Isnin, 26 Ogos 2013

The Malaysian Insider :: Food

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The Malaysian Insider :: Food


One chef, one ingredient: eggplant by Hiroki Yoshitake

Posted: 26 Aug 2013 06:07 PM PDT

August 27, 2013
Latest Update: August 27, 2013 05:07 pm

Each week, Relaxnews invites a master chef to share insights into the gourmet kitchen by presenting a favorite ingredient. Hiroki Yoshitake, chef at the Michelin-starred Sola restaurant in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, shares his perspective on one of the world's most internationally appreciated vegetables: eggplant.

Relaxnews: What led you to choose this ingredient?
Hiroki Yoshitake: Eggplants are one of the most widely known vegetables and are popular in France and Japan alike.

R: What is your best kitchen memory associated with this ingredient?
HY: When I was backpacking, traveling around the world, I found that this vegetable featured in all of the world's cuisines.

R: When is this ingredient in season?
HY: In late summer (July, August, September).

R: What is the best way to prepare it?
HY: Good oil brings out the best flavor from eggplants, which is why it is important to choose a high-quality oil. Eggplants can be fried, grilled, or roasted over a wood fire.

R: Can you share a recipe?
HY: Grill eggplants over a fire until the skin begins to detach. Remove the skin and serve with soy sauce, ponzu sauce (soy sauce and yuzu vinegar), or a vinaigrette...

R: What other products can be combined with eggplants to delight and surprise the taste buds? What are the most common mistakes made when preparing this ingredient?
HY: Eggplants go well with pork, lamb, oily fish, tomato, curry powder, and paprika. One mistake is to start out by cooking at a low temperature, as the eggplant will absorb all of the oil and become too greasy.

R: How do you offer this ingredient on your current menu?
HY: Currently at the Sola, I offer a grilled turbot dish with grilled eggplant purée and wasabi stems.

R: What wine (or other alcohol) goes best with this ingredient?
HY: A very dry sake.

Tasting the world, one meal at a time

Posted: 26 Aug 2013 12:08 AM PDT

BY QUEK YIING HUEY
August 26, 2013
Latest Update: August 26, 2013 07:28 pm

The Persian food galore. - The Malaysian Insider pic by Afif Abd Halim, August 26, 2013.The Persian food galore. - The Malaysian Insider pic by Afif Abd Halim, August 26, 2013.The world, served on a plate. Or rather, eating your way through cultures and countries from the comfort of a home rather than a restaurant.

While Kuala Lumpur has become cosmopolitan with a range of food from around the world, a new wave of culture-surfing has entered Malaysia – and it is served meal by meal.

"We would go as boldly as to say that we want to bend Malaysian society norms and encourage people to open up their homes and hearts to strangers who want to experience culture over a plate of food," said Plate Culture founder Audra Pakalnyte in Kuala Lumpur.

The Lithuanian has been in Malaysia for the past five years and set up a website with co-founder Reda Stare to introduce the concept of private kitchens, also known as supper clubs.

The idea allows those passionate about cooking to register themselves as hosts and once they are verified by the Plate Culture team, their profile will be made public and available for reservations.

Foodies out on a gastronomic adventure can then "shop" online for a variety of cuisine with prices ranged from less than RM 20 to RM200 and above. Bookings can even be customised based on their food preferences.

"It started off as a concept that catered for tourists, then when data showed that half of the subscribers are locals, we realised that Malaysians themselves also want to experience a foreign and different culture at home," Audra told The Malaysian Insider.

Ainaz Reihani, who was born and raised in Bojnord, Iran. - The Malaysian Insider pic by Afif Abd Halim, August 26, 2013.Ainaz Reihani, who was born and raised in Bojnord, Iran. - The Malaysian Insider pic by Afif Abd Halim, August 26, 2013."I participated in this because I wanted to learn more about other culture and customs asides from sharing mine. It is also a way for me to reconnect with my country," said Iranian Ainaz Reihani (pic), who is completing her Masters in Human Resource Management at Johor.

She hosted a spectacular evening with a four-course Persian meal, complete with a desert and three different types of drinks at the comfort of her house tucked away in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.

The Kashk-e Bademjan. - The Malaysian Insider pic by Afif Abd Halim, August 26, 2013.The Kashk-e Bademjan. - The Malaysian Insider pic by Afif Abd Halim, August 26, 2013.For starters, she served Kashk-e Bademjan (pic), a creamy Persian style Roasted Eggplant dip topped with crushed walnuts, sautéed onion and mint, eaten together with flatbread.

The main course was Saffron Steamed Barberry Rice; served together with Gheymeh Stew, a captivating combination of beef, yellow split peas and aubergines cooked to melted perfection with the aroma of Turmeric spice.

Shole Zard, the desert with the Iranian symbol, 'Boteh Jegeh'. - The Malaysian Insider Pic by Afif Abd Halim, August 26, 2013.Desert was Shole Zard (pic), a rice pudding infused with Saffron. The unique twist to it was the decoration on the dish, known as "Boteh Jegheh"; the Paisley design commonly found on textiles which symbolises leaves, something synonymous with happiness in Iranian belief.

As Ainaz served up an unforgettable Persian experience, she told tales about her family, Iranian tradition and history, as well as the hardships – no holds barred, unlike your usual travel guide.

This idea of pop-up kitchens also enabled start-ups like 25-year-old Logeswary Subramaniam to venture into the food industry with her individualistic style.

FHL Sports, where 'Lexy's Little Larder' was hosted. - The Malaysian Insider Pic by Afif Abd Halim, August 26, 2013.FHL Sports, where 'Lexy's Little Larder' was hosted. - The Malaysian Insider Pic by Afif Abd Halim, August 26, 2013.

Naming her supper club "Lexy's Little Larder", we dined in a bike shop located in Sentul with bicycles suspended from high ceilings, surrounded by glass panes that illuminate the place with rays of sunshine.

Logeswary described the Malaysian food industry as a huge potential cave waiting to be excavated, however people don't seem to have the attitude to explore options out there.

"I want to provide unpretentious food for people and have them undergo a casual experience," said Logeswary, who is also a professional baker.

The Jamaican goat curry wraps prepared by Logeswary, slow-cooked for four hours and seasoned to perfection. - The Malaysian Insider Pic by Afif Abd Halim, August 26, 2013.The Jamaican goat curry wraps prepared by Logeswary, slow-cooked for four hours and seasoned to perfection. - The Malaysian Insider Pic by Afif Abd Halim, August 26, 2013.Before this, her private kitchens were held in restaurants. However, the crowd and atmosphere drowned out a sense of personal touch that she wanted.

"I was about to give up when I heard about a bicycle shop that had a pantry. So I just walked in one day to ask if I could utilise the space for my supper clubs and it was an unhesitant yes," said Logeswary.

