Sweet melody to Malaysia-China ties...

Malaysian Education Minister Hishammuddin Hussein is not so much into singing but that does not stop him from appreciating music.
"Life without music and culture is no life at all," he said during a visit to a music school in Beijing where he was entertained to an eight-piece performance of age-old Chinese instruments by the students.
Plucking a seven-string instrument known as "guqin" that dates back 2000 years and other treasured musical items like the pipa, yangjin, and erhu, the students skilfully performed a sweet medley of songs.
Mesmerised by their performance, Hishammuddin invited the students to perform before his Asean counterparts when Malaysia hosts the ministerial meeting in March next year.
And in a new beat to Malaysia-China cooperation, he offered the school, which celebrated its 40th anniversary recently, to help draw up the curriculum for the two arts schools which will built in Johor and Sarawak.
Such expected link-up capped a successful trip for Hishammuddin, who broke new ground as the first Education Minister from Malaysia to make an official visit to China in 10 years.

The reverberating sound of 'kompang' in Beijing...

The beatings of the kompang and songs of Siti Nurhaliza welcomed the arrival of Malaysian Education Minister Hishammuddin Hussein at the Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) today, further cementing Malaysia-China relations.
The visit to the university which offers courses in 36 languages, including Malay Language, is part of the minister's tightly scheduled official visit to China to strengthen bilateral cooperation in education between the two countries.
"We must continue building bridges to face the tide of globalisation," he told the audience in Bahasa Malaysia at the function to welcome him.
"Besides language, bilateral cooperation could also be enhanced through culture and sports," added Hishammuddin who arrived in Beijing on Saturday for a one-week visit.
At the function, he was impressed with the proficiency of the Chinese students taking the four-year Malay Language course and their interest in Malay songs and traditional dances. During a dialogue with the students who were clad in baju Melayu, baju kurung and kebaya, a student expressed interest in learning silat, the Malay art of self-defence.
Hishammuddin brought them good news by inviting them to Malaysia as his guests in conjunction with the country's 50th independence anniversary celebrations in August.

M'sian polar explorer's feat catches UN agency's attention...

Just as the global focus is turning to the changing climate, the amazing feat of a Malaysian polar explorer to conquer the North and South Poles has caught the attention of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The agency's spokesman, Nick Nuttal, said Sharifah Mazlina Syed Kadir's accomplishment as the first Asian woman to complete the Pole-to-Pole mission underlined the interconnectiveness of the planet in the 21st century.
"We now no longer live in boxes but truly, for the first time, as a global village. Climate change for the first time is interconnecting people on this planet because every person will be feeling the impact of it," he told Bernama on the sidelines of the inaugural Global Business Summit for the Environment hosted by the UNEP here in Singapore. Sharifah Mazlina reached the top of the world at latitude 90 degress north at 2.45pm (8.25pm Malaysian time) on Tuesday, exactly two weeks after setting off from Kuala Lumpur. The feat was the culmination of the 42-year-old lecturer's one-and-a-half years of preparation. In April 2004, she was the first Asian woman to reach the South Pole. Bangkok-based UNEP Regional Information Officer Satwant Kaur said that by achieving the feat, Sharifah Mazlina was a good model not just for Malaysians but for young Asian women and men.
"It is interesting that an Asian woman has reached such heights, particularly in the International Polar Year which started in March and lasts until March 2009. It's really a good start," she said. International Polar Year (IPY) is regarded as the largest-ever international programme of scientific research focused on the Arctic and Antarctic regions.

The three-legged chair...

In front of the UN headquarters in Geneva, stands a gigantic three-legged chair. It is a stark reminder of the destruction caused by land mines. The chair was supposed to stand until every country signed the Mine Ban Treaty or the Ottawa Treaty -- the international agreement that bans antipersonnel landmines. Officially entitled The Convention on the Prohibition, Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Antipersonnel Mines and on Their Destruction, the treaty is sometimes referred to as the Ottawa Convention. In December 1997, 122 governments signed the treaty in Ottawa, Canada. It entered into force and became binding under international law in March 1999, doing so quicker than any other previous treaty of its kind. The Treaty is still open for ratification by signatories and for accession by those who did not sign before March 1999. As of 15 August 2007, there are 157 signatories and 155 ratifications or accessions to the Ottawa Treaty. There are currently 38 countries that have not signed the treaty, but are able now to assent.

Malaysia on right track about English, says Unesco expert

Malaysia is heading in the right direction in using English to teach science and mathematics in schools, says an international expert on curriculum development in Geneva, Thursday.
International Bureau of Education (IBE) project coordinator Dakmara Ana Georgescu said the trend was happening in many other countries.

"It gives learners great opportunity to have access to materials internationally and access to the Internet," she said during a visit by Education Minister Hishammuddin Hussein to the institute which has been an integral part of Unesco (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation).
The IBE's main mission is to function as an international centre for the development of contents and methods of education as well as teaching strategies through curriculum development.
Georgescu, who has been working on education projects in Afghanistan since 2002, said using English as the medium of instruction did not mean neglecting the national language.
"I think you can learn science in your mother tongue as well as I had learned science in my mother tongue which is Romanian.
"But it's also a great opportunity today to be able to have access to concepts and methodologies and to practices in English which is an international language especially in the areas of science and mathematics," she said.
She said choosing English to learn the subjects was a sign of opening to international development and providing immediate access for learners to the most relevant material of worldwide quality.
"While translation takes a lot of time and money, you have to think if it is useful. From what I know , many countries admire you and want to do the same," she said.
She said even in France, a country proud of its language, there had been recommendation for English to be taught in curriculum like mathematics and some aspects of the curriculum should be addressed in English.

Language no barrier as Hishammuddin meets French Senate President...

Education Minister Hishammuddin Hussein wraps up a four-day trip to Paris with a lively, warm meeting with the president of the French Senate Christian Poncelet on Wednesday.
So engrossing was their discussion that the minister was able to capture what Poncelet had to say on the various subjects without waiting for the help of the interpreter.

"When you talk on the same wavelength, language is not a barrier," he said after the hour-long meeting with Poncelet, who has been president of the Senate since 1998.
He was accompanied by Malaysia's permanent delegate to the Paris-based Unesco, Kenneth Luis, and two Members of Parliament -- Razali Ismail (Kuala Terengganu) and S.K.Devamany (Cameron Highlands).
Hishammuddin and Poncelet, who was in Malaysia last month for a visit, affirmed the excellent and long-standing bilateral cooperation between Malaysia and France.
They also noted the similar perspectives the two countries shared on global issues.
The minister informed Poncelet of Malaysia's decision to bid for a seat on the Unesco executive board at its 34th general conference this October.
Hishammuddin had met Unesco director-general Koichiro Matsura, who had praised Malaysia's education achievements, and permanent delegates of the other Unesco member countries during his Paris visit.
He also opened an exhibition on Malaysia's education accomplishments over the last 50 years since Independence. The exhibition being held at the Unesco headquarters ends Friday.
Hishammuddin later left for Geneva to visit the International Bureau of Education (IBE), another major agency of Unesco specialising in contents, methods and structures of education.

Malaysia ready for bigger role in Unesco...

Malaysia is ready to play a major role in the 192-member United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco).
Education Minister Hishammuddin Hussein indicated the matter to Unesco director-general Koichiro Matsuura during their meeting at the agency's headquarters in Paris on Monday.
Speaking later at a dinner with the Malaysian community based in the French capital on Monday night, he said Unesco's recognition of Malaysia's success in education would make him work even harder to address the issues.
"Since becoming Education Minister two years ago, I had nothing but problems day in, day out from leaking roofs of computer labs to issues of bullies.
"But coming to Paris and hearing the (Unesco) D-G saying how well we have done, gives me a renewed sense of commitment and drive to make our system better," said Hishammuddin who met Matsuura barely five hours after his arrival here Monday.
Matsuura had stated during an exhibition to celebrate 50 years of Malaysia's education accomplishments being held at the Unesco's headquarters that Malaysia's success provide good lessons for other countries.
Malaysia is bidding for a seat on the Unesco executive board at its 34th general conference here in October.
Consisting 58 members with a four-year term of office, the board examines the work programmes for the organisation and corresponding budget estimates.
Established in 1945, the United Nations agency's stated purpose is to contribute to peace and security by promoting international collaborations through education, science and culture.
Despite the glowing tribute by Unesco, Hishammuddin said Malaysia would strive to improve its education programmes.
"Recently we launched our five-year plan from 2006 to 2010 called the National Education Blueprint because it is an on-going struggle.
"We are never satisfied with what we have achieved," said a determined Hishammuddin.
The minister, on a four-day visit to France is scheduled to visit a public elementary school, an international institute for educational planning and meet permanent delegates of Unesco member countries today.
He will leave for Geneva on Wednesday night for a one-day visit to Switzerland before returning home.

