Formerly known as Easy Comes Easy Goes 2.0. I am a Malaysian who loves Hollywood but has never set foot there. My interests = Anything that interests you including Hollywood, Bollywood and Clint Eastwood. Thanks for reading folks. This blog contains 100% true postings, based on established international media reports and reputable trustworthy sources. No lies or fabrications included. Cheers.
Bagai Pinang Di Belah Dua - Mohd Nurfaizalizwan Mohamad Senuan dan isterinya (kiri) dan Bapanya, Mohamad Senuan Ahmad Hariri dan isteri, di majlis persandingan serentak Anak dan Bapak...Alahai Anak Bapak!!!
Ini sesuatu yang jarang berlaku di Malaysia dan juga di Dunia. Seorang Bapa dan anak lelakinya melangsungkan perkahwinan dan persandingan serentak dengan pasangan masing masing !!
Namun isteri si Bapak lebih muda daripada isteri si Anak!!! Wahhh pandai Bapak memilih... boleh berkongsi ilmu ke?? hahahaha
Lebih unik, majlis di Pusat Dagangan Dunia Putra, PWTC, Kuala Lumpur itu turut dihadiri dan disaksikan bekas isteri Bapak!!!
Tahniah dan selamat pengantin baru diucapkan kepada Mohamad Senuan dan anaknya - Mohamad Nurfaizalizwan!!!
In Kuala Lumpur, a father and his son tied the knot with their respective spouse at the same time and same venue!!!
But the father won, for his wife is younger than his son's bride.
This is the newsreport of the Anak Bapak wedding by Utusan Malaysia.
KUALA LUMPUR 30 Mei – Bagi Mohd. Nurfaizalizwan tiada yang lebih membahagiakan selain daripada berpeluang bersanding serentak dengan bapa tercinta, Mohamad Senuan Ahmad Hariri, 45 tahun.
Persandingan ‘anak bapak’ itu menyaksikan Mohd. Nurfaizalizwan, 22, bersama pasangannya, Siti Yusnita Ab. Manah, 23, manakala bapanya, Mohamad Senuan dengan Intan Nor Farliana Shamsudin, 19.
Majlis itu berlangsung di Pusat Dagangan Dunia Putra (PWTC) di sini malam ini.
Bukan sahaja mereka bersanding bersama, anak dan bapa itu juga berpakat memberikan wang hantaran kepada pasangan masing-masing dengan jumlah yang sama iaitu RM8,000.
Lebih menarik majlis itu turut disaksikan oleh bekas isteri Mohamad Senuan iaitu Norliah Hussin, 45, yang juga mengambil bahagian dalam upacara merenjis pasangan pengantin tersebut.
Ketika ditemui, Norliah berkata: ‘‘Saya sungguh gembira kerana majlis persandingan bekas suami dan anak sulung kami berlangsung dengan meriah’’. (this should be quote of the year 2009)!!
Mohd. Nurfaizalizwan, 22, berkata, hasrat bapanya mahu mengadakan majlis persandingan mereka secara serentak disambut dengan kegembiraan berganda seluruh keluarga kedua belah pihak.
‘‘Sukar untuk menggambarkan perasaan saya dengan kata-kata. Tidak pernah termimpi akan bersanding serentak dengan bapa dalam majlis yang sama.
‘‘Peristiwa ini cukup indah dan menjadi sejarah yang sangat bermakna untuk diri saya sekeluarga,’’ katanya kepada Mingguan Malaysia di sini malam ini.
Beliau yang bekerja sebagai Pengurus Setor di syarikat swasta bernikah dengan Siti Yusnita pada 30 April lalu manakala bapanya, Mohamad Senuan diijab kabul dengan Intan Nor Farliana pada 23 Mei lalu.
Sementara itu, Mohamad Senuan berkata, idea untuk mengadakan persandingan serentak dengan anaknya diperoleh daripada filem Seniman Agung Tan Sri P. Ramlee yang berjudul Anak Bapak.
‘Selain dapat mengumpulkan ahli keluarga dalam satu majlis yang sama, kami juga dapat menjimatkan kos perbelanjaan perkahwinan.
‘‘Majlis ini akan menjadi kenangan indah seumur hayat,’’ kata ahli perniagaan yang juga bekas Ketua Pemuda UMNO Bahagian Titiwangsa.
Majlis persandingan yang berkonsep batik warna warni itu dihadiri hampir 1,000 tetamu yang terdiri daripada sanak saudara kedua-dua keluarga serta kenalan rapat mempelai.
Had it been a dry day on the 21st of May 2008 at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia, the 2008 UEFA Champions League Winner would have been Chelsea and not Manchester United.
But it was raining quite heavily on that day of the final between the 2 English giants.
The score after extra time was dead-locked at 1-1. Cristiano Ronaldo had earlier scored for Man U in the 26th minute before Frank Lampard equalised for Chelsea in the 45th. minute.
In the deciding penalty shoot out - John Terry stepped out as Chelsea's 5th and last penalty taker. The penalty score at that moment was 4-4 and in favour of Chelsea after Cristiano Ronaldo shot as 3rd penalty taker for Man U was saved by Peter Cech. Man U had taken all the penalty kicks.
Had John Terry converted the penalty, Chelsea would have been crowned Champion of Europe for the 1st ever time. But John Terry slipped due to the slippery condition of the pitch after the downpour. He sliiped at the very crucial moment, just before he unleashed a right foot shot. Man U goalkeeper - Erwin Van Der Sar dived at the wrong way to his right. but he ball went wide to the left.
It was devastating for Terry and Chelsea. Manchester United went on to convert the extra 2 penalty kicks and won the 2008 Champions League after Chelsea's Nicolas Anelka shot was saved by Peter Cech.
John Terry, his Chelsea team-mates, manager Avram Grant, and millions of Chelsea fans around the globe had at least 1 month of sleepless nights.
While Manchester United fans are still jubilating until now.
At the 2008 final, it was not only historic because an English side versus an English side but also because there were 3 Michaels playing - Michael Ballack and Michael Essien for Chelsea and Michael Carrick for Man U.
There were many England internationals playing against each other such as Man U's Rio Ferdinand, Owen Hargreaves, Phil Neville, Wayne Rooney, Wes Brown, Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick against Chelsea's John Terry, Joe Cole, Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard.
And Didier Drogba was sent off after an altercation with several Manchester United players which was started by Carlos Tevez.
Now, who will win the final tonight in Rome. Barcelona or the defending champion - Manchester United..?