"Why not?" said the shop's retail manager Mark Cheong when asked about this quirky collaboration.

Cheong added that he wanted the place to have a culture. Not just a shop that sells bike equipment, but also for people to come together to have an exchange of information.

"You get 12 strangers who come as guests, and they leave as friends at the end of the meal," Logeswary said.

Plate Culture has since launched its Singaporean platform last week and now plans to expand throughout the rest of the South East Asia region are underway.Logeswary at work behind the pantry in the bike shop. The Malaysian Insider pic by Afif Abd Halim, August 26, 2013.Logeswary at work behind the pantry in the bike shop. The Malaysian Insider pic by Afif Abd Halim, August 26, 2013.

Kredit: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com

The Malaysian Insider :: Sports

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The Malaysian Insider :: Sports


Cardiff shock may send Man City back to the shops

Posted: 26 Aug 2013 07:14 AM PDT

August 26, 2013

Manchester City could once again be tempted to throw money at a problem after a shock 3-2 defeat by Cardiff City highlighted the need for top quality cover for first-choice centre backs Vincent Kompany and Matija Nastasic.

Having splashed around £90 million pounds (US$140.34 million) on bolstering their attack with Jesus Navas, Fernandinho, Alvaro Negredo and Stevan Jovetic, it was their lack of spending at the other end of the pitch that was exposed in Wales yesterday.

They lost Kompany to a groin strain during last week's Premier League opener against Newcastle United and were already without Nastasic who is recovering from an ankle problem, forcing them to field a makeshift partnership in Cardiff.

Manager Manuel Pellegrini chose not to blame Joleon Lescott, the England defender who lost his place to Nastasic last season, or Javi Garcia, the midfielder who was drafted in to play alongside him, saying there was a collective responsibility.

"I haven't seen the goal yet but defending set pieces is the job of the whole team. It doesn't matter who is guilty but to concede two goals from corners is too many," the Chilean said on the club website (www.mcfc.co.uk).

City had gone ahead in the game with Edin Dzeko's 52nd minute goal before Aron Gunnarsson levelled in the 60th and last season's league runners-up were then undone by two Fraizer Campbell headers from corners in the space of eight minutes.

Negredo pulled one back for City in stoppage time after coming on as a substitute for a second successive game and again showing just the kind of sharpness the club had been looking for when they signed him last month, but it was too late.

"We lost because we didn't concentrate. We will work on this during the week," said Pellegrini, whose side had stormed to a 4-0 win in their match at home to Newcastle with a delightfully attack-minded display.

MEANEST DEFENCE

He had said before the game Kompany's absence was not a reason to bring in a centre back before the transfer window closes on Sept. 2 but after last term's meanest defence leaked goals against Premier League newcomers, he may change his mind.

Kompany has been ruled out for around a month, making him a doubt for the first Manchester derby of the season when City host champions United on Sept. 22, while Nastasic has only just returned to training.

With Micah Richards out with a hamstring problem and having seen Kolo Toure depart on a free transfer to Liverpool, City find themselves depleted at the back with the season only just underway.

They have the financial means and the time to do something about it, should they wish to, and having been given a target of five trophies in five seasons Pellegrini could still take their close-season spending over the £100 million mark.

City, who won the Premier League in 2012 and the FA Cup in 2011, have been linked with Real Madrid's Pepe and Atletico Madrid's Martin Demichelis in this transfer window.

Under manager Roberto Mancini last term, City let in 34 goals in 38 games and in the previous season they had an even better record, conceding just 29 on their way to the title.

Doubts over their back line had surfaced during the pre-season when they let in eight goals in their last three warm-up matches and it is certainly not a rate they will want to maintain. – Reuters, August 26, 2013.

Mourinho says Moyes to blame for Rooney woes

Posted: 26 Aug 2013 06:57 AM PDT

August 26, 2013

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho says his Manchester United counterpart David Moyes should shoulder the blame for Wayne Rooney's desire to leave Old Trafford after suggesting he was a second-choice striker.

The clubs meet in the Premier League today, with Chelsea's pursuit of the unsettled forward adding spice to the early season clash between the two title contenders.

Chelsea have made two bids for the England international and have not ruled out making a third, with Rooney reportedly upset by comments Moyes made in pre-season that he would have to play second-fiddle to Dutch striker Robin van Persie.

"They are against me?" Mourinho was reported as saying by The Guardian newspaper today, when asked whether he would get an angry reaction from the United crowd.

"But I didn't say (to Rooney) you will be a second-choice for me. And they are against me?

"We are trying to get a player that a manager told 'You will be a second option' for him. We are not going for Van Persie.

"They don't have to be against me. If I say Ramires is a second option for me and he plays when (Frank) Lampard is tired or injured, if someone comes here to get Ramires, nobody is upset."

He was then asked if Moyes should take the blame, to which he replied: "Of course."

Mourinho later softened his stance, saying that every team had good players that were second-choice.

"The point is if the players are happy to accept that situation," he added.

Mourinho has spoken openly about his desire to bring Rooney to Stamford Bridge and add him to a strike-force that includes Fernando Torres, Romelu Lukaku and Demba Ba. – Reuters, August 26, 2013.

Kredit: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com

The Malaysian Insider :: Features

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In bustling Houston, it’s a case of “build, baby, build!”

Posted: 26 Aug 2013 05:30 AM PDT

August 26, 2013

Phillips 66 Energy Center Three and Four to be built in Houston, Texas, is shown in this rendering provided courtesy of Phillips 66. With Texas one of the few bright spots in the US economy, the skyline of swaggering Houston is where the action is as builders and global oil companies, from Phillips 66 to Exxon Mobil Corp, look past previous busts and spend billions on gleaming new buildings. – Reuters/Phillips 66, August 26, 2013.Phillips 66 Energy Center Three and Four to be built in Houston, Texas, is shown in this rendering provided courtesy of Phillips 66. With Texas one of the few bright spots in the US economy, the skyline of swaggering Houston is where the action is as builders and global oil companies, from Phillips 66 to Exxon Mobil Corp, look past previous busts and spend billions on gleaming new buildings. – Reuters/Phillips 66, August 26, 2013.With Texas one of the few bright spots in the US economy, the skyline of swaggering Houston is where the action is as builders and global oil companies, from Phillips 66 to Exxon Mobil Corp, look past previous busts and spend billions on gleaming new buildings.

The US shale oil and gas revolution – which has already changed industries from railroads to pipelines and refineries – is helping drive the voracious appetite for office space needed for the expanding workforce in the world's energy capital.

Demand is so hot that Houston is one of the few places where banks including Wells Fargo & Co, which is seen as one of the more conservative big banks – will loan money for a new building without demanding developers first have a tenant.

