Simio Awards $9,900 Grant to the Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang

 Apr 13, 2010 – Simio, a developer of 3D object-oriented simulation software, has awarded a $9,900 grant to the Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang. The School of Housing, Building and Planning (HBP), the grant recipient, is one of the few building construction-based educational centers in Malaysia that is multi-disciplinary in nature.

To learn more about Simio, visit: http://www.simio.biz/
To find our how your school can get Simio for free by joining the academic program, visit: http://www.simio.biz/academics/

The Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang is now one of over a 140 universities worldwide to join Simio’s academic program, which offers Simio’s 3D modeling software to schools at no charge. Simio Academic Edition is fully capable software with no model size limits and includes discrete and continuous modeling, object library development, and 3D animation.

“The faculty at the Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, is committed to providing the best environment for their students to learn simulation,” said Dr. Dennis Pegden, Founder and CEO of Simio. “We are honored to provide them with the best software available to teach their students."

Simio will be used by post-graduate students at HBP for their Masters and PhD research work. One PhD candidate will use Simio to investigate lane merging control using traffic signals at bottleneck areas on Malaysian highways. HBP staff members are using Simio for their own research work covering areas such as transport, project management and construction risk.

"The generous grant by Simio has given a huge opportunity for simulation work to be explored by both students and academicians. There is now no longer any constraint on imagination,"

Students at the school will be able to model systems using intelligent objects and the software's direct connection to Google's 3D Warehouse – two features unique to Simio.

The intelligent objects are built by modelers and then may be reused in multiple modeling projects. These objects can be stored in libraries and easily shared. Simio's connection to Google's 3D Warehouse gives access to a free online library of thousands of graphic objects – providing students with the ability to solve real-world problems in visually-rich environments.

About Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is the only university in Malaysia to have been conferred with the Accelerated Programme for Excellence (APEX) Status by the Government of Malaysia as announced by the Minister of Higher Education on 3rd September 2008. In its 40 years, USM has undergone various phases of development not only in producing graduates to support the needs of the nation but also more importantly, functioning as an impetus for the progress and development of a sustainable race for the future. In line with this, USM has executed a rebranding exercise of its position and establishing its main mission as being “a pioneering university, trans-disciplinary and research-intensive that empowers future talents and enables the bottom billions to transform their socioeconomic well-being,” based on its vision in “Transforming Higher Education for a Sustainable Tomorrow.” With the number of postgraduates reaching over 14,500 and undergraduates more than 99,000 from more than 50 countries, USM is confident of reaching its mission and will continue to play its role in educating and nurturing world-class leaders for the future.

About Simio LLC
Simio LLC is a private company headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and is dedicated to delivering leading edge solutions for the design, emulation, and scheduling of complex systems.

# # #

Simio is a simulation modeling software that can be used to predict and improve the performance of dynamic systems with a wide range of applications including manufacturing, supply chain, healthcare, service systems, and warehousing/logistics.

Millionaires and datuks among recipients of Penang’s appreciation reward

GEORGE TOWN: Millionaires, datuks, and even politicians are among the more than 80,000 recipients of the state’s annual RM100 appreciation reward given to senior citizens in the state.

Penang Health, Welfare, Caring Society and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh said those who were wealthy also signed up for the award because “they qualify for and deserve it.”

“The amount means nothing to them but its the feeling of being appreciated that they value,” he told The Star yesterday.

However, he said the well-to-do would donate the money to charity, adding it was a praiseworthy act.

The state, said Phee, had no problems with wealthy senior citizens signing up for the programme.

Phee, however, declined to reveal the number of millionaires, datuks or politicians who had signed up for the programme.

Phee also said the state was currently fine-tuning the registration process.

“This year, we are getting those born in 1950 to sign up. Next year, we will get those born in 1951.

“We don’t want to worry about the month they were born. We will just look at the year so it’s easier,” he said.

The RM100 appreciation reward is over and above the aid given to the needy by the Social Welfare Department.

Guan Eng: It was an investment trip

THE trip by Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng to Singapore and Hong Kong recently was for an investment mission.

In denying allegations by Datuk Tajuddin Abdul Rahman (BN – Pasir Salak) that he had been “selling government secrets” to the two countries, Lim said such statements could lead to a diplomatic row as it was insulting.

“The trip is similar to the one taken by the Prime Minister to Hong Kong and Singapore to seek investments for the country,” the Bagan MP told reporters in the Parliament lobby.

Penang Customs Seize Contraband Cigarettes Worth RM27 Mil

BUTTERWORTH, April 14 (Bernama) -- Penang Customs have crippled a number of attempts to smuggle contraband cigarettes into the country worth RM27 million, including unpaid tax, after carrying out a number of raids at the North Butterworth Container Terminal (NBCT) here recently.

Penang Customs director Datuk Matrang Suhaili said during the first raid on March 29, two containers from Vietnam were detained at the NBCT.

"After investigations, we managed to seize 20.4 million sticks of contraband cigarettes weighing about 30 tonnes and worth RM10.49 million, including unpaid tax," he told reporters here on Wednesday.

Based on information from the public, we carried out surveillance for three days before carrying out another raid at NBCT and seized two more containers from Vietnam with 19.6 million sticks of contraband cigarettes labeled as Zone King and Paradox, worth RM10, including unpaid tax, he said.

"On the same day, we carried out another inspection at the terminal and found a container from Cambodia that was ready to be delivered from the NBCT, using false Customs 1 documents," he said.

Matrang said during the 3pm raid, 17 tonnes of contraband cigarettes, worth RM5.1 million, including tax, was found.

Initial investigations revealed that the three consignments were masterminded by the same syndicate.

