Let's go!
With blood shot eyes, I watch you sleeping
The warmth I feel beside me is slowly fading
Would she hear me, if I called her name?
Would she hold me, if she knew my shame?
There's always something different going wrong
The path I walk is in the wrong direction
There's always someone fucking hanging on
Can anybody help me makes things better?
Your tears don't fall, they crash around me
Her conscious calls, too guilty to come home
Your tears don't fall, they crash around me
Her conscience calls, too guilty to come home
The moments died, I hear no screaming
The visions left inside me are slowly fading
Would she hear me, if I called her name?
Would she hold me, if she knew my shame?
There's always something different going wrong
The path I walk is in the wrong direction
There's always someone fucking hanging on
Can anybody help me makes it better?
Your tears don't fall, they crash around me
Her conscious calls, too guilty to come home
Your tears don't fall, they crash around me
Her conscience calls, too guilty to come home
This battered room I've seen before
The broken bones they heal no more, no more
With my last breath I'm choking
Will this ever end I'm hoping
My world is over one more time
Let's go!
Would she hear me, if I called her name?
Would she hold me, if she knew my shame?
There's always something different going wrong
The path I walk is in the wrong direction
There's always someone fucking hanging on
Can anybody help me makes it better?
Your tears don't fall, they crash around me
Her conscious calls, too guilty to come home
Your tears don't fall, they crash around me
Her conscience calls, too guilty to come
Back!
Your tears don't fall, they crash around me
Her conscience calls, too guilty to come home
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
At Serasa sebelum ke pelumpong and after dari pelumpong
kesan luka yng ku dapat dari berkayak......./
'Laila Rice' to Brunei's rescue
HM leads drive towards achieving self-sufficiency in rice production
HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday officiated the renaming of the Brunei Darussalam Rice 1, which will now be referred as "Laila Rice" during the launch of the "Padi Planting Towards Achieving Self-Sufficiency of Rice Production in Brunei Darussalam" ceremony at the Wasan padi fields.
His Majesty, bare-handed, planted several rice seedlings, a move which was regarded by many as further evidence of the monarch's dedication and seriousness in His Majesty's vision of achieving food security for the nation through self-sufficiency.
The benevolent ruler was joined in the field by His Royal Highness Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, His Royal Highness Prince Haji 'Abdul 'Azim and His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Malik.
The involvement of the monarch and the royal family in the field activities brought on jubilant cheers from those watching. They comprised Pengiran Pengiran Cheterias, cabinet ministers, officials from the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources (MIPR) and foreign delegates, who all sported denim attire, befitting the occasion.
Call to build 2 bridges linking BSB, Lumapas
FOLLOWING the formal proposal to build two bridges connecting Mukim Lumapas and Bandar Seri Begawan last month, State representative for Brunei-Muara Hj Bakar Mansor said he is confident the plan will go ahead.
The proposal put forward the idea of building a bridge from Kg Pintu Malim, on the east side of Bandar Seri Begawan, to Kg Bolkiah "B" on Pulau Berambang and another smaller bridge to Mukim Lumapas, where traffic would join Jln Kasat.
The plan was put forward at a State Legislative Council (LegCo) session in March.
The main bridge from Kg Pintu Malim to Pulau Berambang would be about one-kilometre long, and the smaller bridge to Mukim Lumapas would be about 500-metres long, Hj Bakar said.
Independent consultants forecast the project's total cost at about $60 million to $100 million, he said.
One of the key benefits of the plan is that it would open up business opportunities on Pulau Berambang through the potential development of the land on the island, Hj Bakar said, adding that the plan also opens up the possibility for a bridge to be built from Pulau Berambang to Temburong in the future.
Development Minister Pehin Orang Kaya Hamzah Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Abdullah Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Hj Abu Bakar has given the new plan a positive response compared to previous proposals, Hj Bakar said.
The response may be due to the National Development Plan (NDP) for 2007-2012 placing emphasis on developing safer roads and transportation routes, he added.
The current NDP mandates that a feasibility study be completed on the construction of a bridge connecting Brunei-Muara to Temburong.
"This makes the idea of a bridge to Pulau Berambang something that should be considered seriously," Hj Bakar said, adding that the bridge would boost business on the island.
"Not only can we develop the land by setting up industries and all sorts of economic activity, Pulau Berambang may even be developed into a world-class tourist destination or island resort," he said.
The island is currently home to over 1,000 residents and the Pulau Berambang Nature Reserve, which may become a major tourist attraction.
Hj Bakar explained that the only way to currently reach Pulau Berambang is by boat and most of the island's residents feel they are ignored by the government.
"The residents (on Pulau Berambang) are provided basic necessities, such as education and health, but some say that it is not enough compared with what others get on the mainland," he said.
In addition, the new route would halve the travel time for Mukim Lumapas residents travelling to destinations on the north side of the Brunei River, including Bandar, Muara Port and the airport, he added.
Currently, a drive from Mukim Lumapas to Bandar takes about an hour in normal traffic, even longer in peak hours, he explained. "We are seeing an increase of commuters travelling up and down the Bengkurong-Tanjong Bunut road as more and more residents move into the area as more government housing schemes are completed," Hj Bakar said.
He explained that talks of joining Mukim Lumapas to Bandar by road dates back to 1998, when it was suggested that the government build two bridges from Kg Sg Kebun.
However, the proposal stalled on the grounds it would cost too much, and the idea was soon forgotten, said Hj Bakar.
The proposal was repeatedly raised at State Legislative Council in the hope that it would catch on, he said, yet the Ministry of Development said the project was not feasible at the time and there were other more pressing matters to attend to.
Sultanate free of swine flu, assures MoH DG
THE Ministry of Health (MoH) yesterday said there was no evidence of swine flu in the Sultanate. Assuring Bruneians that there was no reason to worry, Director General of Health Services Dr Hjh Rahmah Hj Mohd Said said no case of swine flu has been reported in the country.
The department yesterday held a press conference in the light of global concern in the wake of swine flu, which has resulted in many deaths in different parts of the world.
However, the director clarified that there was no lowering of the guard against the deadly outbreak and the ministry has already taken many preemptive and precautionary measures to guard the disease, like increasing surveillance on influenza-like illnesses and monitoring of border control posts.
In addition, Dr Hjh Rahmah said they will be conducting thermal scanning at the Berakas International Airport for incoming passengers to Brunei and travellers will be required to fill in health declaration form.
