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Helping hand for Europe

2012-02-18T07:09:00.001-08:00

Helping hand for Europe

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 03:43 PM PST

China has promised to help the EU deal with its debt problems through the stability facilities, but it should not be misread as a pledge to buy more European government bonds.

Kickback issue kicks up storm

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 03:43 PM PST

A corruption scandal is brewing in the Kedah Government regarding a certain 'Mr 30%' who allegedly demanded commissions from Chinese associations applying for state allocations.

Dr Chua says ‘no loser or winner’ in debate with Guan Eng

2012-02-18T05:09:00.001-08:00

Dr Chua says ‘no loser or winner’ in debate with Guan Eng

Dr Chua says ‘no loser or winner’ in debate with Guan Eng
Dr Chua vs Guan Eng
30% of M’sian bus drivers suffer from sleep disorders
Two elderly men in the audience cause a stir at forum
Najib: Billionaires became rich because of our policy
Satellite TV, radio service soon for some 2,000 remote areas in S'wak
Ibrahim Ali says will contest in next general election
Police nab woman who used her travel agency to smuggle drugs
General acceptance of 1Malaysia, UM survey shows
Forum kicks off with a bang
Chua: PAS the main beneficiary if Pakatan comes into power
Bayan Mutiara land sale was through open tender, Ivory Properties clarifies
PM: Vital that Malaysians 'make the right turn'
Five chosen to provide simultaneous interpretation of the debate
Excitement reaches fever pitch as more seats added to venue
Wanted man flees in police vehicle
Live radio broadcast of debate on 988 FM
Woman slain in parang attack
Sabah’s per capita income has surpassed Kelantan’s, says PM
Chua: The debate is about issues, not about who is the winner or loser

Dr Chua says ‘no loser or winner’ in debate with Guan Eng

Posted: 18 Feb 2012 03:25 AM PST

KUALA LUMPUR: The debate between MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek and DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng was not a battle of wits, and there was 'no loser or winner.'

Dr Chua vs Guan Eng

Posted: 18 Feb 2012 02:51 AM PST

KUALA LUMPUR: MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek started off the debate with DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng on Saturday by saying that if the opposition was strengthened, it essentially meant that PAS was also strengthened. Guan Eng in his remarks said it was Barisan that has been making contradictory statements, with MCA claiming that PAS has been making use of DAP and Umno claiming DAP is using PAS.

30% of M’sian bus drivers suffer from sleep disorders

Posted: 18 Feb 2012 01:12 AM PST

KUALA LUMPUR: Sleeping disorders affect 30 percent of 300 bus drivers in the country, with eight percent categorised as chronic, raising fears about their driving performance.

Two elderly men in the audience cause a stir at forum

Posted: 18 Feb 2012 12:04 AM PST

KUALA LUMPUR: Two elderly men from the audience caused a stir at the Malaysian Chinese at the Political Crossroads forum as emotions ran high, with one of them storming out mid-way through the second session.

Najib: Billionaires became rich because of our policy

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 11:46 PM PST

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian billionaires became rich because of the country's policy and stability, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on Saturday.

Satellite TV, radio service soon for some 2,000 remote areas in S'wak

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 11:10 PM PST

SIBU: Some 2,000 remote locations in Sarawak where there is no television and radio coverage will soon receive free decoders and satellite dishes to enable the rural population to access 18 television and 19 radio channels.

Ibrahim Ali says will contest in next general election

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 10:35 PM PST

PASIR MAS: Pasir Mas MP Datuk Ibrahim Ali has announced that he will contest in the next general election.

Police nab woman who used her travel agency to smuggle drugs

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 09:15 PM PST

SEPANG: A businesswoman who masterminded the smuggling of drugs using her travel agency and fellow workers was nabbed in her house in Kepong by Customs officers.

General acceptance of 1Malaysia, UM survey shows

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 11:10 PM PST

KUALA LUMPUR: A Universiti Malaya (UM) survey shows that there is a general acceptance of the 1Malaysia concept by Malaysians overall, although each ethnic group in the country has its own narrow reservations.

Forum kicks off with a bang

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 10:35 PM PST

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Chinese at a Political Crossroads forum kicked off with a bang Saturday as MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek brought down the house with his fiery opening speech.

Chua: PAS the main beneficiary if Pakatan comes into power

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 11:04 PM PST

KUALA LUMPUR: PAS will be the main beneficiary if Pakatan Rakyat comes into power in the coming general election.

Bayan Mutiara land sale was through open tender, Ivory Properties clarifies

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 10:16 PM PST

GEORGE TOWN: Ivory Properties Group Berhad (IPGB) has maintained that it won the bidding for the 41.5ha of land in Bayan Mutiara near here in an open competitive tender by the Penang Government.

PM: Vital that Malaysians 'make the right turn'

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 10:05 PM PST

KUALA LUMPUR: The outcome of the next general election will determine the country's future, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

Five chosen to provide simultaneous interpretation of the debate

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 07:07 PM PST

PETALING JAYA: Five simultaneous translators will provide viewers of The Star's webtv SwitchUp.TV and Astro Awani a United Nations-style translation of the showdown between Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek and Lim Guan Eng.

Excitement reaches fever pitch as more seats added to venue

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 05:06 PM PST

PETALING JAYA: Excitement over the debate between MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek and DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng has reached fever pitch, with organisers having to add 150 seats to accommodate the overwhelming response.

Wanted man flees in police vehicle

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 05:06 PM PST

MALACCA: Police here are looking for a wanted man who fled in a police multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) from its Alor Gajah traffic police station.

Live radio broadcast of debate on 988 FM

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 04:58 PM PST

PETALING JAYA: Tune in to The Star's 988 FM for the only live commercial radio broadcast of the year's hottest debate – the highly-anticipated verbal smackdown between MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek and DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng.

Woman slain in parang attack

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 04:47 PM PST

ALOR SETAR: A 46-year-old fortune teller was killed in an attack by her ex-husband during his late night visit to her Taman Saga house here.

Sabah’s per capita income has surpassed Kelantan’s, says PM

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 04:46 PM PST

LAHAD DATU: Sabah is no longer the country's poorest state because of various government initiatives to boost the income of its people, said the Prime Minister.

Chua: The debate is about issues, not about who is the winner or loser

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 04:44 PM PST

KUALA LUMPUR: The debate between MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek and DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng is to give the rakyat a clearer understanding of the stand of the two parties on the issues confronting them, particularly the economy and education.

Alzheimer's cells made in the lab

2012-02-18T03:29:00.001-08:00

Alzheimer's cells made in the lab

Alzheimer's cells made in the lab
Image makers to Chris Brown: take a chill pill
Foo Fighter’s Dave Grohl defends Grammy speech
Stars come out for Whitney Houston’s funeral
Roadside relief
Biking round Manhattan
The Mild West
BMW Announces M Performance Parts Accessory Division; What Makes It Different? [Geneva Auto Show]
Brain Scans Might Spot Autism as Early as 6 Months of Age (HealthDay)
Motor Impairments Appear to Be a Characteristic of Autism (HealthDay)
Kids With Crohn's Disease, Colitis Often Struggle at School: Study (HealthDay)
Born Leaders: 10 Baby Names Inspired by Presidents and First Ladies
The Most Popular Baby Names of All Time
25 Signs You're Raising a Country Kid
25 Signs You're Raising a City Kid
Fine Art for Kids: Sand Painting with Robert Smithson
13 U.S. Presidents that Totally Confuse Kids
11 Things Children Can Teach You About Exercise
3 Exercises Every Mom Should Do
6 Treats to Satisfy Any Pregnancy Craving

Alzheimer's cells made in the lab

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 09:49 PM PST

Will new developements in research lead to a breakthrough?

