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Prehistoric man made cheese, says study Posted: 16 Dec 2012 05:53 PM PST PARIS, Dec 17 — Pre-historic Man was already making cheese some 7,000 years ago, using perforated clay pots as strainers, scientists said Wednesday. Cheese production would have been a key development in human history, allowing the preservation of milk in a non-perishable, transportable and more digestible form, said a report in the journal Nature. Milk processing marked a key turning point in human history, giving access to a nutritious food source without having to slaughter precious livestock. — AFP/Relaxnews Scientists have long speculated that pierced potsherds discovered at Neolithic-era sites around northern Europe may be from cheese strainers. An international team said Wednesday they found proof for this theory from chemical analysis of fatty acid deposits on unglazed pottery pieces excavated in Poland, dating from about 7,000 years ago. "The presence of abundant milk fat in these specialised vessels, comparable in form to modern cheese strainers, provides compelling evidence for the vessels having been used to separate fat-rich milk curds from the lactose-containing whey," the researchers wrote. Early farmers would have been lactose intolerant, lacking the genetic mutation we have since acquired to digest milk products long after being weaned off the breast. Intolerance to lactose, a sugar found in calcium-rich milk, can cause bloating, stomach cramps and diarrhoea, and still afflicts a minority of people today. Milk processing marked a key turning point in human history, giving access to a nutritious food source without having to slaughter precious livestock during the Neolithic period, which saw nomadic humans starting to settle down and farm. The exact origins of cheese-making remain unknown. The team, led by Richard Evershed of the University of Bristol's organic geochemistry unit, said the study is the first to provide unequivocal evidence that cattle were being used for milk in northern Europe as long ago as the sixth millennium BC. They also showed for the first time that people of the era were using different types of pottery for different purposes: as cheese strainers, cooking pots for meat, and bottles waterproofed with beeswax for storing water. Cheese-making is a complicated process, involving the coagulation of milk using enzymes or acid to separate the semi-solid curd containing the protein and milk fats from the lactose-containing, liquid whey. Today's straining process has remained pretty much unchanged, though we now typically use a course textile or sieve instead of a perforated pot. — AFP/Relaxnews

Kebaya Dining Room: A clever update on Nyonya cuisine Posted: 16 Dec 2012 04:23 PM PST The Kebaya Dining Room... Nyonya antiques sit cheek by jowl with contemporary furnishings. – Pictures by BL GEORGE TOWN, Dec 17 — It had to happen, although it took someone with vision and drive to do it: a restaurant in Penang which serves Nyonya food in elegant, classy surroundings. Chris Ong, who has been upping the ante as far as boutique hotels here are concerned – he is the creator of the charmingly-restored Clove Hall, plus the casually chic Muntri Mews and Noordin Mews – has added yet another feather to his cap: Seven Terraces on Stewart Lane. One of the many stunning pieces of furniture in the dining room. The air-conditioned ground floor of this amazing new 17-room Straits Chinese hotel — a first in Penang — houses the Baba Bar (how's that for a name?) at one end, and the Kebaya Dining Room at the other. It really is the latest in-place in town, opened just three weeks ago, and I was privileged to be the first foodie to be invited to check out the "contemporary Straits Chinese cuisine" served there. It's certainly not your average Nyonya restaurant with some token memorabilia dotted here and there. Like the rest of the formerly dilapidated but now skilfully refurbished building, it's artfully furnished with gorgeous pieces, some genuine antiques and others specially commissioned from local craftsmen. The sweeping wooden staircase which leads off one end of the inner courtyard is a stunning example. An avid collector of old Nyonya and china ware long before it became fashionable to do so, Chris has amassed a huge amount of porcelain, and put them to good use. Specially designed display cabinets are strategically positioned to show off some gorgeous blue and white pieces, and he has put the platters and serving dishes to good use, so apart from the food itself, do take note of the platters, plates, bowls and saucers they come in. Otak Otak as you have never seen it presented... delicious. What does he mean by "contemporary"? "I've taken Peranakan food back to its essence," he explained, "and reinterpreted it." This means the presentation as well as the way it's cooked – there's none of the simmering and tumising (sautéing in oil) that is so prevalent in traditional Nyonya cooking; here, it's more sous vide and confit. An example would be the Mantou with Tau Eu Bak, the pork cooked in soya sauce over a low temperature for several hours until quite tender, then sliced and served in steamed white buns (mantou) and pickles. It's