South Korea's First Female President Park Geun-Hye

THE newly elected President of South Korea, Park Geun-Hye, will return to the presidential Blue House which is, incidentally, her childhood home.

   Ms Park was nine years old when her father, Park Chung-Hee, came to power through a military coup in 1961 which set the stage for 18 years of authoritarian rule. She served as her father's first lady during the 1970s after her mother's assassination in 1974.

Korean opinion on his rule remains highly polarised, and many see in Ms Park only the embodiment of her father.

   State-run Korean Central News agency has said "a dictator's bloodline cannot change away from its viciousness".

   While this has cast a fairly dark cloud over a lot of Ms Park's electoral campaign, the presence of her father's legacy has, at times, proved an asset, as many older South Koreans hope she will evoke the strong charisma of her father and thus settle the country's economic and security woes.

   The 60-year-old President who has a degree in engineering from Sogang University in Seoul has been described by voters as "good-hearted, calm and trustworthy" with the power to "save our country".

   Citing Margaret Thatcher and Angela Merkel amongst her role models, her presidency shatters the bias surrounding women's rights in a country that came 108th out of 135 countries in a survey on gender equality; one place below the United Arab Emirates.

   She has made history as the first female president in Northeast Asia, a feat made all the more remarkable considering South Korea is a country where women continue to face widespread sexism, huge income gaps and few opportunities to climb business or political ladders.

   She has never married and has no children, generating an image of selfless daughter of Korea which is hugely attractive to many voters who are tired of corruption scandals surrounding their first families.

   She changed her campaign slogan from "National Happiness Campaign" to "A Prepared Woman President", however this maternal political image is at odds with that pushed by her critics of an aloof aristocrat they call the 'ice queen' with a political career founded in privilege.

   She has certainly shown a tough streak in the past, demonstrated particularly in 2006 when a convicted criminal slashed her face as she was shaking hands with voters, opening a gash that needed 60 stitches during surgery.

   Kim Eun-Ju, executive director of the Centre for Korean Women and Politics supports this image of the new President, seeing Park as a female political leader "only in biological terms". "For the past 15 years, Park has shown little visible effort to help women in politics or anywhere else as a policymaker," she said.

South Korea Faces GRAVE Threat From North Korea

South Korea's newly elected president has described the security threat from North Korea as "grave".

PARK GEUN-hye

VICTORIOUS  in Wednesday's election (20 Dec 2012), Park Geun-hye took 51.6 per cent of the vote to defeat her liberal rival, Moon Jae-in, and will be sworn in as South Korea's first female president in late February.

And if Pyongyang hoped the election might bring about a more conciliatory government in the South, after the hawkish attitude of the outgoing president, Lee Myung-bak, it will have been disappointed.

   "This election was held in the middle of rapid changes in the situation surrounding the Korean Peninsula," Ms Park told reporters at the headquarters of the Saenuri Party.

"North Korea's long-range missile launch has symbolically showed the gravity of the security reality that we are faced with," she said.

   Identifying regional tensions and economic difficulties as the two most serious issues to contend with, Ms Park added that she believes the electorate had given her a mandate "to push wisely forward through these crises".

   "I will keep my promise to the people that, without fail, I will open up a new era on the Korean Peninsula through strong national security and trust-based diplomacy," she said.

   The election of Ms Park, the daughter of former dictator Park Chung-hee, has been welcomed in Washington, with President Barack Obama saying he looks forward to "working closely with" the incoming administration in Seoul.

   Significantly, he emphasised that the alliance between the United States and South Korea "serves as a linchpin of peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region."

   Ms Park will have personal reasons for wanting to keep North Korea in its place after a Japanese-born North Korean killed her mother, Yuk Young-soo, during an attempt on her father's life in August 1974.

   For the remaining five years of President Park's regime, she acted as his first lady.

That does not mean that she rules out rapprochement with Pyongyang, however, and in the run-up to election day Park said she would seek opportunities to resume dialogue with the North and to resume the provision of humanitarian aid. Doing so will very much depend on the attitude of Pyongyang.

   So far, there has been no comment on Ms Park's victory, although the state-run KCNA news agency ran an editorial timed to coincide with the election in the South that accused the Saenuri Party of "seriously defaming the dignity of the supreme leadership of the DPRK".

The report said the party's propaganda was "another unpardonable, hideous provocation against the DPRK".

 

Clinton admitted to hospital with blood clot



HILLARY CLINTON



WASHINGTON:  U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton delivers remarks at the State Department in Washington …Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton has been admitted to a New York hospital for treatment of a blood clot, her spokesman said Sunday.

State Department Spokesman Philippe Reines said Clinton had entered the hospital following a medical examination for a concussion she sustained earlier this month.
"In the course of a follow-up exam today, Secretary Clinton's doctors discovered a blood clot had formed, stemming from the concussion she sustained several weeks ago," Reines said in a statement. "She is being treated with anti-coagulants and is at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital so that they can monitor the medication over the next 48 hours."

