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Malaysia Central: Press, News & Media Release

• MYNIC is now dot my Domain Registry
KUALA LUMPUR, 20th February 2009 – MYNIC Berhad (MYNIC), the sole administrator for web addresses that end with .my in Malaysia has this evening launched its new brand name, logo and tagline - results of a rebranding effort to bring domain name technologies closer to the people with a formal gala dinner event.

The event was officiated by Datuk Dr. Maximus Ongkili, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) and witnessed by Encik Mohamed Sharil Mohamed Tarmizi, Chief Operating Officer of Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).

The new brand name would be .my DOMAIN REGISTRY whilst its legal name will remain MYNIC Berhad. With a new and more contemporary logo, .my DOMAIN REGISTRY wishes to bring the domain name technologies closer to their target market- the people of Malaysia.

Datuk Dr Maximus in his speech stressed, “Change is the one constant element of life. We change out of habits, jobs, perceptions, interests, brands and even needs on a frequent basis. For organisations like ours who have the public’s interest at heart, it is highly important that all our missions are able to touch, impact and influence the public at large. We must be willing to change and improve ourselves first before we can be the agent of change to the public.”

MOSTI had its own image revamp last month in conjunction with its Innovation Day 2009.

”The desire to reach out to everyone regardless of background, education or technical competency compelled us to take the leap. The result, a re-branding exercise which brought to the table a lot of ideas and key elements to define MYNIC as Malaysia’s domain name registry with research capacity for domain name technology,” said Puan Shariya Haniz Zulkifli, Director of MYNIC Berhad.

Logo Definition The logo reads and is pronounced as ”dot my domain registry”. The my abbreviation is to offer immediate recognition to the Malaysian identity and its representation amongst world domain name registries.
• United Information Technology to extend distributor network to Malaysia with the appointment of Isolectra (M) Sdn Bhd
MALAYSIA – 4 December 2008 – United Information Technology (UIT), a leading next generation storage solutions provider, today announced the appointment of Isolectra (M) Sdn Bhd to strengthen its presence in Malaysia for its entire range of small and medium business and enterprise storage solutions.

Isolectra Malaysia will stock the full range of UIT products, including the recently launched BX1600, a unified IP SAN/NAS Storage Array System and the BM2900, a full-featured Fibre Channel Storage System. The agreement will see Isolectra Malaysia distribute and market UIT's products, leveraging on its extensive list of resellers and its strengths in marketing and technical support.

“UIT have been exploring powerful channel partners to enhance its presence and raise its profile in Malaysia and we believe the partnership with Isolectra Malaysia will be one of our most important to date. They have a proven track record and we are confident they will be able to replicate the same amount of success here, said Vincent Low, regional director, UIT.

As a first step, Isolectra Malaysia will be implementing UIT’s Partner Development Programme for resellers and combine it with strategic sales initiatives. The programme is aimed at growing UIT’s business presence in Malaysia and driving the company’s plans for market share expansion.

UIT will also support Isolectra Malaysia in developing programmes based on the practical requirements of resellers. Bonus incentives, joint marketing events and technical training for pre-sales and post-sales services have all been designed to increase UIT resellers’ profitability and growth.

We are pleased to join hands with an IT leader in storage solutions and look forward to a successful partnership with them. We are a very customer-focused company and will extend this guiding principle to UIT's resellers and end users, said Abdul Malek Abu Bakar, senior manager of the Telecom Division for Isolectra Malaysia.

“UIT boasts a rich portfolio of leading storage products and solutions that are widely used in organisations both small and large across the world. Isolectra Malaysia will look to leverage its regional strengths to push these products in the fast growing market and maximise UIT’s market share,” he added.

Currently, UIT has a suite of approximately 200 products grouped under IP-SAN, FC-SAN and application software for storage that are affordable, easy-to-install and reliable performers for a diversity of environments.

For more information on UIT, please visit www.uitstor.com. For more information on Isolectra Malaysia in Malaysia, please visit www.isolectra.com.my.

About Isolectra (M) Sdn Bhd

Established in 1981, Isolectra (M) Sdn Bhd has grown from a trading company to a solutions provider for the building, industrial and telecom sectors. Isolectra Malaysia offers services such as design, project management, systems engineering, installation, integration and maintenance services. Our versatility is proven with our success in handling turnkey projects as well as our co-operation with local and international partners to provide innovative solutions for market segments such as telecommunication, transportation, education, banking, hotel, oil & gas, commercial and retail. All our products are approved and endorsed by local authorities such as SIRIM, Public Works Department, Energy Commission of Malaysia and Telekom Malaysia Berhad. As a measure of our dedication towards quality and excellence, we have been awarded with ISO 9001 certification. Our head office is located in Shah Alam, Selangor and our branch offices are located in Kuching, Penang and Johor. Isolectra (M) Sdn Bhd is a member of the TKH Group (a public listed company in the Stock Exchange of Amsterdam, The Netherlands). For further information, please log into www.isolectra.com.my.

