 and which we shall share with
109.7400 the satisfaction of all concerned to ensure Hall.
11.5100 “The findings of this audit will be shared the betterment of the welfare of migrant
transparently with Hall and provide workers at the company, SKP said. “SKP has and always will place upmost
Source: Malayan Banking Berhad/Bernama objective and reliable information of importance on the welfare and well-being
SKP executive director Ivan Gan said the of all our workers, both foreign or local.”

FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK SCAN 11theSUN ON THURSDAY | DECEMBER 16, 2021
ME * SUNBIZ
/thesundaily
TM, YTL WILL BE FIRST TELCOS
Passenger movements in BRIEFS IN M’SIA TO OFFER 5G ACCESS
November exceed 2 million
KUALA LUMPUR: Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB)
o Rise mainly contributed by domestic travellers which continued is committed to an accelerated schedule to
to improve since the easing of interstate travel restrictions roll out 5G coverage to 80% of the
population nationwide by 2024. DNB CEO
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia Airports Holdings Mizal Mahmood said the airports’ retail and “Opened last June, the new airport Ralph Marshall said Telekom Malaysia Bhd
Bhd’s (MAHB) network of airports in Malaysia F&B partners have seen signs of gradual replaces the previous Mukah Short Take-Off (TM) on behalf of Unifi Mobile and YTL
recorded a total of 2.3 million passenger recovery. and Landing Port. With an annual capacity Communications Sdn Bhd on behalf of Yes,
movements in November 2021, passing the that is eight times greater than before, the new will be the first two operators in the country
two million mark for the first time since the “At KLIA, more than 63% of outlets have airport can handle up to 264,000 passengers a to provide 5G access to their respective
onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in April last resumed operations. Passengers saw the year. With a runway length of 1.5km and customers within the coverage areas.
year. outcome of our commercial reset initiative at suitable for turboprop aircraft operations, the Together he said, both providers have
the airport. Some of the outlets have also gone new airport is set to enhance connectivity almost 4.5 million subscribers and average
“The 77% increase from the 1.3 million through major renovation and relocation to within Sarawak and boost the local economy monthly data demand of 40-to-50GB per
recorded in October was mainly contributed larger spaces in line with the aim of the especially in the areas of domestic tourism,“ it subscriber. DNB said TM and YTL
by domestic passenger movements which commercial reset, which is to uplift passenger said. Communications are the first two
continued to improve since the easing of experience and retail offerings. companies to take advantage of DNB’s offer
interstate travel restrictions. Meanwhile, the group’s operations in of free wholesale 5G services to all mobile
“Not only are they now more spacious, but Turkey at the Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen network operators that are integrated into
“Airports in Malaysia recorded a total of they also incorporate digital elements such as International Airport (ISG) has consistently the DNB network. – Bernama
2.15 million domestic passengers last month, self-ordering kiosks and table service through recorded more than two million passengers a
an 82% increase from 1.18 million passengers QR code to ensure faster service while month for the past several months including BINA PURI INKS SOLAR POWER
in the preceding month,” MAHB said in a minimising contact with service staff for November. DEAL WITH SABAH ELECTRICITY
statement. better safety,“ he said.
Turkey’s high vaccination rate and more PETALING JAYA: Bina Puri Holdings Bhd’s
In tandem with the rise in passenger Other than commercial activities picking relaxed quarantine requirements continue to wholly owned subsidiary BP Energy Sdn
movements, there was also a surge in up at the airports, highlights in domestic drive ISG’s international passenger Bhd has signed a power purchase
domestic aircraft movements which grew 43% aviation include the launch of Mukah Airport movements which stand at 1.03 million agreement (PPA) with Sabah Electricity Sdn
from 18,966 in October to 27,084 in in Sarawak. passengers in November, accounting for Bhd (SESB) to develop a five-megawatt
November. nearly 43% of the airport’s total passenger alternating current (MWac) large-scale solar
traffic. photovoltaic (PV) plant in Kunak, Sabah.
Meanwhile, the group’s combined The PPA contractual term will be for 21
Malaysia and Turkey operations recorded a The group continues to remain optimistic years from the commercial operation date
15% increase from October at 4.72 million given the initial signs of recovery observed in scheduled on June 30, 2023. A filing with
total passenger movements. The group’s the past two months, as well as the Bursa Malaysia showed that BP Energy will
Malaysia operations contributed 49% to the anticipated increase in passenger movements design, construct, test, commission, own,
total performance. in the coming months. operate and maintain a solar photovoltaic
energy generating facility with a capacity of
MAHB managing director Datuk Iskandar five MWac to be located at Kunak, Sabah,
for connection to SESB’s medium voltage
Straits Energy, Fendercare Marine in Labuan STS venture distribution network at PMU Kunak.

PETALING JAYA: Straits Energy Resources The Victoria Bay STS hub is scheduled to commence operation by the first quarter of 2022. PITCHIN CROSSES RM200M
Bhd’s 60% owned subsidiary Victoria STS MILESTONE FOR FUNDS
(Labuan) Sdn Bhd has signed a heads of “We are confident to serve the needs of Bay into an STS hub location for the transfer of RAISED ON ECF PLATFORM
agreement (HoA) with Fendercare Marine major global shipping line customers with our all oil and gas cargoes without restriction on
(Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd (FCM) to form an combined wide spectrum of energy-related vessel sizes. PETALING JAYA: Equity crowdfunding (ECF)
exclusive collaboration to provide ship-to-ship maritime solutions and infrastructure. platform pitchIN has crossed the RM200
(STS) services together at the port limit of “We will be conducting STS transfers of million milestone for funds raised on its ECF
Victoria Bay, Labuan (Victoria Bay Port Limit). “This exclusive collaboration with LNG due to the favourable met ocean platform in November 2021, just 12 months
Fendercare will open up an array of conditions at the STS location at Victoria Bay. after raising RM100 million last year. pitchIN
The STS hub is scheduled to commence numerous exciting opportunities not only for The follows the drive for the world to transition CEO Sam Shafie said it took three years to
operation by the first quarter of 2022. Victoria STS but also for other entities within to cleaner and greener sources of energy. LNG reach 40 million, another year to raise RM60
the Straits group that will benefit from the STS is becoming more commonplace, it is also million. “Now, just 12 months later, we have
Victoria STS has been awarded a business spin-offs of this project,” Ho said in a where we have over a decade of experience. added another RM100 million to reach
concession to develop an integrated offshore statement. The transfers of LNG, as well as all oil cargoes RM200 million.” It has assisted 124
ship-to-ship energy transhipment hub at at Victoria Bay, gives our customers additional companies to raise capital, with 6,200
Victoria Bay Port Limit. The STS hub will be Fendercare managing director Elizabeth options and flexibility,“ Skinner said. investments made by a growing network of
Straits’ sustainable energy flagship project in Skinner said the group can develop Victoria all classes of investors such as venture
the Victoria Bay deepwater area spanning a capitals, family offices, sophisticated
vast 3,309ha supporting an initial six STS investors, angel investors and retail
berths with safe water depths of up to 30m. investors from Malaysia and around the
world too. “We are on track to launch the
Under the HoA, FCM will be registering pitchIN Secondary Market in Q1 2022.”
Victoria Bay Port Limit, Labuan as an official
STS hub in its website and through its CENSOF AWARDED RM13.5M
extensive global network and marketing, will IPAYMENT GOVT PROJECT
promote and bring clients to the port as the
preferred STS location in Asia. PETALING JAYA: Censof Holdings Bhd has
bagged a RM13.5 million contract from the
FCM will support the STS hub with the Accountant General’s Department of
required system and equipment, specialised Malaysia (AGD) for the “Perolehan
trained personnel, advisory control, and Pembangunan dan Pelaksanaan Sistem
provide additional training and certification Terimaan Elektronik Kerajaan Persekutuan”
for Victoria STS’ staff by FCM’s foreign experts. or “iPayment” contract through its wholly
owned subsidiary Century Software
Straits group managing director Datuk Seri (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (CSM). The contract
Ron Ho Kam Choy said this collaboration will involves the development and integration
kickstart Straits’ foray into the sustainable and of a collection system by CSM for the AGD.
alternative energy space and together with This system is expected to be rolled out to
Fendercare, its prime focus right now is to all government agencies to facilitate
establish Victoria Bay Port Limit as a major cashless payments and collections by 2022
energy transhipment hub in Asia. for all government services. The contract is
for a tenure of 36 months commencing
Maybank Kim Eng is now Maybank Investment Banking Group from Dec 15, 2021 until Dec 14, 2024.

