KEMPEN KIBAR JALUR GEMILANG

KEMPEN KIBAR JALUR GEMILANG OLEH SPDP BAHAGIAN N 40 MERADONG

Pengawa Nyirika Padri Fr. Philip Hu & Fr. David Ho

PRIESTLY ORDINATION ON 8/9/2010 @ ST. TERESA CHURCH, SIBU
REV. FR. DAVID HO AND REV. FR. PHILIP HU

Lawatan YB Dato' Seri Utama Dr Rais Yatim Rh Guntol, Ng Bekiok,Merurun, Julau

Program Merakyatkan Seni Dan Budaya (PMS) serta Pelancaran Kampung WiFi Dan Penyerahan Komputer Riba 1Malaysia Di Daerah Julau, Sarawak bertempat Rh.Guntol, Nanga Bekiok, Merurun, Julau pada 17/9/2010

Amaran TPM kepada MCA

Amaran TPM kepada MCA

Oleh TARMIZI ABDUL RAHIM
pengarang@utusan.com.my

KUALA LUMPUR 16 Ogos - Timbalan Perdana Menteri mengingatkan MCA supaya jangan terlalu ghairah menjuarai kepentingan dan tuntutan kaum sendiri sehingga boleh menjejaskan kestabilan dan keharmonian antara kaum di negara ini.

Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin mengakui bahawa setiap kaum berhak memperjuangkan nasib kumpulan yang diwakili tetapi bagaimanapun perbuatan itu jangan sesekali dilihat boleh menjejaskan sensitiviti kaum lain.

Tegas beliau, MCA harus menginsafi bahawa ia merupakan sebahagian daripada komponen Barisan Nasional (BN) yang sudah tentu mempunyai prinsip yang perlu dihormati secara bersama.

"Saya tidak percaya MCA sanggup mengorbankan setiakawan yang dipupuk sejak sekian lama. Bagi saya ia amat penting sekali. UMNO pun memperjuangkan nasib Melayu tetapi pada masa sama ia turut menjaga kepentingan kaum lain.

"Jangan kita timbulkan kemarahan, keresahan hanya kerana kita nak pertahankan kaum kita atau resolusi kita hingga tidak mengambil kira sensitiviti dan hak kaum lain.

"Itu barulah adil namanya. Jika kita pertahankan kaum kita secara ekstrem dan perjuangan itu dilihat sebagai berat sebelah kerana tidak mengambil kira kepentingan lain, maka itu merupakan sesuatu yang tidak baik," katanya.

Beliau mengulas kenyataan Presiden MCA, Datuk Seri Dr. Chua Soi Lek yang menegaskan, parti itu tidak takut berkongsi pandangan sama dengan DAP dalam hal yang memberi keuntungan kepada masyarakat Cina.

Soi Lek yang menjawab peringatan Naib Presiden UMNO, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein berkata, MCA yang kini diterajui kepimpinan baru percaya bahawa pendirian itu mempunyai asas dan wajar.

Sebelum itu, Hishammuddin mengingatkan agar MCA tidak mengambil pendirian menyimpang daripada perjuangan yang sudah disepakati sekian lama dalam BN.

Peringatan Naib Presiden UMNO itu dibuat ekoran kenyataan Soi Lek yang mendesak kerajaan supaya mementingkan keupayaan merit dan bukannya kuota dalam memastikan perkongsian tulen antara bumiputera dan bukan bumiputera.

Tambah Muhyiddin, soal sama ada MCA ingin bersama DAP merupakan perkara kedua kerana apa yang penting pendirian yang diambil mereka tidak sepatutnya boleh menimbulkan prasangka, buruk sangka, kemarahan dan mengguris sensitiviti kaum lain.

"Jika ia mempunyai hubung kait dengan dasar kerajaan, MCA harus tahu dan faham apakah pendirian kerajaan tentang soal hak istimewa bumiputera dan semangat menyeimbangkan pengagihan kekayaan dalam negara ini.

"Pendirian kerajaan adalah amat jelas dalam perkara ini iaitu kita tidak akan berkompromi terutama dalam soal menyentuh kepentingan kaum dan bumiputera," katanya.

Mengulas lanjut, Muhyiddin menjelaskan bahawa tuntutan Melayu untuk mendapat 30 peratus kekayaan bukannya satu tuntutan melampau kerana sasaran Dasar Ekonomi Baru itu sehingga kini masih belum tercapai.

Sedangkan, katanya, kaum Cina sudah menguasai lebih daripada 40 peratus kekayaan negara dan Melayu tidak pernah sekalipun iri hati.

"Kecualilah jika kekayaan Cina berbanding dahulu semakin menurun kerana diambil oleh Melayu, itu boleh kita faham dan pertimbang.

"Jadi adakah adil jika MCA tuntut supaya apa yang diperjuangkan Melayu untuk menguasai 30 peratus itu secara adil itu sebagai sesuatu yang tidak wajar," katanya.

