Retired Territorial Army members urged to set up association

TAWAU: The retired members of the 516th regiment of the Territorial Army for Sabah east coast have been urged to set up an association to continue their vital roles in supporting and recruiting more youngsters to join the regiment.

Honorary Brigadier General Tan Sri Datuk Liew Yun Fah, who is the commanding officer of the 516th regiment, said the retired members should always ensure more locals join the Territorial Army without relying on other enforcement teams from other regions to bear the responsibility of protecting the country’s sovereignty.

He was speaking while officiating a fellowship lunch cum awards presentation ceremony of the regiment at the Hotspring Recreation Resort here on Sunday.

“Our country is often disturbed and as local citizens, we have the responsibility just like the army to ensure our country is in peace.

“I hope the Territorial Army could work together with the local people who will be the information/tip-off providers and foster a closer relationship between each other from time to time,” Liew said.

According to him, the retired members have sufficient military knowledge and skills and they should not been forgotten.

Twenty-three Territorial Army members were promoted while 18 received service appreciation awards in the ceremony.

Intervention programme can unleash extraordinary talents of children with autism

MELAKA: An intervention programme, such as Permata Kurnia, has important roles in unleashing extraordinary talents of children with autism and thus shaping them to become active citizens who contribute to the nation’s success, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said.

He said early intervention could guarantee a better future for children, especially those with autism, and this was important in the government’s efforts to develop a more concerned and caring Malaysian community.

“Autistic children usually have extraordinary ability in one area, but may lack the ability in other areas. My wife has met with a sixyear-old (autistic) child who has the ability to do chemical and mathematics calculations at the SPM (Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia) level. So, there is a need for an intervention to unleash their hidden talents.

“It is possible that an autistic child, like the one who my wife had met, will become a scientist one day. This is one of our dreams for the future of children with autism,” he said when officiating the ground breaking ceremony for the Southern Zone Permata Kurnia Centre Project in Bukit Katil here yesterday.

Also present were his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, who is also the patron of the Permata Negara programme; Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim; and Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron.

The RM6.5 million Southern Zone Permata Kurnia Centre, will be equipped with learning facilities, consultation rooms, gymnasium, playground, swimming pool and jogging track. MELAKA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak yesterday slammed the opposition saying they were only good at making empty promises, concocting fairy tales and instigating the people.

“They make a lot of promises. Ask them about the water crisis in Selangor, about the undersea tunnel project in Penang... who is building affordable homes,” he said, alluding to the opposition’s weakness in in providing infrastructure for the people.

He said this at the “High Tea with the Prime Minister” event here yesterday. At the event, Najib also launched the Barisan Nasional election machinery for the Bukit Katil state seat.

Also present were his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron and Bukit Katil Umno head Tan Sri Mohd Ali Rustam.