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Otago Daily Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Otago Daily Times
Few affinities as Donald and I blow out 79 candles each
Tomorrow is my birthday. I'm 79. Friday is Donald Trump's birthday. He is 79. There the similarities end. Trump is tall, rich and a dangerous lunatic. I am short, poor and simply a harmless eccentric. How we mark our birthdays also emphasises our differences. Trump, on the flimsy grounds that his birthday coincides with the founding date 250 years ago of the United States Army, is planning a birthday military parade at which he will take centre stage despite avoiding military service during the Vietnam War. He initially received four deferments as a student and then underwent a medical which disqualified him on the grounds of "having bone spurs in both heels", widely regarded as a trumped-up diagnosis. In fact, Trump wriggled out of war simply because he couldn't face getting a decent haircut. In my own case, at much the same time, I was balloted for National Service and passed the medical easily. My treasured memory is the medical officer's comment, "This man is small but perfectly formed." Obviously, I was not deformed by bone spurs, whatever they are. While Trump was enjoying his student life I was trapped within the military system learning how to salute and use morse code, both of which I was assured would reduce the Vietcong to gibbering surrender. Even now, I can still throw a decent salute. Trump, on the other hand, is incapable of saluting properly but nevertheless, emboldened by his status as Commander in Chief, attempts feeble salutes whenever he sees someone wearing a peaked cap, including airline pilots and railway porters. Our greatest divergence is probably the way we've decided to mark our birthdays. On Friday Trump will make a sloppy salute as 7500 soldiers form a 90-minute parade through Washington. Trump boasts: "We have the greatest missiles in the world. We have the greatest submarines in the world. We have the greatest army tanks in the world. We have the greatest weapons in the world. And we're going to celebrate it." In Patearoa a military parade was planned for tomorrow but Norm, who uses an old Bren gun carrier for feeding out, tells me he can't get the damn thing started. Norm's Bren carrier would have harmed no-one, but Trump's tanks could cause $16 million worth of damage to the streets of Washington. The overall cost of the parade will be about $45m. Trump has asked for at least seven marching bands, parachute jumpers, an evening concert and a fireworks show. I have asked that my birthday be ignored. Mainly for economic reasons, as the American troops are being given three meals and $50 day while taking part. Feeding and paying cash to Norm is just not the way things are done in Patearoa. All Norm requires is a jug of Speight's at the debrief. Some American soldiers will wear uniforms from the War of 1812 and all Norm could offer was his old man's lemon-squeezer from World War 2, which reminded me that Patearoa's contribution to both world wars was substantial, but it's best marked on Anzac Day rather than on my birthday. Trump is reported as saying: "This country has been in some beautiful wars. We even fought ourselves back in the 1860s, so one of us was bound to win. We came off the bench in World War 1 and World War 2 and won them both. There's hardly a country we haven't fought against. Gee, we've even invaded countries just for the hell of it. Watch out, Greenland and Canada, I know where you are." Worrying, eh? That's enough of Trump. In fact, it's far too much of Trump and his birthday. Back in the world of sanity I'll mark my birthday by shouting for the blokes I usually have a drink with. I've been doing that on my birthday for over 20 years now. The only time it didn't quite work out was the year I was up north on my birthday and told the publican to shout the regulars and I'd pay when I got back. There must have been about 200 regulars in that night. These days, as a pensioner, my shouting is rare and rigidly supervised but it's enough to mark what is simply the passing of another year. So, don't worry about not sending a present. That you've read this column is more gratifying than yet another pair of socks. For me, the birthday will be pleasing just because it's happening. After all these years I hope I've learned to keep a reasonably low profile and be not too annoying to too many people. Lessons Donald Trump would do well to learn. — Jim Sullivan is a Patearoa writer.