About United Information Technology (UIT)

Founded in 2001, United Information Technology (UIT) Co. Ltd. is a leading storage solutions provider to a cross-section of industries in Asia Pacific. The company has successfully established a proven track record of empowering businesses with application software, enterprise class storage products and industry solutions that enable organisations to manage their most vital data assets. Through its different product lines, organisations have benefited from a range of sophisticated storage products and solutions that have been deployed by many key corporate customers spanning the education, energy, financial services, government, media and telecommunications sectors. The company has technology research centers in Silicon Valley, USA and in Shenzhen, China. UIT business activities cover the territories of Asia Pacific, Europe and the United States. For further information about UIT, please visit www.uitstor.com
• 75th Anniversary of the End of Prohibition
New York State and City of New York Joins Nation in 75th Anniversary of the End of Prohibition with at Famous Speakeasy

Hon. Alfred E. Smith IV, great grandson of New York State Governor Alfred Smith (who served during Prohibition) will join with State and City Government Officials, as well as members of the NYC Hospitality Industry, to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the End of Prohibition. (New York State Assembymen Richard N. Gottfried, Andrew Raia, and Micah Kellner, members of the New York City Council and Mayors office will be making a special presentation.)

They will also be holding a news conference on December 5, 2008 at 11a.m. at Frankie and Johnnies located at 269 West 45th Street in Manhattan. Frankie and Johnnies is one of three remaining original Speakeasies in New York City and one of the city's oldest continual dining establishments.

Prohibition ended in the United States on December 5, 1933, when Utah became the 36th state to ratify the 21st Amendment to the Constitution, repealing the 18th Amendment. Imagine the celebrations that went on across the nation that day.

At the news conference, members of the hospitality industry will be celebrating this historic date, as well as announcing an upcoming End of Prohibition gala for over 500 people. The party will duplicate the nation's largest modern speakeasy to benefit local charities. The event will be free for any staff that works in restaurants, cafes, nightclubs, pubs, taverns in the City of New York.

Prohibition from 1920-1933 banned the use of all alcohol in the United States. Those who wanted a cocktail during those dry years did so in establishments called speakeasies. The term speakeasy comes from a patron's manner of ordering alcohol without raising suspicion -- a bartender would tell a patron to be quiet and speakeasy.

Frankie & Johnnies Steakhouse has been a celebrated New York fixture since 1926, having opened as a speakeasy at the height of Prohibition. To gain access, patrons knocked on an unmarked door and used the password FRANKIE when a small peephole was opened. With admittance, a confirmation reply of JOHNNIE was heard. The business began operation as a steakhouse when Prohibition was lifted 75 years ago.

NYC Hospitality Association

www.nychospitalityassociation.com
• Penang Botanic Gardens Forum
The Future of the Penang Botanic Gardens

The Friends of the Penang Botanic Gardens Society, in collaboration with Malaysian Nature Society (Penang),and Socio-Economic & Environmental Research Institute (SERI) is invites you to attend the Penang Botanic Gardens Forum.

With the recent expansion of the Penang Botanic Gardens area from 72 acres to 590 acres, various development plans were designed to increase the potential of the gardens.

This forum allows all concerned parties to obtain insights of current and future development of the Gardens.

Date: 13 December 2008

Time: 9.00 am – 1.00 pm

Venue: Lecture Hall, Wawasan Open University, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, Penang

For more details and registration, please contact:

Mr Ben Wismen

Socio-Economic & Environmental Research Institute (SERI)

Tel: 04- 228 3306 Fax: 04- 226 7042

E mail: enquiry@seri.com.my

Programme

8.30am – 9.00am: Arrival and Registration

9.00am – 9.15am: Welcoming Address By Friends of Penang Botanic Gardens Society (FOPBGS)

9.15am – 9.30am: Opening Address by Guest of Honour

9.30am – 10.00am: ‘Issues of Botanic Gardens Development’ By SERI

10.00am – 10.30am: Tea Break

10.30am – 11.00am: ‘Roles and Functions of a Modern Day Botanic Gardens’ By University of Malaya

11.00am – 11.30am: ‘Public/ Community Participation in Penang Botanic Gardens’ By FOPBGS

11.30am – 12.30pm: ‘Current and Future Plans for Penang Botanic Gardens’ By Penang Botanic Gardens Department

12.30pm – 1.00pm: Panel Discussion

1.00 pm: Forum Adjourns
• Visa to Launch Payments Processing Venture Targeting International High-Growth Geographies
Joint Venture with Yalamanchili to Provide Payments Processing for Clients in Asia Pacific, Latin America and CEMEA regions; Visa to Benefit from Rapid Entry into New Geographies

KUALA LUMPUR, December 3, 2008 – Visa Inc. (NYSE: V) and Yalamanchili Software Exports (P) Limited, a leading payments processor and software products and solutions company with operations in India and Singapore, today announced that they have formed a joint venture that will allow Visa to extend its industry-leading processing capabilities in some of the fastest-growing payments regions in the world.

Visa will have a controlling interest in the joint venture, named Visa Processing Service Pte. Ltd. (VPS). It begins operations this week and will serve existing processing clients. This will provide the venture with an immediate revenue stream and Visa with a quick, efficient and economical way to extend its processing leadership.

