Selasa, 18 Februari 2014

The Star Online: Metro: Sunday Metro

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The Star Online: Metro: Sunday Metro


Thai protesters vow to storm PM's crisis HQ

Posted: 18 Feb 2014 09:23 PM PST

BANGKOK: Defiant Thai opposition protesters threatened to storm Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's crisis headquarters Wednesday, stepping up their campaign a day after dramatic street clashes left five dead and dozens wounded.

The spike in violence has punctured hopes of an easing of a three-month political standoff in which 16 people have been killed - including both demonstrators and policemen - and hundreds injured in gunfire and grenade blasts.

The backdrop to the unrest is a nearly decade-long political rift between opponents and supporters of Yingluck's brother, fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, that has unleashed a series of rival street protests.

A convoy of trucks carrying whistle-blowing protesters set off for a defence ministry complex in a Bangkok suburb where Yingluck has held meetings over the last few weeks, after being driven out of her besieged headquarters in the government district.

"It's hard to accept that Yingluck asked her people to kill us and then she hides at the office of the permanent secretary of defence. We will storm it and find her," firebrand protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban said.

All government meetings at the building were cancelled, according to deputy government spokeswoman Sunisa Lertpakawat, who said it was unclear if Yingluck would visit the offices, which were guarded by security forces.

A spokesman for the office of the permanent secretary of defence, Major Surachart Chitjaeng, said Yingluck was expected to stay away.

"The prime minister is fully aware that if she comes it will cause of trouble for defence ministry officials as well as local people," he said.

On Tuesday, violent clashes broke out after riot police tried to clear rally sites in the capital's historic district.

Chaotic scenes ensued as explosions and gunfire shook an area of the city near the Golden Mount temple and other tourist attractions.

A policeman was shot dead and four civilians were killed, the Erawan emergency centre said in a new toll on Wednesday, while more than 60 others were injured.

Police said 24 officers were among those hurt.

National Security Council chief Paradorn Pattanatabut said there was no plan to launch a new operation on Wednesday to try to clear protest areas, but he denied Tuesday's operation marked a defeat for the authorities.

"The operation was not a failure. At least we regained the energy ministry and 80 percent of the government complex," he said, referring to a group of state offices in the north of the capital. 

Demands for reform

The protesters are demanding Yingluck quit to allow an unelected prime minister to take office to introduce vaguely-defined reforms such as an end to corruption and alleged misuse of public funds to buy political influence.

In a new twist, the National Anti-Corruption Commission said Tuesday that it was pressing charges against Yingluck for neglect of duty in connection with a controversial rice subsidy scheme. If found guilty she could be removed from office.

More than seven years after royalist generals ousted Yingluck's brother Thaksin in a bloodless coup, the kingdom appears more politically divided than ever.

The billionaire tycoon-turned-politician fled overseas in 2008 to avoid jail for a corruption conviction, but his critics accuse him of pulling the strings of power from self-exile.

The opposition protesters, mainly from Bangkok and southern Thailand, have vowed to rid the country of the "Thaksin regime", but Yingluck insists the dispute should be resolved at the ballot box.

Pro-Thaksin parties have won every election for more than a decade, and Yingluck is counting on her family's traditionally strong support in the northern half of the kingdom to return her to power in a general election that was held on February 2.

The opposition boycotted the polls and the results are not expected to be known until election re-runs are held in constituencies where voting was obstructed by protesters.

Yingluck has declared a state of emergency in Bangkok and surrounding areas, but could face a new setback with a Civil Court due to rule Wednesday on the legality of the decree. -AFP

Koreans gather ahead of longed-for reunion

Posted: 18 Feb 2014 09:34 PM PST

SEOUL: A group of 83 mostly elderly South Koreans accompanied by family converged Wednesday on a coastal resort prior to crossing into North Korea for the first reunion in more than three years for the peninsula's divided families.

Having had their hopes shattered when Pyongyang cancelled a previous reunion last September, many had been wary of the agreement to hold a gathering from Thursday at a mountain retreat in North Korea.

The accord almost fell apart when the North took exception to overlapping joint military drills by South Korea and the United States, and was only saved by some rare high-level talks last week.

The group travelled Wednesday to the resort near the eastern port city of Sokcho, where they were to spend the night before crossing the heavily-fortified border nearby.

With an average age of 84, they were accompanied by 59 family members for physical and emotional support.

The reunion at a complex on North Korea's Mount Kumgang will be the first of its kind since 2010.

Lee Ok-Ran, 84, said she had barely been able to sleep at the prospect of seeing the two sisters she left behind in the North's western province of Hwanghae.

South Korean TV showed her at home carefully packing bundles of gifts, ranging from underwear and analgesic patches to Choco Pies - a South Korean chocolate and marshmallow biscuit snack.

"I've heard Choco Pies are popular and expensive in the North", Lee said.

"Ok-Bin, Ok-Hi, I'm waiting to hug you hard and dance together," she said looking into the camera and calling her sisters' names.

Millions of Koreans were separated by the 1950-53 war, and the vast majority have since died without having any communication at all with surviving relatives.

Because the Korean conflict concluded with an armistice rather than a peace treaty, the two Koreas technically remain at war and direct exchanges of letters or telephone calls are prohibited.

Up to 73,000 South Koreans are wait-listed for a chance to take part in one of the reunion events, which select only a few hundred participants at a time.

The reunion programme began in earnest in 2000 following an historic inter-Korean summit.

Sporadic events since then have seen around 17,000 relatives briefly reunited.

But the programme was suspended in 2010 following the North's shelling of a South Korean border island.

The Mount Kumgang reunion with 180 North Korean relatives will last until Saturday, after which the South Korean group will return home.

Then a group of 88 selected North Koreans will travel to Mount Kumgang to meet 361 of their relatives from the South from Sunday to Tuesday.

For the vast majority it will be the last contact they ever have with each other.

Last year alone, around 3,800 South Korean applicants for reunions died without ever realising their dreams. -AFP

Husband joins search in Bali for missing Japan diver

Posted: 18 Feb 2014 09:30 PM PST

SEMAWANG, Indonesia: The husband of a Japanese diver missing off Bali since last week joined the search for his wife Wednesday, following the dramatic rescue of five others in the group and the death of a sixth.

Putu Mahardena Sembah, who is Indonesian, told reporters "I wish we can find" his wife, instructor Shoko Takahashi, as he set off with rescuers in a boat - but police cautioned chances of locating her alive five days after she went missing were slim.