"Houston is booming and bar none the strongest market in the United States of America," said Joseph Sitt, chief executive of Thor Equities, which has two projects underway in Houston.

There are some 56 office buildings totalling at least 11 million square feet under construction in and around Houston, according to real estate services firm CBRE Group Inc. That is equivalent to 190 football fields.

In the forested suburbs, Exxon has what it calls "one of the largest commercial construction projects underway in North America." The nearly 400-acre campus with 20 buildings will have enough room for 10,000 employees.

With crude now above US$100 a barrel, money is flowing freely. And while the shale oil and gas transformation means North America may be energy independent by the end of this decade, economists are wary when people say this boom will be different. They counsel caution.

"The Texas oil and gas industry is not known for long periods of stability," said Karr Ingham, economist for the Texas Alliance of Energy Producers. "Nobody wants what happened (in past busts) to happen again."

To be sure, the amount of space being built is still only a fraction of the 88.9 million square feet developers constructed in Houston from 1980 through 1986, a flurry that more than doubled the city's office market, according to real estate research firm Reis Inc.

The Texas economy grew 4.8 per cent last year, the fastest pace among the big US states. New workers are pouring into Houston, which needs new offices for the 100,000 jobs it added last year. Houston is on track to add another 80,000 this year.

But over-exuberance about real estate and oil have afflicted Houston before. In the early 1980s developers built a 71-story green glass tower with a footprint shaped like a dollar sign.

It took nearly two decades to recover from Houston's big crash in the 1980s, which was brought on by a collapse in oil prices. Vacancy rates soared to near 30 per cent in 1983 from 9.8 per cent two years prior, according to Reis.

The current building cycle is in large part propelled by burgeoning domestic production of oil and natural gas unlocked from shale formations through hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling.

"If you are investing in Houston, you're a believer in the energy

sector long term, which we are," said Russell Cooper, managing director of capital transactions at Shorenstein Properties LLC in San Francisco.

The firm in January bought a building of more than one million square feet in downtown Houston from Exxon for US$48 million. It plans to put a new glass skin on the building and may connect it to the air-conditioned tunnel system downtown, where office workers eat and shop to escape torrential rains and steamy heat.

Exxon has put two other buildings in Houston and one in Virginia up for sale, ahead of the move to its new campus.

ENERGY CORRIDOR

Tower cranes dot the landscape of Houston's so-called energy corridor, about 15 miles from downtown. The area, located on the western edge of the city, is experiencing rapid growth as companies build and expand.

There, refining company Phillips 66 is constructing a 14-acre campus with over a million square feet for its 1,800 employees.

Firms are loading their blueprints with plans for everything from basketball courts to childcare centers and fancy coffee shops to attract hard-to-find energy experts.

Near the Exxon campus, an entire master-planned community called Springwoods Village with room for up to 5,000 houses and apartments is going up to accommodate new workers.

While others construct facilities for employees, some companies are building space to push the frontiers of oil technology.

BP Plc is spending more than US$100 million over the next five years to build a new three-story building that will house the huge supercomputing complex used to speed up BP's search for oil and gas around the world.

"It made more sense to create a new home," said Keith Gray, manager of BP's High Performance Computing unit. "It became clear that a freestanding building was needed to address growth needs."

Other oil and gas companies with buildings under construction or in preliminary stages in Houston include BHP Billiton Petroleum, Anadarko Petroleum Corp, Royal Dutch Shell and Chevron Corp, which plans a 50-story tower downtown.

One building which started on spec – meaning banks loan money for construction even if a tenant isn't lined up – is the 550,000-square-foot Energy Center Three in west Houston.

Principal Real Estate Investors, part of Principal Financial Group, and developer Trammell Crow Co started the building with a loan of roughly US$100 million from a Wells Fargo-led syndicate.

Within four months, oil company ConocoPhillips signed a lease for the entire building and half of Energy Center Four, which is not yet under construction, said Aaron Thielhorn, managing director of Trammell Crow's Houston business unit.

Brian Stoffers, president of CBRE Capital Markets, said spec building in Houston in many ways makes it an outlier.

"The dynamics of the Houston market are so robust right now that it's the exception to the economic rule around the rest of the country," he said.

Of the buildings under construction, 29 will be rentals that will not be owner-occupied. Of those, 13 broke ground without signed leases but six of those have since found tenants.

Vacancy rates in the most expensive, modern office buildings in Houston are tumbling. Second-quarter vacancy slid to 6.9 per cent from 12 per cent in the same period two years ago, according to CBRE. The broader office vacancy rate is 14.2 per cent versus a national average of 17 per cent.

DANGER AHEAD?

While access to shale deposits has diminished worries about supplies, much of the new demand for crude oil in recent years has been led by developing nations such as China and India.

Big slowdowns in those developing economies could hit the price of crude and cool enthusiasm for building in Houston.

"If China and India have hit a plateau, then I think we have to ask where are the drivers for oil demand in the future," said the University of Houston's Robert Gilmer.

Chinese growth slowed to 7.5 per cent in the second quarter – below the 8.9 per cent average of the last six years.

Apart from shale, crude oil prices generally need to stay above US$65 per barrel to produce from the deepwater Gulf of Mexico or the oilsands in Canada for companies to make money.

Another risk is overbuilding. Houston, a sprawling 8,778-square-mile metropolis, has no zoning restrictions, a fact that has some investors including New York-based GreenOak Real Estate Advisors, looking elsewhere to buy.

Owners in areas where building is constrained can reap big rewards when demand for space rises, fueling rent spikes of sometimes 20 per cent. That rarely happens in Houston, where developers can easily build.

"When you're dealing with a market like Houston, there's nothing to hold developers back," Ryan Severino, Reis senior economist said. "You can literally can go next door and put up a building." – Reuters, August 26, 2013.

The painful cost of a nice derriere in Venezuela

Posted: 25 Aug 2013 07:33 PM PDT

August 26, 2013
Latest Update: August 26, 2013 06:33 pm

Eager to resurrect her failed marriage, Mercedes dreamed of having a shapely rear end. A risky, potentially deadly, silicone injection technique beckoned. She said yes. Now she rues that day.

"It hurts so much I cannot sit down for even five minutes," said the 45-year-old, her voice quivering. She is so embarrassed she won't give her last name.

Thus goes body worship in Venezuela, where undergoing plastic surgery is as common as going to the dentist and beauty pageants are like a religion.

Two years ago Mercedes underwent a procedure that has killed 15 people in Venezuela since 2011. It involves having a gel-like substance called a synthetic biopolymer shot into the body.

It is not put inside an implant, but rather flows like an injection and spreads through tissues, alas uncontrollably.

Mercedes received 560cc of the stuff in each buttock. It was a low point in her life when she was desperate to rekindle her marriage and win back her estranged husband.

