Relive your childhood at ESCAPE Theme Park

Link to PGC

Focus: Relive your childhood at ESCAPE Theme Park, Teluk Bahang ~~~ by Carolyn Khor

Relive your childhood at ESCAPE Theme Park, Teluk Bahang ~~~ by Carolyn Khor Everyone has an inner child who just cannot wait to come out to play, that is, if given a chance. Spread over seven acres for now, ESCAPE Theme Park in Teluk Bahang is a childhood dream come true. Its Founder and Chief Escape Officer, Sim Choo Kheng is every bit the Peter Pan who still believes in fun and laughter, along with a heavy dose of nature. “We need to reconnect with Mother Nature. It is only instinctive of us to be protective of the environment when we love it,” said Sim, who reminisces his youth as a kampong boy who used to climb trees, swam and fished for fresh water prawns in the streams in Thean Teik Estate, Ayer Itam where he grew up. Sim hopes to share this joyful experience with the children of current generation whom he describes as having a ‘lack of creativity and curiosity’ due to the overdosed institutionalized learning. ‘Low-tech, High Fun’ is how Sim describes his theme park. “We do not have the money like the 'Big Boys' in Orlando, but we have the creative flair, the international experience and more importantly the passion and drive to realise a new theme park genre that is distinctively in harmony with nature and its surroundings,” he said, adding that ESCAPE adheres to the international safety,  operational and cleanliness standards. Sim, 48, has been in the theme park industry for more than 20 years and is involved in the operating, designing and building of theme parks worldwide. ESCAPE, according to him, will be his ‘final destination’ when he manages to re-create his playground he lost to 'progress'. "I yearn to be a kid again, I shall return to where it all started!”, he exclaimed. Having realised ESCAPE since ten months ago is a personal fulfillment in addressing the void of human interaction with nature such as participatory learning and reconnecting with our core values. According to Sim, the idea of a theme park started during the Industrial Revolution where people needed to take a break to ease their minds off the stark reality of hard work. Unlike other theme parks, ESCAPE does not have roller-coasters or sugar coated fantasies. Sim thinks that some theme parks are ‘distorted in their views between having fun and being scared’. "We think we have solutions for everything, in reality very often we resolve a problem by creating a new one". “The idea of outdoor fun is to enhance bodily motor skills and coordination besides boosting physical fitness,” he said. ESCAPE Waterplay is expected to be featured in late 2014 and Treetops Hotel in the near future. The total area of 44 acres within the vicinity of the ESCAPE Theme Park will host many more attractions later. “Repurposing this former Teluk Bahang Dam construction site means we didn't have to disturb much of the surrounding nature, almost all the old structures built by PBA were enhanced with many thought-provoking ideas complying to ESCAPE's ethos. We respect nature and we hope that we could convey this message of love for nature to those who visit our theme park,” he concluded. ESCAPE Theme Park opens daily from 9:00a.m to 6:00p.m. Further details may be found here: www.escape.my.

A breath of life for well-being

Link to Penang Green Council

Focus: A breath of life for well-being ~~ by Carolyn Khor

Almost everyone takes breathing for granted. In this fast-paced life, almost nobody takes notice of breathing except for when some problem crops up. At The Art of Living, an organization which is a not-for-profit, educational and humanitarian NGO (Non-Governmental Organization), breathing is taught as a technique to live a stress-free and violence-free life and to experience inner peace. “Our guruji’s objective was simply to make people smile and be happy always,” said Sam, a 29 year old Penang Art of Living volunteer. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the founder of the organization known as The Art of Living, has 152 centres worldwide with five centres in Penang. It was founded in 1982. Sri Sri was born on 13 May 1956 and resides in India. He currently tweets at @srisrispeaks. Among Sri Sri’s insightful quotes are: “If there are ripples on the surface of the lake, we cannot see its depth. Similarly, unless the mind is restful, we cannot experience the harmony and union within us.” “Break through all the barrier and feel that you are blessed. This is the only step you have to take. The rest will all happen.” “Life teaches you the art of letting go in every event. When you have learnt to let go, you will be joyful, and as you start being joyful, more will be given to you.” Besides breathing techniques, meditation and yoga are also offered at the centre. Sam says that the breathing technique taught at their centres, called Sudarshan Kriya, is recognized as a proven method to manage anger, violence and other negativities like anxieties and depression. The meditation technique used is called Sahaj Samadhi. The Sri Sri Yoga method adopted by the centre is an integrated approach to Yoga using a combination of Asana, Pranayama, meditation,, ancient yoga knowledge and service. According to the brochure, this is a prayerful discipline that leads to the union of the body and the mind. Sam’s wife, Angel had introduced Sam to The Art of Living about three years ago due to the increasing demands in life which included juggling with an education, a career and his family life. With sleep deprivation, Sam decided to seek help. Angel was introduced to the organization some time earlier to help her improve on her general well-being. Both husband and wife found the techniques useful and helpful.                     “Just one hour of the Sudarshan Kriya breathing exercise tames anger, soothes worries, stress and anxieties and heals emotional frustrations,” claims Sam. “It also helped me view things in a broader perspective and I now lead a healthier and happier lifestyle with a peaceful mind”. “We are all on the same journey but using different paths,” said Sam when asked about how The Art of Living differs from all other organizations which claim to also offer the same stress-free solution. The Art of Living Foundation channels a large percentage of their collection from courses, The Art of Living publications and sales of Ayurveda products to help rural areas in India and other parts of the world with humanitarian projects such as conflict resolution, disaster relief and sustainable rural development, empowerment of women, prisoner rehabilitation, education and environmental sustainability. For those who are interested to understand The Art of Living may want to attend the basic course which is usually conducted for 6 days continuously from Tuesdays to Sundays, for a total of approximately 24 hours. Class fees are RM350 per course for adults and RM250 for senior citizens above 60 years old. For more information, please contact Sam 016-4841280 or visit the website: http://www.artofliving.org/my-en