VPS will serve clients in select markets and address opportunities outside the U.S. and Europe. It complements Visa’s Debit Processing Service. Initially, the joint venture will focus on providing financial institutions, processors and other payment companies with prepaid and debit processing solutions. Like Visa, VPS will also have capabilities to provide credit, ATM, money transfer and private label processing, as well as a range of payments services, including risk and fraud management, mobile applications, loyalty and cardholder support.

“Payments processing is critically important to Visa’s long-term success as we seek to deliver increased value to our clients, accelerate our growth and diversify our sources of revenue,” said Joseph W. Saunders, chairman and CEO of Visa Inc. “Visa Processing Service will allow us to immediately and cost-effectively enter new geographies with a scalable and high-quality processing offering. Based on our success in the United States, we know that issuer processing is a critical component of an integrated debit strategy. Processing capabilities enhance Visa’s ability to see and analyze each transaction, providing greater opportunities to add value for financial institutions, cardholders and merchants.”

As part of the joint venture agreement, Visa will incorporate Yalamanchili’s technology with Visa’s payments expertise and existing processing infrastructure. Yalamanchili will provide its suite of NARADA™ Software Products – a multi-currency, multi-language platform for debit, prepaid and credit payment transactions; gateway services for international and domestic networks; and acquiring applications, including ATM terminal driving.

“We have enjoyed a strong working relationship with Visa for quite some time and look forward to partnering with them on the formation of Visa Processing Service,” said Y. Ramakrishna, founder and managing director of Yalamanchili. “Together, we will complement each other’s strengths and be able to provide financial institutions with a first-class international processing offering that includes unparalleled customer service and expanded product offerings.”

VPS will be headquartered in Singapore and governed by a board of directors. The board will include Visa executives John Partridge, chief operating officer; Rupert Keeley, global head of strategy and corporate development; and David Lee, regional president of Asia Pacific; as well as Yalamanchili executives Ramakrishna and P. Srinivasan, chief technology officer. Russ Piparo, a 15-year Visa veteran, will manage the day-to-day operations of the new venture.

About Visa Inc.:
Visa Inc. operates the world's largest retail electronic payments network providing processing services and payment product platforms. This includes consumer credit, debit, prepaid and commercial payments, which are offered under the Visa, Visa Electron, Interlink and PLUS brands.

Visa enjoys unsurpassed acceptance around the world, and Visa/PLUS is one of the world's largest global ATM networks, offering cash access in local currency in more than 170 countries.

For more information, visit www.corporate.visa.com or www.visaprocessingservice.com.

About Yalamanchili Software Exports Limited:
Yalamanchili is an IT solutions provider offering a range of software products and providing total business solutions, in the areas of middleware technologies, transaction rocessing, customer delivery channels, e-commerce, EAI applications, card solutions and banking systems.

For more information, visit www.yalamanchili.co.in
• A1GP Team Malaysia Robbed OF Podium
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 25 November 2008

A1 Team Malaysia has been investigating the circumstances that led to Fairuz Fauzy making an extra pit stop in the Feature race at the A1GP Sepang event last weekend and this report outlines the findings. In addition, A1GP and its radio systems supplier are making a full investigation and the team is awaiting the outcome of this.

As the Feature race headed towards half distance A1 Team Malaysia was comfortably in third place, just four seconds behind the Portuguese car lying second and around 11 seconds ahead of A1 Team USA. It was on lap 17 that a series of radio communications resulted in an unnecessary pit stop for Malaysia, which left Fairuz rejoining the race in 14th place and making it impossible for the podium finish that the team had expected to celebrate.

Following the race, investigations were carried out to ascertain the sequence of events which led to this unfortunate situation and the following has been confirmed:

1. The team started to have radio transmission interference from around the start of the Sprint race at 11.05 am. During the time the cars were repositioned for the Sprint race restart after the accident between Teams USA, India and Brazil, nearly all transmission from and to the team’s Technical Director and one other team member, on the one hand, and the rest of the team, on the other, failed. Action was immediately taken with these two team members’ headsets being changed. When communications were resumed, as the team moved their locations beside the track, for the restart there were no further problems. However, it is believed that it was the change of location and not the replacement equipment that brought restored communication. There were no further communication problems during the Sprint race.

2. During the Feature race all communications between the driver and team, to and from the car, were poor. Transmissions between the team members were reported to be ‘satisfactory – normal’.

3. After the first pit stop Fauzy was experiencing too much over steer and attempted to communicate this to the team so that tyre pressures could be adjusted at the next pit stop. Transmissions to and from the car by the Chief Engineer and Fauzy were poor, with several attempts made to clarify the driver’s request.

4. During this exchange, without any warning to the team, the Malaysian car drove into the pit lane, stopping in front of the garage momentarily. The team immediately signalled to Fauzy to continue through the pits and return to the race, resulting in a loss of around 40 seconds.

5. No further communications with the driver were required except for instructions to carry out a final pit stop, which was completed without problem. Fairuz completed the race in 10th position, scoring one World Cup of Motorsport point.