"I did no research on what it was. I just wanted to know who did the best job," Mercedes told AFP while waiting at a clinic. Her dream is to get the silicone out of her body.

The original operation cost the equivalent of $800. Days later, she started feeling an intense pain. She has learned to live with it, as she has with stinging criticism from her family.

"I ask God and the Virgin for forgiveness so I can get out of this. This is no way to live," she said, her eyes clenched shut.

-- No to biopolymers --

Astrid de la Rosa, who underwent the same procedure only to see the gel migrate to her lower back and hips, created a support foundation in 2011.

It is called the "No to Biopolymers Foundation" and has recorded 15 deaths so far from complications resulting from this beauty enhancing technique.

The foundation has knowledge of 40,000 people who opted for the procedure, and the number is growing even though in November of 2012 the Venezuelan government banned the use of use of stuffing-like materials such as the synthetic biopolymers for aesthetic purposes.

The authorities have brought charges against some doctors and beauticians who continue to offer the service.

"There are even recent cases of parents who give their daughters the biopolymer butt and breast treatment for their 15th birthday and now they regret it," said De la Rosa.

Omar Guerrero, a 35-year-old trainer at a gym in the western city of San Cristobal, shot the gel into his pecs to look more buff and is now an utter wreck.

The polymers migrated to muscles between his ribs, tightening his thorax and limiting his breathing. He's been flat out in bed for two years.

"I cannot do exercise. I cannot run. I am a living dead man," said Guerrero.

With his artificially toned up muscles, he said, people shun him in hospitals and treat him as if he were HIV-positive.

He went to one of two doctors known to be offering a technique to try to rid people of the stuff they pumped into themselves.

One is a Caracas plastic surgeon named Daniel Slobodianik. In the waiting room of his office it is standing room only.

He says that since 2011 he must have seen about 400 patients with this problem.

The legion of walking wounded in his clinic includes: a 60-year-old woman who can barely move she is in so much pain; two cousins who had the procedure done at the same time and while not yet smarting, are scared by what they are hearing; and a woman who is trying to get pregnant and is worrying what the silicone in her body might do to a fetus.

Slobodianik withdraws the silicone in a $6,000 operation that is still considered experimental by the Venezuelan Society for Plastic Surgery, as there is no guarantee of complete recovery or even improvement.

Jesus Pereira, president of the society, said the only time it endorses the procedure is when the gel is actually at the point of bursting out of the body.

"It is a special situation that can cause septicemia and with it, death," he said, referring to a state in which there is infection throughout the body.

A better approach is to treat the problem with steroids, which gives pretty good results, he added.

But Slobodianik said he has already operated on 50 women and three or four men.

Still, some of the gel will always remain in the body, he said. "It is an incurable disease."

As for Mercedes, she got her husband back but sadly will not take her clothes off in front of him because her rear is so bruised. And she can no longer even have sex. - AFP, August 26, 2013.

Kredit: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com

The Malaysian Insider :: Showbiz

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Justin Timberlake wins big at MTV VMAs as ‘N Sync reunites

Posted: 25 Aug 2013 10:49 PM PDT

August 26, 2013
Latest Update: August 26, 2013 04:16 pm

Justin Timberlake (L) accepts the video of the year award for 'Mirrors' from presenter Joseph Gordon-Levitt during the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards in New York yesterday. - Reuters pic, August 25, 2013.Justin Timberlake (L) accepts the video of the year award for 'Mirrors' from presenter Joseph Gordon-Levitt during the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards in New York yesterday. - Reuters pic, August 25, 2013.Justin Timberlake won big on Sunday at MTV's annual Video Music Awards, taking home the top prize for video of the year for "Mirrors" and a special achievement honor, and also led a much-anticipated onstage reunion of the boy band 'N Sync.

Hip-hop artists Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Taylor Swift and Bruno Mars were among other top winners, with Macklemore & Ryan Lewis taking home three awards, including best hip-hop video.

But even top VMA nominees had been overshadowed in recent days by the rumored 'N Sync reunion, their first performance since 2002, which took place in the midst of Timberlake's lengthy medley of hits ahead of his accepting the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award.

As the star wound down his solo performance, the band's other members rose up through the stage and slowly turned to face the audience, spotlights shining from above. The 'N Sync members then performed another extended medley of hits.

"I don't deserve this award," Timberlake, 32, said after TV talk show host Jimmy Fallon presented it to him. "But I'm not going to give it back."

He noted that half of the many VMAs he had won were "with these four guys right here," referring to 'N Sync singers JC Chasez, Lance Bass, Joey Fatone and Chris Kirkpatrick.

"I'm going to share this award with them," Timberlake said.

Lady Gaga opened the live broadcast with a splashy rendition of her new single "Applause," appearing in a series of outfits ranging from a riff on a nun's habit, with pearls, to a seashell-and-string bikini.

Gaga marked her comeback after hip surgery earlier this year, but the act lacked the shock value of past VMA shows when she was drenched in blood or sported a dress made of raw meat.

Other performance highlights of the evening broadcast from Brooklyn's Barclays Center included Miley Cyrus backed by a lineup of dancers outfitted as giant teddy bears as she sang "We Can't Stop." She was then joined by Robin Thicke as the pair led into a duet of "Good Girl."

Kanye West, who at the 2009 VMAs notoriously snatched the microphone from Swift as she accepted her award, sang "Blood On The Leaves" in theatrical fashion as he was lit in dramatic silhouette.

This year, when Swift won best female video for "I Knew You Were Trouble," West left her alone.

"I want to thank the fans," Swift said, adding "I tweeted about this a lot, I really really wanted this and thank you so much for doing this for me."

She then cheekily thanked the inspiration for the song, about love gone wrong, saying: "He knows who he is."

Macklemore, who won for best hip-hop video along with partner Ryan Lewis for "Can't Hold Us," said: "They let some independent hip-hop artists up here at the VMAs." The video, which featured Ray Dalton, won over top hip-hop performers such as Drake and Kendrick Lamar.

Later he injected a rare political note while accepting the prize for best video with a social message, for "Same Love."

"I really wanted to win the best rap video, but this ... stands for a lot more," Macklemore said, calling the pro-gay song "the most important record" he had ever written.

"Gay rights are human rights, there is no separation," he added as the crowd cheered its approval.

British sensation group One Direction, who won three VMAs last year, presented the night's first award - for best pop video, to Selena Gomez for "Come & Get It." Bruno Mars won best male video for "Locked Out of Heaven."

One Direction won another award this year, the fan-voted song of the summer, for "Best Song Ever."

Other winners, some of whom were announced during a pre-show ahead of the live broadcast, included Thirty Seconds to Mars' "Up In the Air," which won best rock video, and Pink featuring Nate Ruess' "Just Give Me a Reason," for best collaboration.