an interesting twist on a very typical dish, and I rather liked the flavours and textures: the soft, aniseed pork and sweet soya sauce worked quite well with the tart, crunchy gherkins. Another typical Nyonya dish he presents differently is Otak Otak. The curried fish custard, usually steamed in banana leaves, is encased in home-made short crust pastry and baked, and eaten as an individual starter instead of as a shared dish with rice. As for the mains, duck is slow-braised with 5-spice powder then served with plums and orange segments in a variation of the traditional Lor Ark, and the Hong Bak, usually cooked with pork, here is sous vide lamb in a light Nyonya kurma. Hands down winner though as far as our table was concerned was the dry chargrilled Chicken Kapitan, the aromas of the curried sauce working very well with the slight smokiness of the barbequed meat. All this was accompanied by side dishes of Sambal Goreng Vegetables and Belacan Tempura Vegetables.There is a smattering of Thai dishes thrown in, including a tasty Mien Kham with colourful salmon roe and coconutty Yellow Geng Prawns. Look at the bright green custard in this Creme Brulee dessert... very tasty (right).The smoky, spicy Chicken Kapitan (behind) and the wonderful Yellow Geng Prawns... must-try dishes here (left). It was an interesting meal; certainly quite different, and diehard Nyonya food aficionados might require a different mindset to accommodate the changes he's introducing. But perhaps the point here is that even our classic dishes should move with the times, and he's done it in a way which hasn't taken away the essence of this unique cuisine. However, I think it's in the desserts that he's made really quite significant changes; bringing our sweets, some of which have been served the same way for the past thousand years or more, into the realm of the 21st century. Nyonya Tang Yuen, glutinous rice balls in syrup usually eaten during the Winter Solstice Festival, is filled not with crushed peanuts and sugar but grated coconut cooked in brown palm syrup and served in a coconut cream with slivers of coconut! A very clever celebration of coconut in different forms; cream, grated and slivers. Nyonya Tang Yuen... a celebration of the coconut, a beautiful dessert. There's also Crème Brulee with a difference: with green pandan extract in the custard and tart Passion Fruit and Coconut Panna Cotta. "The inspiration for the restaurant is the hotel itself, which is contemporary Peranakan," the award-winning hotelier explained. "It's a total experience – the building, the food and the objet d'art." There will be new specials each week and I for one am eager to see what he's going to come up with next. Seven Terraces Stewart Lane George Town 10200 Penang Tel: +604-264 2333 Email: info@7terraces.com

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Tottenham beat Swansea to move back into the top four Posted: 16 Dec 2012 07:55 AM PST Swansea City's Jonathan De Guzman (R) gives away a free kick for holding Tottenham Hotspur's Mousa Dembele during their English Premier League soccer match at White Hart Lane in London December 16, 2012. — Reuters pic LONDON, Dec 16 — Belgium international Jan Vertonghen scored a second-half winner to send Tottenham Hotspur back into the top four of the Premier League after a 1-0 home win against a stubborn Swansea City on Sunday. The former Ajax defender broke the deadlock in the 75th minute at White Hart Lane with a beautifully-struck right-footed half-volley after Kyle Walker swung in a free kick from the right that beat the defence and fell to Vertonghen. Spurs leapfrogged Everton to take fourth place, level on 29 points with third-placed Chelsea who have a game in hand after losing the Club World Cup final in Japan 1-0 to Brazil's Corinthians on Sunday. Manchester United, who beat Sunderland 3-1 at Old Trafford on Saturday, have 42 points and are six points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table. Spurs enjoyed most of the possession but were frustrated by a flowing Swansea side that proved solid in defence and dangerous on the break. Walker had Tottenham's best chance of the goalless first half in the 40th minute when he blasted the ball at goalkeeper Gerhard Tremmel from 25 metres. Tremmel had barely time to raise his hands, with the ball ricocheting off his shoulder without Spurs being able to capitalise. Swansea's Michu then tried an opportunistic lob from the halfway line two minutes later that flew over the bar as Hugo Lloris scrambled back to cover. The game ended with bad-tempered scenes after Michu was felled by Lloris as the goalkeeper tried to punch the ball clear. With the Swansea player still on the ground, Tottenham played on before the game was halted. — Reuters

