Wednesday May 28, 2008
Straight to hospital for sick NS trainees
KUALA LUMPUR: All national service camp commandants have to immediately send trainees to the nearest hospital the moment they show signs of being sick, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said.
He said this would enable the programme to strive towards minimal incidents of deaths, or "zero deaths" in NS camps.
"If there are sick trainees, they (camp commandants) must take action immediately and send them to the nearest hospital.
"Even if it's found to be just a normal fever, it doesn't matter. It's better for them to do that than to have something regrettable happen later," the Deputy Prime Minister told reporters after a meeting with 80 NS camp commandants here yesterday.
Najib said that camp commandants "have to be more proactive and hands-on".
"Parents place a very high responsibility on the Government to care for their children, which is why I stress that they (camp commandants) need to take their responsibilities very seriously. It's more than just a normal job," he said.
In Parliament last week, Najib said there have been 16 deaths since the NS programme started in 2004, with 11 trainees dying in camps and five during breaks.
On the search for other islands and marine features which could be eyed by neighbouring countries, Najib said necessary measures have to be taken to ensure Malaysia's sovereignty "will not be eroded".
"We have to draw lessons from what has happened (with Batu Puteh). It is incumbent upon the departments concerned to take whatever measures to ensure Malaysia's sovereignty will not be undermined," he said.
On the ban on petrol stations from selling fuel to foreign-registered vehicles in border states, Najib the move should not hurt the tourism industry.
"Why should it hurt tourism? They have to buy petrol from their own country anyway."
When asked how much this move would save the Government, he replied: "We can calculate the savings but most importantly it's the question of principle.
"You're talking about taxpayers money which is being used to subsidise those who are not entitled to receive the subsidy, and the level of subsidy is very high."
When asked if new fuel prices would be announced on June 1, he replied: "We will have to wait for the Cabinet to d
June 03, 2008
Engage bloggers in cyberspace
Wednesday May 28, 2008
Government to engage bloggers in cyberspace
KUALA LUMPUR: The Government will take on bloggers in cyberspace and respond to wild and baseless allegations raised in blogs.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said remaining silent was no longer an option.
He acknowledged that the Government had overlooked the need to engage the new media, which was a new dimension in shaping public opinion, in the recent general election.
The Government had not been savvy in engaging the new media and lost out in cyberspace, he said, adding: "But we live and learn."
Najib said this during a question and answer session at the Asia Media Summit 2008 here yesterday.
He in fact has started the ball rolling by putting a reply through his press secretary Datuk Tengku Sariffuddin Tengku Ahmad to a posting on Malaysia Today, a news portal run by Raja Petra Kamaruddin.
Najib said it was obvious that the Barisan Nasional Government would now need to engage the new media.
"We need to have people who are active participants of the new media, who are sympathetic and understanding of the government's position.
"Therefore, instead of just criticising them (the new media) or running them down, the best thing to do is to engage them. Hopefully they will understand our perspective," he added.
To another question, Najib said the Government gave the mainstream and new media a great deal of latitude to criticise.
However, he said: "There is a line which shouldn't be crossed" because it could undermine the wider interest of society.
On action taken against blogger Raja Petra, Najib said he was charged with breaking the laws of the country – making baseless allegations and seditious remarks.
He said Raja Petra had been free to criticise the Government "very robustly and stridently" in his blog for years and the Government had not taken any action against him.
"But when certain things he said constituted a very serious attack against the institution, the Attorney-General decided that he had crossed the line," Najib said.
Other than the new media, he said the established media too had become more critical since the elections.
"If you read the newspapers on a daily basis, you will see that they don't hold back their punches. If they know there are weaknesses or abuse of power anywhere, they will latch on to these and criticise the Government and individuals openly," he said.
In an immediate response, blogger Ahirudin Attan (Rocky Bru) welcomed Najib's announcement that the Government would respond to allegations, saying:
"This is really good. It's better late than never and it's something for the blogging community to rejoice because blogging is about interacting with each other."
The National Alliance of Bloggers president said one of the alliance's aims was to get the Government to take part in blogging.
"This is because blogging is also about giving feedback to the Government and it's great that the Government is picking up the opportunity (to blog)."
