Cheong Fatt Tze building is featured on Lonely Planet list

GEORGE TOWN: The Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion here has been named one of the world's top 10 greatest mansions and grand houses by popular travel guide Lonely Planet.
The grand dwelling, often dubbed the Blue Mansion due to its vivid colour, is one of only two buildings in Asia to make the list.
The other is the Marble Palace mansion in Kolkata, India.
Others that made the list include the Villa d'Este in Italy, England's Castle Howard that provided the backdrop for the television and cinema adaptation of Brideshead Revisted, famed 16th-century Chateau de Chambord in France and the Catherine Palace in Russia.
The United States was the only country with two venues making the list Fallingwater in the woods of Pennsylvania and Beauport House in Massachusetts while Australia and Ireland rounded up the grandest homes list with Werribee Mansion in Melbourne and the 13th-century Powerscourt Estate in the Wicklow Mountains respectively.

True blue: The Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion in Penang. The historical structure was also featured as the title picture for the Lonely Planet list.

The Lonely Planet list was reprinted last Sunday by the Fox News website, which chose the Blue Mansion as its story's main picture.
This latest accreditation follows several other prestigious awards already given to the mansion, including a Unesco “Most Excellent” Heritage Conservation Award in 2000, an Asean Tourism Association Excellence Award for Best Asean Cultural Preservation Effort in 2004 and the Malaysian National Architectural Award For Conservation in 1995.
The mansion was built in the late 19th- century by Cheong Fatt Tze, a self-made wealthy Chinese merchant.
Loh-Lim Lin Lee, who bought and restored the dwelling with husband Laurence Loh in the late 1980s to 1990s, said the mansion received some 2,000 visitors every month.

Granny a true friend to victims of domestic violence

Victims of domestic violence who are unable to stand up for themselves against their aggressors are turning to grandmother S. Thanaletchumi for help and advice.

The 72-year-old retired teacher, who operates from her house with a monthly mobile allowance of RM80 from a non-profit organisation, listens and counsels them.
Her advice is usually for them to lodge police reports.
“I have come across so many women who feel that being beaten up by their spouses or their in-laws is part of what a woman faces in a marriage,” she said.
“Some have endured torture for several years due to poverty and lack of education.”
She added that in one case, not only did a man beat up his wife, he also encouraged their young son to join in.
Thanaletchumi, who gets an average of three calls a day, said she does not have any formal method to deal with the issues.

Businessman awarded for eco-friendly practices in biofuel firm

A local businessman who hopes to inspire others to be more eco-friendly has received an award for his efforts.

Global Green Synergy managing director Joseph Lim Heng Ee (pic), 37, said he hoped the Junior Chamber International Creative Young Entrepreneur Award (JCI CYEA) 2011 he has received would encourage others.
“The things that people are unwilling to do, I will do.
“This has driven me to accomplish what I have and I hope my passion will inspire others to be more green in their businesses too,” said Lim.
He said his company also provided training to orang asli to reduce their open burning and produce organic compost from agricultural waste.
“This award is to honour young entrepreneurs for the success and creativity in developing their businesses,” said JCI organising chairman Steward Lee
He said the three winners would go on to compete in the international round at the World JCI CYEA 2011 in Belgium.
The other winners are Ban Lee Hin Engineering and Construction Sdn Bhd chairman Datuk Tony Looi Chee Hong and Kian Classic Design Sdn Bhd CEO Kenny Yiap Kian Wee.

Minimum wage soon - Changes to Act undertaken to protect workers

Human Resources Minister Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam said the amendments to the Employment Act were being undertaken to protect workers but unfortunately some have seen the move differently. “We are taking positive steps to address the issues, especially regarding the contractors of labour, where there is an abuse of workers.
“We want to address this as well as other issues on social security and safety,” he said.
Speaking to reporters after presenting appointment letters to 25 members to the National Wage Consultative Council, he said the ministry had set up a committee which included representatives of the workers and employers to look into the problems and how to manage it better.
“At the moment, this (contractors of labour) is totally unmanaged and there is a lot of abuse,” he said.
Dr Subramaniam said there was some confusion over the amendments for contractors of labour to be registered with the Human Resources Ministry.
“This was done at the request of the National Union of Plantation Workers, who have been asking for this for a very long time because of massive abuse of workers in the plantation sector.
“The whole Act is actually to protect workers but some allege that it will formalise outsourcing and reduce permanent jobs,” he said.
Dr Subramaniam said the Government wanted to move ahead and hoped all parties would understand and assist in the objective of ensuring that workers got correct representation and their welfare protected.

