Thursday, April 30, 2009

1hb Mei Hari Pekerja Sedunia/1st of May Labour Day



1st of May is acknowledged by every walks of life throughout the world as "Labor Day."

The day where we pay our "Tribute" to those working in the various sectors, be it in production, distribution or manufacturing industries.

This ONE DAY, where we give them recognition for their contributions to all of us.

Today, we stand united with them, because without them our lives seem bleak.
You may live in your comfort zone for now, but if these guys were to start demanding their dues, you'll experience discomfort almost immediately.

Imagine your life without electricity, to name but one necessity....just think about it.


HAPPY LABOUR DAY to everyone of you reading this. They deserve a pat on their backs. Let us give thanks to our Creator for what we have today. Good things may not last forever.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Man Utd 1-0 Arsenal


By Phil McNulty
Chief football writer at Old Trafford

Manchester United hold the edge in the battle for a place in the Champions League final after John O'Shea's early goal gave them victory in an absorbing encounter with Arsenal.

O'Shea scored from close range after Arsenal failed to clear a corner - giving United a slender but fully deserved advantage to take into the semi-final second leg at the Emirates next Tuesday.

Sir Alex Ferguson has made it his mission to make United the first side to successfully defend the Champions League title and they set about their old Premier League adversaries with relish from the first whistle.

And, while United will be happy to go to Arsenal in the ascendancy and having prevented Arsene Wenger's side from scoring a crucial away goal, they will have regrets that they failed to capitalise on the superiority they exerted throughout.

Arsenal were penned in for long periods as United played at the high tempo that suits them best, and it was only a mixture of the excellence of goalkeeper Manuel Almunia and good fortune that kept the deficit within manageable proportions.

Almunia saved superbly from Wayne Rooney, denied Carlos Tevez with a double block and turned away Cristiano Ronaldo's header from six yards as United turned on the style in a dazzling first 45 minutes.

Arsenal managed to steady the ship after the interval, but they never seriously threatened United apart from a tame Cesc Fabregas shot and a volley from Emmanuel Adebayor after the break.

Ronaldo struck the bar from 30 yards with 20 minutes remaining as United continued to press for what could have proved a decisive second goal, but Arsenal survived and will still feel there is life in the tie yet, despite delivering a disappointing performance.

United never allowed Arsenal to get into their trademark passing rhythm, playing with more drive and energy than the Gunners, who were overrun in midfield at times and struggled to cope with the pace and variety of Rooney, Tevez and Ronaldo in attack.

Ferguson prefaced the game by suggesting it could be the "perfect semi-final" - it was not quite that for United, but you suspect they will be highly satisfied with the outcome.

United's fans certainly celebrated at the final whistle in a manner that suggested they feel they have taken a significant stride towards retaining the trophy they won so dramatically on penalties against Chelsea in Moscow last May.

Wenger, however, will harbour hopes that the undoubted talent in his side, kept under wraps for so long here, can turn things around on home territory.


Ferguson's selection of Tevez ahead of Dimitar Berbatov suggested he wanted an energetic, high-tempo approach against an Arsenal defence undermined by injuries to influential pair William Gallas and Gael Clichy.
Arsenal goalkeeper Almunia was in action inside the first 90 seconds, retreating desperately towards his goal to claw out Rooney's looping header.

And youngster Kieran Gibbs then showed early nerves as he slipped to let in Ronaldo, but United's winger flashed the ball across the face of goal with no-one on hand to apply the crucial final touch.

Arsenal were on the ropes, and it took a superb double save from Alumnia to deny Tevez after a slick exchange with O'Shea as United swarmed all over a Gunners side struggling to come to terms with the pace of the game.

Wenger's players never looked like surviving this fierce early barrage, and so it proved as United took a deserved lead in the 18th minute.

Arsenal failed to clear a corner, and when Michael Carrick's cross was deflected into his path by Mikael Silvestre, O'Shea lashed a finish high past Almunia.

Arsenal's only response was a low 20-yard shot from Fabregas that was comfortably collected by Edwin van der Sar.

Almunia was the keeper in constant action, and he performed heroics again after 28 minutes to keep out Ronaldo's header from an inviting cross by the industrious Tevez.

The only black spot in the opening 45 minutes for United - apart from not capitalising fully on their outstanding approach play - was a yellow card for Tevez after he collided with Almunia in a chase for possession.

Arsenal looked to have settled more after the break, and even felt bold enough to pose another brief threat after 62 minutes when Adebayor's volley flew over the top, although Van der Sar had the effort well covered.

United made a double substitution with 25 minutes left, sending on Ryan Giggs - making his 800th appearance for the club - and Berbatov for Anderson and Tevez.

And Ronaldo almost marked their arrival with United's second as he sent a thunderous right-foot shot against the crossbar with Almunia motionless.

Wenger made a change of his own, replacing the subdued Theo Walcott with Nicklas Bendtner, and then sent on Eduardo for Adebayor as the game entered its final 10 minutes.

The changes made little alteration to the pattern of the game, with Arsenal ultimately content not to concede a second after some harrowing moments.

It is advantage United - who suffered a scare late on when Rio Ferdinand went off after suffering a blow to the ribs - but the narrow lead still leaves the semi-final in the balance ahead of next week's return game.

And that was exactly what he got in thrilling opening exchanges completely controlled by United and played out in a vibrant Old Trafford atmosphere.


** Congratulations, Manchester United. You're at the moment "one leg" into the Finals.....who can stop your advances this year?

The "pretenders" are mostly, about to disappear, bring on Chelsea ??

That would provide a fitting Finals. **

Posted by SD

Source: BBC Sport

Monday, April 27, 2009

Giggs earns prestigious PFA award

26th April 2009


Manchester United midfielder Ryan Giggs has won the Professional Footballers' Association Player of the Year award for the first time in his career.

The 35-year-old Welshman beat team-mates Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand, Cristiano Ronaldo and Edwin van der Sar as well as Liverpool's Steven Gerrard.

Despite winning a host of honours, including 10 Premier League titles, the PFA award had eluded Giggs until now.

Aston Villa forward Ashley Young took the Young Player of the Year award.

He beat his Villa team-mate Gabriel Agbonlahor, Manchester United duo Jonny Evans and Rafael Da Silva, Aaron Lennon of Spurs and Manchester City's Stephen Ireland.

Since making his League debut against Everton at Old Trafford in March 1991 aged 17, Giggs has been a key figure in Sir Alex Ferguson's teams.

As well as the league crowns, Giggs has also won four FA Cups, three League Cups and two Champions League winner's medals as well as two PFA young player awards.

He has only started 12 league games this season but has been a regular in the squad for all competitions and if he lines up against Arsenal in their Champions League semi-final first leg on Wednesday, it will be his 800th club appearance.

"It's right up there with personal accolades - it's the best to have as it's voted by your fellow players," said Giggs.

"I've been fortunate to win a lot of trophies, I won the young player award twice, but this is the big one."

United have already won two trophies this season and are still in the running for the Premier League and the Champions League.

"It's an exciting season," said Giggs. "I think it is going to go right to the wire, there's big game after big game now. That is what you want and need at a club like Manchester United."

Giggs paid tribute to his manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, and also suggested he may play on beyond his current contract, which expires at the end of next season.

"The manager has been massive in my career from when I first met him when I was 13," Giggs said. "That's over 20 years and he knows me better than anyone and our relationship has been brilliant and just gets better.

"I've been so fortunate to have such a great career in so many great teams, it's not even worth thinking about what it would have been like without the manager."

"As long as I'm getting picked, enjoying it and injury-free, I'll carry on as long as I can. At 35 you can't look too far into the distance, you just can't."

Giggs was also one of six United players named in the PFA divisional team of the year but Wayne Rooney missed out.

The team includes Liverpool duo Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard, Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka, who was in goalscoring form until the votes were cast but has not found the net since February, and Portsmouth right-back Glen Johnson.

John McDermott, the former Grimsby player who spent 20 years at the club, was given the Merit award for his services to the game.

"I thought it was one of the lads winding me up, a real shock," he said. "To still be recognised, I was flattered and honoured."