The ministry advised the public to avoid going to crowded areas and contact with people who have been suffering with flu-like symptoms.
Stressing that personal hygiene is the most effective preventive measure, Dr Hjh Rahmah said: "Individuals should wash their hands after using the toilet, before eating and to also cover one's mouth when coughing or sneezing."
She also added there was no problem for people who eat pork, as the swine flu virus spreads through human contact.
"Unless individuals have gone to affected areas such as Mexico, California, Texas, Ohio, Kansas, Canada and New York in the United States of America within the last seven to 10 days, they do not have to be alarmed," she said. The director urged those who have visited the areas affected by the outbreak should avoid public contact and immediately visit the nearest health centre or hospital for examination and treatment.
In addition, she advised the public to visit their website at www.moh.gov.bn or to call their health line at 2384234 for more information on the human swine influenza.
"Countries which have reported cases on affected swine flu victims are the United States of America, Canada, New Zealand, France and Spain," she added.
Meanwhile, in Geneva, the World Health Organisation (WHO) says it could raise its pandemic alert level to phase 4 or even two notches to phase 5 as a deadly swine flu outbreak spreads from continent to continent, a WHO spokesman said yesterday.
MIPR, MoE join hands to help vocational students
A MEMORANDUM of Understanding between the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources (MIPR) and the Department of Technical Education (DTE) under the Ministry of Education is in the pipeline to assist vocational students in finding employment in the field of agriculture.
This was mentioned by Abuzar Hj Mohd Tahir, a Human Resource Management official from the agricultural unit, during His Majesty's visit to the Wasan Padi field yesterday.
"The MoU is expected to be signed this year, under which the MIPR will be working with the Wasan Vocational School regarding courses that will help students find a career in agriculture," he said.
He added that the MoU will also seal a deal to assist the Wasan Vocational School students find work placements and attachments as well as employment after their graduation.
"The MIPR will act as a consultation firm and help students by guiding about employment prospects after they have completed their studies."
Although the collaboration is currently being discussed, he said that the MIPR has been assisting students in getting work placements, which is part of school's programme. However, the MoU will make the collaboration more concrete.
"The MoU will be a win-win situation for both the parties. The MIPR will get well qualified workforce whereas the students will benefit from training which will help them in finding employment," he said.
Saiful Rizal Marali, the school's principal, also confirmed that the MoU will lead to more courses at the vocational school.
The principal also touched upon school's padi planting project being implemented in collaboration with the Agricultural Department under the MIPR and experts from the Philippines Rice Research Institute.
The padi project consists of a 100-sq metre of land where students are taught padi farming techniques.
"The project is aimed at training more local farmers to make them experts in rice production," he said.
He said the reason for selecting the Philippines to assist them with the project was that the country is known for its varieties of padi.
He hoped that the students can benefit from training under the Philippines experts and learn more about the use of modern science in agriculture.
The Wasan Vocational School currently has 52 students out of which 20 are doing National Diploma in Agricultural Science.
The project, which was initiated two weeks ago, aims to contribute to the country's agricultural development and help the national economy.
One of the students who wished to be known as Nurazlina, said the younger generation was not interested in farming because they think it involves too much labour.
"It's actually interesting and fun because we use new equipment and more advanced methods of farming in sharp contrast to old conventional methods," she said.
"They (the younger generation) need to know about this," she said, adding that modern farming is no longer a back-breaking calling.
"This is important since we are trying to achieve self-sufficiency in rice production by 2010 (20 per cent) and 2015 (60 per cent)."
Nurhidaya, another student, said that the project covers all aspects of the rice farming, including how to protect the crops from weeds and insects.
"We use seven different types of seeds from the Philippines and sow them manually
Farmers express their gratitude to His Majesty
SENIOR citizens have expressed their gratitude to His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources (MIPR) for allotting them farming land under the ‘Community Project for Farmers of Mukim Pengkalan Batu’ and Koseka (Koperasi Setia Kawan) Bhd.
Hj Roslan Hj Yakub, the secretary of the Community Project, said at the launching ceremony of "Padi Planting Towards Achieving Self-Sufficiency in Rice Production in Brunei" at the Wasan padi field yesterday: "More than 70 farmers (all residents of Pangkalan Batu) are using the land provided by the ministry." Hj Roslan said the concerns of the farmers of Pangkalan Batu was irrigation as padi was waterintensive crop.
"Other issues are the need for help from the Agriculture Department, for example farming courses, showing the proper way and overall more practice," he added. The secretary also mentioned the need for subsidy and machines for some to be more efficient and the Agriculture Department buys the padi for approximately $1.60 per kilogramme depending on the quality.
A committee member, Hj Johari Mudin, said: "Currently the plots here are all taken up but we are hoping for new sites at Limau Manis and Junjungan. There have been plans to open up more sites for local farmers in the area and it’s been said that at Junjungan, one plot is around three hectares."
"Besides being able to make profits, some produce are also kept to feed our families and for that we thank His Majesty and the government for the opportunity," said Hj Johari who owns plots 40 to 42 at the site.
Hj Bujang, a 63-year-old retiree who is also part of the project, said that they usually obtain a yield of once per year. "This year we are targeting a yield of twice per year but the rats and pests haven’t been making it easy as they eat the roots of the plants during the night," he said.
He also said that the local farmers are at the field everyday to clean and look after it but it is difficult to do so at night to chase the pests away.
This sentiment was shared by Matali Hj Othman from Koseka Bhd, a corporation established amongst retired army personnel, stating that pest control was the main problem they face in taking care of the padi fields.
"Pests such as sparrows, snakes and field mice are amongst the obstacles in tending to the farm as they can affect how much yield we produce, so sometimes we have to contract outside labour to assist us in overcoming the pest problem," he said.
Hjh Habibah Hj Metali, another member of Koseka Bhd and wife to one of the retired army officers, said that she felt happy with His Majesty’s visit to the padi fields which has heightened her spirits and encouraged her to work harder to produce for the country.
The corporation, created in 2006, currently has 170 members, where they manage 218 lots of padi field, according to another member, PW2 (R) Alipin Gharif.
"We feel thankful for His Majesty and the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources, particularly the Department of Agriculture, for assisting us in our endeavour and subsiding a portion of the materials needed to tend to the fields," he said.
He added that the main reason for the establishment of the corporation was to fill in their free time by doing more productive work which can in turn help in developing the nation’s economy as well as produce rice for their own consumption.