Wilshere to sign new Arsenal deal within weeks Posted: 16 Dec 2012 06:42 AM PST Arsenal's Jack Wilshere heads the ball during their English Premier League soccer match against Swansea City at the Emirates stadium in London December 1, 2012. — Reuters pic LONDON, Dec 16 — England midfielder Jack Wilshere has given beleaguered Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger some good news by saying he expects to sign a new long-term contract with the Premier League club within the next few weeks. "I'm talking to the club and I probably will be committing my future to them in the next couple of weeks," Sunday newspapers quoted the 20-year-old as saying. "I know the team are going through a bad spell but that's like any team," he added. "We can get back to being the force we were." Wilshere said people were quick to criticise Wenger for the north London club's slump this season but the players, who play at bottom side Reading on Monday, had to stand up and be counted. A nearly full-strength Arsenal were knocked out of the League Cup by fourth-tier Bradford City on penalties on Tuesday. The club have not won a trophy since the 2005 FA Cup and are eighth in the League, albeit only three points behind fourth-placed Everton and with a game in hand, with Wenger facing increasing criticism. The Frenchman has seen a steady exodus of top talent, including Cesc Fabregas, Robin van Persie and Samir Nasri, with England winger Theo Walcott recently rejecting a new five-year deal with the club. Wilshere, who missed the whole of last season through injury and returned only in October, said Arsenal could still win the FA Cup and Champions League and strongly defended Wenger's record. "Every year he has been in the Champions League and there is no other manager who has done that," he told Sky Sports News. "He has built a legacy at this club. He changed everything from when he came in 15-16 years ago. "He has also been great for me. He has shown great faith in me from when I was young. He stuck with me when I was injured and has still stuck by me. For me, there is no question he's the right man." Wilshere said that one day he would like to captain the club he joined as a nine-year-old, even if he was not yet ready for the role. — Reuters

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Syrian rebels claim seized army infantry college in Aleppo Posted: 16 Dec 2012 08:29 AM PST Demonstrators in Binsh, near Idlib, protest against President Assad December 14, 2012. The banner in the centre reads: "Our leader forever Prophet Muhammad". — Reuters pic BEIRUT, Dec 16 — Rebels said they seized a Syrian army infantry college near the northern city of Aleppo after five days of fighting with forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad. A commander from the Islamist Tawheed Brigade said his men helped take the building yesterday. "At least 100 soldiers have been taken prisoners and 150 decided to join us. The soldiers were all hungry because of the siege," he added. — Reuters

DAP tidak mewakili ‘middle Malaysia’, kata Najib Posted: 16 Dec 2012 08:23 AM PST SANDAKAN, 16 Dis — DAP tidak mewakili "middle Malaysia" atau semangat perpaduan semua kaum di Malaysia apabila semua pemimpin Melayu DAP tidak memperoleh cukup undi untuk duduk dalam Jawatankuasa Tertinggi Pusat (CEC) pada kongres parti pembangkang itu semalam. Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak berkata perkara seperti itu tidak akan berlaku dalam Barisan Nasional (BN) yang mengamalkan pendekatan adil kepada semua kaum di Malaysia dan mempunyai hala tuju jelas untuk negara. "Kita juga menyaksikan DAP bukan sahaja didominasi oleh satu kaum, iaitu Cina, tetapi juga oleh dinasti keluarga di mana Lim Kit Siang mendapat undi tertinggi manakala anaknya Lim Guan Eng di tempat kedua," katanya. Beliau (gambar) berkata demikian semasa merasmikan Perhimpunan Agung Ke-23 Parti Liberal Demokratik (LDP) di sini hari ini. Najib menyeru rakyat agar terus menyokong BN yang mengamalkan perpaduan di bawah konsep 1Malaysia dan ini juga dibuktikan dalam barisan Kabinetnya. "Malaysia berada dalam perkongsian baik dikenali sebagai Barisan Nasional. Percayalah, kami (Malaysia di bawah kerajaan BN) akan berusaha keras, ekonomi kita akan meningkat dan pelabur akan lebih yakin," katanya. Perdana Menteri juga berkata kerajaan BN akan terus menyalurkan bantuan dalam pelbagai bidang seperti pendidikan dan perniagaan untuk membolehkan negara terus makmur. Sementara itu, Najib berkata BN amat serius dan jujur dalam menunaikan janjinya kepada rakyat tidak sepertimana sesetengah pemimpin seperti Ketua Pembangkang Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Katanya semasa Anwar sekejap menjadi pemangku perdana menteri pada 1997, bekas timbalan perdana menteri di bawah pentadbiran Perdana Menteri Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad itu mempunyai banyak peluang untuk membuktikan kewibawaannya, tetapi telah mengambil jalan mudah dengan membiarkan Tabung Matawang Antarabangsa mengawal Malaysia semasa krisis ekonomi pada tahun itu. "Beliau (Anwar) tidak melindungi kedaulatan negara... Beliau tidak pernah bertanya pada dirinya sendiri kenapa beliau tidak layak menjadi perdana menteri," katanya. Najib juga meminta rakyat untuk tidak mempertaruhkan masa depan Malaysia di bawah pakatan pembangkang. Beliau berkata pakatan parti-parti pembangkang tidak mempunyai ideologi bersama dan tidak mempunyai hala tuju yang jelas mengenai masa depan negara. "Malahan pemimpin mereka Anwar (Penasihat Parti Keadilan Rakyat) dan Presiden PAS Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang saling bersaing untuk menjadi perdana menteri sekiranya pakatan pembangkang berkuasa. "Kita (negara) tidak boleh mempunyai (ditadbir) satu pakatan yang asasnya pincang," katanya. — Bernama

