Update on our local swimming scene

Thursday June 5, 2008

National record for Marellyn but not an Olympic berth

SABAH swimmer Marellyn Liew can be forgiven for not being in a celebratory mood after breaking the national record in the women's 100m butterfly at the Batu Buruk Swimming Complex yesterday.

The 19-year-old's mind was already on improving her time further when she competes in the same event at the Singapore Open, the final Olympic qualifying event, tomorrow.

Marellyn's time of 1:01.82 erased the previous national record of 1:02.08 set by Luisa Los Santos at the Korat Sea Games last December. Although she cracked the record, Marellyn was disappointed that the time was slower than the 1:01.43 needed to qualify for the Beijing Games in August.

Marellyn Liew splashing her way to a new national mark in the women’s 100m butterfly event of the Sukma swimming competition at the Batu Buruk Swimming Complex.

“I consulted my coach (Lim) Keng Liat immediately after the race and he told me that I could have done better in the final 50m. I need to concentrate more on my way back to the finish line,” she said.

“Although I am happy to have won the gold as well as set a new national record, the fact that I managed to post a personal best swim just before heading to Singapore is more important. I hope that I will do a better swim and qualify for Beijing on Friday.”

Marellyn will miss the final day of the Sukma competition. She left for Singapore last night.

Four Games records also fell on the penultimate day competition. Olympics-bound swimmers Khoo Cai Lin and Daniel Bego set the pace in the women's 400m freestyle and men's 100m butterfly respectively.

Cai Lin was out to break Nurul Huda Abdullah's 20-year national record of 4:17.86 and she came within a second of pulling it off with a time of 4:18.94. But the Selangor swimmer can take some consolation in breaking Lew Yih Wey's 2006 Games record of 4:24.43.

Splashing success: (From left): Sarawak’s Ling Neng Ching, Eric Chang, Brian Lim and Daniel Bego after breaking the Sukma record in men’s 4x200m freestyle in Kuala Terengganu.

Sarawak's Daniel, who created a new national record in the 200m freestyle on Sunday, settled for a new Games record in the 100m butterfly. His 55:27 finish bettered the 12-year-old 56:24 record set by Anthony Ang at the 1996 Games in Kuantan.

“I feel good with my performances in Sukma as I am in the midst of gearing up for the Olympics. To earn one national and one Games record in my two individual events showed that my preparations are on the right track,” said Daniel.

The 19-year-old then anchored the Sarawak men's team to win the 4x200m freestyle gold medal. With Ling Neng Ching, Eric Chang and Brian Lim in the side, Daniel touched home in 7:57.81. Daniel was also a member of the Sarawak quartet who created the previous record of 8:05.94 in Kota Kinabalu in 2002.

Chan Kah Yan, who has collected five silver medals in Kuala Terengganu, finally nailed the elusive gold, anchoring the FT women's team, who also comprised Heidi Gan, Tania Lee, Chong Siew Mun, to victory in the 4x200m freestyle.

They won the race in 8:41.04 and their effort erased the previous Games record of 8:46.63, set by their FT predecessors in 2002.

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TALKING POLITICS: LIM GUAN ENG HEADING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

What an incredulous three weeks it has been for all of us since we all went to the polls on March 8 this month.

The drama that has been unfolding right before our very eyes has been unbelievable!

Tomorrow a brand new MB gets installed in Terengganu who is not our PM's choice. This, despite the fact that our PM had said on national television only about three days ago that he was confident that everything would soon sort itself out to the BN's favour.

This was obviously not what he meant or had in mind, surely. And it would be very interesting to see what he has to say about this tomorrow after the swearing-in ceremony of the person he didn't anoint.

It must be very difficult on our PM; not to mention, also embarrassing.

Penang CM Lim Guan Eng, meanwhile, continues to make positive ripples in everyone's lives.

I read in the newspapers how he slipped in and out of a local church on Good Friday to share in with Christians and their celebration of Easter this weekend.

That itself would have made a splendid lesson of humility and tolerance for all the worshippers.

The Star said the Chief Minister had no bodyguards but came into the church alone.

This next week is certainly going to add more hot and sizzling politics into our lives.

