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The Star Online: Metro: Sunday Metro

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• Application to acquit City Harvest six thrown out
• Fresh faces triumph over incumbents in Indonesia polls
• Thai King makes rare show

Application to acquit City Harvest six thrown out Posted: 05 May 2014 09:00 AM PDT SINGAPORE: The trial against City Harvest Church founder Kong Hee and five others will continue. Their defence lawyers had claimed the prosecution had not done enough to show there was a case against the accused, and called on Presiding Judge of the State Courts See Kee Oon to throw out all of the charges. But yesterday, the judge rejected this, saying that there was enough evidence for the trial to continue with all of the charges intact. "In my view there is evidence to show that the investments were shams... and were merely disguises for something else," he said. He was referring to several bond transactions which the prosecution believes were illegal and a way for the accused to misuse church funds. About S$50mil (RM1.3mil) is alleged to have been illegally used in various sham transactions to finance Kong's wife Ho Yeow Sun's pop music career and to cover this up. — The Straits Times / Asia News Network

Fresh faces triumph over incumbents in Indonesia polls Posted: 05 May 2014 09:00 AM PDT SINGAPORE: A former national tennis player, a former shoeshine boy who is now chairman of the Ferrari Owners' Club of Indonesia and a bevy of artists are among the candidates who have won enough votes to be new MPs in Indonesia's 560-seat Parliament. The ongoing tally of results of the April 9 general election has also seen voters reject approximately half the incumbents who stood for re-election, including prominent MPs, in favour of fresh faces. Heavyweights who failed to win a seat include House speaker Marzuki Alie of the Democratic Party, deputy speaker Priyo Budi Santoso of Golkar and chairman of the People's Consul­tative Assembly Sidarto Danusubroto of the Indonesian Democratic Party-Struggle (PDI-P). "This is a form of punishment from the public towards their representatives who they feel have failed to perform over the past five years," researcher Bawono Kumoro of The Habibie Centre said. "It should also be a lesson and warning for new MPs." Sitting ministers who ran for Parliament seats also lost, including Law Minister Amir Syamsuddin and Sports Minister Roy Suryo, both from the battered Democratic Party. Several sitting MPs who were not re-elected have cried foul, saying they were cheated by candidates with deeper pockets. Bawono said while this possibility cannot be ruled out, the widespread rejection of incumbents suggests voters also want new faces to speak for them. While final results and seat allocations will be finalised only later this week – and even then, may be disputed – province-level counts give a strong indication of candidates who have made it. There will be 10 parties in the new Parliament. The largest, PDI-P, is expected to get around 110 seats and the smallest, Hanura, around 30 seats. New MPs will not be sworn in until this October, but some have already spelled out what they would focus on if elected. For tennis coach Yayuk Basuki, 43, who reached the quarter-finals at Wimbledon in 1997 and won an Asian Games gold in 1998, this includes changing the way sports is managed in Indonesia. A National Mandate Party candidate from central Java, she hopes to lift the performance of her country's sportsmen and start a programme to help athletes balance school with sports, among others. For others, like Ahmad Sahroni, 36, of the new National Democratic (NasDem) Party, it is improving the welfare of residents, many of whom he grew up with and who helped elect him. The son of nasi padang sellers near North Jakarta's Tanjong Priok port shined shoes and loaned umbrellas to people when it rained to get by, before making his money selling fuel to ships. Celebrities and former stars have been among the clearest winners to emerge in recent days. Among those who won seats for the first time are former action hero movie star and Democratic Party candidate Dede Yusuf, 47, the former deputy governor of West Java, and racing car driver Moreno Suprapto, 31, who is from the Gerindra Party and elected from East Java. — Straits Times / Asia News Network

Thai King makes rare show Posted: 05 May 2014 09:00 AM PDT HUA HIN: Thailand's revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej made a rare public appearance to mark the 64th anniversary of his coronation, as the political turmoil gripping his kingdom enters a critical phase. The king's appearance yesterday comes as embattled prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra faces two key legal challenges which could see her removed from office over the coming days, while opposition leader Abhisit Abhisit refused at the weekend to commit to elections mooted for July to end the political crisis. Bhumibol, the world's longest-reigning monarch and a father figure for Thais, was crowned on May 5, 1950, although he came to the throne in June 1946 following the death of his elder brother. The 86-year-old monarch is seen as a moral authority in Thailand, which has been deeply divided along political lines since 2006 when billionaire former premier Thaksin Shinawatra – Yingluck's older brother – was ousted in a military coup. Bhumibol's public speeches are closely scrutinised especially in times of political crisis, but on this occasion he did not speak. The streets near his coastal palace were a sea of yellow as thousands of people, wearing the king's signature colour, waved flags and shouted "long live the king" as the monarch's vehicle passed through the central coastal town of Hua Hin, where he has lived since leaving a Bangkok hospital last August. A short service was held in a room in the royal palace packed with Thailand's political and military establishment as well as senior members of the royal family including the heir Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn. Monks led prayers as the king, who has suffered ill health for several years, looked on. Yingluck was also present. She has faced six months of protests demanding she steps down, which have left at least 25 people dead and hundreds more wounded, raising fears of wider violence between pro- and anti-government supporters as legal moves against her edge towards a conclusion. Yingluck is due to appear before judges at the Constitutional Court today against an allegation of abuse of power over the transfer of a top security official. "This is a critical few weeks for the future of Thailand," Noppodon Patta­ma, Thaksin's legal adviser, said. "If the (constitutional) court judgment is fair it could unblock the political conflict... If it is not fair, it will make things worse." The premier could also be charged with neglect of duty by Thai anti-graft officials over a bungled and costly rice subsidy policy which could see her toppled and banned from politics. — AFP

