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The Malaysian Insider :: Food

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Wine journal awards Australian shiraz perfect score Posted: 05 Mar 2013 03:33 PM PST Lunch treats at Topshelf By Eu Hooi Khaw KUALA LUMPUR, March 2 — The Man Roast Beef Salad was a great start to lunch. Slices of beef, medium rare, were laid over a mixed salad, and drizzled with a tart, tingly dressing. It's one of the dishes on ... Read More Starbucks gets frothy NY Times digital deal NEW YORK, March 1 — The New York Times and Starbucks are teaming up to give coffee drinkers a way to leap over the newspaper's digital paywall — as long as beverages are savoured in stores.A partnership ... Read More

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Dazzling Dortmund cruise past Shakhtar into last eight Posted: 05 Mar 2013 03:45 PM PST March 06, 2013 Borussia Dortmund's Jakub Blaszczykowski celebrates a goal against Shakhtar Donetsk. — Reuters picDORTMUND, March 6 — Former European Cup winners Borussia Dortmund marched into the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time in 15 years by beating Shakhtar Donetsk 3-0 yesterday to advance 5-2 on aggregate. First-half goals from central defender Felipe Santana, a replacement for Mats Hummels, and Mario Goetze effectively killed off the tie following the 2-2 first-leg draw in Ukraine in February. Jakub Blaszczykowski's close-range effort after 59 minutes buried any lingering hopes for Shakhtar who had come out fighting in the second half. The Bundesliga champions have now won every home game in the competition this season after also beating Real Madrid, Ajax Amsterdam and Manchester City in the group stage. The 1997 Champions League winners, who have played second fiddle to Bayern Munich in Germany this season, quickly took control of the game. Striker Robert Lewandowski almost put them in front when Goetze sent him through with a defence-splitting pass and the Polish international's shot was blocked by keeper Andriy Pyatov. The hosts kept up the pressure but their finishing was less than clinical. There was nothing complicated about Santana's header in the 31st minute, the Brazilian rising high above marker Yaroslav Rakitskiy to nod in a corner at the near post. Goetze made it 2-0 in the 37th minute when he tapped in a well-timed Lewandowski cross with Shakhtar defenders again exposed. The Ukrainians almost pulled one back on the restart with substitute Douglas Costa firing narrowly wide as the visitors poured forward in search of a quick goal. Pyatov, though, spilled a tame shot from Ilkay Guendogan into the path of Blaszczykowski and he grabbed Dortmund's third goal. — Reuters