Reines added, "Her doctors will continue to assess her condition, including other issues associated with her concussion. They will determine if any further action is required."

Clinton was scheduled to return to work this week after treatment for the concussion. She is set to step down from her post shortly after President Barack Obama's inauguration on January 21. Last week, Obama announced he had chosen Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry to replace Clinton as the nation's top diplomat.

 

BN PARTI TERBAIK --- Kurup

Oleh: MOHD KHAIRY ABDULLAH

Muhyiddin terima cendera kenangan daripada Kurup

KENINGAU (Sabah, Malaysia): Presiden Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS), Tan Sri Joseph Kurup menegaskan bahawa keperihatinan BN dan kasih sayangnya kepada rakyat sudah jelas terbukti.

Tiada parti sesuci perjuangan Barisan Nasional yang memansuhkan Internal Security Act (ISA) dan lain-lain Akta yang mempunyai implikasi menghadkan kebebasan bersuara adalah cukup telus dan mengamalkan dasar keterbukaan.

Beliau berkata demikian ketika berucap dalam majlis Perasmian Persidangan Perwakilan Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBRS) Ke – 15 yang dirasmikan oleh YAB Timbalan Perdana Menteri Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, di dewan Masyarakat kompleks sukan Keningau pada Sabtu.

Katanya, “ semua lapisan masyarakat tidak kira agama dan budaya di negeri kita hari ini mendapat pembelaan dibawah konsep 1 Malaysia membuktikan bahawa kerajaan BN amat menyayangi rakyatnya”.

”Seperti program yang dilancarkan YAB Perdana Menteri bermula dari anak-anak kita yang kecil sehingga yang sudah bekerja dan juga yang telah bersara, semuanya mendapat Bantuan BRIM adalah untuk meringankan bebanan mereka”,jelasnya.

Selain itu, pelbagai lagi bantuan dan kemudahan yang telah diberikan kepada rakyat jelas menunjukkan keprihatinan Kerajaan Barisan Nasional kepada rakyatnya terutama sekali di kawasan pedalaman sabah ini telah banyak membawa perubahan kehidupan masyarakat di sini.

Menurut beliau, itulah yang saya maksudkan bahawa kebaikan kerajaan BN tidak ada tolok bandingnya, janji-janji seperti yang diperkatakan bukan sekadar percakapannya sahaja tetapi sekaligus melaksanakannya.

Kurup yang juga Timbalan Menteri Kementerian Sumber Asli dan Alam Sekitar berkata, rakyat di pedalaman dimana majoritinya adalah penganut agama kristian harus berbangga kerana diberi kebebasan beragama dan dijamin oleh perlembagaan persekutuan.

Disamping itu katanya, sifat hormat – menghormati sesama sendiri tanpa mengambil kira budaya dan agama masing-masing yang menjadi asas kebanggaan di negeri ini iaitu pembawaan yang diwarisi dari nenek moyang masih wujud jiwa mereka.

”Saya percaya bahawa kerajaan BN ingin memelihara perpaduan yang unik ini dan pada pendapat saya, salah satu cara untuk memelihara perpaduan ini ialah membantu pihak-pihak tertentu dari segi pemberian atau pembaikan kemudahan-kemudahan asas seperti rumah ibadat, pembinaan SMK Dalit dan di Zon Trus Madi”.

”Atas nama kebaikan serta kemurnian akan tujuan permintaan tersebut dalam perhimpunan Perwakilan PBRS ke 15 ini saya merayu agar perkara ini diambil perhatian dan pertimbangan dengan sewajarnya”, tambahnya.

Beliau berharap, semua parti-parti komponen BN akan bersatu hati, penuh tekad dan semangat menggerakkan jentera pilihanraya dengan penuh keyakinan dan strategi pada musim PRU-13 akan datang. 

BN SELESA HADAPI PILIHANRAYA KE-13 --- TPM

By Mohd Khairy Abdullah

KENINGAU (Sabah, Malaysia): Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin  menggariskan beberapa faktor dan kelebihan yang menunjukkan Barisan Nasional (BN) kini berada dalam kedudukan yang yang sangat selesa untuk menghadapi pilihan raya umum ke-13.

Timbalan Perdana Menteri itu memberitahu pilihanraya itu dijangka amat mencabar, namun katanya BN sudah bersedia untuk menghadapinya yang kemenangan akan memihak kepada kerajaan.

Muhyiddin yang juga Timbalan Pengerusi BN berkata kelebihan yang dilihat menyebelahi BN, berbanding 2008 itu, adalah apabila rakyat terus menerus memberi sokongan kepada BN selepas kerajaan memperkenalkan pelbagai program transformasi menyeluruh yang memberi faedah kepada seluruh lapisan masyarakat berbilang kaum di negara ini.