After the race the team debriefed with Fauzy, who reported that he had received a communication to make a pit stop. He followed the Team GBR car into the pit lane. The evidence that the team has gathered so far points to a “bleeding” of a radio transmission issued by Team GBR to their car in the previous lap. This was clearly heard by Fairuz, who followed what he thought was an instruction from the Malaysian team’s Chief Engineer. Such communications are given in wide-spread racing terminology. We now know that Team GBR uses identical terms. Further enquiries are now taking place by the Series and the radio communications system provider.

Jack Cunningham, Chief Executive, said “As you can imagine, the team are hugely disappointed by this, knowing that our sponsors and fans had hoped for the kind of result that was clearly within our grasp. We had tremendous support at the track and can only imagine how confused the fans must be, but I hope we have now clarified the events of the Feature race and that they can now understand this now. In essence, we feel we have been robbed of a third place as we could have expected to have completed the second pit stop under normal conditions without incident and run at pace to the end of the race.

“We will be assisting the service providers with their investigation into this, as we believe will the Circuit, Team GBR and the Series. I think it is fair to consider that a podium place was taken from us.”
• Test drive the latest Honda cars at the Honda Mobile Roadshow
Honda Malaysia cordially invites car enthusiasts in Klang Valley to meet with its range of automobile at the Honda Mobile Roadshow starting from 14th November at the following dates and venues:

14-16th Nov 2008 Kajang Stadium
21-23rd Nov 2008 Open Space Parking, Rawang
28-30th Nov 2008 The Store, Sg. Buloh
12-14th Dec 2008 Bukit Tinggi Jusco, Klang

Visitors are invited to see, feel and touch the All-New Jazz 1.5 (Grade V), Stream 1.8L, Civic 2.0S and Accord 2.0L on display. For those who would like to get to know the performance of Honda’s cars better, Accord 2.4L, CRV 2.0L, All-New Jazz 1.5L and Civic 1.8S, Stream 1.8L, Odyssey 2.4L and Civic Hybrid are ready to be taken for a ride (depends on location). Test drive participant will get to claim an exclusive gift courtesy of Honda Malaysia.

During the roadshow, qualified Honda personnel will be ready to serve and provide information and assistance on available Honda accessories, parts and services to those who are interested.

For more information, please call Honda Toll Free number at 1-800-88-2020, or log on to Honda Malaysia’s website at www.honda.com.my for more details.
• Kings of Tennis - Press Statement by Arianna Teoh
Press Statement Of Arianna Teoh

1. I refer to the various press reports in relation to the Kings of Tennis tournament which was scheduled to be held on 14.11.2008 to 16.11.2008 at the Esplanade in Penang.

2. In press reports, it has been suggested by the Producer of the event, Show Administration Europe AB ( Show Administration ), that the event was actually cancelled by their company, due to my failure to remit certain funds to them.

3. I wish to refute this allegation as it was made without any basis whatsoever. The truth of the matter is, that I was hired by Show Administration as a Vice President for the Kings of Tennis event, at which time I agreed to organise and manage the event in Malaysia.

4. The budgeting, revenue and invoicing were obligations to be undertaken by Show Administration. Show Administration were obligated to set up a Malaysian company controlled by them to be named Kings of Tennis Malaysia . I was supposed to be made a director of this company Kings of Tennis Malaysia in order to issue all invoices in relation to all sources of revenue pertaining to the event. This would include corporate boxes, sponsors and hospitality packages

5. If and when this company was registered, it would have been the entity that would have received all funds for the event. As indicated above, these funds would have been under the control of Show Administration.

6. At no time was I under any obligation to personally remit funds to Show Administration for the event.

7. Show Administration failed to set up a company called Kings of Tennis Malaysia . What they did was set up a company known as Profound Quality Sdn Bhd. This company was set up by Show Administration and was intended by them to be the vehicle for fund collection. This company was set up extremely late in the day despite my repeated reminders to them that it was imperative for collection of funds that this entity be set up and the necessary bank account opened as quickly as possible.

8. By this time, it was far too late to collect the projected revenue prior to the event.

9. Although I had lined up various sponsors and various corporate customers willing to purchase corporate boxes, I refused to collect any monies until the necessary entity was fully and legally set up by Show Administration. I did not want to be in the position of holding other peoples monies personally. The question therefore of me remitting funds to Show Administration could not have arisen.

10. I wish to stress that I have come up with my own money on various occasions. This was despite the fact that it was not my obligation to fund the event.

11. I am a Penangite and I am very proud to be one. I believe that for Penang, this was a golden opportunity to put it back on the world map. Penang has just received world heritage status and this event was to be the first global celebration of this fact. The event was to be held at the Esplanade which is completely surrounded by historical landmarks. Furthermore, the event was to be televised to over forty countries.

12. Those of you who have visited the stadium or even seen the picture of the set up, must realize that the local production team delivered a world class facility.

13. I therefore remain committed to promoting Penang globally. Although this is a set back for my team and for Penangites, I intend to do my very best to make up for this unfortunate episode.

