Thomas Cup - it's China again!

Badminton would always be one of my favorite sports, other than soccer since I was in primary school. I missed the era of Misbun Sidek and his other colleagues, but it's still fresh in my mind where his other brothers, namely Razif, Jailani and Rashid were playing for Malaysia back there. The most indelible moment was obviously during the Thomas Cup 1992 championships. Some of other prominent names were Foo Kok Keong, Cheah Soon Kit and Soo Beng Kiang. They were all the real fighters for Malaysia at that time. Since that, I was trying hardly not to miss the championships. However, Malaysia has never won any Thomas cup tittle after that year too.

Historically, Thomas Cup championships have been conducted every two years since the 1982 tournament (I was not yet born at that time). Before that, it has been conducted every three years since the first tournament held in 1948-1949. As known, Indonesia is the most successful team by winning the tittle for thirteen times, followed by China (7 times) and Malaysia (5 times - 1949, 1952, 1955, 1967, 1992). These are the only three countries which have won the championships even though some other countries, like Denmark, Thailand and the latest, Korea were able to went through to the final. Source: Wikipedia - Thomas Cup

Thomas and Uber Cup

And, the Thomas Cup 2008 championships has just ended yesterday, where the Chinese again retained the tittle, consecutively since 2004. China has beaten Korea 3-1. However, in the semi final, China beat Malaysia 3-2. It was a close match at all, and it seems that Malaysia was better perhaps. I, and I believe the Malaysian as well, was pretty sure if Malaysia able to defeat China in the semi final, then the Thomas Cup would have been stolen from them. I just don't know what to say about our players, especially the first double. And Hafiz Hashim also seems not in his best performance yet. But when I watched Lee Chong Wei's play, it was totally superb, and of course plus the bad performance by Lin Dan too. Congratulation also to the young double, Mohd Zakry Latif and Mohd Fairurizuan Tazari who have convincingly defeated the world number 9 double from China to make the match even, and saved Malaysia from early defeat.

Last night, I watched the match between China & Korea. I just don't care who's gonna win the tittle, but somehow I hoped that Korea would win it. It was really shocked when the first single of Korea, Park Sung-Hwan defeated the world number 1, Lin Dan in the first game 21-10. But as expected, there shouldn't be a problem for Lin Dan to come back and turned down the Korean in the next two games. Then, the Korean was able to make the match even when their first double (world number 3) beat the Chinese double (world number 2). It was an amazing performance and defense shown by the Korean double I must admit. Well, I've never expected the match between the second single of Korean, Lee Hyun-Il against Chinese world number 3, Bao Chunlai would be that close and exciting. It was also the first time I watched a match where a winner won against his opponent by 28-26.

Ok, that's enough, otherwise, I'll be a nonprofessional sports commentator here..hehe. Lastly, I wish the Malaysia team will do better in the next two years Thomas Cup championships, which will be held in Kuala Lumpur. Until 2008, the nation has been waiting for 16 years to seize the most prestigious cup in badminton arena.

UM, UIAM, UTM: Universiti terbaik

News by Malaysiakini on 16th May 2008, also available at Global Media Channel and The Star: UM leads in ranking

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Universiti terbaik: UM, UIA, UTM

Oleh: Abdul Rahim Sabri

Tiga universiti awam mendapat pengiktirafan sebagai universiti terbaik dalam kelas masing-masing daripada 17 institusi pengajian tinggi (IPT) yang dikaji taraf kualitinya.

Universiti Malaya mendahului dalam kategori universiti penyelidikan, Universiti Islam Antarabangsa mendapat tempat teratas (universiti umum) dan Universiti Teknologi Malaysia tempat pertama (universiti khusus).

Berdasarkan markah keseluruhan enam bidang yang dikaji, Universiti Malaya memperolehi 5 mata atau "cemerlang", Universiti Islam Antarabangsa mendapat 4 mata (sangat baik) dan Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (3 atau baik).

Keputusan ini, yang pertama kali diumumkan, hasil penilaian Sistem Penarafan Institusi Pengajian Tinggi Awam (Setara) selama dua tahun yang diselia oleh Agensi Kelayakan Malaysia (MQA).