"There’s a certain sense of satisfaction gained from seeing the end product created with your own two hands and that’s one of the reasons why most of us have taken up this initiative."
Regarding future programmes of the corporation, he mentioned that proposals for animal rearing were in the works but it was still under consideration
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Restoration of landslide hit area awaits tender
NOTHING significant has been done so far to the huge gap caused by a landslide at Bukit Salilah hill more than three months ago and the authorities say that they are preparing a tender for the restoration project.
Heavy downpours in January has caused an erosion and landslide at the hill in the capital which is posing risks to the 3,200 students as well as teachers of the nearby Chung Hwa Middle School and local residents.
A concerned passer-by who frequently jogs at the hill, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "The erosion caused a big gap between the road at the slope of the hill and the lower part of the hill and it is widening day-by-day. If it encounters more heavy rainfall, a very serious landslide could occur which would affect the school and the students directly."
He added that any further erosion might ultimately lead to the collapse of the communications tower at the top of the hill which could fall to any direction.
"So far the only thing done is the laying of a blue canvas over the eroded area, the lamppost which fell during the landslide is still laying on the side of the hill and even that could further slide down the slope," he added.
The self employed man also heard that the relevant agencies have been contacted and plan to do something to protect the slope but no action has been taken over the past three months.
"Some trees have toppled and damaged the school's fence during the landslide in January and I saw people chopping down the tree branches which was lying on the school during the time. I'm just concerned for the public's safety," he said.
An official from the Public Works Department, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: "The department will do something as we already have plans for it. The blue canvases have been laid down to reduce the exposure to rain which reduces any erosion process."
He also said that the department is preparing the tender for the restoration of the affected area.
A public servant who exercises at the hill and who wished to remain unknown, said: "It's been a while since this happened and I'm quite worried for the children's safety. The amount of soil on the side of the hill could bury a section of the school not to mention the residents who stay nearby."
"Hopefully some sort of work will be done soon to close the gap which was caused by an erosion a few months ago," she said.
'Cycling lanes needed to improve road safety'
BRUNEI should build cycling lanes, especially along highways, to improve the safety of cyclists and motorists, some road users said yesterday.
School teacher Hj Mohd Firdaus Hj Suhaili said that there are a lot of cyclists along the Muara-Tutong highway on a day-to-day basis, which poses safety risks as there are no cycling lanes.He added that if there were cycling lanes along that highway, the recent tragedy involving the fatality of a cyclist could have been avoided.
A frequent traveller who commutes from Kuala Belait to the capital on most weekends said: "I often notice cyclists along the Muara-Tutong highway when I drive down and frankly, I get nervous when I see them on the side of the lanes because they're just too close to cars that pass by."
She recommended cycling lanes be built anywhere where there are pedestrians, around the capital and especially the Muara-Tutong highway.
"We should probably have campaigns to promote a more healthier and active lifestyle among the public to encourage cycling as most people are spoilt and travel by cars because of its accessibility," she added.
She added: "People might be scared to cycle now due to the tragic incident which occurred recently, however I think if we start taking precautions now by building cycling lanes to designated areas for cyclers, the public will start to develop a positive feel to cycling again."
A local businessman in his 30s shared the same sentiments. "If there aren't any proper cycling lanes, there should be at least an emergency lane allocated on most roads the size of the width of a car to give enough space for cyclists to travel in or for cars that might have to make emergency stops," he said. The businessman also suggested the police issue warnings to cyclists that do not have proper safety gears when cycling.
A teacher from Duli Pengiran Muda Al-Muhtadee Billah College said that she feels scared when there are cyclists on the side of the roads.
"As there are no proper cycling lanes, I am never sure whether to slow down or speed up to avoid getting near the cyclists. It's just too dangerous not to have an allocated space for the cyclists to travel around," she explained.
"Although cycling lanes should be built for cyclists, I do not advise the lanes to be built in residential areas. The roads are already very narrow in the housing area I stay in, and there isn't any space for the cycling lanes to be built," she added.
Hj Mohd Firdaus suggested that Jerudong Park be made into a recreational area for cyclists who intend to cycle for leisure. "As the majority of our population do not cycle to work, a safer environment should then be given to people who want to cycle for their own leisure," he said.
He also encouraged people to cycle to work instead of commuting by cars.
"Brunei has a growing rate of obesity, and therefore people should start cycling to get to their destinations for health reasons. Also, we would then be able to save our oil resources because less cars on the road means less fuel needed," said Hj Firdaus.
To encourage more people to take up cycling in Brunei, more challenges and competitions should be introduced, such as bicyclethons, he added.
A businesswoman in her late 20s said: "Organisations should encourage cycling among their employees when commuting to work as a part of their corporate social responsibility."
She added that not only will organisations be practising goodwill, but they will also be saving the environment at the same time.
Know youths' needs to get them pro-active
IT IS vital to understand youths' needs and wants for them to get involved in appropriate activities that helps the country to achieve its status of a zikir nation, a religious official said.
Ustaz Hj Mail Hj Besar, head of religious officer at Temburong Religious Department, said that youths' exposure to appropriate activities starts with parents or guardians.
During the Second Tutong District Youth Dialogue at Serambangun Hall, he said that parents should practise what they preach.
"There is no harm in allowing children the freedom, but parents need to monitor their children, for example the way they dress, where they should cover parts of the body based on Islamic teachings."
Youths have their own way of thinking, and they are always willing to try new things, he said.
"There is nothing wrong in allowing them to follow their desires, but they should realise that there are limitations," he added.
Parents should also ensure their children receive academic and religious education, and the food consumed is halal, he added.
The religious officer further said that educational institutions have a role to play, as youths will be made increasingly aware of their role in the country's development during their quest for knowledge in schools.
Religious knowledge studies can also enhance their knowledge on Islam and in Allah (SWT), Ustaz Hj Mail said.
"The community also plays an important role. It is from here that youth associations, organisations and non-government organisations are established."
"We have to ask ourselves what are the roles of the leaders? Youth should be led to the right way," he added.
Moreover, youths should refrain from any form of entertainments that will lead them astray from their religious obligations.
"If youths indulge in such entertainment, how are they going to be our instigators towards becoming a zikir nation,"he asked.
Ustaz Hj Mail added entertainment in the form of Islam contains advices urging people towards goodness and resonate the greatness of Allah (SW)T and Islam as a universal religion. "The youthful years of our life are the time for us to build ourselves towards becoming successful individuals. What we do in our life would determine our future," he said.