14. Rest assured that the Esplanade will be restored fully as promised.

15. Finally, I take these allegations very seriously and will not hesitate to take any action in order to defend my position. I have engaged Ranjit Singh from Kuala Lumpur to act as my lawyer. If you require any further clarification please do not hesitate to contact him at ranj@rorl.com.my
• Lessons in violence nurture shame and more violence for children
KUALA LUMPUR, 6 October 2008 – Corporal punishment in schools harms children and damages their education highlights the United Nations World Report on Violence Against Children. According to the Report, lessons in violence have little positive disciplinary value, teaching students that violence is an acceptable solution when dealing with problems.

“A formula of scoldings, beatings and other physical and psychological punishments end with students feeling angry and humiliated,” says the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Representative to Malaysia Mr. Youssouf Oomar.. “There is little value for the child or the community as students who experience violence become withdrawn from academic pursuit and less motivated to succeed.”

The World Report was conducted through five years of intensive consultation including nine regional consultations involving governments, civil society, and children; thematic consultations with relevant experts; field visits; as well as questionnaires to 133 governments, including Malaysia.

Released two years ago in October 2006, the landmark Report exposes the shocking scope of violence against children and documents its devastating effects on children, their families, their communities, and broader society.

Children, more often than not, experience violence at the hands of the very individuals responsible for protecting them, underlines the Report, and in spaces meant to be safe for their growth and development. Schools were cited as one such location where children experience violence, both from their teachers in the form of corporal punishment as well as from their peers in the form of bullying.

The Report suggests that children who are physically punished at school may become less likely than other children to internalise moral values, and may become depressed or aggressive.

“Corporal punishment erodes students’ trust in their teachers and their schools. It can lead to students feeling disrespectful and angry toward their educators. It also negates a child’s capacity to respond to reason,” explains Mr. Youssouf. “Antisocial, aggressive and depressed children have unforgiving costs to society as it brings about demanding social and health problems well into their adult live.”

In Malaysia, corporal punishment in schools is generally viewed as disciplinary action to control students who misbehave. While serious disobediences such as stealing, smoking, gangsterism and bullying are some reasons for the appearance of the cane or wooden ruler in the classroom, minor transgressions such as incomplete homework have also been dealt with physical punishment.

UNICEF believes that corporal punishment should be abolished because it is both abusive and ineffective. It also infringes on the right to education. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child prohibits the use of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment, regardless of circumstance.

Stressing the importance of building a nurturing environment for children, Mr. Youssouf recommends that alternative forms of discipline be used in place of corporal punishment to respond better to student’s educational and psychological needs.

“Students, teachers, and parents alike share the goal of orderly, disciplined classrooms in which students can learn. Hence, there is a pressing need to replace corporal punishment with positive discipline, which encourages children to develop self-control, confidence and respect for others through an ongoing educational process using non-violent approaches”, he stresses.

The Ministry of Education, HELP University College and UNICEF’s “Teacher Education Project” is one such alternative that aims to equip teachers in Malaysia with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage and discipline their classes without the use of physical and psychological violence.

A follow-up of a previous project that ran from 2006 to 2007 titled “Increasing Psychosocial Wellbeing in Schools through Bully Prevention”, this current project will look into the preparation of materials as well as training for teachers to use alternative models of discipline instead of corporal punishment as a means of disciplining students, while conducting bullying intervention programs.

Children will correct themselves if you engage them in positive reinforcement,” Mr. Youssouf affirms. “With the right resources and approaches, schools can find effective alternatives to corporal punishment that will bring benefits to children and the society they live in”.

UNITE FOR CHILDREN

Indra Kumari Nadchatram
Communication Specialist
United Nations Children’s Fund
Malaysia Country Office
• Malaysia Wins!
Zandvoort, the Netherlands, 05 October 2008

It was the perfect start to the new season of the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport for A1 Team Malaysia in Zandvoort, Netherlands today. Fairuz Fauzy dominated the Sprint race, coping with torrential rain, in the new A1GP Powered by Ferrari car, to take the first spoils and claim an excellent maiden win of the season for his nation.

The opening round of the ten event A1GP Series finally got underway today at the Dutch circuit. Despite heavy rain, a packed racing venue watched Fauzy drive to his first A1GP victory. The Malaysian team started from fourth on the grid after a strong qualifying performance yesterday. The safety car was used for the start of the race due to the bad weather but green flag racing started after two laps.

Fauzy picked up one place after the Irish car spun at the start, but lost out to a charging Switzerland a few laps later. Fauzy then fought back, reclaiming the place to lie third at half distance. Showing great maturity and bravery Fauzy then made a sweeping pass on second placed Netherlands to claim the runner up spot. With just four laps to go Fauzy then hunted down leader, New Zealand and made a perfect overtaking manoeuvre to take the lead and drive away from his trailing rivals. He took the chequered flag, returned to the pits and immediately celebrated with his team before stepping onto the top step of the podium to hear the Malaysian national anthem and lift the winner’s trophy above his head.

Fauzy said of winning his first A1GP race today, “I am so happy to take this win. It was very difficult on the track today and made even more challenging with the lack of experience we have with this new car, but we have worked really hard as a team and now we have a fantastic win. We start from pole position for the next race as well, so I hope we can have more success, but if the weather stays like this it will be another huge challenge for everyone. I’m looking forward to it!”