Source: BBC Sport

Food Toxins - By Puvaneswary Devindran & Zora Chan




TheSundayPost/April 28, 2009

Preservatives are found in most processed and semi-processed food. But how many consumers take the trouble to find out the functions of these ingredients and whether they are really safe?

MONOSODIUM glutamate (MSG), benzoic acid, citric acid, synthetic and plant-based food additives, stabilisers and flavour enhancers.

These are some of the common (and less common) preservatives found in processed and semi-processed food we eat daily.

But as consumers, do we know or care about what the functions of these ingredients actually are and whether they are safe?

About three months ago, a local food manufacturer and supplier shocked many people by adding a large amount of the preservative, benzoic acid, into his food item.

Officers from the Divisional Health office in Kuching City detected this while carrying out food sampling at a mini department store. They took a piece of the food item sold there and sent it to the Chemistry Department for analysis.

The result showed the food item contained a high content of benzoic acid, an additive prohibited under Regulation 20 and Regulation 63 of Food Regulations 1985 read together with Section 13B(2)(d) of Food Act 1983.

The manufacturer was slapped with a hefty fine.

According to Public Health Law health inspector and prosecuting officer Samuil-Ashton Satu, who took charge of the case, three types of chemicals permitted and commonly used are sulphur dioxide, benzoic acid and sorbic acid.

But he pointed out that this did not mean the preservatives could be used for all types of food. “Take benzoic acid for instance. You can’t use it on cider because it causes negative chemical reactions.”

He said preservatives were used to inhibit or stop the fermentation process.

“Basically, it is for arresting the process of decomposition, fermentation and acidification in certain food. Herbs, spices or vinegar are not included.”

Samuil said some people tended to go overboard when using preservatives just to make their product last longer and look fresher without caring about the consequences.

He said there had been incidents where boric acid was used even though the chemical is banned worldwide.

“It is so powerful that if you go to a factory using boric acid, you won’t find any flies, cockroaches and ants around. Normally, if traders use the chemical in their products, it would probably be for yellow noodles or mee kuning.”

Samuil said the most common misuse of benzoic acid was found among traders who mixed it with certain food when they were not supposed to or used it over the permissible level.

He has come across high level of benzoic acid in many food items including soy sauce, fish cake, fish ball, preserved fruits, yellow noodles, salted raddish, kuey tiaw, tomato sauce, barbecue sauce and cheese bits.

In 2007 alone, he witnessed cases of high benzoic acid level in noodle, preserved fruits and a certain chilli sauce, and also came across instances of boric acid found in some yellow noodles and ‘kolok’ mee.

In 2008, he revealed that the State Health Department took up 16 cases on preservatives misuse, of which six involved sorbic acid found in curry mix, prawn paste, cuttle fish and cincalok. Here, the chemical was used above the permissible level.

He said seven cases were brought to court, including one held over from 2007.

Samuil said the heaviest penalty for misusing preservatives is RM100,000 or not exceeding 10 years in prison or both. For this, however, the authorities would have to prove the food is injurious to human beings.

He said offenders could also be charged for serving or selling food unfit for human consumption. This entails a fine not exceeding RM50,000 or imprisonment of eight years or both.

For adulterated food, he said the fine was RM20,000 or imprisonment not exceeding five years or both.

“So far in Sarawak, no one has been fined RM100,000 but there is one case (pesticides in vegetables) I took up in the Sessions Court where the judge said he could impose a heavy fine but the offender could still pay up. So instead, the judge gave him three months’ jail.”

For repeat offenders, the court will increase the penalty and can even order the business to shut down. Regular follow-up checks will also be carried out on past offenders.

According to Samuil, the State Health Department has a food safety and quality unit to collect samples for analysis from food premises and shops.

He said these checks were ongoing and done either through routine inspection or after public complaints.

“In Sarawak, the most dangerous substance we have ever come across is a non-nutritive substance such as saccharine and cyclamate which are banned.

Saccharine can only be used under a doctor’s supervision while cyclamate tends to be used in preserved fruits,” he added.

The department has found cyclamate in pudding jelly sticks, pudding cups, white papaya strips, sunflower seeds, ginseng lime and preserved fruits and if taken over a prolonged period, it can cause testicular atrophy (shrinking testes) and to a extent, infertility.

Another thing to watch out for is colouring substance and the ones normally detected by the department are tartrazine and sunset yellow FCF in tea, normally served in coffeeshops. The law does not permit colouring to be added to tea.The other type of colouring used is Orange 2 which is banned but often used in preserved fruits.

Samuil conceded it was difficult to stop people selling such food items because Malaysia had an open market - so the best prevention is regular inspection and sampling.

He said presently, the department rarely received public complaints, most probably because people were not aware of their rights to complain.

“Consumers might not know certain foods are adulterated with all sorts of chemicals but they should not hesitate to lodge a complaint if they found something suspicious.”

He stressed it was the consumer’s right to demand labelling and an explanation if the food served did not come up to the expected standard.

“Consumers have to be proactive and wise about what they eat,” Samuil said food manufacturers and suppliers must know which preservatives were permitted or banned.

“They should also know the requirements under the Food Act and Regulations. If they don’t, it’s high time they find out.”

Meanwhile, Sarawak Manufacturers Association (SMA) president Datuk Hii Ngo Sing advised manufacturers, particularly of food and drinks, to stick strictly to the permissible levels of chemicals used and avoid preservatives, artificial colouring and ingredients that could harm the health of consumers.

“Be responsible manufacturers, and if you aren’t sure about what is allowed or otherwise, check with the Health Department and Domestic Trade and Consumers’ Affairs Ministry,” he advised.

He called on the authorities to carry out regular surveillance on manufacturers to ensure they did not taint their food and drinks with harmful substances.

“None of our members is a kuey tiaw member but we have a few who manufacture biscuits, chilly or tomato sauce and instant noodles. The rest is into building materials for construction,” he said.

Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) president SM Mohamed Idris urged the Health Ministry to conduct an immediate nationwide check and crackdown on the illegal use of benzoic acid in noodles and other food products.

“The ministry should institute more control over the sale of benzoic acid,” he said. Mohamed pointed out that the maximum fine and a jail term should be imposed on offenders and information on the action taken by the ministry widely disseminated to heighten public awareness and deter would-be offenders.

“Swift and firm action will demonstrate to errant traders that the government is serious in tackling the problem and will not tolerate abuse.”

Mohamed said in Penang last year, the association discovered a high level of benzoic acid in several samples of noodles or ‘hor fun’. CAP tested the noodles given by concerned members of the public and found they contained 2,291 parts per million (ppm) of benzoic acid.

According to the Food Act 1983 & Regulations, benzoic acid is permitted in only a very limited list of processed foods such as chilli paste, fermented soya products, belacan (shrimp paste), drink concentrates, some pickled or dried fruits and vegetables and sauces.

“Except for drink concentrates which require dilution, the maximum level permitted by law in these foods does not even exceed 1,000 ppm in any instance,” Mohamed explained.

“Benzoic acid is strictly prohibited in noodles. In fact, the Food Act makes no provision for preservatives to be added to any type of pasta which includes noodles, bee hoon (vermicelli), laksa, macaroni and spaghetti.”

“But not only is benzoic acid present where it should not even be, the levels detected in a great number of the samples are also extremely high — much more than even the highest permitted level under the Food Act,” he said.

According to a World Health Organisation (WHO) report, benzoic acid has been associated with asthma, rhinitis, urticaria and anaphylactic shock in sensitive individuals.

In one study where volunteers were administered with doses of benzoic acid over a few days, marked symptoms of discomfort and nausea, headache, weakness and burning of the oesophagus were reported.

Benzoic acid has also been linked to hyperactivity in children. This chemical is easily available in shops without any restrictions on its sale to the public.

According to online dictionary, Wikipedia, benzoic acid is a colourless crystalline solid and the simplest aromatic carboxylic acid. This weak acid and its salts are used as a food preservative and it is an important precursor for the synthesis of many other organic substances.

Benzoic acid inhibits the growth of mold, yeast and some bacteria. It is either added directly or created from reactions with its sodium, potassium or calcium salt.