Ronaldo knocks out United after Nani sees red Posted: 05 Mar 2013 03:08 PM PST March 06, 2013 Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo reacts after the match. — Reuters picMANCHESTER, March 6 — Former Manchester United hero Cristiano Ronaldo scored the winner as Real Madrid knocked out a Manchester United side controversially reduced to 10 men in the Champions League yesterday. Ronaldo secured a 2-1 win for Real and a 3-2 aggregate success after the match completely changed when United winger Nani was sent off for a clumsy, but not deliberate, high challenge on Real defender Alvaro Arbeloa in the 56th minute. The red card came as a total surprise and was the start of a terrible 13-minute spell that doomed the home side to defeat as Real, trailing 1-0, struck twice in three minutes through Luka Modric and Ronaldo to seal Real's place in the last eight. Substitute Modric, only been on the field for seven minutes, lashed in Real's equaliser from 20 metres after 66 minutes and Ronaldo slid in at the far post three minutes later to turn in a cross from Gonzalo Higuain and seal Real's place in the last eight. "Independent of the decision, the best team lost," Real coach Jose Mourinho told ITV. "We didn't play well, we didn't deserve to win, but football is like this. "I am not sure about the decision, but independent of that, the best team lost." Mourinho told Spanish television TVE he was disappointed by the performance. "I am happy that we are through but I expected more from my team," he said. "When your goalkeeper is the best player on the pitch and you are playing against 10 men then that shows you are not controlling the match as you should. Manchester United's Luis Nani (second right) reacts after being sent off. — Reuters pic"But you have to know how to suffer and how to win under those circumstances." Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson was too upset to speak to the press. "I don't think the manager is any fit state to talk to the referee. It speaks volumes I am sitting here now not the manager," assistant manager Mile Phelan said. "It's a very distraught dressing room and a very distraught manager. That's why I am sitting here now." Nani certainly had his foot high as he challenged for the ball with Arbeloa, but did not see the Spaniard behind him and had his eye on the ball throughout the incident. Ferguson raced down from his seat to remonstrate on the touchline with the officials and went storming down to the pitch after the match ended. United players surrounded the referee at the end with Rio Ferdinand sarcastically clapping in his face, and although the decision badly affected United, at that stage, they were still leading with 34 minutes to play. Mourinho, though, quickly changed the shape of his side in the wake of the dismissal, introducing Modric who had a huge influence, while Ferguson, did not bring on Wayne Rooney until 17 minutes from the end when United were 2-1 down. Real Madrid's Luka Modric scores against Manchester United. — Reuters picSpecial night It had started out as a special night at Old Trafford as 39-year-old Welsh winger Ryan Giggs made his 1,000th competitive appearance and Ronaldo was warmly greeted on his first return to the ground since he left for Real in 2009. It seemed to be heading for a joyous finish too as United, who were playing the better football, went ahead after 48 minutes when Sergio Ramos turned a cross from Nani into his own net to put the home side 1-0 up and 2-1 ahead on aggregate. United had gone close to opening the scoring after 21 minutes when Nemanja Vidic thundered a powerful downward header against Diego Lopez's left-hand post, only to see the ball rebound to Danny Welbeck. The England forward had little time to react but shot first time straight at the keeper sitting on the line, who smothered it between his legs. TV replays, however, showed Welbeck was in an offside position and the goal would not have counted. Both teams made chances as play flowed from one end of the pitch to the other, but United appeared to be the more settled side and went into a deserved lead, even though they were fortunate that Ramos turned Nani's cross into his own net. Real, though, laid siege to United's goal after the hosts were reduced to 10 men, leaving United needing to score twice in the last 21 minutes after Modric and Ronaldo found the net. Real Madrid's coach Jose Mourinho reacts near Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson (left). — Reuters picAlthough Robin van Persie and Rooney went close, Real held out for the win to stay on course for a record-extending 10th European Cup success while Mourinho could become the first man to lift the trophy with three different clubs after his earlier successes with Porto in 2004 and Inter Milan in 2010. "I did my job which was to help Real Madrid win and stay alive in the Champions League," Ronaldo said. "I am very happy for my team but it was a very strange feeling tonight and in the first leg. "I spent six years here and probably it will be the same if I ever go back to Real Madrid and play against them. "The feelings you have for people who treat you well are a unique thing and it was a special day for me to return to my second home and spend time with my friends. "But the most important thing was that Real Madrid won and inside I am very happy but also sad for United." — Reuters

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The Malaysian Insider :: Features

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Running may reduce the lust for money, says study Posted: 05 Mar 2013 07:30 AM PST March 05, 2013 A new German study finds that running may take the edge off a desire for money. — shutterstock.com picNEW YORK, March 5 — Aerobic exercise can reduce cravings for sugar and nicotine, and according to a new Germany study it may also reduce your desire for money. In the study, in this month's issue of Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, researchers divided 48 men into two groups, with one group running on a treadmill for 30 minutes at low to moderate intensity. According to Runner's World, the placebo group performed light stretches and arm circles. An hour after the workouts, the subjects played a game in which money was the incentive, all while an MRI monitored their brain activity. Runner's World writes that the subjects had to press buttons as quickly as possible to either win a euro or prevent themselves from losing one. Each subject performed the task 75 times. Results showed that the running group had lower cravings for cash, likely due to the feel-good effect of dopamine — which overrides the brain's desire for money, at least for a few hours after your workout. Access the study: http://journals.lww.com/acsm-msse/Abstract/2013/03000/Acute_Exercise_Influences_Reward_Processing_in.25.aspx