Hishammuddin Goes To School To Learn About Special Programme...

Education Minister Hishammuddin Tun Hussein literally went back to classroom today to learn more about integrating visually-impaired students with their normal peers in a primary school.
Seating on a classroom chair, he enquired inquisitively from teacher Valerie Rouget on the challenges faced in implementing such a programme, the tools required and the kind of flexibility needed to make the initiative a success.

"I always believe visually-impaired students should be integrated with normal children in school," he said during a visit to the Ecole Elementary -- the only public elementary school in Paris with a class for the visually- impaired.
Rouget told Hishammuddin she had eight students, aged between 6 and 12, under her care, learning subjects such as Mathematics and French.
Impressed with what he saw at the school, which was built in 1886, Hishammuddin told accompanying officials and the school principal Thierry Jallerat that he had computed in his mind what to do back home.
While the class must be small with not more than 12 students, the leadership of the school and the classroom with the teacher having an autonomy to decide on the progress of the students, were important, he said.
The school-parent relationship was also crucial for the successful implementation of the programme, said Hishammuddin who was accompanied on the visit by the ministry's Director of Educational Technology Division Yusoff Harun and deputy director of teacher-training division Asariah Mior Shaharuddin.

Also in the delegation were Member of Parliament for Kuala Terengganu Razali Ismail and Member of Parliament for Cameron Highlands S.K. Devamany, a former teacher.
The visit to the school, which had an enrolment of 360, was part of the minister's packed schedule for the day, the second of his four-day trip to Paris.
He was later scheduled to host a luncheon for permanent delegates of the 192-member Unesco (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) and visit the International Institute for Educational Planning.

Malaysia's education success good lesson for others, says UNESCO DG

Malaysia's achievements in education provide good lessons for other countries, said Unesco Director-General Koichiro Matsuura.
Describing the success since the country's independence as "great", he said progress was made in many significant areas.

He highlighted the country's primary school enrolment which was well over 90 per cent while the children enrolled had a high school life expectancy of near zero dropout rate.
"This shows the success of not only in expanding access to education but also in providing education of high quality," he said at the opening of an exhibition entitled "Celebrating 50 years of Malaysia's Education Accomplishments" with Malaysia's Education Minister Hishammuddin Hussein at Unesco's headquarters in Paris.
He said the week-long exhibition would provide an opportunity for others to benefit from Malaysia's experience and progress in education.
This was in line with Unesco's efforts to raise the profile of good practices and promote the sharing of experience, he said.
"We would like to draw lessons from Malaysia's success in education," he said at the function attended by representatives of Unesco member countries.
"Malaysia now allocates over eight per cent of GNP (gross national product) to education, which is a commitment that other countries should follow," he said.
Malaysia has also been successful in emphasising the need for a holistic approach that integrates education into wider development strategies, he added.
Another major progress made by Malaysia was mobilising new technologies to improve the access and quality of education.
He said Malaysia has also shown the far-reaching advantages that information and communication technology (ICT) could bring even to remote and rural areas.
Hishammuddin, who arrived in Paris today for a six-day visit to France and Switzerland, said Malaysia had always given priority to education.
This would be further enhanced under the National Education Blueprint encompassing a five-year plan until 2010.

Glowing Eiffel Tower...

It was such a beautiful sight. Eiffel Tower, the pride of France, glowed in the dark as it sparkles with light in the cool April night.
From my Hilton balcony, I could see the tower standing tall not far from the hotel.

It's been a long time...

If not for office colleague Anwar who has been pestering me to update my blog, I would have continued to ignore it. I just cannot let him down especially when he has been smitten by the blogging bug. He reminded me that it is almost a year since my last posting. It was really a jolt. Didn't realise that it had been a long time since I last came in. So many things had came and gone. I only wish I could have the inspiration to continue blogging...

An unexpected visitor ...

I had just got into a small chat with a nurse around 4.30pm when all of a sudden, I saw a familiar face approaching me. I just couldn't believe it was Tengku Razaleigh. As he stood by my bed, he looked great in a short-sleeve tailored shirt. He told me he had to come and see me after Shabery had informed him that I was in hospital.
Shabery, the Parliamentary Secretary of the Foreign Ministry, had visited me yesterday. I didn't expect both of them to come and visit me. I even asked Ku Li to pinch my elbow to be sure that I was not dreaming.

Glut of second-hand cars....

We are told that there are some 750,000 second-hand cars unsold in the country. And we are told that anyone who can afford the car has already got one. With Proton, Perodua, Naza, Inokom and soon Cherry Alado flooding the market with the new offerings, I wonder how Malaysians are going to absorb all these. The only way out it appears is for these companies to export and for our second-hand car dealers to find new markets in lesser developed countries.

Towards building an Asean community ...

An Asean Information Seminar, aimed at promoting a regional community, took place at the Grand Seasons Hotel, Kuala Lumpur today. Managed to get Parliamentary Secretary to the Foreign Ministry Ahmad Shabery Cheek to speak on "Ten Nations, One Community: Issues and The Way Forward".
ISIS Assistant Director-General Stephen Leong touched on "Asean: Challenges and Achievement" and Prof Dr Rahmat Mohamad, Director of Centre of Asean Studies at UITM, Shah Alam elaborated on efforts towards achieving an Asean Community by 2020.

Quitting office Timor Leste style...via SMS

When Jose Ramos-Horta resigned as Timor Leste's foreign minister yesterday, he did so via a mobile phone text message. He told a news briefing in Dili that he had sent an SMS to Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri announcing his intention to quit. He received a reply in the same format from the prime minister. "I explained myself in a subsequent text message," he said. The country -- Asia's youngest nation -- has been embroiled for months in a political crisis and text messaging has emerged as the fastest and most
reliable means of communication. Thousands of protesters clamouring for Alkatiri's resignation have been mobilising themselves via SMS and news of him stepping down today spread rapidly through text messages. Alkatiri said he was giving up the post to avoid the resignation of the nation's popular president, Xanana Gusmao, who had threatened to quit himself unless the prime minister left office.

A 'world-class' aspiration...

Being the first news agency in the world to attain ISO-status is not good enough for Bernama. What it needs to do is to continously improve itself albeit in small steps. The biggest threat is complacency. So, over the last two-and-half days, senior officers converged in the seaside town of Port Dickson, some 100 kms from Kuala Lumpur, to review the organisation's overall ISO procedures. A significant aspect that was re-examined in the quality manual was to upgrade Bernama's aspiration from being a leading regional news agency to a world-class entity. The brainstorming retreat also marked the introduction of the operational procedure for the newly-created Bernama International Service. The formation of BIS had been endorsed by the management having seen the need to split the Features and Foreign News Service to make them more focussed. Features is now back under the General News Service but with an improvised approach. In terms of quality system, continuous improvement will propel an organisation towards excellence. This can be envisioned through the "Deming Cycle" named after American statistician William Edwards Deming, regarded as the Father of Modern Quality Control.

The "Deming Cycle" provides a framework for continuous improvement of business process. It can be summed up in four bold steps:

• Plan: Determine the action you intend to take as well as the steps required to achieve it. Design the new process (the "to-be" state)

• Do: Execute the plan. Implement the new process

• Check: Measure the outcome of the plan. This require identifying measurable outcomes of the new process

• Act: Decide what needs to be done to improve the process.

Deming, also a college professor, author, lecturer and consultant was widely credited with improving production in the United States during World War II. However, he was perhaps best known for his work in Japan where he developed the PDCA approach in the 1950s. He taught top Japanese management better design of products to improve service and higher level of uniform product quality. Deming made a significant contribution towards Japan becoming renowned for producing innovative high quality products. He is regarded as having had more impact upon Japanese manufacturing and business than any other individual not of Japanese heritage.

Face to face with Yvonne Ridley

I finally met her today -- the award-winning journalist who was sort of an enigma to me. Having come across her name during my research on the British media reporting of Islam in Cambridge late 2004, I had hoped to meet her. She had made international headlines in September 2001 when she was captured by the Taliban in Afghanistan while on an undercover assignment for a British newspaper. Held in captivity for 10 days, she promised to read the Quran after her release and converted to Islam in August 2003. Currently the political editor of London-based Islam Channel, the first free-to-air English language, Islamic-focussed satellite channel, Yvonne Ridley is also an active Muslim peace campaigner. Known for her outspoken views and defence of Islam since she became a Muslim, Yvonne spoke on Islam and Freedom of Expression at a conference held in conjunction with the International Islamic Fair 2006 in Kuala Lumpur. She smiled when I asked her later how far she thought she had gone in her efforts to get the non-Muslims to understand Islam. “Well, I think it is a very slow drip in process because whenever I speak, they get really upset and offended and then they sit down in a quiet room and a few days later, they quell, maybe…It’s a long process,” she said. “But you know, I learn very long, even before I became a Muslim, you never kneel down in front of the enemy, otherwise they have you,” she said. “They will probably never understand us, but just respect us as individuals, as human beings. We have a right to be treated with equality and justice,” she said in obvious reference to the so-called war on terror.