Ketika mengumumkan keputusan tersebut hari ini di kementeriannya di Putrajaya, menteri pengajian tinggi Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin berkata penarafan ini bertujuan mengukur mutu, kebertanggungjawaban dan prestasi IPT.

Setara bermula dengan data yang dikutip dan dianalisis dalam projek rintis pada 2005 di 16 IPT dan penilaian tarafnya dijalankan setahun kemudian.

Kajian pertama sistem itu pula pada 2007 yang dibuat di 17 IPT awam dan melibatkan data-data tahun sebelumnya.

Satu pasukan tujuh anggota yang diketuai profesor Dr Che Husna Azhari dari Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia melaksanakan Setara dan urusetianya di MQA.

Sistem Setara ini berasaskan enam bidang utama yang mengandungi 87 pengukur hasil perundingan dengan semua universiti tempatan.

Mohamed Khaled berkata, sistem ini berbeza dengan kaedah yang diguna pakai oleh Times Higher Education Supplement (THES).

"Domain yang mereka pakai antaranya ialah peer review (semakan rakan sejawat) dan persepsi majikan yang kebanyakan berdasarkan kepada persepsi, berbanding sistem kita lebih komprehensif yang menggunakan enam domain yang mengandungi 87 indikator," katanya.

Dalam kategori universiti penyelidikan, tempat kedua jatuh kepada Universiti Putra Malaysia dan ketiga Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (masing-masing 4 mata).

Bagi kategori umum, Universiti Teknologi Mara dan Universiti Malaysia Sabah masing-masing mendapat 4 dan 3 mata.

Universiti Teknologi Tun Hussein Onn dan Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris masing-masing berada di tempat kedua dan ketiga bagi kategori universiti khusus (kedua-duanya 2 mata atau memuaskan).

Mata 1 yang paling bawah dikategorikan sebagai lemah, diikuti memuaskan, baik, sangat baik, cemerlang dan terbilang (6 mata).

Mohamed Khaled berkata, keputusan lengkap kajian ini tidak didedahkan kepada media, sebaliknya diserahkan kepada IPT untuk tindakan.

"Saya fikir, sudah memadai masyarakat mengetahui setakat ini," katanya.

Filem seram, apa kesannya?

Tertarik dengan satu artikel dalam Utusan Malaysia bertajuk 'Kesan buruk cerita hantu', membuatkan saya terpanggil untuk menulis sesuatu. Lebih-lebih lagi ia diselit dengan sedikit penerangan drp SS Dr. Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin, Mufti Kerajaan Negeri Perlis.

Sememangnya cerita hantu dan seram adalah cerita yang tidak mungkin saya tonton. Kalau ada rakan yang mengajak untuk menonton, maka sudah pasti jawapannya, "Sorry, aku kurang berminat dengan cerita macam ni."

Saya bersetuju sekali dengan pendapat yang mengatakan bahawa cerita hantu sebenarnya tidak membangunkan minda masyarakat & sekadar hiburan kosong semata. Selain tidak membantu pembentukan insan, ia juga adakalanya memperbodohkan masyarakat. Fikiran orang Melayu kita masih dijajah oleh ideologi hantu & khurafat (terutamanya filem Malaysia). Kita sepatutnya bergerak maju ke hadapan, tidak perlu lagi dimomok & disajikan dengan unsur hantu khurafat yang boleh merosakkan aqidah kita sebagai umat Islam. Malangya negara kita masih lagi menayangkan filem-filem sebegini, juga pameran-pameran hantu jembalang yang mendapat tentangan hebat daripada para ilmuan Islam.

Jika ada yang berpendapat bahawa cerita hantu hanyalah untuk hiburan semata, tidaklah salah asalkan ia tidak keterlaluan dan bebas daripada unsur khurafat. Mungkin ada antara cerita hantu tersebut yang mengandungi unsur humor & pengajaran yang betul. Namun sudah tiba masanya kita berfikir sedikit, gunakan akal fikiran yang waras dalam menilai hal ini.

Wassalam.