Both teams had been crowned as champions of the domestic league, this year.
Man U become the English Champion for a record 18th time while Barcelona was also crowned champion of the La Liga, the Spanish League for a record 19 times!!!!
Man U won the Champions League 3 times in 1968, 1999 and 2008 while Barcelona did it in 1992 and 2006.
If Man U win tonight, they will create history as the first Club to win back to back title in 19 years.
The last time was in 1989 and 1990 when the great AC Milan side, powered by the fearsome Dutch Trio - Ruud Gullit, Frank Rikjard and Marco Van Basten won the title twice in a row.
Apart from AC Milan, 4 other teams achieved the unique double champion feat.
Liverpool in 1977 and 1978, Benfica in 1961 and 1962, Inter Milan in 1964 and 1965 and another former English Giants - Nottingham Forest in 1979 and 1980 - but now Nottingham Forest is doomed and seems lost in oblivion.
But 2 teams managed to win the title as Champions of Europe - 3 times in a row - Ajax Amsterdam and Bayern Munich.
Dutch Maestro - Johan Cruyff
The great Ajax Amsterdam in the 1970s, marshalled by the legendary Dutch maestro, Johan Cruyff won the title in 1971, 1972 and 1973.
After Cruyff left Ajax for Barcelona in the end of the 1973 season, Ajax waited 22 more years before once again winning the Champions League in 1995.
Apart from helping Holland reached 2 successive World Cup Finals in 1972 and 1978 where they lost to Germany and Argentina respectively, Crufyy, during his time at FC Barcelona, scored one of his most famous goals, The 'Phantom' Goal.
In a game against Atlético Madrid Cruyff leapt into the air, (the goal at 2 min 44 secs in this video) twisted his body so he was facing away from the goal and kicked the ball past Miguel Reina in the Atlético Madrid goal with his right heel (the ball was at about neck height and had already traveled past the far post), the goal was featured in the documentary En un momento dado in which fans of Cruyff attempted to recreate that moment, the goal has been dubbed Le but d'Imposible de Cruyff (Cruyff's impossible goal).
Gerd Muller "Der Bomber"
Bayern Munich, spearheaded by the greatest German striker of all time, Gerd Muller nicknamed Der Bomber, won the European Cup 3 times in a row in 1974, 1975 and 1976.
But none can beat Real Madrid phenomenal and beyond comparison 5 successive Champions League / European Cup titles in a row in 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959 and 1960.
Alfredo D'Stefano
Argentina's legendary Alfredo D'Stefano, Spain's Rial and Marquitos and Hungarian legend Ferenc Puskas combined to form the world's greatest football club of all time.
Real Madrid demolished every single team in that era and won the domestic league and the European titles easily.
The highlight was their 7-3 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in the 1960 European Cup Final at Hampden Park, a game many consider to be the finest exhibition of club football ever witnessed in Europe.
With 10 goals scored, it was the highest scoring ever in a European Cup final. Puskas scoring 4 goals and D'Stefano scoring a hattrick..!!!
Now back to the 21st century, so who will win the 2009 Champions league final? My bet is Barcelona.
They have more fire power both in the domestic league and the Champions League.
In the La Liga, Barcelona scored more than 100 goals on their way to winning their 19th Spanish league champion titles.
By contrast, their nearest title challenger - 2nd place Real Madrid only managed 82 goals.
In of the most memorable Spanish league match of all time, Real Madrid was humiliated 2-6 by Barcelona in their own turf, this season!!!
In total, Barcelona scored 104 goals in 37 La Liga matches, an average of 2.8 goals per match.
Lionel Messi
Their fearsome strike force of Lionel Messi, Thierry Henry, Samuel Etoo and Andres Iniesta contributed to that overwhelming number of goals.
This season in the La Liga, Samuel Etoo, Barceona's Cameroonian striker scored 29 goals, Lionel Messi, the Argentinian prodigy and successor of Diego Maraddona scored 23 goals while French great - Thiery Henry scored 19 goals.
So Etoo, Messi and Henry, altogether scored 71 goals this season..!!!!! And that is a big headache for Sir Alex Ferguson, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and co..!!!!
The number of goals might as well further increase as Barcelona has a final Spanish league match against Deportivo La Caruna on 31st May 2009.
Like Maraddona, Lionel Messi had scored many fantastic solo goals for his country and his club. This is a solo goal by him in an international match, Argentina vs Colombia.
This was among Lionel Messi best ever goal, against Getafe. The goal is being compared to Diego Maradonna's great solo goal against England in the 1986 World Cup Quarterfinal.
Diego Maradonna's goal of the century, Argentina 2-1 England, World Cup quarterfinal 1986 in Mexico.
Even without the influential Ronaldinho and Deco who were sold to AC Milan and Chelsea respectively last season, Barcelona still looks like Barcelona, lethargic and dangerous and hungry for goals.
In Defence, Barcelona only let in 34 goals or 0.9 goal per match.
Hail to Carlos Puyol and the gang for the solid defence.
In their road to the final of 2009 Champions League - Barcelona scored 30 goals, including the 5-1 aggregate win over Bayern Munich.
Manchester United by contrast only scored 68 goals in the 38 matches played in the English Premier League, or on average 1.8 goals per match.
Cristiano Ronaldo remains their top goal poacher this season in the league with 18 goals, followed by Wayne Rooney with 12 goals and Dimitar Berbatov - 9 goals.
Man U Argentinian striker, Carlos Tevez only managed a modest 5 goals.
In Defence, Rio Ferdinand and co, had a better record than Puyol and co, having only leaked 24 goals or 0.6 goal per match.
Man U scored a total of 18 goals on their way to the 2009 Champions League final.
It is interesting to see Barca's Lionel Messi against Man U's World and European Footballer of the Year - Cristiano Ronaldo.
Both are gifted and both are very skillful.
But My Say - Barca will prevail.... Barcelona deserved to be crowned King of Europe!!
Sorry Man U fans, but i am a Liverpool hardcore grass root die hard fan..!!
Idris Jala is the one in the middle, in white shirt, singing and playing the guitar.
No, Idris Jala is not a rock star.
Idris Jala or Datuk Seri Idris Jala, 51, is the current Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Malaysia Airlines.
Under his leadership, Malaysia Airlines achieved its highest ever profit in 60 years of RM851 million in financial year 2007.
Prior to joining Malaysia Airlines in December 2005, Idris Jala, a Kelabit from the Bario highlands in Northern Sarawak, had been with Shell since 1982.