Image makers to Chris Brown: take a chill pill

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 06:17 PM PST

LOS ANGELES, Feb 18 — When R&B singer Chris Brown unleashed a Twitter post taunting detractors after his Grammy win last Sunday, he broke a rule that every Hollywood image builder knows: don't show contempt for those who may be willing to forgive and forget. This week, the celebrity blogosphere, websites and media pundits have buzzed with ...

Foo Fighter’s Dave Grohl defends Grammy speech

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 05:21 PM PST

LOS ANGELES, Feb 18 — Foo Fighters' frontman Dave Grohl was forced to defend his Grammy acceptance speech on Friday after numerous fans and critics interpreted his words as a critique of modern pop music. "I love music. I love ALL kinds of music...Electronic or acoustic, it doesn't matter to me," Grohl said. "The simple act of creating music is a ...

Stars come out for Whitney Houston’s funeral

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 03:53 PM PST

NEW YORK, Feb 18 — A star-studded line-up will sing and speak at pop star Whitney Houston's funeral, from Alicia Keys and Kevin Costner to the soul and gospel music royalty from which she hails, including her cousin Dionne Warwick and Aretha Franklin. Houston will be laid to rest today after an invitation-only memorial service at the New Hope ...

Roadside relief

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 11:43 PM PST

From ST, Sri Gombak, Kuala Lumpur.

Biking round Manhattan

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 11:31 PM PST

Cities are generally not great places for cyclists, but Manhattan in New York City is turning into a good place for cycling.

The Mild West

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 11:28 PM PST

Dude ranch vacations: It's about so much more than horses these days.

BMW Announces M Performance Parts Accessory Division; What Makes It Different? [Geneva Auto Show]

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 04:23 PM PST

Earlier today, BMW announced the arrival of BMW M Performance Parts, a new line of powertrain, suspension, aerodynamic, and cockpit components that will trade under the iconic "M" badging. The idea behind using M is to further reinforce the sub-brand's appeal to performance enthusiasts, says BMW, although some will surely see this extension as a dilution of the iconic M name. Intended to enhance engine power, reduce weight and optimize aerodynamics for tangible increases in driving dynamics and performance, the first products are designed specifically for the 3- and 5-series sedans (and the five-door 1-series in Europe). Bits will include black kidney grills, M Performance exhaust systems, carbon-fiber front splitters, and an M Performance steering wheel.

Interesting news to be sure, but other than the addition of the letter M, what differentiates this new line from the current entity known simply as BMW Performance Parts? You know, the aftermarket division that's happily been peddling components to BMW-wielding speed freaks for years?

We reached out to BMW for some answers; the company's responses are below:

Is this change one being made in name only from BMW Performance Parts?
"No. BMW Performance Parts were designed without input from BMW M. These parts are still available for X5, X6, 135i, and the E9X 3-series. All future performance parts will be BMW M Performance Parts (with development input from BMW M)."

Why are parts currently available for just two models (the 3- and 5-series sedans in the U.S.) when the previous performance parts catalog is still on offer?
"The 3- and 5-series are the first vehicles to benefit from performance parts developed with the input of BMW M. The previous parts are still available."

Will an owner now be able to upgrade their vehicle to M levels of performance and styling in a piecemeal fashion by selecting parts from the new BMW M Performance Parts catalog?
"No, these parts are not simply M3 parts being installed on a 3-series. They are parts that enhance . . . the BMW 3-series. For example, more than 80 percent of the parts in an M3 are unique to that car (and not shared with the regular production 3-series)."

So there you have it.

Brain Scans Might Spot Autism as Early as 6 Months of Age (HealthDay)

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 08:47 PM PST

HealthDay - FRIDAY, Feb. 17 (HealthDay News) -- In children as young as 6 months old, changes in the brain that can lead to autism spectrum disorder may have already begun, preliminary research suggests.

Motor Impairments Appear to Be a Characteristic of Autism (HealthDay)

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 08:47 PM PST

HealthDay - FRIDAY, Feb. 17 (HealthDay News) -- Autism itself seems to be responsible for the problems children with the disorder have in developing motor skills such as running, throwing a ball and learning to write, according to a new study.

Kids With Crohn's Disease, Colitis Often Struggle at School: Study (HealthDay)

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 08:47 PM PST

HealthDay - FRIDAY, Feb. 17 (HealthDay News) -- Children with inflammatory bowel disease may have difficulty in school due to frequent absences that are largely the result of mental struggles such as depression rather than the disease itself, a new study finds.

Born Leaders: 10 Baby Names Inspired by Presidents and First Ladies

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 01:35 PM PST

Looking for a baby name that's sure to get your little one into the Oval Office? If you have aspirations for your kid to be the next great leader of the United States, then be sure to bequeath her with one of these unique baby names inspired by Presidents and First Ladies!1. JeffersonOrigin: Old English; Meaning: son of JeffreyWe built this city on rock 'n roll! Wait - wrong Jefferson. We built this country thanks to the help of this founding father, who was the third U.S. president from 1801 - 1809 and currently graces our elusive two-dollar bill. ...

The Most Popular Baby Names of All Time

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 01:33 PM PST

We reveal the top baby boy and girl names from the last 100 years for picks with timeless appeal

By Melisa Coburn

25 Signs You're Raising a Country Kid

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 01:16 PM PST

Take a look at this list, and you'll know your kid is a country kid if he/she ...

25 Signs You're Raising a City Kid

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 01:13 PM PST

They are true city kids. And you know yours is one too if he/she ...

Fine Art for Kids: Sand Painting with Robert Smithson

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 11:41 AM PST

Create an indoor sand painting with inspiration from outdoor art installation artist Robert Smithson.

13 U.S. Presidents that Totally Confuse Kids

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 09:31 AM PST

Monday is President's Day, which for my children has nearly nothing to do with history and everything to do with a three-day weekend. I asked my kids and their friends about the U.S. Presidents and what they knew about them. I got blank stares and blinking in reply.Maybe it's because my kids are too young. Maybe it's because most students aren't asked to memorize the Presidents in order, as I was in elementary school. Or maybe it's because some of the Presidents - especially for younger kids - are sort of confusing.Here's a very silly look at the most confusing U.S. ...

11 Things Children Can Teach You About Exercise

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 09:05 AM PST

Let the littlest people be the biggest motivation to your daily program. Here are 11 things your children can teach you about exercise.

3 Exercises Every Mom Should Do

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 08:49 AM PST

These three moves offer body benefits for every woman-and they don't require a gym membership or fancy equipment. Make them part of your fitness routine on a regular basis and you'll be looking and feeling better in no time.

6 Treats to Satisfy Any Pregnancy Craving

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 08:33 AM PST

6 delicious and healthy snacks that will satisfy any craving when you're 'eating for two'.