The Government hopes to announce the minimum wage for workers before year-end, Human Resources Minister Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam said here. He said the newly set-up National Wages Consultative Council (NWCC) was entrusted to come out with recommendations on a minimum wage within two and a half months.
Speaking to reporters after presenting appointment letters to 25 members of the independent NWCC, he said a technical committee had already undertaken an exhaustive study on wages in the country.
“The NWCC has all the information. There is no need for them to start afresh.
“They must make decisions based on the information given to them from today,” he said, adding that a figure for the minimum wage had also been arrived at.
Dr Subramaniam said it was up to the council to look at the figure from their perspective and make the decision.
The NWCC Bill, which was gazetted on Sept 15 and came into effect on Sept 23, empowers the council to decide on a minimum wage and also undertake studies.
Former Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Tan Sri Steve Shim Lip Kiong is the NWCC chairman and former Human Resources Ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr Syed Mohamad Syed Abdul Kadir his deputy.
The council will have six members each representing workers and employers, five from other sectors and five from the Government. It will be assisted by a secretary.
On the proposal to extend the retirement age of workers in the private sector, Dr Subramaniam said discussions were still on-going.
“In principle, both the Malaysian Trades Union Congress, employers and the Government have agreed that we can go ahead to implement a retirement age for the private sector but the exact age is still under discussion,” he said.
Dr Subramaniam said the Malaysian Employers Federation had given its views and these were being looked into by the ministry.

Be confident of succeeding based on capabilities, PM tells Malays

The Malay community should not depend on the Government's protection if they want to be dignified and respected, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. He urged the Malays to have the courage and confidence to succeed based on their outstanding capabilities.
"These are the characteristics of the 21st century Malay.
"Such Malays would achieve success not because of the protection of the Government but because of their outstanding abilities," he said after launching the United Malay Economic Action Council (MTEM) here Thursday.
The group is a coalition of 63 Malay non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that promotes sustainable economic development of the Malay community.

Chinese groups back plan to ban shark hunting

Chinese groups here have come out in support of the proposed ban on shark hunting by the Sabah government. Malaysia Chinese Food Consumer Association vice-chairman Wilson Chia said shark hunting is a cruel act and his association fully supports the ban.
He said the association also discouraged the community from choosing shark fin soup as the main course during functions.
“The dish can easily be replaced with abalone or prawns,” he said.
The Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia deputy secretary-general Dr Chin Yew Sin welcomed the proposed ban and called on the Chinese community to also support the move.
“We have hundreds of other dishes to choose from besides shark fin soup,” he said, adding that restaurants also had various substitutes for the delicacy.
Malaysian Nature Society urged the state government to not just ban shark hunting but the consumption of shark fin soup as well.
“We hope Sabah will serve as an example for other states,” said its head of communications Andrew Sebastian, adding that it had been campaigning against the consumption of shark fin since 2007.
Malaysian Animal Welfare Society president Shenaaz Khan called for the hunting ban to be extended to other wildlife as well.
She said many people would not consume shark fin if they were aware of how shark fins were obtained.
“The fishermen just cut off the shark’s fins before throwing the animal back into the sea to die,” she said, adding that many restaurants were becoming more environmentally conscious and had taken the delicacy off their menus.

Amend Penal Code to deter graft in civil service

The Penal Code should be amended to give it more bite to punish civil servants who are involved in corrupt practices, said an anti-graft panel member. The light sentences imposed on offenders now had not deterred government personnel from being involved in corruption, said Malay­sian Anti-Corruption Commission Consultation and Prevention of Corruption Panel (PPPR) member Prof Dr Chin Yew Sin.
Speaking at the ‘Sepagi Bersama Mentri Besar Perak’ programme yesterday, Dr Chin said the government must also improve its administrative mechanisms to simplify the licensing processes and the issuance of letters of approval to avoid corruption.
Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Kadir, before opening the event, said the state government had introduced one-stop centres in major state agencies such as the land offices, district offices and local authorities as part of its effort to strengthen the civil service and public service delivery system.

Start healthy eating at young age, says society

Parents must cultivate healthy eating habits among their children, especially between the ages of two and seven, said Nutrition Society Malaysia (NSM) president Dr Tee E Siong. “You can still mould children's habits when they are at the age of three but not when they are already 11.
“At a later age, they will not heed your advice but prefer to listen to their peers,” he said.
Dr Tee urged all parents to start equipping themselves with nutrition knowledge and inculcating healthy eating habits in their children.