For the record, Bario is among Sarawak's remotest district. It is only accessible by air transportation from Miri. It takes 30 to 40 minutes to fly to Bario from Miri, via Malaysian Airlines rural air services using Twin Otter aircraft.
Well, Idris Jala vast working experiences with Shell included a stint in the UK, Sri Lanka and Holland.
He was previously vice-president of Shell Malaysia Gas and Power, and Managing Director of Shell Middle Distillates Synthesis (MDS)(Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, the petroleum company’s middle distillates plant in Sarawak.
He graduated with a degree in Development Studies from Universiti Sains Malaysia and a Master degree in Industrial Relations from Warwick University, England.
After 23 years with Shell, the Malaysian government elected him as CEO of Malaysia Airlines, Malaysia's national carrier, due to massive losses of the company in December 2005.
He was the first non-Malay non-Muslim to be appointed to head a GLC, as part of new government reforms.
A day before he took over as managing director, Malaysian Airlines reported a RM648million net loss for the first half of 2005.
On his first day at work as Malaysian Airlines new Managing Director on 1st December 2005, Idris Jala arrived at the airline headquarters in Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur at 6.55am. No MAS staff greeted him, except for only a handful of media personells.
In a brief chat with the media he said: “There are a lot of things to be done and I will go straight into it.''
In February 2006, he announced the airline's business turnaround plan from a 9-month loss of USD400 million (RM 1.3 billion) in 2005 to achieving a record profit of USD260 million (RM851 million) in 2007.
And he did it. It was a reality, a success and it happened and it was real.
It was not empty promises or empty talks.
That extraordinary achievement was indeed historic in the business world and some Malaysians even wished that Idris Jala be appointed the Prime Minister of Malaysia!!!
His strengths are his knowledge in human and industrial relations, and his skills in turning things around, and after all that humanly possible efforts, he always prays for divine blessings.
Jala had been named Orient Aviation Person 2008 for being the driving force behind the national carrier's amazing comeback.
While many wrote off the airline when it made its biggest losses ever of RM1.3 billion in 9 months in 2005, Idris joined the airline and turned MAS' record losses into record profits and rebuilt confidence and morale among its 20,000 employees, all within two years.
"MAS recorded RM851 million in the financial year 2007, its highest profit in 60 years of operations, and is only one of the six airlines in the world recognised as a "5-star airline" by Skytrax, United Kingdom, an accolade it has won for three consecutive years from 2006 to 2008" said MAS in a statement in 2008.
Idris said he was pleased and honoured to accept the award as he and his team worked hard to turnaround MAS.
Now, they are embarking on a business transformation journey in pursuit of their vision to become the World's FIve Star Value carrier.
Idris Jala said he is blessed with a great team of people who are passionate about the airline.
Idris also introduced Malaysian Airlines new tagline, MH which means Malaysian Hospitality.
In May 2008, Idris Jala appeared on national television announcing the airline's first ever 'zero fare' for domestic and a selection of international flights, a move that raised his spat between him and AirAsia’s boss, Tony Fernandes, another genius and prodigal businessman, to a new level.
In October 2008, Idris Jala has been honoured with "Excellence in Leadership Award by Frost & Sullivan, a leading strategic market consulting and training services provider.
Idris was the sole recipient from the aviation industry to receive an award at the Frost & Sullivan awards ceremony at Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Kuala Lumpur.
"I am honoured to receive this award. However, this award belongs to the entire team at Malaysia Airlines. Without their support and cooperation, I would not have been able to achieve the successful turnaround of Malaysia Airlines," he said in a statement after receiving the award
In March 2009, Idris Jala received the Grande Ufficiale dell’Ordine della Stella della Solidarieta’ Italiana (Order of the Star of the Italian Solidarity) award from the Italian Government.
Known as the OSSI, the award was instituted in 1948 to honour Italian citizens or foreigners who have given special contributions to strengthen the relationship between their own country and Italy.
Jala said, “I am pleased and honoured to accept this award. My team and I have worked hard to turnaround our airline. We are now embarking on a transformation journey in pursuit of our vision to become The World's Five Star Value carrier. Amongst our key business thrusts include winning coalitions and we are delighted to work closely with our Italian counterparts to pursue this goal.”
The Italian ambassador to Malaysia, His Excellency, Mr Alessandro Busacca said, “The Italian Government awards this special award, the 1st Class OSSI, known as the Grande Ufficiale, to only a select group of people. This year, only 29 recipients will receive this award.
“We are delighted to award Jala with the Grande Ufficiale OSSI for the key role he has played in strengthening the ties between Italy and Malaysia in the civilian air transport sector. He is also instrumental in furthering the industrial cooperation between Malaysia and Italy in the field of regional air transport in South East Asia. All these will go a long way in furthering the business and tourism relationships between our 2 countries.”
On April 15, 2009, Idris launched Malaysia Airlines stimulus package.
He said the airline is looking to acquire another airline with its surplus cash. As at December 31st, 2008, MAS had a cashpile of RM 3.57 billion.
Idris Jala said tough economic times presented opportunities for consolidation.
Companies with huge financial muscle will have the flexibility to act should opportunities come knocking.
“People always ask why we keep so much cash. We are positioning ourselves so that when the chance comes, we will be ready to grab it. In the next two to three years, if the economic downturn persists, we won’t even have to go looking. Opportunity will present itself to us,” he told StarBiz.
Jala said as early as two years ago, MAS had been doing studies on some 30 airlines. The two key criteria that MAS looked at were strategic fit and synergy value.
“When looking at the synergy value, 1+1 must be 3. If 1+1 is 2, then we won’t do it,” he said.
While 2008 had been especially tough for the airline industry with many companies having downsized, undergone restructuring and even gone bust, Jala said MAS was ready because it had been running this “marathon” over the last three years.
For 2009, MAS is aiming to save some RM700 million through continuous cost-cutting and efficiency measures.
Over the last 3 years, MAS has reduced cost by a total collosal amount of RM 2.3 billion.
“I am quite convinced that MAS has the stamina and is built to ride through the current times. We are doing everything we possibly can to counter this economic downturn,” Jala said.
“We have completed the structural changes that were needed for MAS. If you notice, other airlines are now only embarking on their cost-cutting and manpower measures. With these issues out of the way, MAS can focus solely on innovating and achieving its target of being a five-star value carrier.”
The MAS Stimulus Package is an innovative array of nine deals, covering first, business and economy-class travel.