Police nab woman who used her travel agency to smuggle drugs

2012-02-17T23:40:00.001-08:00

Police nab woman who used her travel agency to smuggle drugs

Police nab woman who used her travel agency to smuggle drugs
General acceptance Of 1Malaysia, UM survey shows
Forum kicks off with a bang
Chua: PAS the main beneficiary if Pakatan comes into power
Bayan Mutiara land sale was through open tender, Ivory Properties clarifies
PM: Vital that Malaysians 'make the right turn'
Five chosen to provide simultaneous interpretation of the debate
Excitement reaches fever pitch as more seats added to venue
Wanted man flees in police vehicle
Live radio broadcast of debate on 988 FM
Woman slain in parang attack
Sabah’s per capita income has surpassed Kelantan’s, says PM
Chua: The debate is about issues, not about who is the winner or loser
Malaysian tops ACA exams
Kickback issue kicks up storm
Farmer mistakes kin for bear and shoots him
Body falls out of ambulance onto busy road
NUJ to call for EGM to discuss code of ethics
Indian national denies reckless driving charge
Jui Meng under scrutiny

Police nab woman who used her travel agency to smuggle drugs

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 09:15 PM PST

SEPANG: A businesswoman who masterminded the smuggling of drugs using her travel agency and fellow workers was nabbed in her house in Kepong by Customs officers.

General acceptance Of 1Malaysia, UM survey shows

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 09:11 PM PST

Forum kicks off with a bang

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 09:53 PM PST

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Chinese at a Political Crossroads forum kicked off with a bang Saturday as MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek brought down the house with his fiery opening speech.

Chua: PAS the main beneficiary if Pakatan comes into power

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 10:03 PM PST

KUALA LUMPUR: PAS will be the main beneficiary if Pakatan Rakyat comes into power in the coming general election.

Bayan Mutiara land sale was through open tender, Ivory Properties clarifies

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 10:16 PM PST

GEORGE TOWN: Ivory Properties Group Berhad (IPGB) has maintained that it won the bidding for the 41.5ha of land in Bayan Mutiara near here in an open competitive tender by the Penang Government.

PM: Vital that Malaysians 'make the right turn'

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 10:05 PM PST

KUALA LUMPUR: The outcome of the next general election will determine the country's future, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

Five chosen to provide simultaneous interpretation of the debate

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 07:07 PM PST

Excitement reaches fever pitch as more seats added to venue

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 05:06 PM PST

Wanted man flees in police vehicle

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 05:06 PM PST

MALACCA: Police here are looking for a wanted man who fled in a police multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) from its Alor Gajah traffic police station.

Live radio broadcast of debate on 988 FM

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 04:58 PM PST

Woman slain in parang attack

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 04:47 PM PST

ALOR SETAR: A 46-year-old fortune teller was killed in an attack by her ex-husband during his late night visit to her Taman Saga house here.

Sabah’s per capita income has surpassed Kelantan’s, says PM

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 04:46 PM PST

LAHAD DATU: Sabah is no longer the country's poorest state because of various government initiatives to boost the income of its people, said the Prime Minister.

Chua: The debate is about issues, not about who is the winner or loser

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 04:44 PM PST

Malaysian tops ACA exams

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 05:01 PM PST

PETALING JAYA: A Malaysian student has done the country proud by scoring the highest marks in the Accredited Chartered Accountant (ACA) examinations.

Kickback issue kicks up storm

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 03:19 PM PST

A corruption scandal is brewing in the Kedah Government regarding a certain 'Mr 30%' who allegedly demanded commissions from Chinese associations applying for state allocations.

Farmer mistakes kin for bear and shoots him

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 02:59 PM PST

A FARMER mistook his cousin for a bear and shot and killed him in Sabah, Harian Metro reported.

Body falls out of ambulance onto busy road

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 02:58 PM PST

A FREAK incident involving an ambulance in Chennai caused a commotion after a body it was ferrying slipped out of the vehicle and landed on a busy road, reported Makkal Osai.

NUJ to call for EGM to discuss code of ethics

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 02:58 PM PST

THE National Union of Journalists will call for an EGM on March 3 to discuss issues arising from the statement made by DAP election publicity chief Hew Kuan Yau, who labelled journalists "prostitutes", Sin Chew Daily reported.

Indian national denies reckless driving charge

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 02:56 PM PST

KOTA KINABALU: An Indian national has claimed trial to a charge of reckless driving which led to a bus mishap that killed seven Bruneians.

Jui Meng under scrutiny

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 05:04 PM PST

WHEN Datuk Chua Jui Meng sent out feelers that he wanted to contest the Bakri parliamentary seat, he did not expect DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng to shoot down the idea.

US Department of State Kicks-Off "Empowering Women and Girls Through Sports ... - US Department of State (press release)

2012-02-17T15:27:00.001-08:00

US Department of State Kicks-Off "Empowering Women and Girls Through Sports ... - US Department of State (press release)

US Department of State Kicks-Off "Empowering Women and Girls Through Sports ... - US Department of State (press release)
Spurs boss Redknapp focused on Stevenage, not England
Mertesacker out for ‘long term’ after surgery, Wenger
FIFA security boss Chris Eaton leaves - ESPN
Ex Indian tennis player Malhotra wins IOC award - NDTV
Former Indian tennis player Manisha Malhotra wins IOC award - Times of India
A new NBA star, Jeremy Lin becomes a bankable name
FIFA security chief leaves in potential match-fixing blow
Newey waits for new Mercedes to reveal its secrets
Tokyo more confident about Olympic bid
Olympics chairman says games can’t fix gender inequality
Mickelson takes charge with late birdie at Riviera
Guptill continues to plunder runs as NZ beat SAfrica
Petrov replaces Trulli at Caterham
Portsmouth go into administration for second time
Beckham sad to see Capello go, backs Redknapp for England job
Man City’s racism complaint surprises Porto
Postgraduate: Reaching greater heights - New Straits Times
Renault Sport is Official Sponsor of MegaLAP Time Attack - ASEAN Automotive News
Four-way lead at Women's NZ Open golf - MSN NZ News

US Department of State Kicks-Off "Empowering Women and Girls Through Sports ... - US Department of State (press release)

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 11:16 AM PST

US Department of State Kicks-Off "Empowering Women and Girls Through Sports ...
US Department of State (press release)
As part of the "Empowering Women and Girls Through Sports Initiative," the US Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and US Soccer announced today a series of Sports Envoy programs to take place in Algeria, Argentina, Malaysia ...

and more »

Spurs boss Redknapp focused on Stevenage, not England

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 07:29 AM PST

LONDON, Feb 17 — Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp, rejecting any notion he might be getting distracted by talk linking him to the England job, said today the only thing he had thought about all week was how to beat Stevenage in the FA Cup. There has been daily speculation in British newspapers over whether he will be installed as England ...

Mertesacker out for ‘long term’ after surgery, Wenger

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 07:04 AM PST

LONDON, Feb 17 — Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker has been ruled out for the "long term" after having ankle surgery, his manager Arsene Wenger said today. The Germany international was injured during Arsenal's Premier League victory at Sunderland last weekend and is now a doubt for the rest of the season and the season-ending European ...