DAP's PJ Utara MP Tony Pua, who is also a blogger, felt that the Government should be earnest in replying to issues or allegations levelled against it, pointing out that the Government should not use the medium only to win over public opinion."
"If the allegations are indeed wild, then its response to correct them is welcome. But if it's only to put down frank criticisms, then it'll defeat the whole purpose."
Government to engage bloggers in cyberspace
KUALA LUMPUR: The Government will take on bloggers in cyberspace and respond to wild and baseless allegations raised in blogs.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said remaining silent was no longer an option.
He acknowledged that the Government had overlooked the need to engage the new media, which was a new dimension in shaping public opinion, in the recent general election.
The Government had not been savvy in engaging the new media and lost out in cyberspace, he said, adding: "But we live and learn."
Najib said this during a question and answer session at the Asia Media Summit 2008 here yesterday.
He in fact has started the ball rolling by putting a reply through his press secretary Datuk Tengku Sariffuddin Tengku Ahmad to a posting on Malaysia Today, a news portal run by Raja Petra Kamaruddin.
Najib said it was obvious that the Barisan Nasional Government would now need to engage the new media.
"We need to have people who are active participants of the new media, who are sympathetic and understanding of the government's position.
"Therefore, instead of just criticising them (the new media) or running them down, the best thing to do is to engage them. Hopefully they will understand our perspective," he added.
To another question, Najib said the Government gave the mainstream and new media a great deal of latitude to criticise.
However, he said: "There is a line which shouldn't be crossed" because it could undermine the wider interest of society.
On action taken against blogger Raja Petra, Najib said he was charged with breaking the laws of the country – making baseless allegations and seditious remarks.
He said Raja Petra had been free to criticise the Government "very robustly and stridently" in his blog for years and the Government had not taken any action against him.
"But when certain things he said constituted a very serious attack against the institution, the Attorney-General decided that he had crossed the line," Najib said.
Other than the new media, he said the established media too had become more critical since the elections.
"If you read the newspapers on a daily basis, you will see that they don't hold back their punches. If they know there are weaknesses or abuse of power anywhere, they will latch on to these and criticise the Government and individuals openly," he said.
In an immediate response, blogger Ahirudin Attan (Rocky Bru) welcomed Najib's announcement that the Government would respond to allegations, saying:
"This is really good. It's better late than never and it's something for the blogging community to rejoice because blogging is about interacting with each other."
The National Alliance of Bloggers president said one of the alliance's aims was to get the Government to take part in blogging.
"This is because blogging is also about giving feedback to the Government and it's great that the Government is picking up the opportunity (to blog)."
DAP's PJ Utara MP Tony Pua, who is also a blogger, felt that the Government should be earnest in replying to issues or allegations levelled against it, pointing out that the Government should not use the medium only to win over public opinion."
"If the allegations are indeed wild, then its response to correct them is welcome. But if it's only to put down frank criticisms, then it'll defeat the whole purpose."
Mugging cuts short MIC global project
Wednesday May 28, 2008
Mugging cuts short MIC global project
KUALA LUMPUR: A 12-month tour of 93 universities in 69 countries by Putera MIC's first Malaysia Global ambassador has been derailed after he was robbed in Teheran, Iran.
V. Vighneswaran, 28, was robbed of US$500 cash and his passport in April, forcing him to return home.
"I was mugged by three youths after visiting a university in Teheran. I had no choice but to return to Malaysia to get a replacement passport," he said, adding that he would continue with his mission on June 1.
Vighneswaran had already visited 23 universities – 11 in India, two in Nepal, two in the United Arab Emirates and eight in Iran – when he was mugged.
I will return: Vighneswaran shaking hands with Goa Institute of Management dean P. Mirchandani during his visit to India recently.
Among the universities were Anna University, Madras Medical College and Melaka Manipal Medical College in India; University of Management in Kathmandu, Nepal; Dubai School of Government and American University of Sharjah in UAE; and Iran University of Science and Technology, Sharif University of Technology, University of Teheran, Shahid Behesti University and Shiraz University in Iran.
Vighneswaran, who is pursuing a doctorate in economics at Universiti Malaya, said he had received encouraging response from the universities he had visited.
The Malaysian Global Ambassador Project, which was launched by Putera MIC in January, is aimed at creating a world-class higher education system in Malaysia.