Jala especially sees potential in the “Kids Fly Free” and “Weekend Getaway” packages, as these segments are likely to create new revenue that the company never had before.
“I’ve always been hearing people saying that they get cheaper first-class tickets for their international flights. I feel that our flights are just as competitive. So I challenge these people now. If you can show me the proof (through a ticket that has been purchased within the last three months), then we will match that price,” he said.
Idris Jala current employment contract was to have expired on Nov 30, 2008 but was extended to Nov 30, 2011.
His ultimate aim is to achieve annual profits of RM 1.5 billion for Malaysian Airlines, by 2012.
Well, all works and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
Apart from work, work and work, Idris Jala always finds time to be with his family or to do his favourite hobby - singing and playing the guitars - Blues, Rock or whatever, there is no problem and no sweat at all, for him.
I personally had seen him playing Blues and Deep Purple numbers during a gathering in Kota Kinabalu, in May 2008, and the crowd went absolutely crazy and they wanted more, more and more songs!!!
Keep it up Idris Jala... Sarawakians and Sabahans and Malaysians are very proud of you...!!
15 months after the 12th. General Election, Malaysia's politics is still as hot as ever.
Most Malaysians thought the dust will settle down, after the March 2008 general election, but they were all proven wrong.
First, the shocking result of that general election itself - or better known as the political Tsunami of 2008 where the opposition defeated the mighty and powerful ruling party, the Barisan Nasional, BN in 4 states - Selangor, Perak, Kedah and Pulau Pinang.
The opposition also retained the state of Kelantan.
For the record, Selangor was once the strongest bastion of the BN, while Pulau Pinang is the home state of the then Prime Minister of Malaysia cum BN Chairman - Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
The stunning results gained by the opposition which comprises of a 3 parties pact, the Islamic party - PAS, the Democratic Action Party DAP and Parti Keadilan Rakyat, PKR, has shocked the world.
The BN also suffered further setback when 3 component party presidents lost - MIC President and long serving Works Minister - Datuk Seri S Sammy Vellu, People Progressive Party President - Datuk M Kayveas and Gerakan President - Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon.
For the first time ever, the BN also lost the two third majority in Parliament but still remains in power, thanks to the solid performance of the party in 2 east Malaysia states - Sabah and Sarawak who altogether delivered 54 Parliamentary Seats.
Had the BN fared poorly in Sabah and Sarawak, there will be a historic change in the history of Malaysia as for the first time ever, the country will be governed by the opposition.
Now, after the general election, the state of Perak has caught the attention of many, right up to now, for there are 2 sets of Menteri Besars (Chief Ministers), State Legislative Assembly Speakers, Excos (State Ministers) as well as other political appointed posts.
On May 22 2009, the Malaysian Court of Appeal declared Datuk Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir of the BN as the rightful Menteri Besar of Perak.
Previously after the March 2008 general election, the post was held by Datuk Nizar Jamaluddin of PAS.
Perak has gone into crisis after 3 opposition assemblymen, 2 from PKR and 1 from DAP, jumped ship and declared their support to the BN.
Now, a BN component party - the PPP or People Progressive Party is making the news in the local political arena.
There are now 2 Presidents of PPP.
One is the current President - Datuk M Kayveas and the other is Senator Datuk T Murugiah who was earlier sacked as PPP Supreme Council member, but on Sunday 24 th May declared himself as the rightful President of PPP.
PPP might be a small party but this certainly is another colourful chapter in the history of Malaysia's politics...
The one party - 2 Presidents scenario is not new in Malaysia.
In Sarawak and Sabah, 2 BN component parties - Parti Rakyat Sarawak, PRS and Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah, PBRS had suffered the same fate.
The final result in both cases always favoured the original or incumbent President.
Today the president of PRS is still the incumbent and original President - Datuk Seri Dr James Jemut Masing while Tan Sri Joseph Kurup remains as PBRS President ever since he founded the party in 1994.
And in the case of PPP, i think M Kayveas is still the rightful president after all.
This is the current scenario of the PPP saga as reported in today's online edition of the News Straits Times :
The People's Progressive Party (PPP) will issue a show cause letter to members who attended the “extraordinary general meeting” in Putrajaya on Sunday.
PPP president, Datuk M. Kayveas, said the party had recorded proceedings at the EGM and knew who had attended the ”illegal” meeting.
"I had around 100 agents who monitored the EGM and reported to me like James Bond," he said after attending the opening of the Pahang PPP annual general meeting by State Information committee chairman Datuk Mohd Sharkar Shamsudin.
Also present was Pahang PPP chairman Datuk M. Elayppen.
Kayveas claimed that more than 90 per cent of those who attended the EGM were not PPP members.
At the EGM, sacked PPP supreme council member Senator Datuk T. Murugiah was "elected" party president while delegates also adopted a resolution of no confidence against Kayveas.
The EGM also reinstated six supreme council members who had been sacked by Kayveas but dismissed 43 others allied with Kayveas.
Kayveas accused Murugiah of being a "publicity-crazy maniac" who had used a lawless platform to gain power.
"He should check in at Tanjung Rambutan (mental hospital). You cannot simply hold a meeting and elect a new president. This is not a Miss World pageant where the winner wears a sash and a crown," he said.
Kayveas said Murugiah had set a bad example to the younger generation by organising a programme that was not in accordance with the country's laws and party constitution.
He said the party was still united and regarded the latest development as just a "storm in a teacup”.
"I've gone through more difficult times before and this will not hamper my efforts to strengthen the party," he said.
He explained that the PPP had no problems with the Registrar of Societies (ROS) as all its documents and reports were in order.
"There are some technical problems but they can be rectified," he said refuting claims that the party would be de-registered after failing to follow regulations set by the ROS.
Despite boasting some of the finest players in England, including 2001 European Footballer of the year, Michael Owen, Newcastle United's 16-year stay in the top flight of English football, ended in the tamest fashion possible as they dropped into the Championship with a 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa.
Aston Villa showed Newcastle no mercy.
The result means Australia's international striker, Mark Viduka once again has to find another club if he wants to play at the Premier League.
A few years ago, Viduka left Leeds United for another club after Leeds was also relegated.
What will happen to Michael Owen?? Owen was once a feared striker in the world, his 1998 World Cup spectacular goal against Argentina was one of the best in the history of the tournament.
Had he remained at Liverpool, Owen would have tasted glory including the 2005 champions league winner trophy when Liverpool trounced AC Milan in the final.