Untuk artikel asal, rujuk tulisan Dr. Mohd Asri, atau berita di Utusan Malaysia.

Medicine is a noble art, not a trade; a calling, not a business. Isn't it?

When I was in third year of UG, we had a seminar (as I have been coordinating seminar for the past 2 semesters too, every Friday afternoon), presented by a speaker from Sime Darby. One of the significant words he said, which I can still remember was "medicine is no more noble...everything is business". Well, what do you think? Let's read this news, perhaps as also a response to the previous news 'Grads prefer to stay on overseas' here.

--------------------

Come back and we’ll treat you right, Malaysian medical specialists told

Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said the ruling was being reviewed as the Government wanted to attract Malaysian doctors home.

Currently, all doctors are required to undergo three years of public service in government hospitals.

“We are making it easier for Malaysians who want to come back and practice. A one-stop centre has been set up to help facilitate their return,” he said.

Liow said there was no way that the Government could match doctors' salaries offered at private healthcare institutions.

.... “Let us keep in mind that the practice of medicine is a noble art, not a trade; a calling, not a business.”


Read more here>>

What makes a man

Lelaki dan wanita saling lengkap-melengkapi antara satu sama lain. Tanpa Hawa di sisi, sedangkan Adam a.s terasa sunyi walaupun berada di syurga. Sememangnya fitrah insan, berkehendakkan pasangan, untuk mencintai & dicintai. Lelaki idaman dari kaca mata wanita pastinya berbeza bagi setiap individu. Semoga para wanita semua dianugerahkan lelaki yang benar-benar memenuhi ciri yang diimpikan. Namun ingatlah, tiada yang sempurna di dunia ini. Hanya Allah yang Esa, Maha Sempurna.

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What makes a man, from The Star Sunday, 17th February 2008

KUALA LUMPUR: If you did not receive any special gift or candlelight dinner for Valentine’s Day, don't fret.

That’s because Malaysian men rate sex and romance lowly when it comes to masculinity. To them, manhood means having a good job, taking care of the family and ensuring enough money.

The men of China, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, on the other hand, think sex is more important.

According to a masculinity study on Asian men, urban Malaysian men rate sex and romance lowly – only 0.9% chose an active sex life while a mere 0.7% picked success with women as important indicators of their masculinity.

On the upside, Malaysian men are good providers with family as their priority.

Family and money – next to good jobs – are their top concerns and the main defining facets of their manhood – 24% of them rate having a good job as the most important thing in being a “man”.

The Masculinity in Asian Men research was conducted on 10, 934 men aged 20 to 75 years old in five Asian countries: China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Malaysia.

Sponsored by Bayer HealthCare, the study involved 3,000 Malaysian men and was completed in 2006 but the findings are yet to be published.

In other Asian countries, though, most men picked active sex life (89%), success with women (87.9%) and physical attractiveness (85%) as key indicators of masculinity.

Chartered psychologist with the Health Research Development Unit at the Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Prof Dr Sarinah Low Abdullah, said this attitude is conditioned by society.

“Masculinity is very much influenced by socio-demographic parameters. For most men, their sense of self, sexual desire and behaviour are related to their sense of power, respect and success,” said Prof Sarinah, one of three Malaysian academics in the Europe-Asian team of researchers.

She added that the masculinity of Asian men was still an unexplored area in sexual heath studies.

“There have been many research looking into the masculinity and sexual health of European and American men but no proper one has been carried out on Asian men yet,” she said.

The research was divided into three parts: men's attitude towards life events, sexual behaviour and their attitude towards erectile dysfunction.

The findings, nevertheless, reinforced the male stereotypes in the individual participating countries, specifically in their concept of masculinity: the Taiwanese and Japanese quoted being a man of honour as the most important quality, the Chinese defined it as having control over one's life while for South Koreans, it was having an active sex life.

A common characteristic among all Asian men, however, was their inability to express themselves, especially when it comes to sexual health, she said,

“A part of the male personality is not to show emotions. They cannot cry or show that they have problems. They won't even talk about their sex problems unless they are in excruciating pain. Often, they need women to push them to open up.”