"No arrests were made but investigations are currently going on to track down the syndicate responsible," he said.

He added that on April 12, a three-tonne lorry was spotted by customs officers, leaving an illegal jetty in Tanjung Piandang, Perak at about 11pm and heading North via the North-South Expressway.

"Customs officers trailed the lorry for about two hours before stopping it upon reaching Seberang Jaya but the driver managed to escape in a car driven by an accomplice.

"The lorry was laden with 1,344,000 sticks of clove cigarette worth RM843,897, including unpaid tax," he said adding that the registration number of the lorry was found to be false.

Matrang said on April 11, the department managed to prevent three containers from Singapore, laden with 69 tonnes of tobacco, from leaving the NBCT.

"The seized tobacco was worth RM4.06 million and we are in the process of identifying the importer," he said.

PPSB Ends 24-Hour Ferry Service

PENANG, April 14 (Bernama) -- Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) will stop its Friday to Saturday 24-hour ferry service between Penang and Butterworth beginning April 16.

PPSB in a statement here on Wednesday said the decision was taken following the 24-hour service no longer being profitable with the company accumulating losses of RM2.3 million thus far.

The company, however, said the Friday to Saturday service would continue to operate but follow the hours of the other days in the week.

At the island end (Raja Tun Uda jetty) the ferry hours are from 5.40am till 1am while at the opposite end (Sultan Abdul Halim jetty in Butterworth) it is from 5.20am till 12.40am.

Queries can be directed to 04-2102362 (Raja Tun Uda jetty) and 04-3102377 (Sultan Abdul Halim jetty).

Karate: Penang are overall champions

PENANG, runners-up on several occasions, finally won the overall title at the 20th National Junior and Cadet Karate-Do Championships in Bandar Bayan Baru over the weekend.

The hosts collected seven gold, 10 silver and eight bronze medals, while Sabah took second spot with four gold, five silver and nine bronze. Selangor were third with four gold.

Penang Karate-do Federation president Choo Eng Hin said the state's exponents trained hard not only to be champions but were also proud to be selected for the Asia Junior and Cadet championships in Hong Kong on Aug 1-8.

National kata coach Patrick Lim said Penang were still the team to beat in kata events and their supremacy is yet to be matched by other states.

The hosts clinched all six gold medals on offer in the kata category of which three were all-Penang finals.

Results (all finals) - Male Kata Individual Cadet: Goh Chan Yit (Pg) bt Chee Jia Jie (Pg); Junior: Emmanual Leong (Pg) bt Thomson Hoe (Pg); Team: Penang bt Sabah; Female Kata Individual Cadet: Khaw Yee Voon (Pg) bt Sek Jia Wen (Pg); Junior: Celine Lee Xin Yi (Pg) bt Syarulniza Abd Jamil (Labuan); Team: Penang bt Sabah.

Kumite Male Under-21 - 55kg: Senthil Kumaran (Sel) bt Mahfudz Azeem Ag Hashim (Sab), - 68kg: Jegathies (Mal) bt V. Kanichelran (Putra), -78kg: Ng Chin Jiun (Shotokan) bt Teagarajan Kunasakaran (Hayashi), +78kg: Prabhakaran Vadiveloo (Pol) bt S. Moen Raj (Pk); Junior -55kg: R. Yugenthiran (Pk) bt Tanaseelan Rajamurthy (Pg), -61kg: Govinash Rajakumar (Mal) bt Devindran (Hatashi), -68kg: Sharmendran (Sel) bt Ganesan (Hayashi), -76kg: Sharrma Jeyaraman (Goshin) bt Shathya Gangodaran (Pg), +76kg: Narvinpermalu (Hayashi) bt Ooi Zhi Yong (Pg); Cadet -52kg: Sharvendren (NS) bt Ashwin Segaran (Hayashi), -57kg: Ravin Vijayakumar (Hayashi) bt Caleb French (Joh), -63kg: Low Yu Chao )Pg) bt Kugan Sureshkumar (Pg), -70kg: Jan Eldear Januar (Sab) bt Kathikan Selvarajan (Goshin), +70kg: Aaron Xavier Embon (Sab) bt Lawrence Lee (Pg), Kumite Female Under-21 -53kg: Victoria French (Joh) bt Nur Ellena Anis (Pg), -60kg: Sakila Salni (Sel) bt Vijayaletchumi (Hayashi), +60kg: Shree Sharmini Segaran (Ked) bt Nishanthi Cubramaniam (Hayashi); Junior: -48kg: Nur Syariqah Arifin (Sab) bt Lysandra Gorfrey (Sab), -53kg: Vickneswary Thaliman (WP) bt Nur Nazarith Sofia (Pg), -59kg: Sugunadevi Subramaniam (WP) bt Syarulniza Abd Jamil (Labuan), +59kg: Sharmila (Sel) bt Christina Edris (Labuan); Cadet -47kg: Durga Dewi Raja (Hayashi) bt Priyashankari Harisankar (Goshin-ryu), -54kg: Nurhazerah Abd Malik (Sab) bt Callista Hana Hiew (Sab), +54kg: Arni Nurfatin Arpa (Labuan) bt Tilagavathy Kandasamy (WP).

