05 December 2005

Abang Erdie scores a first

THE sleepless night for Abang Erdie Abang Pauzan yesterday paid off well for Malaysia and the silat squad as he brought the country's first Games gold medal from silat olahraga.

Abang Erdie beat Diyan Kristiano of Indonesia in the final to take the top spot in the men's Class A (45-50) category.

Filipino Juomar Abd Hakim and Singapore's Mohd Asadullah shared the bronze medals.

The win also motivated Ahmad Shahril Zailudin to bag the gold medal in Class D (60-65kg) category, Malaysia's second gold on the final day of the silat competition.

"Knowing pressure is on me to motivate the team and to close the association's target of four gold medals, I made sure to study my opponent's move on the night before," said Abang Erdie after receiving his medal at the Cebu Coliseum.

In the Class C (55-60kg) category, Amir Ikram Rahim won the bronze medal.

Meanwhile, in the women's category, Emy Latip only managed the silver medal after losing to Vietnam's Nguyen Phuong Thuy in the women's Class D (60-65kg) category while Malini Mohamad won a bronze medal in the women's Class C (55-60kg) category.

Written by MUSTAPHA KAMARUDIN & TONY MARIADASS & GHAZ RAMLI
Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-139463111/abang-erdie-scores-first.html

Abang Erdie and Shahril make Malaysia proud

SILAT exponents Abang Erdie Fauzerul Abang Pauzan and Ahmad Shahril Zailudin powered Malaysia to the best-ever Sea Games finish outside Kuala Lumpur with two gold at the Cebu Coliseum in Cebu City yesterday.

Abang Erdie, competing in the men's Class A, started the ball rolling for Malaysia, bringing in the 50th gold at 9.30 in the morning and two hours later, Ahmad Shahril won the nation's 52nd gold.

Silat, which won a gold through Suzy Mohd Sulaiman in artistic silat on Thursday, also contributed two silver and four bronze medals yesterday.

The silver medallists were Emy Latif in the women's Class D and Norhasmizan Abdullah in the men's Class E, while the bronze medals came from Amir Ikram Rahim (men's Class C), Mohd Zuber Ismail (Class G), Sitti Gameela Japilus (women's Class B) and Malini Mohamd (Class C).

But the star of the day was Abang Erdie for his early gold sparked the rush that saw Malaysia breaching the 55-gold forecast by the Olympic Council of Malaysia.

In Indonesian Diyan Kristiano, he faced a tough opponent but the Malaysian persevered to win 3-2.

"It was a tough final as the Indonesian was a strong opponent. But I knew that my gold would be the 50th for Malaysia and I wanted to contribute badly to the nation's haul," said Abang Erdie.

Jul Omar Abduhakim of the Philippines and Mohd Asadullah of Singapore took bronze.

For Ahmad Shahril, Abang Erdie's gold medal was an inspiration. "I saw how hard Abang Erdie fought to win and I was determined not to let the team down," said Ahmad Shahril.

He won 4-2 against Thailand's Abdullah Mahlee, while the bronze went to Mohd Saifulla Mohd Julami of the Philippines and Yohanes Edison Burli of Indonesia.

However, Norhasmizan and Emy had to concede defeat to superior opponents.

Norhasmizan was outpointed by Haris Nugruho of Indonesia with Myanmar's Thin Lin Aung and Vietnam's Le Anh Tuan sharing the bronze.

Emy was defeated by Vietnamese Nguyen Thi Phuong Thuy in her final.
 
Written by VIJESH RAI & ARNAZ M. KHAIRUL
Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-139462827/abang-erdie-and-shahril.html

04 December 2005

Silat one gold shy of target

MANILA, Dec 4 (Bernama) -- The national silat team ended their campaign one gold shy of their target of four when the 23rd Sea Games silat event ended today at the Cebu Coliseum in Cebu City

Today they won two gold and two silver bringing their total to three gold, two silver and seven bronze

They won the first gold on the opening day of the competition though Suzy Mohd Sulaiman in the women's putri singles

However, the team comprising many new faces and coached by Ahamd Wardi Salim, bettered the performance in Vietnam in 2003, where they won two gold, two silver and three bronze

Abang Erdie Fauzerul Abang Pauzan bagged the first gold today when he edged Indonesia's Diyan Kristianto 3-2 in the 45-50kg category

"This is redemption for me as I was dropped for the Vietnam Games. It will spur me to do even better in future," Abang Erdie told Bernama

Abang Erdie's success was instrumental in inspiring compatriot Ahmad Shahril Zailudin to go for gold, which he did by trouncing Thailand's Abdulloh Mahlee 4-1in the 60-65kg category

Ahamd Shahril later told Bernama that he was very satisfied that he had taken revenge against his opponent who stood in the way of a silver two years back in Vietnam

Another men's contestant, Norhasmizan Abdullah, however, had to settle for the bronze when he went down tamely 0-5 to Indonesia's Haris Nugroho in the 65-70kg category

Woman silat exponent, Emy Latip had to be satisfied with the silver after being unable to match Nguyen Thi Phuong Thuy of Vietnam in the 60-65kg category. She lost 1-4

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-145050701/silat-one-gold-shy.html

03 December 2005

Yabut keeps pencak silat hopes alive

CEBU CITY-THE NATIONAL PENCAK SILAT squad found a third hope in its quest for a first-ever gold medal in the sport in the Southeast Asian Games when skipper Christopher Yabut pummeled Thai Yuhuna Bairaman in the semifinals yesterday at the Cebu Coliseum.

The squad's head coach, however, sacrificed a fourth chance when he put the welfare of his ward above the quest for victory.

Yabut, the unshakeable anchor of a team hoping to give a supportive Cebuano crowd something to rock the house with, never gave Bairaman a chance, hammering out a 5-0 victory built around cat-quick kicks and furious punches in their 50-55kg encounter.

"I've been in this position before and I've always come up short," said Yabut, ranked No. 1 in the world in his category. "The mistakes I made in the past would do well to help me get the gold."

The 29-year-old Yabut iced the match with several throwdowns that underscored his determination to claim the gold in tomorrow's finals.

In the 55-60kg class, the Philippines lost out on a gold medal shot and settled for the bronze when foreign head coach Suhartono refused to risk Abzhar Abdurasad's health just to improve on the country's championship bid.

Abdurasad was knocked out cold by an illegal kick to the head by Singapore's Mohamed Ramli in Thursday's quarterfinal round. He is, however, already assured of the bronze medal.

"I'd rather sacrifice the gold than put any of my players in any more danger, considering the injury Adzhar incurred [Thursday]," said Suhartono.

Written by JONAS REY N. PANERIO
Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-139375371/yabut-keeps-pencak-silat.html

02 December 2005

Three fighters into pencak silat finals

CEBU CITY, Cebu: Three national pencak silat fighters are set to go for gold after cruising through their semifinal bouts on Thursday

Roni Syaifullah in the men's 75-80 kilograms G division, as well as Dian Kristianto (45-50 kg A) and women fighter Rosmiati (55-60 kgs C) romped to 5-0 victories over their opponents

Rony defeated Malaysian Ismail, Rosmiati beat Malaysian Malini Binti Mohamad and Dian overcame the challenge of Singaporean Mohammad Asyadullah

"We're counting on Rony to win gold, but Dian and Rosmiati might also cause a surprise," national team manager M. Taufik said.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-139374195/three-fighters-into-pencak.html

01 December 2005

SEA GAMES: M'SIA OPEN SILAT CAMPAIGN ON A HIGH NOTE

The national pencak silat squad opened their campaign on high note on the first day of competition at the 23rd Sea Games, winning a gold and a bronze at the Cebu Coliseum here tonight

Suzy Mohd Sulaiman displayed a scintillating performance in the women's individual event to outclass Tuti Winarni from Indonesia and Singapore's Norizan Anuar. Suzy scored 465 points while the latter two tallied 457 and 456 points respectively

The trio of Marzuki Mokhtar, Hafiz Abu Hassan and Mohd Fauze Latip gave Malaysia the bronze in the men's team event after collecting 460 points

The Indonesian team represented by Agus Lamun, Achmad Rizanul Wahyudi and Nuryudha Bijak Imansyah won the gold while the silver went to the Vietnamese trio of Nguyen Huy Bao, Nguyen Dang Linh and Le Quang Dung

Both teams ended up with 461 points but the judges decided to award the gold to Indonesia

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-145007973/sea-games-msia-open.html

GOLD QUEST PICKS UP MOMENTUM WITH ARRIVAL OF NEW MONTH

The Malaysian gold trail picked up momentum with the arrival of the new month when the medal haul hit double figures for the second time when 10 gold medals were won on the fifth day of the 23rd Manila SEA Games today

Gymnastics led the way with three golds, followed by squash (2), swimming (2) and one each from triathlon, bowling and pencak silat while gymnastics (3), squash (1) and swimming (1) added to the silver medals tally

Eight bronze medals came from tenpin bowling (2) and one each from weightlifting, squash, gymnastics, swimming, pencak silat, cycling, The ten accumulated today raised the gold count to 34, still 21 short of the 55-gold target set by the Olympic Council of Malaysia