Professional, or technical, winners included Bruno Mars' "Treasure" for best choreography and Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, whose "Can't Hold Us" took the prize for best cinematography.

Timberlake's videos picked up two other honors, with "Suit & Tie" winning best direction and "Mirrors" taking the editing prize. Timberlake and Macklemore & Ryan Lewis had led the nominations with six each.

New categories this year were song of the summer and artist to watch, both chosen by fans during the telecast. Austin Mahone won artist to watch.

The show closed with Katy Perry performing her new single, "Roar," underneath the famous Brooklyn Bridge.

Justin Timberlake wins big at MTV VMAs as ‘N Sync reunites

Posted: 25 Aug 2013 10:49 PM PDT

August 26, 2013
Latest Update: August 26, 2013 04:16 pm

Justin Timberlake (L) accepts the video of the year award for 'Mirrors' from presenter Joseph Gordon-Levitt during the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards in New York yesterday. - Reuters pic, August 25, 2013.Justin Timberlake (L) accepts the video of the year award for 'Mirrors' from presenter Joseph Gordon-Levitt during the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards in New York yesterday. - Reuters pic, August 25, 2013.Justin Timberlake won big on Sunday at MTV's annual Video Music Awards, taking home the top prize for video of the year for "Mirrors" and a special achievement honor, and also led a much-anticipated onstage reunion of the boy band 'N Sync.

Hip-hop artists Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Taylor Swift and Bruno Mars were among other top winners, with Macklemore & Ryan Lewis taking home three awards, including best hip-hop video.

But even top VMA nominees had been overshadowed in recent days by the rumored 'N Sync reunion, their first performance since 2002, which took place in the midst of Timberlake's lengthy medley of hits ahead of his accepting the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award.

As the star wound down his solo performance, the band's other members rose up through the stage and slowly turned to face the audience, spotlights shining from above. The 'N Sync members then performed another extended medley of hits.

"I don't deserve this award," Timberlake, 32, said after TV talk show host Jimmy Fallon presented it to him. "But I'm not going to give it back."

He noted that half of the many VMAs he had won were "with these four guys right here," referring to 'N Sync singers JC Chasez, Lance Bass, Joey Fatone and Chris Kirkpatrick.

"I'm going to share this award with them," Timberlake said.

Lady Gaga opened the live broadcast with a splashy rendition of her new single "Applause," appearing in a series of outfits ranging from a riff on a nun's habit, with pearls, to a seashell-and-string bikini.

Gaga marked her comeback after hip surgery earlier this year, but the act lacked the shock value of past VMA shows when she was drenched in blood or sported a dress made of raw meat.

Other performance highlights of the evening broadcast from Brooklyn's Barclays Center included Miley Cyrus backed by a lineup of dancers outfitted as giant teddy bears as she sang "We Can't Stop." She was then joined by Robin Thicke as the pair led into a duet of "Good Girl."

Kanye West, who at the 2009 VMAs notoriously snatched the microphone from Swift as she accepted her award, sang "Blood On The Leaves" in theatrical fashion as he was lit in dramatic silhouette.

This year, when Swift won best female video for "I Knew You Were Trouble," West left her alone.

"I want to thank the fans," Swift said, adding "I tweeted about this a lot, I really really wanted this and thank you so much for doing this for me."

She then cheekily thanked the inspiration for the song, about love gone wrong, saying: "He knows who he is."

Macklemore, who won for best hip-hop video along with partner Ryan Lewis for "Can't Hold Us," said: "They let some independent hip-hop artists up here at the VMAs." The video, which featured Ray Dalton, won over top hip-hop performers such as Drake and Kendrick Lamar.

Later he injected a rare political note while accepting the prize for best video with a social message, for "Same Love."

"I really wanted to win the best rap video, but this ... stands for a lot more," Macklemore said, calling the pro-gay song "the most important record" he had ever written.

"Gay rights are human rights, there is no separation," he added as the crowd cheered its approval.

British sensation group One Direction, who won three VMAs last year, presented the night's first award - for best pop video, to Selena Gomez for "Come & Get It." Bruno Mars won best male video for "Locked Out of Heaven."

One Direction won another award this year, the fan-voted song of the summer, for "Best Song Ever."

Other winners, some of whom were announced during a pre-show ahead of the live broadcast, included Thirty Seconds to Mars' "Up In the Air," which won best rock video, and Pink featuring Nate Ruess' "Just Give Me a Reason," for best collaboration.

Professional, or technical, winners included Bruno Mars' "Treasure" for best choreography and Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, whose "Can't Hold Us" took the prize for best cinematography.

Timberlake's videos picked up two other honors, with "Suit & Tie" winning best direction and "Mirrors" taking the editing prize. Timberlake and Macklemore & Ryan Lewis had led the nominations with six each.

New categories this year were song of the summer and artist to watch, both chosen by fans during the telecast. Austin Mahone won artist to watch.

The show closed with Katy Perry performing her new single, "Roar," underneath the famous Brooklyn Bridge.

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Mesir: Doktrin Islam-politik dicabar

Posted: 25 Aug 2013 06:57 PM PDT

August 26, 2013

Mujahid Yusof Rawa is MP for Parit Buntar and PAS National Unity Committee chairman.

Kedudukan Mesir sebagai hub intelektual dunia Islam telah menyaksikan kelahiran berbagai aliran Islam yang berupaya menguasai kelompok yang  bersaing atas nama Islam.

Mendasari perkembangan di Mesir adalah pertembungan doktrin Sekular-Liberal dan Islam.

Salafiyah vs Islahiyah

Jika kita melusuri perjuangan pemikiran Islam pasca Khilafah, kelompok Islam membentuk dua aliran antara Salafiyah yang rigid interpretasi teksnya dan Islahiyah yang agak kontemporari fahaman teksnya mengikuti perkembangan semasa.

 Muncul dalam kelompok Islahiyah ini individi-individu di kalangan ulamak yang mempelopori pemikiran islam terkini dengan suntikan makna pada zaman yang dilaluinya.

Tokoh seperti Mohd Abduh, Rasyid Redha dan sebelumnya Jamaludin Al Afghani menjadi mercu tanda pemikiran pada persimpangan umat Islam mencari identiti politik yang hilang dengan proses kejatuhan Khilafah sehingga tahun 1924.

Namun kemunculan seorang tokoh yang bernama Hassan Al Banna bukan sahaja meninggalkan bekas perbahasan intelektual tetapi yang lebih penting telah membentuk satu pergerakan yang mempunyai organisasi paling tersusun yang menguasai pemikiran massa di atas nama Ikhwan Al Muslimun atau Muslim Brotherhood.