Penang's top scorer not given govt scholarship

SHE is Penang's top scorer in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), Malaysia's equivalent of the Olevels) bagging 13 As.
But Edwina Tang's happiness was short-lived.
In just four weeks, the 17-year-old girl's elation turned into major disappointment when she was not awarded a government scholarship to study in a university.
Edwina was hoping to study medicine on the scholarship, which allows recipients to study disciplines of their choice at the world's leading universities.
The result was all the more puzzling for Edwina's family as it was reported on Sunday that Malaysia had, for the first time, opted for merit and did away with race quotas for scholarships awarded to the top 30 SPM students.
The change was in line with Prime Minister Najib Razak's New Economic Model, which was unveiled on March 30 and aims to revamp the 39-year-old pro-Malay policy to make it more market-friendly, meritocratic and transparent.
The recipients consisted of 15 Malays, 13 Chinese and two Indians.
The students did not have to apply for the scholarships as the grants were given to the top 30 students based on the Education Ministry's compilation of the SPM results.
Edwina's mother, Madam Lin Fengming, has asked Member of Parliament Chong Eng for help as the family's income is low.

State Government Appeals For Penang Bridge Toll Rate Not To Be Raised

PENANG, April 13 (Bernama) -- The Penang government is appealing to the federal government not to raise the toll rate for the Penang Bridge as the concessionaire has made profits from the toll collection.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the move to raise the toll was not appropriate as it would only burden the users.

"Between 1993 and 2006, the concession company had collected RM1.7 billion whereas the cost of its construction and maintenance was only RM968 million," he told reporters, here Tuesday.

The Penang Bridge Sdn Bhd is the concession holder for the Penang Bridge with a concession period of 25 years ending in 2018.

Meanwhile at the same press conference, the chairman of the InvestPenang Executive Committee, Datuk Lee Kah Choon announced the appointment of Loo Lee Lian, 49, as InvestPenang general manager effective Thursday.

Loo, who has 20 years' experience in the manufacturing industry, succeeds Wan Zailena Mohd Noordin, who has been transferred to Penang Development Corporation (PDC).

DAP against taking back Tee Beng

No one holds him in high regard anymore, say ex-colleagues in Pakatan Rakyat

PETALING JAYA: Democratic Action Party (DAP) stalwarts are aghast at the thought of controversial Nibong Tebal MP Tan Tee Beng rejoining the Opposition alliance's Parti Keadlian Rakyat (PKR) — after quitting to become an independent just early last month.

Tee Beng had hurled vitriol at DAP secretary-general and Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng in the fallout over a tender for a Penang Development Corporation shoplot last year and had resigned from PKR on March 1, after facing a party disciplinary committee on the verbal attacks.

DAP national organising secretary and Cheras MP, Tan Kok Wai, hoped that any such membership re-entry application by Tan would be rejected by the PKR leadership.

"The PKR leadership generally disagreed with his outburst against Guan Eng. If he is allowed to rejoin, it cannot stop people from suspecting that he aims to destroy the relationship among PR parties."

The Opposition alliance Pakatan Rakyat (PR) comprises DAP, PKR and Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (Pas).

Kok Wai concluded: "No one holds him in high regard anymore."

Meanwhile, DAP Federal Territories publicity secretary and Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng said Tee Beng had became very confused and lost.

"With such antics and statements, Tee Beng has shown just how unfit he is as an MP. Even Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has admitted he chose the wrong person to represent PR in Nibong Tebal."

He wondered if Tee Beng started to toy with the idea of rejoining PKR upon realising he was not welcomed to join Barisan Nasional.

Tee Beng was formerly Penang Gerakan Youth chairman but disagreements with Gerakan president Tan Sri Koh Tsu Koon led him to leave and join PKR.

"It just shows how desperate he is. He's just like a political desperado,"  Lip Eng told The Malay Mail yesterday.

DAP Selangor vice-chairman and Klang MP Charles Santiago went on to challenge Tee Beng to vacate his parliamentary seat and re-contest to show his true intention if he wanted to rejoin PKR.

"The reason he wants to rejoin PKR is because he's facing pressure from people in his constituency," Santiago speculated.

"He is only trying to please the people, trying to show that he only had a problem with Guan Eng but not other PR leaders." Santiago added PKR leaders were already aware of Tee Beng's political tactics.

Tee Beng is reportedly considering rejoining PKR, but only after his legal suit against Guan Eng is settled. He was quoted as saying PKR did not approve of him suing Guan Eng, but he still had many friends in the party.

Tee Beng had also reportedly stated that he was still supported by the Jelutong PKR division, claiming that its members had called for him to return to the party.

Golden Arches go green in Penang

 

Going green: An employee of McDonald’s handing out food in paper bags to a customer in support of the ‘No Plastic-Day’ campaign.

GEORGE TOWN: Support for the state’s “No Plastic-Day” campaign is growing with the latest to sign up for the drive being the global fast food giant, McDonald’s.

McDonald’s 18 outlets in Penang will replace plastic bags with paper bags every Monday to Wednesday. It has also started to use paper instead of foam for its beverage cup from last month.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng who launched McDonald’s “Go-Green” campaign at its outlet in Jalan Mesjid Negri, praised the company, saying that the outlets in Penang are the first in Malaysia to participate in the green initiative.

“Support is growing as most of the hypermarkets and supermarkets are already taking part in our campaign. Many other enterprises including the state sundry shop owners association have also indicated they will support it.

“As for mini markets and single ownership outlets, they will have to comply with “No Plastic-Day” every Monday or else their permits may not be renewed or in some cases, revoked,” he said.

Later, Lim, who was accompanied by state Health, Environment and Caring Society committee chairman Phee Boon Poh, said the state had extended the campaign’s grace period, which was supposed to end in June, by another two months.

Phee said that the state’s priority was to create a high awareness level of the importance of not using plastic bags.

“Enforcement and penalties are the last resort. We want to raise awareness among the people,” he said.

McDonald’s Malaysia senior director Daniel Chan said a soft launch of the campaign began a month back and the response has been encouraging.

McDonald’s has 194 outlets nationwide, and employs about 8,000 workers. It plans to increase its outlets to 300 within the next five years. In Penang, McDonald’s plans to add another 15 outlets in the next five years.