The 10 golds won by Malaysia were almost one-third of the 35 golds on offer today

Tomorrow, another 34 gold medals are put on offer in swimming (6), judo (4), pencak silat (4), shooting (3), traditional boat racing (3), volleyball (2), snooker (2), tenpin bowling (2), cycling (2), table tennis (2), weightlifting (2) and one each for triathlon and gymnastics

Malaysian athletes will again vie for medals in swimming, gymnastics, cycling, pencak silat, triathlon and weightlifting

National athletes will also feature in team events for squash, equestrian, football, golf, archery, lawn bowls and judo which are still in the preliminary stages

The 34 gold, 27 silver and 32 bronze medals total saw Malaysia maintain fourth place behind the Philippines (63), Vietnam (47) and Thailand (37) but ahead of Indonesia which have 24 and Singapore with 19

Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Azalina Othman Said, who was present at various venues to provide moral support to the athletes, was happy with today's contribution

"The athletes are showing a lot of determination to win gold," she told Bernama at the squash final in Makati Sports Club here today

MEDAL WINNERS FOR TODAY GOLD 1. Daniel Lim, Aaron Kong, Zulmazran Zulkifli - Bowling (men's trio) 2. Nurul Fatiha Abdul Hamid - Gymnastics (uneven bar) 3. Kemberly Yap - Triathlon (women) 4. Mohd Nfizwan Adnan - Squash (men's individual) 5. Sharon Wee - Squash (women's individual) 6. Suzy Mohd Sulaiman - Pencak silat (women's seni) 7. Ng Shu Wai - Gymnastics (men's floor exercise) 8. Ng Shu Wai - Gymnastics (men's high bars) 9. Lim Keng Liat - Swimming (men's 100m backstroke) 10. Daniel Bego - Swimming (men's 100m butterfly) SILVER 1. Nurul Fatiha Abdul Hamid - Gymnastics (women's floor exercise) 2. Tricia Chuah - Squash (women's individual) 3. Ng Shu Wai - Gymnastics (men's vault) 4. Yap Kian Bun - Gymnastics (men's pommel horse) 5. Chui Lai Kwan - Swimming (women's 100m backstroke) BRONZE 1. Muhamad Hidayat Hamidon - Weightlifting (men's 69kg) 2. Timothy Arnold - Squash (men's individual) 3. Ooi Wei Siang - Gymnastics (men's high bars) 4. Lim Keng Liat - Swimming (men's 100m butterfly) 5. Marzuki Mokhtar, Mohd Fauze Latip, Hafiz Abu Hassan - Pencak silat (men's trio) 6. Azidi Ameran, Alex Liew and Ben Heng - Tenpin bowling (men's trio) 7. Wendy Chai, Esther Cheah and Zandra Aziela Ibrahim Hakimi - Tenpin bowling (women's trio) 8. Shahrulneeza Razali - Cycling (men's 39km)

Written by JAIARAJO LETCHUMANAN
Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-145007975/gold-quest-picks-up.html

Four RI fighters fall at first hurdle

Only two of the six national team pencak silat fighters competing on Wednesday advanced to the second round of competition at Cebu Coliseum

On the first day of competition, Yohanes Edison Buru, in the men's 60-65 kilograms B division, beat Zan Lon Khot of Myanmar 3-2

His hard-fought win was followed by the 5-0 romp of Dian Krisanto over Bruneian Ak Mohd Khairul Alimin in the men's 45-50 kgs A division

But Lutfan Budi Santosa, M. Shodiq, Salmawati, and Fentje R. Maengkom disappointed as they lost at the first hurdle, with three of them failing to score

Lutfan (50-55 kgs B) lost 0-5 to the Philippines' Chrisopher F. Yabut, and M. Shodiq (55-60 kgs A) was defeated 2-3 by Vietnamese Nguyen Ba Trinh

Women's fighter Salmawati (45-50 kgs A) was unable to score against Vietnamese Le Thi Hang to lose 0-5 and men's fighter Fentje (70-75 kgs F) lost with the same score to Marniel Dimla

"So far the results are still within our expectation," national pencak silat team manager M. Taufik said

He also felt Fentje should have won his bout

The Indonesian Pencak Silat Association (IPSI) has targeted six golds from the Games

"We want to take two golds from the women's division, three from the men's and one from artistic," Taufik said

He added that the development of pencak silat was very good in the region, with athletes from other neighboring countries now up to par with Indonesians, where the sport originated

"It is equal now in terms of technique and stamina," he said

In the 2003 SEA Games, host Vietnam triumphed in the overall standings of the pencak silat competition with 12 gold and five bronze, while Indonesia finished second with four gold, five silver and seven bronze

"Now, the situation is different. Philippines is growing but not so fast in pencak silat, while Vietnam cannot get the benefits of being the host like they did in the 2003 SEA Games," Taufik said

"Hopefully we could get the six golds, but to surpass our target is a bit difficult due to stiff competition among participants."

Written by MOCH. N KURNIAWAN
Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-139505459/four-ri-fighters-fall.html

24 November 2005

Suzy confident of a medal

TOP seed Suzy Sulaiman, in the women's silat seni, will be relied upon to add to the medal tally at the Manila SEA Games beginning next week.

Despite not winning a medal in the last SEA Games two years ago in Vietnam, Suzy is confident of a medal finish at this year's meet.

"The friendly competition in Bangkok last month, which was also our final training stint before the Games, has helped me asses my current form and preparation," said the Kuantan-born lass.

Suzy, who practices the silat cekak harimau, will be competing in the Puteri Tunggal event.

"The SEA Games is going to be more challenging because exponents from South East Asian countries are tougher and better in this sport, especially the ones from Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines," said Suzy.

Suzy stepped into the national side in 2003 after winning the National Championships.

A year later she won in the World Championship in Singapore Open which boosted her national ranking.

Along with silat olahraga exponents Mohd Azrin Abdul Malek, Abang Erdie Fauzeral Abang Fauzan, Ahmad Shahril Zailudin and Mohd Zuber Ismai, Suzy emerged champion in her category at the Paris, Belgium and Switzerland Opens this year.

"I have been training since May for the SEA Games, but I still think I need to put in more effort.

My confidence level has been increasing steadily though I shudder as the Games approaches," Said Suzy.

"I'm only worried about exponents from Indonesia who are heavy.

In the Vietnam Games, the hosts were the feared ones, but now it's Indonesia we need to look out for." Suzy trains under a private coach, Nasri Nasir.

The silat squad will leave for Cebu Island on Saturday and begin competition on Wednesday at the Waterfront Hotel in Lahug, Cebu City.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-139098458/suzy-confident-medal.html

19 November 2005

Controversy over silat eased

The controversy over the setting up of Silat Malaysia as a unified martial art, combining the different types of silat in the country into one, may be over.

According to Berita Harian, Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim had agreed to postpone the launch of the new Silat Malaysia that was earlier set for Dec 4.

The daily quoted the Federation of the National Silat Masters Council chairman Datuk Omardin Mauju as saying that the postponement of the launch would help ease the tension between various masters and the ministry.

Earlier this month, Omardin said that Dr Rais’ ministry had a plan to set up Silat Malaysia, which the mahaguru claimed would wipe out the Malay essence from the martial art.

The federation, which represent different silat groups, unanimously rejected the proposal for a unified martial art.

He said Dr Rais agreed to the postponement after a meeting with the federation secretary-general Megat Zulkarnian Omardin on Tuesday.

Omardin said among the problems that would arise from a unified Silat Malaysia would be who would be the mahagurus.

However, the daily quoted him as saying that he would have no objection if a fitness or exercise programme based on silat was created instead of Silat Malaysia.

Sourced from thestar online

16 November 2005

Exponents gung-ho of getting medals

NATIONAL silat olahraga coaches Awang Wardi Salim and Mazlan Shaari are confident of each exponent bringing back a medal at this year's SEA Games in the Philippines.

"After an impressive performance at last week's training stint in Bangkok, we are confident of a medal of any colour from all events," said Mazlan when met at the team's centralised training at the National Sports Council (NSC) in Bukit Jalil yesterday.

However, three-time SEA Games gold medallist Mohd Azrin Abd Malek remains Malaysia's favourite to bag a gold medal.

"We are about 85 per cent ready for the SEA Games.

The team are now revising the tactics they have learnt," said Mazlan.

Currently, the silat olahraga squad consist of nine men and three women.

"All three women are also expected to win at least a bronze medal in Cebu," said Awang Wardi.

The silat olahraga and silat seni will be among the seven sports that will be competed in Cebu Island.

Among the women exponents in the team are Sit Siti Jameelah Md Japilus, Malini Mohd and Emy Latip.

The four golds form the silat olahraga category are expected to come from Mohd Azrin Abdul Malek, Abang Erdie Fauzeral Abang Fauzan, Ahmad Shahril Zailudin, Mohd Zuber Ismail and Mohd Azrin Abdul Malek.