PETALING JAYA: Maybank Kim Eng Group is Maybank IBG CEO Ami Moris said 2021 is advisory, funding and investing needs. BURSA’S UPDATED CORPORATE
aligning its brand name and the names of its the 10th anniversary of the acquisition of Kim Aligning the brand closer to Maybank reflects GOVERNANCE GUIDE OUT
entities to Maybank as the master brand Eng, then the largest equities franchise in the how Maybank Kim Eng has evolved to what it
which sees the parting of “Kim Eng” from the region, followed by the formation of Maybank is today and how we want to move forward PETALING JAYA: Bursa Malaysia Bhd has
name and logo. Kim Eng as a brand name. It has grown from more cohesively to realise our ESG-first issued an updated Corporate Governance
a single market entity in Malaysia to ambitions as a group, humanising financial Guide (CG Guide) to ensure that public
The group is now known as Maybank becoming Asean leading homegrown services for clients and communities. The listed companies (PLCs) are provided with
Investment Banking Group (Maybank IBG), investment bank. next 10 years for Maybank IBG will be about comprehensive and practical guidance to
and entities in its markets globally have becoming the region’s leading sustainability- the various recommended practices under
adopted new company names and new “From day one, we brought the whole of first investment bank aligned with Maybank the Malaysian Code on Corporate
logos. In Malaysia, the group will continue to Maybank including the expertise of Maybank group’s ambition,“ she said in a statement. Governance issued by the Securities
be known as Maybank Investment Bank. Investment Bank in Malaysia to serve clients’ Commission Malaysia on April 28, 2021. The
CG Guide adopts a thematic approach to
provide PLCs with a focused view of the
Malaysian Code on Corporate Governance,
beginning with the board and its
responsibilities, addressing audit and risk
management matters and then concluding
with corporate reporting and relationship
management with stakeholders.

12 theSUN ON THURSDAY | DECEMBER 16, 2021 READ OUR HERE SCAN
SUNBIZ ME
/thesundaily

Japan govt admits overstating DIGITAL FINANCE TOBRIEFS
some economic data for years SUPPORT THAI
ECONOMIC GROWTH
o Revelation likely to raise questions about reliability of The survey compiles public and private
statistics closely watched by economists and investors construction orders which in the 2020 fiscal year BANGKOK: Thailand’s digital
totalled roughly ¥80 trillion (RM2.97 trillion), and finance will be a major boost
TOKYO: The Japanese government overstated pace of about 10,000 entries a year. is among data used to calculate GDP. to economic growth next year,
construction orders data received from builders Kishida said “improvements” had been made helping smaller businesses
for years, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said “Overall GDP data is unlikely to change much,” gain more access to credit
yesterday, an admission that could dent to the figures since January 2020 and that there said Akiyoshi Takumori, chief economist at after a struggle to stay afloat
credibility of official statistics widely used by was no direct impact on GDP data for fiscal year Sumitomo Mitsui DS Asset Management. during the pandemic, the
investors and economists. 2020 and 2021. finance minister, Arkhom
Considering Japan has hundreds of thousands Termpittayapaisith, told a
It was not clear why the government started While the impact on past GDP numbers may of construction companies, the ratio of those news conference on the
the practice of rewriting the data. It is also unclear be small, the revelation is likely to raise questions concerned is very small, he said. launch of digital supply chain
how gross domestic product (GDP) figures may about the reliability of data that is a cornerstone finance. The service is part of a
have been affected, though analysts expected any for economists and investors looking to In another development, Bank of Japan smart financial and payment
impact to be minimal, particularly as the builders understand and forecast trends in the world’s governor Haruhiko Kuroda said yesterday infrastructure for business
involved were likely to be smaller firms. third-largest economy. consumer inflation may approach its 2% target on project, which connects
rising raw material costs, offering his clearest government agencies, lenders,
“It is regrettable that such a thing has It is also not the first time that issues have been signal to date that upward price pressures will and businesses with digital
happened,” Kishida said. “The government will raised about government data, including a flaw in continue to broaden. technology. “This will be a key
examine as soon as possible what steps it can take health ministry data in 2018. driver of the economy in
to avoid such an incident from happening again.” But he said the central bank would maintain 2022,” as it is fast and highly
“The biggest problem is not the effect on the its ultra-loose monetary policy to ensure any rise efficient, said Arkhom, who
He made the comment in a parliamentary GDP per se but the damage to reliability of in prices would be accompanied by higher wages predicted economic growth of
session after the Asahi newspaper reported the (official) statistics,” said Saisuke Sakai, senior and a recovery in the economy. up to 4.5% next year. – Reuters
Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and economist at Mizuho Research and Technologies.
Tourism had been “rewriting” data received from Also yesterday, Japan’s lower house of TOYOTA TO BUILD
about 12,000 select companies since 2013 at a “We can’t help doubting this kind of issue parliament passed the government’s biggest-ever RECORD 800,000
could happen across government ministries,” extra budget worth ¥36 trillion as it looks to spur a VEHICLES IN JANUARY
Sakai said. recovery from Covid-19 pandemic.
TOKYO:Toyota Motor Co said
The extra spending for this fiscal year will be yesterday it planned to build
partly financed by additional government bonds 800,000 vehicles globally in
worth some ¥22 trillion. – Reuters January, a record for the
month, as it ramps up
India approves China audits Evergrande, chairman’s assets production to make up for
US$10b plan output lost to parts shortages.
to woo chip, BEIJING/HONG KONG: Chinese A view of Kaisa Plaza, a complex of shopping mall, office and apartment “We will continue to maintain
display makers authorities are scrutinising the building developed by Kaisa in Guangzhou, Guangdong province. – AFPPIX our production forecast of the
assets of China Evergrande Group nine million- unit level” for the
NEW DELHI: India has approved and its wealthy chairman Hui Ka more complicated than expected, up funds by selling luxury assets. year to March 31, the
a US$10 billion (RM42.2 billion) Yan but expect no fire sale for now at one of the sources said. In another development, a group company said in a press
incentive plan to attract the world’s most indebted property release. The production plan
semiconductor fabricators and developer, two sources with direct “Currently, there’s no rush to of offshore bondholders of Kaisa for January represents an
display manufacturers, its knowledge of the matter said. introduce any disposal plans,” said a Group Holdings Ltd have agreed to increase of 60,000 vehicles
technology minister said source close to the regulators, amass up to US$1 billion in order to from a year earlier. The world’s
yesterday, as part of efforts to The audit, previously referring to possible divestment of buy bad loans from the Chinese largest automaker by volume
establish itself as a global unreported, highlights how Beijing businesses, ranging from a property developer’s onshore creditors, two has been affected by a
electronics production hub. is taking charge at Evergrande after management unit to an electric people with direct knowledge of the shortage of parts supplied by
the real estate giant missed vehicle manufacturing arm. matter said. Covid-19-hit factories in
Israel's Tower Semiconductor, payments on two overseas bonds, Malaysia and Vietnam. –
Apple's contract manufacturer triggering a restructuring to address Evergrande declined to Kaisa is China’s largest issuer of Reuters
Foxconn and a Singapore-based Evergrande’s more than US$300 comment, while Hui and the offshore debt among property
consortium have all shown billion (RM1.26 trillion) in liabilities. Guangdong provincial government developers after Evergrande. FED RESPONSE
interest in setting up could not be reached for comment. TO INFLATION
semiconductor fabrication units Assessing the value of the assets, Representatives of the bondholder KEENLY AWAITED
in India, a government source and determining if there are any Hui, 63, who is the property group declined to comment. Kaisa
told Reuters. hidden ones, will also allow the developer’s founder and holds did not immediately respond to a WASHINGTON: The Federal
authorities to decide whether a around a 60% stake, has been freeing request for comment. – Reuters Reserve (Fed) was expected
Vedanta Group was also bailout involving state-owned yesterday to announce that it
keen to set up a display entities is necessary, the sources said. would speed up the end of its
fabrication plant in India, the pandemic-era bond purchases
source added. Beijing has repeatedly sought to and signal a turn to interest
reassure investors, but it has not yet rate increases next year as a
New Delhi also approved a indicated how it plans to stabilise guard against surging
design linked incentive plan to Evergrande in particular, which last inflation. The Fed was to issue
encourage 100 local companies week was deemed to be in a new policy statement along
in semiconductor design for “restricted default” by Fitch Ratings with updated economic
integrated circuits and chipsets, after it missed coupon payments projections following the end
technology minister Ashwini worth US$82.5 million. of its latest two-day meeting at
Vaishnaw told a news briefing. 3am today Malaysian time. Fed
Representatives from state- chair Jerome Powell would
“... Prime minister (Narendra owned entities are now steering a hold a news conference half an
Modi) has taken a historic newly set-up risk management hour later. Investors for
decision today that will help committee at Evergrande and the months have expected the Fed
develop the complete authorities’ previous findings show would have to react with
semiconductor ecosystem – from Evergrande’s liquidity crunch is higher interest rates to keep
the design of semiconductor prices stable, which is one of
chips to their fabrication, Retail sales growth slows, industrial output picks up its two main objectives
packing and testing -- in the mandated by Congress. –
country,” he said. BEIJING: China’s retail sales growth regions, likely led to more cautious The urban unemployment rate Reuters
was lower than expected in consumer behaviour as containment ticked up to 5% last month, from
India, the world’s second- November with consumers cautious measures kicked in. 4.9%. New home prices fell 0.3% month-
biggest smartphone as domestic coronavirus cases on-month in November, the biggest
manufacturer, has announced resurfaced, official data showed Retail sales rose 3.9% on-year, the The economy grew only 0.2% decline since February 2015,
the plan at a time when yesterday, but industrial output National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) from the previous three months in according to Reuters calculations
automakers and tech companies picked up after power shortages said, below expectations and the third quarter, the weakest since a based on data released by the NBS
are grappling with a global eased. markedly slower than October’s 4.9% historic contraction in the first yesterday. That was worse than the
semiconductor shortage. rate. quarter last year. 0.2% drop in October.
A rebound in the world’s second-
Tata Group, one of India's biggest economy has been losing “The international environment On the positive side, industrial Only nine of 70 cities tracked by
biggest conglomerates, is also steam this year, with indicators has become more complex and production grew 3.8% on-year in NBS saw monthly price gains in
venturing into the business and remaining muted last month, after severe, and there are still many November, in line with expectations November, the fewest since February
is in talks with three states to the country made a swift recovery constraints on domestic economic of a pick-up as disruptions from 2015, according to Reuters
invest up to US$300 million to from the coronavirus helped by strict recovery,” NBS spokesman Fu Linghui power shortages eased. calculations.
set up a semiconductor border controls and targeted told reporters.
assembly and test unit, Reuters lockdowns. Meanwhile, China’s property A separate NBS statement said
has reported. – Reuters Fu added that China’s economy market suffered more headwinds in home sales by value slumped
But economists noted that a faced the “triple pressures” of November, with home prices, sales, 16.31% in their fifth month of
recent domestic flare-up, where virus shrinking demand, supply shocks and investment and construction all declines, pointing to gloomy
infections hit 21 provinces and weakening expectations, but that it falling, weighed by weak demand demand despite measures taken by
was still expected to steadily improve. and a cash crunch among developers. some cities to boost transactions. –
AFP, Reuters