Salafiyah

Golongan salafi yang fahaman teks Al Quran dan Hadisnya yang agak kaku tidak banyak melahirkan tokoh-tokoh besar kerana kemunculan mereka adalah merupakan status-quo kepada mainstream yang ada semasa kejatuhan Khilafah tetapi ia telah melahirkan kelompok yang anti kemodenan dan Barat lalu menjadi benih awal kepada kemunculan ekstrimism dan militan dalam perjuangan mereka.

Kelompok Gamaah Islamiyah, Hijrah Wa Takfir dan terkini Al Qaeda adalah sebenarnya manifestasi kebencian kepada Barat dan disokong dengan interpretasi totok kepada teks-teks Al Quran dan Hadis yang ada.

Liberal-Sekular

Kelompok ini mahukan Islam dalam bentuknya yang bebas dari hambatan institusi kawalan moral lantas meletakkan hak individu untuk memilih gaya dan cara hidupnya mengikut pilihannya dan tidak mahu dipaksa dan dipantau oleh polis moral.

Mereka melihat aspek syariah sebagai diskriminasi terhadap kaum wanita. Mereka mahukan interpretasi Islam yang bebas dan menganggap politik dan Islam tidak boleh bersatu.

Mereka tidak menolak agama, tetapi menolak parti Islam dan negara Islam yang mereka dakwa teokratik.

Mengisi revolusi rakyat

Kekosongan period transisi regim kukubesi kepada suara rakyat menyaksikan konfrontasi Sekular -Liberal dan Islam tidak dapat dielakkan.

Perkembangan rampasan kuasa tentera disokong oleh kelompok Sekular-Liberal kerana menganggap pengaruh Ikhwan melalui kemenangan Morsi akan membawa negara Mesir kepada pemerintahan agama lalu menafikan hak demokratik rakyat menentukan halatuju negara.

Golongan Sekular-Liberal mewajarkan sokongan mereka terhadap rampasan tentera tempohari dengan membawa doktrin anti-political-Islam.

Walaupun perbahasan ini jauh dari capaian rakyat awam yang rata-ratanya kais pagi makan pagi di Mesir,  namun doktrin ini cuba dipaksakan kepada rakyat Mesir bahawa Morsi mewakili Islam-Politik yang akan menghuruharakan Mesir dan membawa Mesir ke belakang.

Biarlah ini satu dakwaan kosong sebenarnya dan Tentera yang mencipta suasana huru-hara di Mesir namun implikasi doktrin anti-Islam Politik adalah mesej yang kuat kepada seluruh dunia Islam bahawa mereka harus menentang Islam-Politik dan ini bermakna menentang parti Islam dan cita-cita politik Islam walaupun tak semestinya mereka menantang Islam sebagai agama ritual dan spiritual.

Pemikiran Politikal-Islam

Tesis ini di kemukakan pada awal 90an oleh Oliver Roy dalam bukunya 'The Failure of Political Islam' di mana istilah Political-Islam itu dikaitkan dengan kemenangan kelompok Islam melalui politik yang melahirkan neo-fundamentalism.

Politik yang diceburi oleh kelompok ini lebih banyak melahirkan sikap anti-Baratnya melalui kebimbangan mereka terhadap aspek moral dan keruntuhan akhlak dan gagal membawa program ekonomi sosial dan politik yang mampu mengubah keadaan.

Oliver Roy amat berhati-hati untuk tidak melonggokkan kesalahan itu kepada Islam kerana di kalangan Islamist ada yang menggarap persoalan politik melalui adaptasi kepada perkembangan di Barat dan berpandukan kepada panduan Islam yang sebenar.

Menarik dalam hujah Oliver ialah beliau menganggap kelompok neo-fundamentalism adalah anti-tradisi ilmu malah cuba menentukan peranan ilmu mengikut selera mereka melalui kuasa politik yang ada kepada mereka.

Rumusan Oliver ialah kemunculan Islam-Politik adalah gambaran kepada anti Barat dan kemodenan tanpa satu program sosio-ekonomi dan rakyat yang dikuasainya akan memberontak kerana mereka tidak dapat menikmati hasil kemodenan dan pembangunan maka negara akan huru-hara. Akhirnya lahirlah pemikiran 'kegagalan Islam-Politik' sebagai tema yang diangkat.

Mencabar tesis ini

Di kalangan intelektual Sekular-Liberal, idea ini sudah mula didengungkan bagi mewajarkan rampasan kuasa ke atas Morsi.

Persoalannya ialah, adakah Morsi mewakili konsep Islam-Politik yang dikemukakan oleh Oliver Roy? Adakah pemikiran resmi Ikhwan mendasari neo-fundamentalism? Adakah pengalaman Algeria, Sudan dan Afghanistan sama dengan proses demokrasi yang dilalui oleh rakyat Mesir? Adakah kewajaran rampasan tentera kerana Mesir di kancah perang saudara dengan kemenangan Morsi?

Jawapan kepada persoalan yang banyak ini akan membawa kita untuk mencabar teori Oliver Roy yang diaplikasikan oleh golongan Sekular-Liberal dalam meyakinkan orang ramai bahawa menjatuhkan Morsi adalah menyelematkan Mesir dari Islam-Politik.

Implikasi

Semua kelompok Islam yang bergerak di medan siyasah harus mengambil serius apa yang saya lontarkan dalam artikel ini kerana pertembungan doktrin merentasi batas geografi dan masa.

Selagi Islamist di medan politik tidak membuktikan Islam adalah merentasi sekadar kuasa dan tidak menjurus kepada konsep ketamadunan yang lebih luas skopnya selagi itu tanggapan teori 'kegagalan' ini akan menghantui semua pihak.

Islam yang diusung dan diperjuangkan mesti memberi makna kepada keadilan sosial, erti kemanusiaan, erti kebebasan bersuara, keamanan hubungan antara agama dan erti kerajaan yang adil. Kemenangan parti Islam di medan politik bukan kemenangan anti-Barat tetapi ia kemenangan Keamanan Manusia Sejagat dan pastinya kemenangan Islamist perlu menghormati lunas-lunas demokrasi dalam melihat julat kepelbagaian yang ada.

Penegasan kepada suntikan makna Islam yang lebih luas cakupannya dan capaiannya akan menjadikan teori Oliver Roy dan pengusungnya dicabar untuk kita membentuk tesis baru iaitu 'The Success of Political Islam'

Pertembungan berterusan

Morsi telah diharamkan haknya untuk membuktikan teori Sukses ini oleh Tentera yang disokong oleh golongan Sekular-Liberal. Saya meyakini bahawa pemikiran Morsi yang  didasari oleh RAhmatan Lil Alamin sesekali bukan neo-fundamentalism.