All four won World Championships titles in their respective categories at last year's meet in Singapore and also won in this year's Paris, Belgium and Switzerland Opens.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-138798568/exponents-gung-ho-getting.html

13 November 2005

Gold on minds of world champ Ahmad and debutant Shuhairi

13 Nov 2005, MALAYSIA, Kuala Lumpur - One is a world champion and has been a national silat exponent for five years while the other is making his debut.

But Ahmad Shahril Zailudin and Shuhairi Chin will be sharing a common goal – winning their first ever SEA Games gold – in Manila.

Ahmad Shahril, 24, had won two world titles (in 2002 and 2004) and will be hoping to break the SEA Games duck in his third attempt. In his first outing in 2001 in Kuala Lumpur, he was bundled out in the preliminary round. Then in 2003, he was beaten by a Thai exponent in the semi-finals.

“For me, missing out on a SEA Games gold medal is a big disappointment. I want to win it this time and I have been training very hard. In silat, the SEA Games and the World Championships are the two most important meets. Since I have won the world titles, the SEA Games gold medal is my priority now,” said Ahmad, who hails from Pekan, Pahang.

In contrast Shuhairi, 20 is making his debut in the national team and he views the SEA Games in Manila (Nov 27-Dec 5) as launch pad for a rewarding career.

“I only got a call-up to the national team in September. And although the training has been short I hope to use the SEA Games to prove my worth. Of course winning the gold medal will go a long way to ensure I get to remain in the national team for the world championships next year.

“This is a new experience for me. On one hand I want to gain experience through my participation but at the same time I want to put up a good show and win the matches and go as far as I can in the competition. Losing will not deter me in my ambition to win honours in the future,” said Shuhairi.

Penangite Shuhairi will fight in category B which is for those in the 50-55kg weight class.

There is also another reason why Shuhairi wants to win the gold medal in Manila.

He is hoping to follow in the footsteps of his brother Suhardi, who won the gold medal in the 1999 Games in Brunei in the same category.

“It will be good to win it just like my elder brother did. In fact all my four brothers are involved in the sports. So it is not surprising that I also took up silat. Now it remains for me to make a success of it.”

By S. RAMAGURU
Sourced from http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2005/11/13/sports/12576854

Gold on minds of world champ Ahmad and debutant Shuhairi

13 Nov 2005, MALAYSIA, Kuala Lumpur - One is a world champion and has been a national silat exponent for five years while the other is making his debut.

But Ahmad Shahril Zailudin and Shuhairi Chin will be sharing a common goal – winning their first ever SEA Games gold – in Manila.

Ahmad Shahril, 24, had won two world titles (in 2002 and 2004) and will be hoping to break the SEA Games duck in his third attempt. In his first outing in 2001 in Kuala Lumpur, he was bundled out in the preliminary round. Then in 2003, he was beaten by a Thai exponent in the semi-finals.

“For me, missing out on a SEA Games gold medal is a big disappointment. I want to win it this time and I have been training very hard. In silat, the SEA Games and the World Championships are the two most important meets. Since I have won the world titles, the SEA Games gold medal is my priority now,” said Ahmad, who hails from Pekan, Pahang.

In contrast Shuhairi, 20 is making his debut in the national team and he views the SEA Games in Manila (Nov 27-Dec 5) as launch pad for a rewarding career.

“I only got a call-up to the national team in September. And although the training has been short I hope to use the SEA Games to prove my worth. Of course winning the gold medal will go a long way to ensure I get to remain in the national team for the world championships next year.

“This is a new experience for me. On one hand I want to gain experience through my participation but at the same time I want to put up a good show and win the matches and go as far as I can in the competition. Losing will not deter me in my ambition to win honours in the future,” said Shuhairi.

Penangite Shuhairi will fight in category B which is for those in the 50-55kg weight class.

There is also another reason why Shuhairi wants to win the gold medal in Manila.

He is hoping to follow in the footsteps of his brother Suhardi, who won the gold medal in the 1999 Games in Brunei in the same category.

“It will be good to win it just like my elder brother did. In fact all my four brothers are involved in the sports. So it is not surprising that I also took up silat. Now it remains for me to make a success of it.”

Sourced from http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2005/11/13/sports/12576854

By S. RAMAGURU

09 November 2005

Three thousand expected at martial arts night

9 Nov 2005, MALAYSIA, Pulau Pinang - The Penang Seni Silat Lincah Association and Youth and Sports Department are organising Malam Pendekar Lincah (Lincah Martial Arts Night) at Dataran Pemuda Merdeka in Butterworth on Sunday.

The event, which starts at 8.30pm, is expected to attract 3,000 people including 500 association members.

The guests-of-honour are Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas and Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon.

The highlight of the event will be the presentation of Selendang Tertinggi Pulau P-nang (the state highest belt) and Anugerah Khas (special awards) to three recipients.

Founder and chief coach Datuk Omardin Mauju will be present.

Association president Datuk Jahara Hamid, who is also state Youth and Sports, Women, Family and Community committee chairman, said the theme of the night was Silat Lincah – symbol of determination and strength.

“This silat is popular not only in the country but in the United States, Britain and Holland. Martial arts can prevent youths from getting into unhealthy activities,” Jahara said.

Sourced from http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2005/11/9/north/12528044&sec=north


By UNKNOWN

3,000 expected at martial arts night

The Penang Seni Silat Lincah Association and Youth and Sports Department are organising Malam Pendekar Lincah (Lincah Martial Arts Night) at Dataran Pemuda Merdeka in Butterworth on Sunday.

The event, which starts at 8.30pm, is expected to attract 3,000 people including 500 association members.

The guests-of-honour are Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas and Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon.

The highlight of the event will be the presentation of Selendang Tertinggi Pulau Pi-nang (the state highest belt) and Anugerah Khas (special awards) to three recipients.

Founder and chief coach Datuk Omardin Mauju will be present.

Association president Datuk Jahara Hamid, who is also state Youth and Sports, Women, Family and Community committee chairman, said the theme of the night was Silat Lincah – symbol of determination and strength.

“The silat is popular not only in the country but in the United States, Britain and Holland.

“Martial arts can prevent youths from getting into unhealthy activities,” Jahara said.

Sourced from thestar online

19 October 2005

Suzy reserves her best for challenge in Manila

SILAT exponent Suzy Mohd Sulaiman may have competed against the best at the Paris Open where she clinched a bronze medal, but believes her hardest battles will be in the Manila Sea Games.

"The Sea Games is going to be more challenging because exponents from South East Asian countries are tougher and better at this sport, especially Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines," said Suzy yesterday.

Suzy, who is from Kuantan, Pahang, first came into prominence in the 2003 National Championships where she won a gold medal. She repeated the feat in the Singapore Open last year.

With just over a month left to the Games, Suzy continues with her intense training and will compete in a friendly competition in Bangkok, Thailand, on Oct 25-29 with the rest of the squad.

"I have been training since May for the Sea Games, but I still think I need to train intensely. My confidence level has been going up steadily though I shiver as the Games gets closer.

"The friendly competition in Bangkok will, hopefully, help assess my current form and preparation." Suzy, who practises the 'Silat cekak harimau', competed in the 2001 Vietnam Sea Games. She is also the Pahang silat coach.

"I'm only worried about exponents from Indonesia who are heavy contenders. In the Vietnam Games, the hosts were the feared ones, but now it's Indonesia we need to look out for." Suzy trains under a private coach, Nasri Nasir.

Written by RANJINI THANGARAJU
Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-137737820/suzy-reserves-her-best.html

NATIONAL SILAT EXPONENTS READY FOR MANILA GAMES

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 18 (Bernama) -- Even though most exponents in the silat dance squad are placed under Category B by the Olympics Council of Malaysia (OCM), they remain spirited and are ready for the 23rd SEA Games in Manila next month

Eight exponents representing Malaysia for the event are Habizan Othman (men's solo); Suzy Mohd Sulaiman (women's solo); Hafiz Abu Hasan, Mohd Fauze Latip and Marzuki Mokhtar (men's team); and Siti Nur Ayisah Zainal Abidin, Norhidayah Yusof and Rina Juliana Adnan (women's team)

Among them, only Suzy is placed under Category A after she won a gold medal in the World Silat Championship in Singapore last year

"So far, the athletes are 80 per cent ready mentally and physically and we believe that they can give a good performance and a good challenge against their opponents in the SEA Games," trainer Nasri Nasir told Bernama

Besides Nasri, the coach for solo events, the athletes also receive guidance from Othman Jupri for the team event

Nasri said the National Silat Association of Malaysia (Pesaka) would take the exponents for a five-day friendly match in Bangkok next Tuesday to test their skills ahead of the SEA Games

"This is the first competition overseas for the exponents this year. It will help them prepare for the SEA Games," he said

"According to the plan, after the friendly match in Bangkok, Pesaka plans to hold the same in the Philippines but it has not been confirmed yet," he said

In the Manila SEA Games, four gold medals are up for grabs in the silat dance event with two each in solo and team events

"Even though Pesaka has targeted one gold for women's solo, we in the squad are eyeing two golds; Insya Allah," Nasri said

"In terms of training, our exponents are strong but the challenge from the host can spring a surprise like in Vietnam two years ago

"This event is a subjective sport. Anything can happen," Nasri said

In silat, Malaysian exponents obtained a gold through men's sparring in the 22nd SEA Games in Vietnam in 2003 and women's sparring in the previous games in Kuala Lumpur

Sparring events will not be held in Manila

Written by FARHANAH AZMI
Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-144698087/national-silat-exponents-ready.html

18 October 2005

National silat exponents ready for Manila Games

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 18 (Bernama) -- Even though most exponents in the silat dance squad are placed under Category B by the Olympics Council of Malaysia (OCM), they remain spirited and are ready for the 23rd SEA Games in Manila next month.