Organised by Tutong Youth Council in cooperation with Tutong District Office, the dialogue was held to mark Brunei's National Day Silver Jubilee.
Themed "Maturity as a zikir nation through youths as the driving force", the dialogue also featured another speaker, Associate Professor Dr Hj Hashim Hj Abd Hamid, president of Brunei Youth Council.
Cab owners give thumbs down to franchise system
PRIVATE taxi owners have expressed their discontent towards the Ministry of Communications' newly proposed taxi franchise system, as it will have a detrimental effect to their income.
The private taxi owners said that business has been hard to come by for the past few years, but it has shown a slight improvement due to the rising number of tourists.
Hj Rahman, a taxi operator for nearly six years, said that he earned revenues in 2007 and 2008 following the completion of his bank instalment for the purchase of his taxi.
However, with the new announcement, his plans will fall short as not only he has to compete with illegal taxis which are rampant, but the new franchise taxis as well.
"Why don't the ministry take action against the illegal taxis which are taking away business from us who pay for our licences or comply the regulated rates to all taxis around the country. This way, there is no need to implement a taxi franchise system," he said.
He added that being a small country, a franchise public taxi system would promote a "monopolised industry", resulting in private taxi operators losing their businesses.
An individual who used to be part of the management for the failed CTS franchised taxi system introduced in the 1990s said that the Ministry of Communications must learn from previous experiences with the system before implementing it again.
The individual, who did not want to be named, said the CTS which meant "Cuma Tiga Sahaja" or "Three dollars Only" failed due to the high taxi maintenance costs and revenue constraints due to lack of passengers.
"The rate of three dollars was assigned to CTS assigned zones only but as the zones were too large, there was no income. Our customers were low income foreigners who shares the three dollars between them, and was not willing to pay more than the stated figure although the place they intended to go are beyond the zones," he said.
He said the best way to settle the issues between the private-owned taxis and the proposed taxi franchise system is to regulate the rates and enforce it.
To enforce proper rates, the ministry must do a survey and check the consumption of fuel per kilometre. "Even better, adjust the rates using the metre installed in taxis and enforce the usage of metres. Most taxis now do not use it and they charge as they wish," he said.
The Ministry of Communications must organise an open dialogue with taxi owners and they will realise why the current taxi rates are high, says Mohammad, a limousine taxi operator based at the airport.
He said that the high rates are due to the low number of customers.
"We are lucky if we get at least five customers per day. If the officers wonder why we charge a higher rate, they can simply monitor taxi operators for a day and they can see the reason. Maybe they can discuss better options with us through an open dialogue, rather than just let someone monopolise the industry," he said.
However, the taxi franchise system was well received by the public, especially foreign workers in the country. They support the introduction of franchised taxis as it would be a better organised public transportation and enhance the tourism sector.
Hjh Damit Abdullah, 32, said that tourists' complaints on transportation problems would no longer be heard after the introduction of the system.
"Brunei is small but has a very confusing road system. Renting a vehicle would be an absolute no for most tourists and without a reliable system, they will not be able to go to many places. This would prevent them from coming back," she said.
According to some foreign workers, they are constantly troubled by the unreliability of the bus system and their safety when they opt to use illegal taxis.
Thai national Santhoop said that he has been using illegal taxis for quite some time as it is cheap compared to normal taxis and more reliable than buses.
"If there were cheap legal taxis, not only tourists will use it, but we will all use it. By we, means low income foreign workers who cannot afford our own vehicles," he said.
The Ministry of Communications said that a new taxi franchise will be operational in all four districts by the end of this year, providing a more systematic and professionally managed taxi service.
World Heavyweight Champion John Cena vs. Edge (Last Man Standing Match)
It’s good to have connections. Just ask Edge.
Only one day after losing his precious World Heavyweight Championship to John Cena during a Triple Threat Title Match at the 25th Anniversary of WrestleMania, Edge’s wife, Raw General Manager Vickie Guerrero, arranged for her husband to compete against the reigning champion in a Last Man Standing Match for an opportunity to regain his title at Backlash.
Cena had captured the World Heavyweight Title by administering back-to-back Attitude Adjustments – first to Big Show, then to Edge – in a near superhuman display of strength. It was Show, however, who ultimately succumbed to The Champ for the three-count.
With that in mind, The Ultimate Opportunist could make the argument that he was forced to relinquish the gold through no fault of his own, and therefore, he rightfully deserves an opportunity to reclaim the title.
It’s certainly an argument Edge’s wife seems willing to entertain. While there’s no telling what goes on between these two behind closed doors – and to be honest, we really don’t want to know – Vickie always seems willing to offer excuses for her husband and to extend to him a title match shortly after he loses gold. This time proved no exception.
But while Vickie may be able to open the door for her husband, it’s Edge who must walk through. And when The Champ and The Ultimate Opportunist face off at Backlash in a Last Man Standing Match there will be no disqualifications, no count-outs and, most importantly, no more excuses.
WWE Champion Triple H, Batista & Shane McMahon vs. Randy Orton & The Legacy
For months, Randy Orton and The Legacy (Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase) terrorized Triple H’s extended family, all in an effort to aid The Legend Killer in his quest to win The Game’s WWE Title at the 25th Anniversary of WrestleMania. The WWE Champion rebuffed Orton’s challenge, but over the months leading up to The Greatest Spectacle in Entertainment, their rivalry grew far too personal to be settled with a single match. At Backlash, two factions with deep-seated enmity for one another will meet as WWE Champion Triple H, Batista & Shane McMahon take on Randy Orton & The Legacy, with The Game’s WWE Title at stake.
The night after the 25th Anniversary of WrestleMania saw a bitter Orton take to the ring, incensed over his loss to Triple H. As he railed against the manner in which The Game obtained victory, the venomous Superstar was interrupted by the man he had incapacitated with a brutal punt, Mr. McMahon himself. The WWE Chairman denied Orton’s request for a rematch and instead placed him in another contest at Backlash, where The Legend Killer & The Legacy would go up against McMahon, his son Shane & his son-in-law, WWE Champion Triple H. Orton continued to hurl invective at his employer, prompting the WWE Chairman to place himself in a match against Orton later in the night.
Later in the evening, Vickie Guerrero announced that during the Six-Man Tag Team Match, the WWE Title would be on the line. Raw’s new GM clarified that if anyone from Triple H’s team won the match, he would retain the title, but if Orton or his cohorts tasted victory, then The Legend Killer would become the new WWE Champion. Closer to Backlash, Guerrero also stipulated that Orton can still capture the title if his team wins by count-out or disqualification. Whether because Orton was right about his employer, or the viper-like Superstar’s underhanded tactics were just too devious, things didn’t go well for Mr. McMahon.