Acidic food and beverage like fruit juices (citric acid), sparkling drinks (carbon dioxide), soft drinks (phosphoric acid), pickles (vinegar) or other acidified food are preserved with benzoic acid and benzoates.

Typical levels of use for benzoic acid as a preservative in food are between 0.05 - 0.1 per cent. Foods in which benzoic acid may be used and maximum levels for its application are laid down in international food law.

Govt to come up with new approach on AP: Mukhriz

April 28, 2009

JOHOR BAHARU: The government is to make a comprehensive decision on Approved Permit (AP) issuance, Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir said yesterday.

The approach would include doing away with the current policy of issuing APs or imposing levy or tax on AP holders, he said.

“Whatever it is, the basis is that if it’s going to be levy or tax, the government should benefit, not certain AP holders,” he said at the sidelines of the Malaysia Unit Trust Week 2009.

Mukhriz said the ministry would come up with a solution that would be amenable to all.

“The AP issue is high on the ministry’s agenda of deliberations to come up with a new mechanism. As you can see, the AP issue is quite a contentious one.

“Give us a bit more time before the minister makes a final decision. With the Cabinet approval, he will make the announcement,” he added when asked on the demand by certain parties for AP to be opened to all.

— Bernama

Income tax paid by AP owners confidential: Kong
Tuesday, March 24th, 2009

KUALA LUMPUR: Income tax paid by owners of approved permits (APs) for the import of luxury cars cannot be revealed to the public, the Dewan Rakyat was told yesterday.

Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Kong Cho Ha, when winding up debate on the Income Tax Bill (Amendment) 2009, said the confidentiality of this information was provided for under Section 138 of the Income Tax Act 1967.

He said this in reply to a question on the matter from Datuk Ibrahim Ali (Ind-Pasir Mas).

To a supplementary question from Ibrahim as to why English was also used in the text of the bill besides Bahasa Malaysia, Kong said it was a continuation from the 1967 Act to preserve the precise meaning of the contents.

He further agreed to Ibrahim’s proposal that this should be rectified (having it completely in Bahasa Malaysia) as soon as possible.

To a proposal by Salahuddin Ayub (PAS-Kubang Kerian) that income tax be reduced to alleviate the burden of workers, Kong said the government reviewed the situation from time to time and did provide tax exemptions and rebates.

He said of the 11 million workers in the country, only 1.1 million paid income tax, while of the 500,000 registered companies, tax revenue only came from 104,000.

— Bernama

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Man Utd 5-2 Tottenham


updated Saturday, 25 April 2009

By Mark Ashenden

A controversial penalty and sensational second-half fightback helped Manchester United beat Tottenham and retain their grip on top spot in the Premier League.

Darren Bent smashed home from close range and Luka Modric converted Aaron Lennon's cross as Spurs dominated.

But then Ronaldo scored from the spot after Heurelho Gomes was harshly ruled to have felled Michael Carrick.

Wayne Rooney quickly equalised before further goals for Ronaldo, Rooney and a Dimitar Berbatov secured the victory.

With Liverpool top of the table following their 3-1 win at Hull, United, who chose to leave Ryan Giggs out of their squad, created precious little early on.

Instead it was Spurs, hunting their first win at Old Trafford for 20 years, who had the first real sight of goal.

With striker Jermain Defoe back in London following the death of his half-brother, Bent led the frontline and should have done better with a header at the back post.

Ronaldo, who had been forced to skip a shocking double-footed challenge from Wilson Palacios early on, went close with a header from a Nani cross.

But, for all United's possession, it was Spurs who took the lead.

Vedran Corluka curled in a cross from the right and Bent got the better of Rio Ferdinand to crash home his 17th goal of the season from the six-yard line.

Just two minutes later, the visitors doubled their lead, Modric converting Aaron Lennon's cross at the far post after the winger had jinked his way past Patrice Evra on the right.

With half-time looming and the Old Trafford faithful sounding increasingly anxious, a Ronaldo volley came within a Gomes fingertip of pulling a goal back.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson replaced the lacklustre Nani with the far more industrious Carlos Tevez at the break.

And the Argentine, who could leave Old Trafford at the end of the season, tested Gomes when one-on-one inside the hour.

Two minutes later, Carrick burst into the box and nipped the ball around Gomes, who was ruled to have felled the midfielder as he dived at the ball.

The Tottenham players were incensed with Howard Webb's decision, as was Spurs manager Harry Redknapp on the touchline.

But they were powerless to stop Ronaldo from reducing the deficit from the penalty spot.

If there was any doubt about the first goal there was none about the equaliser.

Rooney blasted home from outside the box after Rafael and Berbatov had combined to set up the striker.

Just one minute later, United were in front, Rooney crossing from the left for Ronaldo to head home their third.

It was a phenomenal turnaround, although not quite as grand as the recovery in 2001 at White Hart Lane when United won 5-3 after trailing 3-0 at half-time.

The misery continued for the shell-shocked visitors.

Rooney made it 4-2 when his volley from Ronaldo's delicate cross crept over the line despite the scrambled efforts of Jonathan Woodgate.

Having scored four goals in just 14 minutes, United, perhaps sensing an urgent need to improve their goal difference, poured forward in search of a fifth.

Remarkably it arrived, courtesy of the boot of former Tottenham player Berbatov.

His initial header was saved by Gomes, but the Bulgarian stabbed home the loose ball to cap a remarkable afternoon.


United manager Sir Alex Ferguson on the penalty:
"It was a bit fortunate. Football is funny like that. Last week we were knocked out of the FA Cup by not getting a penalty kick.

"It doesn't deflect from our second-half performance."

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp:
"The turning point was definitely the penalty. It turned the game in their favour without a doubt.

"At that stage I couldn't see us getting beat. It was a gift which wasn't deserved. It was a terrible decision. Howard (Webb) is supposed to be our best ref, but if he's the best I'd hate to see the worst."


Man Utd: Van der Sar, Rafael Da Silva (O'Shea 70), Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Ronaldo, Carrick, Fletcher (Scholes 61), Nani (Tevez 46), Berbatov, Rooney.
Subs Not Used: Foster, Anderson, Evans, Macheda.

Booked: Tevez, Scholes, Ronaldo.

Goals: Ronaldo 57 pen, Rooney 67, Ronaldo 68, Rooney 71, Berbatov 79.

Tottenham: Gomes, Corluka, Woodgate, King, Assou-Ekotto, Lennon, Palacios, Jenas, Modric (Bale 86), Keane (Huddlestone 87), Bent.
Subs Not Used: Cudicini, Hutton, Zokora, Bentley, Chimbonda.

Booked: Woodgate, Jenas, Gomes.

Goals: Bent 29, Modric 32.

Att: 75,458

Ref: Howard Webb (S Yorkshire).


BBC Sport Player Rater man of the match: Man United's Wayne Rooney (8.52 on 90 minutes).

Source: BBC Sport


Looks like MU is still leading the pack, and MU's fate is in their hands.

Eventhough Liverpool won tonight ( in a game played earlier) I think the "mountains" suddenly rose higher ..... personally, I dont think L'pool can scale it.

But, let us wait until the Season comes to an end to really shout at the top of our lungs, "WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!"

Bear with me, folks.

Cheerio.
SD

Motorists: Beware The Speed Gun



These pictures were taken along Jalan Tun Jugah, the junction leading to BDC Housing areas. Those going down to KG City from KIAirport better be aware of this. This has been going on for quite sometime. So please do not exceed the speed limit when driving along both sides of these roads.

Speed kills! But your pockets will be emptied, first hahaha!

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Ferguson tells Man Utd title race is not yet run



by Graham Chase Apr 23

MANCHESTER (AFP) - Alex Ferguson has warned his Manchester United players they still have work to do to win the Premier League title despite enjoying some breathing space at the summit.

Wednesday's 2-0 win over Portsmouth here at Old Trafford moved United three points clear of second-placed Liverpool with a game in hand.

Rafael Benitez's team lost ground with a 4-4 draw with Arsenal on Tuesday and Wednesday saw Chelsea also fail to keep the pressure on after their goalless stalemate against Everton.