Real men don’t hit women

Link to MSN News

Carolyn Khor

Violence is a vicious cycle and violence begets violence. There should be no excuse to perpetuate violence and every effort must be made to eliminate violence. 25 Nov was International Day for the elimination of violence against women.

In cultures that see no wrong in violence towards women, physical and sexual violence are practiced to subdue women. These women are silenced and victimised by the society to withstand the abuse and are expected to allow these torment to continue as a form of subservience and obedience towards men. This form of ‘accepted punishment’ is derogatory and psychologically damaging.

According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), 3 out of 10 women experience violence by an intimate partner at some point during their lifetime, and 603 million women live in countries where domestic violence is not yet considered a crime. The UNDP also reveals that in more than 35 countries worldwide, marital rape is not considered a criminal offence.

In Malaysia, 35,684 cases of domestic violence were reported nationwide during 2000 to 2010, of which 3,255 cases originated from Penang.

Of these reported cases, only 4% were brought to court and an estimated 45% of the accused aggressors were acquitted, indicating that there is insufficient mechanism to discourage domestic violence.

Chong Eng, through her portfolio in the Penang state government as Chairman of Youth and Sports, Women’s Development, Family and Community together with the Penang Women’s Development Corporation (PWDC) held an event at Prangin Mall in Georgetown in conjuction with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women yesterday. The event marks the first day of a 16-day campaign against gender-based violence.

Chong Eng delivered her speech to an audience that largely comprised of civil activists and members of the public. Penang State elected representatives like Teh Lai Heng, Dr. Afif Bahardin and Lim Siew Khim were also present to support the event. A number of men were also spotted among those present. Non-Governmental Organisations that turned up include Pusat Kesedaran Wanita (WCC Penang), Pusat Perkhidmatan Wanita (PPW) and Soroptimist International Club of Penang.

“There are many ways men can help to end violence against women,” said Chong Eng.

She also urged men to take the initiative to understand the issue of violence against women and to also volunteer in women-friendly organisations.

While Penangites may be enthusiastic and eager to spread awareness against domestic violence, the actual catalysts for change are the women themselves. As Dr. Afif said in his speech, all religions do not support violence against women - citing verses both from the Quran and Bible.

Distressed women may seek confidential help at the Women’s Centre for Change 04-2280342 or emailwcc@wccpenang.org.

Press statement by YB Zuraida on NFCorp’s failed takeover by Japanese company

Press statement by YB Zuraida on NFCorp’s failed takeover by Japanese company

Prime Minister Najib Razak should just liquidate the National Feedlot Corporation and recover the RM250 million soft loan that was given to the agricultural company run by Sharizat’s family. That is the only way to hold Sharizat’s family accountable for the mismanagement of funds. The board of directors which includes Sharizat’s husband and children inappropriately spent the people’s money on luxury items unrelated to the agricultural business like purchasing high-end condominiums and prestigious cars.

It is simply illogical that any company would want to inject RM20 million into a debt-ridden company that operates at a loss with no foreseeable opportunity for a turnaround. For Kirimitomas Agro to even consider a deal like that, we can only imagine what negotiations went on behind closed doors. Regardless, it is still not a worthwhile deal.