Tegas Muhyiddin, desakan MCA itu tidak sepatutnya ditimbulkan kerana sejarah membuktikan bahawa kepincangan dalam masyarakat telah berlaku kerana pengagihan kekayaan tidak dilakukan secara adil dan saksama.

"Ia sebagaimana yang berlaku pada 1969. Kerajaan berharap ia tidak berlaku lagi. Oleh sebab itulah kita sasarkan ada perseimbangan penguasaan kekayaan negara secara adil dan saksama," katanya.

( sumber http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp)

Felda saman

Felda saman Wan Azizah, 5 lain RM200j

Peguam bagi pihak Felda, Mohd. Hafarizam Harun menunjukkan nota saman yang difailkan di Kuala Lumpur, semalam.

KUALA LUMPUR 16 Ogos – Lembaga Kemajuan Tanah Persekutuan (Felda) dan sebuah syarikat pelaburannya hari ini memfailkan saman fitnah RM200 juta terhadap enam defendan termasuk penerbit serta pencetak akhbar rasmi Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), Suara Keadilan ekoran penyiaran artikel bertajuk Felda Bangkrap.

Felda dan Felda Global Ventures Holdings Sdn. Bhd. selaku plaintif pertama dan kedua memfailkan writ saman tersebut melalui firma guaman, Tetuan Hafarizam, Wan & Aisha Mubarak di kaunter pendaftaran Mahkamah Tinggi di sini pada pukul 3.11 petang.

Pihak plaintif menamakan Presiden PKR, Datuk Seri Dr. Wan Azizah Wan Ismail dan Naib Presidennya, Dr. Syed Husin Ali yang disaman atas kapasiti pemegang jawatan dalam parti itu selaku defendan pertama dan kedua.

Penerbit akhbar tersebut, Pelita Koridor Sdn. Bhd. dan pencetaknya, Percetakan NPK Sdn. Bhd. selain penyunting, Dzulkarnain Taib serta penulis, Rusnizam Mahat pula masing-masing dinamakan sebagai defendan ketiga hingga keenam.

PKR dinamakan sebagai penerbit kepada Suara Keadilan tertakluk kepada Kementerian Dalam Negeri (KDN), permit yang telah tamat tempoh pada 30 Jun lalu.

Menurut pernyataan tuntutan, plaintif mendakwa, akhbar Suara Keadilan dalam edisi 22-29 Jun lalu telah menyiarkan artikel di muka depan bertajuk Felda Bangkrap yang didakwa mengandungi perkataan fitnah.

Selain itu, sebuah lagi artikel dalam edisi yang sama dengan keterangan di muka surat pertama bertajuk Kontroversi berserta gambar dan sambungannya di muka surat 3 bertajuk Bina bangunan RM662 juta hanya libatkan tiga individu turut didakwa mengandungi perkataan fitnah.

Plaintif menyatakan, defendan telah dan masih menerbitkan bahagian pertama perkataan fitnah yang membawa maksud bahawa mereka tidak berupaya membayar hutang, hutang melebihi asetnya, tidak mempunyai kelayakan kredit dan merupakan entiti yang tiada sesiapapun yang ingin melakukan perniagaan bersama.

Dakwa plaintif lagi, defendan telah menerbitkan dan masih lagi menerbitkan bahagian kedua dan ketiga artikel mengandungi perkataan fitnah yang serius dan merupakan fitnah bertulis yang amat memudaratkan serta menjejaskan reputasi plaintif.

Selain itu, fitnah tersebut merupakan suatu yang amat serius yang boleh menyebabkan penghinaan dan aib kepada plaintif di khalayak ramai, masyarakat negara ini dan luar negara selain menyebabkan kerugian yang maksimum.

Menurut plaintif, defendan dengan sengaja menerbitkan perkataan fitnah tersebut walaupun mempunyai pengetahuan bahawa perkara itu tidak benar atau palsu serta cuai dan mengabaikan kejujuran.

Plaintif juga menegaskan bahawa perkataan fitnah telah diterbitkan dengan sengaja dan berniat jahat untuk merosakkan dan memusnahkan reputasi kedua-dua syarikat tersebut.

Sehubungan itu, plaintif menuntut ganti rugi RM200 juta termasuk ganti rugi keterlaluan, teladan untuk fitnah bertulis atau kepalsuan berniat jahat dan mudarat.

Selain itu, plaintif menuntut faedah pada kadar lapan peratus setahun atas ganti rugi dari tarikh penghakiman sehingga tarikh pembayaran penuh serta injunksi bagi menghalang pihak defendan daripada bercakap atau menerbitkan perkataan fitnah secara lisan atau di media cetak atau Internet.

Plaintif juga memohon perintah supaya defendan menerbitkan permohonan maaf secara bertulis untuk diterbitkan di akhbar dan majalah dengan bentuknya serta terma akan ditentukan oleh plaintif, kos serta relif-relif lain.