FIFA security boss Chris Eaton leaves - ESPN

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 05:53 AM PST

FIFA security boss Chris Eaton leaves
ESPN
FIFA said Friday that Eaton will join the Qatar-based International Center for Sport Security in May as its director of sport integrity. Eaton was expected to lead FIFA's yearlong campaign to investigate corrupt players, coaches, referees and officials ...

and more »

Ex Indian tennis player Malhotra wins IOC award - NDTV

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 05:30 AM PST

Ex Indian tennis player Malhotra wins IOC award
NDTV
AP Los Angeles: Former Indian tennis player Manisha Malhotra received a top International Olympic Committee prize for her work in promoting women in sport. Malhotra, who competed for India in doubles at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, was one of six winners ...

and more »

Former Indian tennis player Manisha Malhotra wins IOC award - Times of India

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 06:50 AM PST

Former Indian tennis player Manisha Malhotra wins IOC award
Times of India
LOS ANGELES: Former Indian tennis player Manisha Malhotra has received a top International Olympic Committee prize for her work in promoting women in sport. Malhotra, who competed for India in doubles at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, was one of six winners ...

and more »

A new NBA star, Jeremy Lin becomes a bankable name

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 05:19 AM PST

NEW YORK, Feb 17 — Less than two weeks ago anyone looking to buy a ticket to watch the New York Knicks play the Dallas Mavericks this weekend could expect to pay around US$270 (RM822). Today, the same ticket would cost about twice that. Call it Linflation. Jeremy Lin's surprising basketball heroics have made the 23-year-old point guard a sports ...

FIFA security chief leaves in potential match-fixing blow

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 04:26 AM PST

BERNE, Feb 17 — FIFA's head of security Chris Eaton is leaving soccer's governing body in a potential blow to the fight against match-fixing. The Australian former Interpol officer has been at the forefront of FIFA's campaign against match-fixing and last month said that 2012 would be a fundamental year in the battle against one of the biggest ...

Newey waits for new Mercedes to reveal its secrets

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 03:45 AM PST

LONDON, Feb 17 — Mercedes gave their new Formula One car a track debut away from prying eyes yesterday amid lingering suspicions that the late arrival meant the team had something to hide from copycat rivals. The team said Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg each did 50km at Silverstone circuit for what was officially a private filming day before ...

Tokyo more confident about Olympic bid

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 03:00 AM PST

TOKYO, Feb 17 — The decision by Rome to drop out of the running to host the 2020 Olympic Games has instilled new confidence in the bid put forward by Tokyo. The Italian capital announced Tuesday that it was pulling out of the race to host the Olympics because the national government had declined to provide financial backing for the event. Rome had ...

Olympics chairman says games can’t fix gender inequality

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 03:33 AM PST

LONDON, Feb 17 — The chairman of the London 2012 Olympics said yesterday that the Olympic committee needed to encourage more inclusiveness by countries that failed to send women to the games but cautioned that "sport is not the panacea for all ills." "I think you can use sport in a way to encourage social change at a sensible rate," Sebastian Coe, ...

Mickelson takes charge with late birdie at Riviera

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 02:52 AM PST

PACIFIC PALISADES, California, Feb 17 — Red-hot Phil Mickelson, fresh from victory at the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am on Sunday, chipped in to birdie his last hole and grab a one-shot lead at the Northern Trust Open yesterday. On a tricky day of strong, gusting winds at Riviera Country Club, the American left-hander delivered a superb ...

Guptill continues to plunder runs as NZ beat SAfrica

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 03:28 AM PST

WELLINGTON, Feb 17 — Martin Guptill continued his rich run of form as he scored 78 not out to help New Zealand to a six-wicket victory over South Africa in their Twenty20 international at Wellington Regional Stadium today. Guptill anchored the New Zealand run chase as the hosts scored 148 for four in 19.2 overs after South Africa had scored 147 ...

Petrov replaces Trulli at Caterham

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 02:38 AM PST

LONDON, Feb 17 — The Caterham Formula One team dropped Italian Jarno Trulli today and replaced him with Russian driver Vitaly Petrov. The move, announced in a statement by the Malaysian-owned team, means the season will start in Australia next month without an Italian driver for the first time since 1970. It also marked a quick reprieve for ...

Portsmouth go into administration for second time

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 04:12 AM PST

LONDON, Feb 17 — Portsmouth football club entered administration for the second time in two years today after the High Court in London heard they could not pay their gas or electricity bills and had debts of some £4 million (RM20 million). The 114-year-old club, based on England's south coast and currently 18th in the 24-team Championship (second ...

Beckham sad to see Capello go, backs Redknapp for England job

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 02:32 AM PST

LOS ANGELES, Feb 17 — Former England captain David Beckham has offered his support to Fabio Capello, the Italian who called time on Beckham's international career, after his decision to stand down as England manager. In his first public comments on the issue, Beckham said he was disappointed Capello had quit the job so close to the European ...

Man City’s racism complaint surprises Porto

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 02:35 AM PST

MANCHESTER, Feb 17 — Porto were surprised today over Manchester City's complaint that striker Mario Balotelli suffered racist abuse during their Europa League match and said nothing abnormal had happened during the game. A City representative said the English club had brought the matter to the attention of UEFA officials, while witnesses gave ...

Postgraduate: Reaching greater heights - New Straits Times

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 02:04 AM PST

Postgraduate: Reaching greater heights
New Straits Times
When he signed up as student of Sports Science at Open University Malaysia, little did Abdul Ghani Samad, 53, know that it would eventually lead him to the highest peak in Malaysia. A lecturer in Aviation Maintenance Technology at UniKL MIAT, ...

Renault Sport is Official Sponsor of MegaLAP Time Attack - ASEAN Automotive News

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 12:02 AM PST

Renault Sport is Official Sponsor of MegaLAP Time Attack
ASEAN Automotive News
Renault Sport is the motorsports and performance brand of French manufacturer Renault, distributed by TC Euro Cars in Malaysia. We're sure that followers of this website will be familiar with Renault Sport, the outfit responsible for hot hatches Megane ...

Four-way lead at Women's NZ Open golf - MSN NZ News

Posted: 16 Feb 2012 10:56 PM PST

Four-way lead at Women's NZ Open golf
MSN NZ News
England's Kym Larratt and Frenchwoman Joanna Klatten are with them ion the lead after shooting five-under-par on Friday at the Pegasus Golf and Sports Club, just north of Christchurch. There were 40 players under par at the completion of round one, ...

and more »

Penang Umno shows proof of Bayan Mutiara land

2012-02-17T11:54:00.001-08:00

Penang Umno shows proof of Bayan Mutiara land

Penang Umno shows proof of Bayan Mutiara land
Hasan Ali: Some Selangor PR leaders regard vice as human right
Bombing suspect not on Najib-Yingluck discussion
No redelineation exercise for now, focus is on GE, says EC
DAP's Hew apologises for 'compensated dating' remark
Kite festival blown away by storm
Former Hulu Langat MP Badrul Hisham dies
Court rejects RM160mil defamation suit against TV3
Sabah no longer poorest state, says PM
Hisham: Extradition of Iranian bomb suspect depends on law
Police: Only one report alleging molest by scoutmaster
Lim to retire from politics if proven that land sale not done via open tender
Lower deficit brings boost to the economy
US Embassy closed Monday
Condominium unit damaged in gas cylinder explosion
Pregnant mum denied entry to KL-bound flight, delivers still-born baby at airport
Chua-Lim debate: More seats for public
Use interim transfer system, ministry urges used car dealers
Art brewed from coffee
Enter a brighter Suria FM

Penang Umno shows proof of Bayan Mutiara land

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 06:34 AM PST

GEORGE TOWN: Penang Umno wants the Penang Chief Minister to quit politics and the post as promised if there is proof that the sale of Bayan Mutiara land was done through negotiations.

Hasan Ali: Some Selangor PR leaders regard vice as human right

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 06:13 AM PST

KUALA LUMPUR: Some state Pakatan Rakyat (PR) leaders, including those from PAS, regard vice committed by Muslims as part of human rights, said former Selangor exco member Datuk Dr Hasan Ali.