But Owen chose to join Real Madrid instead who at that times already boasted great players like Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo, Roberto Carlos, David Beckham, Raul and others.
His stay at Real Madrid was cut short and Owen joined Newcastle and he seemed lost.
In yesterday's match, Damien Duff's unfortunate own goal - deflecting in Gareth Barry's 20-yard shot seven minutes before the interval - ensured Alan Shearer's mission to save Newcastle from relegation ended in devastating failure.
Newcastle's performance was a prime example of why they have failed to survive this season, lacking any fire and urgency despite the scale of the prize on offer if they escaped.
And seconds before referee Chris Foy blew the whistle on Newcastle's Premier League existence, defender David Edgar summed up a desperate day when he was sent off for his second bookable offence after fouling Ashley Young.
Newcastle had opportunites to grasp at a lifeline in the first half, with Obafemi Martins firing off target and Mark Viduka having a shot cleared off the line by Carlos Cuellar.
But when Newcastle needed to find inspiration in the second half, all that was on offer was an almost passive acceptance of their decline as they failed to exert any serious pressure on Villa - at times seeming barely aware of the fate that awaited them if they lost.
Michael Owen made an appearance as substitute midway through the second half, but he made no impact and barely touched the ball. It now appears relegation will almost certainly mark the end of his Newcastle career.
Shearer led the applause for Newcastle's heartbroken fans as the despair of relegation sunk in - and it was clear their affection for the Tyneside icon has not diminished despite this bitter end to his spell in charge this season.
Owner Mike Ashley must now try to persuade Shearer to stay on and provide some semblance of stability to this most dysfunctional of clubs as they attempt to rebuild and reclaim their place in English football's elite.
Shearer may have been the manager when they dropped into the Championship, but the damage was largely done before he attempted to come to the rescue.
And Newcastle's hierarchy must now indulge in serious soul-searching after a season that saw Kevin Keegan's reign as manager end in acrimony and Joe Kinnear's surprise temporary appointment, which ended prematurely after he suffered health problems.
Chris Hughton and Colin Calderwood could not stop the rot, and the task of reviving Newcastle proved beyond Shearer.
For now, though, Newcastle can only try and digest the disappointment of relegation - and accept that they have been the architects of their own downfall.
It will be a summer of upheaval for whoever takes charge, with a collection of highly-paid players, led by Owen, likely to quit the club.
Owen was only fit enough to take a place on the bench as Newcastle went in search of the result that would preserve their Premier League status - but Shearer's side were lively in attack during the opening exchanges.
Villa keeper Friedel almost let Duff's deflected shot slip in and Cuellar smuggled Viduka's goal-bound shot off the line as Newcastle pressed for an early breakthrough.
Martins also volleyed over the top when he found space 12 yards out in the penalty area, with boss Shearer showing obvious frustration on the sidelines as another chance came and went.
Newcastle, however, were nowhere near as convincing at the back and Fabricio Coloccini was regularly threatened with embarrassment by Gabriel Agbonlahor's raw pace.
Craig Gardner brought a fine fingertip save from Steve Harper before Villa took the lead seven minutes before the interval, helped by a liberal sprinkling of good fortune.
Barry's shot was struck with power, but it was a crucial deflection off Duff that took it out of the reach of Harper and into the bottom corner of the net.
Newcastle's fans, who were in ecstasy when news of Manchester United's goal at Hull filtered through, were stunned into silence as their Villa counterparts celebrated.
There was still time for another opportunity for Newcastle before the interval, with Martins sending a glancing header just wide from Nicky Butt's free-kick.
Newcastle could not apply any pressure in the early stages of the second half, leaving Shearer to make his first change after 56 minutes. Jose Enrique replaced Peter Lovenkrands, leaving Duff to move forward into a more familiar attacking role on the left-flank.
And Shearer swiftly followed this move with the introduction of Owen, giving the injury-plagued England striker the opportunity to possibly end an unfulfilling spell on Tyneside with a flourish.
Barry then missed the chance that would have condemned Newcastle to Championship football. He robbed Butt 20 yards out, but then sent a curling shot inches wide with Harper helpless.
Newcastle were surprisingly lacking any sense of real urgency, and Shearer played his final card with 20 minutes left by sending on Shola Ameobi for the tiring Viduka.
Carew then contrived to waste another opportunity to finish off Newcastle when he somehow failed to find the target after being set up by Agbonlahor six yards out.
Newcastle, despite the increasing desperation of their situation, were offering nothing and Ashley Young fired just over the top after a powerful run.
Enrique's speculative cross almost spared Newcastle in the dying seconds - but it drifted agonisingly wide and referee Foy's final whistle was the catalyst for predictable tears among travelling supporters.
He was undoubtedly Sabah's greatest ever singer in the Kadazan-Dusun language..
Sadly, he passed away in 1981, in a car accident. He was only 26.
But after 28 years, John Gaisah songs continue to mesmerise everybody in Sabah..
The melody are catchy and evergreen.
He was born in Kampung Sunsuron, Tambunan, a beautiful scenic district in the interior of Sabah, known for its rich heritage in traditions...
John Gaisah's only son - Aldro is a budding singer in Sabah.
We miss you John Gaisah...
This is a classic wedding song from John Gaisah, and it is still being played or performed at every Kadazan-Dusun wedding receptions in Sabah...
This is another John Gaisah classic - the song tells about a drunken man coming home late at night and being scolded by his wife for his heavy drinking habit..!!!! I like this song!!!
Rapaee Kawi in Beijing before the 2008 Beijing Olympics, here seen posing with China's tallest man, Bao Xishun who stood at 7 feet 9 inches or 2.36 metres!!
UN troubleshooter: Rapaee Kawi posing with his 16mm Bolex camera during his peacekeeping mission with the United Nations in Africa in 1989.
One of Malaysia's most senior and experienced news photographer, Rapaee Kawi or fondly known as Apai, died suddenly yesterday, May 21 2009..
He was a friend of all journalists in Malaysia, especially in Sabah and Sarawak..
He was a friend of me too.
Whenever i go to Sarawak, he will always assist me and always in jovial mood.
He always came to Sabah to do assignments coverage also.
He was very active, as he was a former army commando..
Rest In Peace Rapaee.... May God Bless You..
This is the news report by the Star..
Goodbye to The Star’s veteran adventurer
MIRI: He was an ex-commando, active parachutist and scuba diver but The Star’s senior photographer Rapaee Kawi’s first passion was photojournalism.