Eight exponents representing Malaysia for the event are Habizan Othman (men's solo); Suzy Mohd Sulaiman (women's solo); Hafiz Abu Hasan, Mohd Fauze Latip and Marzuki Mokhtar (men's team); and Siti Nur Ayisah Zainal Abidin, Norhidayah Yusof and Rina Juliana Adnan (women's team).

Among them, only Suzy is placed under Category A after she won a gold medal in the World Silat Championship in Singapore last year.

"So far, the athletes are 80 per cent ready mentally and physically and we believe that they can give a good performance and a good challenge against their opponents in the SEA Games," trainer Nasri Nasir told Bernama.

Besides Nasri, the coach for solo events, the athletes also receive guidance from Othman Jupri for the team event.

Nasri said the National Silat Association of Malaysia (Pesaka) would take the exponents for a five-day friendly match in Bangkok next Tuesday to test their skills ahead of the SEA Games.

"This is the first competition overseas for the exponents this year. It will help them prepare for the SEA Games," he said.

"According to the plan, after the friendly match in Bangkok, Pesaka plans to hold the same in the Philippines but it has not been confirmed yet," he said.

In the Manila SEA Games, four gold medals are up for grabs in the silat dance event with two each in solo and team events.

"Even though Pesaka has targeted one gold for women's solo, we in the squad are eyeing two golds; Insya Allah," Nasri said.

"In terms of training, our exponents are strong but the challenge from the host can spring a surprise like in Vietnam two years ago.

"This event is a subjective sport. Anything can happen," Nasri said.

In silat, Malaysian exponents obtained a gold through men's sparring in the 22nd SEA Games in Vietnam in 2003 and women's sparring in the previous games in Kuala Lumpur.

Sparring events will not be held in Manila.

Written by FARHANAH AZMI
Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-144698087/national-silat-exponents-ready.html

06 October 2005

'If I can't have her, no one else will'

SHAH ALAM: A jilted lover told a silat master that if he could not have Norzi Ayu Md Noor, then no one else would, a murder trial heard yesterday.

Having said this, the accused, Irawadi Muhammad, 24, held his former girlfriend Norzi at knife-point, as silat master Azman Mat Zain pleaded in vain with him to release her.

Azman, 33, the fourth prosecution witness, told the High Court that for one hour on July 26, last year, he pleaded with Irawadi to let Norzi Ayu go.

"I told Irawadi to remember Allah, and to be patient.

I told him to find another, as he is still young.

"I also told him to leave the place and I would not report the matter to the police," he said during examination-in-chief by DPP Salehuddin Saidin.

Azman: At this juncture, Irawadi replied, 'If I can't have her, no one else would'.

I tried to calm Irawadi down as he held a knife to Norzi Ayu's abdomen.

I told him to sit down and discuss the matter but he refused.

"Eventually, Norzi Ayu ran into a room, followed by Irawadi who then locked the room.

I knocked on the door several times, calling out to Norzi Ayu but there was no reply.

"I rushed to the living room, found a set of keys, and tried opening the door.

On my second attempt, I managed to open the door." Salehuddin: What did you see when you opened the door? Azman: I saw the accused lying on a bed, while the victim was lying face down on the floor.

I pounced on the accused and tried to grab the knife.

Irawadi tried to stab me but I managed to evade the attacks.

The witness said after he managed to flee from the accused, he rushed to Norzi Ayu and saw her collapse on the living room floor.

"When I saw blood on her shirt in the region of the abdomen, I carried her to my car and sent her to the Kajang Hospital.

"I also told Irawadi to leave as I wanted to send Norzi Ayu to the hospital.

At that juncture, the accused fled from the scene." Azman said the knife which the accused held was about 25.4cm long.

On the way to the hospital, Azman said he called out to Norzi Ayu but she just shook her head, continuously.

"That same night, Norzi Ayu passed away," said Azman, a security officer at the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) in Bangi.

Irawadi is charged with murdering Norzi Ayu, a researcher at Institute of Medical Research, on July 26, last year, between 3.30pm and 5pm, at 2-1-6, Block ST2, Apartment Sri Tanjung, Jalan 7/1D, Section 1, Bandar Baru Bangi.

Trial before judge Datuk K.

N.

Segara continues on Nov 16 and 17.

Written by RITA JONG
Sourced from
http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-137261448/if-cant-have-her.html

Silat master admits to 'relationship' with Norzi

SILAT master Azman Mat Zain, who had taught martial arts to both Norzi Ayu Md Noor and the ex-boyfriend who is being charged with her murder, admitted yesterday that he was seeing the researcher in 2001.

The 33-year-old, who is the fourth prosecution witness in the murder trial, said at the time Norzi Ayu was still with Irawadi Muhammad, an economics graduate.

"When Irawadi learnt of our relationship the following year, he came to my house while I was at home with my wife, and told me to stop seeing Norzi Ayu.

"After the incident, I ended my relationship with Norzi Ayu," he added.

Azman also told the court that at a silat competition in UKM three days before her murder, Norzi Ayu had introduced to him a Mohd Izrel Yahya Umpong as her new boyfriend.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-137261447/silat-master-admits-relationship.html

05 October 2005

'Norzi told me she had been threatened'

SHAH ALAM: Three months before her death, Norzi Ayu Md Noor's relationship with boyfriend Irawadi Muhammad was heading for the rocks.

The medical researcher had told her silat master that they were always arguing.

Azman Mat Zain, 33, the silat master who is also a security officer at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia in Bangi, told the High Court yesterday that he knew both Norzi Ayu and Irawadi well, as both were his students.

During examination-in-chief by DPP Salehuddin Saidin, the fourth prosecution witness said he knew Norzi Ayu since 1997 and came to know Irawadi in 2001.

"In July last year, I sent Norzi Ayu home on two occasions after she told me she had been threatened," he said.

Salehuddin: In July, did she tell you about her personal problems? Azman: Yes.

She mentioned that between April and June that they were constantly quarrelling.

She, however, did not give any reasons for the arguments.

Salehuddin: On July 26, last year, between 1pm and 3.30pm, where were you? Azman: I was on duty at the UKM security office.

Salehuddin: Did you receive a telephone call regarding Norzi Ayu? Azman: Yes.

At 2.45pm, I received a call on my mobile phone from an unidentified woman.

She asked if I was Azman.

She then said: "Come to Norzi Ayu's house.

It is very important." I didn't ask who she was, but the woman told me she got a note stating that I was needed by Norzi Ayu.

Salehuddin: What did you do after that? Azman: I rushed to Norzi Ayu's house on the first floor of the Sri Tanjung Flats in Section 7, Bandar Baru Bangi.

I saw her front grille locked.

Another padlock was broken and on the floor.

I called out Irawadi's name.

Salehuddin: Why did you call his name? Azman: I guessed he was at her home, as Norzi Ayu had previously told me Irawadi had broken into her home before.

Salehuddin: Did anyone answer you? Azman: No.

I was there for about 30 minutes, before looking for alternative ways to get in.

I went to the ground floor and saw a ladder on a lorry.

I took the ladder and climbed into her home.

When I reached the balcony, I opened the door and went to the front of the flat.

"There, I saw Irawadi and Norzi Ayu.

Irawadi was shocked when he saw me, and quickly grabbed Norzi Ayu by her neck with one hand, while holding a knife in his other hand.

Trial continues today before judge Datuk K.N. Segara.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-137202699/norzi-told-me-she.html

30 September 2005

Boost for silat in Pulau Pinang

The Penang Silat Council will have its own building for its activities soon. Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Abdul Rashid Abdullah said a building at the Batu Uban sports complex, which was being used as a store, would be refurbished at a cost of RM160,000 for the purpose.

He said the building would have a hostel for 15 occupants, a training arena and a hall after the refurbishment which was due to start soon.

He said the refurbishment was expected to be completed by November to be in time for a silat carnival to be held the following month in conjunction with Pesta Pulau Pinang.

The building will be known as Kompleks Majlis Silat Negeri Pulau Pinang, Abdul Rashid told reporters at the launching of one-day silat (Melayu martial art) festival at Dewan Tunku in Komtar, Penang last weekend.

Also present were state exco member Datuk Dr Teng Hock Nan and Penang Silat Council president Datuk Azhar Ibrahim.

