Selasa, 10 September 2013

The Star Online: Metro: Sunday Metro

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The Star Online: Metro: Sunday Metro


Indonesian policeman shot dead in central Jakarta

Posted:

JAKARTA (AFP) - Motorcycle gunmen have shot dead a policeman as he escorted a convoy in downtown Jakarta, an official said Wednesday, the latest brazen assault on an officer in the capital.

It was the fourth fatal shooting of a policeman in or around the city in recent weeks and the most high-profile yet, as it was in central Jakarta and right by the headquarters of a powerful law enforcement agency.

Police said the shooting late Tuesday followed the pattern of previous attacks, and they suspected the same terror group was behind the killings.

In the latest attack, the policeman was on a motorcycle escorting six trucks carrying elevator parts on a busy main road when four gunmen riding motorbikes opened fire on him, police said.

The officer, identified as Sukardi, was passing the offices of the Corruption Eradication Commission when the attack happened at 10:15 pm (1515 GMT).

"The policeman died instantly after being shot three times in his chest and stomach," said Jakarta police spokesman Rikwanto, who like many Indonesians goes by one name.

Police launched a massive manhunt after the killing, setting up road blocks and questioning motorists.

The attack came after three policemen were shot dead in two separate attacks in Tangerang district on Jakarta's western outskirts in August.

While Indonesian security forces have been targeted by terror groups in recent years, the upsurge of attacks in the capital is a new development.

Most previous attacks had taken place in the district of Poso on Sulawesi island in central Indonesia, where terror groups hide out in the jungles.

Indonesia launched a crackdown on Islamist militant networks a decade ago after attacks on Western targets, which has successfully dismantled some of the deadliest groups.

Soaring land prices push Myanmar's poor into streets

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YANGON: Soaring rents in Myanmar's commercial capital Yangon have seen hundreds of poor families shunted from their homes, forcing them to turn to charity as their last buffer from life on the streets.

Political transformation, which has swept the country since the quasi-civilian government took power in 2011, has seen sanctions lifted from the former pariah state and stoked rising investment interest in the perceived frontier market.

But the changes have also fuelled rampant speculation in the commercial hub Yangon, squeezing the poor into homelessness.

"Whole families came saying they had no place to live, nothing to eat, begging for help," said 61-year-old Khin San Oo, manager at a makeshift centre for the displaced in a Buddhist monastery in a scruffy suburb of the former capital.

Abbott Ottamasara offered free plots on 30 acres of land at the Thabarwa – or "nature" – compound 16 months ago and word has spread fast, drawing penniless families from Yangon and surrounding districts.

More than 2,400 families have now built small shanties in the grounds an hour's drive from downtown Yangon.

Hundreds of others, who cannot afford construction costs, are sheltering in a communal bamboo dormitory at the site, which is home to a meditation centre.

Surging demand for property as Myanmar undergoes rapid change since shedding the isolation of junta rule has threatened to push more people from their homes, with rent hikes compounding low wages in and around the country's most populous city.

Figures from estate agents show rents have risen by 25% this year for a small Yangon apartment, while sales prices have doubled or even trebled over the past two years in some neighbourhoods.

Tin Tin Win, 57, says she was forced to move to the compound with her daughter, son, two grandchildren and husband, after the family was asked to pay six months in advance to renew the lease on their property.

"Our rent went up several times... we couldn't afford to stay in our house. That's why we had to move here," she said, adding that she was secure, but uncomfortable, in the cramped new lodgings.

President Thein Sein has made slashing poverty rates a pillar of reforms in Myanmar, where the former military rulers neglected to build a state safety net during their corrupt, decades-long rule.

But that goal appears far off.

"The whole world now knows that the land price here (in Yangon) is very expensive," said Than Oo, 64, managing director of Mandaing real estate company.

Families have been forced out to satellite towns because of the high rents, he said, urging the "stabilisation of the real estate market".

Monks at the monastery have been unable to turn away the cascade of new arrivals. But staff say the land is now full, leaving the abbot scratching around for donors with space to spare for the needy.

Myint Nwe, who lives in the monastery's stable-like dormitory with her nine-strong family, is grateful for the lifeline offered by the abbot.

"My husband had a stroke two years ago. After that we had nothing to eat," said the mother of five, explaining how they came to the monastery, as her husband sat expressionless next to her.

While she is able to sell fruit to buy occasional snacks for her children or medicine for her husband, Myint Nwe, like many others in the monastery housing, can see no way back to independence. — AFP

Moro rebels using human shields during standoff in Zamboanga

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ZAMBOANGA: Muslim militants traded gunfire with Philippine troops and were using almost 200 villagers as human shields, officials said, in a standoff after a deadly attack on a southern city.

Gunshots rang out on the coastal outskirts of Zamboanga city yesterday, the second day of a confrontation between the government and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) fighters intent on derailing peace talks.

"The security forces... have stabilised the situation. It has been contained and isolated and won't spread to other areas," Interior Secretary Mar Roxas told reporters, adding that authorities were trying to negotiate with the gunmen.

About 180 residents are being used as "human shields" in six villages where the rebels are holed up and surrounded by security forces, Roxas told a joint news conference with Zamboanga mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco Salazar.

The government had described the villagers as "hostages" but Roxas said it appeared they could be free to leave if they wished.

"It appears that what happened is not hostage-taking but more of them being turned into human shields by the MNLF forces who entered their communities. People are free to get in and out of there, they are not bound, they are not detained," he said.

"Whether they are hostages or not is still being validated."

The gunmen, followers of MNLF foun- der Nur Misuari, landed by boat and poured into the fishing villages on Monday before mounting an assault on Zamboanga, causing panic in the city of nearly one million people.

Misuari, who could not be reached by AFP nor by government negotiators, had earlier declared "independence" for the Muslim southern regions of the mainly Catholic Philippines and called on his followers to besiege government installations.

President Benigno Aquino, speaking to reporters in Manila, refused to set a deadline for resolving the crisis.

"We can't be giving deadlines when what we want to ensure is that no more civilians are affected, hurt or killed," he said.

The initial attack killed four people and left 14 injured, Roxas and Salazar said, reducing the toll given on Monday when the mayor said there were six dead and 24 wounded, and giving no explanation for the revision.

Military spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Ramon Zagala estimated there were 180 MNLF gunmen hiding out in the communities and armed with rifles and mortars, revising down

an earlier estimate of 200 to 300.