330022 JJoobbss 332222 NNoottiicceess 13theSUN ON THURSDAY | DECEMBER 16, 2021

WE ARE HIRING * SPORTS

Digital Marketing Tough for Nadal
RAFAEL NADAL is set to make his Concerns raised as
Senior Executive CCNNCCOO(O(OOOIIIINMNMnTNnTN((IIIISPCTSPCNCMTNCMAHTOAHTOECECeTeRTWNR.EWN.EOOmOHmOHNUNUIINiMNiMEFEEFEnCOnbCObNSNSdATdeFA.TMeF.MOOiITr7IiITAr7IAnOnNONsAIsAIT9T9CSCgSg’NAT’NEATE77TST-S-VTVTRLRL8U8SUESEEo2Eo266MpDUMpODUORl0Rl05u5u))NRFNRF1E1E-nO-nO.6.EP6EPTtTtFFBBTaTa)H)HAAHIrHIrEENNNyNyDDGGDD.. return to the tennis court this week Spaniard makes
after spending several months on the comeback ahead of
Job Description: NpCMbfMMB2bCpNMMf2BMooue0oaue0OoaOeuoleoull2rmhl2rmhToTeutoeusts2hir2hirIwItnuawtpnuaCupCueieintraantra,aEi,ElilanadngnndgnnJaJaggtitiAAoteoteaoEaoEtpuhtpushIsIotSoftmSfmusouso1A1AtrrtrrSNaSNtiatip1pc1nhcnhseoseoooo.to.t,He,He0c,0.c,n.snsE0tE0te2e21i11iC18RCao8R1ao1s0s000441omnE1om9n:E9:11//11m1mB11tB1t66h4-h4-009Y9Y0p0p550t0,t,2afJ2ahfJ9h9oona,na,eeTrTrnoGynoGyJaJaJJFfuFfIuomIoamaVViwaiwahtthnlttnlEEhahahraharooaiaiNyNnnyeelnneelrrll,ll, sidelines with a foot injury. Aussie Open
· Design and develop online marketing strategies, He will play at this week’s Mubadala World
digital roadmap, creative campaigns that aligned with 11 ctAe5adoTTtadotcttToAdeaaT5dothhhhhhoooooxffcfe1iocxcfffe1icsteeesteeepncsp8tnces8tess,,oltdolt(dr(aroaaorat3rtr3ururuuhrowchlowncelLnLe2Lt)eL2vt)envcnycec(hyec(hasiiasi0iiceb0icebqtqtqetqntoeenooteostee1dsee)1d)uuiduuiuddudloldoi6.div6.viiCviinCiCvnCidnddnodneoneeeoatooattoaatfaagfsgashtahtmntmmntmtthtthhnrhnoorododtetueepueapdpaprdhrarhruasusrensreantstaattaeneehpneohpo’d’ndnnndoodooteyte(yytr(ytrnhwCdnh3wCdh3erherhShS.eo.eo)ohoe)checiiaattnrcncrmccaemaaeaaseasegmuSogmuSoditditnonvpobvpebmneemnedofedoafeoamosmbbcsbbcnehnnehonoiteeiateeadedtnieotniikoikoeebhneoeebhneenoetnwotswsnnnesyssnnnesyssrftrft,, Tennis Championship exhibition in Abu believe that Nadal would be able to use the
the business goals and directions. 22 Dhabi before heading Down Under for Mubadala event and even the opening week
· Provide creative ideas for content marketing. January’s Australian Open, but a former of the Australian Open to find his form once
· Plan and manage our social media platforms. WJDLDJWLioioaaqqOOhhttuueNeNooiidddrGdrGaaBB::CCtt1a1aooHH6h6hrrEEtrtrhuhEuE HHAAOO world No. 2 has shared his worries for Nadal’s again, but warned that other players would be
· Able to create content & produce graphics for social DDeecceemmbbeerr,, comeback. used to competition while the 20-time Grand
media postings. Slam champion’s body would struggle.
· Prepare a copywriting for marketing campaign. Retired Spanish player Alex Corretja has
now raised concerns surrounding his “He is going to get to the Australian Open
Requirements: countryman’s return to competitive tennis, and, when you have not competed for so long,
- Diploma/Degree in Marketing, Digital Marketing or and admitted Nadal’s body won’t be used to these players are so good that they win many
the demands of a real match. matches, but your body is not used to it and
equivalent you get other pains in the shoulder or back.
- Excellent understanding of digital marketing “What worries me the most about Rafa’s
recovery are his movements,” the former “He has to pick up the rhythm during the
concepts and best practices world No. 2 told Eurosport. tournament. Rafa is already good enough for
- Required Skill(s): Google Adwords, Google Analytics, the first week of the Grand Slam to serve as a
“His mobility on the court, his intensity, preparation.
SEO/SEM, Social media marketing and optimization the way he is going to move, the way he will do
Office based in Petaling Jaya the supports when he hits the ball. “Before, maybe he didn’t think so, but his
level of tennis and his physique require that
Send in your application with your photo “When he moves well and is well during the first week of a Grand Slam, he
to [email protected] supported to hit his backhand and arrives must find a good rhythm.” – Express
perfectly to play with his parallel forehand Newspapers
and dominate, Rafa is almost impossible to
beat. The problem is how he gets to that ball
so he can be well supported and hit well.”