Azhar said the council planned to expand next year’s silat festival to include displays of martial arts from other ethnic groups such as wushu, silambam, kung fu, karate and judo.

More than 300 members from 10 Penang silat groups displayed their skills before a packed audience which included tourists at the silat festival.

The types of silat displayed include silat gayung pesaka, silat gayung garuda, silat gayung Malaysia, silat Melayu asli, silat sendeng tujuh, silat lintau and silat cekak.


By ZANI SALLEH
Sourced from http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2005/9/30/north/12144535&sec=north

23 September 2005

‘Death of a Warrior’ staged in JB

23 Sept 2005 - MALAYSIA, Johor Bahru - The crowd was merely a handful, but the applause was that of a thousand spectators when the cast of Death of a Warrior was introduced at the end of the 90-minute play.

And it was no wonder, because despite the poor turnout, the Cape Poetics cast clearly gave their very best in staging the English translation of the play Matinya Seorang Pahlawan composed by late writer Usman Awang.

The play, which depicted the legendary conflict between Hang Tuah and Hang Jebat, utilised varied use of silat movements with highly lyrical English dialogue of Shakespearean influence.
The play, staged in Johor Baru for the Johor Society for Performing Art’s Second Johor Arts Festival 2005, revolved around Hang Tuah, the great loyal warrior of Malacca who was unjustly condemned to death by his Sultan.

An angry Hang Jebat, who sought vengeance for his best friend, was then shocked when he realised that Hang Tuah was still alive.

However, Hang Tuah had come back with one mission, which was to kill Hang Jebat under the orders of the Sultan. He had come to kill the very friend who had arisen to avenge his “death.”
The multi-racial Malaysian cast was made up of Himanshu Bhatt as Hang Jebat, Noor Izwan Mohamad (Hang Tuah), Lim Yao-Han (Hang Kasturi), Philip Yeoh (narrator), Jamal Ismail (Hang Lekir), Effendi Abdul (Hang Lekiu) and Mior Shafeerul Mior Abdullah and Zulkifli Jalil as the spirits of the Taming Sari.

Also bringing life to the play was Vivian Adelene Adram as the besotted Dang Wangi and Kavitha Kaliappan (lady-in-waiting).

While Universiti Malaya Malay Arts Unit head Prof Datin Rahmah Bujang translated the play, the actors underwent specialised silat training for several months before performing.

Martial arts members of Pertubuhan Seni Silat Pusaka Gayong Malaysia (Sungai Ara branch) were roped in to make the play more spectacular and exciting.

Silat master Dr Zainal Abdul Latiff principally choreographed the production while Rusli Hashim, customary chief and senior instructor of the society, did the additional choreography to make the play even more realistic.

In the programme note, director Jayaram Menon said the play was an attempt to convey the conflict between Hang Tuah and Hang Jebat, which reflected a clash between loyalty and open rebellion and dutiful submission and sincere vengeance.

“This social question is very much a dilemma even in our modern times. We hope our performance does ample justice to this great legend of Malacca and especially to the wonderful literary treasure Usman Awang has left for our people,” he said.

By MARSHA TAN
Sourced from http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2005/9/23/southneast/11965597&sec=southneast -->

20 September 2005

Zuber: Only gold will be just reward for my sacrifices

20 Nov 2005, MALAYSIA, Kuala Lumpur - Winning the SEA Games gold medal is of paramount importance to silat exponent Mohamed Zuber Ismail, given the sacrifices he had to make over the last one year.

Zuber decided to take a one-year break from helping his brother with his business to train full-time. And then in May he got married but had to leave his wife behind in Jitra to enable him to train without any distraction at Bukit Jalil.

Zuber said that winning the gold medal will be just reward and will also make a fine gift for his wife, Fauziah Mohamed Fadzil.

“This is the first time we are having full-time training and as such we all had to make some sacrifices. All of us want to do well and we all know we have put our personal obligations second to that of winning a medal for the nation.

“Since we got married I see my wife periodically and she understands my ambition to be a champion. So I want to win the gold medal for her as well,” said Zuber at the training centre in the NSC Gym at Bukit Jalil.

He also said that the team was so serious with their training that when he got married the team moved their training base to Jitra for 15 days so that he did not miss any of the sessions.

“So even as I was preparing for the bersanding ceremony and akad nikah the training sessions went on.”

Zuber is also one of the three world champions in the squad. He won the gold in the 2004 World Championships in category G (75-80kg). He also has a silver medal form the 2002 World Championships. He took part in the 2003 SEA Games in Vietnam but lost in the quarter-finals.

Zuber said that he does not intend to slip up this time in Manila.

“I think I have learnt a good lesson from my outing in Vietnam and also in the various tournaments last year.

“It is important that I do not repeat those mistakes especially like being over confident and underestimating my opponents.

“I plan to take one match at a time but more importantly I have realised that I need to study my opponents well and change my style depending on whom I fight.

“The fulltime training has been a great help and I really believe that the team will do well as the coaches have paid a lot of attention to our trainings.”

Zuber, 24, hopes that the SEA Games will provide a new direction for the sport, which is slowly gaining popularity among youngsters.

By S. RAMAGURU
Sourced from http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2005/11/20/sports/12648237

19 September 2005

Exciting display of silat lincah

19 Nov 2005, MALAYSIA, Pulau Pinang - A young Melayu couple was riding on a motorcycle when suddenly they were attacked by several men armed with knives.

The couple defended themselves, fighting off their attackers with bare hands and forceful kicks.

After struggling for several minutes, the couple managed to overcome the attackers.

All the attackers were sprawled on the ground, reeling in pain.

The act was part of an hour-long performance by the Persatuan Seni Silat Lincah Malaysia at Lincah Warriors Night.

About 2,000 people attended the event at Padan Pemuda Merdeka in Butterworth.

Among them were Tuan Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas and Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Abdul Rashid Abdullah.

Association founder Datuk Omardin Mauju said there was fear among silat exponents that silat lincah would soon be a thing of the past.

“The art has been around for 500 years.

“We vow to defend silat lincah till the end of our lives,” he said.

Silat Lincah president Datuk Jahara Hamid said the organisation must not let any sector dismiss, trash or belittle its role in today’s society.

Jahara, who is state Youth and Sports Committee chairman said silat was about fighting spirit.

“Silat builds confidence and inner strength and helps youths face many challenges.

“We hope schools will make an effort to start silat clubs,” she added.

Sourced from http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2005/11/19/north/12604127&sec=north

Award for supporting Melayu martial art

19 Nov 2005, MALAYSIA, Pulau Pinang - Star Publications (M) Berhad received a special award from Pertubuhan Seni Silat Lincah Malaysia for its ardent support of the traditional Melayu martial art.

Journalist David Tan received the award from Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas in Penang on behalf of The Star at Lincah Warriors Night.

New Straits Times Press (M) Berhad also received the same award from the organisation.

The two media companies were commended for their excellent coverage of silat lincah events.

Deputy Chief Minister Abdul Rashid Abdullah, state Youth and Sports Committee chairman Datuk Jahara Hamid, and Pertubuhan Seni Silat Lincah leader and founder Datuk Omardin Mauju were also present at the event.

In his speech, Abdul Rashid said the government was very supportive of the sport which is a symbol of Melayu culture, art and history.

He called upon Jahara, who is the organisation president, to motivate women to join the silat world.

Sourced from http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2005/11/19/north/12604274&sec=north

13 September 2005

Silat team rooting for rookies to surprise opponents

13 Nov 2005, MALAYSIA, Kuala Lumpur - The national silat team will be banking on their new faces to spring a surprise and achieve their target of winning four gold medals at the coming SEA Games in Manila.

Thirteen exponents from the team of 20 will be making their SEA Games debut but chief coach Ahmad Wardi Salim said that all the athletes are capable of winning medals.

“This is the best-prepared team we have had in years. And I feel confident that all of them have a chance of winning medals. We are targeting four gold medals – three from silat olahraga (combat) and one from the seni (artistic).

“My confidence stems from the commitment shown by the athletes especially the rookies. This time around we have decided to go for a young team and have phased out those who are in the 30s. I'm sure the team will do well,” said Ahmad.

He said Malaysia are expecting medals from the rookies and they have the element of surprise on their side.

“Our opponents will not know what to expect from the new faces. We must exploit it. But in the end the exponents must work hard to make it work. We need to be aggressive,” he said.

Only seven of the 20 exponents – Amir Ikram Rahim, Ahmad Shahril Zailuddin, Mohamed Zuber Ismail, Mohamed Azrin Abdul Malek, Siti Jameelah Japilus, Suzy Mohamed Sulaiman and Emy Latip – took part in the Vietnam Games in 2003. Then, Malaysia returned with two gold, two silver and three bronze medals.
The silat team's best medals haul in the Games was in 1991 in Manila. They returned with five golds, five silvers and five bronzes.

Ahmad, world champion in 1987 and 1990, turned to coaching in 1991.

His confidence in the team stemmed from the full-time training since February.

