PUTRAJAYA, The Education Ministry will come out with a compromise solution in the Teaching of Science and Mathematics in English.
Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said that the current policy would be modified because a strict “yes or no” decision might not be suitable.
“Some of the views we are considering include using Bahasa Malaysia at lower primary or lower secondary levels,” he said.
Hishammuddin noted that the feedback received by the ministry so far showed that opinions were equally divided on the issue.
“Both sides have put forward very convincing arguments to support their views,” he told reporters after chairing the national Unesco commission’s annual general meeting at his office here yesterday.
Hishammuddin said that the ministry was still seeking more views from stakeholders and that a third roundtable discussion on the issue would be held later this month.
“A final decision would be made after the results of the just-ended Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) 2008 are analysed,” he said.
Pupils who sat for the UPSR this year are the first batch to study both subjects entirely in English since the policy was introduced in 2003.
“Whatever happens, we will continue with our agenda to improve the English proficiency of students,’’ said Hishammuddin.
Hishammuddin also said that he would consider the National Union of the Teaching Profession’s (NUTP) proposal for a single-tier pay scheme for teachers.
“However, the NUTP must also acknowledge and appreciate what we have already done for the teaching profession rather than add more demands to every request that has already been fulfilled,’’ he said.
Earlier this month, newly-elected NUTP president Hashim Adnan said the current scheme, which differentiates between graduates and non-graduates, had too many disparities.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Friday, November 7, 2008
New tech tool for the blind in Malaysia
A new software feature has been released in Malaysia, designed to allow anyone to create documents with content that can be accessible by Malaysians who are blind, visually impaired or physically challenged.
The release has been announced by the National Council for the Blind, Malaysia (NCBM) and software giant Microsoft Malaysia.
According to NCBM president, Dato’ S. Kulasegaran, the function known as the ‘Save As DAISY XML’ add-in (www.ncbm.org.my), is designed for Microsoft Word 2007, Word 2003 and Word XP. IT enables users to save Open XML-based text files into DAISY XML – the foundation of the globally-accepted DAISY standard for reading and publishing navigable multimedia content.
Kulasegaran said: “In recent decades, individuals with assistive needs have increasingly accessed information using a wide variety of assistive technologies such as screen readers, large print, refreshable Braille, and text-to-speech synthesisers. As it was not possible to navigate complex page layouts, they often have struggled to keep up with the demands of today’s increasingly information-dependent society.”
He explained that the ‘Save As DAISY XML’ makes it possible to navigate quickly through a document by heading or page number, as well as the use of indices and references.
First step to bringing greater access
Microsoft Malaysia national technology officer, Dr Dzahar Mansor said: “The new ‘Save As DAISY XML’ functionality for Microsoft Word has the potential to break down barriers for individuals with assistive needs and enhance the experience for anyone who wants to read, not only materials created locally but also on a global level.”
Dr Mansor added that Microsoft’s initiative to put ‘Save As DAISY XML’ in Microsoft Word is the first step to bring fully accessible content to people with assistive needs.
“With much of the information on documents today being created with Microsoft Word – the new add-in provides a historic leap forward in the nationwide effort to make information available to all. The effort is part of Microsoft’s Unlimited Potential initiative to help bridge the digital divide by creating more programmes that will help the community, transform education and support partnerships through technology,” Dr Mansor said.
“As Microsoft Word is a commonly used tool – about 600 visually impaired people in the country use Word -- this add-in allows for content creators in different fields to produce accessible digital material by and for Malaysians, especially individuals with assistive needs.”
Kulasegaran said:“There have been specific challenges that universities and public institutions face in providing books and materials for those who cannot read added. Functionalities like the new ‘Save As DAISY XML’ feature within Microsoft Word can reduce the expense and increase the ease of delivering accessible content to Malaysians who require it.”
The release has been announced by the National Council for the Blind, Malaysia (NCBM) and software giant Microsoft Malaysia.
According to NCBM president, Dato’ S. Kulasegaran, the function known as the ‘Save As DAISY XML’ add-in (www.ncbm.org.my), is designed for Microsoft Word 2007, Word 2003 and Word XP. IT enables users to save Open XML-based text files into DAISY XML – the foundation of the globally-accepted DAISY standard for reading and publishing navigable multimedia content.