Sembah and Takahashi ran the operator Yellow Scuba that took the seven female Japanese divers out on an expedition Friday from Nusa Lembongan island, east of the resort island of Bali.

The women, all experienced divers, went missing - and as days passed hopes faded any of them would be found alive in an area known for its stunning underwater beauty but also strong, unpredictable currents.

Then fishermen spotted five of the women Monday - three days after they disappeared - clinging to a coral reef. They were plucked to safety and taken to hospital.

The body of a sixth diver, however, was found by members of the public Tuesday floating near a beach in southern Bali, the island's search and rescue chief said.

Sembah set off from Semawang beach in south Bali Wednesday morning with a group of some 15 rescuers in three boats, while a search and rescue helicopter hovered overhead, an AFP reporter at the scene said.

Japanese friends and relatives of the divers, who had travelled to Bali to help in the search, were among the rescuers setting off from the beach, which is lined with scuba diving centres.

Local police chief Nyoman Suarsika said the search would focus on the areas of Sanur and Kuta, popular tourist spots in southern Bali.

But, he warned: "The chances of finding her alive are very slim now that she has been missing for five days.

"Whether alive or dead, we will try our very best to find her."

Hopes had been raised early Tuesday, before the body of the sixth diver was discovered, that the final two missing women were still alive after villagers spotted two people on coral reef sending out what they thought were distress signals.

However Suarsika said rescuers scoured the area, called Manta Point off Nusa Penida island, and it turned out the people were local anglers. Manta Point is where the other five were found alive.

The five rescued divers, who are in hospital in Bali, have suffered sunburn and dehydration but none is in a serious condition, doctors say. -AFP

Kredit: www.thestar.com.my

The Star Online: Entertainment: TV & Radio

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Jimmy Fallon makes Tonight Show debut

Posted: 17 Feb 2014 11:00 PM PST

The long-running show is also back in New York after many decades.

Jimmy Fallon took the reins of the long-running Tonight Show on Monday night, bringing NBC's late night talk show flagship back to Manhattan, New York, after an absence of more than 40 years, being welcomed on set by a host of top stars, including Robert De Niro, Mike Tyson and Lady Gaga.

The surprise appearances, which also included Tina Fey, Joan Rivers, former New York mayor Rudolph Giuliani, Sarah Jessica Parker, Joe Namath and Steve Colbert, were among highlights of Fallon's Tonight Show debut, following the departure this month of long-serving host Jay Leno.

The slew of unannounced walk-ons followed Fallon's remark that someone owed him US$100 (RM320) after betting he would never host the Tonight Show, at which point De Niro, then others strode on stage one after another, each plunking bills onto his desk until finally Colbert doused him with a bucket of pennies.

Actor Will Smith and Irish band U2 were the Brooklyn-born Fallon's first official, previously announced guests as the former Saturday Night Live comic launched the show's widely anticipated return to Manhattan's Rockefeller Center.

Fallon and Stephen Colbert take selfies on the set of the 'Tonight Show'. -- NBC

Joan Rivers was one of the surprise guest appearances at the show. -- NBC 

Fallon's stepping into one of the most visible roles in television marked NBC's second attempt to imbue the competitive late-night landscape on US television with a more youthful vibe by appealing to the coveted 18-to-34 year-old demographic.

"I'm Jimmy Fallon and I'll be your host – for now," Fallon told the audience in the new multi-million dollar studio where such beloved Tonight veterans Johnny Carson and Jack Paar once presided.

It was one of a handful of references to the show's recent troubled history. Leno was initially replaced by Conan O'Brien in 2009, but he returned months later in a public relations debacle for the network.

He also paid tribute to the show's previous hosts by name, being sure to mention Leno twice – once before, and once after, O'Brien.

"If you guys let me stick around long enough, maybe I'll get the hang of it," joked Fallon, who wore an understated gray suit, white shirt and blue tie for his first show.

From the outset, the New York Tonight Show boldly embraced its new home.

Brooklyn-raised director Spike Lee shot a new opening, a stirring series of black-and-white night shots that gave way to colourful depictions of such iconic locations as Radio City Music Hall, Grand Central Terminal and Rockefeller Center.

The new set, with a dramatic Manhattan skyline backdrop, befit its Rockefeller Center location.

And when it came time for U2 to perform its new single, Invisible, the band took to 30 Rock's rooftop at sunset.

Scores of fans rocked to the beat with such New York landmarks as the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building and Times Square providing a glittering backdrop. Even Mother Nature cooperated, with crystal clear skies and a burnished sunset over New Jersey on a cold, winter dusk.

Irish rock band U2 performed on the show. -- NBC

But in other ways, Fallon's Tonight Show hewed to tradition. An opening monologue featured topical issues – chiefly the Olympics, which also happen to be airing on NBC – and a chat with Smith touched on the actor's recent adventures skydiving, and more on the Olympics.

"I think I could win a gold medal in the things with the broom," Smith laughed, referring to the curling competition.

When the four members of U2 joined Fallon for a chat after their rousing al fresco performance, Fallon, 39, asked "Was that the highest you've ever been?"

Earlier, Fallon introduced what seemed likely to become a regular feature, Tonight Show Superlatives, in which photos – in this case, again, Olympic athletes – were paired with "most likely to" high school yearbook-style captions.

The Tonight Show first aired on NBC in 1954 from New York with host Steve Allen. Paar hosted the show from 1957 until Carson took over in 1962, and reigned for 30 years, before departing in 1992. Carson moved the show to southern California in 1972.

In its final Burbank days, the Tonight Show drew about 3.9 million viewers per episode.

First Lady Michelle Obama is among the guests scheduled for this week, along with Bradley Cooper, Justin Timberlake, Jerry Seinfeld, Kristen Wiig and Lady Gaga. — Reuters

Downton Abbey adds new characters

Posted: 18 Feb 2014 12:30 AM PST

Some new faces will be introduced in the upcoming fifth season.

Downton Abbey has become a regular Airbnb vacation home.

It was announced last week by the show's makers – Masterpiece on PBS and Carnival Films – that three new cast members are joining the show in Season 5.

British actor Richard E. Grant will join the cast as Simon Bricker, who visits the wavering estate as a guest of the Crawleys. It's a world Grant is quite familiar with, demonstrating his footman skills in 2001's Gosford Park, which was penned by Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes. Perhaps Fellowes got the hint from Grant's 2012 interview with the Independent?