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Finding buyers, Malaysian art searches for a voice Posted: 16 Dec 2012 02:59 AM PST In a picture taken on September 26, 2012, Malaysian artist Haslin Ismail talks about his creative work. — AFP pic KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 16 — Finishing art school, Haslin Ismail began as the typical struggling artist, selling just a few of his mixed media fantasy pieces for a few hundred dollars each over the ensuing five years. But in September, a buyer at one of a sudden spate of Malaysian art auctions spent 30,800 ringgit for a wall-sized Haslin painting full of outlandish images including a large human foot without skin. "It's still quite risky to become an artist... but actually there is positive development. It has changed a lot," the soft-spoken 28-year-old said. Muslim-majority and affluent, Malaysia is known more for Islamic conservatism and a consumer culture embodied by its air-conditioned shopping malls than for the Bohemian pursuit of art. But a nascent art boom is under way as the industry seeks to replicate the huge recent success in such markets as China and Malaysia's neighbour Indonesia. Art auctions were once unknown, but five major sales have been held in Malaysia this year, earning more than 13 million ringgit, with domestic art fetching ever-higher prices. New galleries have sprouted with works depicting traditional village scenes, cautious commentary on modern society, or the wild imaginations of artists like Haslin. "Prices have been rising and it has positively affected some of the younger artists," said Ray Langenbach, an artist and art professor at Tunku Abdul Rahman University, who added that high prices in more established markets were stirring interest in Malaysia. "It's the least-tapped of the region's markets." For much of Malaysia's recent history, an authoritarian government focused on economic development — making it one of Southeast Asia's most affluent nations, while religious and political constraints stunted the arts and culture scene. But since strongman ruler Mahathir Mohamad retired in 2003, society is gradually relaxing, with more people expressing themselves via art and some collectors looking for edgier works. In May, a vast 1984 abstract of interwoven, multi-colored lines by late painter Ibrahim Hussein sold for nearly 800,000 ringgit — a record high for a Malaysian art work at auction. A painting by abstract artist Abdul Latiff Mohidin fetched 715,000 ringgit at an auction in early December, while another sold in October for 605,000 ringgit. Both sold well above their reserve prices. Buyers, meanwhile, also have snapped up paintings of ethnic Indian rubber tappers and portraits of Malay women in the country's colourful batik fabrics — expressions of Malaysia's multi-cultural make-up. But there are doubts over how long the current interest will last. The former British colony has no deep-rooted art tradition, having developed as an agrarian society that drew large numbers of Chinese and Indian immigrants more concerned with economic survival than art and leisure. Religious and social taboos in the country of 29 million people — more than 60 percent are Muslim ethnic Malays — have also been blamed for stifling more challenging art. "For the moment, it's very, very hot," said Linda Leoni, business manager of Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers, which staged Malayia's first auction in 2010 and has held three this year. "Can we sustain the level? We have yet to see." But Langenbach said more daring art is slowly emerging. "I think new artists are definitely coming up... A more political art has come out recently," Langenbach said. He cited as one example of such art Poodien, or Shaifuddin Mamat, whose dark works suggest a disillusionment with politics and the modern world. But government support for art remains limited and lacks the "vision" to encourage more experimental themes and art forms, Langenbach said. Auctions and other public sales steer largely clear of what little edgy content there is, and collectors are mostly Malaysians, with broad international interest elusive. "For a serious collector, there is very little choice, really," said Pakhruddin Sulaiman, a lawyer and art collector. Bayu Utomo Radjikin, one of the country's most established figurative painters, is part of a collective formed in 1989 by five Malaysian artists that today aims to encourage emerging artists. Bayu said many younger artists who came of age under Mahathir were still struggling to find their voices, adding that art will not truly develop until more artists find ways around the taboos. "Malaysia is safe and comfortable, so that shows in their art, and we (Malaysians) are easy to satisfy," he said. Haslin, a Muslim Malay, says the current interest nonetheless makes survival easier for new graduates, and he lets buyers find their own meaning in his art. "I am not interested in political events or stories," he said in his small home studio, crammed with large canvases and the Star Wars and Lord of the Rings action figures that he collects. "But I think it's good if the audience can relate it to political (issues) because that is the power of the paintings. It can influence the audience to think," he said. — AFP-Relaxnews

