August 2010 Archives

There is the technical and there is the sentimental. In this article we choose simply to point out some technical facts. However, they may surprise you!!

The wikipedia entry for "Malaysia Day" says:

"Malaysia Day is held on September 16 every year to commemorate the establishment of the Malaysian federation on the same date in 1963. It marked the joining together of Malaya, North Borneo, Sarawak, and Singapore to form Malaysia. The formation of the new federation was planned to occur on June 1, 1963, but was later postponed to August 31, 1963, in order to coincide with the sixth Hari Merdeka. Several issues related to the Indonesian and the Filipino objection to the formation of Malaysia delayed the declaration to September 16 of the same year. The postponement was also done to allow the United Nations team time to conduct referendums in North Borneo (now Sabah) and Sarawak regarding the two states participation in a new federation." (read more in wiki)

The Wikipedia entry for Merdeka Day says:

"Hari Merdeka (Independence Day) is a national day of Malaysia commemorating the independence of the Federation of Malaya from British colonial rule, celebrated on August 31. In a wider context, it is to celebrate the formation of Malaysia."

It then goes on to say:

"The formation of the Federation of Malaysia was then announced on September 16, 1963 as Malaysia Day. The nationwide Independence Day celebration is still held on August 31, the original independence date of Malaya, while Malaysia Day is a public holiday only in East Malaysia. However, this has caused some minor discontent among East Malaysians in particular since it has been argued that celebrating the national day on August 31 is too Malaya-centric. It is decided that starting 2010, Malaysia Day will be a nationwide public holiday in addition to Hari Merdeka on August 31." (read more in wiki)

In a nutshell therefore:

The Federation of Malaya was formed on the 31st of August 1957.

The Federation of Malaysia was actually formed on the 16th of September 1963 (despite best efforts to have the formation of Malaysia on the 31st of August and therefore coincide with that of Malaya).

The date of the 31st of August is still important because it is the date when Singapore, Sabah and Sarawak achieved their independence from the British.

Unfortunately, but technically, MALAYSIA was officially born on the 16th of September 1963 and not the 31st of August. Prior to that it was not "Malaysia", it was "Malaya". Politically and geographically they are two different entities.

Even though this is a "technicality", it is also a fact. Therefore the 2007 celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Malaysia's independence is technically wrong. Simple statement of fact. Nothing controversial in technical terms.

To be technically correct the 31st of August should be celebrated as a commemorative day of "Independence from the British", while the 16th of September should be celebrated as the National Day: the formation of Malaysia.

To be correct, 2007 should have been the 50th Anniversary of "Independence" for West Malaysia, and 2013 the 50th Anniversary of "Independence" for East Malaysia.

And 2013 should be the 50th Anniversary of the formation of Malaysia.

Technically speaking.
;-)

Malaysia Airlines' 72 hours Merdeka sale is offering fares from RM99 for travel within Peninsular Malaysia and within East Malaysia.
There are bargains from just RM149 for travel from Kuala Lumpur to Kuching, Sandakan, Tawau and Sibu. Customers connecting from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu, Labuan, Miri and Bintulu can enjoy fares from RM169. (All fares quoted are for one way travel only.)

The sale runs from August 29 to 31, with tickets available at www.malaysiaairlines.com and via mobile at http://flymas.mobi.

Malaysia Airlines senior GM commercial strategy, Dr Amin Khan said the promotion is designed to coincide with Merdeka celebrations.

"With flexible travelling dates from September 29, 2010 to May 30, 2011, we encourage customers to take advantage of these offers and plan ahead for their holidays and balik kampung trips."

For those planning to visit local attractions, Malaysia Airlines' travel portal, MAStraveller.com offers travel tips on accommodations, sights and best eating spots.

From Aviation Record

Kota Kinabalu: Sabah will once again be in the spotlight of international sporting attention as efforts by the Sabah Badminton Association (SBA) are underway to host the Malaysia International Badminton Challenge Championship 2010, this November.

SBA President, Senator Datuk Maijol Mahap said the championship would be held from November 9-14 at the Kota Kinabalu Sports Complex in Likas, here.