(sumber: http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.as)

To change SIBU name

To change SIBU name – showing no respect to natives

Taken from: Sarawak Inside

Dayakbaru

To the Dayak, Sibu name is actually MALING. Then it turns to be called SIBAU, as “buah sibau, a rambutan family fruit. As the urban people could not pronounce the word properly then it turn to become Sibu.

The Chinese started to arrive in Sibu only about a hundred odd years ago. What is so great about their history except that the Sibu Chinese are so great now because of the SUPP connection and got timber business licence and plantation. But that does not give them the right to change SIbu name as they wish.

I guessed that SUPP would want a new name for Sibu because SIBU bring them bad luck in the last election. Can you guess what has SUPP proposed Sibu name is?

The more reason why we should not vote for SUPP.

( sumber: http://dayakbaru.com/weblog08/ )

Remaja hamil luar nikah meningkat

Oleh JAMLIAH ABDULLAH
utusanN9@utusan.com.my

SEREMBAN 16 Ogos – Percaya atau tidak, sebuah hospital kerajaan di sini menerima dua hingga tiga kes remaja hamil luar nikah setiap hari.

Menurut Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Bertindak Pembangunan Wanita, Keluarga dan Masyarakat negeri, Datuk Zainab Nasir, perkara tersebut membimbangkan pihaknya.

“Ini adalah laporan daripada Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat (JKM) negeri. Kes-kes membabitkan remaja hamil luar nikah seperti ini dilihat semakin meningkat dan membimbangkan kita,” katanya di sini hari ini.

Zainab tidak menafikan terdapat kes membabitkan remaja dalam kalangan pelajar termasuk penuntut institusi pengajian tinggi di negeri ini.

Menurutnya, kerajaan negeri melalui jabatan berkaitan melaksanakan pelbagai program di bawah Jawatankuasa Gadis/Wanita Hamil Luar Nikah dalam usaha menangani permasalahan seperti itu sejak 2008.

“Pelbagai program dilaksanakan seperti seminar dan bengkel untuk remaja khususnya agar mereka menjauhi perkara-perkara seperti ini,” kata beliau.

Bagaimanapun, katanya, usaha tersebut bagaimana pun tidak akan berkesan tanpa pembabitan daripada akar umbi iaitu semua anggota keluarga.

“Dalam perkara seperti ini saya ingin menasihatkan ibu bapa agar sentiasa mengawasi pergerakan anak-anak gadis mereka. Tidak salah kita sedikit mengongkong dalam hal-hal seperti ini.

“Ibu bapa yang mempunyai anak gadis di kolej atau universiti selalulah jenguk mereka, jangan kita tinggalkan mereka pada hari pendaftaran kemudian biarkan begitu saja tanpa bertanya khabar.

“Elok juga jika kita selalu lakukan ‘pemeriksaan mengejut’ di tempat mereka belajar,” jelasnya.

Katanya, remaja yang hidup jauh daripada keluarga dan tanpa bimbingan ibu bapa akan mudah terpengaruh dengan anasir tidak baik akibat pengaruh rakan-rakan.

“Di sinilah institusi keluarga memainkan peranan, walau sebaik manapun program yang kerajaan buat, akhirnya anggota keluarga jugalah yang utama dalam memberi didikan,” katanya.

Mengenai kes buang bayi di negeri ini, katanya, sebanyak 24 kes dilaporkan sejak 2007 termasuk empat kes pada tahun lepas dan dua kes sehingga Ogos tahun ini.

“Kerajaan negeri sangat menyokong cadangan kerajaan agar mereka yang terbabit dengan kes pembuangan bayi disabitkan dengan hukuman mati.

“Sekurang-kurangnya hukuman ini akan menggerunkan mereka daripada melakukan perbuatan terkutuk itu,” tegasnya.

(sumber http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?)

50 sen setem Kad raya 50gm

Hanya 50 sen setem untuk kad raya 50g

17/08/2010 2:43pm

KUALA LUMPUR 17 Ogos - Sempena sambutan Hari Raya, Pos Malaysia tahun ini hanya mengenakan bayaran setem 50 sen bagi kad ucapan yang tidak melebihi 50 gram, berbanding harga biasa 70 sen berkuatkuasa 1 Ogos ini.

Ketua Sokongan Operasi PosMel, Zaidi Hussain berkata, kadar istimewa itu bagi semua destinasi di negara ini dan ia lebih rendah berbanding 80 sen pada tahun lepas.

Kadar itu berkuatkuasa sehingga 28 Februari tahun depan bagi meliputi perayaan utama di negara ini iaitu Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Deepavali, Krismas dan Tahun Baru Cina, katanya pada sidang akhbar di sini hari ini.

Beliau berkata, kadar setem yang rendah ini diharap dapat menghidupkan semula amalan menghantar kad ucapan yang semakin berkurangan berikutan perkembangan teknologi masa kini yang menggalakkan penggunaan internet dan SMS. - Bernama

Bank tempatan kedekut

by Patricia Gari

August 17, 2010, Tuesday

KUCHING:Kerajaan negeri terkilan dengan sikap bank-bank tempatan di negeri ini yang disifatkan ‘liat’ memberi sumbangan atau sokongan ke-pada program pemeliharaan dan pemuliharaan hidupan liar khasnya orang utan.