Beliau berkata inisiatif dan pendekatan kepimpinan negara yang diterajui Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak yang memfokuskan usaha membela nasib rakyat amat serasi diterima dan diterjemahkan dalam bentuk dasar-dasar baru dalam Program Transformasi Kerajaan (GTP), transformasi politik serta tranformasi luar bandar.

"...pelbagai bentuk program yang menjurus kepada masyarakat dengan 111 inisiatif dalam perbentangan Belanjawan 2013 yang menyenaraikan semua lapisan masyarakat mendapat semua faedah," katanya kepada pengamal media selepas merasmikan persidangan perwakilan Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) ke-15 di Dewan Masyarakat Keningau pada sabtu.

Beliau berkata usaha itu turut disokong menerusi soal perpaduan kaum yang menjadi teras pembangunan nasional negara yang sentiasa diperkukuhkan malahan tiada perpecahan berlaku walau pun terdapat usaha pihak tertentu merosakkan semangat perpaduan kaum.

Beliau berkata situasi turut jelas positif di mana tiada masalah dalaman antara parti komponen BN yang tidak dapat diatasi dan diselesaikan secara baik.

Antara faktor selebihnya, Muhyiddin berkata pencapaian luar biasa kedudukan ekonomi negara yang berkembang sebanyak lima peratus menerusi program GTP dan peningkatan hasil pelaburan domestik dan antarabangsa.

Katanya, jumlah pelaburan dalam negara lebih besar dan kukuh berdasarkan perkembangan pelaburan domestik dan antarabangsa selain pendapatan perkapita negara meningkat kepada US$9,700 berbanding USS$7,500 pada dua tahun lepas.

"Kalau kita senaraikan, inilah perkara asas yang menunjukkan parti kita bertambah kukuh dan penerimaan rakyat terhadap Perdana Menteri agak jelas dan mendapat respons positif. Bagi saya suasananya amat baik (berbanding 2008)," katanya.

Terdahulu, ketika berucap, beliau berkata kedudukan BN yang kuat itu harus didorong oleh semangat yang kental bagi kesemua 13 parti komponen BN termasuk parti 'kerdil' seperti PBRS yang harus memainkan peranan besar seumpama parti besar lain.

"Kita harus bertekad BN tidak boleh boleh kalah, sebab itu kita harus bangun dari tidur selepas leka dengan kejayaan-kejayaan dan mungkin sebab kita kerajaan, kita tidak beri perhatian hal-hal rakyat, tetapi kini kita telah turun padang dan membantu masyarakat.

"Tuhan beri kita isyarat dan kita sedar, isyaratnya kalau tidak berusaha, mungkin juga boleh kalah, jadi Umno bangkit dan semua komponen-komponen parti sedar, jumpa, berbincang soal perkukuh parti dan usaha kembalikan keyakinan rakyat," katanya sambil menambah kerajaan berada pada 'lokomatif' betul yang dipandu Najib ke arah mencapai negara maju menjelang 2020.

Muhyiddin turut mengingatkan anggota parti komponen BN agar jangan 'berperang' sesama sendiri, sebaliknya membantu menjaga hati pengundi, tidak melakukan sesuatu yang menyentuh kehendak mereka, sentiasa mendengar dan menyelesaikan setiap permasalahan pengundi kawasan mereka.

Sambil mengakui beliau di samping Najib dan pemimpin negara lain yang mengamalkan sikap turun padang berjumpa rakyat atas faktor kepastian " kita kekal (sebagai kerajaan) adalah kerana rakyat jelata".

"...sebab itu apa saja kita dengar (peringkat akar umbi) kita beri perhatian. Najib sendiri selepas balik dari lawatan kerja ke negeri-negeri dari Johor mahupun Sabah atau Kedah, beliau akan membuat keputusan dengan cepat," katanya.

Sementara itu, Muhyiddin yang juga Menteri Pelajaran meluluskan pembinaan sekolah baru, Sekolah Menengah Dalit selain bersetuju membina sebuah gereja di daerah itu.

Beliau yang diiringi Ketua Menteri Sabah Datuk Seri Musa Aman dan presiden PBRS Tan Sri Joseph Kurup turut menghadiri jamuan perayaan Krismas dan Tahun Baru di dewan itu.

Pada majlis itu, Muhyiddin turut menyampaikan anugerah murid cemerlang Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) bagi daerah ini.

Turut bersama dengan beliau ialah Ketua Umno Keningau, Datuk Sairin Karno dan Ketua Umno Pensiangan Datuk Ghani Yassin 

DPM outlines factors favouring BN in run-up to 13th GE

By MOHD KHAIRY ABDULLAH

KENINGAU (Sabah, Malaysia): Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin today outlined several factors which places the Barisan Nasional (BN) in a favourable position in the run-up to the 13th general election.

