Anwar Is Not The Person in the Tape

A scene in the infamous video.

By Jin En

Kuala Lumpur: The video first surfaced when a private screening was held at Carcosa Seri Negara hotel on March 21. Some parties hinted on the person in the 1-minute-47-second clip is a“prominent Malay opposition leader”. Following the rumours, Anwar denied being the man featured in the video and accused BN of creating the video with the motive of further humiliating and defaming him.

Three men have came forward claiming themselves to be “Datuk T”— former Malacca chief minister Tan Sri Abdul Rahim Thamby Chik, businessman Datuk Sharzyl Eskay Abdullah and Umno stalwart Datuk Shuib Lazim

Later, a snippet of the video was discovered to have been posted online on video streaming site, YouTube, and is being posted on pro-Umno blogs. It was later deleted for violating YouTube’s policy on nudity or sexual content.

Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail
is convinced that the man
in the video is not the
de facto opposition leader.

On 5^th of April, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail broke her silence by saying the “actor” in the video is not her husband Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. 

“It is clear that the body and physique of the actor is different than the body and physique of Anwar.” She told reporters saying the man in the video does not resemble her husband after watching the video with her family.

According to a poll by Malaysian Insider found out that 51 per cent of those surveyed did not believe Anwar was the man in the video and with 39 per cent saying the video was contrived by Barisan National.

Similarly, current MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek was forced to resign as health minister after admitting to being the man in a sex tape that caused a chaos in 2007.

Save the Earth, Save Yourself

Pray: All the attendants close their eyes and pray for
one minute for the victims of Tsunami in Japan.

By Kim Yun



Kampar: 489 students gathered at the sport complex in University Tunku Abdul Rahman at 6pm on 25^th March to participate in the UTAR Earth Hour 2011 event. The event was organised by Community Service Society to show and make effort to contribute in saving the world.

The event started with a countdown to earth hour then followed by a speech by the president of the Community Service Society, Chai Wai Kit (21) who is also a Public Relations major.



“We are here today not to just have fun and watch performances. At the same time, we are contributing and helping to save the earth. The main objective of this event is to raise students’ awareness of climate change and to educate students on the threat of global warming,” said Chai.

“We, as students, should play our role in reducing the consumption of energy in order to save the earth. Whenever lights and fans are not in use, we should switch it off,” he added.


Each attendant was charged RM2 as an entrance fee. Attendants are given a door gift which includes a candle and card. The activities prepared by the club consisted of band performance, poppy dance and drum performance. An exclusive video made by UTAR student of earth hour was also shown. All these activities were conducted under the candle light from the audience.

Door gift given by the society.



Attendants light up the candle 
thatgiven by society.

Attendees were required to write their messages to the earth on a piece of paper. All the messages were tied together with a kongming lantern and was flown up to the sky as a form of praying. The sky lantern was then tied with a thread and being pulled down towards the end of the activity.

                 The members releasing the sky lantern which has messages from the attendees tied along to express their blessing for Tsunami Victims in Japan.

Yong Yih Huey

Jennifer Yong Yih Huey (24), one of the attendees of this event said that she felt shocked to see all the performances were conducted under the dim candle light. “However, I was touched by their effort spent in saving the usage of electricity and also for doing a good job in matching the theme of earth hour with the candle light idea,” she added. 

“I love the section of making the number 60. All of us cooperated well in that and I believe with this kind of spirit, UTAR students played their role very well in reducing the harm of global warming,” she commented.

Yong Pui Chee (24), another participant of the event said that the event was very meaningful and the effort of the organizer certainly paid off. 

“It has raised my concern about the seriousness of climate change drastically. I believe this earth hour event had the same impact on other attendants too,” she comprehended.

Xyn Hui Xin (21), the vice president of the club sent her gratitude to all the participants and urged everyone to switch off the lights on the official earth hour, 26^th March, 8.30pm to 10.30pm.

“The event was held successfully. I hope all the students received the message and will make an effort in reducing the usage of energy from this moment onwards. The effort should not be made only during earth hour but everyday in order to save our mother earth,” she emphasized.



All the participants held candles in their hand and created

 the number ‘60’ symbolising the logo of earth hour 

(picture adapted from J-on).



 



Pakatan Rakyat's effectiveness in winning votes?

As of late, there are widespread reportings on the tenth Sarawak state election which will be held on April 16, 2011 after the nomination for candidates on April 6. The ninth state assembly was dissolved byYang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak, Tun Abang Muhammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng on advice of the Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud on March 21, 2011. The purpose of this election is to elect 71 representatives to the Sarawak State Assembly (Dewan Undangan Negeri in Malay).