Said Prof Sarinah, the research revealed that importance of career and financial status seem to decrease with age for men, while physical attractiveness, sexual performance and success with women will increase as they get older.

However, she noted, no research has been carried out on how the older men channel their increased sexuality.

Source: The Star Sunday, 17th February 2008

Does Islam promote violence?

Excerpt from the 20 Most Common Questions asked by Non-Muslims (who have some knowledge of Islam), by Dr. Zakir Abdul Karim Naik.
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DOES ISLAM PROMOTE VIOLENCE?

Question:

Doesn’t Islam promote violence, bloodshed and brutality since the Qur’an says that Muslims should kill the kuffar where ever they find them?

Answer:

A few selected verses from the Qur’an are often misquoted to perpetuate the myth that Islam promotes violence, and exhorts its followers to kill those outside the pale of Islam.

1. Verse from Surah Taubah

The following verse from Surah Taubah is very often quoted by critics of Islam, to show that Islam promotes violence, bloodshed and brutality:

"Kill the mushriqeen (pagans, polytheists, kuffar) where ever you find them."
[Al-Qur’an 9:5]

2. Context of verse is during battlefield

Critics of Islam actually quote this verse out of context. In order to understand the context, we need to read from verse 1 of this surah. It says that there was a peace treaty between the Muslims and the Mushriqs (pagans) of Makkah. This treaty was violated by the Mushriqs of Makkah. A period of four months was given to the Mushriqs of Makkah to make amends. Otherwise war would be declared against them. Verse 5 of Surah Taubah says:

"But when the forbidden months are past, then fight and slay the Pagans wherever ye find them, and seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem (of war); but if they repent, and establish regular prayers and practise regular charity, then open the way for them: for Allah is oft-forgiving, Most merciful."
[Al-Qur’an 9:5]

This verse is quoted during a battle.

3. Example of war between America and Vietnam

We know that America was once at war with Vietnam. Suppose the President of America or the General of the American Army told the American soldiers during the war: "Wherever you find the Vietnamese, kill them". Today if I say that the American President said, "Wherever you find Vietnamese, kill them" without giving the context, I will make him sound like a butcher. But if I quote him in context, that he said it during a war, it will sound very logical, as he was trying to boost the morale of the American soldiers during the war.

4. Verse 9:5 quoted to boost morale of Muslims during battle

Similarly in Surah Taubah chapter 9 verse 5 the Qur’an says, "Kill the Mushriqs where ever you find them", during a battle to boost the morale of the Muslim soldiers. What the Qur’an is telling Muslim soldiers is, don’t be afraid during battle; wherever you find the enemies kill them.

5. Shourie jumps from verse 5 to verse 7

Arun Shourie is one of the staunchest (*most firm/steadfast) critics of Islam in India. He quotes the same verse, Surah Taubah chapter 9 verse 5 in his book ‘The World of Fatwahs’, on page 572. After quoting verse 5 he jumps to verse 7 of Surah Taubah. Any sensible person will realise that he has skipped verse 6.

6. Surah Taubah chapter 9 verse 6 gives the answer

Surah Taubah chapter 9 verse 6 gives the answer to the allegation that Islam promotes violence, brutality and bloodshed. It says:

"If one amongst the pagans asks thee for asylum (*refuge), grant it to him, so that he may hear the word of Allah; and then escort him to where he can be secure that is because they are men without knowledge."
[Al-Qur’an 9:6]

The Qur’an not only says that a Mushriq seeking asylum during the battle should be granted refuge, but also that he should be escorted to a secure place. In the present international scenario, even a kind, peace-loving army General, during a battle, may let the enemy soldiers go free, if they want peace. But which army General will ever tell his soldiers, that if the enemy soldiers want peace during a battle, don’t just let them go free, but also escort them to a place of security?

This is exactly what Allah (swt) says in the Glorious Qur’an to promote peace in the world.

By: Dr. Zakir Abdul Karim Naik

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May this brief explanation help to improve the understanding of my fellow Muslim brothers and sisters, as well as the Non-Muslims in understanding the real Islam.