Ikhwan pula terkenal dengan sikap keterbukaan mereka kepada pertembunagn Islam dan Barat. Para ulamak dan ilmuan Ikhwan senantiasa mencari-cari titik pertemuan pembinaan tamadun dengan berdialog dan bertukar pandangan.

Ikhwan juga tegas dalam soal menuntut hak dan menentang penindasan. Apa yang berlaku di dataran Nahda di Rabiah Adawiyah adalah suara menuntut hak.

Tiada yang berani mengatakan tindakan rampas kuasa adalah wajar kecuali golongan Sekular-Liberal yang totok anti Islam- Politiknya.

Mereka mendapati tentera akan memenuhi kehendak mereka kerana mereka tidak ada asas sokongan rakyat di akar umbi. Dengan pembebasan Mubarak dari penjara dan dikenakan tahanan di rumah dan Morsi serta pimpinan Ikhwan dipenjarakan, kita hanya mampu bertanya apakah prinsip awalan ini yang hendak diasaskan dalam mengisi Revolusi Rakyat 2011 yang dahagakan kebebasan dan demokrasi?

Apakah ini kes awalan yang hendak diasaskan oleh golongan Sekular-Liberal bahawa demokrasi hanya untuk mereka dan bukan untuk gologan Islam? Wajar bagi Islamist di medan siyasah mencabar semua prinsip ini dengan kekuatan hujah dan intelektual yang ampuh. – 26 Ogos, 2013.

* Ini adalah pendapat peribadi penulis dan tidak semestinya mewakili pandangan The Malaysian Insider.

Helping real business grow

Posted: 25 Aug 2013 04:50 PM PDT

August 26, 2013
Latest Update: August 26, 2013 03:50 pm

Datuk Zaid Ibrahim founded Malaysia's largest law partnership before focusing on politics. He was a minister in the Abdullah administration, was in Umno, PKR and last in KITA as its president.

Many Malaysians are hoping the Government will take over the AES traffic camera system that was privatised to Beta Tegap and ATES.

The acting Transport Minister says more studies need to be done before a final decision is made but I think it's better for him to confine the scope of these studies to the cost of terminating the concession.

By persisting with a system where privatised entities take a share of the fines collected, the Government is inviting more headaches not just for motorists but for itself.

Sharing revenue that has been derived from fines and penalties with a private company disturbs the rakyat's good sense. Revenue-sharing has to be limited to business profits undertaken by a joint venture company where government interests are held.

To allow a private company to share in the fines collected is simply giving away government revenue. How can that be justified?

If indeed billions of ringgit can be collected under the camera system because Malaysians love to break traffic laws, then so be it-but let the Government benefit from this.

The administration must be willing to stop the practice of selling government assets and facilities to enrich businessmen who are close to the leaders.

This is the worst kind of privatisation, i.e. where no special skills or risks are involved, which means there was never any real reason to privatise in the first place.

Government projects should not go private for the sole purpose of helping out a handful of well-connected businessmen who can expect to see investment returns of 17% or more, which you won't get in the real business world.

Government projects should only be privatised, if at all, when the risks are high, the projects are complicated and the returns are within the range usually found acceptable by investors.

What the Government should be focusing on is helping real businessmen build our economy and country .We may have a growing economy but don't forget that we have a huge level of debt. Our ringgit is sliding, productivity is low and the flow of foreign investments into the country cannot match the outflow.

Even if we have the prime minister working hard and having a new slogan about "Endless Possibilities" to bring cheer and a positive outlook, there is no substitute to having an honest government that is free of corruption.

There is no substitute for good and transparent decision-making over the awarding of contracts. This is how we can bring back more investments, especially from the domestic private sectors.

Our Small and Medium Industries don't need chief ministers engaging in political lectures, but encouragement from state government leaders with suitable incentives.

I remember the days when the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs held regular engagements and meetings with local businessmen and worked on ways to spur the setting up of small industries and factories.

These SMIs was the real engine of growth then. Then came a distraction. Many were caught up with the new mood of "Malaysia Boleh". We all set out to conquer the world.

Malaysians were told that the first man to circumnavigate the globe was a Malay and that they should emulate his feat. Malaysia Airlines flew to the corners of the globe even when passenger loads were frighteningly low. Local businessmen who did not even have a clue about running a business here invested heavily in foreign countries, not surprisingly without any success.

I hope when the advisers told the Prime Minister to replace "1Malaysia" with "Endless Possibilities" that they also told him to be realistic at all times. Malaysians must reach out to the world but we can't rush into it.

Let us take things within our capabilities so that we can cope with more difficult situations. Improving our skill sets and changing our habits and values to be more consistent with the demands of the modern world should be our priority.

Paying attention to the many unemployed youths by giving them business skills will reap better dividends.

There are many areas in Kelantan, Kedah and Perak that still need federal government intervention and incentives so that local businessmen can develop food-based industries and factories to spur the economy.

Our delivery system is way below competitive level, although Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had tried to make this process one of the key initiatives of his administration.

Government agencies charged with supporting businessmen and farmers are not as efficient as their counterparts in Thailand and Taiwan, where agencies are better coordinated to support small and medium-sized businessmen.

What the country needs besides encouragement and the "can do" mentality is an equal heavy dose of reality, in whatever enterprise we undertake. The reality is that this country was built by and large by small businessmen.

Felda may go global and PETRONAS is a success story but let's not stretch our luck. Our years of economic success were grounded in the multitude of small businessmen around the country who worked hard and continue to be the backbone of our economic strength.

Don't think that just because our GLCs are responsible for the major industries and are home to all the best brains (not forgetting the interns in our Ministers' offices) that the answer to our economic performance and stability depends entirely on their success.

The simple truth that the likes of Margaret Thatcher, Ronald Reagan and Vladimir Putin learned was that governments do not do well managing businesses. It may work for a while, but not for the long term for then huge losses and big scandals seem to inevitably follow. - August 26, 2013.

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insider.

Kredit: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com

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Kesilapan besar pendakwa kes Altantuya menyebabkan dua polis bebas

Posted: 26 Aug 2013 01:35 AM PDT

OLEH RITA JONG

August 26, 2013

Azilah Hadri dan Sirul Azhar Umar, yang bebas dari pertuduhan membunuh Altantuya, Jumaat lalu.Azilah Hadri dan Sirul Azhar Umar, yang bebas dari pertuduhan membunuh Altantuya, Jumaat lalu.Timbalan Superintendan Polis (DSP) Musa Safri yang tidak dipanggil oleh pihak pendakwaan adalah kunci untuk membongkar kes pembunuhan model Mongolia  Altantuya Shaariibuu, menurut laporan penghakiman 47 muka surat yang dikeluarkan hari ini.