Jack Cunningham, Chief Executive, A1 Team Malaysia added, “It’s a tremendous win for the team today. Everyone has put so much effort into preparing the car and being ready for this event, so to take the win makes it a very special occasion. Fairuz drove superbly, in some of the most difficult weather we’ve seen, and I’m delighted for everyone in the team and for our commercial partners who have been so supportive.”

The Feature race can be seen live on www.a1gp.com at 3.00pm local time.

A1 Team Malaysia
• Tengku Razaleigh's Statement, Sep 23, 2008
Statement by Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah
September 23, 2008

I write this as a Malaysian, as someone who, over forty seven years of political life, has had the privilege of playing some small part in the formation our country, the building of its institutions, and our achievement of a degree of economic sufficiency. I write out of deep concern about the present state of our country.

In the lives of nations as of individuals, there come moments of profound possibility, when the potential for self-transcendence and for self-destruction are simultaneously present.

As before some critical examination in our youth, we come to the daunting realization that we hold our future in our hands, when how we will fare many years hence, and whether we shall flourish or languish, will depend on how we conduct ourselves now, in this small window of time.

We are in a political impasse that threatens to metastasize into a Constitutional crisis. Political crises come and go, but the present crisis might well be the beginning of a cascade of failures leading to long-term instability and destruction.

1. Our impasse occurs at a time of heightened economic, political and security challenges. The global economy faces the prospect of a meltdown on a scale last seen in the Great Depression of the last century. As a trading nation, we are strongly exposed to its effects. Meanwhile, while we seem to have slept, the global economy is undergoing an epic transformation that we must either adapt to or are
marginalized by.

2. This year's ground-shfiting General Election result signaled a public sentiment that cannot be ignored. Malaysians want fundamental change, and they want it now, whether from within the ruling coalition or from outside it. The Malaysian demographic has changed dramatically over the last fifty years. We have seen the birth of a more sophisticated, demanding electorate that has rightly lost patience with incompetence and dishonesty.

3. The grievances of Sabah and Sarawak, which found only partial expression in the General Elections, remain unaddressed. This risks the very integrity of our Federation.

4. Misunderstandings over race and religion are ripe for political exploitation, with potentially disastrous consequences.

Post election promises notwithstanding however, the government now commands even less confidence than it did post March 8.

The public is in near despair over the prospects for change from within the ruling party. Rather than share the public's sense of urgency, our present office-holders have redoubled efforts to frustrate renewal, cut off reform, and silence criticism. These efforts only underscore the weakness of the administration and its will to change.

We can no longer deny that in its present form, and under present leadership, the government, led by the party to which I have given my life, is now structurally and inherently incapable of providing the direction and confidence that the country needs, whether over the long or short term. The indications are there for all to see:

1. The government has been unable to respond to the economic crisis with even a basic plan of action. Business confidence has plummeted as capital flees the country. Our economic policy remains as uncoordinated and directionless as it has been in since the beginning of this administration.

2. The recommendations of two Royal Commissions of Inquiry have been ignored or watered down into insignificance.

3. In this context, Umno's constitutional provision for the renewal of its leadership by triennial elections might have been expected to provide some hope of renewal. Instead of embracing this opportunity, however, the leadership of the party has retreated into the fantasy world of a transition plan which rides roughshod over the party's constitution and the rights of its members. This risible attempt to treat public office and party trust as a private bequest between two individuals, one of whom wishes to hold office beyond his democratic mandate and the other to ascend without one, and the continuing effort to force feed the country with this notion, fools no one. Instead, and against background of rampant money politics, it kills the public's hope of national renewal via Umno. Behind the babble about a transition plan the Prime Minister continues to be subverted by members of his own cabinet and subjected to thinly cloaked power plays to force his resignation.

This resort to a transition plan betrays a disturbing failure to grasp the meaning and purpose of public office. In the more mature society into which we aspire to grow, persons who demonstrate and moreover propagate such disregard for constitutional and democratic process would long ago have been disqualified from public life, let alone from national leadership. The news appears not to have sunk in that the public rejects leaders who shun the open light of democratic contest in favour of staged plays and backroom plots.

Given Umno's core role in national politics, this is a dangerous state of affairs. Meanwhile the Opposition has made undeniable gains in the number of parliamentarians it commands. Beyond the hype and inflation, and regardless of whether Pakatan Rakyat now has the numbers to command a majority, what we cannot doubt is that support for the governing majority continues to erode, and that this erosion continues so long as there is no hope of real change in the type of leadership Umno provides. There is now a credible threat that the present government may at some time fall by a vote of no confidence, or by some otherwise constitutionally legitimate demonstration of parliamentary majority. After fifty-one years of rule by a single party, this is not a possibility that is well understood. It is justifiably viewed with trepidation. Neither sheer denial on the one hand, or inflated claims on the other, help the situation.