Two cops commended for saying no to bribery

GEORGE TOWN: Corporal K. Irabathon, 51, and Constable M. Mathavan, 25, felt insulted after they were offered bribes while on crime prevention duties.
For refusing the bribes, the two were commended by Penang police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Wira Ayub Yaakob during a monthly police briefing at the state police contingent headquarters in Penang Road yesterday.
Kpl Irabathon said they were on duty on April 7 near a shopping mall in Bayan Baru when they spotted a suspicious-looking individual.




"We approached him in front of a bank and told him we needed to carry out a check.
"He then took out a stack of money, about RM200 ($86.72), and tried to push it into our hands.
"I advised him to keep the money. He was insistent in bribing us, so we arrested him.
"After checking his motorcycle, we found an iron rod and a switchblade."
During the ceremony, eight officers from the Elite MPV Police Unit also received commendation letters for making several major arrests including crippling a drug syndicate at the Jelutong Expressway and for another drug-related case which involved a stolen car.
The officers made a grand entrance in two Mitsubishi Evo MPVs.
Another 11 police officers also received commendation letters.

Bripex | Bridal Photography Exhibition 2010

Bripex short for Bridal Photography Exhibition 2010 well be held atPenang International Sports Arena (PISA), from 30 APR – 2 MAY 2010. Bripex Exhibition will be open from 11am – 9pm.  in BriPex – Bridal Photography Exhibition is the largest Bridal & Photography Exhibition in Northern Region, Malaysia.
Bripex is organised by Persatuan Juru-juru Gambar Pulau Pinang with the participation of famous bridal houses together with well-known photographic equipment distributors.
This year Just Wardrobe, a premier evening dress boutique with beautiful dresses and unique wedding gowns will be joining Bripex 2010.

As a visitor, you can expect to get unbelievable discounts for wedding packages and access to a wide range of lenses, cameras, studio equipments and other photographic accessories. Events during the exhibiton include a photography competition, bridal show and LUCKY DRAW for the visitors!
Admission to Bripex 2010 – Bridal Photography Exhibition is FREE.

MyPSA Health Marathon 2010

The distance is nowhere a marathon and I'm amazed by the number of distances offered.

Malaysian Pharmacy Students' Association (MyPSA) in collaboration with Malaysian Pharmaceutical Society (MPS) is organizing 'MyPSA HEALTH MARATHON 2010'.

The detail are as follows:

Name : MyPSA HEALTH MARATHON 2010
Theme : "Together We Run and Stay Healthy"
Location : Padang Astaka, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan
Date : 16 May 2010
Time : 7 am - 2 pm

For further information, kindly contact Mr. Raj at 016-9717924 or email us

Download Form

Route Map 1.5km
Route Map 2km
Route Map 5km
Route Map 7km
Route Map 8km
Route Map 10km
Route Map 12km 

RK Nathan Kena Kantoi

Can a judge who previously presided over a matter then take up the case as counsel after his retirement from the bench? If you don’t know the answer because you recently had a lobotomy, consider the High Court decision of Perbadanan Pembangunan Pulau Pinang v Tropiland Sdn Bhd [2010] 2 CLJ 1061.

Most judges who retire from service from the Bench (i.e.: the Judiciary) often end up as consultants or arbitrators if they don’t stay retired. For those with drama in their career would sometimes end up compiling legal reference books of little import for several years before emerging many years later to speak publicly about their the injustice that befell them.

The exalted few end up like NH Chan who despite retiring from legal authority has gained far more in moral authority if not fame. Others disappear as soundlessly and without any notice like dew that hug the blades of glass in the late morning sun.

And after all that you have the extremely rare breed that are so in love with the law that they return to practise as a court-going lawyer. Dato’ Dr. Kamalanathan Ratnam, better known as RK Nathan, a former High Court Judge, is such a breed. This was evident in the decision of Perbadanan Pembangunan Pulau Pinang v Tropiland Sdn Bhd [2010] 2 CLJ 1061.

From 8 August 2001 to 25 August 2004, on 13 occasions, RK Nathan had presided over this case while serving as a High Court of Malaya Judge in Penang. After his retirement, the Defendant’s solicitors, Messrs. Clement, Dawn & Associates, had the brilliant idea of appointing RK Nathan along with his son, Vinod Kamalanathan (popularly known as “VK Nathan”) to argue on behalf of the Defendant’s case. In the meantime, Dato’ Mohamad Zabidin, another judge, took over the case and disposed of it by allowing the Plaintiff’s claim and dismissing the Defendant’s counterclaim. The Defendant filed an appeal against the decision. It also filed an application for stay of proceedings which it then appointed RK Nathan and son to argue.

This made perfect sense. RK Nathan had presided over the matter and so he would know the file intimately because he was a hard working judge when he was on the Bench. Appointing him as counsel may also be advantageous from another perspective. Since RK Nathan was a former High Court Judge he may appear to have greater authority compared to the Plaintiff’s counsel who was a mere lawyer all his life. When you couple his knowledge of the case with his former High Court Judge credentials and match it with his unparalleled ability in advocacy, if you were the Plaintiff in this case, you should be concerned.

The Plaintiff, of course, would have none of that and raised an objection contending that the appearance of RK Nathan was “improper because of his substantial involvement in the case while serving” as a High Court Judge. It was also argued that his appearance would create “great risk that the impartiality of the court as an institution might be questioned because of an appearance of impropriety.”

The Defendant argued in reply that “issues dealt with by him (RK Nathan) were on matters of getting up the case for trial” and “mainly for the smooth running of the case.” He said no decisions were made by him which may give rise to impartiality and accused the objections raised as being “frivolous and vexatious.” It was also argued that no prejudice would be caused to the Defendant “and on the contrary Dato’ RK Nathan will be beneficial to the legal fraternity considering his past experience and expertise.”