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The Star Online: World Updates

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• South Korean diver dies in ferry search operation
• Thai PM in court for hearing that may lead to her dismissal
• U.S. delegation urges talks to free American jailed in Cuba

South Korean diver dies in ferry search operation Posted: 05 May 2014 08:16 PM PDT SEOUL (Reuters) - A diver lost consciousness and died on Tuesday during the search operation for victims still missing after last month's South Korean ferry disaster. The diver had lost radio contact five minutes after diving to fix guideline ropes on the fifth deck of the sunken ferry, according to Ko Myung-seok, spokesman for the government's emergency task force. He was unable to breathe by himself when he was brought to the surface, and his death was later confirmed at a hospital. The dead man had been working for Undine Marine Industries, the company brought in to lead search efforts on the Sewol ferry, which capsized and sank about 20 km (12 miles) off the southwest coast of South Korea on April 16 with 476 passengers and crew on board. Among the passengers were 339 were children and teachers on a high school outing to the southern island of Jeju. Only 174 people have been rescued. The confirmed death toll is 263, with 39 still missing. An investigation is ongoing and amid rising indignation over the government's handling of the disaster, President Park Geun-hye voiced criticism on Tuesday of the role played by the ferry operator and government officials. "Safety rules that must be observed were not followed because of worldly desires and irresponsible acts that tolerated those injustices have resulted in death," she said during her address at a temple in Seoul on Tuesday to celebrate Buddha's birthday. She promised to fundamentally change national policies and systems to improve safety and to clean up malpractices to ensure businesses and government officials comply with requirements. President Park visited the families of the ferry victims on Sunday afternoon in Paengmok port in Jindo for the second time since the tragedy. Her approval rating had slipped to 53 percent as of May 5, 12 percent down for the two weeks after the disaster, according to Seoul-based polling company Realmeter. (Additional Reporting by Ju-min Park; Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore)

Thai PM in court for hearing that may lead to her dismissal Posted: 05 May 2014 08:15 PM PDT BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra arrived at the Constitutional Court on Tuesday to defend herself against charges of abuse of power, one of two legal challenges that could see her removed from office this month. Six months of street protests aimed at toppling Yingluck have undermined her government, but she has clung on and the number of protesters has dwindled. However, tension is rising again, with her supporters threatening action if the courts remove her and fears of confrontation with the protesters growing. Both her supporters and the anti-government protesters plan large rallies in or around Bangkok next week. Yingluck is charged with abuse of power over her transfer of National Security Council chief Thawil Pliensri in 2011, which opponents say was designed to benefit her Puea Thai Party. If found guilty, Yingluck could be forced to step down and some legal experts say her entire government would have to go too. A verdict will not be handed down on Tuesday but could come quickly afterwards. Amongst the other charges Yingluck faces is one of dereliction of duty over a state rice-buying scheme that critics say is riddled with corruption and has run up huge losses. These charges were brought by the National Anti-Corruption Commission, which is expected to deliver its ruling this month. If found guilty on this count, Yingluck could be removed from office and face a five-year ban from politics. Efforts to end the protracted political crisis have come to nothing. Proposals by opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva for the six-month delay of a general election planned for July, so as to allow time for political and electoral reforms, have been rejected by the Puea Thai Party and leaders of the anti-government movement. [ID:nL3N0NP04K] Yingluck's cabinet is expected to discuss the election date on Tuesday and could draw up a draft decree for royal endorsement. The protests since November form part of a long-running crisis that broadly pits Bangkok's middle class and royalist establishment against the mainly poor, rural supporters of Yingluck and her brother, ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra. Thaksin was ousted by the military in 2006 and now lives in exile to avoid a jail term handed down in 2008 for abuse of power. His opponents accuse him of corruption and nepotism. (Additional reporting by Pracha Hariraksapitak; Editing by Alan Raybould and Clarence Fernandez)

U.S. delegation urges talks to free American jailed in Cuba Posted: 05 May 2014 06:05 PM PDT HAVANA (Reuters) - Four U.S. lawmakers visiting Cuba on Monday urged President Barack Obama to authorise negotiations with the Cuban government about freeing jailed U.S. contractor Alan Gross. The visiting Americans, who met with Gross in his hospital prison, also expressed hope those talks would cover other issues such as the U.S. trade embargo of Cuba and the case of three Cuban spies serving long prison terms in the United States. Gross, 65, is serving a 15-year sentence over his 2009 arrest and 2011 conviction for attempting to set up an Internet service for Cuban Jews while working as a subcontractor for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Cuba considered his work a subversive program that used illegal, undercover and noncommercial technology. Cuba has said it is willing to engage in negotiations about Gross without preconditions, while U.S. officials have disregarded the offer as an attempt to exchange Gross for the three Cuban agents. "It is time that both countries make a serious commitment to engage in negotiations with no preconditions and we will communicate that to the White House upon our return," Barbara Lee, a Democrat from California, told reporters. She was joined by three other Democrats from the House, Gregory Meeks of California, Sam Farr of New York and Emanuel Cleaver of Missouri, on a mission sponsored by the Centre for Democracy in the Americas, a group dedicated to changing U.S. policy towards countries in the hemisphere. All four representatives have long supported the normalization of U.S. relations with Cuba. The congressional delegation met with Gross at his hospital prison and also with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez on Monday, and they were briefed by American officials before departing the United States. About a year ago, Cuba began offering to enter talks without preconditions, according to Gross's lawyer, Scott Gilbert. Cuba previously had more directly sought to link Gross's incarceration to the cases of the so-called Cuban Five, unregistered agents who were caught spying on Cuban exile groups in Florida that opposed the communist government in Havana. Two of the five have been released. The United States has rejected any trade of the Cuban agents for Gross, and no formal talks have taken place. (Editing by Ken Wills)

