07.10.10
Posted in Uncategorized at 9:10 am by Les
KUALA LUMPUR: Local celebrities cannot bare all on the big screen, said Information, Communications, and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim.
He said the ministry was firm in its stand that nude scenes in films were not allowed.
“Something that is prohibited in Islam and is still done is a violation. So, we are not keen to discuss this matter,” Dr Rais told a press conference here yesterday.
He was asked to comment on actor Arja Lee, whose real name is Azharuddin Ramly, who went nude for a bathing scene in his lead role as a man who underwent a sex change in … Dalam Botol, which is expected to be screened at the end of the year.
Arja Lee created a controversy when he admitted to stripping naked in the film.
Following his admission, the Universiti Sains Malaysia student was asked by his lecturer on July 12 to explain his actions.
In the film, Arja Lee shaved his body hair, wore heels and lipstick and performed a nude bathing scene.
The dancer-turned-actor plays the lead role of Rubidin, a gay who has a sex change operation to become a woman but is spurned by his lover who does not like the new “package”.
Dr Rais said going naked in films was not a culture in Malaysia but certain producers were probably influenced by Hollywood and even Bollywood, which has begun to have nude scenes in films.
“We are not for naked scenes in films. It should not be highlighted because it is unsuitable with our way of life,” he added.
Asked whether the film should be banned, Dr Rais said the matter rests with the censorship board.
The film’s producer Raja Azmi Raja Sulaiman, when contacted, laughed off the issue, saying it did not arise as the scene was immediately erased on the day it was shot, on Dec 8 last year.
“It’s a joke. Arja Lee had asked me and the film director, Khir Rahman, if he could strip naked for the bathing scene. I agreed but after it was shot, Khir and I decided to erase it. Arja Lee did not know about it. We retained the scene where he wore tight hotpants,” she said.
She said the matter became an issue because the reporter who quoted Arja Lee about him appearing naked in the film did not ask her for clarification.
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07.09.10
Posted in army at 5:57 pm by Les
Les :
It’s NOT a winnable war, lets get the lad’s out now
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British troops could end their combat role in Afghanistan even sooner than the five years the government has suggested, the UK’s top diplomat in the country has said.
Political developments could accelerate the process, leading to a reduction in fighting and to Nato forces ending their combat in a “three- to five-year timescale”, said Sir William Patey, Britain’s ambassador to Kabul. Talks leading to a political settlement should get off the ground sooner rather than later, he added, referring to contacts with Taliban elements.
He was speaking at a meeting in London organised by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, at which a Foreign Office minister, Alistair Burt, emphasised the government’s commitment to ending the combat role of British troops in Helmand at the latest by 2015, the date Britain’s next general election is due.
Burt was speaking as the Ministry of Defence announced the death of another member of Britain’s armed forces in Sangin, which is regarded as the most dangerous place for foreign forces in Afghanistan.
The soldier, from 5th Regiment Royal Artillery, died after an explosion while he was on a foot patrol, the MoD said.
Nearly a third of the 313 British deaths in Afghanistan since 2001 occurred in Sangin, where 1,000 Royal Marines of 40 Commando and supporting units are based.
The Defence Secretary, Liam Fox, told MPs on Wednesday that British troops would pull out of Sangin in the autumn and be replaced by US marines. The handover will leave the British military effort concentrated in a smaller area of central Helmand.
At today’s meeting, which was attended by Homayoun Tandar, the Afghan ambassador to Britain, both Burt and Patey stressed that though British soldiers would no longer be fighting in Afghanistan in five years’ time at most, that would not mean the end of the UK’s role in the country.
“David Cameron has made it clear he did not expect to have combat troops [in Afghanistan] after 2015 … We made a judgment,” Burt said. However, he added: “The withdrawal of combat troops did not mean the withdrawal of the UK from Afghanistan.”
Patey spoke of a “long-term strategic partnership” between Britain and Afghanistan. He said Afghanistan had been neglected and it was only in the last year that resources “that can deliver” had been put in the country.
Both Burt and Patey emphasised the significance of the international conference due to he held in Kabul on 20 July, the need for a political settlement and the importance of reconciliation. Burt pointed to Cameron’s visit to Delhi at the end of the month. It was important to “make very clear to India and Pakistan their engagement is absolutely crucial”, he said.
However, preparing public opinion for more British deaths in Afghanistan, he said: “A very tough year is coming up. It will be difficult over the next few years.”
Patey said drugs – opium poppy and heroin production in Afghanistan – were the “one issue” which could be the catalyst leading to the engagement of regional powers, including Russia and Iran, in a future political settlement in Afghanistan. Russia was also concerned about Islamic extremism, he added.
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07.07.10
Posted in army at 11:05 am by Les
British troops are to be pulled out of the Sangin area of Afghanistan – where nearly a third of UK deaths have occurred.
It is understood the Government has decided the notoriously volatile district in northern Helmand province will be handed over to US forces, possibly later this year.
The move – set to be announced later by Defence Secretary Liam Fox – comes after Britain handed over command in Helmand to an American general last month.