About 1,500 elite troops backed by a smaller number of police have surrounded the area to hold the gunmen in place and prevent the arrival of potential rebel reinforcements, he said.

Defence Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, speaking alongside Roxas and Salazar, said government forces "were able to intercept" other MNLF forces who had been on their way to Zamboanga, but gave no details.

MNLF spokesman Emmanuel Fontanilla told DZMM radio that the rebels were prepared to dig in.

"Our forces will stay where they are. They are on a defensive posture," he said.

The fighting has displaced about 1,500 residents of the mainly Muslim villages.

ABS-CBN television footage showed hundreds of residents, including old women and children, spending the night sleeping on the floor of crowded gyms after fleeing the conflict.

Misuari has criticised a preliminary peace deal signed last year by the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, which split from the MNLF in 1978.

He said the agreement marginalised his group and a peace treaty that it signed in 1996.

The gunmen launched their attack as the government prepared to resume peace talks with the MILF, aimed at ending a 42-year-old rebellion that has claimed 150,000 lives.

It was the second such attack on Zamboanga since 2001, when Misuari's men men also took dozens of hostages and left many more dead, but were given safe passage out of the city by freeing their captives.

Misuari fled to Malaysia, where he was arrested and deported, and was kept in police prisons in Manila until the government dropped all charges against him in 2008. — AFP

Kredit: www.thestar.com.my

The Star Online: Entertainment: TV & Radio

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The Star Online: Entertainment: TV & Radio


Does Dexter have a killer ending in its final season?

Posted:

All good things must come to an end. Dexter's lead star Michael C. Hall promises closure for the final season of the hit series.

IT has been seven years since we first witnessed Dexter Morgan kill. Terrified yet captivated, we watched him methodically stalk his victim – a pastor and boys' choir conductor named Mike Donovan who rapes and kills young boys – in the dark of the night.

Dexter abducted and then choked him into submission using a wire. We watched in horror and anticipation as Dexter stood over his victim, who he'd laid naked on a long table, bound tightly with shrink wrap (industrial strength, for sure) and duct tape.

We marvelled at the "kill room" which was covered completely in plastic (to avoid any traces of blood and body parts).

We watched with bated breath as Dexter stood menacingly over his victim and forced him to admit his crime. We shuddered as he made an incision on the victim's cheek and collected a blood sample from the incapacitated man. Finally, we gasped as he decapitated his victim, limb by limb.

It has been seven years, 144 episodes, 125 kills, and through it all, we've watched Dexter evolve. In the early seasons, he was a shell of a human being, incapable of any real human emotion, merely going through the motions of being a brother, boyfriend, husband, friend and colleague. He lived by the code his father, Harry (James Remar), bequethed him to help channel his need to kill.

By the end of Season Seven, Dexter has become a conflicted man who craves the acceptance and love of a family life with his son, Harrison, while coming to terms with his "dark passenger" – the psychological manifestation of his need to kill. The conflict is further exacerbated when Dexter's identity is exposed to his adoptive sister, Debra (Jennifer Carpenter), a lieutenant with the Miami Metro's homicide division, and police captain Maria LaGuerta (Lauren Velez) is hot on his heels.

With the eighth and final season of Dexter premiering tonight in Malaysia (it is midway through in the United States), we wonder, what will happen to television's arguably most-loved serial killer.

In a telephone interview, Dexter lead star Michael C. Hall hints that fans won't be disappointed with the final season of the show.

"We aren't sputtering to the finish line but actually have something really decisive and exciting to play as we move to the final episode. Everything isn't wrapped up in a bow, but there is a sense of closure that the final episode will give people," he says ambiguously.

Over the phone, Hall comes across as being very candid (though cryptic about details of the season) and disarmingly friendly, fielding questions from five reporters around the region. Having played the character for seven seasons, he admits that he was, going into production for the final season, anxious how Dexter's story would play out.

"I, along with everyone else on the show, have been charged with breathing life into something that, if we did a great job, would be really special. I'm excited about this final season and what the writers decided to do, and I look forward to seeing how people respond," he says.

While he is careful not to reveal details on how the series will end, Hall does disclose that the final season will feature a key element of Dexter's back story through the introduction of a new character – Dr Vogel, played by British actress Charlotte Rampling (Swimming Pool, The Duchess).

"Dr Vogel is a catalyst for moving the story forward. The show explores a maternal relationship that has never really been explored before and it exploits Dexter's appetite for that kind of connection. She is remarkable in that she completely reframes Dexter's origin story. He obviously thought that (his father) Harry acted alone but discovers through his introduction to Dr Vogel that Harry himself was conditioned to believed the things he instilled in Dexter," the 42-year-old actor shares.

This new revelation, Hall says, is in line with the ongoing struggle with his character.

"Dexter has had an appetite to rebel against his father and the code for some time now. And for him, to rebel is to have a conventional life. Harry encouraged him to believe that he can't have normal human relationships, and I think what he discovers about his father in this season humanises Harry in a way. Harry is much more nuanced. Dr Vogel takes Harry's place in a way, and instead of some internal energy (by which Harry was represented), she is real flesh and blood, a real living, breathing person whom Dexter can have conversations with," he says.

Hall also makes his directorial debut in the second episode of this season which has received rave reviews from critics.

"The opportunity (to direct) has been there for me for three or four seasons and for scheduling reasons, I wasn't able to take advantage of it. But this being the last season, I really wanted to give a shot at it. I really enjoyed it and am grateful that it was a pretty pivotal episode in as much as Dexter was discovering things that completely reframed his sense of his own origin," he shares enthusiastically.

When asked what "Michael C. Hall, the director" thought of "Michael C. Hall the actor" (and vice versa), he chuckles.

"Well, we have a real simpatico … a real shorthand. We can communicate non-verbally. I think this show has required me to, at times, direct myself, and so, I was comfortable wearing both hats. But, yes, I think Michael C. Hall, the actor likes Michael C. Hall the director," he says, good-humouredly.

For Hall, the end of Dexter is bitter-sweet.

"I'm feeling – to be honest – very tired, as much as anything, " he says with a laugh. "There is a vague sense of sadness, but also a sense of pride and collective accomplishment. But, this is only the beginning of my decompression process. I think Dexter has informed me, and I in turn have informed the character … sometimes, it's hard to know where one starts and the other ends. I've always admired Dexter's decisiveness. He is a man of action and it is invigorating to play someone like that sometimes. But, I am ready to put him down and feel what life is like without being preoccupied with his unique and formidable side and stresses," he concludes.