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Vans launches Star Wars-themed kicks Posted: 04 May 2014 08:30 PM PDT It is now possible to take a walk on the dark side and be the epitome of cool. Things are hotting up for fans of a specific galaxy far, far away with the launch of a new limited edition line of Star Wars-themed sneakers by Vans. Hot on the heels (sorry) of the announcement last week of the cast of the next Star Wars movie comes news of a collaboration between the skate shoe brand's premium Vault by Vans line and the Star Wars movies. The "Vault by Vans x Star Wars" sneakers take some of the label's classic models and reinterpret them using vintage 1980s prints with a Star Wars touch. Darth Vader, Stormtrooper helmet shapes, lightsabers and Imperial AT-AT Walkers all feature across the line. The shoes will be available on June 1, although a few limited edition pieces will be launched this week in selected stores across the globe. — AFP Relaxnews

May the Fourth be with you Posted: 03 May 2014 09:00 AM PDT In conjunction with Star Wars Day, Star2 captured iconic characters from Star Wars as they roamed the streets of Petaling Jaya. Watch out! (From left) Stormtrooper (Daniel Wong), Darth Vader (Abdul Rahim), Imperial Officer (David Brown) and Stormtrooper (Ng Seng Guan) could very well be patrolling a neighbourhood near you. KIRBY Samydurai still remembers the moment he first fell in love with the Star Wars film series. "I went on a motorbike with my uncle to Cathay Cinema in Ipoh back in 1983. We reached the theatre and it was packed. "As we took our seats, I saw 'Darth Vader' in full costume walking to the front of the theatre, flanked by two 'Imperial Stormtroopers'. That was the moment," the IT manager from Ipoh, Perak, recalled fondly. Today at 37, Kirby owns the Grand Admiral, Imperial Officer and Stormtrooper costumes. And in the same way that the life-sized Star Wars characters first brought joy and excitement to him as a boy all those years ago, he believes it will do the same for many others today. Those wearing the Stormtrooper costume have their visions restricted as they can't see anything below the chest. 'When they're walking on the street, they may stop a few cars and cause a traffic jam at times,' Kirby said. Hence, they are always paired with someone who can guide them, otherwise knows as a 'minder'. The 501st Legion is an all-volunteer international fan organisation that is not only dedicated to promoting interest in Star Wars but makes it a point to contribute to the local community through costumed charity and volunteer work. Comprising 22 members, the Malaysian chapter of the 501st Legion regularly makes appearances at corporate functions, charity events, orphanages besides organising hospital visits. They do not accept payment but instead encourage donations to be made to charitable organisations of their own choice. "Everyone in the legion believes in what we do. They give without asking. They don't want recognition or fame. When they see a kid smile, a wish that came true, or helping put clothes on the backs of the homeless, they are happy," shared Kirby who is the 501st Malaysian outpost executive officer. Members pay a hefty price for their costumes. For example, Kirby said his Imperial Stormtrooper armour costs about RM3,000 in the raw format but could shoot to RM6,000 with accessories such as belts, boots, holsters and helmets. 'I did not think much about the cost of the costume; the bigger picture was how many kids and the less fortunate we can help,' he said. Founded in January 2006, the 501st Legion is also known for their devotion to building and wearing accurate replicas of the Star Wars costumes, forking out thousands of ringgit at their own expense. Four members of the legion took their costumes out for a spin recently and were photographed by Star2 in everyday Malaysian settings. Members of the 501st Legion will be celebrating May the Fourth, otherwise known as Star Wars Day, at Perpustakaan Raja Tun Uda in Shah Alam today. Beginning at 10am, there will be a Star Wars collectible exhibition, flea market, games and a screening of Heart Of An Empire, a documentary about the worldwide 501st Legion fan group.

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The Star eCentral: Movie Buzz

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May the Fourth be with you Posted: 03 May 2014 09:00 AM PDT In conjunction with Star Wars Day, Star2 captured iconic characters from Star Wars as they roamed the streets of Petaling Jaya. Watch out! (From left) Stormtrooper (Daniel Wong), Darth Vader (Abdul Rahim), Imperial Officer (David Brown) and Stormtrooper (Ng Seng Guan) could very well be patrolling a neighbourhood near you. KIRBY Samydurai still remembers the moment he first fell in love with the Star Wars film series. "I went on a motorbike with my uncle to Cathay Cinema in Ipoh back in 1983. We reached the theatre and it was packed. "As we took our seats, I saw 'Darth Vader' in full costume walking to the front of the theatre, flanked by two 'Imperial Stormtroopers'. That was the moment," the IT manager from Ipoh, Perak, recalled fondly. Today at 37, Kirby owns the Grand Admiral, Imperial Officer and Stormtrooper costumes. And in the same way that the life-sized Star Wars characters first brought joy and excitement to him as a boy all those years ago, he believes it will do the same for many others today. Those wearing the Stormtrooper costume have their visions restricted as they can't see anything below the chest. 'When they're walking on the street, they may stop a few cars and cause a traffic jam at times,' Kirby said. Hence, they are always paired with someone who can guide them, otherwise knows as a 'minder'. The 501st Legion is an all-volunteer international fan organisation that is not only dedicated to promoting interest in Star Wars but makes it a point to contribute to the local community through costumed charity and volunteer work. Comprising 22 members, the Malaysian chapter of the 501st Legion regularly makes appearances at corporate functions, charity events, orphanages besides organising hospital visits. They do not accept payment but instead encourage donations to be made to charitable organisations of their own choice. "Everyone in the legion believes in what we do. They give without asking. They don't want recognition or fame. When they see a kid smile, a wish that came true, or helping put clothes on the backs of the homeless, they are happy," shared Kirby who is the 501st Malaysian outpost executive officer. Members pay a hefty price for their costumes. For example, Kirby said his Imperial Stormtrooper armour costs about RM3,000 in the raw format but could shoot to RM6,000 with accessories such as belts, boots, holsters and helmets. 'I did not think much about the cost of the costume; the bigger picture was how many kids and the less fortunate we can help,' he said. Founded in January 2006, the 501st Legion is also known for their devotion to building and wearing accurate replicas of the Star Wars costumes, forking out thousands of ringgit at their own expense. Four members of the legion took their costumes out for a spin recently and were photographed by Star2 in everyday Malaysian settings. Members of the 501st Legion will be celebrating May the Fourth, otherwise known as Star Wars Day, at Perpustakaan Raja Tun Uda in Shah Alam today. Beginning at 10am, there will be a Star Wars collectible exhibition, flea market, games and a screening of Heart Of An Empire, a documentary about the worldwide 501st Legion fan group.