Kirimitomas Agro would be better off just starting with a clean slate with no encumbrances. In fact, there are qualified local companies that are equally suitable to provide similar services to the public. Malaysia is an agricultural-based country and the government should have no problems at all identifying experienced companies with good track records. This is in contrast to the NFC, a company that does not even have a track record to begin with.

Since the NFC expose, ‘Condo Lembu’ has become a household name.  The severity of the matter goes to show that our country sorely needs transparency and good governance. The ‘gravy train’ has been practiced for far too long and people should be made aware that this habit is selfish and deprives our children of a good future. It is morally wrong and it is ethically wrong. As they say, monkey see, monkey do, and we need leaders who can show a good example. If the big boss ‘makan’, the small ones ‘makan’ too. We do not want this culture to be cultivated any further. Instead, we should focus on transparency, good governance and efficiency.

Kirimitomas Agro Sdn. Bhd. (KASB) is a joint venture between Otoshitos Sdn. Bhd and Hannan Food Group. Prime Minister Najib Razak announced KASB as willing parties to take over the scandal and debt-ridden National Feedlot Corporation in April this year but replied in parliament yesterday that the deal has fallen through.

YB Zuraida Kamaruddin

Ahli Parliament Ampang

24/10/13

Related links:

Link to Malaysian Insider article
Link to Malaysiakini article

Is heavy rainfall an act of God?

Link to MSN Malaysia

While some might attribute the recent heavy rainfall as an act of God, some blame it on climate change, rapid developments and inefficient drainage.

Penang experienced unusually heavy rain in the last few days and will be expecting more to come as metrological images show strong wind and vapours forming over the Indian Ocean heading over to this part of the region.

Landslides and fallen trees were reported in several parts of the island and floods afflicted many areas throughout the state. All state-related personnel are on high alert for high-tide peak hours and are closely monitoring the situation.

Chong Eng, the Penang State EXCO for Youth and Sports, Women’s Development, Family and Community was among those whose house was flooded early in the morning five days ago at Kampung Padang Lalang in Bukit Mertajam.

She said, “While climate change is beyond our human control, we in government should do whatever humanly possible to reduce flood problems.”

Much of Penang’s appraisal and opinions are established based on two phases – pre-2008 and post-2008.

“Penang government should take immediate measure to solve the flood problems. Do not play tai chi and push away responsibility by saying that it is due to "heavy rain and too much rain." The root causes are too many housing developments and 80% of rain water, instead of seeping into natural earth, is being diverted to concrete drain. In addition, our drains are outdated and too small in size to carry the increasing volume of water! Therefore, we see flood everywhere!” said Teh Leong Meng, a Gerakan member in his Facebook posting.

Meanwhile, Penang Chief Minister, Lim Guan Eng announced that the Penang State Government is ready to act immediately to ensure that Phase Two of the Sungai Pinang Flood Mitigation project is carried out even though this might be unpopular with the 35 residents who refused to move out of the area.

“The flood this time was due to the high tide. The Penang Municipal Council and the state Drainage and Irrigation Department also did everything that they could,” Lim said.

The Chief Minister also compared the situation at Jalan P.Ramlee where water used to rise up quickly within 2 hours of rain five years ago but has improved to 7 to 9 hours of ankle-deep water after heavy downpour now.

Welfare aids, blankets and food were distributed to the victims and temporary shelters are set up in several places where residents were evacuated to safety.

Apart from floods, submerged cars, uprooted trees, muddy terrain and traffic congestion, the bad weather also caused many potholes to appear which poses a danger to road users.

Paya Terubong State Assemblyman, Yeoh Soon Hin was quick to point out how the Federal Government had not responded to requests to resurface part of the road at Lebuhraya Thean Teik.

Elsewhere, potholes and uneven roads can be seen everywhere.

Penang Local Government, Traffic Management and Flood Mitigation Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said floods were reported mostly in the south-west district.

Among the areas were Kampung Seronok in Bayan Lepas, Kampung Masjid Teluk Kumbar, Kampung Nelayan Teluk Bahang and Kampung Trang in Pulau Betong. In Kampung Pulau Betong houses and cars were submerged up to hip level or 0.5 metres high and villagers were seen moving their belongings and valuables to higher grounds. Malaysiakini reported that 188 houses were damaged and 20 families in Pulau Betong were shifted to a nearby mosque.

According to Chow, the Penang State Government has allocated an additional RM6 million for 10 new flood mitigation projects in the state to reduce and prevent flash floods. He said the projects involved the upgrading of drainage, building of pump houses and others.