On the completion of the project, a working paper on the world's top ranked universities will be presented to the Higher Education Ministry
Mugging cuts short MIC global project
KUALA LUMPUR: A 12-month tour of 93 universities in 69 countries by Putera MIC's first Malaysia Global ambassador has been derailed after he was robbed in Teheran, Iran.
V. Vighneswaran, 28, was robbed of US$500 cash and his passport in April, forcing him to return home.
"I was mugged by three youths after visiting a university in Teheran. I had no choice but to return to Malaysia to get a replacement passport," he said, adding that he would continue with his mission on June 1.
Vighneswaran had already visited 23 universities – 11 in India, two in Nepal, two in the United Arab Emirates and eight in Iran – when he was mugged.
I will return: Vighneswaran shaking hands with Goa Institute of Management dean P. Mirchandani during his visit to India recently.
Among the universities were Anna University, Madras Medical College and Melaka Manipal Medical College in India; University of Management in Kathmandu, Nepal; Dubai School of Government and American University of Sharjah in UAE; and Iran University of Science and Technology, Sharif University of Technology, University of Teheran, Shahid Behesti University and Shiraz University in Iran.
Vighneswaran, who is pursuing a doctorate in economics at Universiti Malaya, said he had received encouraging response from the universities he had visited.
The Malaysian Global Ambassador Project, which was launched by Putera MIC in January, is aimed at creating a world-class higher education system in Malaysia.
On the completion of the project, a working paper on the world's top ranked universities will be presented to the Higher Education Ministry
Land for Tamil schools with govt support
Tuesday June 3, 2008
Land for Tamil schools with govt support
THE National Land Finance Cooperative Society (NLFCS) is willing to give land to eight Tamil schools if the Government fully supports the schools.
Tamil Nesan quoted its executive director Tan Sri K.R. Somasundram as saying that the board of directors had agreed to a proposal to transfer the land to the schools for the sake of the children’s education.
He said that currently the Government was only giving partial aid to Tamil schools as many were situated on private land.
He said it was the expectation of the Indian community that Tamil schools be fully-aided schools to enable the pupils to study in a conducive environment.
He said NLFCS had spent nearly RM5mil to maintain schools under its supervision.
> The role played by Indian youths in the country is important in charting the progress of the Indian community for the future.
More religious activities and cultural activities must be organised to create awareness among youths, reported Malaysia Nanban.
Gambir assemblyman and Johor state MIC Youth chief M. Asohan made the call when opening the Malaysia Hindu Sangam Johor state delegates conference.
He said youth members must intensify efforts to attract more youngsters.
> Other News & Views is compiled from the vernacular newspapers (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil dailies). As such, stories are grouped according to the respective language/medium. Where a paragraph begins with a sub-heading, it denotes a separate news item.
Land for Tamil schools with govt support
THE National Land Finance Cooperative Society (NLFCS) is willing to give land to eight Tamil schools if the Government fully supports the schools.
Tamil Nesan quoted its executive director Tan Sri K.R. Somasundram as saying that the board of directors had agreed to a proposal to transfer the land to the schools for the sake of the children’s education.
He said that currently the Government was only giving partial aid to Tamil schools as many were situated on private land.
He said it was the expectation of the Indian community that Tamil schools be fully-aided schools to enable the pupils to study in a conducive environment.
He said NLFCS had spent nearly RM5mil to maintain schools under its supervision.
> The role played by Indian youths in the country is important in charting the progress of the Indian community for the future.
More religious activities and cultural activities must be organised to create awareness among youths, reported Malaysia Nanban.
Gambir assemblyman and Johor state MIC Youth chief M. Asohan made the call when opening the Malaysia Hindu Sangam Johor state delegates conference.
He said youth members must intensify efforts to attract more youngsters.
> Other News & Views is compiled from the vernacular newspapers (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil dailies). As such, stories are grouped according to the respective language/medium. Where a paragraph begins with a sub-heading, it denotes a separate news item.
Students come up with elaborate and jazzy garments
Wednesday May 28, 2008
Students come up with elaborate and jazzy garments
Inspired by Victorian elements: Rico Rinaldi Tono (right) with his creation, 'Goddess Says Pleats', which is inspired by the Victorian elements that depict the feminine, delicate and sensitive parts of a woman's body.