Despite his love for tough and risky outdoor jobs, Rapaee, who passed away suddenly yesterday, was known for his gentle disposition. He was three weeks shy of his 51st birthday.
Rapaee, who was based at the Sarawak bureau in Kuching, hailed from Mukah.
He died of heart failure at noon while he was in the city centre.
He leaves behind wife Patricia Grinau, 43, and four children aged between 11 and 23.
His death shocked members of the media in Sarawak as he was a well-built and physically healthy person and had not shown any sign of a serious illness.
No assignment was too tough for him, no situation was too difficult for him – and he would do it all with a smile.
He had even ventured into high-risk zones, like when he was sent to cover the Abu Sayyaf kidnapping crisis in southern Philippines, apart from having travelled extensively throughout Sarawak and Sabah to capture news and sports events.
The Star’s staff correspondent Jack Wong told Rapaee to take a break from work yesterday after he called in the morning to say that he was not feeling well.
The news of his death also shocked his colleagues at The Star’s headquarters in Petaling Jaya and at the other bureaus nationwide.
Rapaee, fondly called Apai, which means “father”, ventured into journalism in the early 1990s.
He had served as a commando and paratrooper with the Defence Ministry. He was sent on a peacekeeping mission to Africa during the 1980s.
He was also an adventurer. He managed to climb to the base camp of Mount Everest during The Star’s expedition there with the first group of Malaysians who scaled the highest peak in the world.
He had covered many assignments, both local and overseas, during his stint as a photographer with Utusan in Johor and after he joined The Star in 1996.
He had covered many state and parliamentary elections and also visited the Penans in the interior of Baram in Miri Division, visited the Bakun dam site in the heart of Sarawak and handled a number of helicopter tragedies.
His body has been brought back to Dalat in Mukah. His burial will be held tomorrow.
The question of who is the rightful Menteri Besar of Perak has been resolved today, Friday, May 22nd, 2009.
The Court of Appeal - the nation's highest court has declared Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir of the Barisan Nasional as the rightful Menteri Besar of Perak in a unanimous decision.
Earlier on May 11 2009, the Kuala Lumpur High Court ruled that Datuk Seri Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin of the opposition party, Pas, is the rightful Mentri Besar of Perak, following which Nizar became Menteri Besar for less than 24 hours before Zambry filed a stay of execution of the judgement at the Court of Appeal.
Source - the star online
PUTRAJAYA: The Court of Appeal has declared Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir the rightful menteri besar of Perak in a unanimous decision.
It granted Zambry his appeal against an earlier High Court decision declaring Datuk Seri Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin as the rightful mentri besar of Perak.
The three-man bench, comprising Justices Md Raus Shariff, Zainun Ali and Ahmad Maarop, heard submissions Thursday from counsel representing Nizar and Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir.
On May 12, Dr Zambry filed an appeal to quash High Court (Appellate and Special Powers) Justice Abdul Aziz Abdul Rahim’s ruling.
On Feb 13, Nizar had filed for a judicial review against Dr Zambry’s appointment as mentri besar, seeking a declaration that he (Nizar) was the rightful Perak mentri besar and an injunction to bar Dr Zambry from carrying out the duties of mentri besar.
On May 11, the High Court ruled in favour of Nizar, rendering Dr Zambry’s appointment null and void.
However, a day after that, the Court of Appeal granted Dr Zambry a stay of execution, allowing him to remain as mentri besar until his appeal against the High Court ruling was disposed of.
The court was also to hear Nizar’s application to set aside the stay of execution order, but had decided to hear the appeal proper first following the consent of all parties.
Security was tight at the Palace of Justice here Friday as members of the press and public gathered in large numbers.
Only 15 media passes were issued, while the rest had to use public passes. Not all managed to squeeze into the courtroom, which was standing room only.
TIMELINE OF THE PERAK POLITICAL CRISIS 2009
Feb 3: The crisis begins as Behrang assemblyman Jamaluddin Mohd Radzi and Changkat Jering assemblyman Mohd Osman Mohd Jailu quit Parti Keadilan Rakyat, PKR.
Feb 4: Jelapang assemblyman Hee Yit Foong, who is also the assembly’s deputy speaker, quits Democratic Action Party, DAP. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announces the fall of the Pakatan state government.
Feb 6: Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Kadir sworn in as Perak Mentri Besar. He appoints six new state executive councillors.
Feb 13: Datuk Seri Nizar Jamaluddin files suit to challenge the legitimacy of Zambry as Perak Mentri Besar.
Feb 18: Perak assembly Speaker V. Sivakumar suspends Dr Zambry for 18 months and six state exco members for 12 months.
March 3: Sivakumar conducts an “emergency” assembly meeting under a tree near the Perak State Secretariat after police deny Pakatan assemblymen entry.
March 7: The High Court in Kuala Lumpur refers Nizar’s bid to challenge the legitimacy of Dr Zambry’s appointment to the Federal Court.
March 10: Sivakumar files suit in KL High Court against the three independent assemblymen and the Election Commission for not declaring their seats vacant.
March 20: Nizar fails in his appeal against a High Court ruling to move his suit against Dr Zambry to the Federal Court.
March 23: Federal Court sends Nizar’s case back to High Court as the matter involves the state Constitution.
April 10: Federal Court decides that Hee, Mohd Osman and Jamaluddin did not resign and remain as assemblymen.
April 16: Federal Court rules that Sivakumar does not have the power to suspend Dr Zambry and his state exco members.
April 20: Nizar files affidavit at Kuala Lumpur High Court stating that he had sought the consent of Sultan Azlan Shah to dissolve the state assembly because of a deadlock.
May 7: Perak assembly sits and quickly descends into pandemonium. Police enter Assembly and forcibly remove Sivakumar as Speaker; former Sungkai assemblyman Datuk R. Ganesan is appointed to replace him.
May 11: KL High Court rules that Nizar is the rightful mentri besar.
May 12: Court of Appeal grants Dr Zambry a stay of execution; he resumes his duties as mentri besar.