There are a total of 213 candidates electing for 71 seats. Both Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Rakyat (PR) had proposed candidates for all 71 seats. There are also two new parties contesting in this election. They are the Parti Cinta Malaysia and Parti Ekonomi Rakyat Sarawak Bersatu (PERSB) (English: United Sarawak People's Economic Party) in which are not affiliated to Pakatan Rakyat or BN. They are contesting in 6 and 16 seats respectively. However, it was reported that PERSB were forced to contest as independent candidates as the application for their party has not been approved by the Registrar of Societies (ROS).

Flags put up by parties to attract votes 

for the coming Sarawak State election.

In this election, the Pakatan Rakyat team are split into four groups which are the Democratic Action Party(DAP), Sarawak National Party (SNAP), Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and Islamic Party of Malaysia (PAS). In my personal opinion, if these four groups were to merge as one and to elect as the oneand only Pakatan Rakyat team, they stand a higher chance to win.


At present, the votes will be divided into the four groups of the Pakatan Rakyat. Since the votes are split into four, the chances of winning as majority are less. If they were to merge as one, voters will be able to vote for either BN or Pakatan Rakyat.

The centralised votes will help PR to effectively win over BN in a fair and square manner. At the same time, suppoters of PR will not have a hard time deciding which among the four teams they would like to vote.
The merging of PR teams will also bring benefits to the coalition party as working as a team will gain them more power and teamwork. It will also show the nation the ability of the four teams to work together as one harmoniously towards working in the service of the people of Malaysia.

Although it is one of the best ways to win in majority in the coming election, I do not see how this will be possible in the near future. The final winner will be revealed in just a few more days and I hope it will give the people in Sarawak a better future.

Only graduates of 2010 are eligible for PTPTN loan exemption

By Chia Huey

Kuala Lumpur :The Ministry of Higher Education reaffirmed that only graduates of 2010 with first class degree honour are eligible to convert PTPTN loans to scholarship, which in other words, they are fully exempted from paying the loan.

The above news was made confirmed by the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak on the Budget Plan 2010.

An officer from Ministry of Higher Education reasserted the privilege is only given solely for graduates with first class degree honour of year 2010. First class honours’ graduates before and after year 2010 are not subjected to the privilege.

This is an unanimous decision made by the cabinet after the issue was being brought to conferment by The Ministry of Higher Education.

In other words, the first class degree holders who obtained the PTPTN loan after 1 July 2005 and graduated before 2010 are not eligible to apply for conversion from loan to scholarship.

The officer further justified that it is due to the different grading system that each university has and therefore all the applications have to go through the examination of special committee to determine if they are qualified for the exemption. Not every application is assured with approval.

The case has undeniably caused a rift among first class honours graduates who obtained their PTPTN loan after 1 July 2005 and graduated before 2010.

Goh Chia Li, 27, a first class degree holder of 2006 from Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) stated that she was shocked and disappointed after hearing the news.

“It was unfair for me as I had already received the black and white from the Ministry of Higher Education stating that I was fully exemption from paying the loan due to the result I attained.”

“And it was after few years later I was told this announcement which I could hardly accept as the money involved is of considerable amount.”

Goh expresses her dissaticfation over the change as she was one of the beneficiary of PTPTN loan exemption five years ago.

Teo Lee Hong, 23, an Environmental Science undergraduate from Univeristi Putra Malaysia (UPM) also expressed her dissatisfaction towards the case as the exemption from paying the loan had already been the one of the impetus for her study.

“We had been informed about the privilege years ago and strived so hard for it. Now, it seems like our efforts have gone into the drain.”

“To be able to be exempted from the loan payment means a lot to me as I am from an average-income family. The exemption would help to ease me as well as my family’s burden a lot.

Teo says that it was unfair to abolish the exemption as it has somehow become her impetus to study hard.







Eve of Midterm: Just Play and Have FUN

Give ME: The attendants are at the peak of excitement when ONE FM crew was giving out limited music peripheral souvenirs.

By Kim Yun

Singer Yu Heng is performing her latest song.

Kampar: On 20^th of February, ONE FM organised a music event at the heritage hall College Tunku Abdul Rahman (KTAR). Music fans were excited to participate in order to win all the attractive prizes and get their hands on the limited gifts.

Eight eminent superstars including Yu Heng, Daydream, Ling Kah Jun, Pin Guan, Ah Niu, Lu Xue Ri, and Manhand demonstrated their unique talents in this music show. Attendants got the golden opportunity to witness their favourite DJ and singers in a close distance. 

ONE FM DJ Nicholas (left two)
and DJ Jeff (right fist) are
 taking picture with their fans.

One of the DJ of ONE FM, Nicholas Wong (28) pointed out that the main purpose of this event is to raise the popularity of ONE FM to the public. He elaborated that the organizer had rewarded the public a grand prize of scoring a chance to travel to Japan, RM1000 cash. LCD Tv, cameras and many limited consolation prizes.  