As The Legacy joined their leader in the ring, The Legend Killer prepared to deliver another sadistic punt to the WWE Chairman’s head. Though both Shane McMahon and Triple H attempted to stop the cruel act, it was the returning Batista who was able to defend his employer, chasing the multi-generational Superstars from the ring. After The Animal’s shocking appearance, McMahon revised the match once again, replacing himself with Batista.
Though Randy Orton might not be taking place in the match he wanted, he will have another opportunity to obtain the WWE Title at Backlash, as he and The Legacy take part in a Six-Man Tag Team Match. But with Shane O’Mac and the returning Batista at WWE Champion Triple H’s side, will even Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase be enough to turn the odds in Orton’s favor?
To find out of Orton can continue his Legacy, make sure to watch Backlash, live on pay-per-view.
Jeff Hardy vs. Matt Hardy ("I Quit" Match)
Miles away from their backyard training grounds in Cameron, N.C., Jeff and Matt Hardy take up arms – brother against brother – one more time at Backlash. This time, however, victory is not the sole objective as the Hardy siblings will aim to force a humiliating two-word utterance from one another: “I quit.”
If unlocking one’s destiny means endangering your own brother’s life repeatedly, even setting ablaze his home with his dog locked inside, then the key symbol on Matt Hardy’s new ring attire is an accurate metaphor. And it makes Backlash’s “I Quit” Match cruelly appropriate.
As Matt described in WWE.com’s “Dueling Diaries” exclusive which trailed both Hardys on the final days of their Road to WrestleMania XXV, he feels he is “the superior Hardy.” Motivated by a lethal combination of jealousy and wrath, Matt will do everything within his power to prove it and erase Jeff from memory.
Thus far, neither an Extreme Rules nor Stretcher Match has been enough to quell the vengeful emotions that have befallen the brothers Hardy. Without regard for rules or referees, Matt and Jeff continue to trade guerrilla-like attacks across all brands, including WGN’s newly launched WWE Superstars program. Perhaps this was the impetus behind the WWE Executive Board inking this dangerous confrontation where there are no pinfalls, no count-outs and no disqualifications.
The “I Quit” Match is an encounter in which only the most extreme enemies duel, vowing to torture each other to the point of not just submission but verbal surrender. It is a humbling, embarrassing defeat for whoever speaks this phrase, losing the bout as well as dignity.
Known for settling scores and determining champions, this contest was truly made (in)famous by WWE Hall of Famers Bret “Hit Man” Hart and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin at WrestleMania 13 – a moment where blood was porously drawn from Austin at the merciless hands of The Excellence of Execution.
But this instance is different. These are two brothers – born and raised by the same father – who only share one last commonality: The desire to vanquish the other.
Until now, Matt’s ill intentions have been endured by the persistent spirit of The Charismatic Enigma, who tried his best to resist walking this path with his sibling. Will the fortitude of the face-painted warrior be enough to earn Jeff a victory against his brother? Or will the elder Hardy, Matt, secure his third and perhaps most emphatic triumph over Jeff?
To what lengths will either Hardy go – or soar, knowing Jeff – to exact the ultimate fraternal conquest? Find out as Backlash comes to you from Providence, R.I., live on pay-per-view.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Kaka to join Real in €60m deal
FLORENTINO PEREZ, the favourite to win June elections for Real Madrid president, has reached an agreement with AC Milan to sign Brazilian star Kaka (pic), a newspaper reported yesterday.
Real will pay €60 million (B$121.4 million) for the midfielder under the accord Perez reached during a meeting with Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani on March 16, sports daily Marca reported.
But possible offers from Chelsea and Manchester City, who are both interested in the 2007 Fifa World Player of the Year, could complicate the Brazilian international's transfer to Real, the newspaper added.
Kaka, who turns 27 later this month, is under contract with Milan through 2013.
Perez is also interested in signing Spanish international midfielders Xabi Alonso, 27, from Liverpool and Cesc Fabregas, 21, from Arsenal, it said.
Perez served as Real president between 2000 and 2006 when the Spanish giants signed a series of big name players such as Portugal's Luis Figo and England's David Beckham, earning the club the nickname the "Galacticos".
The elections for Real president will be held either on June 7 or 14.
Perez has not yet said if he intends to stand in the election but Spanish media are certain of his return and polls show he is the big favourite.
United unveil new hero in Macheda
MANCHESTER UNITED'S new teenage hero Federico Macheda said he had a "dream day" after coming off the bench to score an injury-time winner in the 3-2 triumph over Aston Villa here on Sunday.
The 17-year-old Italian's majestic turn and strike deep into stoppage time at Old Trafford returned champions United to the top of the Premier League table by a point from Liverpool and with a game in hand.
"I think this is the day of my dreams to score a goal like that on my debut," Macheda told Sky Sports, having scored a hat-trick for the reserves against Newcastle on Monday.
Asked what manager Sir Alex Ferguson said to him when he sent him on, he replied: "Play simple, just play. When I got the ball I just wanted to score."
The Italian known as "Kiko" made his debut as a 61st-minute substitute for Nani. He looked impressive from his first touch before scoring the decisive goal.
He was then booked for running into the crowd and hugging his father in delight and finished the afternoon being named Man of the Match.
He has been scoring regularly for United's youth and reserve teams since joining the club in September 2007 after developing through Lazio's youth system.
Born in Rome, he signed professional forms last August and is regarded as one of the most promising young prospects of Italian football.
United were without the suspended trio of Nemanja Vidic, Paul Scholes and Wayne Rooney while Dimitar Berbatov was injured.
But Macheda more than made up for their absence and United's club captain Gary Neville, who was back in the side after two months out with a groin injury and admitted afterwards that he had never seen the Italian before, was suitably impressed.
"We are grateful to him the quality he showed at the end was unbelievable. I had not seen him before today (Sunday) but he's a great finisher and you'd want it to fall to him in the box," Neville said. "In the first half we fell apart a bit defensively and I think I paid a little bit for not playing for a couple of months.
"But in the second half we played the right way we never stopped, kept passing the ball and got stronger as the game went on.
"It's a massive win for us," added Neville after seeing United score twice in the last 10 minutes with Cristiano Ronaldo making it 2-2 after he'd given the hosts an early lead.