The two-time French Open finalist did

22002211 Unvaccinated champ out of AO

aNmaaiimaaaNssttntntoottetteedeeedteetmmeennnnnn::ttttbddbddhihitteealAalaAaaaererttnnnnddoodddpdpmfmfttrrovotvtvoveoehhooooxmaxmaeetttytypepeeebCbCppaneaneooioionntretremmiisnsentethtphtptdtdeeeeiaiaansanasannnntdtdmpiympiyoott..rlrtlotoeeoeeoffdexdebxbthythyeeiininimttmttgaoogaoo FIVE-TIME Grand Slam champion Pierre- is not yet vaccinated.
Hugues Herbert (pix) has ruled himself out of The Frenchman, who has won five Grand
the Australian Open as he is yet to get Slam titles alongside compatriot Nicolas
vaccinated against Covid. Mahut, revealed he had made a “personal
It comes as world No. 1 Novak Djokovic still choice not to be vaccinated” that would keep
((IBIBnnRRRRMMOeOegFegFeFimFimIsIsCCNNTtTtbObOrrIEIEeTaNeTMaNMCCrHtrHti’HPTi’HPTsEosEo((HANHAN9n9nVMVMENOEN5O5ononI0ALI0ALMlaMEloaEouO5TuO5TnS.nS.AnAT2nGT2Gd2d2TtETA3tEYA3Y0a0aTRT-RC-Cr1rE1(HE(HTyMTyMO1RO1R,),)0WF0WF2)2)OO110S0TSiTiF0Fn0n1DH1DH2d2d66NENE2i2in.n.33gBgB88-H-H44UUDDpp..)) remains in doubt to play the season-opening him from the season-opening Major
Grand Slam despite putting his name down on tournament.
the entry list, as he refuses to disclose his His partner Mahut, who will pair with
vaccination status. another Frenchman in Fabrice Martin for
Tournament officials confirmed that the tournament instead, said he
oSc2DrArScDo2AeeofnetofanetassndlnmadlmDaoaDoavvlnelnaGeeaGuFeuFcgncgnenltneltoeoioesoiensoenoomroamrdaendenrrrr,rDsb,rDsbaaaaeaa6eaa6wlwlrrnrr0n0,MJ,MJueued,da,a2lr2lereyey6e06E0eEeaha2h22h2tdhtd,,eie1is1unsunl&l,&ad4,algd4lgyynn7t7tho6hop64p4aaofeof4ea40a0ttnntst0s0hfhfJsJosWoFWeFeaeaellrPrlPlildiCioldiCosadsaede:w:omwnomantatmamayiyianaln,Sl,Sipipgngn1S1SaagGgG00nsnsoto2t2pypyhhsJs2J2eehdahda/d/cdc2euy2euyiaia1anal1analyyyyl,,,l,,, full vaccination would be mandatory had been aware of Herbert’s
for all players last month. decision for two months but
After months of speculation over a was weary it could impact the
vaccine mandate at January’s 30-year-old’s eligibility for
00770011AAUUCC22002200000000002255 LLAAMMPPIIRRAANN BB 11.. afop6tStJDpksaaTwSTTpto6DfkSJpstaaaTwSTToahohauasfnfiHHH0uuudaafnsfiHHHa0uudaaanifeanifecydr,rrndycnarAAAdr,rrndnarAAAydydppauahtpp6auahtm6ii.TTTmuii.TTTh,ursh,oors,ofloob,S,,2,folb,S,,2sptosedtptoeedtssBfMtetssBohfMetrtoherorh&h4ioreeh&mah4iiEeemahMtiEsevehMtsbevenrbeeh,n7rneeh,7Ch.ntdeCh.stde6usb6uberow4edrowT4ssdoTr.sasaCsor.isa4aCteio4m,tefao0abm,efaa0abeaemaihneamoihnd,rofd,drnfld0utnn.l0uitWn.woybiWJmwoybiJdmtipdttpsNtsLNolKaesLolKaiesaiieiapatieiaopptLinopPsoulLrinePsorublreqnrbnatqnrnant’ariimnd’aoriecimhedosreceoqhebsudeoqnbyudvnynvnrihterihtpueusinpauVusHaiinaVHyaidyScdaScehaitmgehoiltmgmoaauldvmaaauidvinaSiwiranSwnrl-anGnl-panGnaaCpattunaaaCttyuauelyugeloyggiolo2ypgldttilo2polndtytolunympluomprpolrs2polabsr2oitabtrseittsretaraphboti/aaphbnoJbdei/nssJbdemtnssm2tnrr2oeerrhaoeedeethaadeetattby1ttbabyco1rnabcaoyernertasyeertlsaeoMl,aseaeeoMWi,as,eeayWdi,aydqitqifDsrr,tafDsnrr,a,Ctnes,Cdtaesdrum2aierhum2tiechatcnai.oniiuh.oisiuhnfetaseisnStfetamesStdSdmiLomdsSdiLomtespnteddpstynddsteyhaaei.ehrarafi.errefaneeanpeoalipotomalirotomrabodcnabegdcnFegavrsFravJrssruJnsiuuesnhdiuieslihdsnielisnoeusULoocutsULgocatttegoatteeoyeiyeheecbeoieheepcbeooornmptoowrnmtt’wt’ddheoeasysrddheose.asysrrrs.trr,t, Australian Open, tournament director other events in the tennis
22..
KKAANNUUNN TTAANNAAHH NNEEGGAARRAA and Tennis Australia boss Craig Tiley calendar.
SSaammaann SKSKieieaappssaaaaddttaaaannPPDDeenini BgBggagaawawddaaaahhii SSSSueuekpkpsasayyyyeaeannHH22aa66dd11iirr DDaallaamm 33.. confirmed on Nov 21 that all players “He had already started his
would need to be fully vaccinated in reflection during the US Open,” the
order to compete. 39-year-old told L’Equipe.
PtK1tPK1eeee4ee4rrpr0spr0saaaeae00idibdb00SauSau:te:teBBHHldlduauaaiaidktdktrraaaiaiiitntznlzlaaa,a,MMmmPmPmenuenuryrlbylbatataaiaiaun.un.jjaaPHPHmmiaianns,s,aahhPPnniiumgumgllapapyyueueaannnnPgPggggiginnbabaaeadednrnaraaagigilldadadmadmalalaaaaannmtmt//aDaDgtgtiiaaaaNNuuddooaaN.N.i4i4aaoo--nn..1111y4y433aa,,88nnBB,,gglloKoKttekekuurraasAsAlele8a8abb,,uuTJTJttaaaaddssllaaaiaikklnlnaa,,mmSS11ee44jjrraa11iidd00JJuu00aaaannllSSgdgdiigigimmbubupapsaswa,wa, nTnTaaagaghhmmiiEEnnaamiminnbbppaSaSaaggeettiir,r,ititaaSSJJnneeaaaabbnnhheeggryryggaaaauunnnnssgggg,, Now, doubles champion “(Herbert) told me… he does not
pBpBeaearhrhiiananwtwtaaaahhssjjaauunnaayyllaaddisiskkaaeeyylluauaaattrerekkllaaaahnhn mdmdiieebbnnaaeewwrriiaammhhaaSSdduuaabbrr--iiSpSpaeaedkdksasayyppeeeennmm22ee66gg00aa((nn22gg)) KKggaaaandnduauanini ddTTaaaallnnaaaammhhgNgNaaeeddggaaaaiiraraaann.. tteerrsseebbuutt ssuuaattuu ppeerrmmoohhoonnaann ssuuppaayyaa Herbert has confirmed that he want to be vaccinated, at least not now.
dDdDiaiaPPnneebbjjaaaabhbhaaaawtwt DaDasasaaaeennrryayaaahhssddaaaayynnaaTTbbaaeennrrcacaaahhdd,,aaSSnneeggbbehheerreaannnnddgagakkPPmemerreeaanniiggTTaaeeddnnaaggkkaaaahhnn,,sBsBuuuuaakkttuiuittssMMiiaaeessrraatttataaajjnanammbbeepprrkakaedednnaaaa22aa00nn..00dd1e1en.n.22gg00aa22nn22pppeperurummkkuouohlhloo11nn11aa..3n3n00tteepprrasasegegbbii..uutt will not be playing as he He is well aware that this could
MdddMdiiiikbabkaeukeukhaahaaetet..nonoldldeeaahhkkiiyyhhaaaannddggiirrddddeeaammllaaiimmkkiiaassnniiaa,,ssmmaatteeaannnnuuttrreeuurrttsseePPbbeeuurrtetedndnagagngngaammnnee2n2n6u6u1n1n(j(ju1u1k)k)((kkcca)a)nnKKssaaeennbbuuaannbb--TTssaaeennbbaaaahhbb NmNmeeeeggnnaaggrraaaappaattuuppaaeennrr//iippnnuuttaaaahhnntteaeardrdssaaeellbabauhuhtt dtdtiiedednnaagkgkaappnnaattiiuunnttii seriously complicate his season.
BBeerrttaarriikkhh ppaaddaa 1111 hhaarriibbuullaann NNoovveemmbbeerr 22002211 The question arises in
ss..kk 332222 NNoottiicceess particular for the trip to
NS1T(PT1TTNP(SRReie0eui0oeuonnutut2gi.2gi.ugutg8jt8j0u.e0u.eakak,,0aTs0aTsnanaLLumumte1tPe1PMaMa1b0bu1b0bunnu0u.uel0u.el:0:a0ar,hlr,hlTTau1aau1aMMLLFdFd&PN&PNWaWa&i&i/r/nrPnPHEqHEqaaFeFeuLuLPnPnogogBhBhlgloguouaaaBaB..aazrzr//,m,amFaF,4,4cc22aa//rr22aa001177//iinnaa)) DPDPoioirrooeennccttYYooeerrww MMeenngg Indian Wells and Miami (in
March).”
PP..e.e.S.S.n.n.e.e.o.o.b.b.ll..oeo.e...nrn.r..a.agg..n.n...PPg.g...ee..P.P.nn...e.ett..a.ra.rtatdad..titibb..U.Ui.i.r.r.t.t.a.TaT...ar.ar..aan.n...a.a...h.h......................... DDaatteedd tthhiiss 1166tthh ddaayy ooff DDeecceemmbbeerr,,22002211 SSDDEEAALLLDLDAANANAIINPNPOMOMSSEGEG:H:HTOTOMBMBAAIIRRSASAHAHAYY--DHDH2AE2AEAAKK8NL8NLRRANAANAPUPUMMMCMCELELCCAANND-ED-EHHG1G1HAHA0G0GTSLTSL4UI4AUIAAANN--LLMNMN0G0GUU,3,3GGNNNNM/M/IIG2GE2EMAMA0AG0AGLL2NA2ENAEAA1R1LRLYYAIAISSYYIIAAAA Mahut admitted he