May 22 : Court of Appeal declares Dr Zambry as the rightful Perak Menteri Besar
FROM LEFT - ADAM LAMBERT, PAULA ABDUL & KRIS ALLEN
ADAM LAMBERT
KRIS ALLEN PERFORMING "HEARTLESS"
A VERY SHORT VIDEO OF KRIS ALLEN AUDITION ON AMERICAN IDOL
ADAM LAMBERT AUDITION RIGHT UP TO SEMIFINAL IN AMERICAN IDOL 2009
AMERICAN IDOL LIST OF WINNERS - SEASON 1 - SEASON 8
2002 - SEASON 1 WINNER - KELLY CLARKSON 2003 - SEASON 2 WINNER - RUBEN STUDDARD 2004 - SEASON 3 WINNER - FANTASIA BARRINO 2005 - SEASON 4 WINNER - CARRIE UNDERWOOD 2006 - SEASON 5 WINNER - TAYLOR HICKS 2007 - SEASON 6 WINNER - JORDIN SPARKS 2008 - SEASON 7 WINNER - DAVID COOK 2009 - SEASON 8 WINNER - KRIS ALLEN (RUNNERS UP - ADAM LAMBERT)
By LYNN ELBER, AP Television
Kris Allen beamed with disbelief, shook his head as if to reject that this was really happening and doubled over in shock.
The fact that he'd just beaten rollicking vocal powerhouse Adam Lambert for the "American Idol" title wasn't going to sink in quickly for the unassuming underdog from Arkansas. The only downside to this stunning victory: He was going to have to sing "No Boundaries" one more time.
"I'm sorry, I don't even know what to feel right now. This is crazy," said the 23-year-old from Conway, Arkansas, as he leaned on host Ryan Seacrest to keep from staggering.
Allen's smooth vocals and boy-next-door image gave him the edge after nearly 100 million viewer votes were cast, turning the theatrical Lambert into the most unlikely of also-rans. When the season started, Allen seemed unsure he had a right to take center stage, let alone stand there and snatch victory from such a formidable rival.
During his "Idol" audition last summer, Allen, hands in his pockets and a newsboy cap pulled down around his eyes, was asked by the judges if he was the best singer around.
"You know, there's probably people who are better than me," was Allen's response, offered in the quiet, low-key spirit he retained despite his growing profile.
Conversely, Lambert's commanding vocal range and stage presence -- and the judges' lavish adoration -- at times turned "Idol" into "The Adam Lambert Show," with the other contestants mere guests. But it turned out that "Idol" viewers could embrace a gifted performer like Lambert, one who sported black nail polish and bold self-assurance, only to a point.
Cowell tipped his hat to both contestants Wednesday night, who shared a moment of musical camaraderie when they joined with Queen on the rock anthem "We Are the Champions."
"To both of you, and I don't normally mean this, I thought you were both brilliant ... the future's all yours," the judge said.
"Adam did win. So did Kris. Nobody lost tonight. These are two champions," said Kiss guitarist Paul Stanley from backstage.
The comments from Cowell and Stanley aren't necessarily empty platitudes. Past contestants can testify that losing the title doesn't mean you're a loser, nor does winning mean you're a shoo-in for superstardom.
Chris Daughtry and Jennifer Hudson, who finished fourth and seventh in their respective seasons, have gone on to huge success. As for "Idol" winners, they range from blockbuster artists like Carrie Underwood to the mostly under-the-radar Taylor Hicks.
Wednesday's outcome echoed last year's contest, which also looked at the outset like it was going the other way. Cowell all but crowned David Archuleta after the performance finale, calling his a "knockout performance" -- but the victory went to David Cook.
Lambert was such a powerful, unique performer that his fans were allowed a sense of entitlement on his behalf. But his triumph wasn't inevitable. When Allen and Lambert were declared the finalists last week, just 1 million viewer votes separated the pair out of 88 million cast.
Allen bloomed during the season, gaining more assurance onstage and winning viewers over with his heartfelt vocals, modest demeanor and well-scrubbed good looks.
File pictures of the Hercules C130 Military Transport Plane, built by Lockheed, designed with 4 turbo props engines.
The crash sight
MAGETAN, Indonesia – An Indonesian military plane carrying more than 100 people crashed into a row of houses and burst into flames, killing at least 93, the latest in a string of accidents plaguing the air force's beleaguered fleet.
Local television flashed footage of fire engulfing the mangled wreckage of the aging C-130 Hercules. Black smoke billowed in the air, as soldiers carried the injured on stretchers to waiting ambulances.
Military spokesman Sagom Tamboen said the plane was transporting troops and their families, including at least 10 children, when it tumbled from the sky near an air force base in East Java province. It slammed into several houses in Geplak village, killing three on the ground, and then skidded into a rice field.
It was not clear what caused the crash.
But air force spokesman Bambang Sulistyo said the plane was nearly 30 years old and several witnesses described seeing its right wing fall off while it was still in the air.
"I heard at least two big explosions and saw flashes of fire inside the plane," said Lamidi, a 41-year-old peasant who was working in his rice field. "The wing snapped off and fell to the ground."
The plane's charred tail and several chunks of its wing and body were scattered across the paddy.
Tamboen said the plane was carrying 109 passengers and crew when it went down 325 miles (520 kilometers) east of the capital, Jakarta. The death toll climbed to 93, he said. At least 15 people survived, Sulistyo said, many with bad burns.
Among the flight crew members who died in the crash are as follows (released by Indonesian authorities and newspapers):
Major Danu Setiawan - First Pilot Kapten Firdaus Yonen - 2nd Pilot Leftenan Satu Ferdinan Liverzani - 3rd Pilot Navigator: Kapten Arif Permadi Radioman: Letnan satu Oman Sumantri Juru mesin udara: Kapten Sugito Pembantu juru mesin: Peltu Suhartono Juru muat: Letnan Satu Apo Juru muat dua: Prajurit Kepala Heru Pembantu juru muat: Pembantu Letnan Dua Rohim Pembantu juru mudi: dua Sersan Agus Indra.
The country's air force has long complained of being underfunded and handicapped by a recently lifted U.S. ban on weapons sales. It has suffered a series of accidents, including a Fokker 27 plane that crashed into an airport hangar last month, killing all 24 onboard.
The C-130s are considered the backbone of the transport wing. The air force has operated the giant planes since the early 1960s, when it received a batch of 10 from the United States in exchange for the release of a CIA bomber pilot shot down in 1958while supporting an anti-government mutiny.
About 40 more were inducted into the air force inventory over the next 20 years. Many were secondhand and provided by Washington before the Clinton administration introduced sanctions on military deliveries over bloodshed in East Timor in 1999.
The air force complained that many of the planes quickly became unserviceable because of the lack of spare parts. Though the embargo was lifted by the Bush administration, the air worthiness of many is still in question.
Tamboen promised a full investigation of all military aircraft.
There have also been a series of commercial airline crashes in recent years, killing more than 120 people. The EU responded by banning all Indonesian carriers from flying to Europe.