“This is a first for the sport. Our training programme started in February and all the athletes are based in Bukit Jalil. I believe that this has helped the exponents concentrate better and given them the chance to interact and forge better understanding with each other.

“Physically they are in the right shape and there's a sense of optimism when they are training.

“Even those making their debut are putting extra hours in training and working on their own,” he added.
Ahmad said the main opposition for Malaysia would come from the exponents from Vietnam, Indonesia and hosts Philippines.

“From the reports we have gathered, it seems these countries will pose the biggest threat. I have heard that they too will have some young exponents and hence we cannot make any firm assessment on our chances until the draw (on Nov 29) is made,” he added.

“I'm looking for a good outing. This time with full-time training and greater effort I feel that the team can do well. Four gold medals may be our target but I feel we are good enough for more.”

Sourced from http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2005/11/13/sports/12573680

11 September 2005

Silat exponents demolish illegal karaoke centre

KUALA LUMPUR, Sat. - About 50 silat exponents demolished an illegal karaoke centre with their bare hands (pictures above and left) today.

The structure was illegally built on land belonging to Pertubuhan Seni Silat Lincah Malaysia (PSSLM), whose members decided to take the matter literally into their own hands as the local council seemed hesitant to act.

PSSLM chairman Datuk Omardin Mauju said the Selayang Municipal Council had failed to act on the matter even after numerous letters sent by the association.

"They asked us to demolish the structures ourselves. The land belongs to PSSLM and as such it was our responsibility.

"We waited four years for the council to act but nothing was done," he said, after leading his students in demolishing the premises here today.

Omardin said the 1.6ha plot of land was given by former Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abu Hassan Omar in 1999.

Written by SITI FATIMAH MOHAMAD ANWAR
Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-136106325/silat-exponents-demolish-illegal.html

31 August 2005

Osman: We will win five golds

FOR the past eight SEA Games, Malaysia's silat squad have only failed to win a gold medal once - at the 1997 Jakarta Games.

They, however, had five silver and seven bronze medals to show then.

This year, the silat exponents are ready to deliver five gold me- dals.

"We are confident of delivering five gold medals despite the National Sports Council's (NSC) projection of only four," said assis- tant team manager Osman Nok.

Four out of the five gold medals are expected to come from the silat olahraga category while Suzy Sulaiman is poised to win the only gold from the silat seni cate- gory.

"Our five medal prospects have produced consistent results all- year round, which we have taken into consideration, before ma- king our prediction," said Osman.

The four golds form the silat olahraga category are expected to come from Mohd Azrin Abdul Malek, Abang Erdie Fauzeral Abang Fauzan, Ahmad Shahril Zailudin, Mohd Zuber Ismail and Mohd Azrin Abdul Malek.

All five won World Championships titles in their respective categories at last year's meet in Singapore and also won in this year's Paris, Belgium and Swit- zerland Opens.

"We are also expecting some surprises from the other exponents in the squad, who have improved in the past year," added Osman.

The silat contingent arrived home yesterday, after a five-day sparring stint in Bangkok.

The team will leave for Cebu Island on Nov 27.

THE SQUAD SILAT OLAHRAGA Men: Abang Erdie Fauzeral Abang Fauzan, Amir Ikram Rahim, Ahmad Shahril Zailudin, Norhasmizam Abdullah, Mohd Neezan Jelani, Mohd Zuber Ismail, Zamri Mat Nor, Mohd Azrin Abdul Malek, Shuhairi Chin Women: Siti Jameelah Md Japilus, Malini Mohd, Emy Latip SILAT SENI Men: Hafiz Abu Hassan, Mohd Fauze Latip Women: Habizan Othman, Suzy Sulaiman, Marzuki Mokhtar, Siti Nur Eisyah Zainal Abidin, Norhidayah Yusof, Rina Juliana Adnan SCHEDULE Manager: Md Sohaimi Mohd Shah Assistant manager: Osman Nok Coaches: Ahmad Wardi Salim, Mazlan Shaari, Nasri Nasir, Othman Jupri Psychologist: Mohd Nizar Ahmad Padzi

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-9871135_ITM

13 August 2005

Lessons in grace & confidence

I first met Norsyafinaz Norshahar, 12, and her younger brother, Nor Shafizzuddin, 10, at a kid scuba diving camp in Pulau Tioman. At the family performance night, Syafinaz and Shafizzuddin stood in front of an audience of about 60 and did a silat demonstration. Syafinaz led her brother through the 16-step bunga sembah.

Almost similar to slow-mo tai chi moves, the steps incorporate different stances, hand and leg positions, kicks and defensive poses. But the movement’s smooth sequence and graceful poses are reminiscent of a lovely traditional Melayu dance.

I was awestruck. I never knew silat moves could be so refined, since we are always fed with scenes of flying and kicking stunts and keris-wielding warriors in movies and TV shows. And mostly, I was impressed with the kids’ rapt concentration and their seemingly precise moves.

A month later, I found myself sitting in on a silat class, watching the same bunga sembah routine led by Syafinaz with 16 other students at Sekolah Kebangsaan Cheras Indah. Aged five to 12, these students were learning the skills of Seni Silat Malaysia (SSM) under Mohamad Nizam Mohamed Shapie, 26, or Cikgu Nizam, as the kids call him. SSM is a uniformed silat syllabus developed from Seni Gayung Fatani for primary and secondary schools in Malaysia.

Founded by Tuan Syeikh Abdul Rahman Tahir in 1890, Seni Gayung Fatani is one of the four most popular schools of silat in Malaysia.

The Seni Gayung Fatani Malaysia Association was first registered in 1976 by founder and silat grand master Anuar Abd Wahab. One of the largest silat schools, Gayung Fatani has about 13,000 students in over 150 gelanggang (training schools) nationwide.

There are two forms of Seni Gayung Fatani; the seni silat (art form) and the silat olahraga (sports form). Silat olahraga is a more physical and aggressive form that is often seen in silat competitions while seni silat is more graceful. Besides learning the basic bunga sembah techniques, the students have to understand each of the 16 steps and its functions. Syafinaz and her friends are learning the seni silat.

“Seni silat is a self-defence art that’s gentle and filled with adab. The word silat also means tepis-menepis and serang-menyerang (defence and attack),” explained Nizam, 26, who has been practising silat for 15 years. “There’s no flying stunt like what you see on TV.”

Nizam has been teaching primary school students silat at Cheras Indah since 2000. He divides his time between seven schools, primary and secondary, and his silat centre, Pusat Cemerlang Silat. The Cheras Indah students pay RM20 a month for a class every week.

Younger students, like the five- and six-year-old kids, though not enrolled in Cheras Indah, are welcomed in Nizam’s class. Nizam has nine years of teaching experience under his belt.

“The teaching method for kids and adults varies,” said Nizam who has a master’s degree in sports science.

“A kid’s body is not as strong, so I can’t train them like adults. And I have to see their overall state; from emotional, physical to mental.”

Silat students move through several levels, based on their training hours and exams. The belt grades and colours start with white (beginner level), followed by yellow, green, red and black.

There are several degrees of black belts before a student attains junior instructor, instructor, senior instructor and eventually a guru (grand master) status. Over the years, Nizam’s students have progressed to different levels and actively take part in school, state and national-level tournaments.

“Silat is for everyone, you don’t have to be a Muslim to do it,” said Nizam who also teaches Chinese students and foreigners in his silat centre. “In the olden times, every man has to learn silat for protection because there was no weapon.”

Like other martial arts, silat helps to instil in students a good attitude and discipline. They invariably adopt a healthy lifestyle, become independent and creative and follow good practices like respecting their elders and setting good examples for the youngsters, Nizam added.

“Your posture becomes better too. The bunga sembah techniques make you flexible and is a form of self-defence on its own,” said Nizam.

“One of my students, a six-year-old, was very shy and afraid when he first joined the class. But now he’s more confident.”

Syafinaz looked like a natural leader as she led the class through the warm-up stretches and sparring demos. But I was a little baffled. Each time I approached her for an interview, during the scuba camp and at the silat class, she smiled, shook her head and scooted off.

“Syafinaz was a very timid and shy girl,” explained her mother, Mahsita Mohammad, 45. “But since she picked up silat three years ago, she has had to perform in public and lead the kids during training. Now, she is more confident and can speak better in public.”

But, I guess her bashfulness prevails.

Her brother, Shafizzuddin, used to be quite pampered and “sticky” with their dad, Mahsita added.

“Now’s he’s more disciplined and independent. He used to rely on others to make his decisions,” said Mahsita who has two other kids, aged 14 and five. “But when he started silat, he was the only boy in the class initially, so he was forced to be more assertive.”

Khairul Azim Radzali’s father signed him up for silat about a year ago. “I like learning silat so I can protect myself from bullies when I go to secondary school,” said the 10-year-old with a cheeky grin.

Naturally, parents’ first concern when they sign up their kids for martial arts is safety.

“Unlike adult silat, in a competition, kids perform/present the techniques they’ve learned,” said Nizam.