Haunted by trauma, tsunami survivors in Japan turn to exorcists Posted: 05 Mar 2013 01:00 AM PST March 05, 2013 World Japan mourns; grapples with tsunami aftermath UPDATED @ 03:47:41 PM 11-03-2012 March 11, 2012 An evacuee of Okuma town, who is dressed in a protective suit, offers prayers for victims of the March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami. — Reuters picHIGASHI-MATSUSHIMA (Japan), March 5 — The tsunami that engulfed northeastern Japan two years ago has left some survivors believing they are seeing ghosts. In a society wary of admitting to mental problems, many are turning to exorcists for help. Tales of spectral figures lined up at shops where now there is only rubble are what psychiatrists say is a reaction to fear after the March 11, 2011, disaster in which nearly 19,000 people were killed. "The places where people say they see ghosts are largely those areas completely swept away by the tsunami," said Keizo Hara, a psychiatrist in the city of Ishinomaki, one of the areas worst-hit by the waves touched off by an offshore earthquake. "We think phenomena like ghost sightings are perhaps a mental projection of the terror and worries associated with those places." Hara said post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) might only now be emerging in many people, and the country could be facing a wave of stress-related problems. "It will take time for PTSD to emerge for many people in temporary housing for whom nothing has changed since the quake," he said. Shinichi Yamada escaped the waves that destroyed his home and later salvaged two Buddhist statues from the wreckage. But when he brought them back to the temporary housing where he lived, he said strange things began to happen. His two children suddenly got sick and an inexplicable chill seemed to follow the family through the house, he said. "A couple of times when I was lying in bed, I felt something walking across me, stepping across my chest," Yamada told Reuters. Many people in Japan hold on to ancient superstitions despite its ultra-modern image. Yamada, like many other people in the area, turned to exorcist Kansho Aizawa for help. Aizawa, 56, dressed in a black sweater and trousers and with dangling pearl earrings, said in an interview in her home that she had seen numerous ghosts. "There are headless ghosts, and some missing hands or legs. Others are completely cut in half," she said. "People were killed in so many different ways during the disaster and they were left like that in limbo. So it takes a heavy toll on us, we see them as they were when they died." In some places destroyed by the tsunami, people have reported seeing ghostly apparitions queuing outside supermarkets which are now only rubble. Taxi drivers said they avoided the worst-hit districts for fear of picking up phantom passengers. "At first, people came here wanting to find the bodies of their family members. Then they wanted to find out exactly how that person died, and if their spirit was at peace," Aizawa said. As time passed, people's requests changed. "They've started wanting to transmit their own messages to the dead," Aizawa said. Shinichi Yamada said life had improved since he put the two Buddhist statues in a shrine and prayed. He still believes the statues are haunted, but now thinks their spirits are at peace. — Reuters

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Saudi princes seek immunity and secrecy in UK lawsuit Posted: 05 Mar 2013 08:35 AM PST March 06, 2013 LONDON, March 5 — Lawyers for two Saudi princes involved in litigation over a business dispute they have tried to keep secret argued in a British court today their clients should be granted immunity from being sued. The litigation, which has been going through British courts since December 2011, stems from sales in 2010 and 2011 of shares in Fi Call Ltd, a company jointly owned by Prince Abdulaziz bin Mishal and Jordanian businessman Faisal Almhairat. Prince Abdulaziz and Almhairat accuse each other of wrongdoing but details of the claims have so far remained secret because the prince and his father, who is also involved, have argued that it would be damaging to Saudi Arabia's relations with Britain and the United States to air them in open court. Prince Abdulaziz's father is the elderly Prince Mishal bin Abdulaziz al Saud, one of King Abdullah's many brothers and the chairman of the Allegiance Council, which oversees the succession to the Saudi throne. The Fi Call matter is scheduled to come to trial in January 2014. In two separate strands of pre-trial hearings, lawyers have argued that details of the case should remain secret and the Saudi princes should be granted immunity from litigation. At Tuesday's hearing before the High Court, which was about the immunity question, Prince Mishal was described as a "close confidant, senior brother" of King Abdullah who was "listed in terms of precedence above the crown prince". The lawyer representing the princes, Timothy Otty, argued they should enjoy the same immunity from litigation to which the monarch was entitled. The judge will rule on the princes' application for immunity at a later date. "SCANDALOUS AND OUTRAGEOUS" A ruling on the separate matter of whether the case should be heard in private, handed down on February 13 by judge Paul Morgan, gave limited insight into what the dispute is about. The two sides accuse each other of misappropriating the proceeds of sales of shares in Fi Call. Almhairat also alleges that Prince Abdulaziz is guilty of wrongdoing in relation to two deals referred to only as "the Beirut transaction" and "the Nairobi transaction". Almhairat says Prince Mishal is involved in some matters relevant to the dispute. The lawyers also argued that Prince Abdulaziz would be "at risk of serious personal injury or death from reprisals" if the allegation about the Beirut transaction was made public. The princes reject the allegations against them as "scandalous and outrageous". Their lawyers argued that the allegations should not be heard in open court where media could be present because they would "lead to an adverse effect on relations between the United States of America and Saudi Arabia". Judge Morgan ruled that these arguments came "nowhere near being clear and cogent evidence" to justify holding court hearings in private. The princes have appealed against Morgan's ruling. Pending the outcome, the details of the case remain secret. It is not the first time that the threat of damaging relations with Saudi Arabia has played a part in legal proceedings in Britain. In 2006, a corruption investigation into a huge arms deal with Saudi Arabia was dropped because of concerns that it could harm Britain's security interests. But there was widespread criticism at the time that the true motivation for shelving the case was to protect Britain's commercial prospects in the kingdom. — Reuters