"Today we got our job done," said the England full-back, who'd seen Villa score through headers from John Carew and Gabriel Agbonlahor.
United manager Ferguson did his best to keep Macheda's goal in perspective.
"I said 'well done'. It's important to keep his feet on the ground. He's going to get a lot of publicity over the next few days and he'll need to handle that," Ferguson said.
Asked if he was always prepared to gamble for a win during the match or merely aim for a draw after falling behind, Ferguson said: "Gamble. Winning is the name of the game at this club.
"We play the right way, we deserved our result today because we tried to win the match. Yes, we take risks but risks are a part of football.
"This club has been this way for a long, long time and I love the thrill of it myself. I love to see that adventure.
"Yes, we take 'terrible' risks and we don't defend properly. We didn't defend well today but there's always a goal threat from us, there's always a chance we'll win the match."
Ferguson said the winner of the Champions League quarter-final between Liverpool and Chelsea would pose the greatest threat to United's hopes of a successful title defence.
"I look at the league differently from a lot of people," said Ferguson.
"A lot of people are screaming Liverpool. We accept that challenge, it's fantastic, we are better in that situation.
"But, funnily enough I think the winners of the Liverpool-Chelsea European tie will be our biggest threat. So many times, it's become such an emotional fixture between the two clubs. Whoever win it, it will be a big step forward for them."
This victory stopped the league rot for United after their defeat by Liverpool and shock loss to Fulham.
"We've had our blip," said Ferguson. "We had seven, eight players missing, four or five of the very top team but you can see that these young players are prepared to go right to the very end."Agencies
Results:Twice as nice for CM Punk
HOUSTON - Mr. Money in the Bank CM Punk regained that status from last year, making history as the first person ever to win multiple Money in the Bank Ladder Matches.
The repeat golden opportunist overcame seven worthy opponents, the laws of probability and the laws of physics. In the week leading up to the 25th Anniversary of WrestleMania, The Straightedge Superstar admitted, “You really can’t ignore what a dangerous match this is.”
The briefcase dangled from a 265-foot ceiling and was only obtainable by stunning the seven other competitors long enough to climb one of multiple ladders towering 20 feet over the canvas to detach the coveted prize. It is a feat that is hard enough to accomplish once, but CM Punk has managed to fulfill mission impossible and win the contest twice in as many years.
The victor faced stiff competition, especially from Christian. Captain Charisma, who returned to WWE just more than a month prior, had made it his mission to win this bout, a stipulation he helped to create by participating in the first-ever Money in the Bank Ladder Match. He exuded the type of fearlessness it would have taken to make a run at his first World Title. He even miraculously survived a fall off the ladder while he was on top by catching himself on the ropes and pushing himself back upright, but in the end CM Punk proved he wanted it the most.
Another member of the first Money in the Bank contest was present, as Shelton Benjamin looked for his first win for the stipulation after participating in all but one of the contests that have existed. The former United States Champion is always known for making memorable moments in this type of match, and this year’s competition was no exception. He made the ladders his personal jungle gym, swinging off of them and pulling off impressive aerial moves. He even had Punk by his feet as The Straightedge Superstar dangled from a rung. Unfortunately for his seven opponents, Punk was in the same situation last year and like then, he overcame this time.
In addition to facing Christian and Benjamin, CM Punk had to withstand a current champion in United States Champion Montel Vontavious Porter, the high-flying Kofi Kingston, the experienced Finlay with help from his son Hornswoggle, and two massive, intimidating giants in Kane and Mark Henry. The Big Red Machine was a step away from securing the briefcase until Punk regained his balance after hanging by his legs and kicked Kane to the canvas. At that point, it was all CM Punk and no one was close enough to do anything about it.
Now, two questions remain. When will CM Punk cash in his title opportunity, and will he spend wisely and continue the streak of each Money in the Bank Ladder Match winner successfully earning championship gold within a year? Time will tell.
Results:Cena reclaims his gold
HOUSTON – In front of a packed Reliant Stadium, John Cena regained the World Heavyweight Championship by defeating now former World Heavyweight Champion Edge and Big Show.
More than 72,000 raucous WWE fans erupted to their feet in excitement during Cena’s entrance, which took a new take on his long-standing trademark catchphrase, “You Can’t See Me.” As far as the eye could see, dozens upon dozens of Cena lookalikes – all wearing his “Hustle, Loyalty, Respect” shirt – came out and parted ways as the genuine article came out and saluted Reliant Stadium. Though the odds were stacked against him this Sunday night, Cena’s lookalikes and fans cheered him on as he raced down to the ring, refusing to be daunted by the task at hand.
After waging a brutal war with his opponents, Cena summoned from deep within and hit the Rated-R Superstar with an Attitude Adjustment. Next, he hoisted then 400-pound plus World’s Largest Athlete atop his shoulders and – with the 70,000 in attendance cheering him on – Cena dropped Big Show with a thunderous Attitude Adjustment. After the carnage, Cena pinned Big Show to regain his gold.
The exhibition of brute strength caused the WWE Universe to erupt in raw emotion, putting their stamp of approval on Cena at one of the most historical events in WWE’s history.
The victory was a sweet measure of revenge for the Raw Superstar who saw The Ultimate Opportunist finagle his way into the Elimination Chamber Match at No Way Out and emerge from the evil structure with Cena’s gold. (No Way Out recap)
Ever since that shocking night in February, Cena set his sights on regaining the World Heavyweight Championship. Like a tenacious pit bull, Cena kept himself close to the trio of SmackDown General Manager Vickie Guerrero, her husband, Edge, and Big Show. Wherever they went – Raw or SmackDown – he was right there behind them.
Cena’s persistence paid off.
At the World Heavyweight Championship contract signing on Raw, Guerrero shocked her husband and Big Show by revealing that she was going to allow Cena to compete in the Triple Threat Match at the 25th Anniversary of WrestleMania.
And it was Cena who revealed why – he had been holding onto salacious video footage of Edge’s wife and Big Show engaged in extra marital carousing
Hustle, loyalty and respect. Those attributes certainly worked for Cena over the years in the ring, and now on the big screen as star of the action-packed movie, 12 Rounds.
And, at the 25th Anniversary of WrestleMania, it was all of those traits, combined with steadfast determination and raw power that equaled success for The Champ.
To find out what’s next for the new World Heavyweight Champion, tune in to Raw at 9/8 CT.