Bombing suspect not on Najib-Yingluck discussion

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 05:41 AM PST

BANGKOK: The detention of an Iranian in Malaysia, in connection with the three bomb blasts here on Tuesday, will not be discusses when Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra makes an official visit to Malaysia next Monday.

No redelineation exercise for now, focus is on GE, says EC

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 03:10 AM PST

KUALA LUMPUR: The Election Commission (EC) will not carry out a redelineation of electoral boundaries until after the 13th general election.

DAP's Hew apologises for 'compensated dating' remark

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 03:00 AM PST

KUALA LUMPUR: DAP election publicity chief Hew Kuan Yau said it was "some distorted interpretations" of his "prostitute journalist" that had offended people.

Kite festival blown away by storm

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 03:58 AM PST

PASIR GUDANG: A thunderstorm practically blew away a kite festival here as people scrambled out of tents that toppled over due to the strong winds.

Former Hulu Langat MP Badrul Hisham dies

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 04:46 AM PST

PETALING JAYA: Former Hulu Langat MP Badrul Hisham Abdul Aziz passed away at Hospital Serdang at about 3.30pm Friday.

Court rejects RM160mil defamation suit against TV3

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 01:28 AM PST

KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court has rejected a RM160mil defamation suit by a housing developer against Sistem Televisyen Malaysia Berhad (TV3).

Sabah no longer poorest state, says PM

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 01:19 AM PST

LAHAD DATU: Sabah, which for the most parts was governed by the Barisan Nasional (BN), experienced major changes in its development and economic landscape since it attained independence through Malaysia in 1963, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

Hisham: Extradition of Iranian bomb suspect depends on law

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 12:23 AM PST

KLUANG: The extradition of an Iranian suspected to be involved in a series of bombings in Bangkok is largely dependent on the law, Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said.

Police: Only one report alleging molest by scoutmaster

Posted: 16 Feb 2012 11:42 PM PST

PETALING JAYA: Police have received only one report, lodged by a 14-year-old student, alleging that a volunteer scoutmaster had molested her.

Lim to retire from politics if proven that land sale not done via open tender

Posted: 16 Feb 2012 10:54 PM PST

GEORGE TOWN: Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has offered to retire from politics if it can be proven that the Bayan Mutiara land sale was not done via open tender.

Lower deficit brings boost to the economy

Posted: 16 Feb 2012 10:38 PM PST

PUTRAJAYA: There is more good news for the economy. Revenues have increased while the fiscal deficit in 2011 eased to 5% of GDP, compared with 5.6% in 2010.

US Embassy closed Monday

Posted: 16 Feb 2012 09:31 PM PST

KUALA LUMPUR: The United States embassy here will be closed on Monday, in honour of Presidents' Day.

Condominium unit damaged in gas cylinder explosion

Posted: 16 Feb 2012 09:14 PM PST

KUALA LUMPUR: A condominium unit in Taman Shamelin, Cheras here was damaged after a gas cylinder inside it exploded Friday.

Pregnant mum denied entry to KL-bound flight, delivers still-born baby at airport

Posted: 16 Feb 2012 08:47 PM PST

CHENNAI: A pregnant Indian passenger, who was denied permission to board a Malaysia-bound flight due to safety concerns, delivered a still-born baby on Thursday at the airport here after developing labour pains.

Chua-Lim debate: More seats for public

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 04:18 AM PST

KUALA LUMPUR: More members of the public will be able to attend Saturday's debate between MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek and DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng.

Use interim transfer system, ministry urges used car dealers

Posted: 16 Feb 2012 05:58 PM PST

GEORGE TOWN: The Transport Ministry wants more used car dealers to adopt the e-Interim Transfer system for easier transfer of ownership of trade-in cars or those sold to them.

Art brewed from coffee

Posted: 16 Feb 2012 05:57 PM PST

KOTA KINABALU: A Sabahan who received unexpected fame on YouTube when she used a basketball to paint a portrait of Chinese cager Yao Ming is at it again.

Enter a brighter Suria FM

Posted: 16 Feb 2012 05:51 PM PST

KUALA LUMPUR: Radio listeners can expect a feel-good experience on Malay radio station Suria FM, thanks to its re-branding exercise.

Malaysia Airlines unions hold their ground

2012-02-17T11:14:00.001-08:00

Malaysia Airlines unions hold their ground

Malaysia Airlines unions hold their ground
Special payout in store for Maxis shareholders?
BAT earnings forecast upgraded slightly
Broadway Media content for 'The Cube' subscribers
Saint-Gobain on expansion trail
RM250m new investments targeted
AmConstant Flexi increases fund size again
Group: Review the term 'Islamic banking'
Coverage for foreign workers
Morgan Stanley ups Malaysia's rating to 'overweight'
iPad maker Foxconn lifts China workers pay again
Murdoch pledges ‘unwavering support’ to UK Sun
iPad maker Foxconn lifts China workers pay again
Murdoch pledges ‘unwavering support’ to UK Sun
Thousands stranded as Australian airline goes bust
Thousands stranded as Australian airline goes bust
Asia plugs European aircraft lending gap
Apple’s iPhone loses China market share
Apple’s iPhone loses China market share
Asia plugs European aircraft lending gap

Malaysia Airlines unions hold their ground

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 09:37 AM PST

SEVEN months down the road, Malaysia Airlines' employees are no closer to buying in to the Khazanah Nasional Bhd-Tan Sri Tony Fernandes share swap than when it was first announced. According to Malaysian Airline System Employees' Union (Maseu) president Alias Aziz, staff morale is the worst he has seen since he joined the company some 20 years ago. "During Datuk Seri Idris Jala's time, the staff were okay. We were involved in turning around the company. Now we have no idea what is going on," he told Business Times. Idris's first order of business as managing director and chief executive officer of MAS was to have a townhall session with staff to reassure them of his commitment to the airline. Representatives from all eight of MAS' unions and associations met up with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak last Tuesday to voice the growing discontent among MAS employees. "We don't want any AirAsia people in MAS,we want to see the share swap between Khazanah and AirAsia Bhd's founders undone. We don't mind working together with AirAsia but the share swap is not necessary," Alias said. He has also requested that the government do an independent audit on Malaysia Airlines to uncover losses in the national carrier. The unions in MAS have received their fair share of flack from staff too, with many voicing their disdain for its inactivity on the world wide web. Another meeting with the Prime Minister is expected in two weeks' time. Analysts are, however, unimpressed by the unions' and associations' demands, saying that it is unlikely the government will backtrack. "Pemandu's Datuk Seri Idris Jala has taken great pains to show foreign investors that Malaysia has transformed. Such a flip-flop would show that nothing has changed," an analyst who declined to be named told Business Times. An analyst from Maybank Investment Bank said no doubt this will be the hardest turnaround attempt in history, but after two years of planning, it is unlikely that the share swap will be undone.

Special payout in store for Maxis shareholders?