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The Star Online: Business

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• SPK Homes Explores New Development Possibility With 50 Residensi
• Cautious start for KLCI on Ukraine tension
• US, Singapore agreement on tax evasion

SPK Homes Explores New Development Possibility With 50 Residensi Posted: 05 May 2014 06:47 PM PDT SHAH ALAM: SPK Homes is a recognized and respected name in Malaysian property development for their visionary outlook in embracing new challenges. With over 15 years of experience, their collective projects have spanned over 3,128 acres of land, encompassing Ambangan Heights in Sungai Petani, Sunway SPK Damansara and Bandar Sri Manjalara. One of their latest endeavours, Cahaya SPK, is a distinguished resort township sprawled over 500 acres of natural topography. As seen on Propwall, the upcoming township with 12-year development plan will have over 4,000 residential and commercial properties once completed. Cahaya SPK is designed to embody the concept of Tropical Resort Living environment, with unspoilt natural terrain that caters to modern and healthy living. One of these defining features is the unparalleled 78 acres of beautiful lake and parks. A generous 3.2-kilometre long jogging path winds around the township's lake and through scenic garden parks. Residents have both the laid-back choice to use this path to enjoy a healthier lifestyle and to soak in the delightful views during leisure strolls. Cahaya SPK Resort Club, a full-fledged 38,000 sf clubhouse, offers a variety of dining, wellness and recreational activities to interested individuals. This includes a an Olympic-length swimming pool, fully-equipped gym, children's fun pool, multipurpose hall, tennis courts, squash courts and more. In addition to the all-natural greenery and leisure amenities, an 11-acre commercial centre is planned to cater to the daily necessities of the residents. Cahaya SPK is well connected to urban conveniences, such as Plaza Jelutong, Giant Shah Alam, Tesco Shah Alam while golf clubs such as Monterez golf club and KGSAAS is just short drive away. A dedicated direct flyover, which is connected toward Cahaya SPK from the Batu Arang Highway, has seen the ease of traffic flow for its residents and visitors. Nearby townships and cities are accessible via the Guthrie Corridor Expressway (GCE), Shah Alam-Batu Arang Highway, Federal Highway and NKVE (via Batu Tiga). The proposed and upcoming Damansara-Shah Alam Elevated Expressway (DASH) will further interconnect Cahaya SPK to more places such as Subang Airport, Mutiara Damansara and even Mont' Kiara in only 17 minutes. 50 Residensi, the highly anticipated and latest phase developed in Cahaya SPK, is poised to meet the popular demand for quiet city neighbourhoods. Perched atop an undulating terrain with scenic views of the entire township and beyond, 50 Residensi offers exclusivity and privacy with low-density living totalling only 50 residences.  As concerns for personal safety have gone through the roof in this generation, 50 Residensi views its security seriously. This is fulfilled with the multi-tiered Security Features that include perimeter fencing with CCTV, intercom and Central Monitoring System (CMS) linked to the guardhouse, barrier gates with card access at the main entrance, and more. Three ultra-modern home designs with minimum built up area of 2,476sq.ft. are offered to the potential home owners of 50 Residensi: 2-Storey Superlink, 3-Storey Superlink or 3-Storey Semi-Detached. A luxury rooftop garden and double volume ceiling is exclusively available to selected units. All in all, 50 Residensi offers a daily breather for its home owners - a much-needed break from the surrounding hustle and bustle of city and work life in a natural sanctuary. Raising families in a private environment -safe from heavy traffic and other manmade dangers- while preserving the community aspect of the neighbourhood are the aspiration of many, and this can be assuredly realised within the embrace of 50 Residensi. 50 Residensi units are selling from RM 909,000 onwards, with an expected date of completion by 2016.

Cautious start for KLCI on Ukraine tension Posted: 05 May 2014 06:37 PM PDT KUALA LUMPUR: The FBM KLCI opened Tuesday in the red before rising more than three points, as investors were cautious on Ukraine's uncertain political crisis. At 9.16am, the KLCI was up 3.61 points to 1,864.15. Turnover was 187.25 million shares valued at RM74.28mil. There 197 gainers, 103 down and 213 counters unchanged. Reuters reported US stocks ended slightly higher as data showed strength in the services sector and Apple shares rose above $600 for the first time since late 2012. It said limiting the day's gains, however, were concerns over an escalation of tensions between Ukraine and pro-Russia separatists. Ukrainian forces were ambushed by separatists, triggering heavy fighting on the outskirts of the rebel stronghold of Slaviansk, a day after a Ukrainian police station in Odessa was stormed. At Bursa Malaysia, United Plantations rose 20 sen to RM25.70, TimeCom 15 sen to RM4.20 and Nestle 12 sen to RM69.10. Pestech rose eight sen to RM4.67 and PetDag six sen to RM30.28. Decliners were PetGas, down 18 sen to RM23.34, HLFG eight sen to RM15.02 and Amway four sen to RM11.86. PresBhd fell five sen to RM1.95.