He said that the Level 4 championship, which would be jointly organised by the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), is expected to attract more than 300 participants (including officials) from top badminton nations across the world.

"We expect this tournament to lure participants from countries in the Asian region such as Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam as well as national reserve players from Malaysia," said Maijol.

"In addition to these countries, there may also be participants from China, Denmark, and England," he told reporters after chairing the organising committee meeting at Likas Stadium here, Monday.

Source:Daily Express

Kota Kinabalu: The developers of the Kota Kinabalu City Waterfront (KKWC) are six months behind schedule in the development of the would-be world class seafront destination.
However, Sunsea Development Sdn Bhd Director, Johnson Koh is still hopeful they can meet the deadline in 2012.

"I think we are about six months off the target (but) the construction is close to 20 per cent completion É hopefully we can still achieve the target by the later part of 2012.

Continue reading Here

Often, there have been debates among the people of Sabah, over the subject of dates for Independence Day and Malaysia Day.

While the arguments continue whether it was on Aug 31, 1957 or Sept 16, 1963, senior citizens, especially those who had witnessed both ocassions said it was time for the rakyat to reflect on what mattered most -- that is, the changes which Independence brought to the nation.

For 62-year-old retired nurse, Mary Martha, it was more important to celebrate the idea of unity than putting stress on debating on the actual date of National Day.

"Look at how different it was, before and now. Back then, it was difficult for us to get basic education and I was only schooling until primary six; now the country ensures education for all children and most of our youth are able to get a degree now," she told Bernama in a recent interview.

Malaysia, she said, had been developing "pretty well" and the people should feel blessed to stay in a country where people of different backgrounds could build communities together, avoiding friction and political instability which other developing countries faced, due to differences amongst its peoples.

"So, we should just celebrate Merdeka Day, or Malaysia Day, both dates are good to me. As long as we remember, that the formation of Malaysia has brought a lot of good for us.

"The new generation is lucky to be able to enjoy all the infrastructure and benefits, which the past generation could only dream about before the nation gained Independence," she added.

Jerry Nuating recalled the people beaming with pride when the nation finally gained independence.

"Back then, I was young but I remember that during the Merdeka Day celebrations, parades were held at schools and we sang the national anthem. At that time, there was neither a float procession or large-scale celebration...it was just a normal celebration but we observed it with great joy.

"Now, the Merdeka month celebrations are on a grander scale as there are sophisticated fireworks, many programmes are held in each state and also at national-level, and they are all very colourful," said the 57-year-old former government servant.

The Meteorological Department has issued a first category warning of strong West/Southwesterly winds of 40-50kmph with waves up to 3.5 metres over the waters off Phuket, Condore, Reef North, Layang-Layang and Palawan until Friday (Aug 27).

This condition of strong winds and rough seas is dangerous to small crafts, recreational activities and sea sports

The Kota Kinabalu Indonesian Consulate here has given until the end of October for Sabah employers to register their Indonesian workers who are here illegally.

Its Consul-General Hadi Santuso said this was to allow the consulate to make arrangements for the workers to apply for their passports to enable them to remain and work in the state.

"We have registered over 217,367 applicants since 2008 until end of July this year.

"Earlier this month, we sent letters to companies asking them to register their (illegal) Indonesian workers by the end of October," he told reporters after attending Indonesia's 65th independence celebration at the consulate here today.

According to Hadi, over 168,000 passports had been delivered, mostly to its citizens at oil palm plantations while the remaining were expected to be delivered by the end of October.

He also advised Indonesian citizens who arrived in Sabah to contact the consulate immediately by sending a Short Messaging System (SMS) to 012-8208555 or email kjrikk@tm.net.my to enable the consulate to extend further assistance.

Some 1,500 people attended the celebration at the consulate. Its Tawau branch also held a similar event.

Source: Bernama

Far from the cosmopolitan bustle of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's east coast offers secluded islands, tranquil beaches and dramatic rainforest - all at bargain prices.

Most of the south-east Asian peninsula that jabs down towards the equator seems familiar territory to many British travellers. Malaysia's dazzling capital, Kuala Lumpur, has long boasted numerous luxury hotels; and, more recently, its northerly neighbour, Langkawi, has been developed as a destination for indulgent tourists. Yet the capital has not left the past entirely behind in its headlong rush to the future, and the spice island of Penang is as rich in history and nature as it is in beachside hotels.