Toll Review?

News by The Star, Thursday 8th May 2008:

Ministry's study on highway concessions may see lower rates

KUALA LUMPUR: The Works Ministry will review highway concessions which may result in lower toll rates.

Minister Datuk Mohd Zin Mohamed said he would call for a detailed study to be carried out before reviewing the concession agreements.

Some of the important factors to be considered were the traffic volume forecasts, toll rates and period of the concession, he said.

“We will compare the toll collections, and maintenance and operational costs, as well as ‘heavy’ maintenance costs,” he told reporters at the Parliament lobby yesterday.

Read more here>>

Well, this is something that has impressed me this morning if they're really going into what they have said. Yeah, better late than never, rite? The Malaysians have suffered too much because of the high toll rates. In fact, certain parties have actually gained profit for millions, perhaps billions of ringgit from the toll collections, more than enough from the original cost of building and maintaining the highways. The Malaysians would certainly support the steps taken. Hope that the news is not merely news on paper, but to be put into actions very soon.

Extension of Maternity Leave

By BERNAMA

Five Pakatan Rakyat States Agree To Extend Maternity Leave

SHAH ALAM, May 4 (Bernama) -- The five Pakatan Rakyat-led state governments have agreed to extend the 60-day paid maternity leave for public sector employees in their states, and are to work out the number of additional days according to the needs and demands in each state.

The new leave will only be implemented after the leaders of the five states -- Selangor, Kelantan, Perak, Penang and Kedah -- sit down together to fine-tune the needs and demands in each state.

Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin asked to be allowed time to fine-tune the matter at state level "and then we will sit down together and decide what's best for the five states".

He spoke at a news conference after a workers assembly here Sunday. Also present were Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim; Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin; PAS Vice-President Datuk Husam Musa who represented the Kelantan menteri besar; Kedah Rural Development, Entrepreneur Development and Public Works Committee chairman Phahrolrazi Zawawi who represented the Kedah menteri besar and Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) president Syed Shahir Syed Mohamud.

Women employees in the public sector are now entitled to 60 days of paid maternity leave for a maximum of five times.

Mohammad Fairus said the Penang government was considering extending the leave up to 75 days by taking into account locality and the people's acceptance in the state.

Abdul Khalid said the Selangor government planned to implement a 90-day maternity leave and between seven and 10 days additional leave for men whose wives were on maternity leave.

"The state government, MTUC, public and private sector workers' organisations or Cuepacs have to hold further discussions so that no one will lose out when the facility is implemented," he said.

Husam said the Kelantan government proposed to give 10 days of additional leave prior to delivery to women who found it difficult to work in an advanced state of pregnancy.

Mohammad Nizar said the Perak government was compiling data to determine whether it was possible to extend the maternity leave to 65 or 70 days.

Phahrolrazi said the Kedah government might adopt the measures to be implemented by the Kelantan government in the matter.

-- BERNAMA

Penang CM flying in economy class

I was impressed enough when I read this news in today's The Star:

Travellers impressed to see Lim flying economy class

PENANG: Some things have not changed with Lim Guan Eng, although he is now the Penang Chief Minister.

And among that is his penchant for economy class air travel.

As the chief executive of Penang, Lim is entitled to a business class seat but he is having none of it.

Ning posing with Lim at KLIA on Wednesday in a photo taken from Jolly's blog

As travellers queued to get into the airplane, many are surprised to see Lim standing in line with them, just like in the days before the DAP wrested Penang from the Barisan Nasional in the March general election.

Among those who were surprised to see the Penang CM in economy class were songbird Ning Baizura and her manager Vernon Kedit Jolly, who were at KL International Airport last Wednesday.

Jolly was so moved that he wrote about it on his blog, which spurned off reactions among other bloggers.

Lim, who has adopted a “no formalities” approach since assuming the CM’s post, said he said he had told his staff to book him economy class tickets whenever he needed to fly.

“I hope to lead by example. If I can reach my destination and save some money at the same time, why not?” he asked.

That is not all. The Chief Minister also does not check into luxury-class rooms in hotels.