US, Singapore agreement on tax evasion Posted: 05 May 2014 06:05 PM PDT WASHINGTON: Singapore has reached a tax information-sharing agreement with the United States under a new law meant to combat offshore tax dodging by Americans, a U.S. Treasury Department spokeswoman said on Monday. Set to take effect on July 1, the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act of 2010 (FATCA) will require foreign banks, investment funds and insurers to hand over information about Americans' accounts that have more than $50,000 to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. Foreign firms that do not comply face a 30 percent withholding tax on their U.S. investment income and could effectively be frozen out of U.S. capital markets. The Singapore deal, known as an intergovernmental agreement, was expected for more than a year and is significant because it broadens FATCA's dragnet to a major Asian financial center, sources have said. Like most of the other FATCA deals, the Singapore agreement will allow Singapore firms to report U.S. account-holder information to their local tax authority, which will send it along to the IRS. The Singapore deal was agreed "in substance" and must be finalized by the end of the year. Financial firms in countries that have not reached a FATCA pact must report directly to the IRS and risk violating local privacy laws. More than 60 IGAs have been negotiated to date, including deals with Indonesia, Peru and Kuwait announced in recent days, according to the Treasury Department's website. FATCA was enacted after a scandal involving Americans hiding money in Swiss bank accounts.- Reuters

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The Star Online: Entertainment: Movies

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The new Godzilla is so fat, he fills up more than just the screen Posted: 05 May 2014 12:35 AM PDT Japanese fans are fat-shaming Godzilla, weeks before he's set to appear in a Hollywood reboot of the classic tale. Japanese fans of Godzilla say the newly-unveiled monster, set to star in a Hollywood reboot of the post-war classic, is too fat and has been "super-sized" by a country used to large portions. The latest version of the giant beast will hit 3D screens in Malaysia on May 15 and in Japan two months later, in the year the huge Japanese lizard marks its 60th anniversary. Trailers for the film – starring Bryan Cranston, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Elizabeth Olsen and Ken Watanabe – and promotional stills have begun circulating, as marketers look to build excitement, but Japanese fans said their hero was looking a little chubby. "Only the silhouette of the new Godzilla had been seen before," said Fumihiko Abe. "When I finally saw it, I was a bit taken aback. It's fat from the neck downwards and massive at the bottom," said the 51-year-old, who said he has seen every Godzilla movie ever made. Abe said the 1998 Hollywood version was more "like a fast-moving dinosaur" instead of a big-footed monster. The computer-generated creature's rampage through New York was dismissed in Japanese cult circles as no match for the behemoth that terrorised Tokyo for decades. A Godzilla fan looks at a 1m-tall statue at a Godzilla art exhibition in Tokyo. — AFP/Yoshikazu Tsuno  However the new version was more promising, said Abe. "I can feel the mightiness of Godzilla from this new one. I'm interested in seeing how the heaviness is expressed in the new film," he told AFP as he visited an exhibition of Godzilla paintings in Tokyo. But other fans gathering online were less-than approving, with one saying the creation looked more like a seal and another dubbing it "marshmallow Godzilla". "It's done a 'super-size me'," one person commented, a reference to the larger meals available at US fast-food restaurants. "It's true that you gain weight in America. It's a calorie monster," one said. "It's Godzilla Deluxe," quipped another, a reference to a heavy-set transvestite on Japanese television. Godzilla dates back to 1954's Godzilla, King Of The Monsters, the first of a series of ground-breaking monster flicks made by Tokyo's Toho studios. Back then he was a 90kg latex creation that left the actor inside breathless and soaked in sweat, with special effects relying on piano wires, pulleys and firecrackers. From the moment Godzilla rose out of a roiling sea and began his swim to Japan, it was clear he was a product of the US atmospheric hydrogen bomb tests at Bikini Atoll in the South Pacific in the 1950s. The creature born of the nuclear age became a symbol of a pacifist Japan and the horrors of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki that ended World War II. — AFP Relaxnews

May the Fourth be with you Posted: 03 May 2014 09:00 AM PDT In conjunction with Star Wars Day, Star2 captured iconic characters from Star Wars as they roamed the streets of Petaling Jaya. Watch out! (From left) Stormtrooper (Daniel Wong), Darth Vader (Abdul Rahim), Imperial Officer (David Brown) and Stormtrooper (Ng Seng Guan) could very well be patrolling a neighbourhood near you. KIRBY Samydurai still remembers the moment he first fell in love with the Star Wars film series. "I went on a motorbike with my uncle to Cathay Cinema in Ipoh back in 1983. We reached the theatre and it was packed. "As we took our seats, I saw 'Darth Vader' in full costume walking to the front of the theatre, flanked by two 'Imperial Stormtroopers'. That was the moment," the IT manager from Ipoh, Perak, recalled fondly. Today at 37, Kirby owns the Grand Admiral, Imperial Officer and Stormtrooper costumes. And in the same way that the life-sized Star Wars characters first brought joy and excitement to him as a boy all those years ago, he believes it will do the same for many others today. Those wearing the Stormtrooper costume have their visions restricted as they can't see anything below the chest. 'When they're walking on the street, they may stop a few cars and cause a traffic jam at times,' Kirby said. Hence, they are always paired with someone who can guide them, otherwise knows as a 'minder'. The 501st Legion is an all-volunteer international fan organisation that is not only dedicated to promoting interest in Star Wars but makes it a point to contribute to the local community through costumed charity and volunteer work. Comprising 22 members, the Malaysian chapter of the 501st Legion regularly makes appearances at corporate functions, charity events, orphanages besides organising hospital visits. They do not accept payment but instead encourage donations to be made to charitable organisations of their own choice. "Everyone in the legion believes in what we do. They give without asking. They don't want recognition or fame. When they see a kid smile, a wish that came true, or helping put clothes on the backs of the homeless, they are happy," shared Kirby who is the 501st Malaysian outpost executive officer. Members pay a hefty price for their costumes. For example, Kirby said his Imperial Stormtrooper armour costs about RM3,000 in the raw format but could shoot to RM6,000 with accessories such as belts, boots, holsters and helmets. 'I did not think much about the cost of the costume; the bigger picture was how many kids and the less fortunate we can help,' he said. Founded in January 2006, the 501st Legion is also known for their devotion to building and wearing accurate replicas of the Star Wars costumes, forking out thousands of ringgit at their own expense. Four members of the legion took their costumes out for a spin recently and were photographed by Star2 in everyday Malaysian settings. Members of the 501st Legion will be celebrating May the Fourth, otherwise known as Star Wars Day, at Perpustakaan Raja Tun Uda in Shah Alam today. Beginning at 10am, there will be a Star Wars collectible exhibition, flea market, games and a screening of Heart Of An Empire, a documentary about the worldwide 501st Legion fan group.