The right weight: Nutrition Society of Malaysia member Nurafiqah Sukardi measuring the body mass index (BMI) of Sivali Tan Jin Sun while Tan Siew Poh and Asnita look on during the Nutrition Month Malaysia fair in Kuala Lumpur, yesterday. Children’s BMI will soon be recorded in the report books to fight the problem of obesity among the young. — RAJA FAISAL HISHAN / The Star

“The sooner you do so, the higher your child's chances of making wise food choices in school and throughout life,” he said at a press conference after opening Nutrition Month Malaysia (NMM) 2011 at Mid Valley Exhibition Hall yesterday.
The theme is “Healthy Children, Healthier Nation Start Young”.
At the event, National Population and Family Development Board deputy director-general (policy) Dr Anjli Doshi Gandhi launched two main publications of NMM 2011 Wholesome Meals Practical Recipes for Your Growing Child book for parents and the Ceria Dengan Gaya Hidup Sihat workbook for children.
Dr Tee encouraged parents to use the publications to empower them with the knowledge to practise healthy eating and active living together with their children.
“Parents should take time off to involve the young ones in the food preparation process, setting up the tables and food selection,” he said, adding that the tasks should not be left solely to caretakers like maids.
Malaysian Dietitians' Association president Tan Yoke Hwa suggested that food sellers, including canteen operators, be educated on food preparation, hygiene and nutrition so that they would understand why it was necessary to prepare food in a healthier way.
“In a menu, for example, there might be fried mee hoon. It can be a healthier version or an oily version. We must educate them on how to cook the dish (healthily),” she said.
On April 17, Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai announced that the body mass index of students would be listed on their report cards and unhealthy food and drinks would be banned from school can- teens.
NMM 2011, held at Hall 1, Mid Valley Exhibition Centre from 10am to 8pm, ends today. Entrance is free.
Those interested in the NSM publications can download the PDF versions from its website at http://www.nutriweb.org.my/ or call its secretariat at 03-56323301 for hard copies.

English-medium schools unlikely

English-medium schools are unlikely to make a comeback due to the country's education policy, said the Deputy Prime Minister. The current policy required the Malay language to be the medium of instruction in national schools, said Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
“This is a question of the national education policy.
“It is not possible for us to set up national English-medium schools unless changes are made to the policy and the National Education Act (1996). It's a different story for private schools,” said Muhyiddin, who is also Education Minister, after attending a dialogue session with Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) academic staff and students here.

Nice to meet you: Muhyiddin having a chat with UPM Computer Science and Software Engineering student Suhazli Muhammad after attending a dialogue at UPM, Serdang, Friday. Looking on are Higher Education secretary-general Datuk Ab Rahim Md Noor (left, in purple) and Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin (in green).

“However, we have consented for national-type (vernacular) schools to use the Chinese and Tamil languages (as the medium of instruction).”
Section 17 of the National Education Act 1996 states that the national language must be the main medium of instruction in all educational institutions under the national education system.
The Act also provides an exemption to this rule for national-type schools or any other institution exempted by the Minister himself.
Earlier at the dialogue session, Muhyiddin said that while the English language was important to master, the national language should not be forgotten.
“We don't want the national language to be left behind, but at the same time, we cannot deny the importance of the English language.
“This is why the Government has taken many measures, such as employing native speakers as teachers, increasing the hours for English in the classroom; if this is not enough, we will introduce more initiatives,” he said.
On a separate matter, Muhyiddin said UPM might have the chance to take over Serdang Hospital as its own.
“We understand that UPM is the only university with a medical faculty that is yet to have its own hospital.
“The Higher Education Minister has already prepared the necessary working paper, and we will present this to the Cabinet in the near future,” he said.

Constitution does not allow for hudud, says Bar Council

Both the Federal Constitution and the current legislative framework do not allow for hudud to be implemented by any state, said the Bar Council. Expressing its concern over the recent “political posturing” in reviving the possibility of implementing hudud, its president Lim Chee Wee called on all parties to instead uphold the Federal Constitution as the supreme law of the land.
“Hudud cannot be implemented within the current constitutional and legislative framework,” he said.
“The Malaysian Bar calls upon all parties to uphold the Federal Cons-titution as the supreme law of the land and cease all rhetoric on the implementation of hudud, which has inevitably caused confusion and division.
“They should focus instead on strengthening the rule of law and democratic process,” he said, adding that a Supreme Court ruling in 1988 had confirmed Malaysia as a secular state.
The Federal Constitution, he said in a statement, only allowed the states to enact laws creating offences by persons professing Islam, against the precepts of Islam, and the respective punishments for such offences.
Senior lawyer Roger Tan said the power to legislate punishment for criminal offences was with Parlia-ment.
“To me, this is a very important issue as it is against the intention of our forefathers. If any non-Muslim does not respond strongly against PAS proposal, it is an act of acquiescence to the insidious attempt by the party to convert a secular state into a theocratic state,” he added.
Wangsa Maju MP Wee Choo Keong called for politicking to stop as DAP and PKR had entered with open eyes into a relationship with PAS.
“PAS has made it very clear from the start that it planned to make Malaysia an Islamic state should it come to power.
“It has never said that it will forgo this. Do not play political games,” said the Independent MP.