Diplomat Jarandi to be new Tunisian foreign minister Posted: 05 Mar 2013 08:03 AM PST March 06, 2013 TUNIS, March 5 — Tunisia's ruling Islamist party Ennahda and its allies agreed today to name diplomat Othman Jarandi as foreign minister in the new governing coalition, two coalition sources said. President Moncef Marzouki asked Interior Minister Ali Larayedh on February 22 to form a government within 15 days after Prime Minister Hamadi Jebali quit following violent unrest over the assassination of an opposition leader. "There is a preliminary agreement that Othman Jarandi will be foreign minister, and Abd El Hak Lassoued will replace the current defense minister Abd Karim Zbidi, who wants to leave," a coalition source told Reuters. A second source confirmed the development but declined to give details. Jebali resigned after his own Ennahda party rejected his plan for a technocratic cabinet, excluding political parties, to prepare for elections later this year and calm unrest ignited by the killing of secular politician Chokri Belaid on February 6. — Reuters

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Bieber apologises to angry fans for late UK show Posted: 05 Mar 2013 07:40 AM PST March 05, 2013 Canadian singer Justin Bieber performs in a concert at the Manchester Arena in Manchester, northern England, February 21, 2013. — Reuters picLONDON, March 5 — Canadian singer Justin Bieber apologised today after fans booed him for turning up nearly two hours late to a London concert, blaming technical issues for his late performance. The 19-year-old teen idol had been scheduled to take the stage at London's O2 Arena at 8.30pm but said in a Twitter message that the time was pushed back to 9.35pm due to "some technical issues". Many fans, and the venue itself, appeared not to have got the message after complaints poured in that Bieber was nearly two hours late when he finally appeared at around 10.20pm. "Last night i was scheduled after 3 opening acts to go on stage at 935 not 830 but because of some technical issues," Bieber wrote on Twitter, the micro-blogging site where he boasts the largest following of more than 35 million people. "i got on at 10:10..so...i was 40 min late to stage. there is no excuse for that and I apologize for anyone we upset. However it was great show and Im proud of that." In the third of four tweets, he vowed to run on time today, and in the final message said his relationship with the media, which picked up on fans' displeasure following last night's concert, was "not always easy but im trying". The popular Sun tabloid newspaper said many fans, some of them as young as five years old, had gone home by the time Bieber began while others voiced frustration. There was no on-stage apology, although the O2 Arena did later address fans, popularly known as "Beliebers", apologising in a Twitter message to "all the Justin Bieber fans for the lateness of his show tonight". Bieber is due to play the same venue today, Thursday and Friday. Many people voiced their frustration at having to wait, while others reacted angrily to the headlines. "Justin Bieber is my fave person but 2 hours late on stage is a joke!" fan Jess wrote on Twitter. "Does he realise that he has fans under the age of 10?" Others jumped to his defence early today. "Feel really bad for @justinbieber now! Yes he was late but he put on a flipping good show! It was amazing," said one. Not all reviewers were quite so kind for the singer who was named by Forbes magazine in 2012 as the third most powerful celebrity in the world. London's Evening Standard awarded the "Baby" singer two stars, saying he turned "victory into defeat". "By the end, the O2 was barely half-full and when Bieber asked 'Who's seen me play before?', he might have been better wondering who would spend time, money and adoration on seeing him again," wrote critic John Aizlewood. Bieber's visit to Britain has probably not been his best. On March 2, the day after he turned 19, he tweeted "worst birthday" amid reports some of his entourage were turned away from a London nightclub because they could not supply adequate proof of their age. Bieber, who was discovered on YouTube in 2008, last month became the youngest artist to land five chart-topping albums in the United States following the release of his latest record, "Believe Acoustic". — Reuters