‘Opt for a sexy-chic total leather look’, says fashion consultant Muriel Piaser Posted: 16 Dec 2012 01:15 AM PST 'Opt for a sexy-chic total leather look', says fashion consultant Muriel Piaser Fashion consultant Muriel Piaser. — AFP pic PARIS, Dec 16 — Glitter, bows, embroideries...it's hard to make a decision when it comes to choosing a holiday outfit, given the enormous offer. Paris-based international fashion consultant Muriel Piaser shares her picks and takes on the main trends and accessories for celebrating in style. Relaxnews: Which outfit will make heads turn this Christmas? Muriel Piaser: Just like every year, one has the choice between a host of sexy glittery outfits for Christmas. But I would go for ultimate chic: a black satin lapel tuxedo paired with a very trendy removable collar accessory. Whether it is sparkly, studded or beaded, this accessory will reveal something of your personality. If you feel like wearing a dress, opt for the sexy chic total leather look, either through a bodycon dress or a Catwoman-style jumpsuit. Don't forget two-tone heels or booties for a swagger. R: How should this outfit be accessorised? MP: This season, accessories will be king. Colors, glitter, rhinestones, paillettes: dare to go all out. Use your hair clips and headbands, and don't forget to make the most of the hottest winter beauty trends like nail stickers and "cabaret"-style fake lashes. The handbags are more subtle: glamorous minaudières with a hint of sparkle, animal motifs, glove clutches or mini shoulder bags. In the footwear department, one should go all out: sequins, glitter, strappy are a few examples. Thigh-high boots or booties can also be sexy and chic R: What about hair and makeup? MP: Choose a 1960s-inspired makeup look, with dramatic eyeliner and brown-toned lipstick. Don't neglect the hair, it's important. I would recommend a lovely braid, a bun (a major winter trend) or even a retro-futuristic high ponytail. — AFP-Relaxnews

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Actor Depardieu hits back at French PM, hands in passport Posted: 16 Dec 2012 01:54 AM PST PARIS, Dec 16 — French actor Gerard Depardieu, accused of trying to escape the taxman by buying a house just across the border in Belgium, retorted that he left because "success, creation, talent" were now being punished in his homeland. The 63-year-old Depardieu, a popular and colourful figure in France, is the latest wealthy Frenchman to seek shelter outside his native country after tax increases by Socialist President Francois Hollande. High life and a free man: Depardieu makes his choice. — Reuters file pic Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault described Depardieu's behaviour as "pathetic" and unpatriotic at a time when the French were being asked to pay higher taxes to reduce a bloated national debt. "Pathetic, you said pathetic? How pathetic is that?" Depardieu said in a letter to weekly newspaper le Journal du Dimanche. "I am leaving because you believe that success, creation, talent, anything different must be sanctioned," he said. An angry member of parliament has proposed that France adopt a US-inspired law that would force Depardieu or anyone trying to escape full tax dues to forgo their nationality. The "Cyrano de Bergerac" star recently bought a house in Nechin, a Belgian village a short walk from the border with France, where 27 per cent of residents are French nationals, and put up his sumptuous Parisian home up for sale. Depardieu, who has also inquired about procedures for acquiring Belgian residency, said he was handing in his passport and social security card. He said he had paid €145 million (RM578.7 million) in taxes since beginning work as a printer at the age of 14. "People more illustrious than me have gone into (tax) exile. Of all those that have left none have been insulted as I have." The actor's move comes three months after Bernard Arnault, chief executive of luxury giant LVMH and France's richest man, caused an uproar by seeking to establish residency in Belgium — a move he said was not for tax reasons. Belgian residents do not pay wealth tax, which in France is now levied on those with assets over €1.3 million. Nor do they pay capital gains tax on sales of shares. "We no longer have the same homeland," Depardieu said. "I no longer have any reason to stay here. I will continue to love the French and this public that I have shared so much emotion with." Hollande is pressing ahead too with plans to impose a 75-per-cent supertax on income over €1 million. "Who are you to judge me, I ask you Mr Ayrault, prime minister of Mr Hollande? Despite my excesses, my appetite and my love of life, I remain a free man." — Reuters