He said more people were lending their support to the BN after the government introduced various transformation programmes which benefited all levels of society.

   These programmes, initiated by the national leadership helmed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak, were well received, he told a news conference after opening the 15th delegates meeting of Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) at the Keningau community hall, here.

   The Government Transformation Programme (GTP), Economic Transformation Programme (ETP), Political Transformation Programme (PTP) and Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) were focused on the people, he said.

This was on top of the 111 touch points or initiatives of Budget 2013 which benefited all levels of society, he added.

He said there was strong racial unity, which was the basis of national development, and there was no discord despite attempts by certain quarters to disrupt solidarity.

   Muhyiddin, who is also BN deputy chairman, said there were no internal problems among the component parties of BN which could not be resolved positively.

He said some of the other good points were the five per cent economic growth achieved by the country and the increase in domestic and foreign investments, as well as the rise of the per capita income to US$9,700 compared to US$7,500 two years ago.

   "The situation is most favourable (for the BN)," he said.

Earlier, in addressing the PBRS delegates, Muhyiddin said the strong position of the BN should be buttressed by the resilient spirit of the 13 component parties of the coalition, with even small parties like the PBRS playing a huge role just like the bigger parties.

   "We must be determined that the BN cannot lose. We have gone to the ground and helped the people.

"We have to realise that if we do not strive, we can lose. Umno and all its partners in the BN have realised this. We have met and discussed the question of strengthening our parties and working to convince the people," he said.

He said the government was in the right 'locomotive' driven by Najib towards making Malaysia a developed nation by 2020.

      Muhyiddin reminded members of BN component parties not to quarrel among themselves and advised them to take care of the needs of their constituents and resolve their problems.

He said Najib, he and the other leaders went down to the ground to meet the people because "we want to retain the government for the sake of the people". 

BORNEO DIGEST 2013 CALENDER

Kotobian Tadau Krismas 2012 om Toun Wagu 2013.

OUR Prayer For You & Family 'A Blessed CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR 2013'. God BLESS ALL of US -- BORNEO DIGEST

  SELAMAT HARI NATAL 2012    AND HAPPY NEW YEAR 2013

INSURAN UNTUK PESAWAH, PENOREH DAN PETANI --- Minamasok

DIMIE

KENINGAU (Sabah, Malaysia): Persatuan Dusun Minamasok Borneo Utara Sabah (Minamasok) berkata, golongan petani seperti pesawah, pekebun, penoreh getah dan nelayan sewajarnya diutamakan sebagai penerima skim insuran yang utama, dan bukannya golongan seniman.

   Presiden Minamasok Dimie Guntup (gambar) memberitahu, akar umbi yang sebenar adalah rakyat luar Bandar yang kehidupan mereka terdedah kepada pelbagai risiko, dan mereka perlu dilindungi insuran.

   Dalam konteks mengundi katanya, penduduk luar Bandar merupakan yang terbanyak berbanding mereka yang terlibat dalam kegiatan seni.

   Pada sabtu lepas, Menteri Penerangan Komunikasi dan Kebudayaan Datuk Seri Dr. Rais Yatim berkata, skim insuran bagi pelakon, penghibur dan pelawak dijangka akan diumumkan dan akan dilaksanakan pada pertengahan januari 2013.

   Dimie memberitahu bahawa Minamasok amat kecewa dengan kenyataan Rais itu apa yang beliau sifatkan sedbagai tidak adil kepada rakyat akar umbi secara keseluruhan.

   “Golongan pesawah, penoreh getah, pekebun dan nelayan amat kecewa dengan beliau (Rais),” katanya, dalam satu kenyataan di Keningau pada Rabu.

   Presiden itu berkata bahawa pemberian skim insuran seharusnya menyeluruh dan bukan hanya kepada golongan tertentu seperti seniman.

   “Penghibur, pelakon dan pelawak adalah golongan yang terlalu kecil di Negara ini, dan di Sabah serta Sarawak mereka boleh dikira,” katanya.

   Persatuan itu mahu supaya kerajaan mengkaji semula cadangan itu dan memastikan golongan akar umbi turut menerima kemudahan itu.

   Menjawab satu soalan, Dimie memberitahu bahawa perlindungan insuran amat penting kepada setiap individu pada era ini.

   Katanya, nilai seseorang itu amat tinggi apabila ia dilindungi insuran.

   “Sebab itu Minamasok menjadikan perlindungan insuran sebagai satu kemestian,” katanya dan menasihatkan bangsa Dusun di negeri ini  agar mendapatkan perlindungan insuran. 