Czech court acquits US heavy metal singer over fan death Posted: 05 Mar 2013 07:12 AM PST March 05, 2013 US heavy metal singer Randy Blythe reacts as he attends his trial at the Municipal Court in Prague March 5, 2013. — Reuters picPRAGUE, March 5 — A Czech court acquitted the frontman of US heavy metal band Lamb of God of manslaughter charges today in the death of a fan who was pushed off the stage at a concert in Prague. The prosecution accused Randy Blythe, 42, of shoving 19-year-old fan Daniel Nosek off the stage at the 2010 concert, causing him to hit his head when he crashed onto the floor. Nosek died in hospital a few weeks later from his head injury. Presiding judge Tomas Kubec ruled that Blythe's actions did not constitute the crime of causing an injury leading to death. "We did not find criminal responsibility in the actions of the defendant. We found moral responsibility. There has been the death of a young man who had not been guilty of anything." Kubec said the concert promoters were ultimately to blame for failing to prevent fans from clambering onto the stage. "We reached the conclusion that there was a serious fault on the side of the promoter and organiser of the concert." Prosecutors immediately appealed against the acquittal, meaning that the case will be reviewed by the Czech High Court. Blythe, who has cropped his long dark hair but kept his soul patch, wore a dark suit with white shirt and a striped tie at the trial, attended by Czech and international media. "I have been found not guilty and acquitted of all charges against me. I am a free man," Blythe said in a post on his Instagram.com profile. "Please remember the family of Daniel Nosek in your thoughts and prayers in this difficult time. I only wish for them peace. Thank you for your support." Blythe nodded his head when the judge said some form of compensation for the victim's family could be suitable. "The acquittal does not prevent the defendant, if he feels some moral responsibility, to enter negotiations with the family of the victim and act accordingly," the judge said. The singer admitted to shoving the fan off the stage after several other fans climbed up onto it during the 2010 Prague show, but said he believed Nosek was unharmed. He said he did not learn of Nosek's death or the prosecution over the incident until police arrested him at Prague airport when the band returned for another gig in June last year. Blythe made no immediate comment to reporters after the ruling and left with his attorney. He was released on bail after his arrest and travelled back to the United States, but returned for his trial. Blythe would have faced up to 10 years in prison if convicted. — Reuters

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India writer wins record US$1m advance for South Asia rights Posted: 05 Mar 2013 02:23 AM PST Batman to lose son Robin NEW YORK, Feb 27 – Batman may be able to save the world, but he'll lose his sidekick Robin – who in his current incarnation is his son – in the upcoming Batman Incorporated comic book series.DC Comics ... Read More Shanghaied? By Alan Wong KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 23 — This was heard at a "live" comedy act: "There are two kinds of Chinese: rich Chinese - and potentially rich Chinese."The audience chuckled. How stereotypical and absurd.But tell me: ... Read More Audible optimises itself for iPad NEW YORK, Feb 23 – "More than 20 per cent of Audible customers already use Audible's iPhone app on the iPad" was the stat supplied by Audible's vice president of Mobile Apps, as the audio book company ... Read More

Fountain wins National Book Critics Circle award Posted: 04 Mar 2013 03:15 PM PST Batman to lose son Robin NEW YORK, Feb 27 – Batman may be able to save the world, but he'll lose his sidekick Robin – who in his current incarnation is his son – in the upcoming Batman Incorporated comic book series.DC Comics ... Read More Shanghaied? By Alan Wong KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 23 — This was heard at a "live" comedy act: "There are two kinds of Chinese: rich Chinese - and potentially rich Chinese."The audience chuckled. How stereotypical and absurd.But tell me: ... Read More Audible optimises itself for iPad NEW YORK, Feb 23 – "More than 20 per cent of Audible customers already use Audible's iPhone app on the iPad" was the stat supplied by Audible's vice president of Mobile Apps, as the audio book company ... Read More