The port of Melaka is firmly on our mental maps, too - perhaps because of that indispensable part of the Edwardian gentleman's wardrobe, the Malacca cane. Yet even though the British are inveterate island-hoppers, few have discovered the string of pearls on Malaysia's east coast.

This could be the summer to make good that omission. In July and August, prices for Mediterranean resorts soar in line with temperatures in Europe. Conversely, fares to long-haul destinations can actually sink: on Monday you could fly non-stop from London to Kuala Lumpur for £638 return on Air Asia. And east-coast Malaysia is one of those tropical destinations that is not at its best in the depths of the British winter; indeed, you should avoid the region from November to February, when the eastern monsoon prevails and many of the resorts are closed.

The state of Terengganu has an enviable share of the eastern coastline, augmented by half a dozen islands lined with coral reefs and white sandy beaches. Here, you can explore crystal waters and endless coral gardens in which you might find yourself snorkelling alongside turtles and baby sharks.

The difference from Malaysia's cosmopolitan west coast is apparent the moment you land at Sultan Mahmud airport in the state capital, Kuala Terengganu. This is the Malay heartland. It came under British control only in 1909, much later than the rest of the peninsula, and was a focus for sometimes-violent resistance.

Europeans are welcome these days, but as I looked around the airport arrivals area it was clear I was the only outsider. And the Chinese and Indians who make up around 30 per cent of the country's population were also notable by their absence. Ethnic Malays constitute 95 per cent of this sleepy, conservative and religious state. Almost without exception women wear the tudung (headscarf). But not Arab-style: often it is pink or beige, studded with sparkling gems, complemented by T-shirt and jeans.

Local traditions remain strong here. Kite-flying, batik-weaving and even traditional boat-building can all be found where the Terengganu river meets the sea. A road stretches the length of the coast, lined with stalls selling keropok lekor (the chewy, deep-fried fish sausage which is an eastern speciality) and punctuated by jetties offering ferries to the islands. The pace is perfect for relaxation.

Kuala Terengganu has grown from a fishing town into a modern city, but it shares little in common with the national capital apart from the first part of its name (Kuala means "river mouth"). Though it has none of the bustle or excitement of Kuala Lumpur, there are a couple of worthwhile sights. One is the "floating mosque", Masjid Tengku Tengah Zaharah, a simple but spectacular combination of modern and Moorish design on a platform surrounded by a lake; it lies 4km south of the state capital, and close to the sea; the other is Kampong Ladang, where smithies still forge the Malay keris, or dagger. But after one night in "KT", I headed for Marang, 20 minutes' drive south.

This small port is the departure point for Gemia - the first island on my itinerary, just 15 minutes' away in a speedboat. Situated a few hundred metres off the larger island of Kapas, Gemia is so small that you can circumnavigate the island's rocky outcrops in a quarter of an hour. It is almost the sole preserve of the Gem Wellness Spa and Island Resort. Forty-five wooden chalets line the south-western shores, flanked by two beaches. The other notable residents are turtles; there is a hatchery on Gemia, and a mother deposited eggs on Kapas one night when I was there.

On my arrival I was welcomed by Hizam, the cheery, laid-back resident manager. A long awning stretched from the white-painted promontory next to the jetty all the way to the airy, lattice-windowed restaurant, office and games area. As I sipped a juice beneath it, I learned that business was not exactly booming: I was one of only 15 or so guests.

Thick vegetation covers much of the island. The resort's wooden rooms are built above the rocks that fringe the jungle, and my room was simply furnished but comfortable. At the end of a gangway sits the spa, where an oversized bath overlooking the sea is available for post-massage relaxation. One ofV Cthe pair of beaches is kept pristine, without even a lounger in sight (one morning, I almost burned my back lying on the sand). At the other, kayaks and snorkelling gear can be hired from attendants whose smiling, easy-going demeanour suggests that the concept of the rat race or high-pressure living has probably not occurred to them. There is none of the formality of chain hotels - nor are there any regimented, liveried staff. If you want something - be it a boat-trip or a snack - you ask anyone. They'll find the person who can arrange it for you soon enough.

