GROUPM visits NSTP printing plant

GROUPM visits NSTP printing plant

GROUPM visits NSTP printing plant

Posted: 14 May 2014 09:01 AM PDT

15 May 2014| last updated at 03:53AM

Forty-five staff from GROUPM visited the printing plant and were briefed on newspaper printing for all three publications under NSTP: New Straits Times, Harian Metro and Berita Harian.

GROUPM general manager Gerald Wittenberge said the visit to NSTP printing plant was important for the company as it could help the staff understand how advertisements were slotted and published in the newspapers.

"The visit is exciting for all of us as we have never visited a printing plant and it has given us an exposure on how the newspaper media works, as well as an understanding on the importance of cooperation between advertisement agencies and the media.

"Based on the visit, I've come up with ideas on how we can improve our relations.

"In fact, I was quite impressed with NSTP's abiltity to produce and deliver to their clients despite the various demands."

Also in attendance was BH deputy group editor Badrulhisham Othman, Harian Metro executive editor (production/BPI) Ahmad @ Salim Bachok, NSTP Production general manager and Avertising Sales general manager Jeannie Leong Lee Eu.

NSTP mailroom deputy manager Ungku Azman Ungku Ibrahim (right) taking the GROUPM staff on a tour of the plant in Shah Alam yesterday. vSHAH ALAM 14 May 2014. Pembantu Pengurus Mailroom, Ungku Azman Ungku Ibrahim (kanan) menerangkan kepada kakitangan GROUPM, melwat ke Balai Berita Shah Alam. STR/Faiz Anuar Pic by Faiz Anuar

Najib: Real-time tracking of aircraft long overdue

Posted: 14 May 2014 09:01 AM PDT

ACKNOWLEDGING Malaysia's shortcomings in handling the unprecedented Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 incident, especially in the early stage of the investigations, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has called for major changes in global aviation, including implementing real-time tracking for commercial aircraft.

Writing in the Wall Street Journal, Najib said the missteps would not have altered MH370's fate. Instead, he called for industry-wide changes that "would make it harder for an aircraft to simply disappear, and easier to find any aircraft that did".

He said after Air France 447 crashed into the Atlantic Ocean in 2009, the airline industry had been urged to introduce measures that would help search teams locate a crash site as soon as possible, but none had been implemented.

"One of the most astonishing things about this tragedy is the revelation that an airliner the size of a Boeing 777 can vanish, almost without a trace.

"In the age of smartphones and mobile Internet, real-time tracking of commercial airplanes is long overdue," he said in the piece published online early yesterday morning.

Najib urged the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), which met in Montreal, Canada earlier this week, to push forward recommendations for real-time tracking of airliners.

He called on the industry to rectify weaknesses in aircraft emergency equipment, such as black boxes and locator transmitters.

Locator beacons attached to flight data recorders, he said, should have their battery life extended from the present 30 days to 90 days, as recommended by the European Union.

Najib said black boxes should record more than the final two hours of a flight, pointing out that MH370's flight recorders, if recovered, would be missing the most important portion of the cockpit conversation -- the minutes and hours after the plane first vanished.

MH370 made its final contact with air traffic controllers shortly after 1am, nearly seven hours before the aircraft ended in the southern Indian Ocean.

"Given that a standard iPhone can record 24 hours of audio, surely the black box should have sufficient memory to record cockpit conversation for the full duration of any flight."

Najib called on the industry to consider changing communications systems, namely transponders and Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting Systems (ACARS), to ensure they could not be disabled mid-air.

Investigators believe that MH370's transponders and ACARS had been manually switched off before it went missing.

Najib said the proposed changes might not have prevented the MH370 or Air France 447 tragedies, but would have made it harder for an aircraft to vanish without a trace and reduce the chances of a drawn-out investigation.

"The global aviation industry must not only learn the lessons of MH370 but implement them. The world learned from Air France but didn't act. The same mistake must not be made again."

He conceded that the Malaysian government "didn't get everything right", having been forced to deal with an unprecedented situation and to rely on untested techniques to find the missing aircraft.

"In the first few days after the plane disappeared, we were so focused on trying to find the aircraft that we did not prioritise our communications. Also, it took air-traffic controllers four hours to launch the search-and-rescue operation. But the plane vanished at a moment --between two countries' air-traffic controls-- that caused maximum confusion."

The government, he said, would conduct an investigation into the four-hour response time to ascertain if the delay could have been avoided. 

Despite criticism against his administration, Najib remained hopeful that history would judge Malaysia fairly.

"In the passage of time, I believe Malaysia will be credited for doing its best under near-impossible circumstances.

"It is no small feat for a country the size of ours to overcome diplomatic and military sensitivities, and bring 26 countries together to conduct one of the world's largest peacetime search operations."

