Latest news with #Twentytwo13
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ex-Malaysian footballer, coach K. Rajagobal's ‘Inilah Saya' book a nine-year project in the making
Datuk K. Rajagobal was standing at the cashier of an eatery in Publika, Kuala Lumpur, waiting to pay for his meal, when he was approached by a gentleman who recognised the legendary sports figure. Others in the shop had their eyes on him, knowing very well who he was. That is the power of 'King Raja'. Despite having played for Selangor and Malaysia some four decades ago, and later gaining national fame as coach from 2009 to 2013, Rajagobal continues to attract attention wherever he goes. Much has been written and said about Rajagobal, but he is best remembered as the man behind the euphoria that swept the nation when his squad won the 2009 SEA Games gold medal and the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Cup in 2010. Malaysians proudly wore the national jersey again, and many believed that more glory was on the horizon. Unfortunately, Malaysia has not won either tournament since. Fresh from recording a Julang podcast episode with seasoned journalist Rizal Hashim and Twentytwo13 editor Haresh Deol on May 29, Rajagobal sat down with the duo to talk about his book Inilah Saya (This is Me), which will be showcased at the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair at the World Trade Centre tomorrow. In his trademark white shirt, adorned with a sewn-on Jalur Gemilang on the left, Rajagobal spoke over teh tarik (tea) and roti bakar (toast). 'After winning the AFF Cup in 2010, many told me to write a book about my journey and success. But it wasn't the right time,' he said. 'When I left the FA of Malaysia (FAM) in 2013, I thought it might finally be the right time. My eldest son, Kanason, told me, 'Appa, why don't you write a book?' I was still busy coaching, but when I returned from Sarawak in 2016, that's when I decided to start working on it.' 'It's been a nine-year project because of several delays. I was coaching PKNS FC between 2018 and 2019, so things stalled then. But once that ended, I got back to working on the book.' Asked why he decided to write it, Rajagobal said: 'I want to share my journey – the challenges I faced, my struggles, my hardships. I also want the younger generation to realise that anything can be achieved if we are mentally strong. Just focus on hard work, and you won't be easily defeated. You'll fall many times, but you'll get up.' 'I also hope this book inspires, motivates, and encourages Malaysians to be patriotic. The younger generation is our future.' 'I would love to see other legends and future players from various sports document their journeys and achievements. It allows others to learn from different experiences and become better individuals.' Priced at RM49, Inilah Saya is available at the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair. Rajagobal will hold a meet-and-greet session at the fair tomorrow (May 29) from 11am to 1.30pm. The book is also available online at Karangkraf Mall.
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Yahoo
Psychologist urges urgent reform to battle deepfakes following teen's arrest
Professor Dr Kamal Kenny Saravanan is disturbed by the recent report that a 16-year-old boy in Johor Bahru was arrested for allegedly using artificial intelligence (AI) to create pornographic images of his schoolmates and school alumni. Eight reports were lodged against the student. The case is being investigated under Section 292 of the Penal Code for the sale, distribution, or circulation of obscene materials and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act for sharing offensive and inappropriate content. The psychologist said deepfakes are becoming a serious global concern, particularly within the digital and cyber landscape. Kamal added that parents and schools must equip children with the knowledge and tools to navigate digital spaces safely, as there is a critical need to raise awareness about the dos and don'ts of social media use. 'It's no understatement to say that social media has become a child's modern-day playground. With this reality in mind, young people must be equipped with accessible, age-appropriate information about consent and boundaries,' Kamal told Twentytwo13. 'This knowledge empowers them to understand whether their actions — or the actions of others — are right or wrong, potentially preventing them from becoming either a victim or a perpetrator. 'Doing this can protect young people from harm and help them become responsible digital citizens in an increasingly complex online world.' Schools and families must do more Kamal said there is an urgent need to stop sweeping the 'controversial' topic under the rug. Ignoring these issues will only allow more young people to become silent victims of predators. 