((IBIBnnRRRRMMOeOegFegFeFimFimIsIsCCNNTtTtbObOrrIEIEeTaNeTMaNMCCrHtrHti’HPTi’HPTsEosEo((HANHAN9n9nVMVMENOEN5O5ononI0ALI0ALMlaMEloaEouO5TuO5TnS.nS.AnAT2nGT2Gd2d2TtETA3tEYA3Y0a0aTRT-RC-Cr1rE1(HE(HTyMTyMO1RO1R,),)0WF0WF2)2)OO110S0TSiTiF0Fn0n1DH1DH2d2d66NENE2i2in.n.33gBgB88-H-H44UUDDpp..)) 1DRRD11ea1ea9sl9slaao7o7mmu0u0r3r3cc11ee--PPssVVee))rrSkSkadadrnrnaa.. BBmmhhdede.n.ngg(e(eNNnnooaa..ii SSMyMyaauurrririkekeakaktata:: respected his partner’s
DDAANN decision, but questioned
aipnNaJotaoNtiapJnnhnhnfdaaafdnaaOaOeetrdymntrdymnTThtthtt)r)shurisIhui,Iee,eceeCecCaaetaetasussusoEaioEaiiridrsdrlsrlbaaybataIytIShoSCnhroCnrnbnb2se2vsdeovdoHayHay0e0emomuomuEamEa22fCnf5CnRd5pRdpe2e2tdot.dodEa.hdEash0:s0:meme-rnB-ernBe0er0eryiYypsiaYpsarsrs))ianiasnGgspdGgpdaandendenIe.nIte.tVymsVymsebebtEtEaahdaatohdto..NsNdsredrfef(e(edotdoottotttbhbhhrhrnhrrhrnreeeeeeeeaeaeccslqslqtio1Ltiol1Lrlsrusauatwit7wi7eqhesiiqhsiirmtrmstmueosmueoehehlilsidscdidecideacacranradtanadnitenieototttntatndoaddooidoiodsyodsryirrirtsentssenstottotnhehnheoh(oro(oriddeseiddeseffffff whether Herbert would eventually
(DMM(Deeaa)a)allhahAaAkmkmkkaattamamppaeSaSehryhrykkaa2a2arr0ri0rikaka11aa22tStSe2e2kk00ss11yy66eennKKaa44ee66dd44aahh&&--KK4a4a6e6e5d5d(a(a11hh)) get vaccinated if it continues to
impact his playing career.
“I disagree with people who judge
and who say that it is good or bad. I
DDAANN respect his decision.” – Express
Newspapers
(D(DPPaaeellnanagmgmuulluunnggaaPPnnee))rrSkSkayayararaarriikkaatt--SSKKyyeeaaddrriaiakkhhaa--ttKK11ee99aa77dd22aahh
cc//ooRReeNNggoo..66rrNWNWv0v0oio,i,SicSic.s4.6s46eem2C7m2C272DlDl04ao04aoaaa&a&0n0r0n0rmpmpG2g0G2g066oo0ooa0ooa4P4rPr1rsn1rsnaaeeJh0JhsD0tsDtttaee3aaeea3aaaalnrl3nlr3arlSarSiaia,u1n,u1nnnee2l20gJl0gJrrSnESn4aEv4avJJdShidyShiyca(ca(as6as6Fe2yFe2yaa00las2las2onon00//oSoS2727rdrd1616nn99..--BDBDh)h) dd..
JJAADDUUAALL TTAANNAAHH ** DDAANN KKEEPPEENNTTIINNGGAANN (P(PNNOOooTT..EESSNNyySSaaIIrriTiTkkEEaaRRtt:U:U55SS66AAI7I7NNNN33DDTT00AUAU77RSR-S-PAPTAT).R).R....IIPPEEEESSMMSSPPDDEENNTTIIBBSSHHYYDEDENN Root admits he expected too
DDAANN much of Stokes in Ashes opener
**BBaannMMdduauakrkr//iiPmPmeekkaann NNPPooe.eP.Pt.t*.*TaTaLL..kkoo//tt// NNoJoJe.e. nHnHiiaasskkddmmaaininlliikk B(B(jjiaiaTkTkhahaaaananagaagadidhihaaaann)) NpNpaa*o*o((j.jj.japiapikBkBkakaaaeaejajaarnranakdkdddakaakaaanefneft)t)c/c/aaiirrll NNoo((G.jG.jiikBakBaadaedeararaaddiidadaaaananfft)t)aarr
((11)) ((22)) ((33)) ((44)) ((55)) ((66)) bsfdTtdfsbTtihhiohieloheilseeseeleleititcrcrtetiesiisihbhtbtxpxpooeuecucccereritriltrslrcsruiceuieooiidddfddnfdnieiieoeieoeettmdmodrdbordbrrtatassssdfddpfdprraeaeoeaeoat.t.rmnrm(ne(eseseddooiitatnanhhtctcnanhaheleldaldealerlrliyiymm)t)tbibismstmteehhwwnenoeroroheohennufouafoaiigtbgotbohorhorddovovobobfefeeettfhfhawawononenenrorioiieilyelyrtrltl (M(MNNUUooR.R. SESEyKyKaaAArriiRRkkEaEaStSt::OO11UU11RR99C7C70E0E3S3S11SS--DVDV)N)N........RRBBEEHHSSDDPP..OONNDDEENN █ RORY DOLLARD