Catch the premiere of the eighth and final season of Dexter tonight at 10.50pm on FOX Crime HD (Astro Ch 610).

Related story

Michael C Hall on Dexter

‘The Voice’ adds Cher, Ed Sheeran, Ryan Tedder, Miguel as advisers

Posted:

More A-list singers added to hit show to boost ratings.

CHER, Ed Sheeran, OneRepublic's Ryan Tedder and Miguel have been enlisted as advisers for the upcoming cycle of NBC's hit singing competitionThe Voice, NBC Entertainment's president, late-night entertainment and alternative programming Paul Telegdy said on Sept 9. Cher will work with coach Blake Shelton, while The A-Team musician Sheeran will team with Christina Aguilera. Meanwhile, Tedder will pair with Adam Levine and singer Miguel will advise Cee Lo Green's team. 

"This group of wildly successful musicians will add their distinctive talents to their respective teams," Telegdy said. "I know Christina, Adam, Cee Lo and Blake are very much looking forward to having them come aboard."

The Voice returns to the air in the US on Sept. 23. – Reuters

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The Star Online: World Updates

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Exclusive - French draft, disliked by Russia, would give Syria chemical arms ultimatum

Posted:

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - An initial French draft U.N. Security Council resolution would demand that Syria make a complete declaration of its chemical weapons program within 15 days and immediately open all related sites to U.N. inspectors or face possible punitive measures, Reuters has learned.

The elements of the draft resolution, seen by Reuters on Tuesday, adds that the Security Council would intend "in the event of non-compliance by the Syrian authorities with the provisions of this resolution ... to adopt further necessary measures under Chapter VII" of the U.N. Charter.

Chapter 7 of the U.N. Charter covers the 15-nation Security Council's power to take steps ranging from sanctions to military interventions. It is the reference to Chapter 7, U.N. diplomats say, that has made Russia reluctant to support the initial French draft.

The draft also makes clear the council considers the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is responsible for the chemical attack on August 21 that killed hundreds and for other attacks. It would demand "the immediate cessation of the use of chemical weapons by the Syrian authorities."

It would note the council's "profound concern at the risk of further use of chemical weapons by the Syrian authorities, considering the significant stockpiles of chemical weapons detained by the Syrian authorities."

The French draft comes in response to a Russian plan, announced on Monday, for Syria to hand over its chemical weapons to international control in order to avoid a U.S. military strike. Syria has said it accepts the Russian plan.

The United States says it is willing to discuss the Russian plan and hold off striking Syria over the August 21 chemical attack, which it blames on Assad's government.

The draft would also ask the council to refer Syria's 2-1/2 year civil war to the International Criminal Court in The Hague for possible war crimes indictments. That, diplomats say, would also be hard for Assad's ally Moscow to accept.

The draft would demand "that the Syrian authorities submit to the Secretary-General (Ban Ki-moon), within 15 days of the adoption of the present resolution, an exhaustive, complete and definitive declaration of the locations, amount and types of all items related to its chemical warfare program."

It would also demand that U.N. inspectors "in close coordination with the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, will carry out immediate on-site inspections of Syria's chemical, biological and related vehicles, based on Syria's declaration and the designation of any additional locations by the (U.N. investigation) Mission itself."

The Syrian government would also be required to "allow immediate, unconditional and unrestricted access to any and all areas, facilities, equipment, records and means of transport."

The draft would call for an "immediate travel ban and asset freeze against individuals responsible for any violations of this resolution."

Britain, France and the United States began negotiations on the draft on Tuesday, envoys said. Further discussions with the other two Security Council veto powers - Russia and China - will continue in the coming days.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will meet in Geneva on Thursday. The draft resolution is expected to be a key topic of discussion, as well as Russia's ideas for what the council should approve, diplomats say.

The United Nations says over 100,000 people have died in Syria's civil war.

French U.N. Security Council draft on Syria chemical weapons

Posted:

(Reuters) - Following are elements of a French draft U.N. Security Council resolution, obtained by Reuters on Tuesday, that would give Syria an ultimatum to give up its chemical weapons in line with a Russian plan or face "necessary measures."

The Security Council

PP1.Expressing its horror at the use of chemical weapons on 21 August 2013 in Rif Damascus and the large scale fatalities that resulted from it,

PP2.Expressing profound concern at the risk of further use of chemical weapons by the Syrian authorities, considering the significant stockpiles of chemical weapons detained by the Syrian authorities,

PP3.Affirming that the use of chemical weapons constitutes a serious violation of international law,

PP4.Affirming that the use of chemical weapons on this scale marks the gravest escalation in the disproportionate, indiscriminate and systematic use of weapons by the Syrian authorities against its own people, and can constitute a war crime and a crime against humanity,

PP5.Recalling that Syria is party to the 1925 Geneva Protocol which prohibits the use in war of asphyxiating, poisonous or other gas, and of bacteriological methods of warfare,

PP6.Stressing that those responsible for attacks on civilians, and any attacks using chemical weapons, including attacks by forces under their control, must be held accountable,

PP7.Recalling resolution 1540 (1984) which affirms that proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, as well as their means of delivery, constitutes a threat to international peace and security,

PP8.Determining that the situation in Syria constitutes a threat to international peace and security,

Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,

1. Condemns the use of chemical weapons by the Syrian authorities on 21 August 2013 against the civilian population of Rif Damascus in violation of its obligations under international law;

2. Demands that these authorities strictly and urgently observe their obligations under international law with respect to chemical and biological weapons, in particular resolution 1540 (2004) and the 1925 Geneva Protocol

3. Demands the immediate cessation of the use of chemical weapons by the Syrian authorities;

4. Demands that the Syrian authorities fully comply with the Mission mandated by UNSG to investigate a number of allegations of use of chemical weapons in the Syrian Arab Republic, and ensure the security of the Mission,

5. Demands Syria to reaffirm unconditionally its obligation under the Geneva Protocol for the Prohibition of the Use in war of asphyxiating, poisonous or other gases, and of bacteriological methods of warfare, signed at Geneva on 17 June 1925, and to access the Convention on the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and to ratify the Convention of the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological and toxin weapons and their destruction;