United have six league games left, starting with Saturday's match at home to Tottenham Hotspur and they also have to contend with a Champions League semi-final against Premier League rivals Arsenal on Wednesday.

Ferguson's English and European champions created plenty of chances against Paul Hart's Pompey but, despite now being in a convincing position in the Premier League table, the United manager has told his players they must improve if they are to stay the course in the title race.

"We're in a better position than we were on Tuesday morning but having seen that second-half and how we got so casual, I'm not taking anything for granted and we've got to put the foot down all the time," Ferguson said.

"I don't even consider leeway in this situation and I don't think we have a leeway and we've got to keep performing properly."

Ferguson will be without Gary Neville and John O'Shea for "several weeks" after the duo limped out of the game against Pompey.

But the United manager expects Rio Ferdinand to return against Spurs at the weekend after resting him against Portsmouth.

The England centre-back had missed several weeks with a groin problem before returning in the FA Cup semi-final defeat by Everton at the weekend and was left out of the squad in midweek.

But Ferguson added: "The fact he played extra-time last weekend and that was his first game in two or three weeks, it was too big a risk.

"There was nothing wrong with his groin, it was just tiredness and with Jonny Evans being such a good performer, it was easy to do that.

"Gary and John (O'Shea) will be out for several weeks."

Wayne Rooney opened the scoring against Portsmouth with his tenth league goal of the season before Michael Carrick made the game safe eight minutes from full-time.

England midfielder Carrick said it had been important to United that they made the most of Liverpool's slip-up.

"It was a boost for us watching the Liverpool game and seeing that result and we were desperate to make up the points with a good win and we got the three points," Carrick explained.

"We're in a decent position and hopefully we can get the momentum up again in the next few games and put it to bed as quickly as we can."

Hart said Portsmouth's performance was a mark of their progress.

The south coast side are now six points above the relegation zone and have lost just two matches in nine games since Hart replaced the sacked Tony Adams.

"We have to remain resolute and difficult to beat until the end of the season," Hart insisted.

"We've been hard to beat in the last nine games or so. We've been more resolute and I thought we proved that against United.

"We were able to frustrate United a little bit and against the best team in the world, people don't realise how difficult that job is."

Source: yahoo!sports

Man Utd 2-0 Portsmouth/ Wednesday, 22 April 2009


Carrick sealed United's victory with a neat finish on 82 minutes


By Phil McNulty
Chief football writer at Old Trafford

Manchester United reasserted their authority over the race for the Premier League title with a crucial victory over Portsmouth at Old Trafford.

Wayne Rooney - recalled after injury - put them on their way with a simple finish from Ryan Giggs's cross after nine minutes.

And substitute Michael Carrick wrapped up the win when he fired in an emphatic strike eight minutes from time after Paul Scholes delivered a trademark slide-rule pass on his 600th appearance for United.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side produced a performance that was workmanlike rather than spectacular, but United's only objective was the victory that puts them three points clear of Liverpool with a game in hand.

If there was a disappointment for United, it came in the shape of a missed opportunity to improve their goal difference against a Portsmouth side that rarely troubled keeper Edwin van der Sar.

Giggs was denied twice by England keeper David James, and also missed from close range as United dominated for long spells without emphasising their superiority until Carrick struck late on.

Rooney was United's main source of inspiration as they looked to capitalise on Liverpool's failure to beat Arsenal in Tuesday's 4-4 classic at Anfield.

This was no classic, indeed for long spells it was distinctly low-key, but the result mattered more than the performance and United boss Ferguson looked a happy man as he strode away at the final whistle, to receive further good news that rivals Chelsea had been held to a draw by Everton at Stamford Bridge.

Ferguson, predictably, made nine changes from the side that lost the FA Cup semi-final against Everton at Wembley on Sunday.

And the significance of Rooney's return was emphasised when he enabled United to shake off early lethargy by putting them ahead after nine minutes.

Anderson started the move with a raking pass to Giggs on the left flank, and as Pompey appealed in vain for offside, he delivered an inviting cross for Rooney to slide home from point-blank range.

There was concern amid the celebrations as it became clear that Gary Neville, whose season has been dogged by recurring injury problems, was struggling again and he limped off, to be replaced by John O'Shea.

Rooney's goal deflated Portsmouth's early confidence, and the remainder of the first half was a tale of United creating - and wasting - a succession of presentable opportunities.

O'Shea's header was cleared off the line by Nadir Belhadj and James plunged bravely to block Giggs after he was cleverly played in by Rooney.

Giggs was the culprit again six minutes before the interval when Sol Campbell unwittingly set Cristiano Ronaldo free with a misplaced header but the veteran bundled the resulting cross wide from six yards.

There was one final opportunity for dominant United in the dying seconds of the half, when Darren Fletcher pulled his shot wide after being set up by Rooney.

The visitors, Peter Crouch apart, were showing little in attack and boss Paul Hart made a change during the interval, replacing David Nugent - who had been hobbling after a challenge that earned Nemanja Vidic a booking - with Jermaine Pennant.

O'Shea was caught by a poor challenge from Belhadj moments after the re-start, and he was replaced by Rafael da Silva after 52 minutes.

Rooney had been at the heart of all of United's best work, and an instinctive flick again released Giggs in the area, but James was swiftly off his line to make a decisive claim.

United had a rare anxious moment on the hour when Glen Johnson broke free in the area and forced the previously unemployed Van der Sar to push his low cross to safety.

Substitute Pennant then squandered a good opportunity when he arrived unmarked in the area, but instead of shooting he pulled a poor cross behind Crouch, who could only steer a volley wide.

The same pair then combined as Pennant's free-kick found Crouch, whose header was saved by Van der Sar.

United's second-half display had plunged into mediocrity, but it was Rooney again who almost lifted Old Trafford's spirits when he raced clear into the area, only for James to once again come to Pompey's rescue.

Ferguson's decision to replace Anderson with Carrick was something of a surprise, but it produced the required effect as the England midfield man sealed the points and United's return to the top of the league with eight minutes left.

Scholes must take huge credit, with a glorious pass that slid into the path of Carrick, who shot across the defiant figure of James into the bottom corner.

It allowed United to relax and enjoy the closing stages - safe in the knowledge that they are firmly in charge of their own title destiny.

Source:BBC Sports

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Desa Wira, Batu Kawa where activities are aplenty!



On most days, you'll find these bunch of people meeting at coffeeshops. What they talk about? Politics, today's happenings around them, about their succssful children and the best of all topics, the mother of all topics in Desa Wira, "cockfighting."

You see, most Dayak especially the Ibans just plain crazy about this sadistic sports. They can talk hours and hours without missing even their dinner hour.

How do I know? I'm sort of, a (half) part of these people, whom I call "friends."

How much is the bets? Not much, about a couple of hundreds, but the sheer thrill is what they go for. The thrill of winning and the agony of a defeated and dented pride if their "fighter" let them down!

On most weekends, that is where all walks of life will congregate, to Desa Wira. Do the authorities forget about the going-ons there?

No, no. Of course not. But who really cares about the warnings from the Police?

It's their passion. And they are very sensitive if you go against their wishes.
Maybe a Permit or two is what they are missing here, say once a month to say the least, perhaps that is the BEST way to curb illegal gambling in Desa Wira?? Just pondering... jangan mare' mare' gua, beb!

Take 5, readers, and share your thoughts on this subject.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Tuesday's Lunch @ Kota Samarahan


On your left hand corner Shikin, adMF's cousin, adMF & LadyJenn




Sometimes, we wonder where to have our next meal. And sometimes, we ended up at exactly where we were at last night, or during yesterday's lunch hour.

It's so predictable if the food was superb!

Well today, we went to J & J Cafeteria to have our lunch, somewhere in Desa Ilmu, Kota Samarahan. Sometimes, people accused me for not opening our outlet Merekah Fajar Sdn Bhd and I feel bad because business hours is not over yet and the shop remains closed! Just to remind you folks, we try our best to keep it open but due to our commitment in KG we just cant have it opened according to the business hours given to you all. I apologise for our weaknesses, here.

J & J's ranges of food is excellent. From the pictures, I'm sure you can visualize what they have on their menu.