Malaysiakini
2 days ago
- Business
- Malaysiakini
Fahmi to sue govt
Good morning. Here's what you should know today. Key Highlights Fahmi to sue govt 37pct of May NS trainees absent Lynas expands to Kelantan Fahmi to sue govt Artist-activist Fahmi Reza will sue the government. This is after Fahmi was barred from leaving the country on Saturday. The prime minister sought answers, and police explained that the artist is not on a travel ban list, just a list of individuals who are under investigation. Top cop Razarudin Husain chalked the travel restriction down to "confusion" at the airport. Fahmi, however, is not satisfied with the explanations, saying they were merely passing blame instead of taking responsibility. HIGHLIGHTS 37pct of May NS trainees absent There were supposed to be 550 trainees partaking in the May-June session of the National Service (NS) 3.0 programme. However, a whopping 37 percent did not report for duty, citing health reasons and job commitments. The Defence Ministry said it will do a probe before resorting to disciplinary action. HIGHLIGHTS Lynas expands to Kelantan Lynas has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Kelantan government. Last week, the Kelantan government asked the state to supply mixed rare earth carbonates as feedstock for Lynas' refinery in Gebeng, Pahang. This could mark the beginning of a shift in the Kelantan government's natural resource extraction policy, from timber to rare earth. This, in a state where ecological shifts have had a major impact on annual floods. HIGHLIGHTS Views that matter In case you missed it Other news that matter
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Defence Ministry to boost Orang Asli recruitment in armed forces
JELI: The Defence Ministry will intensify awareness programmes in Orang Asli villages, particularly in Gua Musang and Jeli, Kelantan, due to the low participation of Orang Asli in the armed forces, said its deputy minister Adly Zahari. "Although there is no target figure, we are confident that the number will increase by the end of this year if such programmes are carried out consistently," he said. On a separate matter, he said the ministry has identified factors such as health issues and job commitments as the reasons behind the absence of 206 participants from the National Service (NS) Training Programme 3.0 in May. He said the ministry will conduct a comprehensive assessment and investigate to resolve the issues, particularly those related to health and the trainees' work commitments. "We want to understand the reasons behind their failure to register because, based on the approach we use, we not only inform them but also maintain direct communication with the individuals involved," he told reporters today after the Jeli district Madani Village Veterans programme at SK Sungai Rual. Adly said the ministry is currently obtaining reports from the NS training committee, including reviewing presentations by the National Service Training Department and examining the reasons for the participants' absences that have been submitted. He said participants are bound by the National Service Training Act 2003, adding that the ministry would conduct a thorough review of the justifications for their failure to register before any enforcement of the act is considered. "If there is no other option, only then will we invoke the act to enforce disciplinary measures," he said. Under the act, trainees who fail to register within the stipulated period may be referred to the Legal Division under Section 18(1) of the National Service Training Act 2003.
Malay Mail
3 days ago
- Health
- Malay Mail
Health issues, work commitments blamed for PLKN 3.0 absences, says deputy defence minister
JELI, June 8 — The Defence Ministry (Mindef) has identified factors such as health issues and job commitments as the reasons behind the absence of 206 participants from the National Service Training Programme (PLKN) 3.0 in May. Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari said Mindef will conduct a comprehensive assessment and investigate to resolve the issues, particularly those related to health and the trainees' work commitments. 'We want to understand the reasons behind their failure to register because, based on the approach we use, we not only inform them but also maintain direct communication with the individuals involved,' he told reporters today after the Jeli district Madani Village Veterans programme at Sekolah Kebangsaan Sungai Rual. Adly said the ministry is currently obtaining reports from the PLKN committee, including reviewing presentations by the National Service Training Department and examining the reasons for the participants' absences that have been submitted. He stated that participants are bound by the National Service Training Act 2003, adding that the ministry would conduct a thorough review of the justifications for their failure to register before any enforcement of the act is considered. 'If there is no other option, only then will we invoke the act to enforce disciplinary measures,' he said, adding that under the act, trainees who fail to register within the stipulated period may be referred to the Legal Division under Section 18(1) of the National Service Training Act 2003 (Act 628). In a separate development, he stated that due to the low participation of Orang Asli in the Malaysian Armed Forces, the ministry will intensify awareness programmes in Orang Asli villages, particularly in Gua Musang and Jeli, Kelantan. 'Although there is no target figure, we are confident that the number will increase by the end of this year if such programmes are carried out consistently,' he added. — Bernama