Jagdeep Singh, chairman of Penang Urban and Rural Planning and Housing Committee reported that 210mm of rainfall was recorded on Saturday and the tide was 2.5m high.

Several developments were being identified as the main culprits for causing the flash floods.

'We found the flooding to be caused by incomplete drainage works, poor drainage maintenance, lack of dredging in the retention pond, shoddy drainage by the Malaysia Airports Berhad and the water seepage at the Desa Ria retention,” said Abdul Malik Kassim, chairman for the Penang Religious Affairs, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Committee.

Hamizah binti Che Mat, a 43-year-old resident in Batu Kawan had just finished cleaning her house which was flooded knee-high consecutively for two days. She claims that the nearby housing development caused the flooding.

“There was this flood and I was robbed of my belongings, too. The flood has never been this bad before.”

“I am sure this is a test from God, it could have been worse,” she said, referring to the Tsunami in December 2004 which claimed some lives in Penang.

2013 Index of Economic Freedom

See Full List of Country Rankings

Zuraida to Seai Kei: Reflect on your own backyard first

Link to article at Malaysia Chronicle

Parti Keadilan Rakyat is a democratic party where leaders are elected based on a direct one-for-one vote, also the first political party in Malaysia to empower such voting rights to its members.

Any member of the party may also contest for the president’s seat if he or she wishes so.

Perhaps Heah is unaware of the meaning ‘sexist’, contextually or otherwise as the word itself bears no relation to whether or not Wan Azizah decides to contest in the next party elections.

How sexist is sexist, how disgusting is disgusting - let the people judge

How much ‘disgust’ she feels is also irrelevant especially as the whole country witnessed not too long ago the extra-marital affair with the release of a video tape sex-scandal of the MCA Chairman, Chua Soi Lek with a younger woman half his age.

Does Heah feel a sense of accomplishment and esteem over her party Chairman’s actions? How much equality does she think that is? And how much respect does that amount to towards a woman?

Heah should also be reminded that Prime Minister Najib Razak became the first man to helm the Women Ministry in the history of Malaysian politics and might perhaps be the world’s first man to hold that position too.

Does Heah feel dignified, proud, approve and support such a decision made by the Prime Minister to rob women from a position meant for women? This is still the biggest insult made towards women in the 21st century in terms of women’s rights and equality.

When Heah was still the Deputy Minister in the Women Ministry prior to November 2012, she had failed to uphold the women's rights nor did she protest against the various sexist remarks made by the BN backbenchers in parliament.

How could Heah, in her capacity as a Deputy Women Minister accept with dignity derogatory terms such as 'bocor' and other insinuating or snide remarks made by her colleagues and still say nothing to defend the rights of the women?

Reflect on the misdeeds in your own backyard first

As the publicity spokesperson for MCA, Heah should reflect on the wrong-doings of her own coalition party before trying to seek publicity.

Parti Keadilan Rakyat was initially founded on the basis of injustices stacked against the then newly-sacked former Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The party’s struggles were to restore justice to the judiciary and other branches of administration in the country.

As a party that firmly believes in upholding equality and justice, it is easy to see the difference between leaders who really fight for such values as opposed to just having the ‘dacing’ or party logo which symbolizes justice but practices otherwise.

In Parti Keadilan Rakyat, it is the spirit of reform that burns through the people’s hearts and that is the very fire that has sustained the party through the years since 1999.

True equality

It is not only Wan Azizah’s wish to see Anwar in parliament as the Permatang Pauh MP but the wishes of the rakyat as well. Anwar Ibrahim resides in the hearts of all Permatang Pauh constituents.

What can be said about Wan Azizah is that she has been, all these while, the symbol of inner strength, unity and resilience towards the unjust and unyielding government that oppresses its citizens through every known government machinery and heavy-handed methods like the ISA, detention without trial.

Wan Azizah will always remain as an icon of hope to every man and woman in the country who wishes to see change.

As the founder and president of Parti Keadilan Rakyat, Wan Azizah has provided optimism and courage to many women to participate in politics, a male-dominated arena. She has shown the nation that truly, behind every successful man, there is a woman. That woman behind Anwar is her, and we are proud of that.

That, Datuk Heah, is equality.