‘ANAK ANGKAT’: Gambar seekor anak orang utan yang diberi nama Ting San yang diangkat oleh syarikat Pusaka KTS diserahkan secara simbolik oleh Naroden kepada wakil syarikat yang juga Pengarah Vista Securco Sdn Bhd, Datuk Vincent Chapman (kanan) bagi pihak Pusaka KTS sambil diperhatikan (dari kiri) Len dan Ketua Warden Hidupan Liar SFC, Wilfred Landong.

Mereka ‘liat’ beri sumbangan kepada program pemeliharaan, pemuliharaan hidupan liar khasnya orang utan, kata Len Talif

Timbalan Setiausaha Tetap Kementerian Perancangan dan Pengurusan Sumber yang juga Pengarah Urusan Sara-wak Forestry Corporation (SFC) Datu Len Talif Salleh berkata tidak ada satu pun bank-bank yang beroperasi di negeri ini mahu menyumbang bagi tujuan tersebut.

Len berkata inisiatif untuk menjalinkan kerjasama bagi tujuan itu dengan bank-bank tempatan termasuk beberapa bank antarabangsa sejak lebih dua tahun lalu semuanya me-nemui jalan buntu.

Beliau memberitahu kementerian menerusi beberapa agensi di bawahnya termasuk SFC cuba mendapat-kan sokongan serta bantuan daripada bank-bank tempatan dan jumlah sumbangan tidak ditetapkan bergantung kepada keikhlasan institusi-institusi berkenaan.

Bagaimanapun katanya, jelas bank-bank tempatan termasuk beberapa bank antarabangsa yang didekati tidak berminat atau tiada komitmen untuk menjadi sebahagian daripada progran konservasi hidupan liar.

“Saya boleh katakan di sini bahawa bank adalah kumpulan korporat yang paling ‘lokek’ apabila berkata mengenai penajaan… saya berani katakan begitu.

“Bank-bank ini lantang bercakap mengenai standard bank dunia dan sebagainya dan sering mahu dilihat sebagai hijau serta mesra alam tetapi apabila bercakap mengenai wang atau kewangan mereka adalah kumpulan kor-porat yang sangat kedekut. “Alasan lazim mereka berikan ialah tiada bajet,” ujarnya pada sidang media semalam.

Terdahulu beliau menghadiri majlis pelancaran Kempen Derma Untuk Orang Utan bagi Sekolah-sekolah di Sarawak yang diadakan di Pusat Hidupan Liar Semenggoh kira-kira 20 kilometer dari bandar raya ini.

Menteri Muda Perancangan dan Pengurusan Sumber Mohd Naroden Majais me-wakili Menteri Perancangan dan Pengurusan Sumber Ke-dua Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan menyempurnakan majlis tersebut.

Len yang juga Pengarah Jabatan Hutan Sarawak (JHS) berkata bank-bank tempatan khasnya perlu mencontohi sektor korporat lain yang sedia serta komited menjadi sebahagian daripada program memelihara dan memulihara hidupan liar di negeri ini.

“Ini suatu yang sangat menyedihkan kerana banyak badan korporat lain sangat aktif menyertai program ini dan ia tidak hanya dalam program menganak angkat orang utan tetapi membabitkan hidupan liar lain seperti penyu,” ujarnya.

Beliau memberitahu pihak-nya akan menjalinkan usaha sama melindungi serta memulihara hidupan liar khasnya orang utan dengan agensi-agensi pelancongan, syarikat penerbangan seperti MAS serta MASwings dan hotel seperti program ‘Heart-to-Heart with Orang Utan’ anjuran Hotel Pullman baru-baru ini.

“Ini usaha berterusan kita tambahan respons awal daripada pihak-pihak ini cukup menggalakkan,” katanya.

Naroden yang turut menghadiri sidang media itu juga mengakui kesukaran kerajaan mendapatkan sokongan mahupun sumbangan daripada bank-bank tempatan dalam usaha pemeliharaan alam se-kitar dan hidupan liar.

Beliau menambah adalah tidak salah untuk bank sebagai institusi yang memiliki kekuatan kewangan membantu kerajaan melindungi serta membiayai pusat hidupan liar.

“Ia harus dijadikan sebahagian daripada tanggungjawab sosial korporat institusi-institusi berkenaan,” katanya.