Greatest show on Earth kicks off...

The greatest show on Earth kicks off today with 1.5 billion people in 200 countries expected to watch the opening match 'live' between host Germany and Costa Rica. With all 64 matches of the World Cup Finals to be shown live over television, die-hard soccer fanatics are bracing for a month-long extravaganza. As the excitement reaches feverish-level, it's a victory of sort for all as the world speaks in one language -- football (although some prefer to call it soccer!). Just as in other major sporting event, the tournament logo plays a crucial part. Instantly recognisable, the logo of the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany has appeared on publications, at associated events and on merchandising. The agencies commissioned to design the logo were given an exhaustive list of criteria before they set out their work. As the host nation, Germany had to be instantly recognisable in the logo, as did the light-hearted and relaxed character of the 2006 tournament. It had to be unconventional, without being technocratic, and in keeping with the brand image of FIFA. As the event's organiser, FIFA commissioned London agency Whitestone to produce the logo. The decision to appoint Whitestone was based on their previous, outstanding design for the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan logo. The goal was to convey, via a symbol, the incomparable emotions that can only be evoked by football. Dozens of meetings followed after preliminary discussions started in September 2001, even before the last World Cup. There were discussions, deliberations and sometimes arguments. The end result was "Celebrating Faces Of Football".

The Power of Love ...

The love of power could, at times, put to test the power of love. Malaysians woke up this morning to front-paged news of former Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's sharp criticisms of the current administration. Between loyalty and respect, this is the day when ministers had to choose between their fondness and gratitude to Dr Mahathir and their duty of speaking up for the leader of the day. Those who had served both administrations found themselves in the most difficult situation. While Cabinet Ministers, Barisan Nasional component parties and the rakyat stood solidly behind him, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi chose not to wade into controversy. "Tun (Dr Mahathir) is free to say anything. It is not a problem for me because our country is democratic," he told reporters after handing-over keys to owners of low-cost flats in Sandakan in the state of Sabah. At a press conference in Putrajaya yesterday, Dr Mahathir poured eveything out on his relations with the government , going so far as to imply that he had picked the wrong person to lead the country.

Friends at heart...

They were supposed to be sworn political enemies, ever ready to seize the slightest opportunity to attack each other. Their once highly-publicised feud were so intense that it led to the split of the party. While one stayed on to lead the organisation, the other left to form his own party. Years have passed and both continue to lead their supporters in separate entities. Time could have probably heal the wound. When one of them sought treatment for his ailing heart, the other put aside their political differences and visited the sick man at the National Heart Institute. It would have been a front-page picture but an aide gave a big 'NO' when told of the possible storyline. Just as the heart triggers the feelings of love and hatred, it does have another important role. Ailing or not, the broken heart will have to keep the meeting between the two men a secret.

Upward sales trend for world newspapers ...

Worldwide sales of newspapers increased slightly in 2005. Their advertising revenues rose more sharply as the industry resisted competition from other media.
This is according to a report released Monday by the World Association of Newspapers (WAN). "Overall, the audience for newspapers keeps on growing, both in print and online," said Timothy Balding, chief executive officer of the Paris-based WAN. "Newspapers are increasing their reach through the exploitation of a wide range of new distribution channels, ranging from daily free newspapers to online editions. They are proving to be incredibly resilient against the onslaught of a wide range of media competition," he said. The report was released to delegates attending the 59th World Newspaper Congress and 13th World Editors Forum in Moscow, Russia. Among the main points in the report are:
- 439 million newspapers are sold every day, against 414 million in 2001, while more than one billion people read a newspaper.
- The five biggest markets for newspapers are China (96.6 million sold every day), India (78.7 million) Japan (69.7 million), the United States (53.3 million) and Germany (21.5 million).
Other highlights of the report are listed in an on-line news report World Press Trends: Newspaper Circulation, Advertising Increases .

Don't Desert Drylands!

It’s the time of the year when the world examines the state of its surroundings. Commemorated each year on 5 June, the World Environment Day stimulates global awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action. The theme selected for 2006 is Deserts and Desertification and the slogan is Don't Desert Drylands! The slogan emphasizes the importance of protecting drylands, which cover more than 40 per cent of the planet’s surface. This ecosystem is home to one-third of the world’s population which has surged to 6.5 billion from about 2.5 billion in 1950. The main international celebrations of the World Environment Day 2006 is being held in Algiers, the capital city of Algeria in northern Africa. The day's agenda is to give a human face to environmental issues and empower people to become active agents of sustainable and equitable development. It is also aimed at promoting an understanding that communities are pivotal to changing attitudes towards environmental issues and advocate partnership which will ensure all nations and peoples enjoy a safer and more prosperous future. As the celebration is a people's event, colourful activities such as street rallies, bicycle parades, green concerts, essays and poster competitions in schools, tree planting as well as recycling and clean-up campaigns are held all over the world. World Environment Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972 to mark the opening of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. Another resolution, adopted by the General Assembly the same day, led to the creation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Media moguls powwow in Moscow ...

With over 1,500 publishers, chief editors, managing directors, CEOs and senior newspaper executives from 103 countries convening in Moscow, it is billed as the world's largest gathering to chart the industry's future. The 59th World Newspaper Congress, 13th World Editors Forum and Info Services Expo which opens today in the Russian capital will run until Wednesday. The Congress will focus on the immense wave of innovation that continues to sweep through the global newspaper industry, bringing success to companies that are seizing the new opportunities and embracing change. It provides key developments in the industry, with the latest data and information on global newspaper trends. The congress will also examine new publications, new advertising and circulation strategies, new digital product development and new business practices. The Editors Forum, on the other hand, will focus on what newspapers can do to adapt to the changing habits of the "free generation" - readers who are accustomed to getting their news from free newspapers and free internet sites. The conference will look at such topics as embracing citizen journalism, offering broadband services, developing weekend editions and supplements and protecting newspaper credibility. Alongside these events, Info Services Expo 2006 will showcase the new services and technologies which are shaping the newspaper of the future. Among the registered participants is Sanjay Gupta, CEO of the Indian daily Dainak Jagran, which has the biggest readership in the world -- some 21 million. Founder of the online encyclopedia Wikipedia, Jimmy Wales, will attend a forum on "citizen journalism".

Love is blind, marriage an eye-opener...

The young couple looked radiant as they mingled with their guests who congratulated them on their marriage. They are among the many across the country who are taking advantage of the on-going school holidays to tie the nuptial knot. For the newly-weds, it is everyone’s hope that they have a blissful life albeit an uncertain future. The journey could be rough, at times, depending on the route they take. If both could stick to their promise during courtship to overcome the challenges together, come what may, then married life could be smooth-sailing. After all, love is what makes two people sit in the middle of a bench when there is plenty of space at both ends. Sitting among the guests, I could only admire the couple -- Linda and Kumaran, whom despite their different background, have taken the big step forward to settle down as husband and wife. I’m sure they are aware that a marriage does not mean just accepting the other as a life partner but to be part of his or her family. For their families too, it also means having to make adjustment to their lives as they open their hearts to accept a new member of the family. Love is blind and marriage is an eye-opener.

A helping hand...

A helping hand makes the heart happy. I realise how true this notion is when I got Mokh to start his blog. I had told him how exciting blogging is and this got him interested. After getting his blog up, Mokh wasted no time to post his items. The man from Pedas (literally meaning hot, as in taste) has proudly posted his photographs including that of his visit to the Pentagon. Unlike its 'hot' name, Pedas is a quiet town, 70km south of Kuala Lumpur. But Mokh would swear that the town has full of hot stuff.
I'm happy that his new-found interest is getting his adrenalin flowing in putting his thoughts to writing. I do hope he will update his blog regularly and make it 'pedas' as it would help others to know him better. There's a saying that if you wish to know the mind of a man, listen to his words.
When I was starting out in this profession, I used to read articles written by seniors and editors to learn about the trade. Even now, I continue to keep on the look-out for articles written by seasoned journalists. On this note, it is interesting to see that some former senior newspaper editors have their own blogs to voice their opinions on various subjects. While some have no qualms about making known their identity, others prefer to remain incognito.
I was fortunate to get a copy of a handbook for bloggers produced by Reporters Without Borders. It explains how to set up and make the most of a blog, to publicise it (getting it picked up efficiently by search-engines) and to establish its credibility through observing basic ethical and journalistic principles.

