Foul!

As published in Malay Mail today     HARESH SAYS By Haresh Deol   HE swirls effortlessly with strikes that are graceful yet deadly. There was no shouting or screaming, just the sound of the wind accompanying his moves.   It gave me goosebumps as I stood from afar, watching a silat exponent practise his art.   I was drawn to the art of silat in school. The movements — jurus, bunga and belebat — are intriguing and mesmerising.   A martial art that originated from the nusantara (Malay archipelago), silat spread  by word of mouth. It is believed silat was developed through the observation of animal movements and other natural phenomena while scholars declared Chinese and Hinduism elements are evident in the art form, their influence in the region during the early days.   Silat is best associated with legendary warrior Hang Tuah and his four friends — Hang Kasturi, Jebat, Lekir and Lekiu.   It is deeply rooted in Malay culture. Exponents perform their mo

As published in Mailsport today By Haresh Deol haresh@mmail.com.my KUALA LUMPUR — The Malaysian team that played Persib in Bandung last Saturday claimed they were caught off guard after the organisers labelled them Malaysia All Stars. Rasah Jaya FC team manager Abdul Rafi Abdul Murad said they were initially informed by the agent the game at the Si Jala Harupat Stadium was a “friendly”. The visitors, coached by Nick Sham Abdullah, lost 4-1. “But to our shock we saw the press when we arrived at the airport on Friday. We also saw posters which included two M-League players and there was a press conference,” he said. “We told them we cannot use the name Malaysia All Stars but they insisted. In fact, they got angry when we stressed we wanted to stay out of the match. We feared for our safety and decided to play.” He said the match was disorganised and even saw the kick off time rescheduled from 7pm to 4pm at the eleventh hour. “We did not even step out of the hotel after

As published in Malay Mail today By Haresh Deol  haresh@mmail.com.my PETALING JAYA — Nick Sham Abdullah could face disciplinary action for his coaching of the Malaysia All-Stars in their match against Persib in Bandung last Saturday. The National Coaches Association (NCA) will next week discuss Nick Sham’s membership after he coached Malaysia All-Stars to the game which they lost 4-1 at the Si Jalay Harupat Stadium. Local broadcasters MNCTV aired the match live. NCA president B. Satianathan said the decision to put Nick Sham on the carpet follows his meeting with FA of Malaysia (FAM) general-secretary Datuk Hamidin Amin at Wisma FAM yesterday. “I met Hamidin to get a clearer picture and was informed the national body are also investigating this match,” said Satianathan. “Our records show him being a member of the association. We will get in touch with Nick Sham and inform him of the meeting.” Once the national coach Satianathan stressed Nick

KUALA LUMPUR — Asian Football Confederation (AFC) vowed to probe the friendly between Indonesian club Persib and Malaysia All Stars in Bandung on Saturday after they were informed the visiting team were there for a “vacation”. AFC general secretary Datuk Windsor Paul John said Indonesian football officials revealed they too had no clue about the game at Si Jalat Harupat Stadium. The visiting team coached by Nick Sham Abdullah lost 4-1. The match was shown live on MNCTV and the “All Stars” had MNCTV’s brand on their yellow jerseys. “Many seem to be in the dark. I was later told the Malaysian team were on a holiday,” John said. “Once a national FA is suspended, no such activities can take place. We will investigate this matter further.”  Indonesia FA were suspended by Fifa in May following government interference in their local league. Nick Sham could also face suspension said National Coaches Association president B. Satianathan. The former internatio

As published in Mailsport today   By Haresh Deol haresh@mmail.com.my PETALING JAYA — The match between Indonesian club Persib and ‘Malaysia All Stars’ continues to hog the limelight with Asian Football Confederation (AFC) wondering how it could take place while former Kelantan defender S. Subramaniam lodged a police report yesterday after his picture was used to promote the game.     Persib defeated Malaysia All Stars 4-1 at the Si Jalat Harupat Stadium in Bandung yesterday.   “We don’t know of such a match. The Indonesian FA are suspended and they, or any of their affiliates, cannot host matches,” said AFC general secretary Datuk Windsor Paul John.   “Malaysia All Stars? It can be construed as misrepresentation. I will check with Indonesia,” he added. Subramaniam said he was alerted to a promotional poster featuring his image in a Kelantan jersey and two other footballers — T-Team defender Mohamad Faizal Muhammad and a foreigner.   “I was shocked to se

As published in Mailsport today      By Haresh Deol haresh@mmail.com.my PETALING JAYA — A "Malaysian All Stars" are scheduled to play Indonesian club Persib in Bandung tonight — a match FA of Malaysia (FAM) know nothing about.   FAM general secretary Datuk Hamidin Amin said the national body were in the dark about the game at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium which kicks off at 7pm local time.   "I know nothing and the match has nothing to do with FAM," Hamidin said.   "I don't know who the Malaysian All Stars team are, their players or their officials. Who is behind them ... I don't know."   He added the national body would not send any of their teams to the Republic as the Indonesian FA (PSSI) have been suspended by Fifa due to government interference.   "They can't organise any matches, even their clubs. We can't engage with them, the FA and their clubs. Our teams are well aware of the situation.