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 09:40 AM PST

Maxis, the country's biggest mobile phone operator, has proposed to issue RM2.45 billion medium-term notes this week. OSK Research Sdn Bhd said the sukuk issuance could lead to a special dividend if the RM1 billion or some 13 sen per share in proceeds earmarked for working capital is flowed back to shareholders. Maxis has said that RM1.45 billion of the proceeds will be used to refinance its debts and the remaining RM1 billion to fund working capital. The company declared a record dividend a year after its re-listing in 2009. It gave out an interim dividend of eight sen for the fourth quarter plus a final dividend of eight sen, bringing total dividend payout for the financial year 2010 to 95 sen. This was is in line with Maxis' aim to pay out a minimum 75 per cent of its net profit as dividends. Hong Leong Investment Bank Bhd said the RM2.45 billion sukuk will increase Maxis' consolidated gearing from 0.63 times to 0.75 times on proforma basis, based on its 2010 audited accounts. Meanwhile, OSK Research said Maxis' fourth quarter profit this year is expected to be bumped up by an estimated RM97 million in tax savings from broadband network spending in the previous years. The remaining tax credits totalling RM233 million will be offset against its tax liability over five years from financial year 2012. "We will seek clarification from management before building this into our forecast," said OSK Research. The research house has given Maxis stocks a "neutral" call, given the anticipated margin dilution from the recent launch of its fibre-to-thehome service and looming concerns over slowing revenue growth. It expects Maxis' earnings to come under pressure from the full quarter impact of its fibre-tothe-home services and higher subscriber acquisition cost due to the launch of the iPhone 4S.

BAT earnings forecast upgraded slightly

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 09:15 AM PST

OSK Research said BAT's net profit for the year ended December 31 2011 of RM719.6 million was spot on with its estimates, although it was 1.6 per cent lower year-on-year. "Cigarettes shipped for the year fell after the excise duty hike in the 2011 Budget but (BAT's) fourth- quarter volume held strong on the absence of hikes the 2012 Budget. "With volume coming in a tad stronger than expected, we are increasing our volume forecast slightly, thus increasing our earnings estimates by 1.3 per cent and 1.4 per cent for financial years 2012 and 2013 respectively," the firm said in a report yesterday. It expects BAT's earnings to rise marginally in the financial year 2012 to RM731.8 million following the excise duty hike reprieve. But 2013 should see profits back in contraction mode to RM708.3 million should the government choose to increase the tobacco excise duty, which the group expects to be likely after the general election. OSK Research has raised its fair value on BAT shares to RM52.47 from RM45.48. In a statement on Thursday, BAT said the slightly lower net profit was due to a lower effective tax rate in 2010. Its profit before tax, meanwhile, was flat at RM956 million compared with RM959 million in 2010. This, BAT said, was a good performance in view of the half-year effect on margins (RM37 million) from the ban on pack sizes below twenty sticks implemented in July 2010, the one-time charges in respect of change in accounting policy for merchandising assets and restructuring of the group's distribution model taken in the year. It added that despite the decline in volume, the group saw an increase in market share to 61.1 per cent, up 1.3 per cent from the previous year. BAT has declared a fourth interim dividend of 66 sen per share. Managing director William Toh said the company will continue to face formidable challenges, if not further addressed. "The high levels of illegal cigarettes, which now read a staggering 36.1 per cent also continued to pose a major concern for the group and the industry as well as the government, representing an estimated nine billion sticks of smuggled cigarettes in the country," hesaid in the statement.

Broadway Media content for 'The Cube' subscribers

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 09:56 AM PST

CELCOM Axiata Bhd expects 25 per cent of its 11 million subscribers to actively use "The Cube" by this year, driven by its partnership with content provider Broadway Media Sdn Bhd. "The Cube" is a channel that brings the latest local and international digital contents on mobile phones. Celcom Axiata, with Broadway Media's help, will offer its subscribers innovative digital mobile contents via "The Cube", starting with television coverage of Indonesian Premier League (IPL) this Sunday. Celcom Axiata chief executive officer Datuk Seri Shazalli Ramly said currently there are about 1.5 million active Celcom subscribers on "The Cube". "We hope through the partnership with Broadway Media, we will be able to increase active subscribers to 25 per cent by the end of this year," he told reporters here yesterday. The partnership will see Celcom and Broadway Media redefine and reshape mobile amusement and viewing experience for everyone, regardless of their needs and wants, Shazalli said. In addition to being the exclusive sponsor for IPL television coverage, he said Celcom will be making way for the delivery of other rich mobile television contents. They include customised video productions, news, entertainment information on celebrities, content-related activities, latest music programme from Broadway Media's Indo Pek Pelangi and Bintang channels in Astro. "The Cube is a channel for customers to experience and share digital content of the latest movies, music, games and more. "Through this collaboration, we are delivering current and popular-contents that appeal to consumers to further encourage and innovate the consumption of content moving forward. It will be more than just watching football," he said. Broadway Media chairman Datuk Syed Ahmad Khalid Syed Mohamed hopes the tie-up with Celcom will increase the number of subscribers of its two Indo Pek channels on Astro to 250,000 from the current 120,000, He did not reveal the amount of investment to develop the mobile and television digital contents, merely saying that it is "substantial". "Investment is one thing. The other goal is to make the wholesome programmes from Indonesia available here, which I may say are of high quality and entertaining. "Not everyone can watch these programmes through paid television. Thus, we formed a partnership with Celcom to make them available via mobile phones," he said.

Saint-Gobain on expansion trail

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 09:29 AM PST

THE Saint-Gobain Group, Europe's largest building materials supplier, plans to expand in Malaysia and other parts of Asia. Saint-Gobain, whose sales growth is affected by Europe's economic slump, is keen on building new facilities and acquiring businesses in Malaysia and other Asian countries. The group feels that Malaysia has the potential to become its hub for Southeast Asia. Saint-Gobain yesterday officially opened a new manufacturing plant in Shah Alam, Selangor, to complement its investments in Saint-Gobain Solar at Kulim Hi-Tech Park in Kedah. It also had bought Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) business from CSR Building Materials (M) Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of CSR Ltd (Australia). The French group, which provides solutions for energy saving and environment protection in the habitat and for construction markets, expects global revenue growth to moderate this year from five per cent in 2011. Although Saint-Gobain registered a 14 per cent increase in net income last year to euro 1.28 billion (RM5.12 billion), chief executive officer Pierre-Andre de Chalendar was reportedly saying on Thursday that the group needed to make adjustments this year. This would include shutting down production lines or plants as well as retail outlets in certain areas other than Asia. It is a different story for Saint-Gobain in Asia, particularly Malaysia. The group, which has been operating in Malaysia since 2006 with the Gyproc (gypsum plasterboard) plant, has nine businesses in the country, with the latest being the acquisition of the AAC business in December last year. Regional managing director and general delegate to the Asia-Pacific region Emmanuel Normant said the group plans to increase production capacity at its new plant. The output is initially for the domestic market and, subsequently, to a few key regional markets. "Saint-Gobain is looking to increase its presence in Asia, and we have been actively pursuing opportunities in Malaysia as we firmly believe in the growth capability and vast resources available," he said in a statement issued after the launch of the Shah Alam plant. Normant said the new solar plant started production in November. "It is a strategic move for Saint-Gobain Solar to serve the fast-growing solar market in Malaysia and Southeast Asia, at the heart of the group's ambition to meet growing demand for energy efficiency and environmental protection," he said. Normant said the AAC acquisition is a first step towards a future quick and ambitious development in Malaysia and the region. ACC produces a lightweight wall system used in the construction industry. "Saint-Gobain plans to make further investments in the AAC business by increasing significantly the production capacity in Malaysia," Normant said. Meanwhile, the Shah Alam plant will produce eco-friendly tile-fixing solutions for the construction industry. The plant, which is operated under Saint-Gobain Weber, is built to cope with increasing industry demand. Saint-Gobain Weber Malaysia general manager Ged Lee Meng Chun said the facility has a production capacity of up to 75,000 tonnes a year, a threefold increase from its previous capacity. "This makes it the second largest industrial mortar producer in Southeast Asia, after Thailand," Lee said. With sales of euro 40.1 billion (RM160 billion) in 2010, the Saint-Gobain group operates in 64 countries with nearly 190,000 employees.