Results:The Legacy Killer
HOUSTON – For months, the venomous Randy Orton tore through the life of Triple H, brutally attacking and injuring his father-in-law, brother-in-law and even his wife. At the 25th Anniversary of WrestleMania, The Legend Killer had an opportunity to take away yet another thing his rival held dear: The WWE Championship. Yet despite Orton’s sadistic mind games, Triple H persevered, defeating his opponent to avenge his family and keep his coveted championship gold resting securely around his waist.
The match began with not one bang, but two, as Triple H and Orton both hit their patented maneuvers (the Pedigree and RKO respectively) within moments of the contest’s start. The Game dominated the early match, prompting The Legend Killer to move the fight outside of the ring. Keenly aware of the stipulation that would have the WWE Championship change hands on a disqualification or count-out, Orton hoped to leave his opponent battered and broken outside the ring as the referee counted to 10. But Triple H was running on pure fury, repeatedly coming back from the third-generation Superstar’s underhanded tactics.
With his options running out, Orton took out the referee, giving himself a few unsupervised moments to retrieve a sledgehammer from underneath the ring. But as he started to climb back in, Triple H served the venomous Superstar some of his own medicine, delivering a vicious punt and retrieving the sledgehammer for himself. While the ring official was still incapacitated, the WWE Champion clobbered Orton, setting him up a game-winning Pedigree and three-count.
Randy Orton’s Road to WrestleMania began in earnest at the 2009 Royal Rumble, where with the help of The Legacy he eliminated Triple H to earn a spot at WWE’s greatest spectacle. The Legend Killer’s phenomenal win came at a time when the third-generation Superstar was already up to his eyes in trouble for punting Mr. McMahon in the head less than a week earlier. Orton’s ensuing rivalry with the WWE Chairman’s progeny quickly escalated to the point of no return, when in one night of utter brutality, Orton both punted Shane and RKO’d Stephanie, drawing her husband, a livid Triple H out to the ring to her aid.
Though he had already incapacitated three beloved members of The Game’s family, Orton still had his eye on his rival’s WWE Title, and subsequently announced that he would be challenging Triple H for it at the 25th Anniversary of WrestleMania. Escalating into realms rarely seen in WWE, their conflict saw The Game smash his way through Orton’s St. Louis home, prompting the third-generation Superstar to once again attack his rival’s wife, but this time following it up with a demented kiss, which the handcuffed WWE Champion had no choice but to watch in rage-filled horror.
With his defeat of Randy Orton, Triple H achieved much more than simply retaining the WWE Title. For months, The Legend Killer and The Legacy had run roughshod over WWE’s royal family, promising that a win at the 25th Anniversary of WrestleMania would begin a new era. But with a punt, a sledgehammer and a thunderous Pedigree Triple H both avenged the McMahons and put an end to Orton’s delusions of grandeur.
UBD library aims to be world class
AIMING to be a world-class library with comprehensive information provision to serve the needs of teaching, learning and research for the community, Universiti Brunei Darussalam's (UBD) Library is promoting the use of electronic resources (e-journal and databases).
Staff of the library, headed by its Chief Librarian Dr Hj Suhaimi Hj Abdul Karim, held a press conference yesterday to introduce the library's collection and its services.
During the presentation, Dr Hj Suhaimi talked about their mission, which is to provide client-oriented, innovative and competent professional services. To achieve an ideal strategic objective, the library hopes to provide adequate resources, excellent physical and virtual services, efficient technical and professional support, quality human resources and development as well as an effective community service.
Librarians are sent for conferences locally and overseas to equip them with the relevant skills so they can better serve the public, he said.
"The library building is looking to get an extension and more e-resources; streaming facilities will be added. We are also looking to obtain ISO 9001 certification for quality services and work processes."
"There will be continuous training of staff for service improvement and succession plans. Also, outsourcing plans of digitalisation work to specialised vendors are going to be introduced along with digital publishing," he added.
Completed in 1996, UBD's Library has come a long way with a lot of technological and sophisticated improvements. Dr Hj Suhaimi believes that the library can be comparable to what foreign universities have to offer.
Brunei needs more lawyers
FEWER complaints have been made against lawyers in the past year compared to 2007 and at least one has already been withdrawn.
This was noted by the President of Brunei Darussalam Law Society Muhammad Zainidi Abdul Hamid during the opening of Legal Year 2009 yesterday.
Last year, Muhammad Zainidi had commented on the difficulty of getting enough members to complete the four-member inquiry committee. This year, he highlighted the difficulty in organising the schedules of all four panel members so that they are able to hear a complaint. To ensure partiality, he added, the law states that members of the inquiry committee must comprise of two members of the law society, one legal officer from the Attorney General's Chamber and a prominent member of the business community or other professions.
The same difficulty may also arise in the disciplinary proceedings stage as it has the same structure as the inquiry committee, he said, adding that it should be noted that both these committees work independently from the law society itself. "We do not make our own judgements against our own members," he said.
It may be necessary for the society to look into the disciplinary process as a whole with the Chief Justice and the Attorney General's Chambers, as it has been acknowledged that the small number of practising lawyers is a contributing factor to the time taken in dealing with the complaints.
Health facilities, services people's lifeline
HEALTH facilities and services are a community's lifeline, particularly in times of emergencies and disasters when special attention must be given to ensure the physical and functional integrity of hospitals and health facilities.
Director of health emergency management staff at the Philippine's Department of Health, Carmencita A Banatin said this during the launching of the World Health Day at the Health Promotion Centre in Berakas yesterday.
Themed "Save Lives. Make Hospitals Safe for Emergencies", this year's World Health Day emphasises on the importance of having safe health infrastructure preparations that is capable to the needs of many during the occurrence of natural disasters.
"This is about more than just protecting buildings. It is about preparing our health facilities and the health workforce to cope with emergency situations so as not to disrupt the delivery of health care and services in the event of either an emergency or disaster," added the director, who is also temporary advisor of the World Health Organisation.
Hospitals and professional health personnel represent the frontliners in providing treatment services, care and also prevention of disease outbreak during times of emergency and disasters, said Director-General of Medical Services Dr Hjh Norlila Dato Paduka Hj Abd Jalil during yesterday's launch.
"The Ministry of Health has been taking lessons from the recent flash floods and landslides that occurred recently in Brunei Darussalam which has indirectly evaluated the effectiveness of our course of action on every levels," she said.