Parliament to bring end to Restricted Residence and Banishment Acts next week

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak will table the motion to repeal the Restricted Residence Act and Banishment Act in Parliament next week. Najib said the Internal Security Act (ISA) would be repealed when the House sits in March next year.
He said the Government needed time to repeal the ISA as the two new Acts would have to be in place first.
On Sept 15, Najib announced that the ISA and Banishment Act would be abolished and that several laws would be reviewed as part of the Government's political transformation efforts.
On another matter, Najib said the Government would not abolish quotas for the bumiputra but had instead asked they not be too dependent on the authorities.

Anticipated guests: Najib arriving for a press conference after the supreme council meeting at Menara Umno Friday. With him is Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

“I want bumiputra businessmen to be independent and be willing to compete with the rest.
“I did not say that quotas will be done away with,” he said after chairing the Umno supreme council meeting yesterday.
At the recent Khazanah Megatrends Forum 2011, Najib had said that any affirmative action to help the bumiputra should be based on meritocracy to ensure the deserving ones are promoted.
On the controversial Undilah video, Najib said it had not been banned and that it was up to television stations to air the clip.
“There is no ban on the video. I haven't seen it but we don't ban things like that,” he said.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission had stated the public service announcement clip calling on the public to register as voters could not be aired on television as the Film Censorship Board had not approved it.
Najib said what was important is for those involved in the video to continue supporting the government's efforts to develop the nation.
“I understand that Namewee is a strong supporter of the 1Malaysia concept and I encourage him to give his views either as a blogger or by other means,” he said.
In reply to a question on the spate of recent corporate takeover bids by GLCs, Najib said that government-linked companies has the capacity to take over companies, based on “willing buyer willing seller”.

Make Rela a well-trained, professional outfit

(Peace Volunteer Corp) can be changed from a voluntary unit to a well-trained, professional team to attract more members, said Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. Besides, he said, the Home Ministry should equip the corps with suitable equipment to help achieve the national key result areas especially in reducing crime rates.
"They also have to lure new members from the professional group to join the corps and implement a training programme that meets the international volunteer standard," he said at a Rela gathering here.
Muhyiddin said although Rela was introduced to replace the Home Guard, which was abolished in 1973, the main function of the non-governmental organisation was still to defend the sovereignty of the country.

Futsal game under the moonlight

Futsal fans can look forward to playing their game in a moonlit night amidst the cool surroundings of a popular recreation area here starting next month. The outdoor futsal concept at Hutan Bandar in Taman Mutiara Rini is a RM500,000 project by the Johor Baru Central Municipal Council.
“This is the first of its kind in the state,” said council secretary Farizal Ismail.
“The idea is to let people be close to nature amid the 3,027 trees of more than 100 species we have at the park,” he told a press conference yesterday.
In conjunction with the council's 10th anniversary's celebration to mark its municipal council status, Hutan Bandar will be open to the public until midnight.
“On Oct 22, there will be a fireworks show and performances by local artistes Ramli Sarip and Aliya,” he said.
Check out www.mpjbt.gov.my for more information.

PM lauds education system

Every Malaysian can become successful with a national education system that does not discriminate, said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. He said the country’s education system had opened a pathway for many individuals to become successful within just one generation.
“We can see that our leaders, corporate figures, professionals and scholars are successful today because of an education system that made social mobility a reality,” the Prime Minister said during his visit to SMK Seri Pekan here yesterday.
This system, he added, was probably much better than those practised in other advanced countries, where only people with status and means could have the opportunity to become successful.
“If a person were to be born as the child of a labourer in a ghetto, they would have a very narrow chance of succeeding in life,” he said.
“Even if they are successful, it is because they have extraordinary skills in boxing or basketball.
“Whereas in Malaysia, we have the opportunity to change our lives through education due to our system that allows anyone regardless of economic status to enjoy success as long as they have the will.”
He said any individual could be educated to become a knowledgeable, ethical and successful person.
“I believe if our students are exposed to a system that provides the best facilities, have committed teachers and full parental support, they will have a great chance of being successful,” said Najib.
He said SMK Seri Pekan itself had proven the philosophy when it achieved the status of an excellent cluster school although it was not a fully residential school.
Najib also announced an allocation of RM500,000 for the school to establish its brass band.