Justice Balia Yusof Wahi who heard the application decided that a “fair minded member or the public would not have expected that Dato’ RK Nathan would act for any of the parties therein after having been involved in the matter before. Questions are bound to be asked.” In addition to the fair minded member of the public, I would also add “any person with half a brain and a semblance of rudimentary ethics,” just to be complete of course. His Lordship helpfully pointed out Head Note No. 8 of the Nora Chisolm v Tansouth Financial Corporation [2000] US Dis Lexis 8483 which bears quoting in full:

8. A discrete problem is that of a judge appearing as counsel in a case that was filed in his or her former court before he or she resigned. The appearance is improper. In such cases, the judge sitting in the case has an affirmative obligation, pursuant to Code of Conduct for United States Judges Canon 3B(3), to take appropriate steps to disqualify the former judge as counsel. A majority of the Committee is of the view that this rule applies whether or not the court has an individual calendar and whether or not the former judge who is appearing as counsel had any involvement with the case. The public is unlikely to be aware of judges’ contacts with the case, and litigants have no way of assuring themselves there was no such contact. There is a substantial risk that the impartiality of the court as an institution might be questioned.(Emphasis is mine)

The Judge ended his decision by stating, “In my view the appearance of impropriety is real and this is sufficient to disqualify Dato’ RK Nathan from acting as counsel for the defendant in this case.”

For myself, I think it firstly, rather surprising to hear of a former High Court Judge appearing in court to argue matters. Secondly, I think it astounding that he should do so on a matter he presided over before. Thirdly, it is downright disgraceful that he should insist on appearing after an objection was raised against him.

One would think that being a former High Court Judge he would be more sensitive to such negative perceptions and try not to court such negative attention especiallyin the current climate where the Judiciary’s independence and propriety are called into question. Questions are bound to be asked on why RK Nathan insists in representing the Defendant despite all common sense, ethics, and law pointing to the contrary and the fact that he should know better. Questions also abound as to why the Defendant was insistent in using him as its counsel when there are many equally good counsels of RK Nathan’s seniority and ability.

What is not in question as a result of this sorry episode is that the real losers were not the Defendant but the Bench and the Bar.

Penang police, Umno to aid orphaned child

GEORGE TOWN: Toddler Olivia Natania, who lost her parents in a road accident in Baling late last month, has found a new family in the police force here.

She has also found some generous benefactors.

The 18-month-old daughter of Lance Corporal Bahliau Yeok Soak from Grik, Perak, has been adopted by the Penang Royal Malaysian Police Family Association (Perkep) to lessen the burden of her grandfather, Lance Corporal Simpul Ngah, who is also a Grik-based police officer.

The association, which comprises the spouses and female members of the police force, will look after Olivia's welfare for as long as she remains at the Penang Hospital here for treatment of her injuries.

The child made the news last weekend when state police chief Datuk Ayub Yaakub and the Penang Perkep, chaired by his wife Datin Norah Puteh, visited the hospital's paediatric unit, where she was warded after the accident.

The accident that killed her mother on the spot and her father, who died last Thursday at the Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital in Alor Star, Kedah, also left Olivia with injuries on her head and right eye, which could cause her to be partially blind.

Olivia Natania is being carried by Penang Royal Malaysian Police Family Association (Perkep) chairwoman Datin Norah Puteh while her husband, state police chief Datuk Ayub Yaakub (left), and Baling Umno division chairman Datuk Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim look on. — NST picture by Kalidevi Mogan Kumarappa

Her story touched the hearts of the Baling Umno division members who donated RM5,000 to help the child.

Baling Umno division chairman, Datuk Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim, who presented the money to Norah at the hospital yesterday, said he and the division members were moved by what had happened to Olivia and her parents.

"After reading about Olivia's story in Berita Harian, we immediately organised a collection among ourselves to raise money to help Olivia and her grandfather," he said.

NI to invest US$80m in Penang facility

GEORGE TOWN: Nasdaq-listed National Instruments (NI) is investing US$80mil in a manufacturing facility in Penang, which is scheduled to commence operation in 2012.

However, plans are already under way for it to distribute its products from Penang to the Asia-Pacific region later this year.

NI (Penang) managing director Rajesh Purushothaman said the group would bring its products to Penang from its manufacturing sites in the US and Hungary later this year or early next year.

Rajesh Purushothaman ... ‘We will be using the latest technology.’

“We have invited companies to submit bids to manage, distribute, provide logistics and freight services. More than likely, the third-party provider will be a multinational since we need a company with operational presence in many countries around the world,” he told StarBiz.

“How much savings NI will get using Penang as a distribution site will only be known after we finalise the third-party provider.”

Rajesh said the company had already hired a logistics manager and would also engage soon procurement staff to do local outsourcing.

NI manufactures computer-based measurement and automation software and hardware products, which are used to build virtual instrumentation, and control systems for applications such as manufacturing test, laboratory automation, data acquisition and industrial control.

Rajesh said the timeline for investment in Penang was dependent on future company growth.

“We have already started our research and development (R&D) activities in Penang and plan product distribution operations soon.

“Although manufacturing is scheduled to start in 2012, this could change based on capacity requirements.

“We will closely monitor the global economic scenario, so that we can act on a timely basis.”

Rajesh said NI would develop its products from concept to release in Penang, which included hardware, software and firmware.

“This is very similar to what we do in our research and development centre in Austin, the US.

“We will be using the latest technology for our production and testing processes. We anticipate that a significant portion of the manufacturing and assembly processes will be done in-house.”