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• Obama was overwhelmed by Malaysian hospitality, says US ambassador
• We gave prior warning of possible LCCT congestion, says Immigration Department
• MH370: Tripartite meeting agrees to send relatives to Perth once debris identified

Obama was overwhelmed by Malaysian hospitality, says US ambassador Posted: 05 May 2014 08:34 AM PDT KUALA LUMPUR: It may have been a short visit for Barack Obama, but the US president was overwhelmed by Malaysian hospitality and was touched by its people's warmth and friendliness. This was disclosed by US Ambassador to Malaysia Joseph Y. Yun at a media roundtable in the US Embassy here on Monday, who said Obama left Malaysia with a tinge of memorable and meaningful nostalgia. "When Obama left, he asked me to convey his thanks to the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak), who was such a gracious host, and to a number of ministers including (Foreign Minister Datuk Seri) Anifah Aman and (Youth and Sports Minister) Khairy Jamaluddin, who was also the minister-in-attendance, for playing a big part of this visit. "He asked me to convey (thanks) to the hosts for their warm welcome and being engaging throughout the whole visit. Obama was very much moved by the welcome shown to him wherever he went, from Malaysians, students at Universiti Malaya, young entrepreneurs at Cyberjaya and civil society leaders," he said. The three-day visit to Malaysia, beginning April 26, was the first by a sitting US president in 48 years since President Lyndon B. Johnson's trip in 1966. Yun said Obama was impressed to see crowds lining up to catch a glimpse of him along the routes he travelled during his stay here. From a personal point of view, Yun said Obama and Najib shared a very good relationship as well as a familiarity with each other - almost like two old friends meeting. "They have met many times on both multilateral and bilateral settings. Whenever I see those two interacting together, I am reminded that they know each other so well that I don't have to brief the president on anything at all," he said, adding that Obama's visit was a successful one. He added that Obama had a personal familiarisation with Malaysia, whereby he was comfortable in terms of knowledge and relationship, which the president would like to build between the United States and the region. "His personal history matters a lot, for example, during the state banquet, he recollected how his mother collected batik and his half-Indonesian sister's in-laws are Malaysians. "Even during the small bilateral lunch at Seri Perdana, Obama was telling people how nasi goreng should be cooked, and the best way of cooking it. He also joked about durian, that he had tried it several times and was not his favourite fruit," he said. With such a unique friendship shared between Obama and Najib, Yun said they both brought the United States-Malaysia relations to a comprehensive partnership, with greater collaboration on economy, security, education, science, technology and other fields. "With this new phase of ties, the leaders very much left us with homework such as how we will make progress on the visa waiver programme, how to go about expanding education programmes and lastly, how to cooperate outside Malaysia and within Asean," he said. Elaborating on the US Visa Waiver Programme, Yun said Malaysia had to meet a set of qualifications outlined by US laws, as well as provisions such as a visa refusal rate of about 3%, stolen and lost passports must be reported to Interpol and exchange of data on terrorists and criminals. "Malaysia has met some conditions such as machine-readable passports and allowing Americans in without visas, so we are making some progress. But it will probably take a little time to be qualified for the programme," he explained. However, he said no date was set for a series of consultations and technical briefings to carry out a proper assessment on the programme. Citizens from countries listed under the visa waiver programme are allowed to travel and stay in the United States for a maximum of 90 days without a visa. Malaysia's visa refusal rate stands at 5%. On Malaysia's Chairmanship of Asean 2015, Yun said the United States was looking forward to it both diplomatically and economically, and would contribute significantly towards the future direction of Asean and its bid to become the next regional giant. "The United States has been supportive of Asean as a grouping of nations, (that) is why we joined the East Asia Summit, by offering technical assistance to Asean on single market, energy issues. It will be an opportunity for the United States to make progress on so many things," he said. - Bernama

We gave prior warning of possible LCCT congestion, says Immigration Department Posted: 05 May 2014 07:59 AM PDT PETALING JAYA: The Immigration Department has issued a statement regarding Sunday's incident where passengers faced delays at the immigration gates at the Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) in Sepang due to a lack of manned counters, which all airlines were informed of and knew about. "The Government had directed operations at KLIA2 to start on May 2 and for LCCT to cease operations. However, AirAsia announced that they would only move on May 9," its director-general Datuk Aloyah Mamat said in a statement. She added that the Immigration Department, together with other agencies, had discussions with airline companies, warning of possible congestion over the transition period. "The congestion was expected if the officers from government agencies had to man two airports (LCCT and KLIA2) simultaneously. AirAsia had acknowledged this," she said. Aloyah said that as KLIA2 opened on May 2, some immigration officers stationed at the LCCT, as well as equipment, had been transferred there. "Before KLIA2 opened, there were four counters and three autogates for designated Malaysians, and 22 counters for foreign visitors," she said. Aloyah also informed that the number of counters for Malaysians were not reduced, with only those for foreign visitors affected from 22 counters to 11. "Overall, 60% of immigration officers remained at LCCT to manage the passengers from AirAsia flights, and only 40% were transferred to KLIA2. "We hope that when all flights are operating from KLIA2 on May 9, immigration counter services would be back to full strength and normal services resumed," she said.