GONE are the days when undergarments were meant to be hidden under one's apparel. These days, foundation garments are flaunted as part of one's ensemble.
At the Triumph Inspiration Award Beijing 2008 National Final Gala Night held recently at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, 12 elaborate and jazzy garments designed by Limkokwing University of Creative Technology students astonished the crowd.
The allure of the garments lay in their creativity and detailed workmanship. Lace, fur, embroidery, frills, crystal studs and more lent appeal to the otherwise plain garments.
The creators of the sensual pieces were competing to outshine each other in order to win the honour of representing Malaysia at the award's international final.
Professional touch: Models in Triumph and Bill Keith's designer pieces.
A total of 32 countries, including Brazil, Belgium, Britain, Japan and Germany, are taking part in the worldwide contest.
Female magazine editor Seema Viswanathan, who was one of the five judges, was amazed by the students' ideas.
"Overall, they are very creative. They were imaginative and went in all directions from the theme.
"However, some of them did not follow through with their ideas.
They had big concepts and beautiful sketches but what they created weren't as impressive," she said.
Triumph marketing manager Cecilia Wong said she had seen winning pieces from other countries and she believed that the standard of the local contestants was on par with that of their overseas counterparts.
Joyous moment: An overwhelmed Merlin Yuwita with the model wearing her creation 'A Gift For Marie'.
Another judge, designer Carven Ong, highlighted a few key points in designing the "inner beauty".
"First, women should look sexy in it. Secondly, the colour match between the garment and the wearer's skin tone is important. So is the cutting of the garment," he said.
See my masterpiece: Friederich Herman (left) and his 'La Vien En Rose'.
Besides showing off the contest pieces, models also sashayed down the catwalk in Triumph garments teamed with designer pieces from Khoon Hooi, Carven Ong and Bill Keith.
Local songbird Jaclyn Victor awed the crowd with her splendid performance before the results were announced.
In the end, it was Merlin Yuwita's A Gift For Marie – inspired by French ladies and historical fashion icon Marie Antoinette – that scooped the grand prize.
Top model Amber Chia will be modelling this creation at the international final, which will be staged in July in Beijing.
Tan See Mun's Mystery of Puzzle – garments adorned with puzzle pieces as the trimming – won the Audience-Choice Award.
Students come up with elaborate and jazzy garments
Inspired by Victorian elements: Rico Rinaldi Tono (right) with his creation, 'Goddess Says Pleats', which is inspired by the Victorian elements that depict the feminine, delicate and sensitive parts of a woman's body.
GONE are the days when undergarments were meant to be hidden under one's apparel. These days, foundation garments are flaunted as part of one's ensemble.
At the Triumph Inspiration Award Beijing 2008 National Final Gala Night held recently at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, 12 elaborate and jazzy garments designed by Limkokwing University of Creative Technology students astonished the crowd.
The allure of the garments lay in their creativity and detailed workmanship. Lace, fur, embroidery, frills, crystal studs and more lent appeal to the otherwise plain garments.
The creators of the sensual pieces were competing to outshine each other in order to win the honour of representing Malaysia at the award's international final.
Professional touch: Models in Triumph and Bill Keith's designer pieces.
A total of 32 countries, including Brazil, Belgium, Britain, Japan and Germany, are taking part in the worldwide contest.
Female magazine editor Seema Viswanathan, who was one of the five judges, was amazed by the students' ideas.
"Overall, they are very creative. They were imaginative and went in all directions from the theme.
"However, some of them did not follow through with their ideas.
They had big concepts and beautiful sketches but what they created weren't as impressive," she said.
Triumph marketing manager Cecilia Wong said she had seen winning pieces from other countries and she believed that the standard of the local contestants was on par with that of their overseas counterparts.
Joyous moment: An overwhelmed Merlin Yuwita with the model wearing her creation 'A Gift For Marie'.
Another judge, designer Carven Ong, highlighted a few key points in designing the "inner beauty".
"First, women should look sexy in it. Secondly, the colour match between the garment and the wearer's skin tone is important. So is the cutting of the garment," he said.
See my masterpiece: Friederich Herman (left) and his 'La Vien En Rose'.
Besides showing off the contest pieces, models also sashayed down the catwalk in Triumph garments teamed with designer pieces from Khoon Hooi, Carven Ong and Bill Keith.