NI was always looking at partnerships with local and regional suppliers for raw materials and semi-finished goods, Rajesh said, adding: “Over 95% of the products manufactured in Penang will be exported.”

He said NI expected over 40% of its workforce to be professional staff involved in R&D, manufacturing, IT, finance, human resources and legal functions.

“We will have a few expatriates from our US and Hungary operations in Penang during the initial years. This is to help with knowledge transfer and the speed of the ramp-up.”

NI is investing US$45mil for the first phase of its plant in Penang, which will serve as the group’s integrated global R&D, manufacturing, IT and finance centre and hub in Asia.

“For the second phase, an additional US$35mil will be injected. Over the two phases, NI plans to recruit about 1,500.”

On the shortage of skilled labour in the country, Rajesh said NI believed most of its initial requirements for the start-up operation could be hired locally in Penang.

On meeting the long-term human resource needs of NI, he said NI would work with the local universities to enhance the engineering and science programmes.

Headquartered in Austin (Texas), NI has more than 4,500 employees and direct operations in nearly 40 countries.

Hisham: Safe for Porntip to testify

KUALA LUMPUR: The government will guarantee the safety of Thai pathologist Dr Porntip Rojanasunan to testify at the inquest of Teoh Beng Hock.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said: "We will guarantee the safety of everybody, not only Malaysians but also non-Malaysians and tourists."

Speaking to reporters at the parliament lobby on Monday, April 12, Hishammuddin said he wants Porntip to come forward and furnish the authorities with details for a thorough investigation.

"Let me check on the allegation because at the end of the day, everybody has got his or her rights and there are procedures to be followed. If there is any wrongdoing, it will have to be dealt with according to the procedures that have been set up.

"The issue here concerns one or two agencies, the police, immigration. I have asked for a report and I will be in a better position to inform the public within a day or two," said Hishammuddin.

In George Town, both Gerakan and the DAP have called on the federal government to ensure that Porntip testifies when the inquest resumes on April 20.

Penang Chief Minister and DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng expressed regret that Porntip may have been pressured to pull out. He said the government owes the public a full explanation over the allegation.

"I hope the Malaysian government makes strenuous efforts to ensure her of her safety and security, and try to convince her to come to Malaysia to testify at the inquest.

"If they fail to convince her, it will be remembered for a long time and reflect the lack of confidence in our security forces," Lim said at a press conference.

He urged the government to carry out investigations on who was responsible for exerting pressure or interfering with Porntip's testimony.

Penang Gerakan too expressed concern over a news report that Porntip was discouraged from testifying at the inquest.

Dr Thor Teong Gee, the secretary of the publicity, information and communication bureau said in a statement on Monday that the inquest had drawn great attention on the local and international fronts.

"In my opinion, the inquest without the testimonials from Dr Porntip may severely affect public confidence on the decision made by the Coroner's Court," he said.

Motorola Proposes R&D Ecosystem In Penang

PENANG, April 8 (Bernama) -- Penang- based Motorola Technology Sdn Bhd is proposing to invest in eco-system research and development on the island state.

Its Managing Director Yew Tian Tek said the proposal has been forwarded to the state government and Khazanah Nasional Bhd.

"We want to work with key partners," he told reporters after the visit by Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng to the Motorola plant here Thursday.

To date, Motorola has invested more than US$1 billion in the state.

"We will continue to invest in the people, technology and capital here as we still have faith in this country and the state," he added.

Yew said a strong R&D foundation would help the company become more competitive.

"With the R&D on the eco-system, we can leverage on 1,000 engineers which will have a multiplying effect on suppliers," he said, adding that it would result in the country and company becoming more competative not only in the manufacturing sector but also in research and development.

Meanwhile, Lim applauded the technology used by the company to manufacture security systems for the global market.

"Their achievement is an important asset for both Penang and Malaysia. I am confident the company will not only be able to stir Motorola forward but also propel Penang forward," he said.

Motorola is known around the world for its wireless and broadband communication technologies.

The facility in Penang is also the largest R&D and manufacturing site for two-way communication devices outside the United States.

9 – 18 April 2010 : Times Book Clearance – Penang

9 to 18 April 2010

Times Book Clearance – Penang

Up to 90% Off

Times Triple Deals

3 for RM10

3 for RM20

3 for RM30

Time: 11am – 9pm

Location

Main Concourse

Island Plaza

118 Jalan Tanjung Tokong

Georgetown

10470 Penang

100 baby turtles released in Penang, Malaysia

IT was an exciting affair for dozens of nature lovers as they cheered enthusiastically for more than 100 newly-hatched baby turtles that were struggling to make their way into the open sea.

The hatchlings were released from Pantai Kerachut in Muka Head, Penang.

Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) wildlife conservation ambassador Adifasha Juraimi, who is also an Era radio deejay, said he was “happy and excited” to be at the Turtle Conservation Centre to witness the event.

“I am an animal lover so I am thrilled to be here. This is my first encounter with turtles and they are just so wonderful,” he said.

The release was held in conjunction with the park’s two-day Community Carnival.

Penang Fisheries Department licensing and resource protection branch chief Mohd Rafi Hassan said the centre targeted to release 6,000 turtles into the sea this year under its conservation project.

The young turtles were only released when it was dark to prevent eagles and fishes from spotting them.

“Last year, 5,200 turtles were successfully hatched from 8,543 eggs.

“We hope to collect 10,000 eggs this year and successfully hatch at least 6,000 turtles.

“Since January, we have released almost 700 baby turtles into the sea,” he said, adding that the eggs were collected from Pantai Teluk Ketapang Kecil, Pantai Teluk Kampi and Pantai Kerachut to be hatched at the centre.