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United and Madrid set for epic encounter Posted: 04 Mar 2013 04:02 PM PST March 05, 2013 Andy West is a sports writer originally from the UK and now living in Barcelona. He has worked in professional football since 1998 and specialises in the Spanish Primera Division and the English Premier League. Follow him on Twitter at @andywest01. MARCH 5 — Today's the day: Manchester United against Real Madrid at Old Trafford. If you love football, it doesn't get any better. Even though the kick-off time is not particularly Malaysia-friendly, I urge you: if you're going to get up in the middle of the night to watch one game all season, make it this one. Jose Mourinho's erratic behaviour has turned Madrid's season into a soap opera worth watching whoever they're coming up against, so when you throw in the added weight of a knockout Champions League tie against the titans of Manchester United, delicately poised at 1-1 after the first leg, it possesses all the ingredients to become an epic. The game has so many twists and sub-plots, it's difficult to know where to begin. Chief of those is former United star Cristano Ronaldo making his first return to Old Trafford since his £80 million (RM376 million) departure to Madrid in 2009. Ronaldo has remained a phenomenally popular player with United supporters — who are still dreaming that he may one day return to the Red Devils' ranks — and is sure to receive a rapturous pre-match welcome which will very quickly transform into a nervous hush whenever he receives possession anywhere near the United penalty area. The Portuguese star is in the form of his life. He has scored 17 goals in 15 games this calendar year, and in Saturday's victory over Barcelona he produced an unstoppable cameo display from the bench, managing more shots on target than the entire visiting team despite only being on the pitch for half an hour. That Ronaldo has the ability to win the match single-handedly is unquestioned, especially when he's in this kind of form. He can score with his left foot, his right foot or his head from any range or angle, and can turn defence into attack with an unparalleled ability for high-speed dribbling. He could be poised for a memorable evening at his former home ground. One of Ronaldo's former teammates at Old Trafford, Ryan Giggs, will also receive a special welcome as he makes his 1,000th career appearance. It's a truly astounding achievement, especially in an era when the demands of the game have changed beyond all recognition due to developments in sports science, diet and general physical conditioning. Giggs' longevity is a testimony to many things, but most of all to his fitness, adaptability and versatility. When he first broke into the United team as a teenager in 1991 (yep, an amazing 22 years ago), he was a spectacularly gifted but somewhat limited performer.  Of course, his dribbling skills and left-footed delivery were always outstanding, but any opponent who succeeded in regularly forcing him inside onto his right foot had a chance of keeping him relatively quiet. For a short period those limitations saw him overtaken by Lee Sharpe in the battle for a regular starting berth, but without ever really learning to use his right foot (which hardly makes him the world's only one-footed footballer), the Welsh wizard quickly learned to add to his repertoire and become a highly effective performer even when denied the opportunity to fly down the flank. Over the years, Giggs has supplemented his initial role on the left wing by playing as a centre forward, a midfielder and a deep-lying support striker, and he's performed with consistent excellence in all those positions. And, of course, he's also maintained a phenomenal level of fitness, a pre-requisite for anyone to be able to play until the age of 39. Giggs has been well protected by his manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who has avoided burning out the Welshman by only using him for selective games in recent years, even though I'm sure he'd love to write number 11 on his teamsheet every week. Ferguson knows a thing or two about longevity, of course, but even he can't go on forever and another intriguing sub-plot to tonight's game is the sight of his potential eventual replacement, Mourinho, making a return to Old Trafford. Mourinho has never hidden his desire to return to the Premier League, and Old Trafford is one of just a handful of arenas big enough to contain his ego. He also has a good relationship with Ferguson — carefully cultivated over the years to maximise his chances of one day succeeding the Scotsman, no doubt — and the possibility of Mourinho taking residency in Old Trafford's home dugout at some point in the future is very real. A famous victory for Madrid tonight would do his cause no harm whatsoever. So what will happen? Who will progress? As far as I can tell, this tie is as close to 50/50 as you can get, and I'm not going to be bold/stupid enough to make any predictions.  The game will probably hinge on small details — a refereeing decision, a mistake, a piece of genius, a shot that flies either an inch wide or an inch inside the post — and nobody can claim to know the identity of the winners with any degree of confidence. In the end, it might come down to Ronaldo — the best player in the world on current form. Ferguson, I am sure, will find a way of shackling him as best as he can possibly be shackled because nobody understands his strengths and weaknesses better. But it will be impossible to subdue him entirely. Ronaldo will have shots on goal, however well United contain him; how many they are and whether or not they go in could well be decisive. * The views expressed here are the personal opinion of the columnist.