To all appearances, we are beginning to lose grip of the rule of law. The use of the Internal Security Act and of Sedition Laws to target particular individuals further erodes the credibility of the government. Our actions exacerbate rather than calm the fear that stokes civil and racial strife. In the present context of a leadership struggle within Umno and against a strong Opposition it is impossible to dispel the notion that these extreme measures are calculated to maintain certain individuals in power rather than to address verifiable threats to national security. Nothing does more to undermine the legitimacy of a government than plainly unjust acts. The ridiculous justifications given for some of these detentions has further undermined public confidence that the awesome powers of state are in safe hands.

We cannot afford to allow these disturbing trends to play out their destructive course while we suffer a de facto leadership vacuum, and while the rule of law is uncertain and the Constitution not upheld.

Against this background I appeal to all parties to come together in humility, beyond party politics, to hold an honest discussion, in the spirit of shared citizenship and with the gravest attitude of common responsibility towards a longsuffering rakyat, about what is happening to our country and how we might agree together on a peaceful way beyond our impasse. We need to come together to find unity and direction out of this dangerous situation. In doing so, we might turn our crisis into an opportunity and renew our unity and sense of direction as Malaysia.

Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah
31 Jalan Langgak Golf
55000 Kuala Lumpur
• FusionExcel Supports World Rally Champion Karamjit Singh
Press Release - For Immediate Release

Petaling Jaya, 18th September 2008: FusionExcel International teamed up with winning Malaysian rally driver Karamjit Singh in a special sponsorship deal today. The company handed RM 20,000 in cash and RM 3000 worth of products to Karamjit and his navigator at the company's headquarters in Petaling Jaya.

At the press conference, Mr Paul Ting, CEO of Fusion Excel International, said: We are proud to be co-sponsor for Karamjit's remaining rounds at this year's Malaysian Rally Championship. This is in line with our active and continuous support of Malaysian and international sports teams and individuals.

He added: In Karamjit's case, we are also responding to the government's call for the corporate sector to step forward to assist Malaysia's one and only World Rally Champion.

According to Karamjit, the relationship is especially meaningful as he has been using FusionExcel's Quantum Science products all along. He revealed: In 2005, my car overturned during competition and I suffered from persistent back pains as a result. A year later, I was introduced to FusionExcel's wellness products. After wearing it, my pains disappeared and I was able to focus on winning again. The products not only enhance my physical well-being but also the mental stamina required during the grueling competition rounds.

For more information, please visit:
www.fusionexcel.com
• Pakatan Rakyat has the numbers - Press Statement by Anwar Ibrahim
--- PRESS STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE---Press conference

PETALING JAYA, MALAYSIA, 16 SEPTEMBER 2008

Today Malaysians celebrate Malaysia day – the day our country became whole and our people become united. This day has a new meaning. After years of struggle, after fighting against a system that is corrupt and unjust—we affirm that victory is finally at hand. Our vision of rebuilding this country and bringing its people together, as the founding fathers envisioned, is within reach.

The economy is in turmoil with runaway inflation and joblessness creating widespread discontent. Racial tensions have been rising, exacerbated by the propaganda spread in the government owned mainstream media. The administration has offered no vision to steer the nation out of this quagmire and there is manifest erosion in confidence in the current government.

We in Pakatan Rakyat believe we can save Malaysia from economic ruin and the dangerous politics of racism. We will do so prudently, legally and in doing so we will not jeopardize the security and stability of the country and the safety of its people.

We have received firm commitments from members of Parliament in excess of the number required to form a new government, and our government will reflect the diverse makeup of Malaysian society.

It has been our concern to ensure a peaceful transition of power. We do not wish to see a repeat of what transpired in the Selangor and Perak State governments, where following the victory of Pakatan Rakyat on March 8th, documents were shredded and removed by the outgoing administration.

We furthermore advise radical elements within BN against the abuse of state power to unlawfully harass and detain our supporters. The immediate investigation by the ACA of Dato Seri Yong Teck Lee after the announcement by SAPP of its intention to move a motion of no-confidence against Dato Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is another example of the tactics we reject. The use of the ISA, as has happened to MP Teresa Kok, would be an unlawful impediment to the transition process.

In light these serious concerns, yesterday leaders of Pakatan Rakyat sent a letter to the Prime Minister at 2:30 PM requesting a meeting to discuss the future course of the nation’s leadership and to seek his assurance on the following important matters:

1) That the BN shall not hinder or prevent their BN MPs from acting in accordance with their conscience, constitutional rights and independent judgment;

2) That the BN government shall not invoke the Internal Security Act to detain any of the MPs who will join Pakatan Rakyat, or any of the present 82 Pakatan Rakyat MPs;

3) That the BN government shall not invoke emergency or police powers, or suspend the constitution, or dissolve parliament in response to our intention to form a new government;

4) That the Barisan Nasional government shall not impose road-blocks and impede the MPs from gaining access to the House of Parliament and the institutions of government.


We believe the Prime Minister will share Pakatan Rakyat’s concerns for the welfare of the people and security of the nation. We are confident he will ensure the BN will act constitutionally and democratically to ensure that the transition will be peaceful, and there will be no actions taken to sabotage the wishes of the people or play on racial tensions in the country.