For now, that seems to be the only thing we can be sure about in this new political landscape that had bulldozed its way through on March 8.

aNt
TALKING POLITICS
2:30am Easter Sunday

Arthur Clarke Dies At 90

Here is a man I had admired, now gone. aNt



Writer Arthur C Clarke dies at 90

Sir Arthur C Clarke was famous for his science fiction writing Space Odyssey clips Terry Pratchett pays tribute

British science fiction writer Sir Arthur C Clarke has died in his adopted home of Sri Lanka at the age of 90.

The Somerset-born author came to fame in 1968 when short story The Sentinel was made into the film 2001: A Space Odyssey by director Stanley Kubrick.

His visions of space travel and computing sparked the imagination of readers and scientists alike.

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse paid tribute, hailing the writer as a "great visionary".

Since 1995, the author had been largely confined to a wheelchair by post-polio syndrome.

He died at 0130 local time (2000 GMT) of respiratory complications and heart failure, according to his aide, Rohan De Silva.

Far-seeing scientist

"Sir Arthur has left written instructions that his funeral be strictly secular," his secretary, Nalaka Gunawardene, was quoted as saying by news agency AFP.

She said the author had requested "absolutely no religious rites of any kind".

A farmer's son, Sir Arthur was educated at Huish's Grammar School in Taunton before joining the civil service.

A great science fiction writer, a very good scientist, a great prophet and a very dear friend Sir Patrick Moore Obituary of Arthur C Clarke In quotes: tributes to writer

He served in the Royal Air Force during World War II, and foresaw the concept of communication satellites.

Sir Arthur's detailed descriptions of space shuttles, super-computers and rapid communications systems inspired millions of readers.

When asked why he never patented his idea for communication satellites, he said: "I did not get a patent because I never thought it will happen in my lifetime."

In the 1940s, he maintained man would reach the moon by the year 2000, an idea dismissed at the time.

He was the author of more than 100 fiction and non-fiction books, and his writings are credited by many observers with giving science fiction a human and practical face. He collaborated on the screenplay for 2001: A Space Odyssey with Kubrick.

'Great prophet'

British astronomer Sir Patrick Moore had known Sir Arthur since they met as teenagers at the British Interplanetary Society.

Sir Patrick paid tribute to his friend, remembering him as "a very sincere person" with "a strong sense of humour".

Tributes have also come from George Whitesides, the executive director of the National Space Society, where Sir Arthur served on the board of governors, and fellow science fiction writer Terry Pratchett.

HAVE YOUR SAY

His writing inspired many people to wonder what might be possible

Pratik, California

Send us your comments

The author married in 1953, and was divorced in 1964. He had no children.

He moved to the Indian Ocean island of Sri Lanka in 1956 after embarking on a study of the Great Barrier Reef.

There, he pursued his interest in scuba diving, even setting up a diving school at Hikkaduwa, near the capital, Colombo.

"Sometimes I am asked how I would like to be remembered," he recalled recently.

"I have had a diverse career as a writer, underwater explorer and space promoter. Of all these, I would like to be remembered as a writer."

A statement from Sir Arthur's office said he had recently reviewed the final manuscript of his latest novel.

The Last Theorem, co-written with Frederik Pohl, will be published later this year, it said.

BBC ONLINE IN PICTURES OF YESTERDAY'S HINDRAF PROTEST

Pix 01: Malaysian police have broken up a demonstration against alleged government discrimination by about 2,000 ethnic Indians in the capital, Kuala Lumpur.











Pix 02: Demonstrators carried the portrait of Malaysian King Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin and carried roses to symbolise what they said was a peaceful demand for justice.














Pix 03: Police used tear gas and water cannon to disperse Saturday's protesters, who had gathered despite a government ban.










Pix 04: Chemical-laced water was sprayed on some protesters. They argue the government systematically favours the Malay majority in jobs and education.













Pix 05: More than 120 people were detained, although most have now been released.















Pix 06: The demonstration was organised by the Hindu Rights Action Force, which is demanding the release from jail of five of its leaders.

BBC ONLINE: Police Break Up Protest

Malaysian police break up protest

The protesters carried roses to symbolise peaceful demands

Malaysian security forces have used tear gas and water cannon to break up a protest by ethnic Indians in the capital, Kuala Lumpur.

More than 20 people taking part in the banned march were detained by police.

The demonstration was organised by the Hindu Rights Action Force, which is demanding the release from jail of five of its leaders.