(sumber:http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=58893)

August, 2010 - Overview for the Month

August, 2010 - Overview for the Month The month of August is dedicated to The Immaculate Heart of Mary. The entire month falls within the liturgical season of Ordinary Time, which is represented by the liturgical color green. This symbol of hope is the color of the sprouting seed and arouses in the faithful the hope of reaping the eternal harvest of heaven, especially the hope of a glorious resurrection. It is used in the offices and Masses of Ordinary Time. The last portion of the liturgical year represents the time of our pilgrimage to heaven during which we hope for reward. The Holy Father's Intentions for the Month of August 2010 General: That those who are without work or homes or who are otherwise in serious need may find understanding and welcome, as well as concrete help in overcoming their difficulties. Missionary: That the Church may be a “home” for all people, ready to open its doors to any who are suffering from racial or religious discrimination, hunger, or wars forcing them to emigrate to other countries. (See also www.apostleshipofprayer.net) Feasts for August The feasts on the General Roman Calendar celebrated during the month of August are: 1. Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Sunday 2. Eusebius of Vercelli; Peter Julian Eymard, Opt. Mem. 4. John Vianney, Memorial 5. Dedication of St. Mary Major, Opt. Mem. 6. Transfiguration, Feast 7. Sixtus II and companions; Cajetan, Opt. Mem. 8. Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Sunday 9. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, Opt. Mem. 10. Lawrence, Feast 11. Clare, Memorial 13. Pontian and Hippolytus, Opt. Mem. 14. Maximilian Kolbe, Memorial 15. Assumption, Solemnity 16. Stephen of Hungary, Opt. Mem. 19. John Eudes, Opt. Mem. 20. Bernard, Memorial 21. Pius X, Sunday 22. Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time, Sunday 23. Rose of Lima, Opt. Mem. 24. Bartholomew, Feast 25. Louis of France; Joseph Calasanz, Opt. Mem. 27. Monica, Memorial 28. Augustine, Memorial 29. Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Sunday Focus of the Liturgy The Gospel readings for the Sundays in August are taken from St. Luke and are from Year C, Cycle 2. August 1st - 18th Sunday of Ordinary Time Jesus tells the parable of the rich man. August 8th - 19th Sunday of Ordinary Time Jesus tells his disciples that the one who is given more, more will be demanded or him. August 15th - Solemnity of the Assumption This Gospel relates Mary's visit to Elizabeth. August 22nd - 21st Sunday of Ordinary Time Jesus talks about entering the kingdom through the narrow door. August 29th - 22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time In today's Gospel parable about a banquet, Jesus teaches humility. Highlights of the Month August is often considered the transitional month in our seasonal calendar. It is the time of the year we begin to wind-down from our summer travels and vacations and prepare for Autumn — back to school, fall festivals, harvest time, etc. The Church in her holy wisdom has provided a cycle of events in its liturgical year which allow the faithful to celebrate the major feasts in the life of Christ and Mary. Most notably, during August, we celebrate the feast of the Transfiguration (August 6) and the feast of the Assumption (August 15). The other main feasts of this month are, St. John Mary Vianney (August 4), Dedication of St. Mary Major (August 5), Transfiguration of the Lord (August 6), St. Sixtus II and Companions and St. Cajetan (August 7), St. Teresa Benedicta (August 9), St. Lawrence (August 10), St. Clare (August 11), Jane Frances de Chantal (August 12), Sts. Pontian and Hippolytus (August 13), St. Maximilian Kolbe (August 14), St. Stephen of Hungary (August 16), St. John Eudes (August 19), St. Bernard (August 20), St. Pius X (August 21), St. Bartholomew (August 24), St. Louis of France (August 25), St. Monica (August 27), and St. Augustine (August 28). The feasts of St. Alphonsus Ligouri (August 1), St. Dominic (August 8), the Queenship of Mary (August 22), and the Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist (August 29) fall on a Sunday so they are suppressed this year. A Time to Persevere The days of summer have provided a welcome change of pace. However, while vacations afford us the time to relax and refresh, the change of habits and routines can also have a negative impact on our spiritual lives. As if to re-ignite us, the Church offers us in the plethora of August feasts vivid examples of the virtue of perseverance: six martyrs — two who are named in Canon I of the Mass and two who were martyred during World War II; seven founders of religious congregations, as well as three popes and two kings; the apostle, St. Bartholomew; the great Doctor of the Church, St. Augustine and St. Monica, his mother; the humble patron saint of parish priests, St. John Vianney, and the patron of deacons, St. Lawrence, who joked with his executioners while being roasted alive. It is never too late to begin — as the life of the reformed sinner, St. Augustine teaches us — nor too difficult to begin again, as demonstrated by the conversion of the martyr, St. Teresa Benedicta (Edith Stein). We present-day members of the Mystical Body are certain of the reward to which we are called, for Christ’s Transfigured body (August 6) is a preview of that glory. Moreover, in the Assumption of his Mother (August 15), Our Lord has demonstrated his fidelity to his promise. Her privilege is "the highest fruit of the Redemption" and "our consoling assurance of the coming of our final hope — the glorification which is Christ’s" (Enchiridion on Indulgences). The Blessed Virgin Mary is the most perfect example of Christian perseverance, but she is also our advocate in heaven where she is crowned Queen of Heaven and Earth (August 22). Mary is the "Mother of Perpetual Help", the patroness of the Congregation founded by St. Alphonsus Ligouri (August 1). "No one who has fled to her protection is left unaided" is the claim of the Memorare of St. Bernard (August 20). Heretics have returned to the faith by the prayers of her Rosary, first preached by St. Dominic (August 8) in the twelfth Century, and hearts have been converted by the graces received while wearing her Miraculous Medal, promoted by St. Maximillian Kolbe (August 14) and adopted as the "badge" for the Pious Union he founded. Hail, holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope!