Continue reading on The Independent ASIA

Kota Kinabalu: The Calligraphy Society of Malaysia and Mega Sunwise Property Group are jointly organising a Chinese calligraphy competition simultaneously at 10 venues in Sabah on September 18.Mega Sunwise Property Group managing director Datuk Susan Wong Siew Guen said the 10 venues are Papar, Beaufort, Tenom, Kudat, Sandakan, Lahad Datu, Tawau, Keningau, Labuan and Kota Kinabalu.

The competition in Kota Kinabalu will be held at SRJK (C) Chung Hwa in Kampung Air.
The biggest calligraphy contest ever to be held in Sabah this year is divided into four categories - open, senior secondary schools, junior secondary schools and primary schools.

Continue reading

This is the title of a book which is a fitting tribute to Sabah's World War II heroes.

The book, authored by Australian historian Lynette Silver, details the true grit, valour and sacrifices of the heroes who helped the Allied Forces during the Japanese Occupation.

'Blood Brothers' was today launched jointly by Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Peter Pang En Yin and Australia Governor-General Quentin Bryce AC.

According to Silver, the book served as a note of thanks to the people of Sabah who played a major part during World War Two.

This included helping Allied Forces prisoners-of-war (PoWs), comprising soldiers from as far away as Australia and Britain.

She said she decided to write the book on Sabah's World War II heroes when she attended the opening of the Sandakan Memorial Park in 1999.

There, she met local warriors Chin Chee Kong and Joseph Wong who were sitting unassumingly in a corner.

"No reference was made to them and I felt this was a shame as I knew they (Chin and Wong) were involved in helping to fight the war.

Continue reading Here

Kota Kinabalu: Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS) Kota Kinabalu chapter will be organising a blood donation campaign on Aug 8 at K.K Plaza in conjunction with coming fasting month.

Its Chairman Vanessa Teo said the campaign, jointly by Relia Kota Kinabalu, is to create awareness among the public about blood donation and its importance.

Each donator will receive a certificate of appreciation and also some goodies, she said.

The campaign will begin at 10am until 4pm and for more information, call Venessa at 013-8635506 or Peter Wong at 0198105329.

Source: Daily Express

Sandakan: A man with a history of mental illness ran amok and stabbed six people with a knife at an illegal squatter settlement in Batu Sapi here on Tuesday.

Villagers was only able to overpower the man an hour after he began his attack at 5.30pm. He was handed over to police.

A six-year-old boy was admitted to hospital with multiple stab wounds. Five other victims - four men and a woman - were treated for light injuries.

Sandakan police chief Asst Comm Rosli Mohd Isa said investigations were being carried out.

Source: AsiaOneNews

Sandakan: A man with a history of mental illness ran amok and stabbed six people with a knife at an illegal squatter settlement in Batu Sapi here on Tuesday.

Villagers was only able to overpower the man an hour after he began his attack at 5.30pm. He was handed over to police.

A six-year-old boy was admitted to hospital with multiple stab wounds. Five other victims - four men and a woman - were treated for light injuries.

Sandakan police chief Asst Comm Rosli Mohd Isa said investigations were being carried out.

Source: AsiaOneNews

According to Malaysian English language daily The Star, a large, blue disk may have been seen hovering within sight of Tuaran Beach Resort near Kota Kinabalu, capital city of the Malaysian state of Sabah on the South China Sea.

The daytime sighting, which took place July 18 and lasted only a few minutes, seems to have generated only one photo, albeit a rather impressive one, reportedly because the cell phones of most of the hotel's guests and staff who tried to photograph the object "went dead."

Temporary interference with electronic devices, including cars, is a common component of UFO close encounter reports. Also common are claims that some people present during a sighting were "switched off" at the moment of contact so that they remember nothing about it afterward.

The Kota Kinabalu sighting was first reported by the Malaysian tabloid Harian Metro, which interviewed at least two witnesses, both in their late 20s. They described the object as first appearing to be blue, then green, then disappearing suddenly.

Continue reading on www.technorati.com