'It's time we take proactive steps in education, policy, and community dialogue to protect and empower our youth in the digital age,' he said. Kamal suggested that the relevant authorities create digital platforms to educate young people about the dangers of deepfake technology and online misconduct. One method would be through interactive online games designed specifically to highlight what constitutes harmful behaviour and how one could be held accountable. 'Imagine a game integrated into school curricula, where every student must complete it as part of their digital literacy or personal development programme. 'Through real-life scenarios and choices, they could learn about consent, boundaries, consequences, and the psychological impact of malicious online activity in a way that's engaging, age-appropriate, and memorable,' said Kamal. 'Schools should also integrate comprehensive digital safety and sex education into their curricula, focusing not only on biological aspects but also on the psychosocial impacts of online harm.' Kamal said families must take an active role in monitoring their children's screen time and utilise appropriate tools or software to prevent malicious online predators from targeting them. 'Open communication between parents and children about online safety is key.' Psychological impact He said the psychological impact of such violations can be deeply damaging, especially for young people. This disturbing trend is reflected in the growing number of youths experiencing mental health challenges as a result of online abuse and exploitation. Kamal said there is a danger to long-term mental health if the victims are threatened or manipulated by perpetrators who hint at or imply the existence of such content. This fear can lead to anxiety, distrust, and underlying mental health challenges if the threats are prolonged or emotionally distressing. 'There needs to be more dialogue around the growing challenges faced by our youth. I've emphasised the importance of shifting from reactive measures to proactive, preventive strategies by policymakers,' said Kamal. He added that there is a psychological connection between online anonymity and moral disengagement. 'The sense of anonymity on online platforms often gives individuals a false sense of detachment from their actions. 'When people feel they can't be identified, they're more likely to disregard moral responsibility, leading to increased risks of abuse, harassment, and even criminal behaviour. 'This highlights the urgent need for digital ethics education and stronger accountability mechanisms in online spaces.'
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Positive statistics alone will not enable govt to make sound decisions, says Chief Statistician
Accurate data is essential for sound decision-making. Malaysia's Chief Statistician, Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin, says the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) is working to make data more engaging and relevant by breaking it down into meaningful insights for the public. Twentytwo13 recently sat down with Malaysia's Chief Statistician, Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin, to discuss DOSM's role in assisting policymakers and making the data more accessible to the public. Twentytwo13: What are your responsibilities as the Chief Statistician of Malaysia? Uzir: My role is to lead DOSM and ensure that the data required by the country – whether for the government, the people, or businesses – is effectively provided. This data supports planning and decision-making. As Chief Statistician, I must equip myself with the necessary skills in economic and social statistics. Twentytwo13: How does DOSM assist the policymakers in Malaysia? Uzir: Statistics are used to help the country achieve greater prosperity and ensure that everyone is well looked after. For example, it is my responsibility to provide accurate data on vulnerable or underserved populations. I do this by assigning data by geography and location – pinpointing which city, town, or village needs the most help. This will directly impact the allocation of public funds. It is crucial to know which areas require assistance in terms of security, the economy, and public welfare. The aim is to produce more granular and comprehensive statistics for better insight. The government's goal is to help citizens spend their money wisely. And with better statistics, we can improve the country's economic planning and development. Twentytwo13: There is a saying that data never lies, but it can also be manipulated. Your thoughts on this? Uzir: It doesn't matter whether the statistics are good or bad, as long as they are presented accurately. Providing only positive statistics isn't right because the government of the day wouldn't be able to make sound decisions based on inaccurate or incomplete information. Any good government must have access to both positive and negative statistics to make informed decisions, whether that involves improving employment rates or addressing other challenges. Making the right decisions to help the people will result in greater confidence in the government. This is similar to taking a person's temperature – if