My heart hath rejoiced in God my Savior, because He that is mighty hath done great things for me. Highlights August 15 The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary On November 1, 1950, Pope Pius XII defined the dogma of the Assumption. He solemnly proclaimed that the belief whereby the Blessed Virgin Mary, at the end of her life on earth, was taken up body and soul, into the glory of heaven, definitively forms part of the deposit of faith, received from the apostles. Recipe of the Month Barbecue Pilaf The Eastern Church celebrates the Feast of the Transfiguration with ceremonies and processions to the Church where sheaves of wheat, baskets of fruit, and clusters of flowers decorate the altar. When the religious celebration is over, a fair is held, and a pilaf made of cracked wheat is the feature of the feasting. This recipe tastes especially good when eaten out-of doors with barbecued chicken. Activity of the Month Celebrate the Feast of the Assumption Celebrate the feast day of the Assumption with a procession and the Blessing of Herbs and Flowers. Here are numerous ideas for this feast day, including an outdoor procession and tea. Symbols St. Bartholomew Armenia and India are believed to have been the areas of his missionary work. He is said to have been flayed alive and crucified. St. Augustine A native of North Africa, converted by St. Ambrose and educated at Carthage, the Bishop of Hippo was the writer of his "Confessions" and the "City of God." This symbol refers to his intense zeal and devotion to Christ. St. Clare The foundress of the Order of the Poor Clares, whose emblem refers to her dispersion of Saracen invaders by facing them, bearing the Blessed Sacrament, in defense of the convent. St. Lawrence The archdeacon of Rome who, when ordered to deliver the treasures of the Church to pagan authorities, produced the poor and sick of the Christian community as the richest treasures of the Church. He was condemned and burned to death over a gridiron, retaining his cheerful attitude to the end. With Mary Immaculate, let us adore, thank, implore and console the Most Beloved and Sacred Heart of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.

(http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/overviews/months/08.cfm)

Sarawak tribes and orang-utans of Borneo

We were amazed at our recent visit to the Sarawak Cultural Village and Semenggoh Orang Utan Sanctuary near Kuching. An eye-opener of what’s truly amazing about Borneo Sarawak, that is irresistible!

Located near the Mount Santubong and facing the South China Sea, the Sarawak Cultural Village is also the place for the Borneo Rainforest Music Festival in July. Like a “living museum”, they portray the various ethnic tribes in the Borneo state of Sarawak and its rich cultural diversity:bridges in the traditional way

Bidayuh:

The Bidayuh (8.4% of Sarawak’s population) – nicknamed by early Europeans as “Land Dayaks” - live mainly in the catchment of the Sarawak and Sadong rivers. They built their houses in mountain fastnesses, tacked to a steep hillside like a huge staircase. This was partly for protection against enemies, partly for access to fresh water.

Iban:

The Iban, once known as “sea dayaks” (one-third of Sarawak’s population) built their longhouses to last 20 years or until the farmland was exhausted. Many families live together in a single longhouse. The traditional longhouse is made of timber tied with creeper fibre, roofed with leaf thatch, built beside the river.

Communal living in an Iban longhouse

Iban longhouse is…long!

Iban dance

Penan:

The shy nomadic people of the jungle, the Penans, live in the dense virgin jungles of Central Borneo. Penan shelters are quickly constructed to last a few weeks or months. Penans are also known to make the blowpipes with poison darts (from the sap of the upas tree) for hunting in the jungles.

A Penan in his hut making a blowpipe

Orang Ulu:

Orang Ulu, “up-river dwellers” is used to describe the people living in Central Borneo along the upper reaches of Sarawak’s rivers, and they account for about 5.5% of Sarawak’s population comprising of the Penan, the Kayan and Kenyah. In the past, Orang Ulu were famous as sword-smiths. Traditionally they built their longhouse to last.

Melanau:

The Melanau people (5.8% of Sarawak’s population) used to traditionally live near the sea within reach of the pirates. The Melanau built massive houses 40 feet above the ground. They also differ from most other Borneo people in that they prefer to eat sago rather than rice.

Then we headed to the famous Semenggoh Orang Utan Sanctuary - located 20 km away from Kuching – a safe haven for the Orang-Utan, an endangered species and Southeast Asia’s lone great ape genus. These gentle and shy creatures spend most of their time foraging for food among the trees in private but they’ve learnt to come out of hiding during the park’s regular feeding schedule. Did you know that the word “orang-utan” is derived from the Malay language meaning Man of the Jungle?