Laporan itu juga mendedahkan kegagalan hakim perbicaraan menimbang notis alibi sebagai punca kepada pembebasan dua komando polis, ketua inspektor Azilah Hadri dan bekas korperal Sirul Azhar Umar pada Jumaat lalu.

Kedua-dua tertuduh sebelum ini disabitkan dengan kes pembunuhan Altantuya pada 19 Oktober 2006.

Laporan penghakiman oleh salah seorang hakim, Datuk Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat juga menekankan wujud percanggahan dalam afidavit oleh penganalisis politik, Abdul Razak Baginda dengan keterangan Sirul di mahkamah berkaitan pembabitan Musa dalam kes itu.

"Ia tidak boleh terlepas pandang episod buruk dan dasyat ini bermula dengan permintaan Razak kepada Musa sebelum pembabitan Azilah dan Sirul.

"Bukti yang diperoleh menunjukkan tugas Azilah dan Sirul adalah meronda sekitar rumah Razak dan kehadiran mereka di sana pada malam itu atas permintaan Razak kepada Azilah," tulis Tengku Maimun dalam penghakimannya.

Hanya Musa akan membongkar semua ini, katanya.

Dalam pembebasan Azilah, Mahkamah Rayuan mendapati hakim perbicaraan Datuk Mohd Zaki Md Yassin gagal menimbang notis alibi yang menunjukkan Azilah tidak mungkin boleh berada di dua lokasi pada suatu masa ketika malam pembunuhan Altantuya.

Mahkamah Rayuan berkata, rekod panggilan oleh syarikat telekomunikasi yang diberikan pendakwa raya bertujuan untuk mengenalpasti pergerakan Azilah pada hari pembunuhan Altantuya.

Berdasarkan kepada bukti yang diberikan itu, Azilah berada di Pekan Subang pada 10.15 malam dan di Kampung Melayu Subang pada 10.19 malam.

Bagaimanapun, diari balai Bukit Aman menunjukkan Azilah berada di sana mengutip senjatanya, Glock EAH 387 dan dua kelopak peluru pada jam 10.18 malam.

Beliau kemudiaan beredar ke Putrajaya dalam tugasan mengiringi Timbalan Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

Pegawai penyiasat dalam pembunuhan Altantuya,  ASP Tonny Lunggan memberi keterangan dalam perbicaraan mengenai kebenaran diari itu dan ketepatannya.

Namun, Mahkamah Rayuan berhujan meragui ketepatan rekod panggilan telefon berkenaan.

"Hakim perbicaraan sepatutnya menfokuskan kepada dua bentuk bukti berbeza dan kegagalan bertindak sedemikian menyebabkannya tersalah arah. Setelah meneliti alasan penghakiman, kami tidak mendapati hakim perbicaraan dalam penghakimannya menimbangkan sama ada diari stesen dan bukti Azilah berada di Wangsa Maju dan di Bukit Aman pada waktu kejadian menunjukkan alasan beliau tidak boleh ataupun tidak mungkin berada di Puncak Alam.

"Dalam keadaan ini, hakim itu tersalah arah dirinya dengan cara bukan arahan gagal untuk mempertimbangkan bukti," katanya, merujuk kepada kegagalan hakim untuk mempertimbangkan pembelaan alibi.

Tengku Maimun berkata rekod panggilan dan jangkauan liputan adalah bukti penting untuk menyabitkan kehadiran Azilah di tempat kejadian.

"Ia adalah penting agar perbicaraan belajar untuk memfokuskan fikirannya terhadap cabaran bukti yang dibangkitkan oleh pasukan pembelaaan dan membuat penemuan sama ada sebenarnya berlaku satu perubahan atau penyalahgunaan data dan sama ada kesahihan data itu dipersoalkan atau sebaliknya," kata beliau.

"Malangnya, hakim gagal untuk melakukan ini, yang tanggungannya berat menjadikan ia tidak selamat untuk bergantung kepada bukti tersebut."

Mahkamah juga berkata hakim perbicaraan sewajarnya membuat pencarian terhadap hubungan antara bahan letupan dengan dua bekas anggota polis dan kegagalan memfokuskan dirinya terhadap hubungkait yang hilang mengakibatkan satu lagi tersalah arah berlaku.

"Kita tidak boleh mengatakan jika tribunal secara munasabah mengarahkan mungkin mensabitkan perayu berasaskan bukti yang ada. Mahkamah dibawah telah mengabaikan dan terlepas pandang fakta-fakta penting dan bukti yang memihak kepada perayu menyebabkan keadilan salah dilaksanakan dan sangat serius," katanya.

"Kesan terkumpul bukan arahan menunjukkan sabitan itu tidak selamat. Kami sedar bahawa jenayah kejam telah dilakukan tetapi jika perayu bersalah tidak dibuktikan dengan memuaskan, kami terpaksa memberi manfaat keraguan kepada perayu.

"Kami sebulat suara meluluskan kedua-dua rayuan. Sabitan dan hukuman oleh Mahkamah Tinggi diketepikan, perayu sewajarnya dilepaskan dan dibebaskan." – 26 Ogos, 2013.

Dr Mashitah umum tanding exco Wanita Umno - Bernama

Posted: 26 Aug 2013 12:45 AM PDT

August 26, 2013

Ketua Wanita Umno Bahagian Baling, Datuk Dr Mashitah Ibrahim hari ini mengumumkan untuk bertanding jawatan exco Pergerakan Wanita Umno.

Katanya, keputusan itu dibuat atas kesedaran mempunyai tanggungjawab, selain bersemangat untuk bersama pucuk pimpinan bagi menguatkan lagi pergerakan wanita.

Mashitah yang juga Ketua Eksekutif Yayasan Pembangunan Pondok Malaysia, berkata latar belakangnya sebagai seorang pensyarah dan penceramah agama boleh memberi nilai tambah kepada pergerakan Wanita Umno dalam mempertajamkan peranan wanita dalam transformasi negara.

"Matlamat saya ialah untuk sama menyumbang kepada usaha memantapkan perjuangan Wanita di peringkat pembuat dasar, dan memastikan program meningkatkan syiar Islam dapat dilaksanakan dengan berkesan bersama aktiviti lain," katanya pada sidang akhbar hari ini.

Ditanya mengenai calon Ketua Wanita, Mashitah yang menyatakan sokongan kepada Ketua Wanita, Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, yakin anggota perwakilan bijak memilih calon berkemampuan memimpin pergerakan itu ke arah kejayaan yang lebih besar pada pilihan raya umum akan datang.

"Saya tidak akan menidakkan tindakan mereka yang layak untuk bertanding dalam pemilihan, saya setia kepada parti justeru, sesiapa sahaja yang dipilih untuk menjadi ketua, saya yakin saya boleh bekerjasama dengan mereka," katanya. - Bernama, 26 Ogos, 2013.

Kredit: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com
 

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