6. Decides that the Syrian authorities shall unconditionally destruct, remove or render harmless, under international supervision and take all necessary measures and appropriate means in that regard : (a) all chemical and biological weapons and all stocks of agents and all related subsystems and components and all research, development, support and manufacturing facilities and (b) all means capable of delivering chemical weapons and related major parts, and repair and production facilities;

7. Demands that the Syrian authorities submit to the Secretary-General, within fifteen days of the adoption of the present resolution, an exhaustive, complete and definitive declaration of the locations, amount and types of all items related to its chemical warfare program specified in paragraph 6;

8. Decides that the Mission to investigate allegations of the use of chemical weapons in the Syrian Arab Republic, in close coordination with the Organisation for the prohibition of Chemical Weapons, will carry out immediate on-site inspections of Syria's chemical, biological and related vehicles, based on Syria's declaration and the designation of any additional locations by the Mission itself;

9. Decides that Syria shall allow immediate, unconditional and unrestricted access to any and all areas, facilities, equipment, records and means of transport which the Mission wishes to inspect in accordance with the mandate given by the present resolution, as well as to all officials and other persons linked to the Syrian chemical and biological weapons program including their means of delivery, and stresses the importance of ensuring that the Mission have all necessary resources and authority for the fulfilment of its work in Syria;

10. Demands the Syrian authorities to take all necessary steps and appropriate measures to ensure the proper custody of all chemical weapons, precursors and agents, and vehicles as mentioned in paragraph 6 pending their destruction, removal or rendering harmless, and to prevent their proliferation and dissemination;

11. Requests the Head of the Mission, in close coordination with the Director General of the OPCW to communicate to the Security Council, within after the submission by the Syrian authorities referred to in OP6, his first report on the application of the mandate given by the present resolution including the cooperation extended by the Syrian authorities, and to provide additional reports on a monthly basis;

12. Decides that direct or indirect supply, sale or transfer to and from the Syrian Arab Republic, of chemical or biological weapons and related precursors, agent and materiel of all types, including technical assistance, training, financial or other assistance shall immediately be prohibited, and, in this context;

12. Calls upon all Member States to inspect, in accordance with their national authorities and legislation and consistent with international law, in particular the law of the sea and relevant international civil aviation agreements, all cargo to and from Syria, in their territory, including seaports and airports, if the State concerned has information that provides reasonable grounds to believe the cargo contains items the supply, sale, transfer, or export of which is prohibited by paragraphs 5 of this resolution;

13. Decides to establish, in accordance with rule 28 of its provisional rules of procedure, a Committee of the Security Council consisting of all the members of the Council, to undertake the following tasks: (a) to seek from all States, in particular those in the region and those producing the items, materials, equipment, goods and technology referred to in paragraph 5, and from the secretariat of the OPCW information regarding the actions taken by them to implement effectively the measures imposed by this resolution and whatever further information it may consider useful in this regard; (b) to examine and take appropriate action following information regarding alleged violations of measures imposed this resolution; (c) to consider and decide upon requests for exemptions; (d) to determine as may be necessary additional items, materials, equipment, goods and technology to be specified for the purpose of paragraph 5 above; (e) to designate as may be necessary individuals and entities subject to the measures imposed by paragraph 12 above; (f) to promulgate guidelines as may be necessary to facilitate the implementation of the measures imposed by this resolution and include in such guidelines a requirement on States to provide information where possible as to why any individuals and/or entities meet the criteria set out in paragraph 12 and any relevant identifying information; (g) to report at least every 90 days to the Security Council on its work and on the implementation of this resolution, with its observations and recommendations, in particular on ways to strengthen the effectiveness of the measures imposed by this resolution;

14. Decides to establish immediate travel ban and asset freeze against individuals responsible for any violations of this resolution as designated by the Committee of the Security Council,

15. Decides to refer the situation in Syria since March 2011 to the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court,

16. Decides that all Member States shall cooperate fully with and provide any necessary assistance to the Court and the Prosecutor pursuant to this resolution and urges concerned regional and other international organisations, including the International Independent Commission of Inquiry, to cooperate fully with the Court and the Prosecutor;

17.Affirms that it shall keep the Syrian authorities' actions under continuous review, and stresses its intention, in the event of non-compliance by the Syrian authorities with the provisions of this resolution in light of the reports requested in OP10,to adopt further necessary measures under Chapter VII;

18. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter

(Reporting by Louis Charbonneau)

Obama vows to explore diplomatic route on Syria chemical weapons

Posted:

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama vowed on Tuesday to explore a diplomatic initiative from Russia to neutralize Syria's chemical weapons but voiced scepticism about it and urged war-weary Americans to support his threat to use military force.

Obama said a Russian offer to push Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to place chemical weapons under international control opened up the possibility of halting the limited military strike that he is considering against Syria.

Speaking from the White House's East Room, Obama said U.S. he would discuss the diplomatic option with Russian President Vladimir Putin, with whom he has had rocky relations.

Obama asked the U.S. Senate to put off a vote on his request for an authorization of military force to let the diplomacy play out. It has been far from certain whether Obama would win a vote in the restive Congress on the Syrian issue. A negative outcome would be a huge embarrassment for the president.

Obama set no deadlines for diplomacy to run its course, but said any deal with Assad would require verification that the Syrian president keeps his word.

"It's too early to tell whether this offer will succeed. And any agreement must verify that the Assad regime keeps its commitments. But this initiative has the potential to remove the threat of chemical weapons without the use of force, particularly because Russia is one of Assad's strongest allies."

The Russian offer had the effect of extending Obama a lifeline as he fought an uphill battle to persuade Congress and Americans to support a go-it-alone attack on Syria.

RESISTANCE IN CONGRESS

Obama has faced stiff resistance in Congress to any military action and lawmakers on both sides of the issue were quick to seize on the Russian proposal as a possible way out, despite doubts about its eventual success.

Obama used much of his speech to lay out the case against Syria, saying there was plenty of evidence showing that the Syrian government was behind an August 21 chemical weapons attack that killed 1,429 people, including more than 400 children.

He argued that Syria should face consequences for using such weapons because much of the world has adopted a ban on chemical weapons. If the civilized world does nothing to respond, it will only embolden U.S. adversaries and increase the chances U.S. troops might one day face these weapons on the battlefield, he argued.

"If we fail to act, the Assad regime will see no reason to stop using chemical weapons," Obama said. "As the ban against these weapons erodes, other tyrants will have no reason to think twice about acquiring poison gas and using them."