RM250m new investments targeted

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 09:29 AM PST

PULAU INDAH (PORT KLANG): The Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) industrial park is eyeing new investments worth RM250 million this year. Chairman of Port Klang Authority, Datuk Teh Kim Poo, said potential investments of RM100 million are expected from six overseas companies. "The six companies, involving mainly in logistics and oil and gas, have obtained approvals to lease the land in the PKFZ area," he said. To date, PKFZ has attracted RM375 million worth of investments. PKFZ is the government's biggest investment in the port industry since 1990. Currently, PKFZ owns 512 units of terrace factories in the zone. Seventy per cent of the factories and 35 per cent of the 240ha vacant land in the zone had been rented out, Teh told reporters after a briefing and plant visit by International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed to Cargill Palm Products Sdn Bhd at the PKFZ National Halal Park here on Thursday. On hotel investment from China, Teh said negotiations are in the final stages. The Chinese company is expected to operate a three-star business-class hotel with 125 rooms as well as manage a convention centre in two months, Teh added. An earlier report stated that SM International Wholesale (China) Centre Sdn Bhd had been in talks with PKFZ officials to lease several office blocks, a convention centre and a hotel on long-term basis at the zone.

AmConstant Flexi increases fund size again

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 09:18 AM PST

KUALA LUMPUR: AmConstant Flexi, the 13th fund under the AmConstant series by AmMutual, has increased its approved fund size to a total of 225 million units from initial approved size of 100 million units. To-date, the fund size has been increased twice from its initial fund size to meet overwhelming demand from investors, AmInvestment Bank said in a statement yesterday. Launched on January 16 this year, AmConstant Flexi is a three-year close-ended bond fund that caters to the needs of investors seeking income stability in the face of market uncertainty. As of now, the fund has collected subscription proceeds of RM128 million, retailing at RM1 per unit. "The AmConstant series is synonymous with our low volatility array of funds and has become a hit with investors as volatility risk persists with the prevailing downgrades on earnings and growth," said AmInvestment Bank funds management division group chief executive officer Datin Maznah Mahbob. "All the AmConstant series funds with more than a year performance have generated annualised returns that outperformed fixed deposit rates," she added.

Group: Review the term 'Islamic banking'

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 09:55 AM PST

KUALA LUMPUR: The Muslim Consumer Organisation (PPIM) has asked the National Fatwa Council to review the "Islamic banking" term in the country. Its member Datuk Nadzim Johan said PPIM over the last few years had been receiving thousands of complaints from the public, be they Muslims and non-Muslims, regarding the "wrongful implementation" of Islamic banking financial products which have not been "just and fair" towards the consumers. "Some practices seemed to be less merciful when compared with conventional banking and this clearly will lead to usury (interest, which is forbidden in Islam)," he said at a press conference here yesterday. Nadzim said PPIM is handling thousands of cases now, and a bulk of them involves Islamic housing financing in abandoned projects worth over RM3 billion. "We have been having discussions with Bank Negara officials and representatives of Islamic banks for several months and some of the feedbacks have been positive but there are some that are not so good," said Abdul Kareem Said Khadaied, another activist. He said direct discussions had been held with two bank heads, adding that PPIM would like to extend its direct talks with other banks too. Nadzim said those who came to PPIM had expressed displeasure at being asked by their respective Islamic banks to settle their loans based on the duration of their financing tenure, when the housing projects have been abandoned. This, said Abdul Kareem, is very much against what has been said in the Holy Quran that in a buy and sell transaction, the product must be tangible. "But what we are seeing now is indeed sad. Some of the banks that offer Islamic products have no mercy for the predicament faced by their customers and this is not what Islam is all about," he said. Abdul Kareem added that PPIM wants to know why Islamic principles are not applied when it comes to disbursing finance and what exactly is the formula used to calculate the profit rate. "All the parties involved seemed to be silent on this," he said, adding that Bank Negara must take action to overhaul the industry. Nadzim, meanwhile, cited the recent case in Kuching where two brothers had defaulted in their RM264,317 loan after a year, and in three years the outstanding amount owed had swelled to RM624,263.42. "This has brought about a negative light over Islamic banking services in the country." When told by a media member that Bank Negara and Islamic banks have their own Islamic scholars in their syariah boards who advise the banks of their products and services, Abdul Kareem said: "The scholars are paid by the banks and naturally, they have a conflict of interest. Maybe it is time independent scholars are hired and their pays are channelled for charity". Malaysia's Islamic finance industry has been in existence for over 30 years and to date, there are 18 foreign and local Islamic banks in Malaysia. The underlying principles that govern Islamic banking are mutual risk and profit-sharing between parties, the assurance of fairness for all and that transactions are based on an underlying business activity or asset.

Coverage for foreign workers

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 09:54 AM PST

THE government is making it compulsory by June 2012 for all employers to buy health insurance protection amounting to RM120 per year for each of their foreign workers. "So far, the government has seen 1.4 million of insurance policies taken up by foreign workers in the construction and restaurant sectors. Those that have not taken up are domestic helpers and estate workers," said Performance Management and Delivery Unit (Pemandu) director of healthcare NKEA Dr Chua Hong Teck. "Those employers who fail to fulfil this requirement will see their foreign workers' permit not renewed by the Immigration Department. This health insurance scheme is an add- on to the health screening requirement by Fomema Sdn Bhd," he told reporters here yesterday. "Yes, there is no such law to enforce the mandatory element. It is done administratively by the Immigration Department," the Pemandu director said. Dr Chua then explained that this scheme provides hospitalisation and medical benefits at government hospitals to foreign workers with coverage of RM10,000 per year for all injuries and sickness. A total of 25 insurance companies and two third party claims administrators are participating in this scheme. "At RM120, it works out to be only RM10 per month. If one can spend RM10 on a packet of cigarettes per month, then it's not much to provide health insurance for his domestic helper, right?," said the senior government official from the Pemandu, a unit of the Prime Minister's Department. "Bank Negara Malaysia has endorsed this RM120 per year insurance policy which is the most value-for-money hospitalisation coverage. Employers who have bought RM50 or RM60 per year policy for their domestic helper is just for personal accident. I'm sure it does not cover hospitalisation. "The employer needs to differentiate the various coverage the insurance policies offer," he added. To a question if employers can deduct the RM120 per year insurance coverage from their domestic helper's salary, Dr Chua replied, "this is between the employer and the domestic helper. Right now, government hospitals are experiencing around RM5 million or RM6 million a year in unpaid medical bills incurred by foreign workers. This is being borne by taxpayers' money. Is this fair to taxpayers like you and me?" The Health Ministry had since January 2011 wanted to impose this ruling on foreign workers in the plantation sector. It was, however, repeatedly opposed by farmers. This is because oil palm and rubber plantation firms are already footing the medical bills of their foreign workers under the Workers Minimum Housing Standard and Amenities Act 1990. This law mandates all estate owners to provide healthcare facilities and services for their staff, including foreign workers. Malaysian Palm Oil Association chief executive officer Datuk Mamat Salleh reportedly said this ruling forces plantation companies to pay a second time what they have already been providing to foreign workers. "Injury-related accident cases are already covered by the Workmen Compensation Insurance. Currently, employers are paying RM72 for each foreign worker," Mamat said. "If our estate members were to participate in the medical insurance scheme, we'll be paying an extra RM50 million to insurance companies for the 400,000 foreign workers staying in the estates," he added.