The 'Wall Street Journal' opinion piece by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak on Malaysia Airlines flight MH370.

More preschool pupils due to govt drive

Posted: 14 May 2014 09:01 AM PDT

15 May 2014| last updated at 12:12AM

Under the National Key Results Area, as announced recently by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, preschool enrolment had risen to 82 per cent for those aged between 4 and 6, compared with 67 per cent in 2009.

Deputy Education Minister II P. Kamalanathan said the government was looking to improve the quality of teaching and the number of pupils in schools.

"We will make sure more students enrol in schools and preschools so that everyone gets a chance in education," he said after launching Teachers Day Festival 2014 at Putra World Trade Centre here yesterday.

Kamalanathan said the teaching profession was a noble one and teachers had moulded generations through education.

"Teaching is a job that only a few chosen ones can carry out. Despite having qualifications, not everyone can teach and shoulder the responsibilities. I would like to thank all teachers who contributed their time and effort to ensure that the younger generation has a good future."

The festival is held in conjunction with Teachers Day tomorrow. This year, it is organised by Kumpulan Utusan and sponsored by Bank Simpanan Nasional, which contributed RM300,000 to the event.

Deputy Education Minister II II P. Kamalanathan mingling with pupils after the launch of Teachers Day Festival 2014 at Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. Pic by Sairien Nafis


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Razif: Crisis a blessing in disguise

Posted: 14 May 2014 09:01 AM PDT

15 May 2014| last updated at 12:16AM

Barisan Nasional's seats in the state assembly have returned to 17 against 15 held by the opposition.

Ahmad and Ghazali's earlier decision to leave the party had threatened BN's hold on the state. However, party members heeded the advice of Umno's top leadership to remain calm in the face of a political storm over the past two days.

Much to the party's relief, the impasse was resolved within 48 hours after the two expressed deep regret for leaving the party.

Ahmad, who is Kijal assemblyman, suggested that his resignation from the party had been prompted by a misunderstanding over the venue of his daughter's second wedding reception. The reception was supposed to be held at the menteri besar's house in Telok Kalong, Kemaman, on Saturday.

Ahmad's resignation as menteri besar, however, took immediate effect six days before the reception.

Many believe that was the last straw after mounting dissatisfaction between both Umno camps in Terengganu pending Ahmad's final days in the office.

It is learnt that Umno president and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had a lengthy conversation with Ahmad yesterday morning, where both apologised for the misunderstanding.

"I apologised to him (over the rash decision to quit the party) and he (Najib) also apologised (over the misunderstanding due to Ahmad's daughter's wedding venue)," said Ahmad.

Later in the evening, Ahmad told a press conference at his home in Kemaman that Ghazali had also retracted his resignation letter, thus reconsolidating BN's hold on the state.

Ahmad's successor, Datuk Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman, said at an earlier press conference at the Prime Minister's Office in Putrajaya that he had faith in his former boss's support for the party.

Razif, who was accompanied by 14 other Terengganu BN assemblymen, was understood to have met Najib twice, first at the latter's residence on Tuesday night, followed by a formal discussion over the state government affairs at noon yesterday.

The meeting was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor and Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek, who is Kemaman MP.

Hulu Besut assemblyman Nawi Mohamad was unable to make it to the meeting as he was unwell.

Najib appeared to be at ease, shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries with the assemblymen, and even took time out for a photo opportunity.

Razif said he did not doubt that the number of state seats held by BN would return to the original 17 once the issues with Ahmad and Ghazali were sorted out.

"I have worked with Ahmad for six years and I knew that he would return to be with us."

Razif also described the controversy as a "blessing in disguise", which had strengthened ties between Umno members in the state.

"This is an opportunity for the state BN to close ranks and become a stronger entity. I have pledged to the prime minister that we will work as a team and prioritise the state's development agenda and people's welfare. Most importantly, we must be better prepared to face the next general election and ensure Terengganu remains in BN's hands."

Razif denied that his appointment as menteri besar was made in haste.

"Everything went according to procedure. My appointment was endorsed by the sultan (of Terengganu), Umno president and his deputy."

On the other side of the fence, the Pas-led opposition in Terengganu, who were initially thrilled over the possibility of snap polls, could not be contacted for comment on the latest development in the state.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, flanked by his deputy, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (left), and Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman, after a meeting with Terengganu Barisan Nasional assemblymen in Putrajaya yesterday. Pic by Fariz Iswadi Ismail

Ahmad, 2 others return to Umno

Posted: 14 May 2014 09:01 AM PDT

15 May 2014| last updated at 12:29AM

KEMAMAN: FORMER Terengganu menteri besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Said finally ended the political uncertainty  when he retracted his decision to leave Umno yesterday.