In a sign of the shifting political mood in Washington toward diplomacy, a group of Republican and Democratic U.S. senators began drafting a modified resolution on the use of military force that would give the United Nations time to take control of Syria's chemical weapons.

The Russian diplomatic initiative, which emerged after off-the-cuff remarks by Kerry on Monday alluding to such a deal, marked a sudden reversal following weeks in which the West seemed headed toward intervening into Syria's 2-1/2-year-old civil war.

Obama spent much of the speech outlining why he feels the United States has a global obligation to respond to the Syrian chemical weapons onslaught. He portrayed the August 21 attack in graphic terms.

"The images from this massacre are sickening: men, women, children lying in rows, killed by poison gas; others foaming at the mouth, gasping for breath; a father clutching his dead children, imploring them to get up and walk," he said.

He said any U.S. military action would be limited, nothing like the Iraq and Afghanistan wars that he has spent much of his presidency winding down. No American troops will be on the ground in Syria if action is taken, Obama said.

"This would be a targeted strike to achieve a clear objective, deterring the use of chemical weapons and degrading Assad's capabilities," he said.

Any strike would still have an impact, he insisted, pushing back against some members of Congress who argue there is no point in doing a "pinprick" strike in Syria.

"Let me make something clear: The United States military doesn't do pinpricks. Even a limited strike will send a message to Assad that no other nation can deliver," he said.

Still, the overwhelming message from Obama was that he would like to avoid taking military action, a reflection of his own personal view toward diplomacy and a response to polls showing Americans are opposed.

Initial reaction to the speech from some undecided lawmakers showed scepticism about military intervention.

"America should bring the world together to condemn and penalize Syria for this action. Such an effort, however, is best pursued through international negotiation and diplomacy," Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon said.

(Additional reporting by Mark Felsenthal and Thomas Ferraro; Editing by Alistair Bell and Stacey Joyce)

Kredit: www.thestar.com.my

The Star eCentral: Movie Buzz

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The Star eCentral: Movie Buzz


Chapman To comes into his own as leading man

Posted:

Hong Kong star stays humble despite succcess.

This year has been Hong Kong comedic actor Chapman To's busiest year for film promotions.

The 41-year-old has already taken on six films this year, including the raunchy action-comedy flick Sex Duties Unit, released in July, and The Midas Touch (playing in cinemas now).

If his time has indeed come, To, who had been best known for his supporting roles in the Infernal Affairs film trilogy (2002-2003), is being humble about it, constantly taking the mickey out of himself in a recent telephone interview.

"I'm such a fat pig, which is what my wife has been calling me lately, so I feel like it's kind of unfair for audiences to have to see me like this, especially when I keep taking off my clothes in films," he says almost matter-of-factly.

In The Midas Touch, he plays a debt collector-turned-novice artiste manager, who is determined to turn a motley group of seven girls into big-name pop stars in the vein of South Korean girl group Girls' Generation.

While his character is ultimately a nice guy who holds the girls' best interests at heart, situations abound in the film when he becomes tempted to take advantage of the casting couch situation and accept sexual propositions from the girls.

Asked about whether he has experienced the same kind of indecent proposals in real life since he is now a leading man in the movies, he laughs and wryly says that he is "nowhere as lucky as that", jokingly blaming the dearth of offers on his lack of charisma.

He also reveals he has been hitting the gym recently, though it is not a move spurred on by vanity or the pressure to match the efforts of Nick Cheung, a fellow supporting player-turned-leading man.

The rock-hard, sculpted body Cheung, 45, achieved for the boxing-themed drama Unbeatable was the talk of the town recently.

To is working out to play the lead role of an adult video star in Naked Ambition 2, a sequel to the 2003 comedy which takes an inside look at Hong Kong's sex industry. He is currently filming the comedy in addition to two other movies, Love Gamble and Mr And Mrs Player.

According to him, his wife, Hong Kong actress Kristal Tin, 35, has no qualms about him acting alongside Japanese adult-video actresses such as Sola Aoi and Maiko Yuki. "She just told me to go ahead and enjoy my work," he quips.

Tin probably could be sure her husband would behave himself. In The Midas Touch, the only on-screen kiss that he has in the film is not shared with one of the actresses, but with Hong Kong actor Wong Cho Lam, 33, whom his character smooches by mistake.

"His height was just right for me for the kissing scene. And the kiss felt good, actually." – The Straits Times, Singapore/Asia News Network

Kredit: www.thestar.com.my

The Star Online: Business

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Green Packet jumps in active trade

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KUALA LUMPUR: Green Packet's securities rose in very active trade early Wednesday, driven by heavy speculative interest about a possibility of selling its controlling stake in Packet One Networks Sdn Bhd (P1).

At 9.18am, Green Packet shares rose four sen to 43.5 sen with 10.24 million shares done. It warrants added three sen to 17 sen with 20.73 million units done.

The FBM KLCI rose 10.75 points to 1,775.70. Turnover was 224.77 million shares done valued at RM132.26mil. There were 269 gainers, 40 losers and 162 counters unchanged.

StarBiz reported a three-way fight for the acquisition of a controlling stake in P1 may ensue.

The three possible parties eyeing the WiMAX operator were DiGi.Com Bhd, the YTL group and Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM).

P1 is a 57% unit of listed Green Packet Bhd and owns valuable wireless spectrum. It owns 30MHz in the 2.3GHz band (that is used for its WiMAX network), and was one of the eight companies to be awarded last year with 20MHz of the 2.6GHz spectrum, which would be suitable for long-term evolution (LTE) or 4G-LTE type of services in the future. 

Malaysia’s KLCI rallies on for third day

Posted:

KUALA LUMPUR: Encouraged by the firmer regional and US markets, the FBM KLCI extended its gains for the third day on Wednesday as investors picked up banking stocks and key plantation stocks.

At 9.07am, the KLCI was up 8.74 points to 1,773.69. Turnover was 129.09 million shares valued at RM72.59mil. There were 220 gainers, 24 losers and 128 counters unchanged.

Reuters reported Asian stocks rose on Wednesday, on track to post their 10th straight day of gains, while investors gave the safe-haven yen a wide berth as optimism for the Chinese economy grew and worries about U.S. military strikes on Syria receded.

BIMB Securities Research believes the local market will continue its momentum on the uptrend but investors shall remain cautious with the increased market volatility.