“They don’t take part in sparring unless it’s planned (choreographed). Their bones are soft and their bodies are still growing so it’s important to avoid any injury.”

But above all, Nizam wants to make silat fun for the kids.

“I like to encourage them, like saying, ‘Wow, the bunga you did was beautiful,’ praise a good kick and make them feel the challenges,” said Nizam. “Instead of saying, you have to kick higher, I just tell them, ‘it’ll look nicer if your kick is higher’.”

For enquiries on silat for kids or Pusat Cemerlang Silat, call Cikgu Nizam at 017-389 7105.

Sourced from thestar online

03 August 2005

PRESIDENT CALLS ON ALL LEADERS TO ADOPT CHAMPION'S CHARACTER

Jakarta, Aug 1 (ANTARA) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has called on all leaders to adopt the character of a champion who upholds good personality, defends the truth and justice and maintains toughness and resilience.

"I ask all leaders to imitate the character, value and attitude of a champion," the president said when being awarded a "prime champion" honorary title from the Indonesian Pencak Silat Association (IPSI) here on Monday evening.

IPSI has awarded a similar title to Soeharto when he was still at the helm of the state.

The honorary title in the coming years will be institutionalized and awarded to national leaders.

The granting of the honorary title to Yudhoyono was marked with a procession of a "kris" delivery used as a symbol of a champion by the association's general chairman, Prabowo Subianto.

"I want to comprehend and take the character as an example including the champion's attitude in this country," the head of state said.

Furthermore, the president said the pencaksilat is actually an art of self-defence, and for an attack. But if the sovereignty of the state is at the stake, the people will fight to defend the country in line with the principles of Pencak Silat.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-134819311/president-calls-all-leaders.html

02 August 2005

Pencak silat brings Malaysia and Indonesia closer together

JAKARTA, Aug 2 (Bernama) -- The National Silat Federation of Malaysia (Pesaka) and the Indonesian Pencak Silat Federation (IPSI) are prepared to act as a bridge to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries through joint training programs and exchange of exponents and coaches.

Pesaka president Tan Sri Muhammad Muhd Taib said that through the program, relations between the peoples of the two countries who shared a common culture, including pencak silat, could dampen a potentially fiery situation.

Indonesia had millions of silat exponents who had strong patriotic feelings and they formed the elite group of community leaders in their respective areas who could nurture a feeling of understanding and comradeship between the peoples of the two countries, he told Bernama here today.

He said Pesaka hoped to strengthen ties with IPSI including organising joint training so that the exponents would know each other better, have closer communication and a stronger bond with each other besides raising the quality of the pencak silat itself.

"Imagine if we can capitalise on this relationship to convey accurate information on Malaysia, whether in terms of procedures for Indonesian workers to enter Malaysia or on the laws applicable in Malaysia, which would certainly contribute towards addressing the problems of illegal immigrants," he said.

Muhammad said the information conveyed to the silat exponents would certainly be extended to other family members, relatives and neighbours in their respective villages which might not be found in the newspapers or other media.

"This will have a positive effect that could make it possible for those wishing to come to Malaysia to fulfil the Malaysian immigration and labour requirements and to know a little bit on the Malaysian laws to avoid them from committing crime," he said.

He said cooperation in the economic field could also be enhanced because many silat gurus in Indonesia were being strongly supported by Indonesian corporate leaders.

Written by NASIR YUSOF
Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-134854698/pencak-silat-brings-msia.html

01 August 2005

Keris heist at museum

KUALA LUMPUR: Claiming to be the legendary Malay warrior Hang Jebat, a man smashed a glass cabinet at the National Museum and escaped with an 18th century dagger on Tuesday.

The 35-year-old suspect, broke into a silat stance when approached by a security guard and threatened to slash him with the 98.5cm 'Keris Bali'.

The guard backed down and the suspect drove off in a lorry.

The suspect, however, was arrested four hours later and the dagger recovered.

Brickfields police chief Assistant Commissioner Mohd Dzuraidi Ibrahim said the suspect is a schizophrenic who has been receiving treatment since 1988 at Seremban Hospital.

The self-employed was yesterday remanded for four days to facilitate investigations.

The drama unfolded about 1.30pm on Tuesday when the suspect went to the weapons gallery on the second floor of the building and tried to smash the glass cabinet by punching it.

After several failed attempts, he finally broke the cabinet with a flying kick.

All this drama was recorded on CCTV.

He then took the dagger and walked towards the back of the museum.

At this juncture a security guard spotted him and caught up with him at the car park and that was when the man broke into a silat stance.

He warned the guard that he was Hang Jebat and that the dagger belonged to him.

He then cooly got into his lorry and drove away after waving to the guard.

Dzuraidi said police found the suspect at his home in Kampung Rinching Hilir, Bangi, later that day.

He was at home with his wife and month-old baby.

The dagger was found in a cupboard in one of the rooms.

The dagger with a sinewy blade is from Bali.

It has figurines of Hindu deities on its hilt and is said to be a ceremonial dagger.

The dagger was sold to the museum by a private collector for RM18,000, five years ago.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-135067780/keris-heist-museum.html

MALAY SECRETARIAT TO PROPAGATE VISION OF TOWERING MALAYS

JAKARTA, Aug 1 (Bernama) -- The Malaysia-based International Malay Secretariat is prepared to propagate the vision of towering Malays worldwide to encourage the Malays to become a dynamic group and capable of contributing to their countries.

President of the secretariat, Tan Sri Muhammad Muhd Taib, said that though the concept of the towering Malays originated in Malaysia from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, its benefits, vision and objectives also benefited the Malays in other countries.

"Especially in this era of globalisation, the Malays must emerge as a towering race, have a global attitude and spirit, and have an important role in whatever field in the world," he told Bernama here today.

He will put forward the concept by the Umno President to the Malay leaders in meetings and congresses at the international level, or at least to share with them the vision of bringing glory to the Malay race.

He said there were an estimated 300 million Malays in the world with almost 200 million of them in Indonesia, and with concerted efforts, they could contribute for the good of the global community.

Muhammad, who is also Umno Information Chief, said that with such a huge population, the Malays should have their own economic networking.

"As the Malays are associated closely with Islam, it cannot be avoided if the Malay image of being good and peace-loving can also help restore the image of Islam in the eyes of the world, what more now when Islam is linked to terrorism," he added.

Muhammad, who is also the Malaysian National Silat Federation (Pesaka) president, is here with other leaders of silat organisations from several countries as guests of the Ikatan Pencak Silat Seluruh Indonesia (IPSI) in conjunction with its 57th anniversary celebration.

The highlight of the celebration is the Pencak Silat Award Night 2005, the main itinerary of which is the conferment of the "Pendekar Kehormat" award to Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at Padepokan Pencak Silat in Taman Mini Indonesia Indah here at 7 pm tonight.

On the Malay art of self-defence, Muhammad said it played an important role in strengthening the resilience of the Malays.

"Don't look and assess the silat only through its assault tactics because the art ensures spiritual fulfilment of one's physical development to become a good individual capable of confronting challenges," he added.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-134820362/malay-secretariat-propagate-vision.html

11 July 2005

SILAT MASTER AMONG 330 PEOPLE HONOURED BY PENANG

PENANG, July 11 (Bernama) -- Seni Silat Lincah Malaysia founder Datuk Omardin Mauju was among 338 conferred state honours and awards today in conjunction with the 67th birthday of Penang Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas last Saturday.

Omardin received the Darjah Mulia Pangkuan Negeri (DMPN), which carries the title "Datuk" at the second session of the investiture at Dewan Sri Pinang here.

Sixteen people received the Darjah Setia Pangkuan Negeri (DSPN), which also carries the title "Datuk".

They included Penang Development Corporation (PDC) General Manager Datuk Ahmad Fuad Ismail, Sixth Brigade Commander Brig-Jen Allatif Mohamed Noor and Seberang Perai Municipal Council (MPSP) President Md Aris Ariffin.

Fourteen people received the Darjah Johan Negeri (DJN) and five, the Bintang Cemerlang Negeri (BCN).

Fifty-five people received the Pingat Kelakuan Terpuji (PKT). 123 the Pingat Jasa Kebaktian (PJK), 118 the Pingat Jasa Masyarakat (PJM) and six, the Pingat Bakti Setia (PBS).

So far, 476 of the 1,307 people honoured have received their awards. The others will receive theirs tomorrow and on Thursday.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-134058649/silat-master-among-330.html

18 June 2005

SILAT DEVELOPS STRONG IDENTITY, SAYS MUHAMMAD

KUALA LUMPUR, June 18 (Bernama) -- National Silat Federation President Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib said tonight the Malay traditional martial arts form of silat could help build an individual's sense of tradition, ethics and values.

"Through the theory and practice of silat, a strong sense of sportmanship as well as a high level of discipline is developed.