“I usually request for a room that is at least one level down from what I am accorded,” Lim said.

Jolly, who flew in First Class with Ning on that flight to Penang, said Lim had earned their deepest respects.

------- Source: The Star, 4th May 2008

I wish that our leaders could see and learn the good things from what has Lim shown. Don't we remember that our Prophet and Mulims Khalifah have demonstrated this simple and humble living style thousand of years ago even they were at the highest position? Those leaders were the most respected leaders in the history.

Tribute, Farewell to Dr. Anis Shobirin

Wednesday, 30th April 2008 was the last day for Dr. Anis Shobirin, a friend, elder sister, and mentor of mine, at UIAM. That day, we held a small farewell party for her.

Dr. Anis has been working as a Research Assistant for Prof. Dr. Farouk since August 2007 after she finished doing the lab works for her PhD degree. My warm congratulation to her for has successfully obtained the PhD in last March, and for has been appointed as a lecturer at UPM. Not forgotten, for her 4th coming soon baby, insya Allah.

I got to know her when I was doing my final year project, supervised by Prof. Dr. Farouk. We were working in a same lab, namely Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering Lab. Lot of things I have learnt from her. Her advices, tips, and guides particularly in doing research would always be useful to me.

Chocolate Indulgence from Secret Recipe

Syahida, Shima, Faizal, Nazri, Dr. Anis, Dr. Hamzah

We wish her the very best in all future endeavors. May Allah's blessings be always with her and her family.

Exam Results ~ Normal Distribution

Friday 2nd May 2008, 10:35 am

Note: I was in the middle of Biotechnology Departmental Meeting when I started writing a draft for this post.

I was supposed to type down the minute of the meeting this time (as I am still the departmental secretary). Yeah, I was focusing on the meeting, but now I don’t have the feel of doing it. The lecturers have started arguing each others on the matter of Final Year Projects grading. Guideline has clearly stated that there’s certain limitation in the number of students who should get A. The Dean himself has challenged any lecturers who would like to defend that his/her grades which comprises a high number of A students to bring all the students to him and let him grade them. Let the dean evaluates their reports and let them present in front of the dean. Tough, right?

Well, let’s have a break. I would only type down something which is well worth and most important, unanimously agreed by departmental members.

Normal curve

What does it mean? Does it mean that it's unethical for lecturers to normalize the graph, i.e., in case of too many students get A, by multiplying the grades by certain factor? Well, it can't be helped since most institution would not accept it as normal if there are too many students get A. For me, it's true that everything occur would likely to follow the normal distribution. And when certain thing does not follow the rule, it shouldn't be forced to be normal. It's a matter of how to make it naturally normal , not by force.

I would humbly say that, if the grades are not normally distributed, it's not students' mistake, but lecturers'. Lecturers should know how to set the question based on their students' capability, so that the results would appear in a normal distribution. It's true that very tough to have a situation where, let say, 50% of students gets A. If it happens, then there must be something wrong with the questions, i.e., perharps too easy, or rather the same questions of previous semester. Lecturers have the guideline on how to set the questions. For example, there must be few questions which could only be answered by very smart students, i.e., only 10%. The rest should be average, as well as easy questions. To force the graph to be normally distributed is not the correct way.

(11:05) Huh.. they were still arguing. When were they going to stop? Could they just agree on a mutual decision? Or was it just because some of them who still din't (or didn't try to) understand the issue and guidelines provided by the kulliyyah or rather didn't want to acknowledge their mistakes? At one moment, seemed that all of them were talking. Then how should I catch what they were talking about?

(11:20 am) Alhamdulillah, at last they managed to stop it. The HOD stressed that lecturers should thoroughly study thesis/report assigned to them, page by page, and consider them as an amanah from Allah before coming to presentation. Marks should only be given according to the overall performance of the students.

Summary: We (lecturers) have not been doing our job well because it’s still full of emotional elements attached in it. A rational suggestion: go back and read the guidelines, and consider this as a normal course and treat it fairly as an amanah from Allah.

----- and the meeting has adjourned at 1:00 pm (it began at 9:40 am)