it is accurate, a doctor can treat the illness. But if the information is false, the doctor won't know what action to take. The only positive outcome of recent government changes is that politicians now recognise the importance of statistics. Those in the opposition, who were once in government, understand this too. Twentytwo13: Last year, there was criticism when a household income of RM13,000 was considered a T15 group. Can you explain how this figure was calculated? Uzir: The figure is based on the 2022 Household Income & Expenditure Surveys (HIES). The survey is carried out at least twice in a rolling five-year period to produce representative data regarding income, poverty and access to basic amenities for Malaysian households. However, since then, Malaysia's economy grew by 5.1 per cent (2023: 3.6 per cent) in 2024, with a value of RM1.93 trillion at current prices and RM1.65 trillion at constant prices. Additionally, Gross National Income per capita increased by 3.6 per cent to RM54,894 from a marginal decrease of 0.2 per cent (RM52,991) in 2023. Historically, DOSM has released GDP and per capita data (e.g., a GDP of RM1.5 trillion divided by population). This is a valuable yardstick to understand household income distribution, such as Malaysia's 34 million people across 9 million households, each with an average of 3.2 people per household. We also measure disposable income, which can vary greatly by region. For example, renting a house in one area may differ from another. We have since revised the calculations by introducing the MyPAKW (Basic Expenses for Decent Living Calculator), which is expected to be more accurate. Twentytwo13: Many people don't fully understand statistics. How is DOSM changing this perspective? Uzir: Statistics can be a dry or boring subject for many. This underutilisation of statistics means we need to educate more people on how to use and interpret data. Statistics are no longer dry or boring – they are essential tools for understanding and improving the world around us. We must become better storytellers and communicate the data effectively. We do this by giving the people a more meaningful connection to the statistics they are trying to understand. For instance, when we provide statistics on the cost of living, we do so by breaking them down not just by state, but by district. That way, the people have a better understanding and would be more willing to read more. If we were to generate a general report using state-by-state data, some people might argue that the figures are not accurate. But by breaking it down and showing them the differences within their states, they can better understand the cost of living in one area compared to another. The younger generation may struggle with this, but understanding statistics is essential for navigating today's complex world. The more literate we become in statistics, the better we can make informed decisions. Twentytwo13: Are there any other tools DOSM provides the government to help the people? Uzir: We have produced 222 books for each Parliamentary constituency in Malaysia and more than 600 books for the state assemblymen. In each book, we provide the necessary information that the people's representatives can use to assist the public. For example, in some areas, the death rate or school closures may be more prevalent. In regions with high crime rates, unemployment might be the contributing factor. Statistics help us understand these issues better and allow us to compare data such as wage differences across regions. The data provides feedback on market profiles, helping businesses understand things like the number of laundromats or youth populations in an area. By educating the people at the top, we hope they would then use the data to help the people they were elected to serve. Twentytwo13: How has the statistical system adapted to changes in technology over the years? Uzir: The idea of a 'one size fits all' approach is outdated. Now we must produce data for the targeted audience. As mentioned, it is not just providing data for one particular state but breaking that information down to each district so it reaches the relevant people as well. Statistics are like navigating Waze – if there's a traffic jam, you find another route. Similarly, you can use statistics to find solutions. Twentytwo13: Can you tell us about your recent trip to New York for the 56th session of the United Nations Statistical Commission? Uzir: The UN Statistics Commission is involved in gathering data to assess and discuss global issues like economic development, social progress, and environmental challenges. Data from these discussions guide decisions on everything from poverty and hunger to deforestation and carbon emissions. Statistical differences are viewed from various perspectives in regions like Asean, Europe, Africa, and beyond. Rating agencies assess countries' financial health based on this data, which in turn influences interest rates and investment decisions. I was there to share data on behalf of Asean.