MMSSTeTeuuePePbbkkneneeeiigmrgmrrraaaaaaiinh1nh1g5g5 LLoott 1188334499 GMGMMM88//15156/6/6633993300// KKEESSEEMMUUAA TTIIAADDAA P0FJJPF0io7eio7ellil0ril0rdidisso1o1nnNNSSNN..oNCoNCoo..2o2o..0.0. 006600004455----3300 LTLLTLaiaaaiqqnmnmuuKiKidLdLeeaeaeeeteteooHHSrSrususaaaanntt((ff)) NNOOTTIISS PPEERRIINNTTAAHH PPEENNGGGGUULLUUNNGGAANN ENGLAND captain Joe Root admits he expected too much from
D1RRD11Ea1Ea9Sl9Slaa77OOmm00UU33RR11CCp-p-EVEVeeS)S)rrkkaaSSrrDDaaNN..mmBBeeHHnnDDgg..een(n(NNaaoioi.. SMSMyyUUaaRRrriiEEkkKKaaAtAt:: “superhero” Ben Stokes on his Ashes comeback, but the balance of the
DDaatteedd tthhiiss 1166tthh ddaayy ooff DDeecceemmbbeerr,,22002211 PppPaeaedrdriianantt11aa33hhOOkkPPttoeoebnbnegegrrgg2u2u0l0luu22nn11gg..aann ddiikkeelluuaarrkkaann team for today’s day/night Test in Adelaide hinges once again on its
NJCJNCAAAaAaBWmBWmAAAaAaTTNNAALLGNGiNikkAAuuNNiiddNNaaIItEtENNooGGSrSrE:E:OORRLLIVIVSSEEENENLLSSAAIINNGGOOMRMRAALLAAYYSSIIAA inspirational all-rounder.
LOST CERTIFICATES JE4EJATCC4EEJATJaAi0halAaAi0ahlAnanals2sBlWs2sBWagmagmta0taA0nAknkAAnE0naTE0aTaaNPN.nAPt.nAtttaGtNaGLtNLrrhS1hAiS1aAiakkahaNhnNnuutBatBacciiNLhdNaLehdaeIIa,nEa,nEN1N1LtgGLtgG5So5SoAoAouEu/ErO/rOtlLtln:LRna:RaLFLaFamISmVISV2n2nSSEeEe33EkNEkN-I-ILsDLFsSDSFSSAyAy4Ce4ICeIeeN5NlC5lCananGGnn1OS1OSgg5M5hRMhRooaarArAhhLLAADADAYYalalSaSarrmIumIuAAll
Stokes’ efforts at The Gabba were modest by his own high
TThhee ffoolllloowwiinngg SShhaarree CCeerrttiiffiiccaatteess hhaavvee bbeeeenn rreeppoorrtteedd lloosstt oorr BBeerrttaarriikkhh ppaaddaa 1100 DDiisseemmbbeerr 22002211 standards, dismissed for five and 14 with the bat and sending down
ddeessttrrooyyeedd TTeePtPtuue.e.a.a.g.g.n.n.u.u...AaA.a...mq.mq...i.i.ec.ec...al.al.a.a.r.r.hah.a...,t,tP.PB.Btte.e.aa..m.m.ss...k.kp.p..a.ae.e..r.rt.t.aai.i.s.s.nn..y.y...&e&e..nnCCoo 12 wicketless overs with the ball as he struggled with rhythm and
match sharpness.
CCeerrttiiffiiccaattee NNoo LLAAMM SSOOOONNNNaa((mmMMee)) BBEERRHHAADD NNoo OOff SShhaarree NLFTMRiE2PBLEFRMTiNP2Bnneuaem-euuaa-mOeuaOiaialmxlmsmxjm:sTj:sTa:sa::1k:1A+kAI++tIp+itppiSp,Sdial,dialBB6a:ue66a:ue6rairaiCTrf0CTrtraf00rta0b.aabi.aahi.3h.ns33ns31ai,1ai,el-eyl--yP-9kPs&9ks6&66e6eEka6Eka6J1Jn11Cn1CCRanC3Rana37a,77u,7uroI/rolI/l9N99aabPN9aabPyy,.n,.nenTne41Tao541ao5ppc,Ac,A7.nl77.nl7e6eeo6eoHH1g11Jgg1JIg2h@I2h@p1pa11au1u//oolBbglBabgaaahhemAmemATmnTnP,P,rerSeSaaEcaaEctt//6lia6uN5liauNL5alLal/.r/a.1r/aG1/mcG1mca1aCCn2no2G8oG8WabWa0bm0mAUAUtat0a0U,UL,LAgAgU/dU/dTiqT2iq2iNiaKNpaKip0i0eemGuimGuiU2U2hlhlaaAaa1Ana1anaalhlhNiNnakinakt,t,
But placed in full context it is perhaps surprising that he was taking
99889988 YYAANNGG CCHHIINN TTHHEENN @@ YYOONNGG KKAAMM YYIINN 11 xx 11,,000000 his place at all.
11332211 CCHHOONNGG KKWWEEEE MMEENNGG 11 xx 11,,000000
1991898993934488 –– 99334477 CCHHEEWW SSEEYYUU KKEEOONN 11 xx 11,,000000 Stokes spent most of the past five months on hiatus from cricket,
CALL TO PLACE CLASSIFIED ADS focusing on his mental health and rehabilitating a troublesome finger
66880055 OOOOII KKIIMM CCHHUUAANN 33 xx 11,,000000 injury that at one stage left him unable to grip the bat properly.
MS. SHOBA
NttNhhOOeeTTIdIdCCaaEEtteeIISShheeHHrrEEeeRRooEfEf,,BBnnYYooGGccIIVVllaaEEiimNmN ttohohrarattrreeiiffpprwrweeisisttehehnininnttaaffttooiioouunnrrtteeiinenennrree((11ssp4p4e)e) ccddttaayoyosfsf sfsfrruuooccmmhh “It was a huge ask for Ben last week and I’m probably guilty as
cceerrttiiffiiccaatteess iiss mmaaddee ttoo tthhee DDiirreeccttoorrss,, tthheeyy wwiillll tthheenn pprroocceeeedd ttoo T 03 7784 8888 much as anyone, I expected too much of him because I see him
iissssuuee rreeppllaacceemmeenntt cceerrttiiffiiccaatteess aanndd tthhee oorriiggiinnaall cceerrttiiffiiccaatteess wwiillll bbee F 03 7784 4424 almost as a bit of a superhero,” Root said yesterday.
ddeeeemmeedd ccaanncceelllleedd aanndd vvooiidd..
“Look at what he’s done in the last couple of years when he’s
RREEGGIISSTTRRAARRSS played and at least once a series, maybe twice a series, he’s done
BBOOAARRDDRROOOOMM SSHHAARREE RREEGGIISSTTRRAARRSS SSDDNN ((337788999933--DD)) something extraordinary which has won a game on its own.
DDaattee :: 1166..1122..22002211
“You do get a little complacent about expecting that. It’s easy to
forget that on a big occasion like this whether it’s because he’s not
played a huge amount or also what he’s had to go through recently, I
think there was a little bit too much on him.” – The Independent

14 theSUN ON THURSDAY | DECEMBER 16, 2021
SPORTS

Silver Arrows’ appeal pointless
MERCEDES have been urged to “back Mercedes told to ‘back off’ as court success in doubt
off” following their appeal of the “They just want to give the man they think
events at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Verstappen to unlap themselves, giving the Red Tomorrow (4am Malaysian time) is the should be champion the best chance of being
because they “don’t want to look Bull driver a chance to close the gap on his title deadline for any final paperwork Mercedes champion.
like bad losers” and face an improbable task of rival before a one-lap shootout. wish to present as part of their appeal.
getting the decisions overturned. “They felt robbed by what happened. To put
Verstappen profited from the decision, using But in the opinion of Sky Sports’ F1 leading it in simple context, if it was to go to the FIA
The Silver Arrows watched the world his fresher tyres to overtake Hamilton to snatch commentator David Croft, Mercedes will bite Court of Appeal, Mercedes would have to
championship slip through their fingers in the the title away. the bullet and finally accept defeat because of overturn the result of the stewards, the result of
very last minutes of the season finale in the three crucial factors. the race and the result of the championship.
United Arab Emirates in controversial fashion. Mercedes went on to launch two protests
with the stewards, both of which were rejected “It sounds like Mercedes will probably back “That is a pretty big ask. I can’t see it
Lewis Hamilton was on course to capture his by the FIA. off from a further appeal,” he told Sky F1, “they happening and I don’t think there is a
fifth straight F1 title and his eighth career don’t want to look like bad losers. precedent for three big events like that to be
drivers’ championship before disaster struck. The Silver Arrows then confirmed they were overturned and I don’t think Mercedes will
going to appeal the decision, stating: “We have “They have a championship to celebrate, continue on with this appeal.”
During lap 55, Nicholas Latifi crashed, lodged notice of intention to appeal the they are Constructors’ Champions for a record-
meaning a safety car had to be deployed. decision of the Stewards under Article 15 of the breaking eighth consecutive time. Mercedes have not posted on their social
Sporting Code and Article 10 of the Judicial and channels since confirming their desire to
After consultation, the FIA decided to allow Disciplinary Rules.” “They don’t want to drag this on and appeal the result.
the five cars in between Hamilton and damage the reputation of the sport.
While there was widespread
‘Hamilton deserved to win’ disappointment with the final outcome in Abu
Dhabi, Mercedes did take home the
5389/2021 15/12/2021 (WED) VALTTERI BOTTAS believes Lewis “Lewis had a great race and then Constructors’ Championship.
Hamilton deserved to be crowned things change like this. But you know,
Formula One world champion and was that’s just sport, that’s just how it is. They managed to pip bitter rivals, Red Bull,
“gutted” his Mercedes teammate was Sometimes it goes against, sometimes it by 28 points, a feat that is of huge financial
pipped to the title by Red Bull’s Max goes for you.” value to the team. – Express Newspapers
Verstappen.
SPORTS TOTO MALAYSIA SDN BHD (8420 - D) Bottas, who succeeded Nico Rosberg
Hamilton was denied a record eighth at Mercedes ahead of the 2017 season,
TOTO 4D PRIZE PAYMENTS GUARANTEED IN FULL drivers’ crown – and fifth in a row – after finished runner-up in the drivers’ DrawDate:15/12/21(Wed) DrawNo:5336/21 Venue: PERAK TURF CLUB
being overtaken by Verstappen in a standings to teammate Hamilton in 2019
1st Prize 1138 nerve-shredding final lap at the season- and 2020 and is now relishing a fresh
ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as the adventure.
2nd Prize 0886 Dutchman claimed his maiden title.
He added: “Now it’s time for
3rd Prize 2059 While Verstappen revealed he was something new. I’m really, really proud
sent a congratulatory text by Mercedes and thankful what we’ve achieved
Special Consolation team principal Toto Wolff saying he together. We’ve done great things. 7681
“deserved to win it”, Bottas, who will race
1298 1433 3493 5327 for Alfa Romeo next year, feels differently. “It wasn’t maybe the best race to 6872
1844 1912 7669 4605 finish it, but you need to look at the big
1327 0303 8406 8416 “It hurts that Lewis didn’t get the picture. We’ve won five constructors’. 3252
9516 4733 5734 7601 drivers’, I feel like I lost the championship
5899 8682 7835 0333 because he lost it,” Bottas said in quotes “With Lewis we’ve been the most 4761 + 0307
on the official F1 website. successful teammate pairing in the 5865 + 0121
14,621,274.61 history of Formula 1, so it’s kind of sad to 6465 + 4600 3243 + 8230
“I really feel gutted for him because I leave – but of course I look forward to the 7782 + 8157 5554 + 2381
1138 0886 0886 1138 feel like he deserved it.” future.” – The Independent 2456 + 8881 6972 + 3154
1138 2059 2059 1138 7181 + 9228
0886 2059 2059 0886 5316 + 2704

150,708.91 Perez explains
move to help
Winning combination of any 1 of Top 3 & any 1 of Special prizes. Flying Dutchman