The state Umno liaison committee chairman also confirmed that Ajil state assemblyman Ghazali Taib had agreed to follow suit.

With the announcement, Barisan Nasional (BN) regained its original strength in the state assembly with 17 representatives.

In a packed press conference at his home in Teluk Kalong here, Ahmad said the decision was made after he settled the misunderstanding with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak over the wedding reception of his daughter here on Saturday.

"As a pemimpin berjiwa besar (leader with big heart), Najib sought forgiveness from me and I also did the same. He admitted that he had thought my daughter's wedding reception was already over (on May 10)," he said, adding that the first reception was held in Kuala Terengganu while another was scheduled in Kuala Lumpur on May 31.

Ahmad explained that his family had decided on the dates long before and it was to accommodate the VVIP's (Sultan of Terengganu Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin) schedule.

It was reported that Ahmad decided to leave Umno and become an independent representative when his request to relinquish the menteri besar post after his daughter's wedding reception was rejected.

His move, which came after Datuk Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman was sworn in as the new menteri besar on Monday night, was followed by Ghazali and Roslee.

Ahmad also said he had no problem supporting the new menteri besar and would work hard to ensure BN wins the next general election. He also revealed that Pas representatives had persuaded him to join them and offered him a top post, but he turned them down.

"I'm not a traitor and that's why only three of us left Umno although many more wanted to join us. If four Umno assemblymen made such a decision, BN would have collapsed and Pas will take over the state."

Ahmad also urged all Umno members to continue supporting Najib and help BN retain the state government. Asked whether he was offered a senatorship, Ahmad declined to comment, saying his aim now was to have a good rest.

In Putrajaya, Bukit Besi assemblyman Roslee Daud admitted he had erred in his decision to quit Umno and had apologised to his constituents and party colleagues.

Roslee said his decision was caused by shock and lack of understanding over the sudden change of leadership in the state.

"I acted on impulse. However, after speaking to the party leadership and getting their explanation, I felt it was the best decision to retract my resignation and to continue serving the party as best as I can.

"I also wish to apologise to my constituents and fellow party members for my rashness," he said after yesterday's meeting between Razif, Terengganu BN representatives, and the prime minister here.

He pledged to work with the new menteri besar to develop the state and dismissed rumours of a rift with Razif. He also denied being coerced by Ahmad into resigning from the party, claiming that the initial decision was his alone.

"I did not act based on anyone's orders. I chose to quit because we were working so hard to develop the state under Ahmad's leadership, only to find out he was no longer menteri besar. There was no tactic or strategy to sabotage Umno and BN."

He added that he had not submitted an official resignation letter to the party's central leadership.

Former menteri besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Said at a press conference at his house in Teluk Kalong, Kemaman, yesterday.

Grandma vents frustration over faulty lights

Posted: 14 May 2014 09:01 AM PDT

15 May 2014| last updated at 12:11AM
By BALVIN KAUR AND PREDEEP NAMBIAR | news@nst.com.my

  GEORGE TOWN: DAP'S Bukit Gelugor candidate Ramkarpal Singh had a less than savoury encounter with a resident during his walkabout on the campaign trail in Island Glades here yesterday.

A 65-year-old grandmother, who wanted to be known only as Soo, approached Ramkarpal and shared her concerns with him.

Soo, who was in the midst of a tai chi chuan session, vented her frustration over the late switch-on time for the lights in the field near her area, which was an inconvenience to residents there.

She said the lamps were switched on at 6am, putting senior residents and morning joggers, who went out at 5am at risk.

"The lights were installed because many senior residents and joggers are out as early as 5am.

"We were happy then. But in the last three months, the lights are only turned on at 6am, which is late for many of us."

Soo said she had filed a complaint with the local authorities but there was no action.

"For the past three months, I have been complaining about the matter to the local authorities but it has not done anything.

"Why come and ask for votes when they cannot even solve such a small matter?"

She said the situation was aggravated when lightning caused the streetlights to malfunction.

She said there were two accidents since the lighting problems started.

Ramkarpal, who appeared surprised and caught unaware by Soo's outburst, assured her that her complaints would be looked into.

Seri Delima assemblyman RSN Rayer, who accompanied him, said the timers were faulty because of the recent thunderstorms.

"The timers are faulty after being struck by lightning a few days ago.

"We will fix them as soon as possible. With regards to accidents, we will request the Works Department to instal more speed breakers to control Island Glades' traffic."

Ramkarpal, who is the son of late DAP stalwart Karpal Singh, said the criticism was simply "one out of a thousand compliments".

DAP'S Bukit Gelugor candidate Ramkarpal Singh listening to Soo's grouses in Island Glades, Penang, yesterday. Pic by Danial Saad