YB Zuraida Kamaruddin

Ketua Wanita Parti Keadilan Rakyat

Full article: http://www.malaysia-chronicle.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=164392:pkr-ups-the-ante-on-seai-kie-before-slamming-azizah-where-were-you-on-soi-leks-sex-dvd&Itemid=2#ixzz2fahK449F
Follow us: @MsiaChronicle on Twitter

Pakatan is ready with new leaders by YB Zuraida Kamaruddin

Kedah Menteri Besar Mukhriz Mahathir is getting ahead of himself with his description of ‘dinosaurs’ from Pakatan Rakyat. At 49 years old, he should know better than to call other people names like ‘dinosaurs’ when he is approaching ‘zaman dinosaur’ himself, in addition to having ‘bapa dinosaur’ as his mentor.

As if Mukhriz is not already aware, Pakatan Rakyat has a strong and good line-up of leaders who are even more capable and progressive in their approach and thinking. Ranking among the most outstanding and outspoken leaders who notoriously speak without fear or favour are Rafizi Ramli, Sim Tze Tzin, Surendren and Ong Kian Ming, to name a few. 

However, what is most disturbing is that Mukhriz feels thrilled that he could extend his father’s struggles. The country has left Tun Dr. Mahathir in a bygone era but yet Mukhriz is still trying to relive and glorify a past that has left a bad after-taste in everyone’s mouths.

Who can forget the stranglehold that Tun had on the country during his 22 years of dictatorship? The only reason for Pak Lah’s big win in 2004 was only because the country felt that there was a glimmer of hope for change as Tun had inadvertently driven the country into a dismal abyss of despair with his megalomaniacal style of management.

Nobody should forget how Tun mismanaged public funds and how the effects of its failed financial initiatives have affected the country up to this day. Companies like Proton, Pewaja Steel, UEM, MAS, DRB-Hicom, Renong and the Bakun Dam project failed miserably yet Mukhiz has intentions to continue this form of ‘legacy’? No, thank you.

Cronyism flourished during Tun’s tenure and the judiciary was fraught with allegations of injustice and non-compliance. Tun’s best friend was Mugabe, the former Prime Minister of Zimbabwe who was also accused of political crimes against his country. Tun had also admitted to giving Mugabe RM34 million worth of rare timber from Malaysia to build his 25-room private mansion and there are also reports on 10 million pounds belonging to Mugabe in Malaysian bank accounts.

With such associations and many more, the country will do itself injustice to put trust into this family again. While having the ‘surname’ Mahathir may seem beneficial to Mukhriz, it actually sends a cold shiver down the rakyat’s spines to even imagine a return of the Mahathir dynasty.

YB Zuraida Kamaruddin

Ketua Wanita Parti Keadilan Rakyat

20/9/13

Press Statement on Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013 – 2025 by YB Zuraida Kamarudin

Press Statement on Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013 – 2025 by YB Zuraida Kamarudin

National unity no doubt starts with a good education plan but this does not necessarily mean that we should curtail people’s rights to choose the type of education suitable for their children. The Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013 – 2015 launched by Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin on 6^th September must be carefully reviewed and agreed upon by various parties to avoid public discontent.

The Keadilan Women’s Wing recognizes and acknowledges Bahasa Malaysia as the national language but at the same time takes into consideration the multiracial and multi-cultural composition of the country. It is therefore our view that without compromising the importance of Bahasa Malaysia and with support towards the freedom of choice that we request Tan Sri Muhyiddin to revise the Malaysia Education Blueprint for the benefit of all citizens.

While all national schools use the Bahasa Malaysia as the medium of instruction, the Education Act 1996 (Act 550) guarantees the existence of vernacular schools. This provision allows such national-type Chinese and Tamil schools the freedom to use their mother-tongue as the main medium of instruction.

The Ministry of Education states in its report that as of June 2011, there are 5,853 National Schools, 1,291 National-type Chinese Schools and 523 National-type Tamil Schools.

According to statistics published in the Malaysia Education Blueprint, the proficiency of Bahasa Malaysia for a minimum credit for SPM is as follows:  Bumiputera students 84%, Chinese 63% and Indian 57%.

It is roughly estimated that Malaysia is comprised of 5.1 million students registered in public schools and that Bumiputeras make up about 60%, Chinese 23% and Indians 7%. Hence, the total estimated students who are Bumiputeras that do not meet the criteria are more or less the same as the non-Bumiputeras.

It is with this that we should reconsider our priorities in setting the standards of Bahasa Malaysia as the figures clearly show that it is not due to the vernacular schools that the country does not meet 100% of the language proficiency in Bahasa Malaysia. The love for the national language can only be instilled by a reciprocal love and respect towards the freedom of choice.

We hope that this will convince Tan Sri Muhyiddin to approach and make suitable revisions to the Malaysia Educational Blueprint.

YB Zuraida Kamarudin

KETUA WANITA PARTI KEADILAN RAKYAT

18/9/13