As published in Malay Mail today HARESH SAYS By Haresh Deol SHOUTS of “abang, abang” broke the silence as I walked away from my car.   Mr Muscular, on his kapchai minus a helmet, came racing from the other end of the road while trying to get my attention. I knew what was coming.   I had, just past midnight on Saturday, parked my car at Spectrum shopping mall in Bandar Baru Ampang — the small-time mall that was recently made famous by the Red Shirts for their so-called “Save Selangor” rally.   Unlike most days where the parking bays would be relatively empty after working hours, the area was congested as many had parked there to join the Nine Emperor Gods festival at the nearby Kau Ong Yah Temple. “If you park here, you have to pay RM5,” he said rather authoritatively.   I smiled and told him it was a public parking space.   “Who is the authority issuing the tickets? Did Ampang Jaya Municipal Council approve the collection?” I asked. Mr Muscular quickl

As published in Malay Mail today HARESH SAYS By Haresh Deol SOME have described them as “lazy” and “set in their ways”. Others say they are a contented lot, happy with their traditional way of life and cannot be changed. A former school teacher, who taught in a primary school in Gerik, shared her tales of dealing with the community. “It’s not easy dealing with orang asli children. Most of them are not eager to learn and often skip school. However, the school does not take action as we want to encourage them to stay in school,” she said, requesting anonymity. “Some of them come to school in slippers, sometimes without uniforms. During examinations, we will coach them to ensure they score the bare minimum. This is the reality no one speaks about.” The Education Ministry, or at least those administrating schools in the outskirts, know this. When seven children from SK Pos Tohoi in Gua Musang went missing on Aug 23, the horror tales emerged. Many earlie

As published in Malay Mail today HARESH SAYS By Haresh Deol  HE waved the machete in the air before striking. His other accomplice joined in as they hacked the woman repeatedly. A family member could only throw a slipper or two before she was threatened by the two men.   Neighbours could only watch from afar, horrified but afraid of confronting the suspects. The victim could only sit on the road, begging for mercy. They slashed her head, her back, and if one watches closely, the sharp blade of the machete could have cut her face.   A video of the Oct 1 incident went viral online. Police arrested two men the same day. The victim, in her 20s, is said to be in critical condition at Port Dickson Hospital.   If she pulls through, she will be physically and emotionally scarred for life. She will no longer look at men the same way.   A similar scene was seen in Iraq.   Children joined the elders as they lined up the street in Mosul, some 400km north of Baghdad.

As published in Malay Mail today     By Haresh Deol   haresh@mmail.com.my KUALA LUMPUR — The Royal Selangor Golf Club remains tight-lipped over the latest development claim on its high-value land in Jalan Tun Razak.   Its president Tan Sri Yong Poh Kon said the club would only respond upon being informed officially of the matter. This follows the announcement by Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan on Monday that the club will be turned into a recreational park.   "We are aware of the press reports but we'd rather not comment at the moment," he said.   Asked if he was tired with repeated attempts to develop the land, Yong said: "Yes, but we will reserve our comments until we see something in black and white."   Insiders reveal the committee had "deliberated" on the announcement by Abdul Rahman but decided against issuing any statement as of yet.   Abdul Rahman had said whi

As published in Malay Mail today       By Haresh Deol haresh@mmail.com.my KUALA LUMPUR — Ultras Malaya insisted they were not to be blamed for the heavy punishment meted out by Fifa against the FA of Malaysia (FAM) following riots at the stands during the World Cup/Asian Cup qualifier between Malaysia and Saudi Arabi on Sept 8.   Its leader Alfadli Awaludin, popularly known as Rambo, said critics ought to look at the root cause of the incident at Shah Alam Stadium instead of playing the blame game.    Fans had launched flares, smoke bombs and firecrackers onto the pitch in the 88th minute of the match to vent their frustration following Harimau Malaya’s 10-0 defeat to United Arab Emirates in a previous qualifying match. Fifa handed FAM a 40,000 Swiss francs (RM180,000) fine and a warning. The Sept 8 match was also awarded to Saudi with a 3-0 score.   “If anyone thinks the Ultras are to be blamed, then they are being very shallow about the situation.  “Have

Not too sure if this is the full statement but this is the statement published by national news agency Bernama. KUALA LUMPUR, 6 Okt (Bernama) -- Berikutan mesyuarat Pre-Council Raja-Raja yang diadakan di Istana negara pada hari ini, Penyimpan Mohor Besar Raja-Raja Datuk Seri Syed Danial Syed Ahmad mengeluarkan kenyataan berikut : 1. Raja-raja Melayu amat prihatin terhadap rasa resah dan kebimbangan yang telah disembah maklum oleh rakyat menyentuh kritikan terhadap kredibiliti dan integriti Kerajaan dalam melaksanakan amanah rakyat mentadbir negara. Budi Bicara Duli-duli Yang Maha Mulia Raja-raja Melayu telah dipohon untuk membantu menyelesaikan masalah yang sedang melanda negara ketika ini. 2. Sesungguhnya Duli-duli Yang Maha Mulia Raja-Raja Melayu ada tanggungjawab fardu kifayah untuk memastikan keamanan dan kemakmuran negara dapat berlangsung dalam suasana politik yang stabil dan rakyatnya hidup dalam harmoni. Justeru itu, Raja-raja Melayu setelah berbincang bersama, m

As published in Mailsport today By Haresh Deol  haresh@mmail.com.my KUALA LUMPUR — Datuk Ong Kim Swee is not a happy man. The national Under-23 coach, who was recently made interim national coach, is dumbfounded after seeing advertisements by FA of Malaysia (FAM) in local dailies for the position of national Under-23 coach yesterday. While trying to respect his pay masters, Ong was clearly frustrated over how the new coach is being appointed. “Where do I stand?” he asked. “I still have a contract and it ends in December. I was not told about the advertisement. I wish some people would be more sensitive towards my feelings as I have been tasked to run the national team and we have an important job in front of us ... to win our coming matches and improve our Fifa ranking,” he said. Malaysia are placed 171 in the latest Fifa ranking on Thursday — its worst performance ever. The national team hope to redeem their pride when they play Laos in a friendly in B