"I know Julian," Grant said then. "But I was never asked, I've never been up for it. Maybe next series."

Also getting in the upstairs/downstairs mix are Anna Chancellor (The Hour, Four Weddings And A Funeral), who joins in a guest role as Lady Anstruther, as well as Rade Sherbedgia (Eyes Wide Shut, 24), who will play a Russian refugee.

Those behind the show are skimpy on details of the characters. But executive producer Gareth Neame, in a canned statement, offered this vote of confidence: "We are delighted to welcome these talented actors to the world of Downton. The characters they play are set to bring yet more excitement and intrigue to the show."

The fourth season of Downton Abbey is currently airing and concludes Feb 23. Its two-hour season opener brought in 10.2 million viewers.

The new season is set to follow the same hair-pulling rollout schedule: A British launch in the fall, followed by a winter debut in the US. — Los Angeles Times/McClatchy-Tribune Information Services

Clone Wars moves to Netflix

Posted: 17 Feb 2014 08:00 AM PST

The show's unaired sixth season will be shown on the streaming service Netflix.

THE unaired sixth season of Star Wars: The Clone Wars will begin on the streaming service Netflix on March 7, Mashable.com reports.

The first five seasons of the animated series aired on Cartoon Network. The previous season ended with one of the main characters, Anakin Skywalker's padawan Ahsoka Tano, leaving the Jedi Order after feeling profoundly let down by her masters and going off to seek her own path.

There's no mention of Ahsoka in the list of 13 Season Six episodes, which are grouped under the title The Lost Missions.

According to Netflix, the upcoming season will reveal "some of the deepest mysteries of the conflict between the Light and the Dark sides of the Force."

Among the story arcs: an intrepid clone trooper cadet will discover a shocking secret; Anakin Skywalker's closest relationship will be tested to its limits (we figure it's because an old flame of Padme Amidala shows up); and Yoda's investigation of a Jedi Master's disappearance could forever change the balance of power in the galaxy.

The season will culminate in a multi-part tale with Yoda finding the origin of the Force and then journeying to Korriban, the ancient birthplace of the Sith.

Kredit: www.thestar.com.my

The Star eCentral: Movie Reviews

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Colin Farrell's film flops, again

Posted: 17 Feb 2014 09:40 PM PST

The Irish actor, whose latest film is Winter's Tale, seems to be on a losing streak at the box office.

With Winter's Tale misfiring over the weekend, leading man Colin Farrell has suffered another box-office bummer.

The romantic fantasy from Warner Bros is going to take in less than US$10mil (RM32mil) over the four-day Presidents Day weekend.

That makes three movies in a row in which Farrell has played the leading man that have tanked.

Of course, it's not all on Farrell. Winter's Tale, written and directed by Akiva Goldsman, was savaged by the critics (14% on Rotten Tomatoes) and the complex time-travel tale had to be tricky to market.

But last March's FilmDistrict thriller Dead Man Down was dead on arrival, opening to US$5.3mil (RM16.96mil) and topping out at US$10mil domestically at the box office.

And before that, Seven Psychopaths debuted with US$4.1mil (RM13.12mil) and wound up with US$15mil (RM48mil) domestically for CBS Films in 2012.

There was the disappointing Total Recall remake that year as well, and the 2011 horror dud Fright Night before that. The films in which he's had a supporting role have done better.

Saving Mr Banks, in which he plays the father of Emma Thompson's Mary Poppins author P.L. Travers character, has done pretty well at the box office. It's taken in US$82mill (RM262.4mil) domestically and another US$17mil (RM54.4mil) overseas since opening in December for Disney.

The 37-year-old Irish actor's biggest box-office score came in 2011's Horrible Bosses, in which he had a secondary role as one of the title characters. That comedy featuring Jason Bateman and Jennifer Aniston brought in US$117mil (RM374.4mil) domestically and another US$92mil (RM294.4mil) from overseas.

His breakout role, a semi-comic turn in 2008's In Bruges that earned him a Golden Globe, was an indie hit with US$33mil (RM105.6mil) worldwide.

Farrell's box office mettle will next be put to the test in Miss Julie, an historical romance directed by Liv Ullman, in which he'll star with Jessica Chastain. It's due this year, but doesn't have a release date yet. He's also in Solace, a thriller in which he'll star with Abbie Cornish and Anthony Hopkins, which is in post-production.

And he recently agreed to co-star with Rachel Weisz in the dystopian love story The Lobster. — Reuters

Never too late for a nom

Posted: 17 Feb 2014 08:00 AM PST

June Squibb on her first Oscar nomination at age 84.

June Squibb earned her first Oscar nomination at age 84. If she were to win in the best supporting actress category for her role in Nebraska, she would make Academy Award history by becoming the oldest winner in any of the acting categories. The Times reached Squibb at home for her reaction to the nomination.

How are you?

Good. Very good, in fact. My son and I watched the nominations together at my house in Sherman Oaks. When he heard, he was so dear. He got up and came over and held me – and we were both almost crying and it was lovely. He's doing all of the events with me. He's a filmmaker himself so there are a lot of directors that he admires and respects tremendously and likes to see at events.

How have the events been?

I thought the Golden Globes were a lot of fun. My dress for one – I loved it. I was just so comfortable in it. I just felt really good.

Have you ever been to the Oscars before?

I've just watched it on the television.

What do you think it will be like?

I have no idea, other than the fact that the red carpets are pretty much all the same. I'll probably be talking to a lot of the same people. Now what's nice is I've met some of them two or three times or more. The TV people you sort of know now.

Have you been getting lots of calls from people eager to work with you?

Yes, I have gotten a few ... I think something is happening now ... I don't even know the particulars – it's a television show. I had also shot three shows after Cannes – The Millers, Getting On and Girls.

What does it feel like to be getting this much recognition at this stage of your career?

I've worked my whole life – years on stage – and a lot of wonderful things have happened, but it's fun to have it in film. I've been doing it since the early 90s, and it's really kind of fun to do.

What performances have you enjoyed this year?

I haven't been able to see all that much. I did see Matthew McConaughey's Mud, and I don't think he's up for that, but I think he's doing such great work now. I did see August: Osage County, and there's some wonderful people in that. I'm friends with Margo Martindale. We were neighbours in New York for 30 years.