Tribute to the country's oldest news magazine...

Mastika, the monthly magazine published by the Utusan Group, celebrates its 65th anniversary today. Surely this is no ordinary feat for a local post-World War II publication, which hit the street long before the country's independence in 1957. The fact that it could survive all these years is enough to command respect. Of course, the company had to generate new ideas from time to time to keep Mastika going. The magazine was printed in Jawi when it was introduced on June 1, 1941. The Utusan Melayu editor at that time Abdul Rahim Kajai, regarded as the father of Malay journalism, and the company's managing editor Yusoff Ishak, who later became the first president of Singapore were instrumental in the birth of the magazine. From Jawi, Mastika started to use Rumi, the romanised script in 1967, the year Utusan Malaysia made its debut. At one time, the magazine circulation was so low that the company contemplated of ending its publication. But after much soul-searching among its editors, they decided to improvised the content so as to capture the readers attention. Thus, the new-look Mastika emerged in September 1995 with stories about ghosts and supernaturals. The public simply love the stuff they were reading and in a matter of months, Mastika managed to sell 20,000 copies. Its rise was phenomenal, notching 150,000 copies a month within one year, making it the fastest growing magazine in the country's history. Its current circulation is about 300,000 copies a month, the highest-selling magazine in Malaysia.

Stamp world converges in Washington ...

More than 10,000 people were reported to have toured the displays on the opening day of the 2006 World Philatelic Exhibition at the Washington Convention Center on Saturday. Apart from curious first-timers gazing at the exhibits of international correspondence, veteran stamp collectors were there to find what has been missing from their own holdings. The World Philatelic Exhibition is held at least once a year, drawing thousands of stamp collectors and others interested in philately to host cities around the world. A city in the United States is chosen to host the event about once every decade. Some 135 postal administrations from around the world are also involved in the philatelic exhibition, making it a lively, colourful global event. At a time when the postal service is contending with a decline in postal mail because of the ubiquity of e-mail, text messages and other forms of communication that do not require a stamp, the huge interest for the exhibition provides a rebuttal to the notion that stamps and correspondence are irrelevant. Being an ardent first-day cover collector, I have invested a substantial amount of money, time and energy in the hobby which has turned into a passion. During a trip to the United States some years ago, I told a group of university students that stamps had enabled me to broaden my world view. In fact, my early encounter with the U.S. was through stamps given by an American peace corp Robert Feingold to us, a group of young boys, in the small remote town of Kuala Krai in Kelantan in the late 1960s. You don't have to think hard for the answer if someone ask you: What stays in the corner and travels the world?

An expanded NAM...from Malaysia to Cuba

While the 45 year-old Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) has had to frequently deal with the question of its relevancy, two new members were accepted at its ministerial meeting which ends in Putrajaya today. The entry of the two Caribbean island nations of Dominica along with Antigua and Barbuda bolsters the membership to 116. After leading the movement since 2003, Malaysia will hand over the chairmanship to Cuba in September. Aware of the growing challenges facing NAM, the meeting had deliberated on strategies and approaches to protect and advance the interests of the movement. The issues range from international politics and security to economics and trade, development, human rights, the environment, international terrorism to social and cultural issues, among others. While NAM is generally united on broad matters of principles of importance to the movement, they are sometimes unable to use their numerical strength to their best advantage. They could, for instance, make a bigger
impact on the reform and restructuring of the United Nations. In a world with new realities. NAM has to adjust to the changes. It can do so without abandoning its fundamental principles of seeking a more just, equitable and peaceful world.

Let there be peace...

Timor Leste should have been celebrating its fourth independence anniversary on May 20. Instead their leaders are working hard to bring back peace after a military rebellion deteriorated into widespread clashes by regional rivals. The troubles began last month when around 600 of Timor Leste's 1,400-strong army were sacked after they went on strike to protest over alleged discrimination against soldiers from the east of the country. The disgruntled soldiers fought sporadic battles with the military last week but the violence quickly spread to clashes between rival gangs from the east and west. With almost the entire 2,500-strong contingent of peacekeepers from Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand and Portugal now on the ground, terrified residents were simply hoping for a sense of security so that
they could return to their homes. This unfortunate episode clearly reflects the difficulties of fledgling nations to maintain peace and order. It is just as tough, or even harder, than the efforts put in towards the hard-fought independence.
On an assignment to cover former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's visit to the tiny island nation in October 2003, I remember him stating Malaysia's pledge to continue with its "prosper-thy-neighbour" philosophy. He had said a prosperous neighbour would benefit Malaysia because it could become the market for Malaysian-made goods and would not cause any problems that could spill over to other countries. Dr Mahathir was the first foreign head of government to make an official visit to the country which gained independence from Indonesia in May 2002. The three-day trip from Oct 22 to 24, 2003 was among the last he made before stepping down as prime minister a week later after 22 years in office.
Dr Mahathir said his visit to Timor Leste reminded him of the situation in Malaysia before it attained progress. "We are sometimes quick to forget... when we have achieved progress, we become conceited and behave as though all this is normal and forget our poverty and the difficulty we endured in overcoming this poverty," he said.

The hazards on reporting in conflict areas...

What are the hazards faced by journalists working in conflict areas? How could they interact with humanitarian organisations in such situation? These are some of the issues addresed at a seminar on working and reporting on humanitarian issues in conflict areas organised by the International Committee of the Red Cross. The seminar held at the Nikko Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, today is organised in conjunction with the Asia Media Summit 2006. The day-long seminar also touched on the thought-provoking question of impartiality and neutrality in armed conflict situations and the safety of journalists in such situations. Speakers include journalists who had been to war zones and representatives of humanitarian bodies. ICRC decided to hold the seminar as an increasing number of journalists were travelling to war zones worldwide to report on armed conflicts. They frequently encounter humanitarian workers sent to provide much needed aid to war victims. The challenging and often life-threatening working environment in conflict zones requires that journalists and humanitarian workers have the knowledge and reporting skills necessary to succeed. These include an understanding of international humanitarian law, the legal framework designed to minimise the human suffering caused by armed conflict. Even as the seminar was taking place, pressmen and relief organisations from all over the world were heading for Indonesia after a devastating earthquake rocked large swathes of Central Java and Yogjakarta provinces yesterday. The 6.3 magnitude quake killed at least 6,000 people, injured some 46,000 and damaged or destroyed more than 139,000 homes.

The day NAM lost its founder...

As diplomats from across Asia, Africa and Latin America begin a two-day meeting in Putrajaya today, host Malaysia urged member countries of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) not to question the continued relevance of the 45 year-old movement. Malaysian Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar said the 114-member NAM's relevancy had persistently been questioned, both by NAM members as well its critics, since the end of the Cold War. "There is no doubt in my mind about the continued, indeed increased relevance, of NAM for a number of reasons," he said when opening the Preparatory Meeting of Senior Officials for the Ministerial Meeting of the NAM Coordinating Bureau (NAM-CoB). It was not the first time for the minister to voice the concern . Ironically, it was on this day that NAM lost one of its founding fathers with the death of India’s Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in 1964. He died of a heart attack at the age of 74. As India’s first prime minister since it achieved independence from Britain in 1947, Nehru refused to align the country to either Soviet Union or United States in the Cold War. Representing the interests of developing countries, NAM has its origin in the Asia-Africa Conference held in Bandung, Indonesia in 1955. The meeting brought together leaders of 29 states, mostly former colonies, from the two continents of Africa and Asia, to discuss common concerns and to develop joint policies in international relations. Nehru, along with Indonesian President Sukarno and Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser, led the conference. At the meeting Third World leaders shared their similar problems of resisting the pressures of the major powers, maintaining their independence and opposing colonialism and neo-colonialism, especially western domination.

Catering to the needs of pressmen....

Cutting the white-and-purple ribbon, Malaysian Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar opened the International Media Centre for the Non-Aligned Movement Coordinating Bureau (NAM-CoB) Ministerial Meeting at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) Friday. The centre is ready to cater to the needs of journalists covering the four-day meeting from May 27 to 30 including those from the non-English speaking countries. More than 100 journalists and photographers from 15 countries have confirmed their presence to cover the event. Apart from Internet-access computer terminals including those in French, Arabic and Chinese, the centre provides Internet ports for journalists using their own laptops and wireless Internet services. The centre was set-up and managed by Bernama, already a 'veteran' in providing such expertise. In major international events and summit, an efficient media centre has become an important component to ensure their success. With such facilities, pressmen would be able to carry out their work with ease while the events get good coverage and the desired impact.