Activists say policies granting economic advantages to the ethnic Malay majority discriminate against Indians.

The Malaysia government has rejected claims of unequal treatment.

Detention without trial

Some 2000 protesters defied a ban on public gatherings, and carried roses to symbolise what they said was a peaceful demand for justice.

A heavy police presence kept them in the city centre - preventing their planned march to parliament to give the flowers to the Prime Minister, Abdullah Badawi.

The protest was meant to be led by a group of about 200 children. There were no reports of any children being injured.

Police used water canons thought to be laced with chemicals and tear gas to disperse the crowd.

The group behind the demonstration has become increasingly effective at rattling the government, says the BBC's Robin Brant in Kuala Lumpur.

It was behind a large demonstration on the streets of the capital last November which saw 10,000 people gather.

That rally exposed increasing unhappiness among some of Malaysia's minority Indians who feel they have fallen behind after decades of government policy which gives preferential treatment to the majority Malays, our correspondent says.

Five rights activists were arrested at that rally - the biggest protest involving ethnic Indians in more than a decade.

They are being held under a rarely used security law that allows indefinite detention without trial.

BBC ONLINE: Ledger Died Of Accidental Overdose

Ledger took lethal mix of drugs

Prescription drugs were found near Heath Ledger's body

Hollywood actor Heath Ledger died of an accidental overdose of six different types of prescription drugs, New York authorities have revealed.

The Brokeback Mountain actor, 28, was found dead in January in an apartment he had been renting in Manhattan.

The city medical examiner's spokeswoman said Ledger died "as the result of acute intoxication by the combined effects" of the different drugs.

They include painkiller Oxycontin and anti-anxiety drugs Valium and Xanax.

Some of the prescription drugs were found near his body when it was discovered by his housekeeper.

Ledger's body has been flown home to Australia for a private burial, while a public memorial service is planned in Los Angeles.

Film suspended

Last week, his former partner Michelle Williams spoke publicly for the first time since the star's death, saying: "My heart is broken."

The pair met on the set of their Brokeback Mountain, in which Williams played Ledger's wife.

The couple, who had a daughter Matilda, now two, split up last September.

The makers of Ledger's most recent film, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus - directed by Terry Gilliam - have suspended production.

Ledger had completed filming in London just before his death.

The star also plays The Joker in yet-to-be-released Batman film The Dark Knight.

Also last week, US TV shows Entertainment Tonight and The Insider pulled a video they had planned to show of Ledger at a Hollywood party saying he used to smoke cannabis.

The star is apparently heard saying he "used to smoke five joints a day for 20 years".

The shows released a statement saying the footage, believed to be have been recorded in January 2006, would not be shown.

VOA's Latest Update on Ledger's Autopsy

Actor Heath Ledger's Initial Autopsy Results 'Inconclusive'
By VOA News 23 January 2008

Body of actor Heath Ledger is removed from Soho apartment by NYC Medical Examiner team, 22 Jan 2008

New York City medical examiners say initial autopsy results of actor Heath Ledger are inconclusive and that more tests are needed to determine the cause of his death.

The Academy-Award-nominated actor was found unconscious Tuesday in a Manhattan residence with bottles of sleeping pills nearby. He was 28-years-old.

President Bush postponed an event Wednesday, promoting an advertising campaign on preventing prescription drug abuse. White House spokeswoman Dana Perino says the administration does not want anyone to think it is tying the actor's death to the issue.

The Australian-born Ledger was nominated for an Academy Award for his role in the 2005 movie Brokeback Mountain.

He will appear later this year in the newest Batman movie, The Dark Knight, in the role of "the Joker."

Ledger has a two-year-old daughter, Matilda, from his relationship with actress Michelle Williams, who played his wife in Brokeback Mountain. The couple broke up last September.

My Tribute To Heath Ledger

It was a 8.44am when the news of Heath Ledger's death came on The Star's SMS News Alert Service.

I was up unusually and doing my radio review assignment for my column Air Raves.

Since it was also Thaipusam Day, my mood was spoilt somewhat.

I first ever heard of Ledger was after his lead role in the controversial gay movie Brokeback Mountain.

When I actually saw the movie, it wasn't about sleazy sex as one might have imagined. Rather it was about an incredible struggle of two people trying to have a relationship that was frowned upon by society.