SEORANG TIMBALAN PERDANA MENTERI DARI SABAH ATAU SARAWAK

eksklusif

KENINGAU (Sabah, Malaysia): Persatuan Dusun Minamasok Borneo Utara Sabah (Minamasok) berkata, hanya dengan mengwujudkan kuota jawatan Timbalan Perdana Menteri untuk Sabah atau Sarawak, membolehkan kekuatan kerajaan Barisan Nasional (BN) tidak akan tergugat sehingga bila-bila.

   Presiden persatuan itu, Dimie Guntop berkata pada Khamis di Keningau, jawatan TPM sama ada pemimpin dari Sabah atau Sarawak amat menepati definasi negeri ini sebagai ‘simpanan tetap’ kepada kerajaan persekutuan.

   “Minamasok berpendapat bahawa cadangan ini amat baik dan relevan untuk menjadikan BN memiliki status yang benar-benar kukuh,” katanya.

   Memberikan butiran cadangan itu kepada akhbar ini selepas menghadiri Taklimat Pengurusan Pertubuhan Berkualiti anjuran Jabatan Pendaftar Pertubuhan (ROS) di salah sebuah hotel terkemuka di Keningau, Dimie menjelaskan bahawa nilai Sabah dan Sarawak seimbang apabila negeri yang berada di tanah Borneo itu mempunyai pemimpin yang berjawatan Timbalan Perdana Menteri.

   Katanya, dengan ada pemimpin yang menduduki kerusi nombor dua dalam kerajaan persekutuan, dan mereka sama ada berasal dari Sabah atau Sarawak, BN memiliki perisai yang amat kuat untuk melindungi kerajaan daripada diperlekeh oleh pemimpin pembangkang.

   Menurutnya perpaduan rakyat di kedua-dua negeri amat perkasa jika mereka mempunyai pemimpin Timbalan Perdana Menteri (TPM).

   “Saya bercakap mengenai rasional kesamarataan kuasa dan pengaruh, dan resepi ini dicadangkan oleh Minamasok,” katanya.

   Persatuan Minamasok mempunyai pengaruh yang begitu kuat dikalangan bangsa Dusun yang mempunyai 23 etnik di negeri Sabah, yang merupakan orang asal negeri ini.

   Menjawab satu soalan, pemimpin Minamasok itu menjelaskan bahawa persatuan itu tidak berminat untuk menyertai politik, namun menekankan sebuah kerajaan yang kukuh seharusnya dihormati oleh semua pihak termasuk pembangkang.

   Jesteru katanya, usaha persatuan itu untuk mencadangkan kaedah pengukuhan kerajaan, seperti mengwujudkan jawatan Timbalan Perdana Menteri (TPM) bagi pemimpin yang datang daripada Sabah atau Sarawak, sesuatu yang ikhlas dan tidak berunsur politik.

   “Minamasok mempunyai ramai ahli berbangsa Dusun di merata tanah Borneo yang mengharapkan sebuah kerajaan yang kukuh dan tidak dicabar oleh pembangkang,” katanya.

   “Sesuatu yang kita amat harapkan ialah sebuah kerajaan yang tidak ada pihak yang menganggu,” tambahnya dan berkata, pemimpin-pemimpin BN perlu melihat cadangan itu dalam sudut positif

PENULIS DIUGUT PANCUG

Ada pembaca cakap saya bodoh kerana tidak tahu mengenai sejarah kepahlawanan Dusun. Macam-macam tuduhan, ada yang mahu Pancung (momuyus) kepala saya, ada yang menyumpah saranah saya dan ada juga yang menghina seteruk-teruknya kepada saya. Saya menulis mengenai Tidak Ada Sejarah Kepahlawanan Dusun, yang merujuk bahawa Dusun tidak ada pahlawan yang dinamakan seperti ANTENOM (Ontoros) bagi suku kaum Murut. Saya tidak menyebut pemenggal-pemenggal kepala seperti yang dirujuk sebagai Monsopiad dan sebagainya, memandangkan kepahlawanan mereka itu terpencil. Di Keningau ramai pemenggal kepala dikalangan Bangsa Dusun yang dicatatkan secara lisan. Dimana-mana di Sabah juga terdapat sejarah lisan yang berkaitan.
   Begitupun penekanan saya ialah Tidak Ada Seperti Antenom. Mat Salleh bukan Dusun, sebaliknya bangsa ini sekadar pematuh / pengikut.
   Saya berterima kasih kepada pengkritik, tetapi mencabar agar menulis mengenai ketokohan pahlawan-pahlawan yang anda nyatakan. Salam.

IMPIAN PEMUDA KAMPUNG BERTEMU PEMIMPIN TERCAPAI

DATUK FRANKIE CHONG DENGAN HARRY

LEWAT petang pada Rabu di Keningau, saya menemui Datuk Frankie Chong yang merupakan Timbalan Spekar Dewan Undangan Negeri Sabah. Perjumpaan tidak terancang, adalah menunaikan impian seorang anak muda bernama Harry Dalusim yang ingin bergambar dengan idolanya – Datuk Frankie, yang menjadi impiannya sejak beliau berusia belasan tahun.