While in China , an Australian man was very sexually promiscuous and did not use a condom at all.
A week after arriving back home in Sydney , he woke one morning to find his penis covered with purple spots. Horrified, he immediately went to see a doctor.
The doctor, never having seen anything like this before, ordered some tests and told the man to return in two days for the results. The man returned a couple of days later and the doctor said, 'I've got bad news for you - you've contracted Mongolian VD. It's very rare and almost unheard of here. We know very little about it.'
The man looked a little perplexed and said: 'Well, give me a shot or something and fix me up, Doc.'
The doctor answered: 'I'm sorry, there's no known cure. We're going to have to amputate your penis.'
The man screamed in horror, 'Absolutely not! I want a second opinion.'
The doctor replied: 'Well, it's your choice. Go ahead if you want, but surgery is your only option.'
The next day the man found a Chinese doctor, figuring that he'd know more about the disease. The Chinese doctor examined his penis and proclaimed, 'Ah, yes, Mongolian VD. Very rare disease.'
The guy said to the doctor, 'Yeah, yeah, I already know that but what can we do? My Australian doctor wants to operate and amputate my penis!'
The Chinese doctor shook his head and laughed. 'Stupid Australian doctor, always want to operate. Make more money that way. No need to operate!'
'Oh, Thank God!' the man replied.
'Yes,' says the Chinese doctor, 'You no worry! Wait two weeks. Fall off by itself!'
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia on Friday confirmed its first case of the A(H1N1) flu in a 21-year-old student who returned from the United States on Wednesday morning.
All passengers on the Malaysia Airlines flight MH091 from Newark on Wednesday are urged to contact the Health Ministry by calling 03-88810200 or 03-88810300
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the case made Malaysia the 36th country to be affected by the virus.
Malaysia is now on high alert,” said Liow, who is in London now, enroute to Geneva, for a World Health Organisation meeting. He added he would return earlier than his scheduled return next Friday.
Liow said Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha who is now the acting Health Minister would hold a press conference with the deputy health director general Datuk Dr Ramlee Rahmat at Putra Jaya at 3pm
Meanwhile, A statement by the Health Ministry's director-general, Dr. Ismail Merican, said the young man was hospitalised on Thursday for fever, sore throat and body aches.
Tests confirmed that he was infected with the A(H1N1) virus, the statement said. He is receiving anti-viral treatment and was in stable condition, it said.
Ismail said the ministry had contacted members of his family but they have not been placed under quarantine.
Ismail said his department was taking steps to protect public health and that there was no reason to panic.
Meanwhile, Bernama reported that a man from Bukit Mertajam held under observation at the isolation ward of the Penang Hospital has been declared free of Influenza A (H1N1).
"We just got a report that the blood test on the 26-year-old man was negative," State Health, Welfare, Caring Society and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh said when contacted by Bernama Friday.
A test on a sample of his blood had been sent to Kuala Lumpur.
The man was kept for observation Thursday after he was found to have fever and symptoms similar to those of Influenza A (H1N1) on his return from the United States.
Two weeks ago, a New Zealand tourist was admitted to the isolation ward of the hospital for suspected Influenza A (H1N1) but a blood test also showed up negative.
A 60-year-old Vietnam War veteran killed by a roadside bomb in Iraq has become the oldest Army soldier to die in that conflict, the military said Thursday.
Maj. Steven Hutchison, of Scottsdale, Ariz., served in Vietnam and wanted to re-enlist immediately after the 9/11 terror attacks, but that his wife was against it, his brother said.
Richard Hutchison told The Associated Press on Thursday that when she died, "a part of him died" so he signed up in July 2007.
"He was very devoted to the service and to his country," Richard Hutchison said.
He described him as a great big brother and friend. "I didn't want him to go," he said through tears, adding that he loved his brother "so much."
The Pentagon said Steven Hutchison was killed in Iraq on Sunday. Army spokesman Lt. Col. Nathan Banks said Thursday that Hutchison was the oldest Army soldier killed in Iraq.
An Associated Press database of soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan shows that Hutchison is the oldest member of any service branch killed since the wars broke out.
Hutchison served in Afghanistan for a year before deploying to Iraq in October, heading a 12-soldier team that trained the Iraqi military, his brother said. Later, he was assigned to help secure Iraq's southern border.
Hutchinson, who grew up in California, taught psychology at two state colleges then worked at a health care corporation in Arizona before retiring and re-entering the service, his brother said.
He was part of the 2nd Battalion, 34th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley, Kan.
Slumdog Millionaire won 8 Academy Awards. But that success did little to help Azharuddin Ismail and his family...
MUMBAI (Reuters) - City authorities in Mumbai demolished the shanty home of a "Slumdog Millionaire" child star on Thursday, forcing his family into the streets months after the Oscar-winning film shot him to global fame.
Azharuddin Ismail, 9, played the character of Salim as a child in the film, a rags-to-riches romance about a poor Indian boy competing for love and money on a television game show.
Ismail's tarpaulin-covered home in a teeming slum was one of several shanties, illegally built along a drain, that were demolished by local authorities in Mumbai, India's financial capital and entertainment hub.
"When they came I was sleeping, they shook me awake and one policeman even threatened me," Ismail, surrounded by half-broken suitcases filled with clothes and utensils, told Reuters.
"What can I do if they have demolished my house? I will sleep out in the open."
A poster of "Slumdog Millionaire," signed by director Danny Boyle, fluttered from the only wall of Ismail's shanty still standing. Open sewers run nearby and it had no running water.
Authorities said the shanties had been demolished earlier but had sprung up again on the same spot.
"The shanties are all touching a drain that has to be cleaned before the advent of the monsoons," said U.D. Mistry, the local official in charge of the demolition drive.
Earlier this year, there was an outcry after pictures emerged of "Slumdog Millionaire's" child stars living in squalor despite the movie's box-office success and eight Academy Awards.
The film also sparked controversy for its name, deemed by some to be offensive to slum dwellers, and its treatment of the cast. Its depiction of the lives of poor Indians was dubbed "poverty porn" by sections of the media.
In February, the housing authority of Maharashtra state, of which Mumbai is the capital, said they would give Ismail and fellow child star Rubina Ali new houses. But Ismail's mother, Shameem, said the family is now at the mercy of the rains.
"We also heard that the government had promised us houses, but what happened? We are still homeless," she said. "My son has brought glory to the country, shouldn't he get some credit?"