Mr Fox is expected to say that Britain will concentrate on Helmand’s populous central belt, leaving the north and south of the province to the US.
Sangin, currently home to 40 Commando Royal Marines, is particularly dangerous because it contains a patchwork of rival tribes.
It is also a major centre of Afghanistan’s opium-growing industry.
It has been the scene of some of the fiercest fighting the British military has endured since the Second World War.
Of the 312 UK deaths in Afghanistan since 2001, 99 occurred in Sangin.
There is likely to be a mixed response to news of the handover – relief that such a deadly burden has been passed on but also sadness at the high price paid in troops killed and injured.
Britain’s 8,000 forces in Helmand are now greatly outnumbered by the 20,000 US Marines sent there under President Obama’s surge strategy.
Sangin is the latest part of the district to be handed over from British to American control.
The town of Musa Qaleh was transferred in March and US marines took charge of the strategically important Kajaki dam last month.
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07.01.10
Posted in army at 8:27 pm by Les
Two British soldiers were killed in Afghanistan as they searched a would-be suicide bomber on a motorcycle close to a busy market, an inquest heard yesterday.
After the death of Lance Corporal David Kirkness, 24, and Rifleman James Brown, 18, fellow troops said they had sacrificed their lives to prevent a devastating attack on the market.
The men, of 3rd Battalion the Rifles (3 Rifles), were killed while manning a vehicle checkpoint east of Sangin in Helmand province in December last year.
Opening the inquest in Trowbridge, the Wiltshire and Swindon coroner David Ridley said the device was detonated when the bomber approached the checkpoint shortly after 12.30pm.
The only eyewitness account was given in a statement from an Afghan interpreter, known simply as witness A. He said: “I would describe him [the bomber] as an Afghan male, about 28. He wore a short beard and was wearing white clothes.
“He wore traditional Afghan trousers, and a shirt in the style worn in Pakistan. On his head he was wearing a hat, it was silver-grey and in the style of a skull cap. He was alone.
Witness A said the soldiers finished searching a car and waved the motorcycle towards them. He reached the checkpoint and got off his machine.
He said: “The two British soldiers moved towards him. As they touched him with their hands there was an explosion. There was a loud bang and smoke rising into the sky.”
The medical emergency response team came under small arms fire as they attempted to extract the men, the inquest heard.
Kirkness and Brown suffered “severe” blast injuries and died later at Camp Bastion field hospital. Two Afghan national army soldiers were also killed and the interpreter was injured.
Major James Richardson, officer commanding B-company, 3 Rifles, said suicide bombers were a known threat, but there was no specific intelligence received to suggest there would be an attack on that day.
He said: “The difficulty we face is, if we treat everybody as a suicide bomber, it doesn’t allow us to bond with the community.”
The coroner recorded a verdict of unlawful killing on both men.
Following their deaths, senior officers said the men sacrificed their lives to protect Afghans in nearby Sangin bazaar, though this was not touched upon in evidence given to the inquest.
Lieutenant Colonel Nick Kitson, commanding officer of 3 Rifles battle group, said at the time that comrades took comfort and pride from the fact that they averted a “much larger tragedy”.
Kirkness, from Wakefield, West Yorkshire, joined 3 Rifles in March 2004, and had completed a demanding sniper course and studied the local language of Pashtu before deploying to Afghanistan in October 2009. He leaves a three-year-old daughter, Brooke.
Brown, from Farnborough, Kent, only joined the Army earlier in 2009, and had arrived with B company of 3 Rifles less than a fortnight before his death.
Paying tribute in a statement after his death, his family said: “You were a true hero and will be dearly missed. We all love you so much.
“You died a hero living your dream and your actions will always speak louder than words ever could.”
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05.31.10
Posted in army at 9:50 am by Les
Corrie stars party with military heroes outside the Rovers Return – to kick-off Armed Forces Day.
The cast enjoyed butties, buns and beer then saluted the RAF, Army and Navy.
And they urged us all to do the same on June 26 – the second Armed Forces Day.
Beverley Callard, 53 – Rovers Return landlady Liz McDonald – did a conga with soldiers.
She said: “Communities need to celebrate our boys and girls. Landlords and landladies can get parties running. I know Liz would.”
Page 3 Girls Sam, 23, and Chloe, 22, served drinks while Staci, 21, enjoyed a lift from Navy heroes.
Meanwhile Ken Barlow star Bill Roache, 78, who served in the Army after National Service, had a hug with RAF Senior Aircraftwoman Mandy Mortley, 34.
He said: “Soldiers are dying for their country. They need our support. I’m glad to do my bit.”
Weatherfield’s Kym Marsh (Michelle), Samia Smith (Maria), Jennie McAlpine (Fiz), Andrew Whyment (Kirk), Sue Cleaver (Eileen) and Debbie Rush (Anna) toasted the forces visitors and showed them the Manchester set.
Helen Worth, the Street’s Gail, said: “It’s a chance to show our appreciation.”