Why do you think it was such a strong year for film?

I think it's probably one of the richest years we've had in film. There were just extraordinary films this year and we simply don't have that kind of thing every year. I feel blessed because there's so many women who could have been put in my category, and I think we all feel that way a little bit this year.

Did you have a backup career if acting didn't work out?

My backup career was sort of modelling. I did a lot of the print modelling and what they used to call industrial modelling at the big conventions. I was the Ortho girl for bug spray for gardening and Santa Claus' helper. Luckily, I didn't have to do it very often.

Is there another movie role you would have liked to have had this year?

Of course, things like Philomena – I'm sure that's a wonderful film, and she's such a wonderful actress (Judi Dench). Some years, there are roles for older women and some years, there aren't. I was never a leading lady or an ingenue. I was always a character actress. I think you're better off in that respect as you get older. I've had wonderful roles. I've done leading roles, but never the idea of a straight role that isn't somehow a character role. – Los Angeles Times/McClatchy-Tribune Information Services

Ron Howard to direct The Jungle Book

Posted: 17 Feb 2014 09:35 PM PST

The director-producer is set to work on the project for Warner Bros.

Not one but two Jungle Book remakes are on the way, with Ron Howard now signed on to direct Warner Bros' live-action version of the Rudyard Kipling classic.

Well known for directing Rush, J. Edgar, Frost/Nixon and A Beautiful Mind, Howard also helmed the first two Dan Brown movies, with Inferno due 2015.

His schedule means that the Warner Bros' Jungle Book will avoid any immediate clash with Disney's fourth pop at the classic children's story, observes The Hollywood Reporter.

After its 1967 animation, re-released several times over the years, Disney followed up with two more live-action interpretations in the 1990s.

Several high-profile actors starred in 1994 flick Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book, including Jason Scott Lee (Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story), Carey Elwes (The Princess Bride), Lena Headey (The Remains Of The Day, Game Of Thrones) and John Cleese (Monty Python).

Then in 1998, Brandon Baker, Eartha Kitt, Clancy Brown and Brian Doyle-Murray appeared in The Jungle Book: Mowgli's Story.

While Jon Favreau's take on The Jungle Book for Disney is expected in October of 2015, Howard's Inferno is due December of the same year.

The Happy Days star is also currently working on maritime tragedy In The Heart Of The Sea, with cross-border contraband thriller Mena lined up, and Jay-Z documentary Made In America ripe for cinematic distribution this summer.

Previously attached to Warner Bros' Jungle Book was Mexican director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, known for his work on Amores Perros, 21 Grams and the upcoming Birdman. — AFP Relaxnews

Kredit: www.thestar.com.my

The Star eCentral: Movie Buzz

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Colin Farrell's film flops, again

Posted: 17 Feb 2014 09:40 PM PST

The Irish actor, whose latest film is Winter's Tale, seems to be on a losing streak at the box office.

With Winter's Tale misfiring over the weekend, leading man Colin Farrell has suffered another box-office bummer.

The romantic fantasy from Warner Bros is going to take in less than US$10mil (RM32mil) over the four-day Presidents Day weekend.

That makes three movies in a row in which Farrell has played the leading man that have tanked.

Of course, it's not all on Farrell. Winter's Tale, written and directed by Akiva Goldsman, was savaged by the critics (14% on Rotten Tomatoes) and the complex time-travel tale had to be tricky to market.

But last March's FilmDistrict thriller Dead Man Down was dead on arrival, opening to US$5.3mil (RM16.96mil) and topping out at US$10mil domestically at the box office.

And before that, Seven Psychopaths debuted with US$4.1mil (RM13.12mil) and wound up with US$15mil (RM48mil) domestically for CBS Films in 2012.

There was the disappointing Total Recall remake that year as well, and the 2011 horror dud Fright Night before that. The films in which he's had a supporting role have done better.

Saving Mr Banks, in which he plays the father of Emma Thompson's Mary Poppins author P.L. Travers character, has done pretty well at the box office. It's taken in US$82mill (RM262.4mil) domestically and another US$17mil (RM54.4mil) overseas since opening in December for Disney.

The 37-year-old Irish actor's biggest box-office score came in 2011's Horrible Bosses, in which he had a secondary role as one of the title characters. That comedy featuring Jason Bateman and Jennifer Aniston brought in US$117mil (RM374.4mil) domestically and another US$92mil (RM294.4mil) from overseas.

His breakout role, a semi-comic turn in 2008's In Bruges that earned him a Golden Globe, was an indie hit with US$33mil (RM105.6mil) worldwide.

Farrell's box office mettle will next be put to the test in Miss Julie, an historical romance directed by Liv Ullman, in which he'll star with Jessica Chastain. It's due this year, but doesn't have a release date yet. He's also in Solace, a thriller in which he'll star with Abbie Cornish and Anthony Hopkins, which is in post-production.

And he recently agreed to co-star with Rachel Weisz in the dystopian love story The Lobster. — Reuters

Never too late for a nom

Posted: 17 Feb 2014 08:00 AM PST

June Squibb on her first Oscar nomination at age 84.

June Squibb earned her first Oscar nomination at age 84. If she were to win in the best supporting actress category for her role in Nebraska, she would make Academy Award history by becoming the oldest winner in any of the acting categories. The Times reached Squibb at home for her reaction to the nomination.

How are you?

Good. Very good, in fact. My son and I watched the nominations together at my house in Sherman Oaks. When he heard, he was so dear. He got up and came over and held me – and we were both almost crying and it was lovely. He's doing all of the events with me. He's a filmmaker himself so there are a lot of directors that he admires and respects tremendously and likes to see at events.

How have the events been?

I thought the Golden Globes were a lot of fun. My dress for one – I loved it. I was just so comfortable in it. I just felt really good.

Have you ever been to the Oscars before?

I've just watched it on the television.

What do you think it will be like?

I have no idea, other than the fact that the red carpets are pretty much all the same. I'll probably be talking to a lot of the same people. Now what's nice is I've met some of them two or three times or more. The TV people you sort of know now.

Have you been getting lots of calls from people eager to work with you?

Yes, I have gotten a few ... I think something is happening now ... I don't even know the particulars – it's a television show. I had also shot three shows after Cannes – The Millers, Getting On and Girls.

What does it feel like to be getting this much recognition at this stage of your career?