Cheerio.

Posted by MF/LeBoey

Sunday, April 19, 2009

FA CUP: Everton beat Man Utd in shoot-out




Sir Alex Ferguson said comments from Everton boss David Moyes might have ultimately denied Manchester United a penalty in their FA Cup semi-final.

Referee Mike Riley did not give United a spot-kick when Danny Welbeck appeared to be fouled by Phil Jagielka, and Everton went on to win on penalties.

Everton boss David Moyes had queried the choice of Riley prior to Sunday.

Ferguson said: "I've no idea if it affected the decision, but it may have. It can prey on a referee's mind."

Riley's decision prompted Ferguson to storm angrily towards the pitch, but in his post-match media conference the United boss admitted there had been room for doubt over the decision.

"Why would Welbeck go down when he had the goalkeeper stranded out of his goal? It was a major decision and unfortunately it has gone against us. Nothing you can do about it. We have to move on now.

"When Riley sees it he'll probably realise he's made a mistake but I can't say that's the reason for us losing."

United captain Rio Ferdinand supported Ferguson's suggestion that referees are hesitating over giving the champions penalty decisions.

"We don't get many penalties these days," said Ferdinand. "Referees are reluctant to give them to us. Maybe they're are being put under pressure by people in the media."

Moyes had questioned the choice of Riley after it had been suggested he was a United supporter.

Riley was appointed to referee the match at Wembley after original choice Steve Bennett withdrew due to illness.

In January, Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez had claimed that Ferguson is "the only manager who will not be punished" for verbally attacking referees, a comment which has sparked an on-going feud between the two managers.


But Moyes admitted that United had been unlucky not to have been given the penalty.

"I thought it looked a penalty kick," said Moyes. "If I had been the manager I would have been calling for a penalty kick."

Moyes was too nervous to watch Jagielka score the decisive penalty as Everton reached the FA Cup final for the first time in 14 years.

"I'm really, really pleased. I'm pleased for myself and the team but, more importantly, the supporters. They were fantastic," Moyes told BBC Radio Five Live.

"I have got to praise Manchester United because they gave us a real hard game. I know on another day they could have put another team out and it could have been even harder.

"But my players have given everything again today and they have done all season."

Everton's final clash with Chelsea on 30 May will be their first FA Cup final since 1995 and Moyes outlined his desires for silverware.

"What we're doing at Everton is we are preparing for success and today was a preparation for a final," he added.

"We have not won anything yet but we have given ourselves a real chance of doing it now."

Captain Phil Neville was gushing with pride after leading Everton to victory over his former club.

"We've beaten the best side in the world - it's just a really proud moment," he told BBC Radio 5 Live.

And praising manager Moyes, Neville added: "The boss has stepped up to the mark. He wanted us to go out there and express ourselves.

"He gave us that confidence - now we need to go and win the Cup final."

"I've seen the video and it looks a penalty kick but in the importance of the game the referee probably has to be dead sure," added Ferguson.

Source:BBC Sport

LeBoey's call: It's a bitterest pill to swallow losing in a penalty shoot-out.
But Everton deserved the victory. Winning is everything, eventhough by a penalty shoot-out. A win is still a win. How you won the game, that is how you interpret the story.

No case of sour grapes, here. Now we shall see the Blues meeting another team in a blue outfit, and that is Chelsea. I opt for Everton to win this one Final.

The red shirted teams both lost....maybe its a "blue" FA Cup Season this year?

Well, the wait is finally over! Till next year then. Another day to continue the struggles for supremacy, who is the the Best ?

Arsenal 1 - 2 Chelsea

Drogba fires Chelsea into Final
Updated: April 18, 2009


Poland international Lukasz Fabianski had a birthday to forget as his error gifted Chelsea a 2-1 victory in their FA Cup semi-final defeat of Arsenal at Wembley.

Theo Walcott put the Gunners ahead after 18 minutes when his volley took a deflection off Ashley Cole and beat Petr Cech.

Chelsea fought back and levelled through Florent Malouda, and sealed a return to Wembley when Didier Drogba latched on to a long ball ahead of the on-rushing Fabianski, and slotted into a empty net six minutes from time.

Although Andrey Arshavin went close in stoppage time, there was no way back for the Gunners, allowing Chelsea to claim capital dominance, while also quietly keeping them on track for the Treble.

And, as almost a side issue, there is bound to be a further clamour for Guus Hiddink to stay on as manager beyond next month, although it had not looked too good for the Dutchman earlier on.

Having conceded seven goals in a week, the last thing Petr Cech needed was to see another flash past him in slightly dubious circumstances.

In fairness, Cech was not the only one culpable. Nicolas Anelka was caught on his heels as Kieran Gibbs nipped past to reach Emmanuel Adebayor's neat pass.

Gibbs' cross was decent, allowing Theo Walcott to let fly with a first-time volley that flicked off Ashley Cole's hand.

The deflection did alter the direction of the ball. Yet the feeling persisted that the Cech of three years ago would have kept it out.

Walcott's goal was just reward for a sparkling start. The young England star was the pick of an Arsenal side whose movement was a joy to watch, even if their end product was not always the best.

Denilson and Abou Diaby had been asked to anchor midfield. Yet they still found time to push forward. Indeed, with a bit more composure, Diaby might have found the net himself.

The Gunners' bench contained Arshavin, Samir Nasri and Aaron Ramsey. In other areas they were lacking, specifically goalkeeper.

In all probability Manuel Almunia would not have been involved at Wembley even if an ankle injury had kept him on the sidelines.

On Friday Wenger expressed his faith in Fabianski. It looked more like blind optimism judging by the Pole's first-half performance.

On his 24th birthday, Fabianski was the one handing out presents, setting the tone barely two minutes into the game when he lost out in an aerial duel with Drogba, Gibbs forced to chase back and hack off the line as the Ivorian's header was about to bounce in.

Fabianski was then fortunate to escape when he failed to get behind a fierce shot from Florent Malouda that skimmed under his body before flashing across goal.

It all pointed to an equaliser, which duly arrived when Malouda cut inside Emmanuel Eboue and beat Fabianski at his near post, although it was hard to quibble with the Frenchman's accuracy.

Anelka hit a post after robbing Diaby inside the Arsenal box just before half-time and Chelsea continued to look the more likely scorers after the break, even though their opponents were, in patches, the better team.

An acrobatic clearance by Alex may have denied Walcott, who was involved in a fascinating duel with England team-mate Cole, but it fell perfectly for Robin van Persie, who could only fire disappointingly over.

Anelka was off target with a header at the other end, before Lampard volleyed an excellent chance wide from Drogba's cross.

Through all this, Fabianski had been relatively stable.

All that changed six minutes from the end when he inexplicably raced out of his area as Drogba brushed off Mikael Silvestre to reach Lampard's long ball.

What should have been a 50-50 duel turned into a walkover as Drogba skipped round Fabianski and tapped Chelsea into the final, where they will meet either Manchester United or Everton on May 30.

After the match Frank Lampard refused to contemplate the possibility of a Champions League and FA Cup double.

Lampard told Setanta Sports: "It's going to be difficult - we are confident but we never get too far ahead of ourselves.

"It means loads, we take this competition very seriously. We came back strongly (after Tuesday) and I think we deserved it."

Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal gave away "cheap" goals and also criticised the state of the pitch at Wembley, although he refused it as an excuse for the Gunners' defeat.

The Frenchman said: "It was a game where any mistake in the end could be costly.

"It is disappointing because we had a good start and after we dropped off.

"The game looked as through it would finish as a draw - I felt we gave two cheap goals away."

Goalkeeper Lukazs Fabianski appeared vulnerable throughout and should have done better with the goals.

Wenger went on: "I feel sorry for him because he is a great goalkeeper.

"But we have to take that on board."

He still showed his unwavering belief in his young side though saying: "When you are so close and you are 20 years of age I don't know why you would be desperate."

Source:soccernetESPN

LeBoey's Comment

It would be a "dream finals" if Man Utd were to meet Chelsea, but first MU must overcome the huddles which is in the way tonight, by beating Everton.

Evertonians must be dreaming of an elusive Cup success and their players wont take a backseat in this challenge.