Morgan Stanley ups Malaysia's rating to 'overweight'

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 08:02 AM PST

BANGKOK: Morgan Stanley said yesterday it had raised its rating on the Taiwan stock market to "equal weight" from "underweight", citing improving earnings and good prospects in its technology sector this year. The broker also said in a research note that it had upgraded Indonesia to "overweight" from "equal weight", noting its relatively low valuation and that it was technically oversold. It raised Malaysia to "overweight" from "equal weight", while cutting Thailand to "underweight" from "equal weight", the Philippines to "equal weight" from "overweight" and South Africa also to "equal weight" from "overweight". A rise in the price of oil was a factor in its change in view on Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines. "Rising geopolitical risk has led to the oil price overshooting our commodity team's forecasts," it said, noting it had recently raised its 2012 estimate for Brent to US$105 (RM320) a barrel from US$100 (RM305). "Thailand and the Philippines are major oil importers while Indonesia and Malaysia are neutrally to positively affected by a rising oil price," it said. Reuters

iPad maker Foxconn lifts China workers pay again

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 07:42 AM PST

TAIPEI, Feb 17 — Foxconn Technology Group, the top maker of Apple Inc's iPhones and iPads whose factories are under scrutiny over labour practices, has raised wages of its Chinese workers by 16-25 per cent from this month, the third rise since 2010. In a statement today, Taiwan-based Foxconn said the pay of a junior level worker in Shenzhen, ...

Murdoch pledges ‘unwavering support’ to UK Sun

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 07:18 AM PST

LONDON, Feb 17 — Rupert Murdoch pledged unwavering support to his scandal-hit Sun today, and promised to launch a Sunday edition soon, to try to win back angry staff in one of the biggest challenges to his more than 40 years as proprietor at the British tabloid. Murdoch was in London to reassure staff after the company supplied information to ...

iPad maker Foxconn lifts China workers pay again

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 07:42 AM PST

Murdoch pledges ‘unwavering support’ to UK Sun

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 07:18 AM PST

Thousands stranded as Australian airline goes bust

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 06:24 AM PST

SYDNEY, Feb 17 — Budget carrier Air Australia collapsed today, stranding thousands of passengers as its domestic flights and international services to Honolulu, Bali and Phuket were all grounded. The news came a day after embattled Australian flag carrier Qantas said it was slashing at least 500 jobs, cutting costs and closing two international ...

Thousands stranded as Australian airline goes bust

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 06:24 AM PST

Asia plugs European aircraft lending gap

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 04:46 AM PST

SINGAPORE, Feb 17 — Asian banks are filling the void in the aircraft financing market left by squeezed European lenders, but Middle East tensions and the sheer scale of Asia's aviation growth look set to leave the industry's funding on a knife-edge, experts said. Banks from Singapore, China and Japan have stepped up their activities in the ...

Apple’s iPhone loses China market share

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 05:01 AM PST

BEIJING, Feb 17 — Apple Inc's share of China's booming smartphone market slipped for a second straight quarter in October-December, as it lost ground to cheaper local brands and as some shoppers held off until after the iPhone 4S launch last month. China, the world's largest mobile phone market, has not been easy for Apple, which is grappling with ...

Apple’s iPhone loses China market share

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 05:01 AM PST

Asia plugs European aircraft lending gap

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 04:46 AM PST

New film shows African conflict through eyes of girl

2012-02-17T09:49:00.001-08:00

New film shows African conflict through eyes of girl

New film shows African conflict through eyes of girl
Japanese master's son opens Belgian film festival
German film eyes the big prize at Berlin festival
Man charged with molesting 6 women
"Spider-Man" Broadway producers, trade group solve dispute
Woman set on fire
Pat Buchanan out at MSNBC
Aretha, Stevie Wonder to sing at Houston's funeral
Like chalk and cheese
Keeping it fresh
Wake-up charm
Death kept under wraps
Mad for Minogue
Sharpen your heels

New film shows African conflict through eyes of girl

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 04:23 AM PST

BERLIN (Reuters) - Canadian director Kim Nguyen looks at the traumatic life of a child soldier in an unspecified African conflict through a young girl's eyes in "War Witch", a harrowing film that nonetheless carries with it an element of hope.

Japanese master's son opens Belgian film festival

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 03:11 AM PST

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Miyazaki, a household name to Japanese animation fans, will again be the draw at Belgium's 31st Anima festival, but it will not be the acclaimed director Hayao but his son Goro aiming to keep the family name alive in Europe.

German film eyes the big prize at Berlin festival

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 02:20 AM PST

BERLIN (Reuters) - German drama "Barbara" is the critics' favourite to take away the Golden Bear for best picture at this year's Berlin film festival, in what would be the first home win since 2004.

Man charged with molesting 6 women

Posted: 16 Feb 2012 11:49 PM PST

A man in Singapore has been charged with seven counts of molesting six women at his flat in Ang Mo Kio.

"Spider-Man" Broadway producers, trade group solve dispute

Posted: 16 Feb 2012 07:53 PM PST

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The producers of Broadway's "Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark" and a trade association representing the show's former director, Julie Taymor, have settled their legal disputes over her firing and withdrawn breach of contract claims, the groups said on Thursday.

Woman set on fire

Posted: 16 Feb 2012 05:42 PM PST

A woman in Australia was allegedly set on fire.

Pat Buchanan out at MSNBC

Posted: 16 Feb 2012 06:11 PM PST

NEW YORK (AP): Conservative commentator Pat Buchanan, who's been suspended from MSNBC for the past four months, won't be coming back. The network said Thursday that it had decided to part ways with the former Republican presidential candidate after 10 years.

Aretha, Stevie Wonder to sing at Houston's funeral

Posted: 16 Feb 2012 07:39 PM PST

NEWARK, New Jersey (AP): Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder will sing at the private funeral of Whitney Houston on Saturday in what promises to be a very musical service.

Like chalk and cheese

Posted: 16 Feb 2012 02:55 PM PST

Jojo Struys ventures into the kitchen guided by Chef Tommes.

Keeping it fresh

Posted: 16 Feb 2012 02:56 PM PST

Appearing on the Asian Food Channel for the first time is Chef Tommes, who is no stanger to the world of gastronomy.

Wake-up charm

Posted: 16 Feb 2012 02:56 PM PST

Rise and shine to the voices of the all new Red Breakfast that has been shaking up Malaysian radio! Kicking off since Feb 13, it's a fun and entertaining wake-up call that will get you out of bed in no time.

Death kept under wraps

Posted: 16 Feb 2012 02:53 PM PST

Fong Fei-fei used her birth name and not even her doctor knew who she was.

Mad for Minogue

Posted: 16 Feb 2012 02:52 PM PST

Get your latest F1 Rocks concert updates here.

Sharpen your heels

Posted: 16 Feb 2012 05:56 PM PST

Yuna has to be one of the busiest artistes on the block – with a local career and an impending US breakthrough to think about.

How frail our unity is

2012-02-17T07:23:00.001-08:00

How frail our unity is

Posted: 16 Feb 2012 04:39 PM PST

Malaysians always boast about how we can live with each other but yet that multi-racial fabric is easily torn.

Don’t give up on your dreams

Posted: 16 Feb 2012 04:39 PM PST

Pursuing your dreams requires action. Time and effort are necessary to see results, and difficulties should be seen as a challenge, an encouragement to put in extra effort.