"Expect to see immediate resistance at 1,775/85 while support at 1,754/43," it said.

Petronas-related stocks were among the gainers, with Petronas Dagangan adding 38 sen to RM28.48 while Petronas Gas gained 16 sen to RM21.46.

Among plantations, KL Kepong added 26 sen to RM22.56 and PPB Group rose 12 sen to RM14.20.

HLFG was the top gainer among finance stocks, rising 14 sen to RM14.94 while Aeon Credit jumped 36 sen to RM16.70.

UMW fell the most, down 18 sen to RM12.66. PetDag-HA fell six sen to nine sen while Appple-CP lost three sen to 17.5 sen.

Breaking Bad' Fan Slaps Apple With Class-Action Lawsuit Over ITunes Pricing

Posted:

LOS ANGELES: "Breaking Bad" fans are breaking mad about the way they're being charged for their favorite show on iTunes.

Well, one of them is, anyway — but he's angry enough to sue, and he wants other irked "Breaking Bad" followers to join him.

Apple has been hit with a class-action lawsuit by a Cleveland man angry that iTunes is charging separately for the final eight episodes of the AMC meth drama under iTunes' Season Pass program.

"When a consumer buys a ticket to a football game, he does not have to leave at halftime," the lawsuit — filed in U.S. District Court in California on Friday — reads. "When a consumer buys a 'Season Pass' to a full season of a television show on iTunes, that consumer should get access to the whole season."

The suit goes on to tell the tale of Noam Lazebnik, MD, and his son-in-law, Jeremy Tor, who ordered the fifth and final season of "Breaking Bad," only to find out that they were only given access to the first eight episodes. (The fifth season of "Breaking Bad" was broken up into two eight-episode parts split up by nearly a year, with the second half premiering on AMC last month.)

According to the suit, the fifth season of "Breaking Bad" has consistently been billed as 16 episodes, and iTunes promised that its Season Pass package for "Breaking Bad" included "all current and future episodes of 'Breaking Bad Season 5.'"

However, the complaint says, Apple later changed the characterization of the last eight episodes as a "Final Season," and dinged fans for another fee.

The suit alleges breach of contract, violation of the Calfornia Consumers Legal Remedies Act, and violation of the California Unfair Competition Act.

The complaint asks that Apple compensate those who purchased the Season Pass for "Breaking Bad," whether or not they ultimately decided to pay for the final eight episodes or not.- Reuters

Kredit: www.thestar.com.my

The Star Online: Nation

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The Star moves to integrate media platforms

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SHAH ALAM: The Star celebrated its 42nd anniversary with the goal to integrate its print and digital platforms.

Star Publications (M) Bhd acting group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai said the integration of the company's print, radio, LiTV and digital platforms was important.

"The Star is at a transition point now; although The Star remains the biggest English daily, we must continue to strengthen our digital platform.

"We have to change the way we work and put effort in convergence," he said at the celebration at Star Media Hub, Bukit Jelutong.

Marking the occasion: Wong (fourth from left), executive director Tan Sri Kamal Hashim (centre), print business executive vice-president Calvin Kan (fifth from right) and some of the recipients of the long serving awards cutting the cake during the 42nd anniversary celebration in Bukit Jelutong.

Wong added that the way the media delivered news now was also different – it is not just about utilising the online platform but it needed to have the cutting edge to move forward.

The media, he said, must always innovate or it would evaporate.

Wong remembered the scepticism the company faced when it first launched the online portal but was proud to announce that despite competition from other online portals,

The Star Online is still the number one news portal in Malaysia.

Some of the retired key movers of The Star, whom Wong referred to as "Old Warriors" were also invited to the event.

"We must not forget our roots, the past is important," he said.

There was a cake-cutting ceremony to mark the occasion and employees enjoyed performances and a sumptuous spread.

At the anniversary, 29 employees were given the 15-Year Long Service awards in appreciation for their services to the company.

Ads and Support assistant manager Tan Chin Ai, 37, remembered how they had to cover the fax machines with cardboard every Friday before leaving work at the old office in Section 13, Petaling Jaya, in case it rained because the roof leaked.

"The excitement of the job is what keeps me motivated for 15 years, I learn different things every day," she said.

Assistant store keeper Mohd Kamal Mohd Mohd Jan, 40, has only good memories working in The Star.

"The company provides us benefits. I feel appreciated.

"I am proud to tell others that I work for The Star. I hope to work here till I retire," he said.

Yam-my mooncakes a hit with customers

Posted:

JOHOR BARU: Ten days before the Mid-Autumn Festival, a local bakery's speciality of fresh yam mooncake is already flying off the shelves.

Tan Lay Kin, 53, the proprietor of Yee Siang Confectionery in Taman Sentosa here, said customers had begun asking about the mooncake which was baked with flaky, buttery dough.

"Our regular customers – some from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur – always come back to our shop to look for the yam mooncakes as they are not common. We cannot compromise on the yam paste as it is the main ingredient," said Tan, who had enlisted the help of her 10 siblings and relatives to make the mooncakes during this festive period.

"We have to wake up at 5am daily to prepare the ingredients and the process does not stop until midnight," she said, adding that the recipe for the mooncake, which was passed down from her parents, had remained the same for over 30 years.

She said the yams, freshly bought from suppliers, were peeled, soaked and mashed into paste before being steamed and left to cool.

"We make batches of dough by hand and roll the filling into them before they are baked in the store," she said, adding that the bakery could sell up to 1,000 boxes containing four of the yam mooncakes each day.

Because the mooncakes were made with no preservatives, Tan said they could only last between two days and a week if kept refrigerated.

The mooncakes are sold at RM38 per box and RM42 for those with a single yolk.

New smartphone app allows the disabled to alert rescue services during emergency

Posted:

PUTRAJAYA: Those with speech or hearing disorders now have access to a smartphone application that will send a message to rescue services asking for help during an emergency.

SaveMe 999 is a non-voice application that operates through a smartphone with mobile connectivity.

Communication and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said the Government had developed the application, which was available for free download at www.SaveME.999.gov.my.

"Telekom Malaysia Bhd (which helped build SaveMe 999) is now looking at a similar application for the blind," he said during the launch of the application at a hotel here yesterday.

To use the application, users will be required to key in certain personal details, including name, details of the disability, next-of-kin's contact details and their OKU (orang kelainan upaya) registration number.

The information will be stored for the reference of emergency rescuers, when their services are called for.