Here, the director-general explained that the success and effectiveness of such plans depend not only on health officers and facilities but also other agencies including the Natural Disaster Management Centre, Brunei Shell Petroleum Sdn Bhd, Royal Brunei Armed Forces and the Royal Brunei Police Force.
A "National Major Medical Emergency Manual for Hospitals", which outlines the procedures and guide-lines to be followed by the relevant authorities during times of emergencies, was also introduced during the launching.
Launching the event as guest of honour was Minister of Health Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Suyoi Hj Osman.
The minister also handed out the "National Major Medical Emergency Manual for Hospitals" to representa-tives of health facilities and institutes prior to touring the exhibits set up on the day, which included themes like services and hospital pre-paredness, response and relief, human resource, safety infrastructure and occupational health and partners in disaster management.
Workshops related to the theme have also been scheduled to be held throughout the year.
This year, World Health Day will focus on the safety of health facilities and the readiness of health wor-kers to treat those affected by emergencies such as treating injuries, preventing illnesses and caring for people's health needs.
First celebrated in 1950, World Health Day was originally organised to create awareness of a specific health theme to highlight a priority area of concern for the World Health Organisation.
In 2008, a total of 321 na-tural disasters resulted in 235,816 casualties, a death toll that was almost four times higher than the average annual total for the seven previous years.
Majority of this increase was specifically due to Cyclone Nargis, which left some 138,366 people dead or missing and the earthquake in Southwest China's Sichuan Province, which killed 87,476 people.
Mexico wants business ties with Brunei
MEXICO, one of the world's largest food producers, is keen on exploring joint ventures with Bruneian food companies to help it grab a slice of the lucrative global market for halal products.
"We see a lot of possibilities in terms of food," said Mexican Ambassador to Singapore Juan Jose Gomez Camacho who led a Mexican business delegation that met with Bruneian businessmen in the Sultanate yesterday.
"We see a potential for exporting different Mexican products, but we also think that there are some areas like halal where maybe, some joint ventures can be warranted (with Bruneian companies)." The joint ventures could involve a Brunei investor or company establishing operations in Mexico, he said in an interview with The Brunei Times.
Gomez Camacho explained that his government's interest in building economic ties with the Sultanate jibes with Mexico's aim to reap the benefits of the anticipated economic recovery in Asia.
"Mexico has a lot of food companies that are based in Asia and in this period of the global economic downturn, Asia will most likely come out on top in the global economy," he said.
"We might be able to generate enough interest and enough good reasons for Mexican businessmen to jump from Singapore to Brunei," he said, adding that the Mexican embassy in Singapore receives numerous Mexican trade missions involving investors, businessmen and local government officials. "We are very committed to work hard to bring those missions to Brunei and I think that they would love the place both in terms of opportunities and leisure."
Mexican companies have joint ventures in Asia Malaysia, Singapore, China, Japan and South Korea.
Moreover, the Mexican ambassador announced an open invite for Brunei-based businesses to participate in Mexico's US$300-billion spending plan "to enhance and develop multi-faceted business clusters or infrastructure ranging from communications, housing and its planned automotive industry".
The ambassador also broached the possibility of the two countries working together on eco-tourism.
"Both countries will be able to build strong rapport through the exchange of tourists," said Gomez Camacho.
Another area of possible cooperation is the oil and gas sector.
Mexico has successfully reduced its dependency on hydrocarbons from 70 per cent to 15 per cent within the span of a few decades, said Gomez Camacho. Brunei, which has long embarked on a similar initiative, can benefit from Mexico's expertise, he said. Currently 70 per cent of Mexico's GDP is derived from its services sector, while Brunei's energy sector has been responsible for more than 90 per cent of its export receipts.
Brunei and Mexico have had existing diplomatic ties through the United Nations, but yesterday's meeting marked the first step towards a possible bilateral pact.
New laws soon to deal with violence at home
Provisions will complement existing legislation, says AG
NEW provisions to deal with domestic violence are being prepared by the Attorney General's Chambers (AGC), it was announced yesterday at the opening of the legal year 2009. The provisions, which will be based on consultations with the Community Development Department at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Religious Affairs, are aimed at complementing existing legislation.
The initiative was made to curb domestic violence in the Sultanate as well as alleviate concerns raised by the public who had voiced out the need for a specific law to address the issue. Statistics provided by the Domestic Violence Unit of the Royal Brunei Police Force reveal that 150 cases of domestic violence involving spouses and children were reported last year, while 160 and 130 cases were recorded in 2007 and 2006 respectively, the attorney general disclosed.
At the opening ceremony held at the Supreme Court in the capital, Dato Paduka Hj Kifrawi Dato Paduka Hj Kifli said that although there is currently no specific law on domestic violence, the existing Penal Code deals with the usual misconducts that fall under domestic violence, such as causing hurt, assault and use of criminal force.
Speaking to The Brunei Times after the event, the attorney general said that the present legislation is there to deter those from committing crimes. He explained that even though there is no specific law on domestic violence, a man who kills his wife can still be charged with murder under Brunei's laws.
"So the comment that there is no law to deal with domestic violence is not true," he said in response to previous media reports where members of the public called for legislation on domestic violence to be drawn up.
"We have laws... the Penal Code, the basic criminal law (which) deals with these sort of problems," he added.
Dato Paduka Hj Kifrawi said that so far, the legislation has been effective in deterring husbands from abusing their wives.
The AGC, which views domestic violence as a serious matter, has made it compulsory for a criminal offence to be brought to court even if the victim of domestic violence chooses to drop the charges against the offender, which is common in these types of cases.
"At the moment, if the husband causes hurt to the wife, we are going to charge him in court. Even (if) later the wife wants to withdraw the charge, we say 'no, you go to court and tell the court that you want to forgive your husband'," he said.
The attorney general said that this was to prevent the husband from abusing his wife again. He elaborated by saying that by bringing the abuser to court instead of just receiving a warning from the police, the offender would realise the seriousness of his actions and be deterred from committing further abuse to his spouse.
During the opening ceremony, Dato Paduka Hj Kifrawi stressed the need to introduce a mechanism to ensure that a victim of domestic violence is protected from future abuse, while at the same time, "not treat the matter lightly short of bringing a criminal prosecution".
He noted that in most cases, the abuser is usually the breadwinner of the family and provides the sole source of income. Due to this, the victim and abuser often continue to live together, which may not be in the victim's best interest, especially after the abuser has been charged, thus worsening the situation.
In this respect, the attorney general hoped that the initiative will ensure that vulnerable members of the society are adequately protected.
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