This was an incredible discovery for us and I’m proud we have something so amazing here in Malaysia!

source: http://frogandprincess.wordpress.com/2010/06/25/sarawak-tribes-and-orang-utans-of-borneo/

Abolishing exams: first discussion on Monday

PUTRAJAYA (July 16, 2010): The first roundtable session on the proposed abolition of Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) and Penilaian Menengah Rendah (PMR) will be held here on Monday.

Education director-general Tan Sri Alimuddin Mohd Dom said the discussion, which would be chaired by him at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre, would be attended by about 100 educators.

They include state education directors, ministry's division directors, district education officers, principals, headmasters, union leaders and teacher association representatives, he told Bernama.

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin recently said the government was studying the possibility of abolishing UPSR and PMR as the current system was too exam-oriented.

Alimuddin said the roundtable session would merely seek input and provide an opportunity to the ministry to explain the proposed abolition of the two public examinations.

"No decision will be made at the meeting. The rationale on the merit of abolishing the examinations will be presented by the Malaysian Examination Syndicate while participants will be given the opportunity to air their views," he said.

He said the second roundtable discussion would be held on July 27 involving academics, NGOs, politicians and other interested stakeholders.

Alimuddin said the input, including public opinion through the media and e-mail, would be compiled and presented to Muhyiddin, who is also Education Minister in the middle of next month. -- Bernama

16 Julai, 2010 20:09 PM

Penyelarasan Subsidi, Langkah Berani Untuk Masa Depan -Najib

KUANTAN, 16 Julai (Bernama) -- Penyelarasan subsidi merupakan satu langkah berani yang diambil kerajaan bagi meletakkan ekonomi Malaysia di landasan kukuh pada masa depan, kata Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

Perdana Menteri berkata, keputusan berkenaan bersifat jangka masa panjang yang bakal memberi kesan kepada pertumbuhan ekonomi dan kesejahteraan rakyat.

"Sebagai kerajaan yang bertanggungjawab, kita mesti berani membuat keputusan yang bersifat meletakkan ekonomi negara di landasan lebih kukuh pada masa depan.

"Kalau kita fikir kesan jangka masa pendek sepanjang masa, maka kita bukan kerajaan yang bertanggungjawab, kerajaan sedemikian boleh membawa negara ke arah keadaan tidak menentu," katanya ketika berucap merasmikan Hari Koperasi Negara di sini, hari Jumaat.

Bagaimanapun, katanya, penyelarasan subsidi yang dilakukan kerajaan masih berpegang pada prinsip meminimumkan bebanan rakyat.

Katanya, rakyat negara ini sebenarnya masih membayar harga petrol, diesel, petroleum gas cecair (LPG) dan gula jauh lebih rendah berbanding negara jiran.

"Sebagai contoh, gula di Malaysia RM1.90 sekilogram, tetapi di Thailand RM2.60 sekilogram, Indonesia RM3.68 dan Filipina RM3.46," katanya.

Katanya, penyelarasan itu juga mempunyai hikmah kerana kebanyakan subsidi yang diberikan kerajaan bukan menguntungkan kumpulan sasar.

Najib berkata, dua pertiga subsidi bahan api ketika ini diperolehi golongan berpendapatan tinggi dan sederhana berbanding satu pertiga oleh golongan yang memerlukannya.

"LPG juga sebanyak 70 peratus merupakan mereka yang terlibat dalam perniagaan, hanya 30 peratus merupakan pengguna suri rumah," katanya.

Selain itu, katanya, penyelarasan subsidi gula pula dapat menangani masalah penyakit kencing manis yang menunjukkan trend berbahaya di negara ini.

Katanya, pada masa ini, 1.4 juta rakyat negara ini mengalami penyakit berkenaan yang memerlukan usaha bagi menanganinya.

Pada majlis berkenaan, Najib turut melancarkan Dasar Koperasi Negara 2011-2020 yang bakal memetakan hala tuju gerakan koperasi sebagai enjin ketiga pertumbuhan ekonomi negara.

Beliau berkata, bagi membantu koperasi dalam penyediaan modal untuk melaksanakan aktiviti ekonomi, kerajaan telah memperuntukkan dana tambahan sebanyak RM100 juta melalui Suruhanjaya Koperasi Malaysia (SKM) pada tahun ini.

Katanya, sebelum ini SKM telah menyediakan dana di bawah Tabung Modal Pusingan (TMP) berjumlah RM387 juta.

"Saya difahamkan SKM telah berjaya memberi pinjaman sebanyak RM668 juta kepada koperasi-koperasi," katanya.

-- BERNAMA

Prices of fuel, sugar higher now

July 16, 2010, Friday

RON 95, diesel 5 sen more per litre; sugar 25 sen and LPG 10 sen more per kg

KUCHING: The blogsphere was all wired up as early as 7.30pm yesterday on a raise in the prices of petrol, diesel, sugar and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

Prime Minister: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak

Big name news portals with Kuala Lumpur datelines did not quote anyone but they were saying that all items would be selling higher after midnight.

A litre of RON 95 and diesel would sell 5 sen higher while a kilogramme of sugar would go up by 25 sen and LPG 10 sen.