US pop star Kelly Clarkson announces engagement Posted: 15 Dec 2012 08:40 PM PST LOS ANGELES, Dec 16 — Kelly Clarkson, who became the first contestant to win "American Idol" a decade ago and went on to several chart-topping successes, has gotten engaged to her boyfriend, the singer said in a Twitter message yesterday. Clarkson, 30, previously revealed she had been dating talent manager Brandon Blackstock since early this year. Blackstock is the stepson of country singer Reba McEntire. "I'M ENGAGED!" Clarkson said on Twitter. "I wanted y'all to know!! Happiest night of my life last night!" She then followed that by posting a link to a photo of her canary yellow diamond engagement ring on a website. She wrote that her boyfriend helped design it and that she "can't wait to make Brandon's ring." Clarkson's album "Stronger" hit No. 2 last year on the Billboard 200 sales chart, and she in previous years topped pop charts with her songs "My Life Would Suck Without You" and "A Moment Like This." The Texas-born singer won the Fox television singing contest "American Idol" in the show's debut year in 2002, and has had more success than many of the show's stars from following years. Clarkson has burnished an image as an artist willing to speak her mind, even confessing to feelings of loneliness. Last month, in an appearance on the "Ellen DeGeneres Show," Clarkson said she had been dating Blackstock since earlier this year and was thankful to have him. "I am not alone for the first time for Thanksgiving and Christmas and I'm very happy," she said on the show. In the same November appearance, Clarkson said she expected to get engaged to Blackstock. "We will totally, probably elope," she told DeGeneres. — Reuters

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Pak Lah: Melayu boleh berjaya tanpa perniagaan haram Posted: 15 Dec 2012 11:01 PM PST Pak Lah berkata kejayaan bergantung kepada kemampuan dan kebolehan sendiri. — Gambar fail SUBANG JAYA, 16 Dis ― Bekas Perdana Menteri Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi hari ini menepis dakwaan presiden Pertubuhan Pribumi Perkasa (Perkasa) yang mengatakan larangan dalam Islam menghalang kejayaan Melayu, sebaliknya beliau menegaskan agama bukanlah penghalang kepada kejayaan individu. Veteran Umno yang lebih mesra dengan panggilan Pak Lah itu menjelaskan pembaharuan dilaksanakannya terhadap Islam ketika pemerintahannya, dilihat sedih dengan tindakan Datuk Ibrahim Ali menggunakan agama bagi mengukuhkan tindakan affirmatif. Ibrahim sebelum ini pernah berada di dalam Ahli Majlis Tertinggi Umno bersama Pak Lah, namun dipecat pada November 2003 dan keahliannya dilucutkan. "Apa lah, itu yang dia nak ambil jadi satu hujah pula. "Kita jangan katakan kalau itu maka kita tak boleh berniaga ... Tak bermakna kita tak boleh jadi usahawan. "Ada juga syarikat Melayu yang maju ... Semua bergantung kepada kemampuan dan kebolehan untuk dia menguruskan perniuagaan dia tanpa mesti ada bahan haram," katanya. Semalam, Ibrahim berkata jutaan ringgit tidak dapat dinikmati masyarakat Melayu kerana mereka tidak boleh menjalankan perniagaan yang haram di sisi Islam, sedangkan usahawan bukan Islam mengutip jutaan ringgit daripada perniagaan perjudian dan arak. "Judi, arak, premis hiburan ... Melayu tidak boleh menjalankan perniagaan seperti itu, boleh kita bersaing?" kata Ahli Parlimen Pasir Mas itu ketika Persidangan Agung Tahunan Ketiga Perkasa semalam. "Kami menggesa kerajaan meneruskan tindakan affirmatif untuk memastikan keselamatan negara." MENYUSUL LAGI

DAP lantik dua pemimpin Melayu anggotai CEC Posted: 15 Dec 2012 09:29 PM PST GEORGE TOWN, 16 Dis — Dua pemimpin Melayu dilantik secara terussebagai anggota Jawatankuasa Tertinggi Pusat (CEC) hari ini walaupun tiada seorang daripada enam calon berjaya menang. Senator Dr Ariffin SM Omar dan pendatang baru Zairil Khir Johari (gambar) antara 10 orang yang dilantik secara terus ke dalam jawatankuasa tertinggi itu. Semasa mengumumkan barisan CEC yang baru tersebut, yang kebanyakkan hampir sama seperti terdahulu, setiausaha agung Lim Guan Eng berkata kesemua 20 ahli sepakat dalam perlantikkan kepimpinan jawatankuasa pagi tadi. Lima ahli lain yang dilantik terus ke dalam CEC adalah Dr Tan Seng Giaw, Dr P Ramasamy, Jimmy Wong Sze Phin, Dr John Brian Anthony, Dr Edwin Bosi, Leong Nga Nga, V.Sivakumar dan Thomas Su Keong Siong. Dan bagi jawatan tertinggi, Karpal Singh masih kekal sebagai pengerusi kebangsaan manakala naib pengerusi sebelum ini Tan Kok Wai telah dinaikkan ke jawatan timbalan pengerusi. Teresa Kok, yang sebelum ini adalah setiausaha organisasi kebangsaan juga mendapat kenaikkan apabila dilantik menjadi naib pengerusi. Barisan baru tersebut juga melibatkan beberapa muka baru dan pertambahan daripada Timur Malaysia, mengukuhkan pendirian parti untuk memastikan ia meliputi semua rakyat Malaysia khususnya Sabah dan Sarawak. Delegasi Sarawak, Dr John Bryan Anthony dan setiausaha DAP Sabah, Dr Edwin Bosi antara dua muka baru dalam jawatankuasa daripada Timur Malaysia, turut menyertai mereka ialah setiausaha DAP Sarawak, Chong Chieng Jen yang memperoleh undian tertinggi keempat (1,211) semalam. Pertambahan dua delegasi tersebut menyaksikan bilangan anggota CEC daripada Timur Malaysia meningkat kepada tiga. Lim juga mengumumkan penubuhan gabungan Biro Pakatan Rakyat (PR) dibawah CEC untuk mengendalikan semua hal ehwal PR dan memastikan kerjasama yang lancar antara gabungan ketiga-tiga parti. Naib pengerusi DAP Selangor, Teng Chang Khim akan mengetuai biro tersebut manakala ahli bukan CEC, A. Sivanesan telah dilantik untuk mengetuai Biro Buruh.