“This event also carried the objective to promote the latest talented local Chinese singers and bands to the public. It is important to have the recognition by the public to the local Chinese music scene,”

“We have performed in four different regions which are Sg. Petani, Kampar, Seremban, and Klang. We noticed that the audience are very fervent and familiar to local music. The success of this event was all because of people's support,” he added.

Besides that, several game stations had been set up in the hall prior to the start of the show. These games involved 3D bowling, lucky draw, message board, Do-not-touch, Rock Paper Scissors and so on.

Message Board

3D Bowling game

 A student of UTAR Kampar campus, Looi Chui Qin (23) said she did not regret attending this event although she was having a midterm test the week after. Furthermore, she felt very happy as she had won a limited version of ONE FM's key chain in a mini game.

“Stress management is very important for a student in university life. Fun is necessary for a student because it is one of relieving stress. It helps us to balance up our life as a student,” she emphasised.

A citizen of Kampar, Tan Kok Kong (35) commented that it is a fabulous musical show for the citizens in Kampar. Now, he could recognize more local singers and appreciate their talent by buying their original albums after the concert.

The event started at 12pm and ended at 6pm. All the winners and DJs gathered together for a photo taking session to mark down this wonderful day. 

音乐玩fun天: All ONE FM DJs and crews take picture together.

For videos, please log on to

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKQclMmsrcM and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCqjAAIsbg8 .

The Music Banquet

By Chia Huey

Kampar: 10 finalists of Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) second Karaokay Competition sang their hearts out during the annual singing competition to compete for the crown of ultimate winner.

Chew Shern Hui, a Business Information System student was eventually crowned the winner of the competition. He impressed the judges with his very impeccable voice and overall performance. By winning the competition, he also earned himself RM5,500 in cash as the prize of the competition.

The competition was held in Heritage Hall of UTAR with 10 contestants made it to the grand finale. However, one of the contestants, Sushi Lim pulled out of the competition due to personal issues making only nine finalists competing for the title.

The special guest , Yean with his mentor as well as the judge of the night performing their song released recently. (Picture adopted from J-On)

Well-known local singer, Christopher Lay, UTAR Music Club consultant, Soong Hoong Cheng and local singer Fan Yan Fu were invited to be the judges of the competition. The performers of the night included singer Yean, previous UTAR Karaokay Competition winner Max Lam, UTAR Dance Crew, Cross V and so on.

Issac Foh, 20, the chairperson of the event said that the compettition aimed to search for the potential singers as well as provide a platform and opputunity to those with singing talent to perform.

The night started with energetic performances from the nine finalists before they proceeded to solo performances. The competition was divided into two rounds where the contestants had to perform a classical song in the first round and fast-paced song in the second.

After all nine of them performed for the first round, four contestants were eliminated, with five other successfully advanced for the top five. The five were Noel Tan, Wendy Ooi, Chew Shern Hui, Wayne Low Jun Ying and Cheong Hui Ting.

The second round of the competition having the contestants strived to give their best performance. They rocked the stage with the songs chosen respectively and successfully brought the atmosphere to the max.

Chew Shern Hui was eventually announced as the winner with his final song from Mayday “Love-ING” after he successfully convinced the judges with his stable vocal and outstanding stage charisma.

Meanwhile, Cheong Hui Ting was named the runner up with her final song “First Day” from Stefanie Sun and Noel Tan Xin Ngoh was named the first runner up with the “Dancing Queen” from Jolin Tsai.

Wayne Low Jun Ying, on the other hand, was awarded the contestant with best popularity after receiving the highest poll from the audience as well as Facebook users. He was initially expected to be one of the top three but the hope shattered when he forgot his lyrics in performing the final song.

Teoh Kok Wei, 24, an Advertising students who attended the event said he enjoyed the show overall but at the same time felt that there were still room of improvement as there was time he felt bored about the show.

Powerful Voice: Chew rocks the night with his second song" Love-ING". (Picture adopted from J-On)

Sucker for Fantasy!

Sucker punch shows a battle of 5 women in a fantasy world.

By Jin En

Sucker Punch is an American action-fantasy film written by Steve Shibuya and written and directed by Zack Snyder. Sucker Punch features Emily Browning, Abbie Cornish, Jena Malone, Vanessa Hudgens and Jamie Chung as lead actresses.

The film follows a young woman, nicknamed “Babydoll”, who was sent to an asylum in the 1950s and was about to be lobotomised. She attempts to escape with her inmate friends by being in a fantasy world and accepting a challenge to collect five items which include a map, fire, a knife, a key and a fifth, unrevealed item that would require "great sacrifice".

The script was finalized in five months and development began in March 2007. Pre-production took place in Los Angeles in June 2009, then moved to Vancouver in July. The principal photography began in September 2009 and wrapping the filming in January 2010. Major filming were conducted in Vancouver.

On a side note, Snyder is currently mapping out the Blu-ray interactivity for the film in preparation for the film's home media release.

Sucker Punch was released locally on 24th of March 2011 in selected local theatres.