We appeal to all quarters in Malaysian society to understand our intentions are for the betterment of Malaysian society. The mainstream media, in particular, should accept the reality of these historic times and report fairly, accurately and without bias. The irresponsible tact that is used by the media to obfuscate issues, attack opposition supporters and instigate racial tensions must end immediately.

Following our meeting with the Prime Minister we intend to proceed within the framework established by the Federal Constitution in the formation of a new government, with the assent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.


ANWAR IBRAHIM
Leader of Opposition
De-facto leader, Keadilan
• World number ones to battle it out in Penang
Kuala Lumpur, September 5th: For the first time ever a team event will be played between the two leading continents in tennis. America and Europe will face each other in Penang, Malaysia, on the 14th to 16th of November 2008. Kings of Tennis will be held annually and only players to have been ranked as world number ones in Men’s Singles are eligible for play.

The objective of King’s of Tennis is to create the first, biggest and best annual team event for the World number ones in tennis. The first year eight former stars will take part, but in the future, active dominants of the game will also battle out for individual and team glory.

Kings of Tennis will be played over three days and will consist of a number of singles and doubles matches. The singles matches will be played in best of three sets with a Match Tiebreak in lieu of the final set. The doubles matches will be played in the same format, except for the no-ad scoring which will be employed.

Kings of Tennis Club

There have been 24 world number ones in Men’s Singles since the introduction of the computer rankings on the 23rd of August in 1973. These players are eligible for play in Kings of Tennis. The players are presented below in chronological order.

Ilie Nastase, Europe

John Newcombe, Australia

Jimmy Connors, North America

Bjorn Borg, Europe

John McEnroe, North America

Ivan Lendl, (now) North America

Mats Wilander, Europe

Stefan Edberg, Europe

Boris Becker, Europe

Jim Courier, North America

Pete Sampras, North America

Andre Agassi, North America

Thomas Muster, Europe

Marcelo Rios, South America

Carlos Moya, Europe

Yevgeny Kafelnikov, Europe

Patrick Rafter, Australia

Marat Safin, Europe

Gustavo Kuerten, South America

Lleyton Hewitt, Australia

Juan Carlos Ferrero, Europe

Andy Roddick, North America

Roger Federer, Europe

Rafael Nadal, Europe

********************

For further information please visit www.kingsoftennis.com or contact

Urban Johansson, Tournament Director, 0046 (0) 70 416 95 00

Malaysia representative: Arianna Teoh, for Kings Of Tennis.

Ariannateoh@gmail.com

Tel 012 321 7226. Fax 7956 8411
• Courts Announces Liverpool FC sponsorship
Singapore, 5 September 2008 – Courts (Singapore) Limited today announced a significant marketing tie-up with Liverpool Football Club.

The partnership, brokered by Total Sports Asia, heralds a new era in Liverpool FC’s corporate partnerships. Regional Marketing Partners of Liverpool FC who wish to leverage the Club's appeal in their marketing campaigns are offered tailored solutions in specific regions around the world. The partnership with Courts is territory exclusive to Singapore and Malaysia. The deal encompasses a wide range of benefits and assets including use of IP, online presence, access to hospitality and tickets, and the opportunity for the retailer to produce a range of LFC-licensed merchandise. The Courts relationship will enhance the profile of Liverpool FC in Singapore and Malaysia - two Asian markets where Liverpool FC is already extremely popular.

Rick Parry, Chief Executive of Liverpool Football Club said, “We're delighted to have the opportunity to work with one of Asia's foremost retailers. Whilst we expect that the programme of activity we have planned with Courts will drive new business and enhance their offering to customers, we also believe the relationship allows us to interact with our active fanbase in Singapore and Malaysia. Courts has developed an extensive customer base and network of outlets in these territories, and as a result, we expect to engage with more potential supporters. The relationship is significant for Liverpool Football Club as it demonstrates that we can offer localised marketing solutions to companies around the world. We fully expect to expand our Regional Marketing Partnership initiative with a handful of targeted organisations in the coming months.”

Terry O’Connor, Regional Chief Executive Officer, Courts (Singapore) Limited added, “This deal brings together two successful brands that are pervasive in their fields and presents a real opportunity for exciting new merchandise, promotions and community engagement.”

Courts Malaysia has planned a list of exciting events through out the promotion period which continues until January 2009. While LFC licensed merchandise is expected to be in-store to add to the European Premier League excitement, there will also be exclusive screening of Liverpool FC matches, competitions to win exclusively signed merchandise by Liverpool FC players as well as a regional competition giving away 12 tickets to Liverpool matches at Anfield.

About Courts Malaysia

Courts is the largest consumer electronics and furniture retailer in Malaysia with a network of 50 stores nationwide and a staff strength of 1,500. Courts has been serving customers in Malaysia for 21 years. Courts’ mission is to “To be the most customer orientated, profit focused retailer making aspirational home products easily affordable.” Courts first large format retail outlet- Courts Megastore, Mutiara Damansara is listed in the Malaysia Book of Records for having the “Biggest TV Display”. Courts is also a winner of the Brandlaureate Award for Best Brand in Home Furnishing & Electronics. For more information please visit www.courts.com.my



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