PAS untuk Bali? Posted: 04 Mar 2013 03:48 PM PST March 05, 2013 Zulhabri Supian suka berjalan dan bercita-cita untuk menghayati semangat anak muda walau nanti akan tua secara biologi. Zulhabri juga aktif di Komuniti Frinjan (http://frinjan.blogspot.com), Alternative Tourism (http://www.facebook.com/altourism.asia) dan menulis di blog (http://habri.blogspot.com). 5 MAC — PAS untuk Bali? Sesuatu yang tidak terbayangkan dalam fikiran. Sebuah parti bernuansa Islam mentadbir Bali yang majoriti Hindu. Sebelum menyimpang jauh, elok diterangkan bahawa "PAS untuk Bali" adalah slogan yang dicipta pendukung calon Gubernur dan calon Wakil Gubernur Bali, Anak Agung Ngurah Puspayoga dan Dewa Nyoman Sukrawan. PAS adalah akronim untuk pasangan dua calon tersebut. Pasangan PAS diusung Parti PDI Perjuangan yang dipimpin Megawati dan kini lebih dikenali kerana ketokohan seorang Jokowi, Gubernur Jakarta yang dikagumi dunia termasuk di negara kita. Lawan pasangan PAS adalah Gubernur Bali berkuasa sekarang, I Made Mangku Pastika. Seperti Malaysia, suhu politik di Bali semakin memanas menjelang pilihanraya Gubernur Bali yang akan diadakan pada 15 Mei nanti. Bali adalah salah satu dari 34 provinsi (negeri) yang membentuk Indonesia. Bali merupakan provinsi yang unik di mana majoriti penduduknya beragama Hindu dan sering dicemburui provinsi lain kerana popularitinya dan layanan manja yang diberikan kerajaan pusat Indonesia. Maka masuk akal komuniti Bali perantauan yang berjaya secara ekonomi dijadikan sasaran kemarahan seperti yang terjadi baru-baru ini di Lampung dan Sumbawa. Belakangan, lebih tepat pasca-bom Bali pengukuhan identiti "Bali untuk Bali" semakin kuat kedengaran. Ajeg Bali yang bermaksud Bali yang kuat menjadi popular, sebuah konsep yang menyerupai Ketuanan Melayu Islam yang menjadi langganan umat Melayu Islam di Malaysia. Realitinya di mana-mana politik identiti seakan agama, mengalahkan agama itu sendiri. Bukan tanpa alasan, Bali yang relatif aman dimusnahkan pengganas bersarung agama Islam dengan justifikasi yang mengada-ada. Bali yang sebelumnya bersahabat baik dengan pendatang dari luar mulai curiga dan memperketat peraturan. Saya sendiri menerima dampaknya dengan harus melapor kepada penguasa setempat selama tinggal di Bali, apatah lagi Malaysia dikenali di Indonesia sebagai negara pengeksport pengganas. Bali merespon fundamentalisme Islam dengan fundamentalisme Hindu, suara azan sembahyang lima waktu untuk umat Islam yang kadangkala memekakkan telinga dengan sistem pembesar suara murahan ditiru persis. Begitu juga dalam aspek lain seperti pakaian upacara yang seakan menyerupai penganut Islam.  Meski demikian fundamentalisme Hindu masih di peringkat luaran dan umumnya Bali masih bersahabat dengan agama-agama lain. Hanya saja pengukuhan politik identiti yang mengarah kepada Bali itu Hindu harus dikawal dan diurus. Jangan sampai organisasi samseng agama seperti Front Pembela Islam (FPI) diadoptasi Hindu Bali.  Perihal samseng agama dan kaum ini sesungguhnya mengkhuatirkan dunia perpolitikan Malaysia. Pilihanraya umum ke-13 ini Malaysia akan bereksperimen dengan diri mereka. Malaysia akan berjalan mencari jalur barunya, baik menuju kepada Ketuanan Melayu Islam di bawah Kerajaaan Perpaduan Umno dan PAS, Liberal, progresif dan demokratik di bawah PKR, DAP dan parti-parti di Sabah dan Sarawak, kekal dengan politik stabil Barisan Nasional atau bermain dengan politik baru yang sifatnya eksperimental di bawah Pakatan Rakyat. Satu hal pasti, jika pilihan pertama iaitu pengukuhan Ketuanan Melayu Islam di bawah panji Umno dan PAS menjadi kenyataan, nasib dunia perpolitikan Malaysia cenderung akan memburuk, lebih buruk dari Bali. Suara-suara teriak keras penentang Ketuanan Melayu Islam yang berkumandang pasca-2008 seakan menjadi kunci kepada percepatan sebuah negara Malaysia yang dominan Melayu Islamnya. Teriakan lupa diri kelompok anti-Ketuanan Melayu Islam memberikan sebab untuk kelompok garis keras agama dan kaum meneruskan hegemoni mereka. PAS mungkin tidak sesuai untuk Bali, tetapi PAS adalah parti penentu masa depan negara dan PAS dengan satu alasan sahaja boleh berubah menjadi PAS untuk Malaysia, dan bersama-sama Umno pastinya.  Model Bali mengakomodasi semua kepentingan dan menerima budaya Bali Hindu sebagai teras dan budaya-budaya lainnya dengan terbuka. Pemain politik di Malaysia barangkali harus belajar ini, menerima hakikat bahawa teras budaya Malaysia adalah Melayu Islam dan pada masa yang sama mengakui hak semua warganya termasuk mereka yang bukan Melayu Islam. * Ini adalah pandangan peribadi penulis.