SERGIO PEREZ says he did what he had RM21,295,978.80
to do to help Red Bull teammate Max
1st Prize 1138 + Verstappen win the world title at 7681 + 6872 6872 + 7681
2nd Prize 0886 Sunday’s Abu Dhabi Gand Prix. 7681 + 3252 3252 + 7681
3rd Prize 2059 + 6872 + 3252 3252 + 6872
4th Prize Perez held up Lewis Hamilton enough
Special Prize + SNAKE to take serious time out of the Mercedes, RM305,522.10
and it helped Verstappen get back in
+ touch with his title rival during the
middle part of the race.
5th Prize Consolation Prize +
Perez identified the moment he got
6th Prize Any 4D drawn number back in front of Hamilton at Turn 6 of the
Yas Marina Circuit as a key part of their
TOTO 5D & 6D PRIZE PAYMENTS GUARANTEED IN FULL battle. 517 681 + GOAT RM1,183,333.30

77621 “I am sure that Hamilton himself will 386 872 + RAT RM2,725,381.20
understand it very well, I have done
06202 7621 everything more than for Max, for my 813 252 + SNAKE RM740,000.00
69773 621 team,” Perez told Motorsport.com.
21
“These are circumstances in which life
990795 puts you there and you have to do it for 626 465 274 600 074 761 050 307
them. 127 782 998 157 495 865 980 121
99079 90795 482 456 358 881 813 243 798 230
9907 0795 “Obviously, I was in a position where I 097 181 739 228 995 554 542 381
990 795 had not much to lose. It’s not a place that 705 316 662 704 916 972 973 154
99 95 you want to be in but at the same time I
will always put my team above anything.
TOTO GAMES GIVES YOU MORE WINNING CHANCES! 681 872 252
“It was a gamble because at that
5 10 29 41 42 45 point you are just a piece of cake RM1,337,795.80
35,468,411.34 basically when you are after 18, 19 laps 681 + 872 + 252 872 + 252 + 681
on the soft tyres and Lewis was on fresh 681 + 252 + 872 252 + 681 + 872
25 27 28 38 41 47 rubber. 872 + 681 + 252 252 + 872 + 681
7,614,265.13
“Getting him back out of Turn 6 (re- dmcGO: Refer more friends and
Jackpot 1 2 13 24 27 46 50 30 passing Hamilton) was the key to it. Red Bull’s earn more rewards!
Jackpot 2 5,916,010.86 Mexican
100,000.00 “I’m just happy that it worked out
because I could have cost him half a driver
Toto 4D Jackpot 2 second at the time, but I’m just happy Sergio
that I cost him a bit longer.” Perez.
RM140,670
Perez, who finished fourth in the
Toto 4D Jackpot 2 (i-System) drivers’ championship behind
Verstappen, Hamilton and Hamilton’s
RM13,916 Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas, is set
to stay at Red Bull next season. – The
won on 12/12/2021 ! Independent

Visit www.sportstoto.com.my for e-Results and more info.

EPL clubs get 15theSUN ON THURSDAY | DECEMBER 16, 2021
postponement boost * SPORTS

PREMIER LEAGUE clubs including Liverpool, Escape from London
Chelsea and Arsenal will receive a major boost
with the African Cup of Nations reportedly set Barca could offer Aubameyang way out as Arteta gets tough
to be postponed “indefinitely”.
█ MIGUEL DELANEY Dembele before his contract runs Southampton for what boss Mikel what was described as a breach of
Bosses were set to lose key players to the out in the summer. the club’s pre-match protocol.
tournament from Jan 9 to Feb 6 & JIM VAN WIJK Arteta said was a “disciplinary
BARCELONA could offer a Intermediaries have floated the Arteta accepts it will take time
Liverpool were the likeliest to be heavily hit idea of swapping Aubameyang for breach”, which reportedly concerned for the rift with Aubameyang to
by the competition. Their two star attackers Dembele, especially since both are a late return from a trip abroad. heal – but refused to be drawn on
Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah play for solution to Pierre-Emerick in the same wage bracket, On Tuesday morning, the club whether the former captain had
Senegal and Egypt respectively. Aubameyang’s (pix) of above £200,000 confirmed Gabon forward played his last game for the club.
problems, as the Spanish (RM1.12m). Aubameyang would no
It was set to leave Jurgen Klopp without the club are looking for a striker in longer wear the “What I can say now is to make
pair for a crunch month as he seeks to win back January, and the Arsenal forward is a Aubameyang is captain’s armband the decision that we made is really
the Premier League title. player they are considering. understood to earn and would also not be hurting, and it is still like this and it
The Nou Camp hierarchy are around £30,000 to considered for the visit needs a bit of time to heal, so for
The prolific duo have combined to score 30 naturally alert to Aubameyang’s £50,000 (RM168,000 of West Ham now, he is not involved in the
goals across all competitions and would have current situation at Arsenal, with the -RM280,000). overnight squad,” said Arteta.
been a big miss for the Reds. club announcing on Tuesday that he It is not
has been stripped of the captaincy He was Aubameyang’s first Asked if Aubameyang had
But it now seems that clubs will not lose over disciplinary breaches. dropped for transgression, having played his last game for the club,
their African players for the month. Barcelona are understood to Saturday’s 3-0 previously been Arteta added: “All I can say is that
“badly need” a striker, with the board Premier League benched for March’s for now, he’s out of the squad, he’s
According to journalist David Lynch, there willing to make concessions to new victory over north London derby not involved and sadly, this is the
are plans to announce an “indefinite decision that we’ve taken.” – The
postponement” of the tournament. Talks are manager Xavi Hernandez in this against Tottenham after Independent
ongoing with host nation Cameroon over regard – despite their financial
compensation. restrictions.
Whether that willingness
Liverpool’s Premier League title rivals extends to Aubameyang’s
Chelsea were set to lose two stars, with one huge wages is a potential
being first-choice goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. complication.
Hakim Ziyech would likely have travelled too. The Independent has
been told that the
Arsenal could have had as many as four Gabonese international is
players in Cameroon for the prestigious unwilling to take a
tournament. paycut, which reduces his
potential options, but also
One of those is Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, naturally represents a
whose future is in doubt after being stripped of negotiating position with
the club captaincy. Arsenal.
There is another potential
Watford have the most African players in avenue in that Barcelona’s
their squad with five. Top scorer and Nigerian financial situation means they would
international Emmanuel Dennis would have prefer swap deals, and would prefer
been their biggest miss. to recoup some value in Ousmane

Meanwhile, Leeds, West Ham, Newcastle Moyes points to hectic
and Norwich would have remained entirely
unaffected as they have no players who would
have been called up.

Clubs are set for a busy festive period when
injuries often mount up.

They will therefore welcome not having to
realise players to African nations for a month. –
Express Newspapers

RESULTS & STANDINGS schedule for Covid spike

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE: Manches- WEST HAM boss David Moyes suggested players or staff, whether it be travel or
ter City 7 (Foden 8, Grealish 13, De Bruyne the bulging schedule may be a contributory whatever, I really think that’s playing a part
32, 62, Mahrez 49, Stones 74, Ake 78) Leeds factor in the significant spike in Covid-19 of it as well,” Moyes said.
0, Norwich 0 Aston Villa 2 (Ramsey 34, cases circulating among Premier League
Watkins 87), Brentford vs Manchester players and staff. “Players are getting very little time to
United (Postponed). recover and I think when you are run down
The traditional festive programme has you are more liable to get the virus.
Man City PWDLF A Pts been a source of frustration for a number of
Liverpool 17 13 2 2 40 9 41 managers in recent years and, barring any “What we’re putting the players through
Chelsea 16 11 4 1 45 12 37 late postponements, West Ham will play at the moment, the scheduling is making
West Ham 16 11 3 2 38 11 36 nine fixtures in all competitions this month. the players much more run down.
Man Utd 16 8 4 4 28 19 28
Arsenal 16 8 3 5 26 24 27 Moyes’ side are currently coronavirus- “I think it’s showing with the levels of
Tottenham 16 8 2 6 21 22 26 free but the Premier League on Monday Premier League players who are catching
Leicester 14 8 1 5 16 17 25 announced 42 positive tests had been the virus at the moment.”
Aston Villa 16 6 4 6 27 27 22 recorded, the highest ever weekly figure
Wolves 17 7 1 9 23 25 22 registered, with a number of clubs enduring While some top-flight fixtures have been
Brentford 16 6 3 7 12 14 21 outbreaks of varying size. postponed because of Covid outbreaks, it is
Brighton 16 5 5 6 21 22 20 understood there is no official threshold for
Crystal Palace 15 4 8 3 14 16 20 It is a huge leap from the dozen the number of positive cases that would
Everton 16 4 7 5 22 22 19 confirmed cases last week, and Moyes cause a game to be called off.
Southampton 16 5 3 8 20 28 18 hinted it is little surprise given the short
Leeds 16 3 7 6 14 24 16 turnaround in matches that is putting a Moyes would welcome some
Watford 17 3 7 7 17 32 16 strain on the players, in particular, and club clarification on the issue, even if he
Burnley 16 4 1 11 21 31 13 employees. admitted the decision might not be solely
Newcastle 15 1 8 6 14 21 11 down to the League.
Norwich 16 1 7 8 17 34 10 “I think the amount of games and the
17 2 4 11 8 34 10 close proximity is not helping football “I think it would be better if we had a
little bit more understanding of what it
meant.” – The Independent