   Menunaikan harapan dan impian Harry, bukanlah sesuatu yang mudah kerana ia melibatkan seorang pemimpin yang begitu berpengaruh.

   Sejarah Datuk Frankie ialah beliau bermula sebagai orang biasa kepada seorang Setiausaha Politik, Wakil Rakyat dan kemudian Timbalan Spekar Dewan Undangan Negeri, dan pencapaian inilah yang telah menambat Harry untuk bersalaman dan mengabadikan gambar kenangan.

   Harry seorang budak kampong yang berpendidikan setakat Tingkatan Lima, memilih keriar sebagai seorang penoreh getah dan berkebun untuk meneruskan survival hidup.

   Bagitupun katanya, beliau yakin gilirannya untuk senang seperti yang dinikmati oleh orang yang sudah jauh Berjaya akan tiba.

   “Sebab itu saya mahu jumpa idola saya,” katanya.

   Dalam perjumpaan itu, Harry lebih banyak berdiam diri tetapi setia mendengar cerita yang disampaikan oleh Datuk Frankie, yang kebanyakan intipatinya mengenai motivasi.

   Antara yang menarik mengenai khabar yang disampaikan oleh Datuk Frankie, ialah mengenai pengalaman peribadinya pada beberapa minggu yang lalu pada ketika beliau dirawat di IIJN Kuala Lumpur.

   Datuk Frankie mengamalmi sedikit komplokasi di bahagian dalaman anggota, tetapi diperingkat yang tidak serius.

   Kos perubatan menjangkau RM18,000 yang hanya mengambil masa dalam beberapa minit.

   Moral pengalamannya ialah dengan kos seperti itu, rakyat biasa pastinya tidak mampu untuk mendapatkan perubatan yang terbaik di Negara ini.

   Apa yang Datuk Frankie tegaskan ialah betapa pentingnya insuran kepada setiap rakyat Malaysia, jika tidak dengan kemudahan ini, menyaksikan hanya mereka yang mampu memperolehi rawatan yang terbaik dan pantas.

   Datuk Frankie memberitahu bahawa ramai yang meninggal sebelum giliran mereka untuk mendapatkan rawatan, hanya kerana tidak mampu untuk membiayai kos perubatan.

   “Inilah yang membezakan orang kaya dengan miskin,” katanya.

   Begitupun jelas Datuk Frankie, masalah itu boleh diatasi jika rakyat menyedari mengenai kepentingan insuran. Insuran di Malaysia serendah RM30 sebulan (mengikut umur) yang membolehkan semua rakyat mampu untuk memilikinya.

   Di Negara-negara maju, pemilikan insuran adalah diwajibkan kepada setiap rakyatnya.

   Perjumpaan yang sangat bersejarah kepada Harry itu, telah memberikan satu suntikan semangat kepada beliau untuk terus merubah hidup, namun yang lebih penting di sini ialah saranan Datuk Frankie mengenai kepentingan insuran seharusnya disahut oleh rakyat.

   Jangan mengeluh bahawa kerajaan tidak melakukan sesuatu yang baik terhadap rakyat, kerana Datuk Frankie telah menyatakan kepentingan melalui pengalaman yang sebenar.

  

VILLAGERS COME TOGETHER TO REPAIR ROAD AND BRIDGE

By MOHD KHAIRY ABDULLAH

Villagers repairing the road

KENINGAU(Sabah, Malaysia): Villagers in Kg. Pohon Batu and Binanon here have come together to repair damages on their main access road and bridge, which were affected during a flash flood earlier this week.

   The have come together in an effort to reduce dependency on government aid, after the flood incident affected some teachers who were about to return  to their respective homes for the holidays.

   A teachers at SK Pohon Batu, Juanis Sandiang , said villagers have displayed good cooperation during the two-day ‘gotong royong’, which also gave them an opportunity to display their skills.

   “The work has been tiring but brought relief to all road users,” he said.

   The road is frequented by locals and teachers from the villages to reach Keningau town, especially teachers and farmers who wanted to sell their produce in Keningau and Nabawan, after it was left by logging firm.

   The road is exposed to risks like landslides and mud, during the rainy season.

   “The spirit of not being too dependent on the government has become a strong practice among the people here, we have succeeded to solve the problem,” Juanis said.

   Kg. Pohon Batu and Binanon are located about 50km from the Pensiangan forest, which is a remote area populated by the Murut.

   

How to Be a Millionaire by Age 25

By Marc Wojno, John Miley, Susannah Snider and Mohd Khairy Abdullah

Here are eight millionaires, all of whom made their first million by 25, with advice for achieving prosperity.