Let us watch the game. Whatever the outcome from this match, I'll always be a Saint!

No devils, please.

Boss wary of Everton's hunger

17/04/2009 12:53, Report by Ben Hibbs


Sir Alex Ferguson will not disregard Everton in Sunday's FA Cup semi-final at Wembley, insisting that if United cannot match the Merseysiders' will to win, the day could end in disappointment.

The boss is an admirer of the job David Moyes has done at Goodison, and insists the Toffees are primed to win silverware, with Sunday representing an ideal opportunity to reach a final. "My problem is that we're facing a very hungry team," he said.

"David wants to win a trophy, and this is a big opportunity for him. That’s what we’re facing: a very hungry team, and a very hungry manager. We know what we’re up against. He has a good young squad that will get better. The young players he has in the team, allied to the ones he's brought in, have a good future. He’s done a great job."

Sir Alex is well aware of Everton's history and refuses to accept any notion that they are a small club. "Moyes has been there for five years now and he has built a good club. Irrespective of what Rafael Benitez says – he called them a small club – they are a big club. That just points to [Benitez's] arrogance."

It isn't the only remark or gesture that has irked the United manager recently. “There’s one thing about the arrogance he has shown. But you can’t forgive his contempt for Sam Allardyce last week. When Liverpool scored their second goal against Blackburn, Benitez made a gesture that the game was finished. It was absolute contempt and Sam didn't deserve it.

"He is a guy who has worked so hard for the League Manager’s Association and looked after young players in the game. He didn’t deserve that. He had to play a team that was weakened, and to get that kind of contempt… I don’t think any other Liverpool manager would have done that."

LeBoey's Comment: Just keeping my fingers crossed.......

Friday, April 17, 2009

Another Project by SPNB ! > " Vista Ilmu "




These rows and rows of Flats is built by SPNB, somewhere in Desa Ilmu. Behind these Flats is the UiTM Campus. If you intend to walk to UiTM, if timed, it' less than 8 minutes walk, a short stroll, indeed!

The recommended price was RM89k last year in 2008, this year I'm not sure if there is any price adjustment.

Fred & Juliet's Abode



These "new" houses is located near the completed surau quite near to the Ph.11 shop houses where Merekah Fajar Sdn. Bhd. is housed!

Fred & Juliet booked the house through LadyJenn, who incidentally, bought a house somewhere in Desa Ilmu, Kota Samarahan, more than 3 yrs ago.

Fred is of course, Jen's younger brother, married to Juliet, who is from Kpg. Rembus, Kota Samarahan.

It is expected to be finished towards the end of the year.

What we had for dinner, the evening of 17th April 2009




Jen AKA ladyjenn & myself, closed our office for the week end at around 6:30pm and headed down to Tabuan Jaya/Stutong Wet Market to have our dinner. It was drizzling but it didn't stop us enjoying our hearty meal. It was at a newly opened eatery and it serves quite a range of local dishes which is reasonably priced.

We paid RM10 for the food and the Asam Pedas came with a plateful of rice, which we shared, equally. NO cheating here when both are trying to lose the "spare tires" which we carry around our waists...

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Ronaldo stunner thrills Ferguson

Page last updated at 20:39 GMT, Wednesday, 15 April 2009 21:39 UK

FC Porto 0-1 Man Utd (agg 2-3)





Cristiano Ronaldo struck a stunning winner as Manchester United saw off the threat of Porto to seal a Champions League semi-final tie against Arsenal.

Ronaldo's thunderous early strike from just shy of 40 yards flew across goal and into the top corner.

Nemanja Vidic missed a great chance from five yards late in the first half and Dimitar Berbatov had a shot saved.

Lisandro Lopez might have scored a dramatic late goal for Porto, but Edwin van der Sar saved his weak shot.

It was United's first clean sheet since their Champions League victory over Inter Milan on 11 March and it could not have been more timely as United became the first English club to win at Porto in European competition.

With Rio Ferdinand restored to the side after a three-game absence there was an increased assuredness to the United backline and in truth Porto failed to create any clear-cut openings until Lisandro's 85th-minute chance.

However, United's failure to score a decisive second goal ensured a nervous final few minutes to the tie as Porto pushed for the equaliser that would have put them through on the away goals rule.

The first 20 minutes of the match must have been close to perfect for United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who was presiding over his 150th Champions League game.

Wayne Rooney started on the right with Ryan Giggs on the left and Ronaldo supporting Berbatov up front. This formation allowed Ronaldo to occasionally drop deep in search of possession, which he did after six minutes before smashing his amazing goal.

United dominated possession, allowing them to play the game at a steady, controlled tempo, and there were few alarms for Van der Sar, who allowed a free-kick from Bruno Alves to drift wide of his goal.

Porto gradually forced their way into the match, slowly pushing United towards their own goal, and Van der Sar was eventually forced into action to save Christian Sapanuru's shot on the turn while Bruno Alves headed wide from a free-kick.

The home team lost momentum when Lucho Gonzalez was stretchered off the field after a delay while he received treatment and United went on to create a brilliant chance to take full control of the match.

John O'Shea flicked on Giggs's corner and the ball dropped invitingly to the unmarked Vidic but the defender's effort flew wastefully over the crossbar.

Raul Meireles and Hulk shot over after the break while Berbatov collected a beautifully weighted pass from Rooney but his subsequent shot lacked power and Helton saved.

By this stage it was pouring down in Porto but Van der Sar made no mistake with a Hulk free-kick, while Rolando headed wide beyond the far post for the home side.

The visitors continued to press and the match became increasingly tense as United dropped deeper and deeper.

But it was United, who play Everton in an FA Cup semi-final on Sunday, who went close to a second goal, with Helton making a good low save to claw away Ronaldo's shot.


FC Porto: Helton, Sapunaru (Costa 80), Rolando, Bruno Alves, Cissokho, Lucho Gonzalez (Mariano Gonzalez 31), Fernando, Raul Meireles, Lopez, Hulk, Rodriguez (Farias 64).
Subs Not Used: Nuno, Stepanov, Guarin, Madrid.

Man Utd: Van der Sar, O'Shea, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Giggs, Carrick, Anderson (Scholes 78), Rooney, Berbatov (Nani 68), Ronaldo.
Subs Not Used: Foster, Neville, Evans, Tevez, Macheda.

Booked: Vidic, Evra.

Goals: Ronaldo 6.

Att: 50,000

Ref: Massimo Busacca (Switzerland).


BBC Sport Player Rater man of the match: Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo on 8.19 (on 90 minute




Sir Alex Ferguson hailed Cristiano Ronaldo's wonder strike, as Manchester United sealed a Champions League semi-final showdown against Arsenal.

Ronaldo's 40-yard strike earned Ferguson's side a 3-2 aggregate victory as United became the first English side to win in Porto.

"It was unbelievable. A magnificent hit. Absolutely unbelievable," Ferguson said of Ronaldo's sixth-minute goal.

"The goalkeeper's got no chance," added Ferguson.

"To do it at that point gave us a real platform to go into the game," added Ferguson, who became the first manager to reach his sixth Champions League semi-final.

"We wanted to start the game quickly with good tempo ... but to get a start like that, no-one can expect it, no-one can expect that type of goal."

Ronaldo himself described the goal as the best of his career, admitting he could not wait to watch it again.

"It is the best I have scored," he said.

"It was a fantastic strike and I can't wait to see it again on DVD. I am very happy with it."

United's victory was built on a solid defence with the returning Rio Ferdinand making a huge difference to the World, European and English champions.

Porto rarely looked like breaking through as United kept their first clean sheet since 11 March with Ferguson's side conceding 11 goals in the last five games.

And Ferguson, who was taking charge of his 150th Champions League clash, admitted the returning Ferdinand had made a huge difference to United.

"We defended very, very well and that was the key to it really, because if we get back to that foundation of not giving away goals then we can do well," Ferguson said.

"They had to chase. That early goal had them on the back foot. I don't think they made any chances in the match."

United have now stretched their unbeaten run in the Champions League to 23 games, winning a second leg away from home for the first time since the 1999 semi-final triumph in Turin against Juventus.