To report an emergency, the user is required to click on the type of emergency being reported and may choose to upload a photo of the incident.

The location of the smartphone user will be sent to the rescue service through a GPS (global positioning system) function.

The user will receive an SMS (short message service) notification when the report has been successfully submitted to the 999 service.

About 1.6% of the Malaysian population – or 464,967 people – is recorded in the Social Welfare Department database as having a disability.

Of these, 42,909 are visual-impaired, 55,517 are hearing-impaired, 153,918 have physical disabilities, 170,809 have learning disabilities, 2,725 have speech impairments and 16,998 have mental disabilities.

Ahmad Shabery said the ministry would study the possibility of extending the use of SaveMe 999 to everyone.

"I also wish to remind the people not to abuse the emergency services."

Kredit: www.thestar.com.my

The Star Online: Entertainment: Movies

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Chapman To comes into his own as leading man

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Hong Kong star stays humble despite succcess.

This year has been Hong Kong comedic actor Chapman To's busiest year for film promotions.

The 41-year-old has already taken on six films this year, including the raunchy action-comedy flick Sex Duties Unit, released in July, and The Midas Touch (playing in cinemas now).

If his time has indeed come, To, who had been best known for his supporting roles in the Infernal Affairs film trilogy (2002-2003), is being humble about it, constantly taking the mickey out of himself in a recent telephone interview.

"I'm such a fat pig, which is what my wife has been calling me lately, so I feel like it's kind of unfair for audiences to have to see me like this, especially when I keep taking off my clothes in films," he says almost matter-of-factly.

In The Midas Touch, he plays a debt collector-turned-novice artiste manager, who is determined to turn a motley group of seven girls into big-name pop stars in the vein of South Korean girl group Girls' Generation.

While his character is ultimately a nice guy who holds the girls' best interests at heart, situations abound in the film when he becomes tempted to take advantage of the casting couch situation and accept sexual propositions from the girls.

Asked about whether he has experienced the same kind of indecent proposals in real life since he is now a leading man in the movies, he laughs and wryly says that he is "nowhere as lucky as that", jokingly blaming the dearth of offers on his lack of charisma.

He also reveals he has been hitting the gym recently, though it is not a move spurred on by vanity or the pressure to match the efforts of Nick Cheung, a fellow supporting player-turned-leading man.

The rock-hard, sculpted body Cheung, 45, achieved for the boxing-themed drama Unbeatable was the talk of the town recently.

To is working out to play the lead role of an adult video star in Naked Ambition 2, a sequel to the 2003 comedy which takes an inside look at Hong Kong's sex industry. He is currently filming the comedy in addition to two other movies, Love Gamble and Mr And Mrs Player.

According to him, his wife, Hong Kong actress Kristal Tin, 35, has no qualms about him acting alongside Japanese adult-video actresses such as Sola Aoi and Maiko Yuki. "She just told me to go ahead and enjoy my work," he quips.

Tin probably could be sure her husband would behave himself. In The Midas Touch, the only on-screen kiss that he has in the film is not shared with one of the actresses, but with Hong Kong actor Wong Cho Lam, 33, whom his character smooches by mistake.

"His height was just right for me for the kissing scene. And the kiss felt good, actually." – The Straits Times, Singapore/Asia News Network

Japanese feast for film buffs

Posted:

The Japanese Film Festival returns for its 10th year. This time around, it will be extended to Sabah and Sarawak as well.

TALK about Japanese-Malaysian relations! This year's Japanese Film Festival is opening with Ken & Mary, a movie about a Japanese man who travels to Kuala Lumpur and finds himself paired up with a truck driver who is happy to converse in nonsensical Japanese.

Shot in Malaysia in 2011, we will be catching this film before our friends in Japan. This is the world premiere for the movie – it is scheduled to be released in Japan in November. Fans of Malaysian comedian Zizan Raja Lawak, take note: he appears in the movie as a colleague of the daughter of the Japanese man who is hell bent on breaking off her engagement.

Organised by The Japan Foundation in Kuala Lumpur, the film festival is now in its 10th year. Usually held in Klang Valley and Penang, this year's film festival has been extended to Kuching, Sarawak and Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

The festival offers nine movies, from comedy to animation and everything in between. (The film festival in Kuching and Kota Kinabalu will showcase eight movies. Dearest is showing only in Klang Valley and Penang.)

The 2013 Japanese Film Festival will be held at Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) in Kuala Lumpur (Mid Valley and Pavilion) and Petaling Jaya, Selangor (One Utama) from Sept 12 to 17; Penang (Gurney Plaza) from Sept 19 to 22; Kuching (CityOne Megamall) from Sept 26 to 29; and Kota Kinabalu (Suria Sabah Mall) from Oct 3 to 6.

Movie tickets are priced at RM6 each, with the exception of Detective Conan: Private Eye In The Distant Sea, which can be purchased at the prevailing ticket price.

As usual, tickets can be purchased from as early as two days prior to the screening from GSC box office or online. Below is a quick look at the selection of movies that will be screened at the 2013 Japanese Film Festival.

Ken & Mary (2011, 87 min)

When his plane has to make an emergency landing, Ken Katakura finds himself stranded in a remote part of Malaysia. He has to make his way to Kuala Lumpur to stop his daughter from getting married, so he hooks up with a truck driver who is strangely partial to Japan and speaks nonsensical Japanese. Malaysian actor Zizan Raja Lawak makes an appearance in this movie which also stars Takenaka Naoto, Hu Bing and Kitano Kii.

At River's Edge (2011, 104 min)

Skilled swordsman Sakunosuke is ordered to kill someone. It should be easy enough, but then he finds out that the target is Sakuma, his childhood friend, and also his brother-in-law. Does work, or friendship and family win? Starring Higashiyama Noriyuki, Rinko Kikuchi, Katsuji Ryo and Kataoka Ainosuke.

The Chef Of South Polar (2009, 125 min)

This chef has never quite done anything like this before. He has to cook for an eight-man team for one-and-a-half years, the duration of their research expedition in the South Pole. Trivia: there is one man who is addicted to Ramen. More trivia: someone else on the team is training to participate in a triathlon when he returns to Japan. Starring Sakai Masato, Namase Katsuhisa, Kitaro, Kora Kengo and Toyohara Kousuke.