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Sejauhmanakah kredibiliti tinjauan pendapat? Posted: 15 Dec 2012 03:24 PM PST 16 DIS ― Tinjauan pendapat, bancian, survei mahupun exit poll ― inilah antara terma-terma yang sering digunakan oleh badan/organisasi dalam mengendalikan kajian mereka. Kelazimannya, fokus kajian mencakupi pelbagai bidang: politik, ekonomi, sosial mahupun yang bersifat spekulatif. Semuanya dicanangkan dalam bentuk yang mudah difahami dan ditelaah agar responden yang disasarkan dapat menjawab persoalan-persoalan yang diberikan dengan mudah sekaligus menjayakan objektif tinjauan pendapat itu. Sebut sahaja mengenai survei atau tinjauan pendapat, beberapa badan terkemuka dunia terus terlintas dalam fikiran umum. Antaranya, Gallup Poll, Pew Research International, Zogby dan IPSOS. Semuanya tampil dengan reputasi yang menggerunkan. Di negara kita pula, Pusat Kajian Merdeka atau lebih dikenali sebagai Merdeka Research Center merupakan satu-satunya badan tinjauan pendapat yang paling dominan. Acap kali dalam tempoh setahun, terbit beberapa tinjauan pendapat mengenai populariti kepimpinan negara dan sentimen rakyat terhadap sesuatu isu berbangkit. Sememangnya, penerbitan sedemikian adalah sesuatu yang dialu-alukan. Sekurang-kurangnya ianya dapat memberikan gambaran sebenar kepada rakyat mengenai keadaan sesuatu isu membabitkan kepentingan rakyat. Selain tinjauan-tinjauan pendapat yang berbaur politik dan kepentingan negara, ada juga survei yang bersifat peribadi umpamanya yang melibatkan prestasi anda di tempat kerja. Namun demikian, sejauhmanakah sahih dan tulennya kesemua tinjauan pendapat berkenaan? Untuk menjawab kemusykilan itu, beberapa aspek perlu diambil kira. Antaranya, apakah metod kajian yang digunakan? Berapakah jumlah sampel responden yang ditemuramah? Bentuk soalan yang dikemukakan? Siapakah responden yang menjawabnya? Semua sedia maklum, tinjauan pendapat atau survei hanya bertindak sebagai indikator semata-mata. Ianya tidak semestinya menggambarkan realiti sebenar di hadapan mata kita. Besar kemungkinan data-data itu boleh dimanipulasi dan besar kemungkinan juga ia adalah sahih. Bergantung kepada siapa yang ditanya dan kemahuan untuk mempercayai data-data, semuanya terletak di tangan responden.  Dari aspek ketelusan dan keadilan pula, ia juga boleh dipertikaikan. Sebagai contohnya, jika responden yang dikunjungi merupakan seorang penyokong kuat pembangkang, apakah kita boleh menjamin responden berkenaan akan memberikan respons yang positif? Keadaan sama juga boleh dilihat dalam survei di tempat kerja seseorang. Jika lapan daripada sepuluh responden yang ditemuramah tidak menyukai individu berkenaan, maka adalah sukar untuk melihat satu bentuk survei yang seadil-adilnya. Bagi sesetengah pihak, survei sedemikian boleh digunakan untuk mensabotaj pihak yang dimusuhi. Inilah kelemahan yang boleh berlaku. Justeru, adalah penting untuk tidak terlalu mempercayai survei atau tinjauan pendapat yang dikemukakan. Sebagai individu yang bijak dan sensitif, segala data-data wajar diperhalusi terlebih dahulu sebelum tampil dengan konklusi yang menyeluruh. Konklusi akhir bukan sahaja harus bebas daripada unsur-unsur sabotaj, ketidakadilan bahkan juga elemen berat sebelah. Sebuah tinjauan pendapat yang adil adalah tinjauan yang tidak menyebelahi mana-mana pihak. Percaya atau tidak, pilihan terletak di tangan anda! * The views expressed here are the personal opinion of the columnist.