Kulasegaran said: “In recent decades, individuals with assistive needs have increasingly accessed information using a wide variety of assistive technologies such as screen readers, large print, refreshable Braille, and text-to-speech synthesisers. As it was not possible to navigate complex page layouts, they often have struggled to keep up with the demands of today’s increasingly information-dependent society.”
He explained that the ‘Save As DAISY XML’ makes it possible to navigate quickly through a document by heading or page number, as well as the use of indices and references.
First step to bringing greater access
Microsoft Malaysia national technology officer, Dr Dzahar Mansor said: “The new ‘Save As DAISY XML’ functionality for Microsoft Word has the potential to break down barriers for individuals with assistive needs and enhance the experience for anyone who wants to read, not only materials created locally but also on a global level.”
Dr Mansor added that Microsoft’s initiative to put ‘Save As DAISY XML’ in Microsoft Word is the first step to bring fully accessible content to people with assistive needs.
“With much of the information on documents today being created with Microsoft Word – the new add-in provides a historic leap forward in the nationwide effort to make information available to all. The effort is part of Microsoft’s Unlimited Potential initiative to help bridge the digital divide by creating more programmes that will help the community, transform education and support partnerships through technology,” Dr Mansor said.
“As Microsoft Word is a commonly used tool – about 600 visually impaired people in the country use Word -- this add-in allows for content creators in different fields to produce accessible digital material by and for Malaysians, especially individuals with assistive needs.”
Kulasegaran said:“There have been specific challenges that universities and public institutions face in providing books and materials for those who cannot read added. Functionalities like the new ‘Save As DAISY XML’ feature within Microsoft Word can reduce the expense and increase the ease of delivering accessible content to Malaysians who require it.”
Thursday, November 6, 2008
My friends from Penang Free School
Kelantan boys edge Selangor to win Under-15 cricket title
KELANTAN went one up to improve on their last season’s performance at SportExcel-Milo-MCA national Under-15 cricket circuit at the Kelab Aman in Ampang last week..
In the final, they gave away eight wickets in 40-over and edged Selangor 164-113 to emerge as champions.
KELANTAN went one up to improve on their last season’s performance at SportExcel-Milo-MCA national Under-15 cricket circuit at the Kelab Aman in Ampang last week..
In the final, they gave away eight wickets in 40-over and edged Selangor 164-113 to emerge as champions.
Kelantan coach Zainuddin Harun said his charges were eager to secure the victory.
“It was an even match. Our boys were in good form to produce the win. Besides the students based in Kelantan, we have the services of players who are studying at two other boarding schools – Penang Free School and Kajang High School – for the tournament. Most of them have featured in the side when we went down to Penang to finish as runners-up last year,” he added.
Selangor coach P. Palanivelu said it was an achievable benchmark to register an average of four runs for each over.
“Although we had a strong batting line-up, we lost our first three wickets easily. We also gave our opponents the extra throws in the last five-over and our batsmen were taking risky chances towards the end of the match. But, it was a good effort from the young side to reach the final,” Palanivelu added.
In the preliminary rounds, Kelantan won all their matches with wins over Johor and Kuala Lumpur in their group.
They got off to a good start and thumped Kuala Lumpur 333-69 followed by a 166-121 victory over Johor.
“It was an even match. Our boys were in good form to produce the win. Besides the students based in Kelantan, we have the services of players who are studying at two other boarding schools – Penang Free School and Kajang High School – for the tournament. Most of them have featured in the side when we went down to Penang to finish as runners-up last year,” he added.
Selangor coach P. Palanivelu said it was an achievable benchmark to register an average of four runs for each over.
“Although we had a strong batting line-up, we lost our first three wickets easily. We also gave our opponents the extra throws in the last five-over and our batsmen were taking risky chances towards the end of the match. But, it was a good effort from the young side to reach the final,” Palanivelu added.
In the preliminary rounds, Kelantan won all their matches with wins over Johor and Kuala Lumpur in their group.
They got off to a good start and thumped Kuala Lumpur 333-69 followed by a 166-121 victory over Johor.
Kelantan’s Mohamad Fikri Makram Wan Mohd Rosdi also chalked up an impressive 175 runs in the opening match against Kuala Lumpur.
Meanwhile, Selangor topped their group to set up final match-up when they finish ahead Pahang and Penang.
In the four-day tournament, Fikri also picked up the Best Batsman and Best All-Rounder awards.
The 15-year-old who is studying at Penang Free School accumulated 285 runs including 23 boundaries and six sixes.