Local songbird Jaclyn Victor awed the crowd with her splendid performance before the results were announced.
In the end, it was Merlin Yuwita's A Gift For Marie – inspired by French ladies and historical fashion icon Marie Antoinette – that scooped the grand prize.
Top model Amber Chia will be modelling this creation at the international final, which will be staged in July in Beijing.
Tan See Mun's Mystery of Puzzle – garments adorned with puzzle pieces as the trimming – won the Audience-Choice Award.
Loan fee under review
Tuesday June 3, 2008
Loan fee under review
PUTRAJAYA: The Government is reviewing the 3% administration fee for the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) loans.
“We are reviewing the administration charges so that it won’t burden the students. All I can say now is that it won’t go up,” said Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
He added that the Government wanted to ensure that the fee reflected the operational costs of disbursing the loans.
“We recognise that not all loan recipients are able to obtain jobs, and for those who do, their salaries may not be be commensurate with their qualifications,” he told The Star in an interview.
Khaled added that the Government was also reviewing the loan ceiling to reflect the higher cost of living.
These were the issues brought up by student leaders in a meeting recently,
Methods of collection for the PTPTN loans were also being reviewed to increase repayment and reduce defaulters.
“We are looking at ways of collection that will not be burdensome to students,” said Khaled.
PTPTN has started issuing summonses to borrowers as well as blacklisting those who want to travel overseas. It has also appointed agents to obtain the latest addresses of PTPTN borrowers.
“So far, 9,040 summonses have been filed while 14,375 borrowers have been blacklisted by the Immigration Department,” said Khaled.
A total of 9,326 borrowers working in government agencies, government linked companies and public and public and private higher education institutions would also be paying off their loans through salary deductions, he said.
As of Feb 28, PTPTN had collected RM738mil from 353,181 borrowers and disbursed RM1.6bil to 538,869 borrowers.
Loan fee under review
PUTRAJAYA: The Government is reviewing the 3% administration fee for the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) loans.
“We are reviewing the administration charges so that it won’t burden the students. All I can say now is that it won’t go up,” said Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
He added that the Government wanted to ensure that the fee reflected the operational costs of disbursing the loans.
“We recognise that not all loan recipients are able to obtain jobs, and for those who do, their salaries may not be be commensurate with their qualifications,” he told The Star in an interview.
Khaled added that the Government was also reviewing the loan ceiling to reflect the higher cost of living.
These were the issues brought up by student leaders in a meeting recently,
Methods of collection for the PTPTN loans were also being reviewed to increase repayment and reduce defaulters.
“We are looking at ways of collection that will not be burdensome to students,” said Khaled.
PTPTN has started issuing summonses to borrowers as well as blacklisting those who want to travel overseas. It has also appointed agents to obtain the latest addresses of PTPTN borrowers.
“So far, 9,040 summonses have been filed while 14,375 borrowers have been blacklisted by the Immigration Department,” said Khaled.
A total of 9,326 borrowers working in government agencies, government linked companies and public and public and private higher education institutions would also be paying off their loans through salary deductions, he said.
As of Feb 28, PTPTN had collected RM738mil from 353,181 borrowers and disbursed RM1.6bil to 538,869 borrowers.
Start teaching in prison schools
Tuesday June 3, 2008
Pioneer batch set to start teaching in prison schools
KUALA LUMPUR: The pioneer batch of 33 teachers in grade DG41 will begin teaching in five integrity schools on June 16.
According to Special Education Department officers, the teachers would be sent to the five integrity schools in Penjara Kajang; Penjara Sungai Petani; Penjara Marang; Henry Gurney, Telok Mas; and Henry Gurney, Keningau.
(An integrity school is a school set up within a prison for juvenile prisoners.)
Deputy Education Minister Dr Wee Ka Siong said qualified teachers, to be sent to teach in prisons by stages, would undergo an induction course to prepare them for the challenges ahead.
Dr Wee: ‘As of now we have five integrity schools’
“The ambience and environment will be entirely different from that of mainstream schools. The teachers will go in and out of the prison every day when it is a school day, according to our school calendar. They must be mentally prepared,” he told The Star in an interview.
Last November, Education Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein had announced that the ministry would work with the Prisons Department to enable juvenile prisoners to continue schooling behind bars and sit for public examinations.