Daily Express
3 days ago
- General
- Daily Express
Singaporean battles survivor's guilt decade after Kinabalu quake
Published on: Sunday, June 08, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jun 08, 2025 By: Diana Liu Text Size: Emyr (left) and Prajesh at Mount Kinabalu. Kota Kinabalu: Singaporean Emyr Uzayr Mohamed Sadri survived the deadly Mount Kinabalu earthquake that claimed 18 lives in 2015. But unlike others who may rejoice at the thought of being alive, he has yet to overcome survivor's guilt despite receiving counselling. Advertisement The 21-year-old finance student at the National University of Singapore simply gets on his feet and starts running whenever the memories come back. 'I will just run,' he said, when he returned to climb Mount Kinabalu again to complete the ascent on behalf of the 10 schoolmates who did not make it that fateful day 10 years ago. Back in 2015, Emyr and colleagues were on a school expedition under the Omega Challenge programme when a 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck Mount Kinabalu, triggering a deadly rockfall that killed 18 people. Only 11 then, Emyr recalled the moment he thought he would not make it alive. Advertisement 'What I saw was too much for an 11-year-old. Thousands of rocks were falling at high speeds, some as big as vans. There was no way to escape. I looked around and saw everything, fully aware that it was only a matter of time before I would pass on. 'I knew time was running out. That was when I made my declaration of faith and prayed. Fortunately, I survived,' he said. Surviving posed questions over the years. 'How did I survive? My friends were kinder, smarter and had more potential in life than me. 'This thought stayed with me for 10 years. Personally, I feel like it is something you cannot really eradicate. 'So I look at it in positive light. I see that my friends were God's favourite. The saying, God takes the finest souls first. I agree with that. That statement actually rings true,' he said. The Omega Challenge programme has been discontinued, but their school continues to honour the victims with a dedicated memorial section. He started running at 17 before he served National Service as an officer. He took up the sport as a form of therapy and has since completed the full 42km race at the Standard Chartered Marathon last year. He also runs an antique business named which allows him to share his passion for history and educate others about vintage artefacts. Emyr said one way he overcome the guilt is by looking at things differently, instead of lamenting about why he survived. 'I take it that I was given a second chance to spread kindness. To live my life in a positive way. Maybe to inspire a few people. And to live life with no regrets,' he said. He volunteers at meet-the-people sessions, help residents raise and resolve community issues and is also involved with the M3 Foundation, which supports lower-income families, especially within the Malay community. On May 20, Emyr and fellow survivor Prajesh Dhimant Patel returned to Mount Kinabalu to complete the ascent they were forced to abandon a decade ago. 'This is my first return to Sabah after the tragedy. I always wanted to go back to finish what we started. 'This time, we did climb to the summit and I definitely felt overjoyed, but there was some sadness in me because my friends passed on and I could not finish this climb with them,' Emyr said. 'We were truly devastated. We thought it would be a failed mission after 10 years. But the crew from Amazing Borneo actually came up with a plan to extend the trip. 'Something I did not really think of. They tried their best, they asked around, and eventually we did get the extension,' he said. Emyr carried messages from his late friends' classmate to read at the Kinabalu Earthquake Memorial. 'They wanted to express their gratitude to the deceased for being kind people to them,' he said. As for the mail he posted through the mountain mailbox for his future self, he said what he wrote was basically a reminder to not set such high expectations. 'I tend to strive for the best, which is good, but sometimes I need to take a step back and breathe, so I do not stress myself too much. I reminded myself to pat myself on the back once in a while,' he said. Emyr wishes to find the mountain guide who saved his life. I really want to find out who actually saved me. 'Because there was this guy who actually cut my rope and told me to get to safety. And I still don't know who he is. 'Because of the rock fall, a lot of dust entered my eyes. It was really blurry back then, so I cannot recall how he looked like at all. 'I want to tell him that I am really thankful for what you have done. You could have just walked away, but you went out of your way to save me, I am forever indebted to you,' he said. Comparing safety requirement for climbers then and now, Emyr said a lot more safety precautions are put into place nowadays. 'There are more railings and more regular patrols by mountain climbers. The guides go out of their way to care for you. 'They really ask you questions like, 'Are you okay?' If you are not okay, they have other ways to help you.' Emyr said he might one day bring the other survivors to complete the Via Ferrata Walk the Torq, the very route where he lost his friends and teachers during their school trip. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