They tried their best to live out the roles that society had dictated to them but in some uncanny way, kept coming back to each other like a magnet as far as having a relationship was concerned.

As a disabled person who constantly faces discrimination almost everyday of my life, I find it extremely difficult not to be sympathetic to others who also face discrimination through other means.

Not to be empathetic would be totally hypocritical on my part.

The death of Ledger at a young age of 28 is most tragic. At the time of writing this, the cause of his death is still not known. The authorities suspect either an overdose of drugs or suicide.

If suicide was a factor, then it is truly a pity as this budding actor truly had so much going for him.

To me, I think Ledger's greatest contribution was in his support for those against homophobia.

I don't think he was gay himself. But I think people will remember him most for his support for gay people and their struggles.


It must have taken him a hell of a courage to accept the role in Brokeback Mountain. Another hero and obviously a good man is gone.

May his spirit continue to live forever and his soul rest in eternal peace.

aNt

BBC ONLINE: Heath Ledger found dead in his flat

Last Updated: Wednesday, 23 January 2008, 02:47 GMT

Heath Ledger is found dead in US

Ledger's life in film Hollywood actor Heath Ledger has been found dead at his home in Manhattan. "He was found unconscious at the apartment and pronounced dead," the New York Police Department said, adding that pills were found near the body. Police are reportedly investigating if the Australian actor - nominated for an Oscar for Brokeback Mountain - died of an overdose of prescription pills. Father Kim Ledger said that the death of his 28-year-old "dearly loved son" had been "tragic" and "accidental". Speaking in the actor's home town of Perth, in Western Australia, Mr Ledger said that his son had been a "down to earth, generous, kind hearted, life-loving, unselfish individual". "Heath has touched so many people on so many different levels during his short life that few had the pleasure of truly knowing him." The actor was found dead in the apartment he had been renting for several months at 1526 (2026 GMT) on Tuesday. Split New York police said they did not suspect foul play and that his body had been discovered with prescription pills nearby. "We are investigating the possibility of an overdose," police spokesman Paul Browne told Reuters news agency. "There were pills within the vicinity of the bed." He was just taking off and to lose his life at such a young age is a tragic loss Mel Gibson Obituary: Heath Ledger The BBC's Matthew Price in New York says the exact cause of death was still being investigated, but suicide has not been ruled out. Police, journalists and crowds of fans gathered outside the Broome Street apartment in the fashionable SoHo area. Investigators said Ledger had been due to have a massage at the flat. His family said Heath was "generous" and "life-loving" The housekeeper went to tell him the masseuse had arrived and found him dead on Tuesday afternoon. The medical examiner's office said an autopsy would be carried out on Wednesday. In September the Perth-born actor split from his girlfriend Michelle Williams, with whom he has a two-year-old daughter, Matilda. Williams played his wife in the 2005 film Brokeback Mountain. Hollywood mourning Hollywood stars were quick to offer their tributes and mourn Ledger's death. HAVE YOUR SAY Terrible to see his young daughter lose her father. I've been looking forward to seeing him in the new Batman movie Mark, Houston Send us your comments "I had such great hope for him," said Oscar-winning actor-director Mel Gibson. "He was just taking off and to lose his life at such a young age is a tragic loss." In 2001, Mr Gibson had cast Ledger to play his son in the American war of independence epic, The Patriot. "What a terrible tragedy. My heart goes out to his family," said fellow Australian actress Nicole Kidman. American actor John Travolta, who was in Australia at the time of Ledger's death, said the young actor had been one of his favourite performers. "His abilities are rare...it's a tremendous loss," said Mr Travolta. Brokeback breakthrough Ledger had split up with fellow Brokeback star Michelle Williams Brokeback Mountain director Ang Lee said Ledger's performance had been a "miracle" of acting, echoing a young Marlon Brando. He won an Oscar nomination for his role as a gay cowboy in the film but the award went to Philip Seymour Hoffman for his role as Truman Capote. Ledger starred in I'm Not There, as one of several actors in a role representing singer Bob Dylan. He also plays the Joker in yet-to-be-released Batman film, The Dark Knight. Ledger also starred in A Knight's Tale and The Patriot, and played a suicidal son in Monster's Ball.