You mean a world...

"To the world you are one person, but to one person you are the world".
I picked this up from the radio last night as it belted out easy listening hits one after another. Soon my mind wandered around and in the ensuing mood, recalled a friend's timely advice. I had asked him whether all the things in the world would still mean anything when the end seemed so near for me. Of course, I had told him about my visit to the clinic and the remarks made by the specialist. Sensing my badly-bruised morale, he tried to cheer me up saying that he was in no better situation himself. In fact, some believed he would have died in 2004 because of his ill-health. But he fought the battle and stood the challenge with whatever strength he had. It was not easy but he had no choice. He had to be strong for he was a gallant man in the eyes of his young children. He means a world to them. I could imagine how traumatic it would have been for the young souls to lose a loved one at such tender age. I lost my mother when I was six. Decades have past and I still yearn for a mother's love. Thank you my friend for those encouraging words. I know I have to be strong to face the world because in my children worldly eyes, their papa is their world.

'Walking time-bomb'

I am no suicide bomber. Neither do I aspire to be one. But when the doctor told me today that I am a walking time-bomb, I really had a lot of thinking to do. Perhaps it is more than just thinking but to do something. That something must be carried out fast lest it'll be disaster. Although I had anticipated my blood pressure to be on the higher side, I did not imagine that it would rose to 200/120. Even the specialist doctor was particularly concerned. "You are a walking time-bomb," she told me. The last time I saw her a month ago, the reading was 170/110. Have to admit that of late, I had not been paying much attention to my health. Worse still, I've not been taking the medicine she prescribed for some time. She warned me not to skip the medication as she said it could have been the cause for the higher BP reading. So she prescribed three medicine for me -- Atenolol (100mg), Amlodipine (10mg) and Losartan potassium (50mg) to be taken daily. But she told me to get my BP reading before taking the third pill, an expensive brand! Only if the level remains high, should I take the medicine. No matter how difficult it will be for me to swallow the pill, I will need to keep my will power strong.

Being part of the global community

The Wolfson College 2004-2005 magazine made its way from Cambridge to my home today. Had a pleasant surprise when I turned to page 44 under the title "The Press Fellowship 2002-2005" for there was a mug-shot of me alongside the photo of my fellow mate Farai of Zimbabwe. My thoughts were immediately taken back to the time when we were on the programme during the Michaelmas Term 2004. I couldn't agree more with what programme director John Naughton wrote: "What makes the Press Fellowship distinctive is that it is not a course, but a way of giving busy journalists the time and space in which to do some serious thinking, away from the pressures of their professional lives." In the course of my 'research' on 'The British Media Reporting of Islam', I had the chance to read various British newspapers and meet or communicate with a number of personalities, Muslims and non-Muslims alike. I truly value the experience as it has made me a better person and helped me in the course of my work, just like the time when I organised the visit of the Indian journalists to Malaysia or the UNESCO-approved workshop for journalists from Arabic-speaking countries. I am looking forward to even more challenging tasks in discharging my duties as being part of the global community. In this regard, it is heartening to note of John's writing that the Press Fellowship is 24 years old this year and will soon be welcoming its 300th fellow. (I suppose it has done so by now). As he rightly pointed out: "The map of the world on which we record the countries from which Press Fellows come now has pins in 44 countries - a new (and we hope benign) 'empire' on which the sun never sets."

Bernama opens Beijing bureau

Bernama, the Malaysian national news agency, has opened a bureau in Beijing as part of its international expansion programme. With the announcement today, Beijing adds up to existing Bernama bureaus in Singapore, Jakarta and Bangkok. After Beijing, Bernama plans to open offices in Dubai and New Delhi. The agency also has stringers in Melbourne, Washington, London, Bonn and Colombo. Bernama has 500 staff and provides news and information in Bahasa Malaysia, English, Mandarin and Arabic to newspaper, news agency, magazine and other subscribers. It also produces television news bulletins.
While the news was greeted with much enthusiasm, the agency mourned the death of a former editor, Louis Donald Baptist, 57. He died after he collapsed while shopping with his wife in a supermarket. Baptist was one of the early recruits into Bernama, joining the news agency in April 1969 after stints with the Penang Straits Echo and Eastern Sun. He made his name as a court reporter and served as the Bernama correspondent in Bangkok before rising to become editor of the English sub-editors desk. He resigned from Bernama in 1997 to join a daily as a copy editor before returning to the agency in 2003 to work as a copy sub-editor on the foreign desk until last year when he retired.

Between a wise man and a fool...

Many a time when confronted with an issue, there's bound to be pros and cons. In a world which considers freedom of expression a crucial element of human right, it is hardly unusual for mortal souls to have their own say in matters concerning their interest. Whether it's right or wrong, good or bad, the important thing is to learn how to agree to disagree. Or is it disagree to agree? For the press, comments from the public, leaders and those with vested interest are often sought whenever an issue arises. More often than not, many unwarranted statements creep into the picture from publicity-seeking personalities. They often wear many hats, giving them all-round advantage to pounce and capitalize on any issue. It is often during such situation that a person could be judged of either being a wise man or a fool. Why? A wise man speaks because he has something to say, a fool speaks because he has to say something.

Arab journalists endorse journalism centre proposal

Twenty-two journalists from Arabic-speaking countries concluded their week-long familiarisation programme in Kuala Lumpur today with a strong endorsement of the idea to establish an international Islamic journalism centre. They hoped the centre, proposed by Malaysian Information Minister Zainuddin Maidin in his speech at the opening of the workshop on Tuesday May 2, could be formed soon.
Apart from getting Muslim journalists to discuss common issues, the minister had said the centre could organise programmes for non-Muslim journalists to know more about Islam.

In a five-point declaration, the journalists from 17 countries lauded the initiative to hold the workshop as a step to improve the friendly relations between the Ummah from the Arab world and Southeast Asia.
They also gave their support to the NAM News Network (NNN) by pledging to get their news agencies to send their news to it.The participants, including seven women, suggested that the workshop be continued in the future as a training opportunity for journalists.

Linking press freedom to poverty eradication...

The Bernama-run workshop for journalists from Arabic-speaking countries enters its second day today as World Press Freedom Day 2006 is celebrated across the globe. Some 300 participants attending an international conference on Media, Development and Poverty Eradication in Sri Lanka adopted the Colombo Declaration calling for freedom of the press to be recognized as a core element in development strategies. The Declaration recognizes the important role of press freedom in the fight against all forms of poverty and exclusion. "This year, World Press Freedom Day is dedicated to the consideration of how protecting and furthering the fundamental human rights of freedom of expression and press freedom can assist in assuring another human right – the right to be free from poverty,” says UNESCO Director-General Koïchiro Matsuura. Following the two-day conference which ended on the eve of World Press Freedom Day, Matsuura presented the 2006 UNESCO Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize to Lebanese journalist May Chidiac. The award which carries US$25,000 prize money was created in memory of the Colombian journalist Guillermo Cano, assassinated in 1987 for exposing the work of drug barons. Chidiac, a popular television news journalist, lost her left hand and foot in a car bomb attack on 25 September 2005. While praising Chidiac’s “courage and professionalism”, Matsuura recalled that 2005 was a very bad year as far as violence against the media was concerned. Quoting statistics from the International Federation of Journalists, he said 150 media professionals were killed in the line of duty last year and more than 500 media professionals had been detained or imprisoned. Next year’s main World Press Freedom Day celebration will be held in Colombia. The celebration was first proposed by participants at the Seminar on Promoting an Independent and Pluralistic African Press, which UNESCO organized in Windhoek, Namibia, in 1991.

Bracing for a highly-anticipated gathering

After weeks of nerve-wrecking efforts in getting their participation, some 25 journalists from Arabic-speaking countries were finally registered for a week-long familiarisation trip to Malaysia starting May 1. They will attend the workshop jointly organised by BERNAMA and UNESCO with the strong support of the Malaysian Information Ministry. Its main objective is to seek a common ground in their approach to covering events and issues concerning Islam. From email exchanges with them, many were eager to visit Malaysia. Yemeni Yahya Arhab, for instance, said he was looking forward to attend the workshop to enhance his reporting knowledge and establish new contacts. Making his first overseas trip, Arhab said he had heard much about
Malaysia, describing it as "the most beautiful country in Asia".
Egyptian journalist Hayam Hammam said she too was looking forward to the programme to know more about Malaysia."It is really my dream to visit Malaysia, such fascinating country which I heard a lot about it and about its people," she said in her email message.
Apart from Yemen and Egypt, the other participants were expected from Algeria, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Syria, Kuwait, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Sudan, Iraq and Turkey.

Al-Fatihah Tun Ghafar ....