Dr Wee described the collaboration with the prisons department as a “smart partnership.”
The response from those wanting to teach in prisons had been encouraging, he said, adding that the ministry had received 54 applications.
“We will look at how willing the teachers are to serve in prisons and their philosophy, as we don’t want them to think this is a way to ‘escape’ from mainstream schools, or that this will be an easy job,” he said.
The ministry, he added, was implementing the programme in phases.
“As of now we have five integrity schools, such as the Sekolah Integriti Penjara Kajang, Selangor, which will be considered as the central zone. There are also plans to expand the concept to Sabah and Sarawak,” he said.
The ministry would send 11 teachers to each school – eight solely to teach, plus three to be in charge of counselling, religious studies and rehabilitation, Dr Wee added.
This move was in line with the National Education Blueprint 2006-2010 and to support Unesco’s vision of providing education for all.
This year, a total of 243 juvenile prisoners will be sitting for public examinations at PMR, SPM, and STPM levels at integrity schools nationwide.
Pioneer batch set to start teaching in prison schools
KUALA LUMPUR: The pioneer batch of 33 teachers in grade DG41 will begin teaching in five integrity schools on June 16.
According to Special Education Department officers, the teachers would be sent to the five integrity schools in Penjara Kajang; Penjara Sungai Petani; Penjara Marang; Henry Gurney, Telok Mas; and Henry Gurney, Keningau.
(An integrity school is a school set up within a prison for juvenile prisoners.)
Deputy Education Minister Dr Wee Ka Siong said qualified teachers, to be sent to teach in prisons by stages, would undergo an induction course to prepare them for the challenges ahead.
Dr Wee: ‘As of now we have five integrity schools’
“The ambience and environment will be entirely different from that of mainstream schools. The teachers will go in and out of the prison every day when it is a school day, according to our school calendar. They must be mentally prepared,” he told The Star in an interview.
Last November, Education Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein had announced that the ministry would work with the Prisons Department to enable juvenile prisoners to continue schooling behind bars and sit for public examinations.
Dr Wee described the collaboration with the prisons department as a “smart partnership.”
The response from those wanting to teach in prisons had been encouraging, he said, adding that the ministry had received 54 applications.
“We will look at how willing the teachers are to serve in prisons and their philosophy, as we don’t want them to think this is a way to ‘escape’ from mainstream schools, or that this will be an easy job,” he said.
The ministry, he added, was implementing the programme in phases.
“As of now we have five integrity schools, such as the Sekolah Integriti Penjara Kajang, Selangor, which will be considered as the central zone. There are also plans to expand the concept to Sabah and Sarawak,” he said.
The ministry would send 11 teachers to each school – eight solely to teach, plus three to be in charge of counselling, religious studies and rehabilitation, Dr Wee added.
This move was in line with the National Education Blueprint 2006-2010 and to support Unesco’s vision of providing education for all.
This year, a total of 243 juvenile prisoners will be sitting for public examinations at PMR, SPM, and STPM levels at integrity schools nationwide.
Emotional support over the telephone
Wednesday May 28, 2008
Seeking volunteers
FOR Befrienders, the telephone line is a lifeline. The voluntary organisation, which is currently looking for new volunteeers, is centred on suicide prevention and providing emotional support over the telephone for those facing difficulties in life.
"We're here for people who feel they want to talk to someone rather than seek professional help. We offer non-judgemental confidential support to callers who often feel they have no one else to talk to," said Befrienders Penang chairman S. Saras Pillay in an interview at the organisation's centre in Batu Lanchang, Penang.
She added that the centre, which now had some 50 volunteers, received 500 to 600 calls every month.
"We get calls from people wanting to talk about many different issues, ranging from various relationship problems to job related, interpersonal and financial problems," she said.
As a result of the complex and various problems disclosed, volunteers had to be equipped with proper training to handle the situations.
Training director and vice-chairman Philip Saw, who has been volunteering at the organisation for 19 years, said Befrienders Penang was in need of more volunteers to sustain and extend its operations hours.
"The ultimate goal is to have the call service running 24 hours a day, but we're a long way from that. Currently, our service runs from 3pm to midnight on weekdays and 5pm to 11pm on weekends.
"We recruit new volunteers twice a year and the next training session is scheduled from June 10 to July 18 at the Penang Cheshire Home," Saw said.