MH370: Tripartite meeting agrees to send relatives to Perth once debris identified Posted: 05 May 2014 06:57 AM PDT KUALA LUMPUR: The next-of-kin of passengers and crew on board the missing Malaysia Airlines (MAS) flight MH370 aircraft will be flown to Perth, once any debris related to the aircraft is identified and confirmed. According to an official statement on the Tripartite Meeting in Canberra, Australia, which was made available to Bernama, participating ministers at the meeting had agreed among others, that MAS would be responsible for the travel arrangements. "The airline will also retain broad responsibility for their support during the visit, including flights, accommodation, transportation and family support," it said. The arrangement, among others, was agreed in the Tripartite Meeting chaired by Australian Deputy Prime Minister, Warren Truss in Canberra, Monday morning as part of an agreed reception programme for the next-of-kin. The meeting was also joined by Malaysia's Acting Transport Minister, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein and China Transport Minister Yang Chuantang. The ministers had also agreed that Australia provide support and information to the next-of-kin, in terms of entry requirements to ensure their travel in and out of Australia was well taken care of. China would actively facilitate and support matters relating to the Chinese next-of-kin, said the statement. Earlier, Truss in a press conference after the meeting, explained that the search operation would target the ocean floor of the southern Indian Ocean, which included mapping out its areas. He said that was necessary after failing to detect any debris of the missing aircraft during the aerial, surface and underwater search over the past 59 days. Truss said the ocean floor mapping was expected to take up to six weeks as most of the areas had never been mapped before. - Bernama

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Shaq Koyok: Fighting for roots and rights Posted: 03 May 2014 09:00 AM PDT Shaq Koyok fights through art to see the change he wants for indigenous peoples here. IF the eyes are the window to the soul, then what's apparent in the peepers of the young boy depicted in Witness is turmoil – an emotion fraught by the need to see what's before him and at the same time, plagued by guilt for not being able to stop the unravelling crime. The said portrait is the handiwork of young indigenous artist Shaq Koyok (real name Shahar Koyok), a painter with a keen eye for his surroundings, particularly the natural world. The 28-year-old's artwork is also very much driven by his sense and passion for activism, having borne witness to illegal logging and indiscriminate burning of the forest. But growing up in Kampung Pulau Kempas, Banting, Selangor, all Shaq cared about was articulating his thoughts, which seemed a struggle to verbalise. Selangor-born Shaq Koyok's Contemporary Indigenous Art Exhibition in Penang explores the issues facing the orang asli and consists mainly of works in acrylic. "I used art to express myself when words failed me. It seemed to be the only way I could tell people what was on my mind," said the masters student in Fine Arts, who is currently studying at UiTM, Shah Alam, Selangor, during a recent interview. Artistic expression came easy to him, and after having his first taste of it at the age of five in school, Shaq was soon taking part in competitions, encouraged by his teachers. By the time he reached 15, he was representing his school SMK Teluk Datok in Banting, with a significant moment arriving with his participation in a poster art competition, where his slogan of choice was "Jimatkan Air" (Save Water), a theme just as relevant today as it was then. But poster art and landscape paintings made way for a growing fascination with portraits, an interest sparked by an older brother. "My brother encouraged me to give it a shot, and I was soon doing portraits of classmates, and eventually, even my headmistress got in on the act," he said with a laugh. Shaq Koyok's humorous take on the contrast between the traditional orang asli and contemporary culture is seen in his work, Waz Dat. It's Shaq's ability to capture emotion that truly sets him apart from the rest of the pack, like in Witness. He points out that etching life-like emotions on his subject's faces isn't easy at all. "I outline the basic figure and then insert my own emotion and soul, like I did for Witness, which was from how I was traumatised seeing the jungles being burnt and logged. The expressions you see are from my own emotions." He lives in the modern dwelling of the city now, even if he is only based in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, but it's his heritage as a member of the orang asli Temuan community which gives him an insight on what happens in the jungles, miles away from prying eyes. Growing up with the Temuan community taught him to understand his roots, and how man and the natural world can live as one, without sacrificing Mother Nature's grand work. "The Temuan people live between the coast and the jungle ... we basically live around the mangrove swamps. So, my love for nature and culture comes from here," he said of his indigenous people, who originate from Selangor, Malacca and Negeri Sembilan. Shaq's primary inspiration for his artwork is his people. "I really want to raise awareness on the struggles of the orang asli – most people seem to know too little about us. Hopefully, my art will inspire people to write more about my community," shared the amiable artist. Shaq Koyok is proud of his heritage as part of the orang asli Temuan community. These Are My People, Do You See Us Now represents that in resplendent glory. He opines that orang asli issues haven't been given attention because the community is too small, thus ridding it of a strong voice for change. Politics should be held accountable, he reckons, but he's optimistic that progress will come, given what he's seen happening around the world. He might hail from a small community in Malaysia, but Shaq's travels have given him a more global perspective. His artwork has been exhibited in Sydney, Australia; London, England and Miami, the United States. And unsurprisingly, given the nature of his unique work, his paintings have been branded a breath of fresh air by the art communities there. "They like it because it's not something they've seen very often and they feel it's very expressive," said the son of a farmer and homemaker mom. Naturally, the artwork of Australia's aborigines draws some similarities, but that comparison is more in the subject matter than in style. "The aborigines create very thought-provoking artwork ... their history is way harsher than that of the Temuan's," said Shaq, who has his solo show – Shaq Koyok: Contemporary Indigenous Art Exhibition – on now in Penang. Shaq is inspired by how Australia's natives have succeeded in affecting a change through their art and looks to take a leaf from that page for his own work. When it comes to references he's grown up with though, he looks to a legend who lived on his own terms. "(Vincent) Van Gogh did everything that was true to his beliefs ... he just painted what he wanted and created modern art in the process." In Confessions Of Palm Oil, Shaq Koyok depicts how the planting of the crop has deprived the orang asli community of fertile soil for agriculture. Shaq has recently also taken his art away from the canvas and easel, and put it into children's books. A phobia which afflicted him as a six-year-old is now chronicled in Tujal and the Wind. "I used to be afraid of the wind when I was a kid, and I remember running to my grandfather's house for shelter whenever the wind would rustle through the trees and howl," he said almost sheepishly, recalling his childhood. The book, written by his author friend Stephen-John Curtis, features Shaq's illustrations. "Obviously children love comics, like I always have. So, the friendly images I've created to tell the story will hopefully let kids know what it's like to be part of the orang asli community." Shaq clearly sees that children are our future. He knows if they are taught well, they can one day lead the way, which is why he has engaged a cultural school holidays programme for orang asli kids. "We run the programme in the villages, where we use art to teach English, sports and culture. There's basket weaving, hunting, cooking, music and dance. For the moment, it's only for the orang asli kids, but we'd like to reach out to all kids some day in the future." He knows too well the need for preservation of the arts and culture. And if the holiday programme is only a small scale act of conservation, Shaq rests assured that he tells his bigger stories through his breathtaking artwork. Shaq Koyok's Contemporary Indigenous Art Exhibition is on at G Art Gallery, Level 1 (Link Bridge), G Hotel, Persiaran Gurney, George Town in Penang till June 30. Admission is free. More info: www.shaqkoyok.blogspot.com.