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Abang Sarjan Sabaruddin sokong serangan terhadap pengganas Sulu Posted: 05 Mar 2013 02:37 AM PST March 05, 2013 SHAH ALAM, 5 Mac — Abang kepada seorang anggota polis yang terkorban dalam serangan pengganas Sulu di Kampung Tanduo, Lahad Datu, Sabah Jumaat lepas, menyokong penuh tindakan kerajaan melancarkan serangan hari ini untuk menamatkan pencerobohan kumpulan bersenjata itu. Che Azni Ahmadun, 49, abang susuan kepada Allahyarham Sarjan Sabarudin Daud, 46, berkata langkah itu perlu untuk mempertahan kedaulatan dan keamanan negara. "Jangan biar pihak luar perkotak-katik keselamatan negara kita, jangan pertikai apa yang kerajaan kita laksanakan. Mandat telah diberi kepada anggota keselamatan kita. "Dan ini (serangan) adalah tindakan terbaik untuk jaga keamanan di Sabah," katanya ketika dihubungi Bernama. Sabarudin antara dua anggota komando polis VAT 69 yang terkorban dalam kejadian itu yang tercetus apabila pasukan keselamatan bertembung dengan kumpulan penceroboh bersenjata dari selatan Filipina berkenaan. Turut terkorban dalam insiden itu ASP Zulkifli Mamat, 29. Che Azni, seorang pesara tentera, turut menghentam sesetengah penulis blog yang membuat pelbagai kenyataan negatif berhubung kematian anggota polis yang bertugas di lokasi kejadian. "Saya sangat sedih dengan artikel-artikel ini...sanggup mereka keluarkan kenyataan bahawa insiden di Lahad Datu satu sandiwara. "...Saya juga ada terbaca dalam Internet arwah adik saya dan arwah Zulkifli disamakan dengan anjing Umno...apa semua ini? Ini hal kematian dan hal keselamatan negara. "Hormatilah perasaan anggota keluarga mangsa yang terkorban. Daripada berkata seperti itu, lebih baik jadi barisan hadapan, angkat senjata...adakah mereka ini berani?" katanya. Beliau turut meminta rakyat Malaysia bersatu dan mendoakan kesejahteraan anggota keselamatan yang ditugaskan di Sabah. — Bernama

SPR yakin proses PRU-13 di Sabah akan berjalan lancar — pengerusi SPR Posted: 05 Mar 2013 02:35 AM PST March 05, 2013 MELAKA, 5 Mac — Suruhanjaya Pilihan Raya (SPR) yakin proses pilihan raya umum ke-13 (PRU-13) di Sabah akan berjalan lancar dan tidak tergugat dengan insiden pencerobohan kumpulan bersenjata dari selatan Filipina di negeri itu. Pengerusi SPR Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof (gambar) berkata berkata pengundi di Sabah tidak perlu bimbang kerana pihak SPR akan dibantu anggota keselamatan untuk menjaga dan memantau keselamatan pengundi di Sabah sepanjang PRU-13 akan datang. "Hal-hal keselamatan dan ketenteraman awam negara perlu diutamakan dan kita juga tidak mahu mana-mana pihak membuat spekulasi keadaan di sana (Sabah)," katanya kepada pemberita selepas mengadakan taklimat ulangan bagi Pengurus dan Penolong Pengurus Pilihan Raya Bagi Negeri Melaka dan Negeri Sembilan sempena PRU-13, di sini hari ini. Insiden pencerobohan kumpulan bersenjata di Sabah yang dilapor sejak 12 Feb, mengorbankan lapan anggota keselamatan negara — dua di Lahad Datu dan enam di Semporna. Seramai 13.29 juta pemilih berdaftar sehingga 31 Dis lepas diwartakan SPR pada Februari lepas, dengan lebih dua juta daripadanya adalah pengundi baharu. — Bernama

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