The department purchases the eggs from appointed collectors at a price of RM2 each.

“So far, we have not received any reports of people collecting the eggs illegally — which is good news,” Mohd Rafi said.

Department officer Mansor Yobe said the uncertain weather conditions and temperature were the main reasons for the eggs failing to hatch.

“Here at the centre, we prefer to let the eggs hatch in the turtles’ natural habitat (on the beach) rather than in a temperature-controlled hatchery,” he said.

“This is because research has shown that in-situ hatchlings (natural) are healthier than ex-situ (hatchery) hatchlings.

“Here, the main thing we look out for are predators such as monitor lizards, palm civets and crabs.

“We recently built new fences to ensure that the hatchlings are not attacked,” he said.

In September last year, 15 baby turtles had their heads bitten off by what was believed to be a palm civet.

Mohd Rafi said the incident occurred because the eggs had hatched earlier than expected when no one was stationed there that night.

'The Amazing Race': Marching to the beat of a different drummer

The five remaining teams left behind Penang, Malaysia, on this week's episode of "The Amazing Race" for a leg in Singapore that tested the teams' abilities to count and count out beats but also proved just how each of them truly marches to the beat of a different drummer.

Brothers Dan and Jordan seem to be playing the race for themselves and not getting mired in inter-team conflicts or hostilities. This week, they even went so far as to agree not to elbow the other teams or hold anyone back. They're playing for the shared experience and the sense of adventure and aren't focusing on anyone else's game other than their own.

Similarly, brothers Jet and Cord are looking to win but their calm, aw shucks attitude has colored everything they've done on the race. Supportive, understanding and cool under pressure, these two have mastered the art of gamesmanship without resorting to dirty tricks. They're cowboy gentlemen, through and through.

Carol and Brandy are hyper-competitive. They're focused on winning above all else, but they're so distracted by the other teams--particularly the cowboys--that they're not really running the best race. Still, even they're confused about why the other teams view them as a threat.

The cops are trying to just do their best, even when the race gives them lemons. Or ice cream sandwiches. Their friendship hasn't been tested by their time on "The Amazing Race" and they've shown themselves to be steadfast friends and good competitors, especially in the second half of the season. They're adaptive and resourceful (even going so far as to attempt to steal the ladies' cab this week), though they seem to be far too willing to get to the end with teams that they like rather than weeding out the competition. That could prove to be their downfall.

And then there's couple Brent and Caite--or as Brandy dubbed them, "Brent and Caite Gump"--who have fallen prey to the cops' fatherly attitude and been brainwashed into thinking that U-Turning Brandy and Carol is the end-all-be-all of the entire race. Nevermind that the cowboys or the brothers are far fiercer competition. But these two clueless models have been so upset by the comments that the lesbians made early on that they've let their insipid rivalry with them overtake everything else.

I have to say that I'm really surprised that Brent and Caite made it this far in the race, but they clearly don't realize that they've been manipulated by the cops into eliminating Brandy and Carol, rather than them. While Michael and Louie might call them their "wolf cubs," I don't think the cops would have taken the two of them under their wings quite so readily if it had been, say, Brent and another dude. 

Could Brent and Caite have altered the outcome of this season by U-Turning another team? Hell yes. They could have--and should have--U-Turned the cowboys, thus all but ensuring that they would be eliminated this week. (I'm glad they didn't though, as I'm rooting for Jet and Cord to win the race.) Or they could have betrayed Michael and Louie and got them out of the race too. But they didn't. Are these two naive? Or just plain stupid?

Carol and Brandy certainly thought it was the latter. Even they were stunned that Brent and Caite would waste the second of only two U-Turns on them this week. Among their theories: that Caite did it because Brandy is "prettier than she is" and because Caite "hasn't built her career on intelligence." (I'll agree with the latter but not the former.) U-Turning Brandy and Carol, the models ended up finishing second this leg. (Whah!??!)

Getting U-Turned seemed to sap the strength of Carol and Brandy, reducing them to little more than sniping by the time they had to do the other half of the Detour this week. Seeing Carol say "There's no swine flu" when attempting to sell ice cream sandwiches to local Singaporeans was pretty darn depressing. And there was no way that they were going to catch up to the other teams when there was still a Road Block (involving counting the number of links in a massive chain at the shipyard), a mega-zip line (soaring over 1,200 feet), and then a race to the Pit Stop. So it was no surprise that they were eliminated, with a few choice words pointed at Brent and Caite for good measure.

On the other end of the spectrum, Dan and Jordan overcame a fear of heights to tackle the Fast Forward, which involved riding the Singapore Flier to its height and then exiting the car and climbing to an adjacent car, high above the city. Jordan bravely pushed through a crippling fear of heights and Dan easily accomplished the task, leaving them with a first-place finish and a pair of motorbikes, which will likely remain in the garage. ("Our mother would kill us," said Jordan in all seriousness.)

While the cops attempted to fulfill the Fast Forward, they got there too late to do so and had to turn around. Still, they managed to remain ahead of Brandy and Carol and finish the roadblock just after Jet and Cord, with the cowboys finishing third and the cops fourth.

I was glad to see the cowboys end up in the middle of the pack, rather than the bottom after their disastrous performance in the drumming Detour. Though with their trademark self-deprecating humor, Jet admitted that the "closest thing to a musical instrument that we play is a radio." Aw.

Four teams remain, but we'll have to wait two weeks to see just what happens next. Me, I'm still rooting for Jet and Cord to win this thing, and I'd honestly be very happy to see any of the teams end up in the final three. Other than Brent and Caite, that is. Those two have got to go, and soon. Can I get a drumroll?