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Philippine rebels free most of their hostages Posted: 05 May 2014 06:51 AM PDT DAVAO, Philippines: Communist insurgents who seized 39 gold prospectors in the southern Philippines have released all but three of them, authorities said Monday. Guerrillas of the New People's Army (NPA) released 36 of the small-scale miners they had abducted on Saturday as government troops closed in on them, said Arturo Uy, the area's governor. "They were used as human shields," Uy said, following negotiations that secured the release of most of the captives in the gold-rich Compostela Valley in the Davao region of Mindanao island. It was not known why the NPA had held onto the remaining three. The insurgents had seized the miners as the military was conducting a major operation against them in a mountainous area that has over the years attracted thousands of prospectors who operate illegal gold mines. Entire villages have been set up around such mines, which have also become a lucrative source of extortion money for the rebels, officials have said. In the nearby town of Asuncion on Sunday, three soldiers were wounded when the NPA set off an explosive device to ambush a patrol, police said. The Philippines has stepped up operations against the NPA in recent months, capturing three of its senior leaders since March in what has been described by the military as a deadly blow to the movement. The NPA is the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, whose rebellion has claimed tens of thousands of lives since 1969. President Benigno Aquino had hoped to reach a peace deal with the insurgents before his six-year term ends in 2016, but planned peace talks have been hampered by rebel demands that detained comrades be freed. The capture of the senior leaders has further dimmed the prospect of new talks, analysts have said. -AFP

Strong 6.0-magnitude earthquake rattles northern Thailand Posted: 05 May 2014 06:48 AM PDT BANGKOK: A strong and shallow earthquake rattled northern Thailand on Monday afternoon, shaking tall buildings in Bangkok hundreds of miles to the south. The 6.0-magnitude quake, at a depth of just 7.4 kilometres (4.5 miles), hit just after 6 pm (1100 GMT), the US Geological Survey said. The epicentre was around 27 kilometres from the mountainous city of Chiang Rai. As darkness fell a Thai official warned residents in Chiang Rai province to brace for aftershocks. "This is the most powerful earthquake to strike the country in recent times," Burin Wechbunthung, a seismologist at the Meteorological Department, told AFP. "There have been five aftershocks so far and people within a 150-kilometre radius of the epicentre in Phan district should be warned," he added. There were no immediate reports of major damage, although television showed cracked building facades, broken shop windows and damage to roads. The area is a remote mountain retreat near the border with Myanmar and Laos and popular with foreign tourists. Another official from the Meteorological Department said the quake had a 6.1-magnitude. "The earthquake occurred on the Phayao fault line. This fault line covers Phayao and Chiang Rai provinces. Officials are checking how bad the damage is," Sophon Chaiya told reporters. The quake was felt in the nearby city of Chiang Mai and as far south as Bangkok, 800 kilometres (500 miles) away, where tall buildings shook for several seconds. It was also felt in Myanmar's commercial centre of Yangon, an AFP reporter there said. Major earthquakes are rare in Thailand, although tremors often strike the north of the country. A 6.8-magnitude quake hit Myanmar's eastern state of Shan in March 2011, leaving dozens dead near the border with Thailand and Laos and reducing homes and government buildings to rubble. The area hit in 2011 is close to Chiang Rai and prompted the then-government to call for a review of Thailand's preparedness for a major seismic event. Chiang Rai province is dotted with national parks which draw droves of tourists, many of them travelling from the nearby city of Chiang Mai. -AFP

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