“We felt the pressure playing against Selangor because they were pushing us hard to register the runs. Our confidence only grew when we moved closer to wipe out their wickets,” said Fikri, who contributed 87 runs and still not out in the final.
In addition, Mohd Nasirudalin of Kelantan and Mohd Fetri Sham of Selangor were the recipients of the Best Bowler and Most Promising Player awards respectively.
Earlier in June, a total of 11 sides took part in the qualifiers held at three zones (south, north and central) and the top two sides from each zone advanced to compete at the recent national meet.
The Malaysian Cricket Association development chairman C. Sivanandan said it has been a challenge to groom the junior players with regular training camps, tournaments and international tours to match their peers from the formidable cricket nations.
“We have been hosting the Under-15 meet since 1999. Our juniors cannot be satisfied with their current achievements. They need to improve and bring their game up to another level,” added Sivanandan, who is also the association’s vice-president.
Meanwhile, Selangor topped their group to set up final match-up when they finish ahead Pahang and Penang.
In the four-day tournament, Fikri also picked up the Best Batsman and Best All-Rounder awards.
The 15-year-old who is studying at Penang Free School accumulated 285 runs including 23 boundaries and six sixes.
“We felt the pressure playing against Selangor because they were pushing us hard to register the runs. Our confidence only grew when we moved closer to wipe out their wickets,” said Fikri, who contributed 87 runs and still not out in the final.
In addition, Mohd Nasirudalin of Kelantan and Mohd Fetri Sham of Selangor were the recipients of the Best Bowler and Most Promising Player awards respectively.
Earlier in June, a total of 11 sides took part in the qualifiers held at three zones (south, north and central) and the top two sides from each zone advanced to compete at the recent national meet.
The Malaysian Cricket Association development chairman C. Sivanandan said it has been a challenge to groom the junior players with regular training camps, tournaments and international tours to match their peers from the formidable cricket nations.
“We have been hosting the Under-15 meet since 1999. Our juniors cannot be satisfied with their current achievements. They need to improve and bring their game up to another level,” added Sivanandan, who is also the association’s vice-president.
Top Badminton Player Will Be In Johor
PETALING JAYA: The return of the country’s top shuttlers to the national badminton circuit is set to spice things up in the Johor Open, which will begin in Johor Baru on Tuesday.
The Johor Open is the second leg of the national badminton circuit and it is crucial for the shuttlers to compete in Johor or they will miss out on the National Grand Prix Finals to be held in Alor Star next month.
The top players skipped the first leg in Penang, which was held at the end of August — just after the Beijing Olympics.
Heading the list of entries is world No. 1 Lee Chong Wei, who is expected to be the top drawcard for the organisers in Johor Baru.
Chong Wei did not compete in the first leg and needs to play in Johor Baru if he wants to win a record-breaking seventh men’s singles national title.
Chong Wei equalled Misbun’s record of six national titles when he triumphed in Alor Star earlier this year and had stated his desire to go one better than his current coach despite a busy international calendar.
The organisers have gone out of their way to accommodate the top players by scheduling the Johor Open to end on Friday instead of the usual Sunday.
This is because most of the national shuttlers will have to leave over the weekend for the China Open, which will begin the following week in Shanghai.
Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) team manager How Kim Tho said a player will need to secure a semi-final appearance in the Johor Open to confirm a place in the National Grand Prix Finals.
“The top singles players, like Chong Wei and Wong Mew Choo, did not compete in the Penang Open. Our former top men’s doubles pair Choong Tan Fook-Lee Wan Wah and women’s doubles pair Chin Eei Hui-Wong Pei Tty had also skipped the Penang Open. They must now compete in Johor to be eligible for the National Grand Prix Finals,” said Kim Tho.
“We only have two legs of the national badminton circuit because most of the players are committed to the international tournaments because of the Olympic campaign.”
But a semi-final appearance should not be a problem for Chong Wei, who has been undefeated in the local circuit since 2002.
The only question is whether second seed Mohd Hafiz Hashim can make it to the final to face Chong Wei. Hafiz could face stiff tests from the younger players, like Mohd Arif Abdul Latif and Tan Chun Seang, in his half of the draw.
In the men’s doubles, Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong could also be given a run for their money by former national top pair Chan Chong Ming-Chew Choon Eng and the newly-crowned world junior champions Mak Hee Chun-Teo Kok Siang.