Former Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Ghafar Baba, died at the Gleneagles Intan Medical Centre in Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur this morning due to heart, lung and kidney complications. He was 81. His family members were at his bedside when he breathed last at 7.34am. His simple and sincere ways would always be fondly remembered. Although being in the corridor of power, Ghafar had always remained true to his roots. He refused any sort of honorific, prefering to remain plain Encik Ghafar for most part of his life. It was only after he retired from office that he was persuaded to accept the Tunship. From being the Chief Minister of Melaka from June 1959 to August 1967, he became a Cabinet minister from 1969 to 1976. He was the Deputy Prime Minister from May 7, 1986 to Oct.15, 1993, the year he resigned as Umno deputy president. I was fortunate to be assigned to cover Ghafar in his various capacity either in the government or the party. But one moment which remains vivid in my mind was the time when he faced the challenge for the post of Umno deputy president. Disappointed with the turn of events, Ghafar decided to seek solace abroad. When he came back a few days later, we tried to corner him at the old international airport in Subang but he refused to meet the press. We trailed him to his house in Bukit Pantai but still could not get to see him. We patiently waited outside his gate. An hour passed and then two yet there was no sign of him wanting to talk to us. In our long wait, I remember someone brought out cold drink for us weary reporters to quench our thirst. As it was getting dark, we finally decided to call it a day. But before we left, I had to give another try. I flipped open an empty page of my Bernama notebook and wrote: "Kepada Y.A.B. Encik Ghafar, Selamat kembali ke tanahair. Kami berdoa Y.A.B. berada dalam keadaan sihat walafiat. Terima kasih kerana sudi memberikan kami minuman. Semoga kita dapat bertemu di lain ketika yang lebih sesuai. Terima kasih daripada para wartawan". After writing the note, I tore the page and gave it to the police guard. We requested him to take it to Ghafar. He obliged and we waited with whatever hope we had. After 10 minutes or so, it was still in vain and we knew we had to go. But just as we were walking to our car, the policeman came running out of the house and told us that Ghafar wanted to see us. Of course, we got our story which was well worth waiting for.

Welcoming journalists from Arabic-speaking countries

In less than a month, a workshop-cum-familiarisation programme for journalists from Arabic-speaking countries is scheduled to take place in Kuala Lumpur. Organised by Bernama, the Information Ministry has agreed to provide financial support for the Unesco programme. We are targetting journalists from 17 Arabic countries which are linked to Bernama's Arabic News Service. The workshop would enable participants to get a closer look of Malaysia, its people, culture, attractions and way of life. This is the first time for Bernama to organise a workshop for journalists from the Middle East and North African region. We had conducted a similar programme in 2003 for journalists from the African countries to promote the Smart News Network International (SNNi), created under the initiative of the Langkawi International Dialogue.

A lonely birthday if not for ....

Life can be awfully lonely. Even on the day when one should be rejoicing on his birthday, loved ones could sometimes 'forget' to say 'Happy Birthday'. What's the big deal, you may say. Afterall, birthday means another year is subtracted from your remaining living years. But they don't call it a special day for nothing. At least, I had a pleasant surprise when my handphone beeped with an incoming message just after noon. The message in Malay read "HAPPY BIRTHDAY. panjang umur murahkan rezeki kuatkan iman - kakak 27/3". Immediately, I thought it had come from my daughter but it was not. So, there could only be someone else who knew of my birthday. And that someone would surely not be bothered to remember about it if not for a special reason. Instantaneously I could think of one person, a senior in school who shared my birthday. I contacted the number and yes it was her. We have not spoken for years despite having the common bond. So it was a truly wonderful birthday after all. Thanks to the SMS, although in unspoken words, my depressed spirit was gone. I had reason to smile and be happy. That's what FRANCE is all about -- Friendship Remains And Never Can End.

What happened...

All of a sudden, I realised that I have not posted anything on my blog since the start of the year. What happened? It's a million ringgit question that would surely need a million ringgit more to answer. I guess it's just plain lazy. Or is it another case of broken promises. Yes, I did promise to update my blog regularly. I had pledged to keep on writing, come what may. After all, I've gone through many memorable moments over the last few months. Could it be because of these hectic times that I had just simply ignored my blog. I am now reminded of something I heard years ago: Promises are like babies, they are fun to make but hard to deliver. Fun? I don't know.

Malaysia's proposed news exchange mechanism gets NAM backing

The news exchange mechanism for non-aligned countries, a Bernama brainchild which eventually became a Malaysian project, has finally received the support of the 114-member Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). Senior officials preparing the agenda for the Sixth Conference of Ministers of Information Non-Aligned Countries (Cominac) VI have endorsed the proposed NAM News Network (NNN). Information Ministry Secretary General Siti Balkish Mohamed Shariff said a workshop would be organised within the next three months to enable interested NAM members to discuss ways to establish a practical and workable mechanism for the NNN. The proposed internet-based portal is aimed at presenting news on NAM countries from their own perspective for them and the world. Bernama, has been entrusted with the project, given its experience in handling similar initiatives. NNN would replace the inactive Non-Aligned News Agencies Pool (NANAP)

Amman recovers from unprecendented bombings...

It was obvious to feel apprehensive about going to Amman especially after three of the city's hotels had just been hit by suicide bombers last Wednesday. I was supposed to fly to Amman on Friday to attend the News Agencies World Council meeting and was not sure if the gathering would proceed in the wake of the unprecendented bombings. A few phone calls to Amman finally made me decide to go on the trip after having been assured that the situation was not as bad as had been thought.
Indeed I found that the city going through its normal business although security at hotels were stepped up. The authorities had announced several arrests following the attacks which were blamed on the Al Qaeda in Iraq led by Abu Musab Al Zarqawi.
I had a pleasant surprise when during a tour to the Citadel, I overheard three women speaking in bahasa Malaysia. As it turned out, they were from Malaysia and working in Abu Dhabi as nurses. No, the bombings did not stop them from continuing with their visit programme to Jordan. The chanced meeting inspired me to file a report .

Three long years...

On this significant day, I am reminded of the time when my group of boisterous post-graduate mates first met for the Strategic Communication (stracomm) class. Despite meeting the professor for the first time, we had lots to talk about. A number of ideas were floated on the communication projects that we would undertake for the whole semester. One that gained all-round immediate support was to start a Yahoo internet group called Stracomm. It would be the channel for us to communicate in between our once-a-week classes, discuss assignments and projects, bla, bla, bla. But just like most blogs, such internet group channel slowly waned out over the years and die a natural death. I hate to let it go and wrote the following note in the hope of getting the desired response.

"Dear Cefu and friends,
Three long solid years have passed since we started stracomm. Wouldn't it be fun if we had a time machine then to enable us to look into the future? We could have observed then how we eventually went our separate paths. Many have reached better ground, been rewarded and heading for a brighter future. Some may still be on the way forward while some could still be struggling on the long, painful journey in life.
Whatever it is, here's wishing everyone a Selamat Hari Raya. Maaf Zahir dan Batin. I'm only human yang tak sunyi daripada kesilapan.
Shah, sorry for all the 'teh tarik' promises which never really turn out. I know for sure, though, that the next time you're enjoying your 'teh tarik', you will look back with a smile at the time when we had our Raya celebration at UPM. No, I'm not reminding you about the satay but the good times we had as post-graduate students. I still have the CD recorded by Ismadi for memories sake.
To Cefu, wherever you are, all the best. I hope you have found your pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
To all, take care and I'll always cherish the UPM days.

Fondest regards,
azz"

Cementing regional news cooperation...

Here I am at Hanoi international airport waiting for the flight home to Kuala Lumpur. This bustling Vietnamese capital has been my address for the last three days to attend the executive board meeting of the Organization of Asia Pacific News Agencies (OANA).
Bernama is the current chairman of the 37-member entity, formed in 1961 to seek equal opportunity in international news flow. With an active, internet-based newswire in place, member agencies post stories of happenings in their countries to tell the world through their own perspectives.

Despite the lively participation, the meeting felt more could be done to make the newswire an effective channel of a truly multilateral news exchange mechanism. Some wondered what action could be taken against non-active members while others called for recognition of those who contributed regularly.
The OANA newswire is really a channel for news agencies in the region to let the world know about their countries through their own eyes, thus reducing the dependence on reports filed by Western media agencies.

Getting the message across, no matter what....

A senior Cabinet minister was apparently so upset with Bernama that he threatened to boycott the national news agency. He summoned one of his senior officials to 'pass the message' to Bernama.It was found out later that his bone of contention was that Bernama had interviewed his political rival and wrote quite a 'lengthy' story. The minister may have his reason to be angry with Bernama but this will not stop the news agency from carrying out its responsibility of reporting for the people, about the people as well as by the people.