RON97, meanwhile, would no longer be subsidised but would be subjected to a managed float, meaning the price would be determined by the automatic pricing mechanism.

According to the reports, prices after midnight (last night) would be: RON 95, RM1.85 per litre; diesel, RM1.75 per litre; sugar, RM1.90 per kg; and LPG, RM1.85 per kg.

The new LPG prices would be: RM25.90 from the previous RM24.50 for the 14kg cylinder, which is an increase of RM1.40; RM22.20 from the previous RM21 for the 12kg cylinder, which is an increase of RM1.20; and RM18.50 from the previous RM17.50 for the 10kg cylinder, an increase of RM1.

Meanwhile, an online national paper report quoted Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak as saying yesterday that the government had to cut subsidies but with minimum impact on the people.

On May 27, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Idris Jala was reported to have said that Malaysia could go bankrupt if the government did not reduce subsidies while continuing to depend on loans.

Idris warned that Malaysia’s debt would increase to 100 per cent of its GDP by 2019 from the current 54 per cent if subsidies were not cut.

sumber: http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=48833

Category : Latest News

China UFO Over Hangzhou Airport

July 16th 2010 Posted at Latest News
0 Comments

China UFO 2010: An Unidentified Flying Object appeared over China’s Hangzhou airport on July 7, 2010. The unusual incident force airport authorities to cancel and delay 18 flights.

The object with bright lights flying above the sky was something that cannot be explained by the people who saw it. The impressive UFO images and videos have quickly made their way to the top of searches on the Web.

There are all sorts of opinions on the Web about the origin of the light in the sky. Read More…

Perasmian karnival jualan sempena Pesta Limau Bintangor 2010

July 13, 2010, Tuesday

BINTANGOR: Perasmian karnival jualan sempena Pesta Limau Bintangor 2010 akan berlangsung pada Ahad ini (18 Julai).

Menurut pihak penganjur, majlis perasmian karnival jua­lan itu akan disempurnakan oleh Menteri Pembangunan Sosial dan Urbanisasi Sarawak, Dato Sri Willam Mawan Ikom.

Majlis berkenaan akan ber­langsung di pekarangan tebingan sungai, Jalan Dermaga, Bintan­gor bermula jam 9.30 pagi.

Tujuan karnival ini diad­akan adalah untuk memberi ruang kepada para pengusaha untuk mempamerkan hasil dan mempromosikan produk masing-masing selaras dengan hasrat pihak jawatankuasa un­tuk mempromosikan Bintangor agar menjadi sebuah pusat per­niagaan yang mampu bergerak aktif serta produktif menerusi kegiatan ekopelancongan.

Karnival jualan itu adalah terbuka kepada semua pihak yang berminat untuk meny­ertainya.

Bagi mana-mana agensi kerajaan, swasta, pertubuhan dan persatuan yang berminat untuk mengikuti karnival ini boleh mendapatkan maklu­mat lanjut daripada pegawai yang bertugas, iaitu dengan menghubungi Andrian Luang di talian 084-693295 atau 013-8082005.

SUMBER: www.theborneopost.com

1AZAM

Fed govt hands over RM40 mln for 1Azam programme

July 13, 2010, Tuesday

KUCHING: Woman, Family and Community Development Minister Senator Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil yesterday handed over RM40 million to the state government for the implementation of the 1Azam programme.

Thank You: Taib (third left) holding the mock cheque while looking at the real cheque presented by Shahrizat (second left) as (from left) Asfia, Dr Chan, Masing and Fatimah look on.

Shahrizat, who handed over the allocation to Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, explained that the allocation would benefit 23,313 poor households. The head of these households had monthly income of less than RM830, while some of them were listed under ‘eKasih’ as they were earning less than RM520 per month.

In Peninsula Malaysia, if the head of the household earned RM750 and below, they would be categorised as ‘poor’. If their income is RM440 or less, they would be categorised as ‘hardcore poor’.

Shahrizat said as at July 9, 2010 there were 14,416 ‘poor’ households and 9,897 ‘hardcore poor’ in Sarawak.

She added that the RM40 million allocation would be used to fund the 1Azam programme, which comprised ‘Azam Tani’ (agriculture), ‘Azam Niaga’ (business ), ‘Azam Khidmat’ (service providers) and ‘Azam Kerja’ (employment).

“The 1Azam programme is an opportunity to boost the income of the poor and hardcore poor to help them escape from the clutches of poverty.

“It is basically a hand-holding programme where the head of the households will work closely with various departments, agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs),” she said.

She hoped that by early 2011 the implementation of 1Azam would be able to help the state government eradicate poverty in Sarawak.

Present to witness the handing-over of the cheque were Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan, Land Development Minister Dato Sri Dr James Masing, Social Development and Urbanisation Minister Dato Sri William Mawan, Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department Datin Fatimah Abdullah and State Legislative Assembly Speaker Dato Sri Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar.

SUMBER: http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=47568