He added that Befrienders was looking for caring, concerned individuals over 21 years old who were able to volunteer three hours a week to be on duty at the call centre.
"The training is broken up into 12 sessions with three-hour sessions every Tuesday and Friday night for six weeks.
"During the training, we instruct the participants on how to handle and respond to different types of situations, the tone of voice and choice of words needed, as well as the skills involved in listening," said Saw.
He said RM60 would be charged for the whole duration of training to cover stationery, refreshments and administrative costs.
Although the training is extensive and making time is a sacrifice, both veteran Befrienders believe the rewards are well worth it.
"For some callers, it is a split second decision to live or die. When you are able to give someone the emotional support to get over that rough patch, there is a great sense of personal accomplishment," said Saw.
"We become better people when we reach out to others. In helping others, we really do help ourselves," Saras Pillay added.
The Befrienders hotlines are 04-2815161 and 04-2811108. More information about services and training can be found at http://www .befpen.org or by emailing pat@befpen.org.
Seeking volunteers
FOR Befrienders, the telephone line is a lifeline. The voluntary organisation, which is currently looking for new volunteeers, is centred on suicide prevention and providing emotional support over the telephone for those facing difficulties in life.
"We're here for people who feel they want to talk to someone rather than seek professional help. We offer non-judgemental confidential support to callers who often feel they have no one else to talk to," said Befrienders Penang chairman S. Saras Pillay in an interview at the organisation's centre in Batu Lanchang, Penang.
She added that the centre, which now had some 50 volunteers, received 500 to 600 calls every month.
"We get calls from people wanting to talk about many different issues, ranging from various relationship problems to job related, interpersonal and financial problems," she said.
As a result of the complex and various problems disclosed, volunteers had to be equipped with proper training to handle the situations.
Training director and vice-chairman Philip Saw, who has been volunteering at the organisation for 19 years, said Befrienders Penang was in need of more volunteers to sustain and extend its operations hours.
"The ultimate goal is to have the call service running 24 hours a day, but we're a long way from that. Currently, our service runs from 3pm to midnight on weekdays and 5pm to 11pm on weekends.
"We recruit new volunteers twice a year and the next training session is scheduled from June 10 to July 18 at the Penang Cheshire Home," Saw said.
He added that Befrienders was looking for caring, concerned individuals over 21 years old who were able to volunteer three hours a week to be on duty at the call centre.
"The training is broken up into 12 sessions with three-hour sessions every Tuesday and Friday night for six weeks.
"During the training, we instruct the participants on how to handle and respond to different types of situations, the tone of voice and choice of words needed, as well as the skills involved in listening," said Saw.
He said RM60 would be charged for the whole duration of training to cover stationery, refreshments and administrative costs.
Although the training is extensive and making time is a sacrifice, both veteran Befrienders believe the rewards are well worth it.
"For some callers, it is a split second decision to live or die. When you are able to give someone the emotional support to get over that rough patch, there is a great sense of personal accomplishment," said Saw.
"We become better people when we reach out to others. In helping others, we really do help ourselves," Saras Pillay added.
The Befrienders hotlines are 04-2815161 and 04-2811108. More information about services and training can be found at http://www .befpen.org or by emailing pat@befpen.org.
Corner for youth
Tuesday June 3, 2008 MYT 5:32:35 PM
Kelantan to have Speakers’ Corner for youth
KOTA BARU: In the age of online bloggers and YouTube, Kelantan is now introducing a ''Speakers' Corner'' to allow the youth to express their opinions through a civic platform such as public speaking.
Modelled after a similar concept at institutions of higher learning, the ''Speakers' Corner'' would be held every Friday and Saturday from this month and the venue is the Stadium Sultan Muhammad IV here.
A soft launch was held last month and response among the youth was encouraging, said state Local Government committee chairman Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan after launching the programme at KB Mall here.
This would become a platform to groom intellectual talent among the young besides giving them an area to express their views and opinions.
The programme is the brainchild of Mentri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat who felt that part of the social ills afflicting the young is that this age group does not have a platform to express views.
Takiyuddin said to participate, youths in their 20s and 30s, must register with the Kota Baru Municipal Council (MPKB) besides stating the issues which they would raise at the ''Speakers’ Corner.''