What did you think of this week's episode? Happy or sad to see Brandy and Carol go?  Who are you rooting for now that we've only got four teams left? And who will go home next? Head to the comments section to discuss. 

Lim: Pornthip's claim 'reflect lack of confidence in our security forces'

GEORGE TOWN: Both Gerakan and DAP on Monday, April 12 have called on the federal government to ensure that renowned Thai forensic pathologist Dr Pornthip Rojanasunand testifies during the Teoh Beng Hock inquest.

Both parties shared the view that the failure of Pornthip to testify will not augur well for the government and would be remembered for a long time.

Penang Chief Minister and DAP Secretary-General Lim Guan Eng, who expressed his regret that Pornthip has been "politically pressured" from testifying, said the government owes the public a full explanation if it cannot ensure the security and safety of Pornthip in the country.

"It is not only sad for Malaysia but does not speak well for the police or attorney-general's department.

"I hope the Malaysian government makes strenuous efforts to ensure her of her safety and security and try to convince her to come to Malaysia to testify at the inquest.

"If they fail to convince her it will be remembered for a long time and reflect the lack of confidence in our security forces," Lim said at a press conference.

He also urged the government to carry out investigations on who was responsible for exerting pressure or interfering with Pornthip's testimony.

Meanwhile, Penang Gerakan also expressed its concern over a news report that Pornthip was pressured and discouraged from testifying at the Teoh inquest.

Dr Thor Teong Gee, the secretary of the publicity, information and communication bureau, in a press statement on Monday said the inquest had drawn great attention from the local, as well as the world.

He reiterated that in order for the government to reform the justice system, as well as restore the credibility of the Malaysian Royal Police and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), the government needs to ensure the inquest is carried out in a fair manner.

Dr Thor added the government should give an assurance to Pornthip that her safety would be well taken care of by the authorities.

"The government needs to investigate whether there was such a threat. Action should be taken against the wrongdoers.

"In my opinion, the inquest without the testimonials from Dr Pornthip may severely affect public confidence on the decision made by the Coroner’s Court.

"Justice should not only be done but seen to be done," he added.

Chong Wei thrilled over chance to teach children

“While growing up in Penang, I used to admire many of the national players but never got the opportunity to get tips from them. That is why conducting the 100PLUS coaching clinics is such a joy for me,” said the All-England champion.

“I’m looking forward to going back to Penang to conduct the clinic.

“I’m not sure when that will be as 100PLUS have not finalised the dates as they do not want to distrupt my Thomas Cup training.

“I love interacting with the kids. As can be seen from the turn-out today, sports can help the 1Malaysia concept as there were Malay, Chinese and Indian kids at the clinic. They all mixed around and enjoyed themselves.”

RM60m claim: 'Goliath' Boustead bullying puny David MPPP'

GEORGE TOWN: An influential Penang public group today chided Boustead Holdings Bhd for claiming RM60 million from the island municipality (MPPP) to compensate for the height reduction of its proposed 12-storey hotel to only five.

Penang Forum Working Group described the claim as “a case of an economic Goliath (Boustead) bullying a puny David (MPPP)”.

“It’s not a pretty spectacle to enhance Boustead’s international image, nor would it manifest good corporate social responsibility,” the group said in a statement today.

It said Boustead should realise that Penang’s gain would also be the company’s gain and vice-versa.

“Boustead will earn more from a down-sized hotel in a World Heritage Site than from a full-scale hotel in a delisted site,” Penang Forum said in a statement issued jointly by three activists – Ahmad Chik, Francis Loh Kok Wah and Anil Netto.

It said the compensation claimed by Boustead would be at the expense of Penangites.

It stressed that as a responsible corporate citizen, Boustead, with a group pre-tax profit of RM502 million from revenue of RM5.4 billion in 2009, should not penalise Penangites.

On the contrary, it said MPPP had been operating a RM40 million-deficit budget with a projected revenue of only RM230 million for 2010.

Dismayed with Boustead’s compensation demand, Penang Forum called on the corporate body to “look at the bigger picture and take into account the long-term socio-economic benefits for all”.

It said George Town’s heritage listing had potential to reverse Penang’s slow decline as an international tourist destination, adding that several heritage sites have already reported a five-fold increase in visitors.

It said international prestige aside, being a World Heritage Site would bring enormous economic benefits for all, including Boustead.

'Damaging to international reputation'

Penang Forum reminded Boustead that in the first place, it should not have been given approval by the previous Barisan Nasional administration for the 12-storey hotel in the core George Town heritage area.

George Town and Malacca received joint international heritage recognition from Unesco in July 2008.

The listing compels the Penang government and local authority to fulfil many international conditions and obligations, among which is to restrict the height of new buildings in the core zone to be less than five storeys.

“It will be unthinkable for the authorities not to observe the height rule, which could result in George Town losing the listing so soon after getting it.

“It would be extremely damaging to our international reputation,” said Penang Forum.

Penang Forum is an informal network of some three dozen Penang-based NGOs along with concerned individuals who came together in April 2008 for the inaugural Penang Forum to chart a possible way forward for Penang after the historic 2008 general election.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said recently that Boustead wanted compensation for reducing the height of its soon-to-be-constructed RM140 million Royale Bintang Hotel in Weld Quay area, next to the general post office.

“We are not even cancelling the project.

“It’s just a reduction of height and Boustead is claiming RM60 million from MPPP,” claimed Lim.

Boustead is one of four companies which had received approval from MPPP to build hotels in heritage zones before the 2008 heritage listing.

In November 2008, the Penang government, under intense public pressure, requested Boustead to reduce the proposed height.

The state government is still negotiating the quantum and form of compensation to Boustead, while the company has alternatively asked for land in Penang.