The Kirishima Thing (2012, 103 min)

The most popular student in school is going to withdraw from after-school activities, but "uncool" film club member Maeda doesn't care and continues to shoot a zombie movie. But then it all escalates into something with unexpected consequences. Starring Kamiki Ryunosuke, Hashimoto Ai and Ohgo Suzuka.

Until The Break Of Dawn (2012, 129 min)

Ayumi is a "Connector" who links the living with their dearly departed. But soon he has doubts as to whether these people are better off without making the connection, especially after the mysterious deaths of his parents. Starring Matsuzaka Tori, Kiki Kilin and Sato Ryuta.

Oblivion Island: Haruka And The Magic Mirror (2009, 100 min)

While praying at the shrine for the return of the hand mirror her late mother gave to her, Haruka is distracted by a small fox-like creature who runs off with her house key. She gives chase, is sucked into a warm pool when she dips her hand in it, and lands in the World of the Neglected, home to objects long forgotten. Starring Ayase Haruka, Sawashiro Miyuki and Tanimura Mitsuki.

The Great Passage (2013, 133 min)

The eccentric Mitsuya Majime is transferred to the Dictionary Editorial Department thanks to his unique perception of the meaning of words. Then along comes a woman who most inconveniently renders him tongue-tied. Starring Matsuda Ryuhei, Miyazaki Aoi and Odagiri Joe.

Detective Conan: Private Eye In The Distant Sea (2013, 110 min)

(priced at prevailing ticket price)

The corpse of a Self-Defense Force member has been found, minus the left arm. A spy has infiltrated the Aegis vessel and Conan is forced to stand up against the dangerous "Spy X". Starring Takayama Minami, Yamazaki Wakana and Koyama Rikiya.

Dearest (2012, 111 min)

(only showing in Peninsular Malaysia)

After the passing of his wife, 53-year-old prison officer Eiji receives a letter from her requesting that her ashes be strewn out at sea.

Strangely, she has never mentioned such a thing while she was alive. Looks like a journey to her hometown is long overdue. Starring Takakura Ken, Tanaka Yuko, Sato Koichi and Otaki Hideji.

For more information and showtimes, visit www.jfkl.org.my or gsc.com.my.

Kredit: www.thestar.com.my

The Star Online: Lifestyle: Arts & Fashion

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Kannagi: A dance for unity

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Istana Budaya opens its doors to an epic Indian dance drama.

IT has been a while since an Indian dance drama was staged in our theatres but this weekend, Istana Budaya in Kuala Lumpur will come alive with Kannagi – The Wrath Of A Chaste Woman.

Featuring more than 60 dancers, original compositions and a dazzling array of costumes, the mega production is aimed at attracting crossover audience.

Presented by the Tanjai Kamalaa Indira Dance School in collaboration with the National Land Finance Cooperative Society Limited (NLFCS)-Tan Sri K.R.Somasundaram Arts & Culture Foundation, Kannagi was originally performed on a smaller scale in 1997. The organisers decided to re-stage the epic because they felt it was timely, especially in this turbulent period when gangsterism among Indians is at an all time high. Since Kannagi contained all the elements of Tamil culture, it could be an eye-opener for many.

After staging Kannagi successfully on a smaller magnitude in Cameron Highlands, Pahang, and Kulim, Kedah, recently, the production is set to take place on a bigger show in the city.

"Art and culture is not only for the rich. It's for everyone and that's why we took it to the rural areas for those who cannot afford to come to Kuala Lumpur. The people loved it," said NLFCS chief executive officer Datuk B. Sahadevan, at a recent press conference.

As one of the oldest Indian classical dance schools in the country, the Tanjai Kamalaa Indira Dance School, established by two sisters, has been producing numerous dance dramas and thematic performances since 1966. They were the first school to perform a Tamil dance drama called Sivagamiyin Sabatham in 2007 at Istana Budaya.

Indira Manikam, choreographer and artistic director of Kannagi is clearly a little nervous about making her second appearance at the venue but with 47 years of experience in the industry, she is confident it will be a quality production.

"We've been working on it for a few months and have only made slight changes from the original choreography. Most of the artistes have changed, of course, but everyone is a professional though they may not be full-time bharatanatyam dancers," said Indira, who is also the founder and principal of the school. "We brought all the costumes from India and have kept to the original designs during that era as much as possible."

The story revolves around Kannagi, Kovalan and Mathavi in the thriving trading port of Poompuhar in South India. Kannagi and Kovalan are enjoying wedded bliss until Mathavi, a courtesan dancer walks into their lives and wreaks havoc. Known for her beauty and dancing skills, Kovalan is mesmerised and falls for her.

It's a tragic tale of a chaste woman, full of devotion, seeking justice for the wrongful execution of her husband, and how the heavenly forces adhere to her call. The plot is akin to the legendary Malaysian tale of Mahsuri.

Rehearsals have intensified in the past few weeks and there is excitement in the air as the dancers are thrilled to perform at the premier venue. The only original cast from the 1997 production is Basheer Hakim, who reprises his role as Kovalan. Indira's daughter Kamini, takes on the role of Kannagi.

While the songs are all in Tamil, there will be English narrations before every scene, said Indira. There is no dialogue but the songs, composed by the late Re Shanmugam, will weave the plot and connect the 14 scenes.

According to Datuk Juhari Shaarani, director-general of Istana Budaya, there is a dearth of Indian shows in Istana Budaya.

"We don't want our shows to only target Malay audience but we want all races to watch performances. The Chinese community holds at least one show a year but in the last two years, there has been no production from the Indian community except for one theatre show," he said.

Juhari cited high costs as one of the main reasons Indians shy away from performing there. The average cost for a one day production can go up to a steep RM500,000, depending on how many outside vendors are engaged. This includes designing sets, production crew payment, stage rental, music commissions, etc.

Juhari said, "We have offered many Indian groups to use our venue but none have taken it up. To draw the crowd, we're attempting to bring Tamil and Hindi pop artistes from India to perform here. Hopefully from next year onwards, we can stage at least two Indian shows a year."

Tickets are free for Kannagi as the organisers believe "the essence and joy of Malaysian culture is meant to be shared and experienced by everyone regardless of ethnicity."

Kannagi – The Wrath Of A Chaste Woman will take place at 8.30pm on Sept 13 & 14 at Panggung Sari, Istana Budaya, Kuala Lumpur. Log on to www.tki.com.my to download your complimentary e-tickets. For more information, please call 012-618 7805.

Kredit: www.thestar.com.my
 

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