MARK ZUCKERBERG

Wish you were as wealthy as this guy? He's Mark Zuckerberg, co-founder of Facebook, and his super-geek-to-billionaire story is the basis of the hit movie The Social Network. 

"Young people are just smarter," he told a Stanford University audience in 2007. He started Facebook from his Harvard dorm in 2004 as a sophomore. Now he's a 26-year-old philanthropist, recently donating $100 million to the Newark, N.J., school district. 

Zuckerberg's youthful fame and fortune makes for a riveting tale. But across America every year, plenty of entrepreneurs make their first million under the age of 25, some in high school. It takes vision, smarts, determination
and a little luck. 

Age now: 45

Title/Company: Founder and CEO, Dell Computers

Made his first million by age: 19 

Dell launched his computer company in 1984, just before dropping out of the University of Texas. By selling direct, Dell lowered prices and won over customers. At 24, the company had revenues of $258 million. At last check, his estimated net worth was $13.5 billion. 

His advice for young entrepreneurs: "You've got to be passionate about it," he said in an interview with the Academy of Achievement. "I think people that look for great ideas to make money aren't nearly as successful as those who say, 'Okay, what do I really love to do? What am I excited about?'"

7 Self-Made Immigrant Millionaires

ARNOLD 

Immigrants make up 13% of the U.S. population. They come here in pursuit of the American Dream, an opportunity for a better life in exchange for hard work. For many, their unique skills and fresh perspectives lead them to entrepreneurship. 

That may explain why one small-business owner in six in the U.S. is an immigrant, according to arecent report by the Fiscal Policy Institute's Immigration Research Initiative. Professional and business services, such as waste-disposal services and office administration and cleaning, boast the largest number of immigrant business owners, followed by retail, construction, educational and social services, and leisure and hospitality industries. "Immigrants are such a varied group with people from countries all around the world that have a wide range of skill sets . . . and these [fields] have always been a natural fit" both locally and nationally, says David Dyssegaard Kallick, director of FPI's Immigration Research Initiative. 

[More from Kiplinger: How to Be a Millionaire by Age 25]

The seven entrepreneurs featured here come from diverse backgrounds. They made their millions (and, in one case, billions) in industries ranging from Internet technology to restaurant services. Here are their stories.

Age: 65 
Country of origin: Austria 
Occupation: Hollywood actor and former California governor 

His advice to immigrant entrepreneurs: Don't let others' negativity discourage you from achieving your goals. 

"Aw-nold" wasn't always a famous face with a big bank account. He's originally from Thal, Austria, and immigrated to the United States in 1968 at age 21. His meal ticket back then was body-building. Schwarzenegger would eventually become a five-time Mr. Universe and seven-time Mr. Olympia champion, which helped open many doors for him -- especially in Hollywood. From 1969 to 1980, he was cast in a series of small roles in films such as "Hercules in New York" and "Stay Hungry." When he was cast as the title character in the 1982 film "Conan the Barbarian," Schwarzenegger's acting career took off. He became a U.S. citizen in 1983. One year later, he starred in "The Terminator" and has gone on to star in more than 20 films. 

Schwarzenegger's entrepreneurial ventures include the Arnold Sports Festival, which he started in 1989 and is held annually in Columbus, Ohio. It hosts thousands of international health and fitness professionals and has expanded into a three-day expo. He was one of the founding celebrity shareholders in the Planet Hollywood restaurant chain that opened in 1991. Schwarzenegger also owns Oak Productions, Inc., a movie production company, and Fitness Publications, a publishing interest with Simon & Schuster. 

In 2003, he ran for governor of California, and won, ultimately serving two terms. Today, Schwarzenegger is worth an estimated $300 million. His films have grossed $1.6 billion domestically. In October, he published his memoir "Total Recall: My Unbelievably True Life Story." 

Earlier this year, he was profiled in ESPN's "30 for 30" short documentary-film series. During that interview, Schwarzenegger discussed how early in his career, he refused to let naysayers stop him from pursuing his dreams: "I didn't pay any attention to it. . . I did not listen to the 'no' . . . and it worked out. I used that attitude as a blueprint for the rest of my life."

Age: 64 
Country of origin: Philippines 
Occupation: Founder and CEO, the Natori Company 

Her advice to immigrant entrepreneurs: "There is no better place in the world for an immigrant to succeed than in the U.S. Follow your dream and make it happen." 

Moving from the Philippines to Westchester, N.Y., to attend Manhattanville College in 1964 was a complete culture shock for Natori. "The cold winters, the food and the sense of humor were just different. I was very homesick," she told Kiplinger. But it never stopped her. 

After earning an economics degree, she went to work for Bache & Company on Wall Street, moving to Merrill Lynch in 1971. But climbing the corporate ladder wasn't enough. "While I loved the [corporate] culture, I also had a very strong desire to build something myself," she says. 