The Star
The Johor Open is the second leg of the national badminton circuit and it is crucial for the shuttlers to compete in Johor or they will miss out on the National Grand Prix Finals to be held in Alor Star next month.
The top players skipped the first leg in Penang, which was held at the end of August — just after the Beijing Olympics.
Heading the list of entries is world No. 1 Lee Chong Wei, who is expected to be the top drawcard for the organisers in Johor Baru.
Chong Wei did not compete in the first leg and needs to play in Johor Baru if he wants to win a record-breaking seventh men’s singles national title.
Chong Wei equalled Misbun’s record of six national titles when he triumphed in Alor Star earlier this year and had stated his desire to go one better than his current coach despite a busy international calendar.
The organisers have gone out of their way to accommodate the top players by scheduling the Johor Open to end on Friday instead of the usual Sunday.
This is because most of the national shuttlers will have to leave over the weekend for the China Open, which will begin the following week in Shanghai.
Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) team manager How Kim Tho said a player will need to secure a semi-final appearance in the Johor Open to confirm a place in the National Grand Prix Finals.
“The top singles players, like Chong Wei and Wong Mew Choo, did not compete in the Penang Open. Our former top men’s doubles pair Choong Tan Fook-Lee Wan Wah and women’s doubles pair Chin Eei Hui-Wong Pei Tty had also skipped the Penang Open. They must now compete in Johor to be eligible for the National Grand Prix Finals,” said Kim Tho.
“We only have two legs of the national badminton circuit because most of the players are committed to the international tournaments because of the Olympic campaign.”
But a semi-final appearance should not be a problem for Chong Wei, who has been undefeated in the local circuit since 2002.
The only question is whether second seed Mohd Hafiz Hashim can make it to the final to face Chong Wei. Hafiz could face stiff tests from the younger players, like Mohd Arif Abdul Latif and Tan Chun Seang, in his half of the draw.
In the men’s doubles, Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong could also be given a run for their money by former national top pair Chan Chong Ming-Chew Choon Eng and the newly-crowned world junior champions Mak Hee Chun-Teo Kok Siang.
The Star
Wee Wern thrilled to break into world’s top 50
Top national junior squash player Low Wee Wern (pic) is ecstatic after breaking into the top-50 of the world rankings.
The 18-year-old Penangite, who only started full-time training after completing her O-Levels this year, is ranked No. 46 in the latest list released by the Women’s International Squash Players Association (Wispa) on Nov 1.
“I have accomplished my target for this year. However, I will continue to train harder to improve my rankings next year,” said Wee Wern.
The two-time Asian junior champion has made tremendous progress since winning her first professional title — the NSC Satellite No. 3 — in April.
She achieved the feat by disposing of the top two seeds — Lisa Camilleri of Australia and Siti Munirah Jusoh — in the semi-final and final respectively.
Wee Wern, the fourth ranked national player, then captured the Terengganu Sukma (Malaysia Games) crown in June, overcoming national No. 3 Delia Arnold in five sets.
Her good form did not go unnoticed and she was packed off for a 10-week training stint in Amsterdam under world No. 1 Nicol David’s coach, Liz Irving.
It was her first overseas training stint.
The training did wonders for her confidence and she made an excellent debut in the World Open in Manchester last month, winning both her qualifying round matches to reach the main draw, where she lost to Kasey Brown of Australia 5-11, 13-11, 4-11, 11-13 in the first round. And all her hard work on court finally paid off with her rise in the world rankings list.
“I am also happy to have undergone my first overseas training stint and earning a place into the main draw of the World Open.
“My good performances in the professional circuits have earned me a place in the national squad for the women’s World Team Championship in Egypt (on Nov 30-Dec 6),” said Wee Wern, who will be gunning for her third Asian junior title in India next year.
World No. 1 Nicol, who bagged the World Open title for the third time last month, will lead Malaysia’s challenge in the team event.
The other members of the national team are world No. 24 Sharon Wee and No. 34 Delia Arnold.
This shows that Malaysians are also competitive in sports."Malaysia Boleh"
http://www.thestar.com.my/
The 18-year-old Penangite, who only started full-time training after completing her O-Levels this year, is ranked No. 46 in the latest list released by the Women’s International Squash Players Association (Wispa) on Nov 1.
“I have accomplished my target for this year. However, I will continue to train harder to improve my rankings next year,” said Wee Wern.