I've worked my whole life – years on stage – and a lot of wonderful things have happened, but it's fun to have it in film. I've been doing it since the early 90s, and it's really kind of fun to do.

What performances have you enjoyed this year?

I haven't been able to see all that much. I did see Matthew McConaughey's Mud, and I don't think he's up for that, but I think he's doing such great work now. I did see August: Osage County, and there's some wonderful people in that. I'm friends with Margo Martindale. We were neighbours in New York for 30 years.

Why do you think it was such a strong year for film?

I think it's probably one of the richest years we've had in film. There were just extraordinary films this year and we simply don't have that kind of thing every year. I feel blessed because there's so many women who could have been put in my category, and I think we all feel that way a little bit this year.

Did you have a backup career if acting didn't work out?

My backup career was sort of modelling. I did a lot of the print modelling and what they used to call industrial modelling at the big conventions. I was the Ortho girl for bug spray for gardening and Santa Claus' helper. Luckily, I didn't have to do it very often.

Is there another movie role you would have liked to have had this year?

Of course, things like Philomena – I'm sure that's a wonderful film, and she's such a wonderful actress (Judi Dench). Some years, there are roles for older women and some years, there aren't. I was never a leading lady or an ingenue. I was always a character actress. I think you're better off in that respect as you get older. I've had wonderful roles. I've done leading roles, but never the idea of a straight role that isn't somehow a character role. – Los Angeles Times/McClatchy-Tribune Information Services

Ron Howard to direct The Jungle Book

Posted: 17 Feb 2014 09:35 PM PST

The director-producer is set to work on the project for Warner Bros.

Not one but two Jungle Book remakes are on the way, with Ron Howard now signed on to direct Warner Bros' live-action version of the Rudyard Kipling classic.

Well known for directing Rush, J. Edgar, Frost/Nixon and A Beautiful Mind, Howard also helmed the first two Dan Brown movies, with Inferno due 2015.

His schedule means that the Warner Bros' Jungle Book will avoid any immediate clash with Disney's fourth pop at the classic children's story, observes The Hollywood Reporter.

After its 1967 animation, re-released several times over the years, Disney followed up with two more live-action interpretations in the 1990s.

Several high-profile actors starred in 1994 flick Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book, including Jason Scott Lee (Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story), Carey Elwes (The Princess Bride), Lena Headey (The Remains Of The Day, Game Of Thrones) and John Cleese (Monty Python).

Then in 1998, Brandon Baker, Eartha Kitt, Clancy Brown and Brian Doyle-Murray appeared in The Jungle Book: Mowgli's Story.

While Jon Favreau's take on The Jungle Book for Disney is expected in October of 2015, Howard's Inferno is due December of the same year.

The Happy Days star is also currently working on maritime tragedy In The Heart Of The Sea, with cross-border contraband thriller Mena lined up, and Jay-Z documentary Made In America ripe for cinematic distribution this summer.

Previously attached to Warner Bros' Jungle Book was Mexican director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, known for his work on Amores Perros, 21 Grams and the upcoming Birdman. — AFP Relaxnews

Kredit: www.thestar.com.my

The Star Online: World Updates

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Ukrainian president urges opposition to step away from radicals

Posted: 18 Feb 2014 08:35 PM PST

KIEV (Reuters) - Ukrainian President Victor Yanukovich urged leaders of the opposition on Wednesday to dissociate themselves from radicals and warned them that otherwise he will "talk differently" with them.

Yanukovich also said in a statement some members of the anti-government opposition had crossed a line when they called on their supporters to bring weapons to the demonstration in the central square of Ukraine's capital, Kiev.

The president called those people "criminals" and said they would face justice in court.

More than 20 people have been killed in clashes between anti-government protesters and police that erupted on Tuesday in Kiev, including seven policemen killed by gun fire.

(Reporting by Pavel Polityuk; Writing by Marcin Goettig; Editing by Robert Birsel)

Australia publishes asylum seeker identities, raising safety concerns

Posted: 18 Feb 2014 08:25 PM PST

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia has inadvertently made public the identities of almost 10,000 asylum seekers, the department of immigration said on Wednesday, raising concerns it could help locate people fleeing persecution and thus place them in greater danger.

A file published on a government website by mistake held the names, nationalities and locations of nearly a third of all people held in Australia's immigration detention network. It is unclear how long the information was available to the public.

The lapse was first reported by The Guardian Australia website, which informed the government of the breach, leading it to block access to the information.

"This information was never intended to be in the public domain," an immigration department spokeswoman said.

"The file has been removed and the department is investigating how this occurred to ensure that it does not happen again."

The incident comes as Prime Minister Tony Abbott's tough stance on asylum seekers has been receiving fresh scrutiny after a series of events, including violent riots, involving its policy of transferring asylum seekers to third countries.

Australia uses detention centres in Papua New Guinea and on the tiny Pacific island of Nauru to process would-be refugees sent there after trying to get to Australia, often in unsafe boats after paying people smugglers in Indonesia.

An asylum seeker was killed and at least 77 injured on Monday in the second riot this week at the Papua New Guinea facility on Manus island, leading to calls from critics for its closure.

Britain's G4S, the world's biggest security group, is responsible for providing security at the Manus Island detention centre.

Australia's arrangement with tiny Nauru has also come under fire in recent weeks following a series of moves by the government there that critics call authoritarian and anti-democratic.

Sarah Hanson-Young of the small but influential Greens Party called the data breach, one of the largest in recent memory in Australia, an example of the government's "failure to care for vulnerable people who are fleeing for their lives".

"Thousands of refugees have had their private details published online and the government must now take that into account when considering their claims for protection," she said in a statement.

(Editing by Paul Tait)

El Salvador president fine after hip operation-wife

Posted: 18 Feb 2014 08:00 PM PST

SAN SALVADOR (Reuters) - El Salvador's President Mauricio Funes is recovering following an emergency hip operation on Tuesday after he hurt himself in a fall, his wife said.

Funes, 54, fell in the presidential residence as he got dressed for an official event, first lady Vanda Pignato said.

"He is very well, and tomorrow he can walk," she said.

The president's doctor said he would stay in hospital for three or four days. Funes was set to soon have another operation to treat a herniated disc in his spine that has made it difficult and painful to walk.

Funes, a former journalist, is at the end of his five-year term. He is the first president from the Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN), the left-wing party formed by the guerrilla group that had battled U.S.-backed right-wing governments during the country's 1980-1992 civil war.