In 1974, Natori became a U.S. citizen. And after giving birth to a son in 1976, she and her husband Ken brainstormed a variety of ideas for starting her own business -- from opening a car wash to running a McDonald's franchise. It was by chance in 1977, however, that she would become a high-end women’s sleepwear designer after showing a nightgown (made from what was originally a hand-embroidered blouse) to a buyer at Bloomingdale's. 

In the early days, Natori ran her company solo. "It's easy to take for granted the amount of work that goes into [making] the clothes you see in stores," she says. "There are so many elements -- from the design concept to production -- that all need to work in order to make something happen." Today, she has nearly 400 employees. Her husband is chairman, and her son, Kenneth, is vice-president of finance and e-commerce. Her business has expanded to include fragrances, eyewear and home décor. In 2011, Natori teamed up with mass retailer Target for a budget-friendly line of lingerie and loungewear. That same year, her company generated $150 million in retail sales. 

[More from Kiplinger: 6 Millionaire Moms]

"Some people may see their immigrant status as an obstacle," she says. "I have always viewed it as one of my biggest assets. Natori is unique in the design world, because of its East-meets-West aesthetic. All of that is due to my background and heritage."

Age: 52 
Country of origin: Jamaica 
Occupation: Founder and CEO, Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery and Grill 

His advice to immigrant entrepreneurs: "Anybody can achieve the American dream. You've got to be focused, educated, have discipline, and just go for it." 

Shortly after moving to the Bronx from Jamaica in 1981, Hawthorne, 21, green card in hand, landed a job as an assistant stock handler with the New York Police Department. He earned an associate's degree in accounting from Bronx Community College and was eventually promoted to accountant. But entrepreneurship beckoned. 

Hawthorne had watched his father operate a bakery in his native Jamaica and knew he wanted to work alongside family. So he pitched the idea for Golden Krust, a Caribbean-themed, family-style eatery, to his seven brothers and sisters who had also come to the U.S. At first, they couldn't get a small business loan. "The banks were hesitant to grant loans to new restaurants because of the failure rate -- especially niche restaurants such as ours," Hawthorne recalls. "We also didn't have a lot of personal assets to guarantee the loan." So the siblings took out second mortgages on their homes and borrowed money from family and friends, raising $107,000. In 1989, the first Golden Krust restaurant opened in the Bronx. In 1991, Hawthorne left his job with the NYPD for good. The next year, he became a U.S. citizen. 

There are now more than 100 Golden Krust locations in nine states along the Eastern seaboard. Hawthorne and Golden Krust have been profiled in major publications such as The New York Times, the Washington Post and Black Enterprise magazine. In 2011, the company generated $100 million in revenue. Hawthorne says in addition to opening more franchises, there are plans to expand the company with a line of cooking sauces. 

"Risks not taken are opportunities missed," he says. "You've always got to take calculated risks in entrepreneurship.”

Apple’s iPhone losing edge in Asia: survey

Apple’s iPhone losing edge in Asia: survey

By Deborah Choo | What’s buzzing? – Fri, Nov 9, 2012

Has iPhone 5 delivered? (Photo courtesy of Blackbox Research)

Nearly one in five Asians who were early iPhone buyers said the phone has failed to meet their expectations.

But at the same time, 28 per cent of buyers said the new iPhone 5 has surpassed their expectations.

These are among some of the findings by independent research company Blackbox Research in Singapore and AIP in Japan, which surveyed 12,000 adults across 12 Asian countries last month.

Blackbox Managing Director, David Black, said, "Apple has definitely lost a little of its gloss and it will be interesting to see how they respond in what is now an increasingly competitive category. Remember what happened to Nokia when everyone thought they were unstoppable. "

The survey also found that 39 per cent of Asians feel that Apple is paling in comparison to other brands in the smartphone category.

When surveyed on the next brand of phone they would buy, respondents were evenly split between Apple and Samsung, the former garnering 37 per cent and the latter, 35 per cent. 28 per cent opted for other brands.

Black added, "The survey results really demonstrate why both Apple and Samsung have thrown so much into their legal and PR battles this year. The smartphone battle in Asia is now incredibly fierce with both brands winning battlegrounds in different parts of Asia and running neck to neck in others."

Here in Asia, Black said the iPhone seems to be a more popular choice for Japanese and Thai consumers, while South Koreans, Malaysians and Indians were more keen on a new Samsung handset.

Consumers in Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia and the Philippines were far more divided with solid support for both major brands.

Just on Thursday, another research firm Strategy Analytics reported that Samsung's Galaxy S3 became the world's best-selling smartphone model last quarter, pushing aside the iPhone, which has dominated the chart for more than two years.

It estimated Samsung sold 18 million S3 models in the third quarter, compared with iPhone 4S sales of 16.2 million.

Consumers reflect their intentions to purchase their next new iPhone. (Photo courtesy of Blackbox Research)