Ravi Shankar, sitar dan kematiannya Posted: 15 Dec 2012 03:14 PM PST 16 DIS ― Apabila seorang kawan baik saya membawa berita tentang kematian maestro sitar yang paling terkenal di dunia, Ravi Shankar semalam (11 Disember 2012) akibat masalah pernafasan, saya tidaklah terkejut sangat kerana jika beliau mampu hidup sehingga usia 92 tahun, itu satu pencapaian yang hebat sebagai seorang manusia. Walaupun bagi saya jika hidup terlalu lama itu bukanlah keputusan yang terbaik kerana cepat atau lambat, kita pun semua akan mati juga, namun jika kita mampu hidup melebihi usia 80 tahun ke atas, itu adalah bonus. Shankar menghembuskan nafas akhir di San Diego, California, Amerika Syarikat. Adalah diakui Ravi Shankar adalah pelopor muzik klasikal India di Amerika dan di mata dunia. Kolobrasinya dengan pemain violin terkemuka dunia, Yehudi Menuhin dan kumpulan muzik paling agung di dunia sekitar tahun 60an waktu itu, The Beatles dan George Harrison terutamanya berjaya mempopularkan namanya sebaris dengan seniman agung dunia zaman itu. Boleh dikatakan Shankar dan seorang lagi pengamal aliran spiritual, Mahesh Yogi menjadi sangat popular dan terkenal apabila berdamping dan mengambil kesempatan atas populariti Beatles. Sehingga John Lennon menyindir Mahesh Yogi di dalam lagunya "Sexy Sadie" akibat merasa tertipu dengan imej alim dan spritual Mahesh Yogi, Lennon dan Harrison membawa haluan mereka masing-masing dalam bab kepercayaan dan pegangan. George Harrison telah memasukkan bunyi sitar ke dalam lagu Norweign Wood yang dimasuk ke dalam album Beatles begitu juga dengan Brian Jones (gitaris kumpulan Rolling Stones) untuk lagu Paint in Black. Sehingga ke akhir hayatnya, Harrison kekal dengan imej spiritualnya dan kolobrasi antara beliau dan Ravi Shankar sering mendatangkan kejayaan dalam karya mereka sejak perkenalannya dengan maestro sitar itu pada tahun 1966 sehingga berjaya dan mendapat anugerah di Grammy Award. Shankar juga turut terlibat dalam konsert amal untuk Bangladesh yang dianjurkan oleh Harrison pada tahun 1971. Lahir dalam keluarga Brahmin yang dianggap suci dan mulia di mata masyarakat India pada 12 April 1920, Shankar dibesarkan dalam keluarga pemain sitar dan muzik klasikal India, maka tidaklah menghairankan bakatnya telah dipupuk sejak dari kecil lagi. Seperkara sitar adalah alat instrumen yang berkait rapat dengan elemen spiritual dan suci bagi bangsa India. Untuk memainkan alat muzik tersebut agak sukar sebenarnya. Disiplin diri luar dan dalam perlu seimbang dan senada. Untuk mendapatkan keselesaan dalam posisi duduk bersila sambil memegang alat muzik sitar dalam teknik yang betul, itu saja sudah mengambil masa yang agak lama. Mengaitkan pula bunyinya yang unik dan mistik melambangkan kedamaian dan kebebasan, bertepatan pula dengan perang Vietnam yang berlaku pada 1 November 1957 hinggalah pada 30hb April 1975. Maka di situlah Shankar menyelit di tengah kemelut dan protes anti perang dan Festival Muzik Woodstock yang dianjurkan pada tahun 1969 di New York. Di India sebenarnya ramai lahir pemain sitar yang hebat dan mungkin lebih bagus dari Shankar sebenarnya. Salah seorang yang saya kagumi adalah Ustad Vilayat Khan (lahir pada 28 Ogos 1928 dan meninggal pada 13 Mac 2004 dalam usia 76 tahun). Cara permainan Vilayat dan Shankar mungkin berbeza, namun saya lebih senang dengan susunan muzik Vilayat dan beliau seorang pemuzik yang punya "attitude", itu yang paling penting bagi saya. Mungkin beliau seorang yang kontroversi atas sebab-sebab tertentu, namun jika ego itu atas dasar prinsip, sebagai seorang pemuzik, saya tetap menghormati beliau. Saya juga sempat menonton persembahan seorang lagu maestro sitar terkemuka dunia Ustad Usman Khan di Temple of Fine Arts, yang terletak di Brickfield, beberapa tahun yang lepas. Menonton persembahan beliau umpama sebuah pengembaraan dari alam nyata ke dunia surreal dan mistik. Itulah kehebatan bunyi dan gubahan yang dimainkan oleh Ustad Usman Khan. Sikap rendah diri dan hormatnya kepada alat instrumen dan bunyian mendatangkan rasa kagum khalayak terutama bagi mereka yang menonton persembahannya malam itu. Ustad Vilayat Khan sebenarnya telah membuat persembahan di England pada tahun 1951 lagi. Namun itulah seperti yang selalu saya bandingkan antara Vilayat dan Shankar dengan penyanyi folk Phil Ochs dan Bob Dylan. Phil Ohcs kekal dengan imej dan lagu-lagunya yang bernada protes dan tidak komersial berbanding Dylan yang lebih komersial lagu dan liriknya. Saya adalah peminat muzik Klasikal India dan muzik-muzik yang berkait dengannya. Apabila John McClaughin menubuhkan Mahavishnu Orkestra dan Shakti bersama dengan pemain tabla tersohor dunia, Zakir Hussain dan pemain violin, L. Shankar saya mula faham mengapa McClaughin memilih muzik klasikal India selepas jazz. Apapun pemergian Ravi Shankar adalah satu kehilangan besar bagi peminat muzik klasikal India khususnya juga seluruh dunia. Bakatnya telah diwarisi oleh dua orang anak perempuannya iaitu Norah Jones yang telah mencipta nama sebagai penyanyi dan seorang lagi Anoushka Shankar yang mula mencipta nama sebagai pemain sitar. Belasungkawa buat maestro sitar terkenal, Ravi Shankar. * The views expressed here are the personal opinion of the columnist.

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