An ex-Marxist guerrilla from the FMLN is set to win El Salvador's presidency in a March vote by 10 percent over a right-wing challenger who promised a crackdown on crime, according to a recent poll.

(Reporting by Nelson Renteria; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)

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Baram, Balleh dams get go-ahead

Posted: 18 Feb 2014 08:00 AM PST

KUCHING: Sarawak is going ahead with the development of two major hydroelectric dam projects that would raise the state's total hydro power capacity to nearly 6,000MW.

Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Alfred Jabu said the state was now planning to build the proposed Baram and Balleh dams with installed power capacity of 1,200MW and 1,295MW respectively.

He said the power from the 2,400MW Bakun dam and 944MW Murum dam had been pre-sold to industries in Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE).

Sarawak Energy Bhd (SEB) is buying the entire power output from Bakun dam owned by the Federal Government. Murum dam is scheduled to begin producing power in early September.

SEB also owns Sarawak's first hydro dam in Batang Ai built in early 1980s with an installed capacity of 100MW. The Baram dam project is in northern Sarawak while the Baleh dam project is in upper Rajang Basin in central Sarawak where the Bakun and Murum dams are located.

Based on SEB's concept phase design, the Baram dam would be a roller compacted concrete type of dam with its crest elevation at 185m while the Baleh dam would be a 204m high concrete faced rockfill dam with gated chute channel spillway, an intake structure, five power tunnels and a power station housing five generator units.

SEB corporate communication manager Ahadiah Zamhari told StarBiz recently that the Baram dam project's social environmental impact assessment study was in the final stage and its report was near completion.

She said the state government had decided to continue with the project's resettlement action plan despite protests and blockades mounted by local villagers to stop the dam development.

Up to 20,000 natives might have to be relocated to pave way for the project.

The Baram dam is expected to also supply electricity to Sabah and Brunei.

Jabu said Sarawak had total hydropower potential of 20,000MW, with coal energy adding another 8,000MW to the mix.

"The attraction afforded by hydropower is that its cost of production is stable in the long run and is green and renewable.

"Sarawak offers the advantage of power supply that is very competitive not only in terms of price but also more importantly in respect of our ability to build a steady growth of power supply.

"We plan to generate sufficient energy to meet the current and future demands from the off-takers, especially energy intensive industries through the systematic development of more power generating facilities," he told participants at the Sarawak-Czech Republic business forum in Prague yesterday.

Thai crisis continues to affect Zhulian earnings

Posted: 18 Feb 2014 08:00 AM PST

PETALING JAYA: The prolonged political crisis in Thailand could continue to be a drag on Zhulian Corp Bhd's earnings with the main issue being the controversial rice subsidy scheme which is falling apart, says Kenanga Research.

It said the Thai government was facing issues raising funds to subsidise farmers under the scheme, which resulted in disposal income in the rural areas been significantly affected and negatively impacting Zhulian's operations in the country.

"As the Thai election has also been postponed to April 2014, this further piles pressure to demand (for Zhulian products) which could last for two quarters.

"Hence, we are taking a conservative stance and slashing our financial year 2014 and 2015 earnings by 38.5% and 35.8% to RM84.7mil and RM96.9mil respectively to account for potential earnings risk," it said in a report.

Kenanga Research also said it believed that coming first quarter results (ending Feb 28) for the multi-level marketing company, which was in the period during the peak of the political crisis, could be worse than the fourth quarter ended Nov 30.

Zhulian is in the business of retailing fast moving consumer goods and products, and its business in Thailand used to make up 57% of its total revenue contribution.

The company's net profit for its fourth quarter fell by 56% to RM13.7mil compared with RM31.3mil in the previous corresponding quarter. Revenue declined 33% to RM77.9mil from RM117.1mil.

Following the disappointing set of results, investors sold its shares, pushing the price down by 32% to about RM3, from a high of RM4.60.

However, Kenanga Research said Zhulian still achieved a higher net profit of RM121mil for its financial year ended November 2013, compared with RM117mil achieved a year ago.

Despite the weaker performance, it said Zhulian was still in an enviable net cash position of about RM128mil as at Nov 30.

According to Bloomberg data, there are only four research houses covering the stock with a consensus target price of RM3.

The research house has cut its target price by 39% to RM2.83 from RM4.70 based on its unchanged price to earnings ratio of 15.4 times on lower financial year 2014 earnings per share.

Light’s out for A+M?

Posted: 18 Feb 2014 08:00 AM PST

KUALA LUMPUR: Singapore-based publisher Lighthouse Independent Media has denied that it plans to close down its Kuala Lumpur office despite market talk otherwise.

Publisher Justin Randles told StarBiz late yesterday that it would continue to publish Advertising+Marketing and Human Resources, and organise events such as the Agency of the Year Awards.

"Some staff may have been told they've been reassigned, but we are not closing down the office," he said.

Lighthouse Independent Media is believed to have a staff of 16 in Kuala Lumpur.

Sources, however, said staff from the office were emailed about the office closure and cessation of the magazines' publication.

The last time a major advertising trade magazine was discontinued in Malaysia was the cessation of Adoi magazine in late 2011.

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Robert Luketic the accidental director

Posted: 16 Feb 2014 08:00 AM PST

Robert Luketic isn't exactly the poster boy of a Hollywood mentor.

HE'S been making movies for nearly 13 years, and despite enjoying a breakout hit with his first Hollywood studio movie, Legally Blonde, Robert Luketic has tried valiantly to stay true to his personal art form with a commercial incline.

Maybe he should be allowed that indulgence. After all, he graduated to the big league with his first movie – and has maintained a relatively stable resume to date.

He has a mixed bag of credits – Win A Date With Tad Hamilton, Monster-In-Law, 21, The Ugly Truth, Killers, and last year's Paranoia.

Now that he has had a few certified hit movies, Luketic has reason to think big. But that doesn't stop the director-producer-writer from thinking small.

Maybe he does have some wisdom to share.

"Don't get me wrong. I love commercial success, and I certainly love making money. I think, however, one must stick to one's personal convictions and not sell out for the sake of commercial success," Luketic says.

The director, who was in Penang recently as one of the judges for the South-East Asia edition of Tropfest, is a big fan and supporter of short films.

"Making short films changed my life, and it was how I was discovered," he reveals. "Tropfest for me represents the opportunity for the next generation of filmmakers, regardless of which discipline – movies, documentaries, television shows, commercials – they choose to be involved in. Also, the energy of the audience is very stimulating. Tropfest is different from any other film festival in the world."