Remembering September 11.....

As Americans and the world remember the terrorists attacks of Sept 11, 2001, U.S. President George W. Bush vowed that Americans will overcome the ordeal presented by Hurricane Katrina which has left scenes of destruction in New Orleans and along the Gulf Coast. Bush used his weekly radio address to remember the fourth anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, saying Americans were pulling together to help Katrina victims just as they did the victims of the hijacked-plane attacks on the World Trade Center (WTC)and the Pentagon. "Today, America is confronting another disaster that has caused destruction and loss of life. This time the devastation resulted not from the malice of evil men, but from the fury of water and wind," Bush said. Hurricane Katarina will go down as the largest natural disaster in American history.
For the record, three Malaysians were among those killed in the Sept 11 attacks, four years ago. Twenty-three year old Vijayashanker Paramsothy, a financial analyst, and about 200 others were waiting for lifts to the ground floor when United Airlines Flight 175 ripped into the 78th floor of the WTC's South Tower at 9.03am. The plane that chrashed into the South Tower came 16 1/2 minutes after American Airlines Flight 11 from Boston slammed into the North Tower at 8.46am. The South Tower collapsed first at 9.59am before the North Tower came down at 10.28am. Two other Malaysians, both women, killed in the attacks were Ang Siew Nya, 37, a technical analyst with Marsh & McLennan Companies Inc and Khoo Sei Lai, 38, an executive vice-president and portfolio manager at Fred Alger Management.

Treasure hunt way to maintain media relation

A major portion of corporate communication activities is focussed on media relations. Many corporate bodies realised the importance of establishing and maintaining a good relation with the media. United Engineers Malaysia (UEM) is no exception. For the third year running, it has organised the UEM-Media Treasure Hunt which took off from the Merdeka Square in Kuala Lumpur to Seremban this morning. The event was spiced up with a sense of nationalism as it being held in conjunction with the month-long Merdeka month celebrations. Apart from stimulating their brains, participants had the chance to go around scanning signboards of places and buildings for the answers. Travelling along beaten roads enable participants to venture into areas where they would normally ignore. Because of this, some discovered that there is actually an old Bangi town, having heard so much of Bandar Baru Bangi. Although winning the event, may not be the ultimate aim of many participants, everyone would have gone home feeling happy. It was the 'Win-win' situation that matters between a corporate body and the Malaysian media organisations.

Oilman takes over MAS top job

It is understandable for the people in the cool highlands of Bario in Sarawak to be on cloud nine. Idris Jala, a local boy from the Kelabit community, was yesterday named as Malaysia Airlines (MAS) managing director and chief executive officer. Little-known Idris, who is Shell Malaysia Gas and Power vice-president and Shell Middle Distillates Synthesis (SMDS) Malaysia Sdn Bhd managing director, will assume his new post on December 1. The appointment comes barely a month after Datuk Ahmad Fuaad Dahalan resigned from the hot seat.
The 47 year-old Idris is aware of the crucial task ahead to pilot the national carrier through one of its turbulent times. The company posted a RM280 million loss in the second quarter. In a statement issued by MAS yesterday, Idris said: "As I am not from the airline industry, I will have to learn fast. I will do my best to work with everyone at MAS. I believe the key to a business turnaround lies in unleashing the talents of everyone".
Starting his career with Shell in 1982 as an industrial relations officer, Idris rose from the ranks and also had stints at various Shell units and postings overseas in the Netherlands, Sri Lanka and Britain.

Staying relevant on turning 60

After six decades of existence, Malaysia's Information Department would need to continue with its priority of winning the hearts and minds of the people. While the department played a big role in reviving the peoples' confidence in the British Military Administration (BMA) during the Emergency period (1945-1955), its task ahead remains crucial. Being the government's public relations agency and dealing mostly with interpersonal communication with the people, the department would need to go all out to prove that it is still relevant in this modern-age society. The advent of information and communication technology has enable the public to obtain information from various sources and in the comfort of their homes. Gone were the days when Information Department staff would carry their big screen and film projector to the kampungs to explain about the government's programmes. As it celebrates its 60th anniversary today, the department would be inspired to continue with its important tasks of providing information to the people, taking into account the use of the latest technology.
Incidently, a Vietnamese friend emailed me today saying that his organisation -- Vietnam News Agency (VNA) is busy with preparation to celebrate its 60th anniversary on September 15. Happy 60th anniversary Jabatan Penerangan and VNA!.

Between Cairo and London...

When I was leaving for Cairo late July for a meeting, family and a few friends were a bit concerned. Their worries were triggered by the bomb blasts at the Egyptian resort town of Sharm-el-Sheikh which left scores of holiday-makers dead. They were relieved when I came back in one piece. The only thing which shattered me, though, was the thought that the world may not be a safe place anymore. Terrorists could just strike anywhere they want to, be it in Egypt, the United States or Europe. To think that the places affected by the bombings in London on July 7, were among those I had passed through during my stay in Cambridge was enough to make me feeling apprehensive. I enjoyed my stay in England, Egypt and all the other places that I had been fortunate enough to visit in the course of my work as a journalist. Moscow, Pyongyang, Buenos Aires, Washington, Almaty, Dombei in the Russian Caucusus, Karachi and Hydrebad, to name a few. As I get on with my new responsibility of building bilateral and multilateral news exchange agreements with others, I could surely expect to travel more, even to the remotest places on earth. Of course, I would want to travel in peace and be assured that the world is safe.

An international news exchange mechanism in the making

The possibility of setting up a Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) news organisation or exchange will be one of the highlights of the Sixth Conference of the Ministers of Information of Non-Aligned Countries (Cominac) to be held in Kuala Lumpur this November. Giving the hint today, Information Minister Abdul Kadir Sheikh Fadzir said such a cooperation would enable the NAM member countries to have an effective exchange of news and information as many of the news sources they were getting now were from Western countries. He said Malaysia, the current NAM chairman, is prepared to be the centre for the network.
The minister's announcement has put the proposal into a higher gear. Over the past two weeks, I've been fortunate to actively participate in the discussion to craft the proposal. The NAM News Network (NNN), as we envisaged, would take over the role of the Non-Aligned News Agencies Pool (NANAP), which has been inactive over the years. Malaysia, through Bernama, has some experience in handling such multilateral news exchange arrangement. Bernama is now the secretariat for the Organisation of Asia Pacific News Agencies (OANA) newswire as well as the Smart News Network International (SNNi), both operated via the Internet. OANA represents 37 news agencies of 33 countries while SNNi groups 10 African news agencies and newspapers with Malaysia's national news agency Bernama and The Star, New Straits Times and Utusan newspapers.

Making friends with Indian journalists

Had lots of reasons to be happy about with the completion of a four-day visit to Malaysia by a group of 10 senior journalists from India two weeks ago. I was tasked with drawing up the visit programme held under the Asean-India Media Exchange Programme from Aug 21 to 24. It was the first time that I had actually put my hands into such thing, having been appointed to head the Features and Foreign News Service. Weeks before they arrived, made a number of phone calls and emails to the relevant people in drawing up the itinerary. Apart from hotel accommodation, we contacted aides to several ministers to arrange for them to meet the journalists. When they arrived at the KLIA, got them on the super-fast KLIA express train which took only 28 minutes from the airport in Sepang to the capital city. Over the next two days, the participants called on Works Minister S.Samy Vellu, Tourism Minister Dr Leo Michael Toyad, Deputy Information Minister Zainuddin Maidin and Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Dr Jamaluddin Jarjis. They also visited places such as Putrajaya, the new Federal administrative capital, Petronas Twin Towers and KL Tower.

A diplomat and a friend ...

A Malaysia-born daughter and a Masters in Law degree from a Malaysian university. These are just two of the many sweet memories that Jafar M.Jafar, Charge d'affaires at the Jordanian embassy in Kuala Lumpur, will bring home after a four-year stint in Malaysia next month. As his countrymen celebrate the kingdom's 59th National Day today, Jafar recalled the day daughter Nooran, three and a half, was born as among the nicest memories about Malaysia.
"Malaysia to me is like a second country, my second home...I have so many nice memories here, never felt like a stranger," he told me at the embassy during an interview to mark Jordan's National Day. The many photographs he had taken of Nooran, his elder daughter Dania, six and a half, and wife Rana would also remind them of their stay in Malaysia.
"Frankly, I didn't know much about Malaysia's multicultural society before I came but to experience it in person is wonderful.
"You can see so many things about the world in one place," said 36 year-old Jafar, wearing an olive green batik shirt.
I will forever remember him as a friend.

Spreading its wings abroad...