"We tried to change and spread the team around the field and hope Manchester would make some mistakes," Jose Gomes, who replaced suspended coach Jesualdo Ferreira, said.

"We feel very bad. You can understand our emotions. We feel that wasn't a very just result.

"They scored one goal today and it was scored by the best player in the world."

United semi-final with Arsenal will be the first time they have met English opposition in a two-legged European tie.

Arsenal beat United 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium earlier in the season, and Ferguson is predicting another classic encounter.

"It would be tough no matter who we played but the fact it is another English side gives a different type of spice to it," said Ferguson.

"We are two good footballing sides, so it should be a terrific semi-final.

"Our game earlier in the season was fantastic. It was the way football should be played and we will look forward to it.

"The first leg is at home, so 1-0 would be perfect for us. But it is not going to be easy."

SD's comment: This should be a very thrilling encounter, Arsenal has played second fiddle to United for so many seasons now, and Arsene Wenger I'm sure is considering his chance of becoming the Next European Champions and that results should satisfy the hungry appetite of The Gunners' followers.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Know Your Right When Dealing With The Police -Malaysian Police Perspectives

Friday, April 10, 2009



One day while you walk to a shopping mall, suddenly you are stop by two gentlemen who claiming they are the police personnel from CID. They ask you to follow them to their car. What will be your action ? All Malaysians should agree with me that if you have to confront with someone, the policemen would be the last person that you would like to confront with.

In this country where policemen are so powerful even to the extent of having the “shoot to kill” authority or in conducting interrogation they sometime use “admit or die” approach, therefore in the above case I am sure that majority of us will follow them to their car. The question of whether they are real police or impersonator is not important at this point of time , but what important to us is their authority and power....in this situation we will not be able to exercise our right unless you know them.

Ironically, the increased use of undercover policing seems to be contributing to the spread of police impersonation. Real cons and mass media dramas involving the undercover theme have accustomed citizens and culprits alike to the presence of non-uniformed police.

This can lead to a reverse version of the ‘who are you really’ question for those who are part of a genuine cover operation. In such a scenario, real police — undercover, plainclothes or off-duty — may occasionally also be perceived as imposters.

The question “are you real” becomes even more complex when individuals whose formal affiliation with a police agency is genuine but whose behavior is criminal.

Arguably, women seem more likely to be victimised by bogus cops, especially in traffic cases. Consider a female driver being harassed and coerced to sex by a rascal copy cat law enforcer. Beyond facing the trappings of official legal power, the women pulled over may additionally be vulnerable as a result of the impersonator’s behaviour.

An incident in Kuala Lumpur on New Year’s Eve is a good example. An 18-year-old university student’s car was stopped in Taman Tun Dr Ismail and asked by four men, claiming to be cops, to open the bonnet. The men then told her she had committed an offence and ordered her to follow them to a police station.

The girl was driven in her car along the North-South expressway to the Tapah-Cameron Highlands Road before she was raped in an oil palm estate.

Consider too the case of girls window-shopping or waiting for a bus as what had happened in Kuching also on New Year’s Eve.

In one instance, a 16-year-old was reportedly window-shopping at a store in Jalan Ang Cheng Ho when a man in his 50s approached her. Claiming to be a police inspector, he told her he had a court warrant to check her for drugs possession.The man told the girl to follow him to a black Perodua Kenari. He then drove her to a lonely spot in Jalan Bako where he ordered her to unbutton her clothes because he wanted to check for drugs. When she undressed, the man grabbed her breasts and asked her to remove her trousers!

Foreigners, especially illegal immigrants, fearing deportation, seem more likely to be victimised. One such incident occurred in Johor in 2007. The 29-year-old victim had taken a short cut through a back alley to get to her hostel in Jalan Pelangi at 1.30pm when two men stopped her.
They showed her a pair a handcuffs and asked for her identification documents. When she could not produce the papers, they told her to get on one of their motorcycles.

Instead of taking her to the police station, they rode to a plantation where they raped her and took away her belongings. The woman, who managed to find her way out of the area, sought the help of passers-by to send her to the police station. She is probably the exception because most illegal immigrants do not report such incidents … for obvious reasons.

There are no national statistics but it’s likely incidents of such a nature account for the most unreported of violations partly because the victims may not realise they have been duped or may feel no great harm is done.

Regardless, the fact that there are such crimes being perpetrated against either citizens or illegal immigrants should alert motorists or individuals to the need to exercise extreme caution when flagged down or approached by people who claim to be plainclothes-policemen. The commonest problem is that most people take instructions without determining if the other person is really a cop.

So, what should people, especially women, do if stopped by the police? Many people think police officers have unlimited power of search and arrest. Not true.

While Section 3 of the Police Act 1967 appears to give police officers the authority to search and arrest where necessary to prevent and detect crime, this power is, however, subjected to the principle of “legality” — that is police officers could be made liable for damages for unlawful search and arrest of citizens in the street and inside premises.

Article 8 of the Federal Constitution protects the citizens from arbitrary power of the police and police officers are subjected to the rule of law, implying that all powers must be specifically conferred.

Both the Police and the Criminal Procedure Code do not provide specific powers to permit random stop and search of persons without an arrest. However, there are provisions in the law that allows police officers to stop and search vehicles suspected to have been used in committing a criminal offence.

The Police Act 1967 allows police officers to seize vehicles for the purpose of inspecting for incriminating goods and after the search has been completed, the vehicles must be returned to its rightful owner as soon as possible. These police officers are not to detain the seized vehicles without a court order for a period longer than that permitted by the Police Act 1967.



>How to Avoid Being A Victim of Police Impersonator<

There are steps you can take to help you identify a police impersonator and avoid becoming a victim.

Rule No 1. Stay Calm. If you do not do anything wrong …DON’T WORRY about the police. They are just doing their job.

Rule No 2. Ask for their Authority Cards. Every policeman is given with a Authority Card. You can ask the person in blue to produce his Authority Card and if he could not produce it for verification of identity, then there is reasonable suspicion the uniformed person is not a policeman. At the same time, if the person in blue showed a purported Authority Card but without you being properly given the chance to know whether or not that card refers to the person concerned, then, this also should give rise to the same suspicion and a report should immediately be lodge with the nearest police station.

Rule No 3. When facing with such a situation above, it is best not to follow the person’s instructions or him to the police station. Of course, if he is not in uniform, one may not know whether or not he is a policeman. But once he is not in uniform, we can always disregard him,” One point to note is that a policeman not wearing his uniform has no the authority to stop anyone.

Rule No 4. Women must also be aware that the law requires a female to be searched by a female and if a male policeman makes a bodily search on a female, complaints can be made for assault and battery.

Rule No 5. The police officer who conducts the search has no right to command a person being searched to go to police station with him without disclosing that the person is placed under arrest and without revealing the reasons of arrest. Means If you have not been informed of the purpose and reasons of your arrest, get someone to lodge a police report on your behalf first so that the matter can be investigated at the earliest opportunity.

Rule No 6. In the event that you are placed under arrest, make sure the police officer, conducting the arrest, does not bring you anywhere, except to the nearest police station. If he makes a detour, you need to warn him you will make a complaint against him to his senior officers.”

Malaysian Bar Council has published a Red Book Pamphlet No 24 on how to dealt with the police. The pamphlet is available and can be read here.

"Because we care, we're security aware"
Posted by Captain Rtd Ayong Entili at 11:51 PM
Labels: avoid police impersonator, Car Security Tips, malaysian police butality, PDRM, Personal Security, security slogan

The Source of information is from:

http://securexnet.blogspot.com/2009/04/how-to-avoid-from-become-victim-of.html


Folks, sometimes we are literally caught with our pants down when we come across these unforeseen consequences. After reading this article posted by Capt. (Rtd) Ayong, it sort of gave me a deeper understanding of my constitutional rights as a Malaysian
citizen. I hope you guys will take some of your precious time to read this very educational post. It's very important to know YOUR RIGHTS in the country you live in.

Have a blessed day, fellow Malaysians.

Monday, April 13, 2009

Toyota Cygnus is HERE!!