There's usually a momentous turning point in everyone's life when a shot of inspiration spurs a career path. For Luketic, that moment of truth happened when he literally fell off a horse.

"I was riding through the swamp when a rattlesnake bit my horse, and I fell off and fractured by leg," recalls the 40-year-old boyish looking Australian native.

He was holed up in bed for almost two years. He couldn't go out to play with other kids, so his father bought him a Super 8mm camera – and he started shooting.

"My parents thought that I could be creative and expend my energy in other ways if I couldn't play sports. I grew up watching a healthy diet of classic Italian movies – everyone from Vittorio De Sica, Federico Fellini, to Luchino Visconti – because my mother, who grew up in an Italian family, had a love for movies. That was the real connection."

By the time Luketic was in his mid-teens, his career as a filmmaker was already starting to take shape. His first short film, Death Through A Child's Eyes, had an unusual twist about a young boy's perception of how the journey would be. The short film won the Best Film award at the Atom Film Festival.

Perhaps inspired by this win, Luketic went on to study at the prestigious Victorian College of Arts – School of Film and Television.

For his graduation project, he directed a short film, Titsiana Booberini, a musical comedy that won awards and earned rave reviews at film festivals where it was screen, including the Sundance Film Festival. It also won the Best Film award at the Aspen Shortsfest.

"All the praise and acclaim, but no cigar," scoffs Luketic. "There were no job offers, and I had debts to pay. I ended up working for the Australian Film Commission answering phones."

When he finally came to the realisation that he would have to go to Hollywood to make his mark, he took some bold measures. He fired his agent, and signed on with Madonna's agent. That move led to Legally Blonde.

"Living and working in Hollywood demands a delicate balance," Luketic suggests. "What disturbs and fascinates me about Hollywood is that you're just one movie away from feast or famine. I love making movies my way, but I also have a financial obligation to the movie's money suits.

Luketic's big break came when he was task to direct Reese Witherspoon in the comedy Legally Blonde.

Luketic's big break came when he was tasked to direct Reese Witherspoon in the comedy Legally Blonde.

Despite his measured success, Luketic still mourns the loss of mid-level movies.

"Some of this year's critically acclaimed movies like Nebraska and Philomena will not go wide because of their limited appeal," he says. "But then, look at what's happening in television. There are brilliant shows like Breaking Bad and Homeland, and snob-appeal ground-breaking mini-serials and made-for TV movies that are winning awards and reaching out to the masses."

For Luketic, making a movie is a marathon, waking up at 5am, getting two hours of sleep, and attending to 100 calls before 9am. It's one of the reasons why he isn't an assembly-line director.

"I usually take two to three years off between movies to relax, re-connect with people, and enjoy all that life has to offer."

Relaxation for Luketic is flying his Ambracer Phenom 100 to near and faraway places. He also cooks, mostly Asian dishes, which explains why he loves coming to Asia. (He's visited Kuala Lumpur a few times and Penang once before this year's Tropfest.)

For a relatively newcomer, Luketic has succeeded in working with some of the world's biggest box-office movie stars – from Jane Fonda, Kevin Spacey, Reese Witherspoon to Harrison Ford. Luck or persistence?

"I always manage my expectations," he offers. "I believe in the collaborative process. Actors must be free to express themselves. I have a particular vision before production starts on a movie. Sometimes, things change and I have to make adjustments. That's why I never watch my movies after they're completed. My vision versus the end product is not always the same."

Luketic's not complaining, though. He's been linked to several dream projects, none of which have been green-lit as yet. During the interview, Luketic – very timidly – let slip that he's close to signing on to direct a big-budget movie.

"It'll be wonderful to work in the mainstream and still be somewhat subversive. I'm really interested in combining those extremes. My real goal is to make movies that enlighten the human condition. We may come from different places and cultures, but we're all really the same."

Luketic may not be a household name yet, but give him time. He's already starting to stamp his footprints on the way to global success with a solid thump. And to think it all started with a Super 8mm camera!

Get the (block) party started on 'The Lego Movie'

Posted: 16 Feb 2014 08:00 AM PST

Will Arnett makes Batman funny in The Lego Movie.

WILL Arnett is certain he had the easiest job of any of the voice talent who worked on The Lego Movie because he takes on the one character most people will recognise: a pint-sized version of Batman.

Asked about the inspiration, Arnett says he read the Old Testament repeatedly. After getting the desired laugh, he offers a more serious answer. Finding the voice started during the first meetings with The Lego Movie directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller.

"We came up with the idea of looking at all of the Batmans who have come before – back to the Batman before the original dinosaurs – and trying to see what would make us laugh," Arnett says. "The first couple of (recording) sessions we spent a lot of time finding that voice and what was working and what wasn't working."

The fun of playing the role for Arnett was getting to change the rules when giving voice to the traditionally dark and brooding character and creating a version of Batman that doesn't follow a typical path. What Arnett and the directors decided was that the more serious Batman tried to take himself, the funnier the character became.

One of the ways they made Batman funnier was to have Arnett sing a Batman song. Arnett sarcastically says it was "a treat" to do because he doesn't have what's considered a traditional singing voice.

Arnett, who is chiefly known for his on-screen work – from Arrested Development to his current CBS comedy series, The Millers – has plenty of voice work experience. Along with The Lego Movie, he's the voice of the squirrel Surly in the film The Nut Job. He's also been a voice talent in The Simpsons, The Cleveland Show, The Secret World Of Arrietty, Despicable Me, Sit Down Shut Up, Monsters Vs. Aliens: Mutant Pumpkins From Outer Space and Ratatouille. Arnett also has a new animated series in the works for Netflix.

Voice work was a way Arnett could pay the bills when he was starting out. Now, it's become what Arnett calls "a fancy second job" he looks forward to doing.

"It's such a fun world. I love doing voice work because it's such a fun process," Arnett says. "I like it because you can go and be in a different world."

The worlds couldn't be much different with the two movies now in theaters, where he goes from self-centered squirrel to self-confident superhero. And both voice jobs are much different than the work he's doing on the CBS sitcom The Millers, where he plays a newly single television reporter whose mother (Margo Martindale) moves in with him.

The comic chemistry between Arnett and Martindale has helped make The Millers a top-rated new comedy. Arnett says the series just happened to have the right cast and writing to give him a hit.