The two-time Asian junior champion has made tremendous progress since winning her first professional title — the NSC Satellite No. 3 — in April.
She achieved the feat by disposing of the top two seeds — Lisa Camilleri of Australia and Siti Munirah Jusoh — in the semi-final and final respectively.
Wee Wern, the fourth ranked national player, then captured the Terengganu Sukma (Malaysia Games) crown in June, overcoming national No. 3 Delia Arnold in five sets.
Her good form did not go unnoticed and she was packed off for a 10-week training stint in Amsterdam under world No. 1 Nicol David’s coach, Liz Irving.
It was her first overseas training stint.
The training did wonders for her confidence and she made an excellent debut in the World Open in Manchester last month, winning both her qualifying round matches to reach the main draw, where she lost to Kasey Brown of Australia 5-11, 13-11, 4-11, 11-13 in the first round. And all her hard work on court finally paid off with her rise in the world rankings list.
“I am also happy to have undergone my first overseas training stint and earning a place into the main draw of the World Open.
“My good performances in the professional circuits have earned me a place in the national squad for the women’s World Team Championship in Egypt (on Nov 30-Dec 6),” said Wee Wern, who will be gunning for her third Asian junior title in India next year.
World No. 1 Nicol, who bagged the World Open title for the third time last month, will lead Malaysia’s challenge in the team event.
The other members of the national team are world No. 24 Sharon Wee and No. 34 Delia Arnold.
This shows that Malaysians are also competitive in sports."Malaysia Boleh"
http://www.thestar.com.my/
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
7 Billion Spending
Kuala Lumpur, A total of RM7bil will be spent by the Government in its stimulus package to boost the country’s economy to face the economy crysis.
Finance Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, in announcing the package which he termed as a policy response to the crisis, said the Government was adopting an expansionary policy.
The money is to be spent on a wide range of projects, from the LRT to repairing of houses belonging to the poor.
Among the major announcements in Najib’s winding-up reply in Parliament yesterday were:
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) this year expected to be at least 5% while the GDP for next year is estimated to be 3.5%.
The inflation rate expected to drop next year to between 3% and 4%, provided crude oil prices continued to fall.
Contributors allowed to reduce their EPF contribution by three percentage points to 8%, so that they will have more money to spend.
Civil servant car loans increased by RM10,000.
Religious, missionary, Chinese and Tamil schools to get RM200mil as aid.
Open tender system will be practised in the sale of government land and in government procurement.
"The Star"
A good start by our Government
Malaysian lawyer gunned down
Lawyer Kasim Cha Tong (pic), who gained fame during the 1980s as an anti-piracy enforcer, was gunned down by two assassins at his home in the Thai border town of Sungai Golok.
In the midnight incident yesterday, two assassins whose nationalities are unknown went up to his house in the town centre and knocked on the door.
When Kasim, 57, opened the door, one of the assassins opened fire. Kasim, shot in the chest, died on the spot.
The two assassins fled the scene before neighbours who heard the gunshot could react.
Sungai Golok police chief Lt Phamong Sall confirmed the incident and said 10 pellets penetrated Kasim’s body.
Although seemingly the work of a hitman, Lt Phamong said, the Thai police could not say so for certain until a full investigation was carried out.
Under Thai police procedure, it would take two to three days to prepare an interim investigative report, he added.
Kasim’s body has been taken to the Sungai Golok district hospital for a post-mortem.
Lt Phamong said it was unlikely that the murder was related to the ongoing unrest in southern Thai where three bombings occurred within minutes of each other yesterday, resulting in 62 Thai nationals injured.
Thai anti-government militants would usually either shoot a target from afar or behead a person, seldom resorting to killing someone at close range, he said in an interview.
Sungai Golok, in Narathiwat province, is the second busiest township on the Malaysia-Thai border after Haadyai, which is located in Songkhla province.
Kasim spearheaded efforts to tackle music piracy in the 1980s in the Klang Valley where commercial music was then replicated in cassettes.
He also worked extensively with the Anti-Corruption Agency in preserving the musical copyrights of foreign artistes, his work gaining the recognition of the American Music Copyrights Holders Asso- ciation.
He subsequently read Law in Britain, and on his return several years later decided to reside in Sungai Golok where, it is learnt, his family has business interests.
Kasim is originally from Kelantan, but Malaysian police intelligence operatives also believe he had acquired permanent residence status in Thailand for business reasons.
"The Star"
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