I've been waiting for this Toyota Cygnus model for nearly 2 months now and it has finally arrived at our shores.

This pictures I got it from the e-mail sent by the "importer" early this morning.

I've informed "the owner" of the arrival and he is pleased!

Thank God, it's here. The agony of waiting is almost over.

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Easter in Pictures


Sun Apr 12, 11:49 am ET

STOCKHOLM (AFP) – While most Christians mark Easter with prayers and song, one Swedish church opened its mass Sunday by unveiling a life-size Lego statue of Jesus Christ, its pastor told AFP.

Churchgoers had donated nearly 30,000 Lego bricks to build the 1.78 metre (5.8 foot) high statue, said Per Wilder, the pastor of the Oensta Gryta Church in Vaesteras, about 110 kilometres (70 miles) west of Stockholm.

"This work began a year and a half ago so we saw that the initiation date was fitting in well (with this year's Easter holiday)," Wilder said.

"It is a fantastic installation and it will be there as long as we think it is in a good spot," he said.

"All those I spoke with were full of praise, saying how fantastic the model looks and how much good work we put into this," Wilder said.

The model was based on Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsens's 19th century work Christus, which depicts the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Wilder said the statue would remain permanently at the church and there were no plans to sell it to raise funds.

And in New York the Armenian church released 12 doves to symbolise the apostles sent out to evangelise the world

In Gaza City, for example, Orthodox worshippers attended a Palm Sunday Mass.

Roman Catholics pray next to a poster of Christ during Easter Mass in Peshawar, Pakistan.

All over the world, people are "celebrating" Easter. From the pictures shown, even in Gaza Peninsula, Pakistan the Christians there still have time for worship though "troubles" is never far away. I pray God will continue to spread His message of Love to those that are oppressed, to deliver them from this "worldly" bondage, to bless (especially) their hearts. May peace be spread across this land of ours, where people learn to respect one another his/her reasons to live.

Comment: SD

What we did on Sunday 12/Apr/2009

From your left Mr Tajam, Mdm Irene Remby & Mdm Menok (my in-laws)
Picture of: Mr. Tajam (my brother in-law from Kpg Emperoh Jambu, Padawan)
Picture shows on your left Uncle Geris and En.Nakis
This dish? Fried Bee Hoon.
This dish? Chicken Curry with Potatoes....enda entu pedas.
This dish?? Upa nyiur campur babi ...... Tau kini??

We were asked to help prepare some dishes for our brother in-law staying somewhere in Midway Crescent Kota Samarahan.

Stephen can cook...

Stef's 15th Birthday 08/Apr/09



We celebrated Stef's 15th Birthday at this eatery near our house in BDC, so we just drive over to RH Plaza to Pandan Thai Restaurant to have our Thai cuisine, hosted by Stef's auntie Hjh Czarina. We started at 7:30m and finished before 9pm that night.
The restaurant is quite clean, the service is satisfactory, the prices of food I should say reasonable.

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Don't Forget the Resurrection!





By John MacArthur
In 1874, a Baptist minister named Robert Lowry penned one of the most stirring hymns to ever exalt the resurrection of Jesus Christ--"Low in the Grave He Lay." Notice how these verses contrast the impotence of death and suffering with the resurrection power of Christ:

Low in the grave He lay, Jesus my Savior;
Waiting the coming day, Jesus my Lord!
Vainly they watch His bed, Jesus my Savior;
Vainly they seal the dead, Jesus my Lord!
Death cannot keep its Prey, Jesus my Savior;
He tore the bars away, Jesus my Lord!

Death, man's most dread enemy, is powerless to reign over the Lord of life. And that truth has significance for you and me, here and now in the twenty-first century. You can see it in the most exciting and rousing part of Lowry's hymn, the refrain that punctuates each stanza:

Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph o'er His foes,
He arose a Victor from the dark domain,
And He lives forever, with His saints to reign.
He arose! He arose!

Hallelujah! Christ arose!

Do you see in those lines what Jesus' resurrection means to you? If you are a Christian, you can rejoice in the fact that Christ rose from the dead as a victor, a champion who lives forever to reign, "with His saints." That refers to the promise based on our baptism into the death and resurrection of Christ--it is our hope and the reason and ground of all we believe.

But what if there were no resurrection? What if the resurrection of Jesus Christ is just a first-century myth to be ignored or marginalized as a secondary issue? The implications of that approach are devastating to Christianity.

I want to draw your attention to what Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:16-19 so that you can see what happens when you forget the resurrection.

For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied.

Without question, if Jesus is still in the grave, if He is perpetually the sufferer and never the Victor, then you and I are hopelessly lost. And though that is not the case, I want to focus on the hypothetical "what if" that Paul assumes temporarily in 1 Corinthians 15. "What if the resurrection were a myth? What if Jesus Christ were still dead and in the grave?"

First of all, you would still be in your sins, under the tyranny of death along with the most vile and unbelieving pagan. If Jesus did not rise from the dead, then sin won the victory over Him and continues to be victorious over you too. If Jesus remained in the grave, then, when you die you would also stay dead. Furthermore, since "the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23), were you to remain dead, death and eternal punishment would be your future.

The purpose of trusting in Christ is for forgiveness of sins, because it is from sin that we need to be saved. "Christ died for our sins" and "was buried, and ... raised on the third day" (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). If Christ was not raised, His death was in vain, your faith in Him would be pointless, and your sins would still be counted against you with no hope of spiritual life.

Second, if there is no resurrection, then "those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished." That means every Old Testament saint, every New Testament saint, and every saint since Paul wrote would be suffering in torment at this very moment. That would include Paul himself, the rest of the apostles, Augustine, Luther, Calvin, Wesley, Moody, and the faithful and prayerful saints you've known--every other believer in every age also would be in hell. Their faith would have been in vain, their sins would not have been forgiven, and their destiny would be damnation.

In light of the other consequences, the last is rather obvious. "If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied." Without Christ's resurrection, and the salvation and blessings it brings, Christianity would be pointless and pitiable. Without the resurrection we would have no Savior, no forgiveness, no gospel, no meaningful faith, no life, and we could never have hope for any of those things.

To have hoped in Christ alone in this life would be to teach, preach, suffer, sacrifice, and work entirely for nothing. If Christ is still dead, then He not only has no ability to save you in the future, but He can't help you now either. If He were not alive, where would be your source of peace, joy, or satisfaction now? The Christian life would be a mockery, a charade, a tragic and cruel joke. Christians who suffer and even die for the faith would be just as blind and pathetic as those "believers" who followed Jim Jones and the People's Temple, David Koresh and the Branch Davidians, and Marshall Applewhite and the Heaven's Gate cult.

Since a Christian has no Savior but Christ, no Redeemer but Christ, and no Lord but Christ, if Christ is not raised, He is not alive, and our Christian life is lifeless. We would have nothing to justify our faith, our Bible study, our preaching or witnessing, our service for Him or our worship of Him, and nothing to justify our hope in this life or the next. We would deserve nothing but the compassion reserved for fools.

But, God did raise "Jesus our Lord from the dead, He who was delivered up because of our transgressions, and was raised because of our justification" (Romans 4:24-25). Because Christ lives, we too shall live (John 14:19). "The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had put to death by hanging Him on a cross. He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins" (Acts 5:30-31).

We are NOT to be pitied, for Paul immediately ends the dreadful "what if" section by saying, "But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep" (1 Corinthians 15:20). As Paul said at the end of his life, "I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him [i.e. his life] until that day" (2 Timothy 1:12).

Those who do not hope in Christ alone for salvation are the real fools; they are the ones who need to hear your compassionate testimony about the triumph of Christ's resurrection. So don't forget the resurrection; rejoice in it and glory in it, for He is risen indeed.


Comment by SD
Lord, my God my Savior. You've indeed risen and the world witnessed that through historical facts which can't be denied. I'll always be forever grateful Father, for what You did through your Begotten Son Jesus Christ.
Please take charge of my daily life, dear Father, I will forever praise Your Name, thank you Holy Spirit, your have always been there for me in my darkest hour, always my constant companion no matter how "bad" I've become and yet You're there for me.
Father God,thank you for Your undying Love.