Not only does voice work help pay the bills, but being in The Lego Movie has won him some added adulation from his three-year-old son.

"He keeps calling it The Lego / Batman Movie," Arnett says. – The Fresno Bee/McClatchy-Tribune Information Services

>The Lego Movie is currently playing in cinemas nationwide.

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Talks on boosting trade in southern Philippines

Posted: 17 Feb 2014 08:00 AM PST

PUTRAJAYA: Boosting the economy in southern Philippines will be among the main topics of discussion between Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Philippines President Benigno Aquino next week.

The leaders are expected to exchange ideas to boost trade activities in the region.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman said both leaders would want to see how investment could be increased in the region especially after the signing of the peace agreement between the Philippine government and that Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

"Besides boosting the economy, the other main topic will be the illegal immigrant issue in Sabah," he told newsmen after receiving a courtesy call from his Australian counterpart Julie Bishop at Wisma Putra here yesterday.

Anifah was asked to comment on the matters to be discussed by the Prime Minister and Aquino, who is scheduled to arrive in Malaysia on Feb 27 for a two-day visit.

He said Aquino was expected to extend an official invitation to Najib to attend the signing ceremony in Manila.

"Malaysia is very happy with the progress of the negotiations and we hope there will be lasting peace in the southern Philippine which will be good for all," he said.

The Star reported yesterday that the final agreement of the Malaysia-brokered peace deal was ready.

The Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) is expected to be signed by the Philippine government and the MILF later this month or in March with Malaysia being the official witness at the ceremony.

On a recent report of three Chinese navy ships patrolling James Shoal, an area located 80km from Bintulu, Sarawak, Anifah said he had not received any information on the matter.

"Nevertheless, any intrusion into our waters will not get a good response from us.

"We have not sent any diplomatic note to China on the matter because, as I've said, there is no confirmation," he said.

Bishop, meanwhile, said Australia would continue to cooperate with Malaysia in tackling the issue of human trafficking and finding ways to stop it.

Congratulating Malaysia for being selected to host the Asean Summit in 2015, she said the regional grouping had played an important role to overcome various issues such as the sovereignty disputes in the South China Sea and other matters.

Syabas water tankers hijacked

Posted: 17 Feb 2014 08:00 AM PST

KUALA LUMPUR: As the water cut in Balakong, Selangor reached Day Seven, things were turning ugly with foreign residents hijacking Syabas water tankers during its rounds to distribute water.

Syabas corporate communications assistant general manager Priscilla Alfred confirmed that at 7pm on Friday, their tanker WNP 9067 was sending water to Block J and K at the apartments in Taman Setia Balakong when a resident from another block started brandishing a switchblade.

"He was not happy that our tanker did not stop at his place. At that time, the tanker was heading to Block J and K before going to Block H and I.

"However, the residents' committee managed to intervene to help ease the tension," she said, adding that a police report had been lodged.

Balakong assemblyman Eddie Ng told The Star that the residents in the area had claimed of other violent encounters with foreigners and Syabas tankers.

"I was told by the residents that on some occasions, the tankers would be ambushed by foreigners with parang.

"They would threaten the driver and ask them to go to their residence first to distribute the water."

Residents around Taman Impian Ehsan said they had been without regular water supply for more than a week and squabbles among those who "fought" for water from the tankers had become a daily affair.

In Kluang, Johor, Syarikat Air Johor Holdings (SAJ) Sdn Bhd said a factory owner used sandbags and even dug a water channel to redirect water from a river in Sembrong Timur to his oil palm plantation, causing a drop in water levels in a water treatment plant there.

Following a sudden drop in water levels on Feb 12, the company investigated the matter and found the diversion point about 3km from the plant.

Officials then removed the sandbags, but the owner instructed his workers to rebuild the barge the following day.

When the officials went back again several days ago, the owner scolded and prevented them from removing the barrier.

The company's corporate communications manager Jamaluddin Jamil confirmed the incident, saying that the barrier had caused water levels at the plant to drop from 0.4m to 0.2m.

"Anything below 0.2m is considered critical.

"This could cause problems with the water directed to about 10,000 consumers around the area," he said.

Subra: Dengue outbreak a tough fight

Posted: 17 Feb 2014 08:00 AM PST

PETALING JAYA: The Health Ministry says it is facing a tough fight against dengue due to the aggressiveness of the disease.

"What we are seeing now is something very different from before, in terms of numbers and also the aggressiveness of the disease, and the aggressiveness on chance of mortality," said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam in an interview that was aired in Al-Jazeera yesterday.

He added that the effective management of the outbreak revolved around control as there was no effective treatment for dengue.

"This is unfortunate, as we don't have a vaccine; we don't have an effective anti-viral treatment for it.

"The entire management of dengue revolves around control," said Subramaniam.

MIC Depety President and Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr.S.Subramaniam.(22/08/2013/S.S.KANESAN/The Star)

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam

The Star recently reported that the current surge of dengue cases was the result of a change in variation of the dengue virus. It was reported that there was usually an outbreak whenever there was a change in the dengue virus serotype as fewer people would be immune to the serotype after the change.

The current serotype DEN-2, which was discovered some time mid-last year, is more virulent.

Dengue infections are caused by four closely related viruses, namely serotypes DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3 and DEN-4.

Deaths from dengue fever have nearly tripled this year. It was reported that 10,712 cases and 19 deaths had been reported up to Feb 6 compared to 2,836 cases and eight deaths over the same period last year.

Based on previous reports, Malaysia experienced its worst dengue outbreak in 2008 with 49,225 cases, while the highest death toll was in 2010 with 134 fatalities from 45,901 reported dengue cases.

The figures dropped in 2011 until last year when it began to increase again.

In Kuantan, Pahang health department director Datuk Dr Norhizan Ismail said the state recorded an upswing in dengue cases this year.

Until Feb 16, the number of cases were 165, an increase by 74 cases when compared to the same time period last year.

"Kuantan has the highest number with 104 cases, followed by Jerantut (15cases), Temerloh (14), Maran (10), Raub (six), Pekan (five), Bentong (three) and Rompin, Bera, Lipis and Cameron Highlands at two each," he said in a statement yesterday.

Dr Norhizan said there were currently three active outbreak localities. They were Taman Balok Makmur in Kuantan; Taman Seri Kemuning in Temerloh and Felda Klau 1 in Raub.

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