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
The fitness philosophy of Mohd Uzir, Malaysia's Chief Statistician
Growing up in Kampung Baru, Sabak Bernam, Selangor, Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin always found ways to stay active — including playing badminton in the still hours of the night to avoid wind disruptions. Those early experiences shaped his philosophy towards fitness and taught him the importance of discipline and perseverance. 'We had to play in the still of the night so the shuttlecock wouldn't be affected by the wind,' Mohd Uzir said with a wry smile in a recent interview with Twentytwo13. 'That taught me that there's no excuse not to play sports or stay fit. If there's a will, there's always a way.' Fitness remained a constant as he progressed in life. At Universiti Malaya, where he studied analytical economics in 1986, he kept to a disciplined running routine. He later earned an advanced degree at Vanderbilt University in the United States in 2001, followed by a PhD in economics from the University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom. Despite his hectic schedule, Mohd Uzir always carved out time to run — even if it meant sacrificing sleep. 'I used to run 21km a day, split into morning and evening sessions. I had to wake up early, of course,' said the father of eight. 'When travelling for work, I'd only run once a day. These days, I've scaled back due to workload. Sometimes I jog slowly so I can reply to messages on my phone. 'I wouldn't say I'm addicted to running, but if I skip it, something just feels off.' Going to extreme lengths His commitment to fitness borders on the extreme. On Nov 2, 2024, just hours before an official event with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Mohd Uzir completed a 75km bicycle ride around Penang island. 'It took me 3 hours, 49 minutes, and 25 seconds. I started at 3.05am,' he said with a laugh. 'The route wasn't easy — lots of hills. My staff thought I was crazy since I had an important event with the prime minister later that morning. But I wanted to show that even with a busy schedule, we must make time to exercise.' In another feat, on Malaysia Day in 2022, he decided to run one kilometre for every year of his life. 'I had turned 56 on July 8 (2022), and ended up completing 56.66km in 6 hours, 14 minutes, and 53 seconds.' He's also the driving force behind Fit DOSM, a fitness initiative within the Department of Statistics Malaysia. Last June, he led 19 colleagues in conquering Mount Kinabalu. 'The climb was to motivate the team to stay fit. I wanted to show that if people my age can do it, the younger ones have no excuse,' he said. 'We deal with data daily — we need a healthy body to maintain a sharp mind.' Big dream ahead Mohd Uzir has served in DOSM since 1990 and celebrated his eighth anniversary as Chief Statistician on Feb 14, 2025. Under his leadership, the department transitioned from traditional methods to the use of big data, AI, and advanced analytics. 'Amid economic, social, and pandemic challenges, DOSM ensures that our data is accurate, transparent, and impactful in supporting government policies,' he said. 'These years have been more than just a job — they've shaped me as a leader and as a public servant committed to serving the nation.' Still, there's one personal goal he's yet to achieve — completing a full triathlon. 'I turn 59 this July, and I hope to do a full triathlon before I hit 60,' said Mohd Uzir. 'I've taken part in team events before, doing either the running or cycling leg. But I want to complete all three — including swimming, which is my weak point. I need to train harder for that.' As he continues to take on professional and physical challenges, Mohd Uzir remains an inspiration — not just to his colleagues, but to anyone striving for balance, discipline, and excellence.
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Malaysia Athletics deputy president hauled up over misappropriation of funds claims
Malaysia Athletics deputy president, Datuk Fadzil A. Bakar, received a show-cause letter from the national body yesterday following his comments to the media alleging misappropriation of funds in the organisation. Fadzil replied to the show-cause letter the same day, justifying his comments. It is understood that Fadzil has been hauled up to explain himself at an emergency council meeting at Wisma OCM in Kuala Lumpur this afternoon. Fadzil had last week told Twentytwo13 that a special committee was set up on July 29, 2024, to 'review the expenses for the Malam Anugerah Olahraga Malaysia 2024 (Awards Night)'. The committee wanted to know why a member had asked to be reimbursed RM18,610 as payment for the venue when a sponsor had already paid the hotel, located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, in full. The committee also said the member did not follow the 'laws and regulations made under Rule 18, Clause 11', which states that all financial activities require approval from the finance committee. He added that the committee recommended the council member face the disciplinary board and explain the expenses, but 'the president ignored it'. Malaysia Athletics president, Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim, on Feb 25 denied allegations of misappropriation of funds within the national body. Shahidan also said that he was the one who stopped the payment to the council member, as he wanted to ensure there was no issue with the claims.