''We hope with such a programme, the youths can fill their spare time with constructive activities while the state capital inhabitants are encouraged to provide moral encouragement by becoming the audience.''
He said community leaders, association and organisation activists should also be present when the youths speak so they can understand the issues and concerns among the younger generation.
The Kelantan Arts Activists Association is also supporting the programme by sending their members to participate
Kelantan to have Speakers’ Corner for youth
KOTA BARU: In the age of online bloggers and YouTube, Kelantan is now introducing a ''Speakers' Corner'' to allow the youth to express their opinions through a civic platform such as public speaking.
Modelled after a similar concept at institutions of higher learning, the ''Speakers' Corner'' would be held every Friday and Saturday from this month and the venue is the Stadium Sultan Muhammad IV here.
A soft launch was held last month and response among the youth was encouraging, said state Local Government committee chairman Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan after launching the programme at KB Mall here.
This would become a platform to groom intellectual talent among the young besides giving them an area to express their views and opinions.
The programme is the brainchild of Mentri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat who felt that part of the social ills afflicting the young is that this age group does not have a platform to express views.
Takiyuddin said to participate, youths in their 20s and 30s, must register with the Kota Baru Municipal Council (MPKB) besides stating the issues which they would raise at the ''Speakers’ Corner.''
''We hope with such a programme, the youths can fill their spare time with constructive activities while the state capital inhabitants are encouraged to provide moral encouragement by becoming the audience.''
He said community leaders, association and organisation activists should also be present when the youths speak so they can understand the issues and concerns among the younger generation.
The Kelantan Arts Activists Association is also supporting the programme by sending their members to participate
MCA shocked by objection to PSD move
Tuesday June 3, 2008
MCA shocked by objection to PSD move
KUALA LUMPUR: The MCA is saddened and shocked by an Umno Youth leader’s objection to the fairer distribution of Public Service Department (PSD) scholarships for all races.
MCA Youth education bureau chief Dr Wee Ka Siong said the last five years had seen an expansion of PSD scholarships from 900 places in 2004 to 2,000 this year.
“The decision to increase the percentage of non-bumiputra recipients is in tandem with the rise in the number of scholarships. It is a win-win situation for all,” said Dr Wee.
He was commenting on the statement by Umno Youth education bureau chairman Ahmad Ikmal Ismail that increasing the quota for PSD scholarships for non-bumiputras without increasing the actual number of scholarships had drastically affected the bumiputras.
Ahmad Ikmal added this meant scholarships were being taken from the bumiputras and given to non-bumiputras.
Dr Wee, who is Deputy Education Minister, said outstanding bumiputra students should not worry about being deprived of a scholarship if their qualification met the criteria set out by the PSD.
He added the PSD move would also ensure a more level playing field because when more competition prevailed, students would be encouraged to perform their best.
Dr Wee also said the MCA supported the PSD move as a step in the right direction.
He said Malaysian students must strive towards achieving meritocracy in applying for government scholarships, just like the criteria for intake into public universities.
MCA shocked by objection to PSD move
KUALA LUMPUR: The MCA is saddened and shocked by an Umno Youth leader’s objection to the fairer distribution of Public Service Department (PSD) scholarships for all races.
MCA Youth education bureau chief Dr Wee Ka Siong said the last five years had seen an expansion of PSD scholarships from 900 places in 2004 to 2,000 this year.
“The decision to increase the percentage of non-bumiputra recipients is in tandem with the rise in the number of scholarships. It is a win-win situation for all,” said Dr Wee.
He was commenting on the statement by Umno Youth education bureau chairman Ahmad Ikmal Ismail that increasing the quota for PSD scholarships for non-bumiputras without increasing the actual number of scholarships had drastically affected the bumiputras.
Ahmad Ikmal added this meant scholarships were being taken from the bumiputras and given to non-bumiputras.
Dr Wee, who is Deputy Education Minister, said outstanding bumiputra students should not worry about being deprived of a scholarship if their qualification met the criteria set out by the PSD.
He added the PSD move would also ensure a more level playing field because when more competition prevailed, students would be encouraged to perform their best.
Dr Wee also said the MCA supported the PSD move as a step in the right direction.
He said Malaysian students must strive towards achieving meritocracy in applying for government scholarships, just like the criteria for intake into public universities.
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