BUNDESLIGA: Stuttgart 0 Bayern Munich The second coming of Roo
5, Wolfsburg 2 Cologne 3, Mainz 05
Hertha Berlin 0, Arminia Bielefeld 2 WAYNE ROONEY would find it difficult to results in recent weeks, off the back of a
Bochum 0. turn down a second return to Everton if mounting injury list, have not done Benitez
approached to replace Rafa Benitez in the any favours.
TOP 10 PWDLF A Pts dugout.
Bayern Munich 16 13 1 2 52 16 40 Majority owner Farhad Moshiri is
Dortmund 15 10 1 4 36 23 31 The Derby County manager has remained desperate for the Spaniard to succeed, but
Leverkusen 15 8 3 4 37 24 27 loyal to the Rams despite their massive his position could soon become untenable if
Hoffenheim 15 8 2 5 32 23 26 financial struggles and docked points in the things get any worse.
Freiburg 15 7 4 4 26 15 25 Championship.
Mainz 05 16 7 3 6 25 16 24 Should Everton be left in a situation
Union Berlin 15 6 5 4 22 21 23 With a depleted squad, Rooney has still where they need to bring in a replacement,
Cologne 16 5 7 4 26 27 22 managed to keep Derby very competitive, Rooney looks likely to be considered for the
RB Leipzig 15 6 3 6 29 19 21 earning him admirers in the game with his role, either on a short-term or long-term
E. Frankfurt 15 5 6 4 23 22 21 work off the pitch. basis.

ITALIAN CUP 3RD RD: Venezia 3 Ternana The Everton academy product is still held The Sun say unofficial contact has been
, Udinese 4 Crotone 0, Genoa 1 in high regard at Goodison Park, and he made between the club and Rooney over the
Salernitana 0. could even yet become the Toffees’ next boss. prospect. The 36-year-old has repeatedly
insisted he will stay loyal to Derby.
Ex-Liverpool manager Benitez is failing to
win over supporters despite a bright start to However, the Premier League job at his
the season. boyhood club would be hard to knock back.
– Daily Star
Everton’s style of football and their dismal

THURSDAY QUOTE OF THE DAY

DECEMBER 16, 2021 It sounds like Mercedes will probably
back off from a further appeal… they don’t want
to look like bad losers. They have a championship
to celebrate, they are Constructors’ Champions
for a record-breaking eighth consecutive time.”

Formula One commentator David Croft

Pep purrs

De Bruyne is ‘the best’ in these games,
says Guardiola after City demolish Leeds

Kevin De Bruyne (front) celebrates scoring Manchester City’s third goal during yesterday’s
English Premier League match against Leeds United at the Etihad Stadium. – REUTERSPIX

PEP GUARDIOLA hailed the Guardiola said. to his side after some poor results Joao Cancelo and Kyle Walker out, we played than how well City played.
return to form of Kevin De “In these type of games, that are a against Marcelo Bielsa’s men last while Grealish played in the No. 10 “City play like this all the time, or
Bruyne after the Belgian’s season. role with no recognised striker in the
double in yesterday’s 7-0 bit more open and they put a lot of starting XI. similar to it, but we have never played
thrashing of Leeds. players in front, Kevin is the best. “We did a really good game. We so badly in these four years.
dropped five points against Leeds last “I would say thank you for John
City’s star playmaker had a slow “We are really pleased he is season and it was the same guys (Stones) playing in that position “It was not good enough. There is
start to the campaign after a summer coming back because we need him. today, apart from Jack (Grealish).” because it is not his usual position. nothing positive to take away from
of injury problems and then a spell He struggled at the start of the season our performance. I can’t find
out with coronavirus. but hopefully now he can maintain “Congrats to the team, it was a “When I lose I game I know people anything that can be of value.
this rhythm longer.” good performance for us,” he told BT say that it is because we don’t have a
He looked back to his best as the Sport. striker, I know this theory quite well.” “As is natural in these cases, it is
champions swept Leeds aside with City tore into Leeds from the not the individuals that fail but the
embarrassing ease at the Etihad outset and opened the scoring “The vibes of the stadium was nice Leeds boss Bielsa pulled no organisation.
Stadium to chalk up their seventh through Phil Foden after just eight today, it was sold out and they punches as he bemoaned his side’s
successive Premier League victory in minutes. That was the club’s 500th supported us incredibly well. worst display since he took charge of “There is no justification I can
style. Premier League goal under the club in 2018. offer, the game was exactly how we
Guardiola in just the Spaniard’s 207th “We were patient with the ball, thought it was going to be.
De Bruyne netted City’s third of game in charge, a new record for the and the quality of the players did the “This is the worst performance in
the night before halftime and then competition. rest. the four years. At no moment were we “We prepared ourselves to avoid
made it 5-0 with a thunderbolt of a able to balance the game,” the everything that happened and we
strike just after the hour. Jack Grealish, Riyad Mahrez, John “We dropped points against Leeds Argentinian said. didn’t manage to get anything.”
Stones and Nathan Ake also got on last season, we tried to prepare well
“Kevin trained well the last two the scoresheet in a dominant display for the game. “The sensation we gave off was Leeds next face Arsenal in the
days. Against Wolves he lacked that thrilled the home fans. that anything they attempted we Premier League, hosting the Gunners
rhythm but it is not easy to come back “The players feel more serious couldn’t prevent. at Elland Road on Sunday (1.30am
(after Covid-19), City manager Guardiola claimed after the game than others about Leeds because of Malaysian time) while City travel to
that there was a little more of an edge the pride they have and the manager.” “It’s not that City played very well Newcastle United later in the day. – The
– it’s a lot more noticeable how badly Independent/Express Newspapers
Stones filled in at right-back with

Ramsey reveals Gerrard inspiration behind wondergoal

█ GEORGE SESSIONS the best at that, being a goalscoring midfielder “I never watch my stuff back unless people put A third defeat in a row for Norwich saw them
ASTON VILLA midfielder Jacob Ramsey is eager and that is what I want to be.” it on the television, but he should watch as much remain at the bottom of the Premier League but a
to keep following in the footsteps of his manager football as he can and learn off as many people as positive for the Canaries was the return of Sam
after scoring in yesterday’s 2-0 win at Norwich. Gerrard praised the England U-21 ace after the he can.” Byram.
victory, with Ramsey starting five of the six games
The academy graduate struck for just the since the former Rangers manager took over at Next up for Villa is a home clash with Burnley The versatile fullback was introduced just
second time for his boyhood club in Norfolk, Villa Park. where Gerrard is eager to claim a fifth win out of before halftime for the injured Ozan Kabak and in
playing a one-two with Ollie Watkins near the seven games, but he will be without Marvelous the process made his first appearance in 22
halfway line before he ran at the Canaries defence Norwich chief Dean Smith gave the youngster Nakamba for the foreseeable future with a months following numerous hamstring issues.
and rifled into the top corner after 34 minutes. his first opportunity in the Villa side and was decision due to be made this week over whether
acknowledged by his successor at the midlands the midfielder requires surgery on a knee injury. Fellow defender Ben Gibson told the official
It was a goal boss Steven Gerrard would have club. club website: “Sam was fantastic in a role that’s
been proud of and the 20-year-old admitted he The 41-year-old said: “We are very pleased unfamiliar to him in front of the back four, so fair
has been watching clips of the ex-Liverpool “Jacob has been outstanding. Obviously he is a with our points total. We ran Manchester City play to him.
captain. big talent and that is the reason why Dean gave close and to the wire, we lost to Liverpool on a
him his chance before I came in,” Gerrard added. penalty albeit they were better than us on the “I’m absolutely delighted for him because he’s
“I have seen Ollie lay it off to me in space and I night. a great lad who has worked so hard and had such
looked around and saw no one there, so I thought “I was aware of Jacob from afar and his a tough time.
‘go on then, why not have a shot?’ and luckily it consistency levels in the games so far have been “We want to win as many games as we can
went in. It was a good goal,” Ramsey told BT Sport. top. and the focus now turns to Burnley. “He’s still a top player so we welcome him back
with open arms. His mentality is an example for
“Obviously, I have been watching clips “His standards have been set high but there is “I am sure Villa Park will be full of voice but the what we need when times get hard – to fight,
growing up and the gaffer was probably one of room to grow and that is the exciting thing. focus is on us and we need to take as many points stick together and get out of it.” – The
as we can.” Independent
“If he keeps performing to that level, it is very
exciting for Aston Villa fans.

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