Mikey North, who plays squaddie Gary, said: “I’ve learnt from speaking to soldiers they’re like brothers and sisters.
“They’re willing to die for you and that’s the biggest gift of all.”
Moved RAF Sergeant Andy Dipple, 43, said: “It’s great to know celebrities care so passionately.”
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05.25.10
Posted in Uncategorized at 12:15 pm by Les
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05.14.10
Posted in KOYLI Remembrance at 2:21 pm by Les
Les :
The sad news was passed down to me in early April this year, A very sad day for those who worked with Roy, He was a wonderful NCO when I knew him, He was promoted to Captain
Roy died 7th April 2010, In Colchester
You can see an obituary I did for the family and Army friends at this location:
Roy Acklings Obituary
Cede Nullis
Les
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04.16.10
Posted in army at 7:21 pm by Les
Soldiers in Afghanistan stand to lose several days out of their R&R after the cloud of volcanic ash hanging over Europe closed the air bridge between the UK and Kandahar.
Troops heading back for their two-week package became stuck in theatre after the eruption in Iceland rendered the UK a no-fly zone yesterday (April 15).
As the airspace was closed, a Royal Air Force TriStar transport aircraft bringing soldiers from 11 Light Brigade back from Afghanistan was forced to turn back to Cyprus.
A spokeswoman for the MoD confirmed that R&R had been cut short for some soldiers although she was unable to say how many were affected. But with the Relief in Place – and 11 Light Brigade currently being replaced by 4 Mechanized Brigade – there were fewer personnel heading back for mid-tour rest period.
Those affected would not be able to reclaim the days they had lost, she added.
The spokeswoman told MoDOracle.com: “The volcanic ash cloud will certainly be impacting on R&R. Unfortunately flights are suspended and people are being delayed.
“As we currently have the Relief going on, it is those who have finished their tours and who are coming home for good that have been the most affected.”
“If it had been any other time, there would have been more of an issue with R&R.”
A spokeswoman for RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire – where the Force’s TriStar fleet is based – said the station had been closed to air traffic since 1200 on April 15.
She added: “We are keeping our fingers crossed that restrictions could be lifted tomorrow. We currently have passengers stuck at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus.
“Fortunately the outbound Afghanistan flight took off before the restrictions came into place so nobody is waiting at Brize. But Permanent Joint Headquarters in Northwood is looking out how to manage the passenger situation.”
Meanwhile the Iceland volcanic eruption also played havoc with Exercise Joint Warrior being held in Scotland, disrupting the air support elements of the NATO manoeuvres
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04.12.10
Posted in army at 9:05 am by Les
Les says:
There are many stories in the KOYLI Bugle Journals, Most are happy, some joyful and others that make you think of the day’s of old, When the rule of law, In the army was absolute
This is such a story, Please click on the link, After reading the page click on ‘NEXT’ which is at the bottom of the page
PLEASE CLICK FOR THE ARTICLE
‘Thanks to my mate Eric Gilbert for finding me this interesting article’
At least it was NOT a KOYLI bloke, Who faced the long drop
This is the Leinster regiment of which O’Hara served
Cede Nullis
Les
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04.05.10
Posted in orang Asli at 7:12 am by Les
BATANG KALI: The Orang Asli community has never been sidelined from mainstream development, said Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.
“Sixty-two per cent or 534 Orang Asli villages deep in the interior now have basic amenities such as 24-hour electricity, treated water and land development projects and their people have fixed incomes,” he said.
Speaking to reporters after attending a 1Malaysia gathering of the Orang Asli community at Kampung Hulu Tamu, near here, he said development programmes for the community were not implemented on an ad hoc basis.
“The government does not decide on the provision of assistance based on the community they hail from. Rather, the level of assistance is based on the needs of that particular community.”
Shafie advised the Orang Asli community not to reject the opportunities presented to them.
“Grab the opportunities while maintaining your culture and way of life.”
Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal coaxes Leman, 78, (centre) to partake of a meal during a 1Malaysia gathering at Kampung Orang Asli Hulu Tamu in Hulu Selangor yesterday.
Shafie also called on the community to adopt the spirit to succeed, as this would empower the community to tap into the various economic opportunities.
He said following the assistance from the government via the Orang Asli Affairs Department (JHEOA), the community had over the years seen the development of graduates among them who went on to become successful educationists, doctors and even risen to become the number two person in JHEOA.
To further boost the presence of the community in mainstream development, Shafie said he wanted to see an Orang Asli heading the JHEOA at the state level. He said the matter was being worked out, including identifying the potential candidates for the respective posts.
Earlier, Shafie handed out monthly allowances to 13 Tok Batins in Hulu Selangor, as well as handing out food and financial asistance to Orang Asli schoolchildren. He also undertook groundbreaking for seven new homes, each worth RM33,000 in Kampung Hulu Tamu.
Also present were Hulu Bernam state assemblyman and Hulu Selangor division chief Datuk Mohamed Idris Abu Bakar and MIC deputy president Datuk G. Palanivel.
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