The Malaysian national news agency, Bernama, which turns 37 today is set for global presence. It will open six overseas bureaus this year and in 2006 to widen its international news coverage. Information Minister Abdul Kadir Sheikh Fadzir announced today the bureaus will be in Bangkok, Beijing, Dubai, London, Washington and New Delhi. The Bangkok bureau will be opened this year to be followed by the rest next year. Abdul Kadir said the Bangkok bureau would help enhance bilateral ties between Malaysia and Thailand, through wider dissemination and exchange of information especially in the economic and social fields. He also described as timely the opening of Bernama's offices in Beijing and New Delhi as both countries were now emerging as one of the world's most powerful economic players. Prior to this, Bernama news coverage from Washington and London were handled by retainers but the opening of the bureaus in the two major cities, would help the news agency despatch full-time correspondents. With the setting up of the bureaus, Bernama will have eight foreign bureaus, in addition to existing offices in Singapore and Jakarta.

Blogs have not displaced media

Weblogs, or blogs, may be a powerful new force in US politics but they have not displaced traditional media in terms of information and influence. This is according to a study conducted during the 2004 US presidential campaign. The study released Monday in New York found political blogs -- online opinion and information sites -- played a similar, but not greater role, as did the mainstream media and the candidates campaigns. The study by the Pew Internet & American Life Project dispels the notion that blogs are replacing traditional media as the public's primary source of information.

Return of the birds ..........

After almost two decades, the days of local fruits like rambutan, pineapple, durian and mangosteen appearing on Malaysian stamps have come to an end. So do starfruit, banana, mango and papaya which made up the fruit series of the national definitive stamps, first issued on June 5, 1986.
In their place, Pos Malaysia has opted for the exotic images of the country's feathered flying creatures -- spotted dove, bilbus, long-tailed parakeets, white-rumped shamas and olive-backed sunbirds.
Together with green-winged pigeons, banded pittas and imperial pegions, these birds would be featured on the new Malaysian stamps as the postal agency strives to keep the letters going in the face of the growing threat from the ultra fast e-mails.
The new definitive series -- Birds of Malaysia -- will go on sale throughout the country from tomorrow, May 14. They would come in eight denominations: 20 sen, 30 sen, 40 sen, 50 sen, 75 sen, RM1, RM2 and RM5.
Definitive stamps are the 'common' stamps intended for normal everyday postage use, issued in a large indefinite quantities and available for several years or more.
Birds had been featured in the first national definitive series in 1965.
As for the state series, a Pos Malaysia spokesman said the current agro-based theme which has been in circulation since 1986, would likely be replaced next year.

Typewriter...a forgotten trusted machine

Covering the recent Boao Forum in China was a real eye-opener. It was actually the first time that I literally got my hands on a wireless lap top. No clumsy wires except for the electricity connection. But once the batteries were fully charged, I could work anywhere I like and transmit the stories at ease within the room. To think I was filing the stories from one corner of huge China was incredible. Coming from the days of typewriters where we used to send stories through fax, telephone and telex whenever we were overseas, this new speedy way of filing news reports is most helpful.

What a friend can do ...

It has indeed been a while since I last posted my jottings. It would have stayed idle if not for Halim, a friend from my primary school days. We had lunch with another primary school-mate yesterday in one of KL's busiest shopping complex. Halim recalled that I was an elegant footballer which made me blushed. I told him that the only thing that I would want to be elegant now is my writing. He then wrote down a blogspot address to which I told him I too had registered as a blogger. This morning I received a SMS from him suggesting that I continue with the blog. Alas, this is what a friend can do. I hope I can keep my promise with my professor at Wolfson....

Putting technology to good use

The short message service (SMS) via mobile phones is seen as the technology that has left a profound mark in Malaysia this year. The use of SMS escalated when local television stations organised reality shows, calling for viewers to pick their favourite contestants. The service providers have captured on the growing interest by offering numerous SMS services. But as such technology influence the life of the people especially the young, experts are beginning to raise the alarm. They say it can be a backlash to being hyper-accesible by e-mail, instant message, cell phone calls and text-messaging. People are spending more and more time in front of the computer screen or fritzing with techonological devices. Experts say the key is using technology to enhance life and taking a step back when it doesn't. "You need to have it rather than it having you", says Michelle Weil, co-author of Technostress: Coping with Technology@Work@Home@Play.

Who wants to be a millionaire

A 24 year-old lad became instant millionaire when he won the grand prize of RM1 million in a Malaysian television quiz show in 1991. Up till now, Ahmad Samerin Dzulkifli remains the country's only game show millionaire even after seven seasons of the local version of 'Who Wants to be a Millionaire'. He still owns the bicycle-repair shop but has added an electrical appliance shop and several other businesses. But he remains elusive and publicity-shy, prefering to live a normal life. This is understandable as he was beset by callers -- women offering to marry him, others seeking financial help after his windfall win. If his one-off wealthy feat has attracted interest, what more for Malaysia's multi-millionaire songbird who admitted how difficult it is to maintain the 'Siti Nurhaliza' brand name. After winning a television singing contest more than 10 years ago, Siti continued to prove her talent and worked hard to be where she is today as Malaysia's number one singer. Just as Samerin has put his money to good use into business, Siti too has ventured into business including promoting her own tea aptly named CTea.
So what has the two in common apart from the capital 'S' in their names and hard work. Both are from the state of Pahang and the product of television discoveries.

Malaysia's CEO of the year

To Mohamed Nazir Abdul Razak, a good executive officer (CEO) is someone who can change with the demands of the organisation and the environment. Named Malaysia's CEO of the Year 2004 Award , he has proven his capabilities in steering Commerce International Merchant Bankers Berhad (CIMB) to greater heights. The changes are necessitated by the fact that the investment bank operates in an industry that is furiously evolving as a result of globalisation and liberalisation. Using the English Premier League as an analogy, Nazir said: "Like Manchester United, year in and year out, we have strong and weak competitors. Some may do better in certain years, but over the long-term, we like to think that CIMB will remain number one."
At 37, he is the youngest CEO to have won the award.

Love thy neighbour...

With the last remaining days of a typical month-long Eid celebration in the country, residents of a Kuala Lumpur housing area got together last night to re-new their neighbourhood bond. For residents of Jalan AU1C/3K of Taman Keramat Permai, the occasion helped to keep themselves stay in touch with one another especially those who are new in the area. This is common all over the country. Fresh from recharging my neighbourhood network, I decided to have breakfast this morning at an eating place frequented mostly by those from Kelantan in Pantai Dalam, which used to be on the city's fringe. Apart from sampling some of the favourite morning meal of the east coast state in the peninsular, the eatery keeps patrons to stay in touch in their Kelantanese dialect of goings-on from work to politics and the current flood hitting the state. Some of them came all the way from other areas in the city in search of their favourite Kelantanese food. While they tucked in their food, they could easily see how far the place had developed over the years from a squatter colony to a low-cost housing area. What used to be their 'kampung', is now taken up by the newly-opened New Pantai Expressway linking the city to Subang Jaya.
On the regional scale, Malaysia's 'Prosper-thy-Neighbour' policy is widely recognised including by Indonesia.

Flying high with the world's best cabin crew

A 12-hour flight from London to Kuala Lumpur is less tiring when you're in the company of the world's best cabin crew . Their ever-smiling faces despite the tough task at hand made travelling on Malaysia Airlines a joy. The 747-400 was full when it took off from Heathrow at 10pm on Wednesday December 8. It was carrying 362 passengers with a 22-member crew on board. An hour earlier flight to Kuala Lumpur via Langkawi was also full as in the normal case of the other national carrier daily flights from London. It was not the first time that the Malaysia Airlines cabin crew was voted the best in the world. It was achieved as a result of Skytrax's annual survey of some 130 worldwide airlines. Malaysia Airlines holds the the honour for the fifth time in six years from 1999 except for a momentarily lapse last year.

Pictures on the wall

Malaysia’s artist and marine conservationist Ajis Mohamad must be a happy man. His paintings on coral reefs will don the wall of many homes and offices as Shell 2005 corporate calendar. This is the time of the year when calendars are hot items to herald in the new year. Since it started producing its calendars in the early 1970s, Shell has attempted to communicate specific messages to the Malaysian community through the channel. Over the years the themes have ranged from Malaysia's rare flora and endangered fauna, traditional crafts, architecture, indigenous costumes and ethnic folklore. For its 2005 timepiece, Shell worked with Ajis who is acknowledged as Malaysia's first underwater artist, to focus on coral reef conservation. Ajis paints his subjects underwater - a painstaking technique and a medium he has mastered - while on his scuba diving expeditions as the president of the Malaysian Coral Reef Conservation Society.