"This means that the Malays can forge forward into the international arena in more ways than one," he said at a dinner of the Seni Silat Cekak Association of Malaysia.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-134579635/silat-develops-strong-identity.html

12 June 2005

Seni Silat Lincah plans to form Silat Faculty at USM

KUALA LUMPUR, June 12 (Bernama) -- The Seni Silat Lincah Organisation Malaysia (PSSLM) plans to set up a silat faculty at Universiti Science Malaysia (USM) as a move to uphold the identity of the martial art.

Its founder Datuk Omardin Mauju said he had sent a proposal to the university and was waiting for a reply.

"We held priliminary discussions with the university and they suggested that we write and make a formal proposal. This we already did and we are now waiting for the reply," he told reporters here, today.

He had earlier attended the opening of the 27th annual general meeting of the organisation by Information Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Kadir Sheikh Fadzir.

Omardin said among the aims of the faculty was to gather the experts from all the barnches of silat who could teach the art to others.

"He said currently silat is being practised in 50 countries and the faculty could also draw these people to study the art here.

Meanwhile, Abdul Kadir said his ministry would assist the organisation to expand through the electronic media.

RTM had aired the programme "Mahaguru", a silat programme but it had ended.

"I will also seek to enable the various silat groups to participate in the Merdeka celebrations," he said.

Abdul Kadir also launched the organisation's website at www.silatlincah.com.my.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-136764114/seni-silat-lincah-plans.html

04 June 2005

PESAKA TO PROBE ALLEGATION OF NEGLECTED SILAT EXPONENTS

KANGAR, June 4 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian National Silat Federation (Pesaka) will investigate an allegation that silat exponents from Kedah who competed in the national junior meet that ended here today had been neglected.

Its Secretary General, Megat Zulkarnain Omardin, said Kedah Pesaka would also be asked to submit an official report on the incident as soon as possible.

Pesaka had come to know of the incident through the media, he told reporters after the closing of the six-day Fifth National Junior Championships here today.

Some 20 silat exponents from Kedah, including seven girls, were found staying at the Kampung Santan community hall without proper facilities since the tournament started on May 30.

A visit to the hall by the media in the morning and afternoon several days ago found that the athletes slept on mats and used their bags for pillows.

The girls stayed at a different building.

Megat Zulkarnain said he had received an initial report from Kedah Pesaka saying that the community hall was used as a training venue and not for accommodation.

"I will look at the Kedah Pesaka official report and take into consideration the media reports," he said.

He said he was disappointed over the incident as the Perlis government, the hosts, provided the best venue, accommodation and transportation.

Perlis provided accommodation at the Perlis Polytechnic in Pauh as well as transport facilities to the tournament venue at the Dewan 2020 here.

Megat Zulkarnain said he was afraid that the incident would prompt parents not to allow their children to take part in the national-level tournament after this.

On the action that can be taken on Kedah Pesaka for neglecting their athletes, he said, it would be decided at the next executive council meeting.

"I cannot give any further comment because I need to see the reasons for the incident. I need to see the official report from Kedah Pesaka first," he added.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-136661942/pesaka-probe-allegation-neglected.html

PESAKA TO PROBE ALLEGATION OF NEGLECTED SILAT EXPONENTS

KANGAR, June 4 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian National Silat Federation (Pesaka) will investigate an allegation that silat exponents from Kedah who competed in the national junior meet that ended here today had been neglected.

Its Secretary General, Megat Zulkarnain Omardin, said Kedah Pesaka would also be asked to submit an official report on the incident as soon as possible.

Pesaka had come to know of the incident through the media, he told reporters after the closing of the six-day Fifth National Junior Championships here today.

Some 20 silat exponents from Kedah, including seven girls, were found staying at the Kampung Santan community hall without proper facilities since the tournament started on May 30.

A visit to the hall by the media in the morning and afternoon several days ago found that the athletes slept on mats and used their bags for pillows.

The girls stayed at a different building.

Megat Zulkarnain said he had received an initial report from Kedah Pesaka saying that the community hall was used as a training venue and not for accommodation.

"I will look at the Kedah Pesaka official report and take into consideration the media reports," he said.

He said he was disappointed over the incident as the Perlis government, the hosts, provided the best venue, accommodation and transportation.

Perlis provided accommodation at the Perlis Polytechnic in Pauh as well as transport facilities to the tournament venue at the Dewan 2020 here.

Megat Zulkarnain said he was afraid that the incident would prompt parents not to allow their children to take part in the national-level tournament after this.

On the action that can be taken on Kedah Pesaka for neglecting their athletes, he said, it would be decided at the next executive council meeting.

"I cannot give any further comment because I need to see the reasons for the incident. I need to see the official report from Kedah Pesaka first," he added.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-136661942/pesaka-probe-allegation-neglected.html

02 June 2005

Martial arts for all pupils

KANGAR, Wed. - All schoolchildren in Perlis will soon be required to attend martial arts classes as part of co-curriculur activities.

This is aimed at instilling discipline among them and, hopefully, preventing them from falling victim to school bullies.

With such training and discipline, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim said here today, students might not behave like the Fifth Formers at the Sekolah Menengah Agama Padang Tengku in Kuala Lipis, Pahang, who assaulted 13-year-old Mohd Afiq Qusyairi.

Reiterating his earlier calls to students to take up martial arts, Shahidan said he had always had high regard for those who practised martial arts "as they often display a high degree of discipline".

"Which is why it is imperative for our children to learn martial arts in schools. be it silat, karate or taekwondo," he said when officiating at the fifth National Silat Youth championships at Dewan 2020 here last night.

He did not say when the classes would begin, but it is understood that the state Education Department has made the necessary preparations in time for the second school term, which begins in two weeks. He said the State Government would recruit qualified instructors from the National Sports Council to teach martial arts in schools.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-136854264/martial-arts-all-pupils.html

27 March 2005

Silat groups can act as second line of defence

PEKAN, Sat. - Silat groups which boast a membership of four million can act as the second line of defence for the country, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said today.

Najib said as the Defence Minister, he acknowledged the role of silat practitioners and hoped they could lend their hand, especially in warding off enemies when needed.

"Apart from acknowledging silat as a Malay heritage, we also believe that those practising this type of martial art can help us defend the country," he said when opening a Silat Lincah gathering here.

Also present were Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal, Pertubuhan Seni Silat Lincah Malaysia (PSSLM) chairman Datuk Omardin Mauju and New Straits Times Press deputy group editor-in-chief Datuk Hishamuddin Aun.

Najib said silat practitioners could assume this role as they were known for their loyalty to leaders and were well-disciplined.

"We need modern technology in our defence system but it will not be effective without people who have the fighting spirit and bravery," he said.

He said silat practitioners, including the 800,000 members of the PSSLM, were also taught to adopt good values in their life.

Najib also urged the silat practitioners to acquire knowledge and be open- minded to face the challenges ahead.

He also hoped that silat leaders would recruit more young members as this could deter them from getting involved in immoral activities.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-19249099_ITM

26 March 2005

Najib: Silat exponents are second line of defence

PEKAN, March 26 (Bernama) - Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razak described members of silat organisations as the country's asset which formed the second line of defence.

The Deputy Prime Minister said the discipline, courage, loyalty and spirit they acquired would be a strength in facing any outside threat.

"In the efforts to develop the strength of the people and the nation, we certainly need individuals who always have the sense of loyalty as found among members of the silat organisations," said Najib, who is also the Defence Minister.

"If all the more than 800,000 silat lincah exponents in this country possess such qualities, I am convinced no outside parties will ever dare to trigger chaos in our country," he said at a gathering of 500 members of the Pertubuhan Seni Silat Lincah Malaysia here today.

Najib said the government always supported the activities and efforts to expand silat organisations in view of their positive contributions to the people and the country.

He advised the members to also expand the scope of their knowledge to cover other fields, including science and technology, because this would give them extra strength.

Najib was presented with a sash and attire as the Ulul Amri (leader) III of the association by its Chairman Datuk Omardin Mauju.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-19249392_ITM

28 February 2005

Horror Fanatic who could Kill

28 Feb 2005, SINGAPURA - “Train hard, think positive, and don't give up.” These were the words of advice from our very own world silat champion, Mohammad Imran Abdul Rahman. The 21- year- old silat enthusiast is also a Third Year Sports & Wellness student from the Business School of Nanyang Polytechnic.

Imran, whose biggest achievement to date is the recent World Championship held in Singapore, has been involved in silat since he was ten years old. Recounting on how he got into silat, he credited his interest in martial arts to the movie Blood Spot. Fascinated by the cool moves portrayed in the movie, he asked his parents if it was all right for him to take up martial arts. They agreed and signed him up at their Community Centre, which coincidentally offered silat. The rest is of course history.

Imran comes across as a friendly and easy- going chap. He does not do silat for fame or recognition but for his passion for it. His other passion is soccer and although he is in the school's soccer team, National rules do not allow him to be part of the school's silat team. Howeer, silat still remains his priority.

Imran does not see himself doing silat all his life. He is more interested in venturing into business or teaching and might only do silat as a form of leisure activity in his own free time.

A typical day for him will be attending school and silat trainings. Usually after ten will he be able to have time for himself with family and friends to relax and hang out at his favourite joints.

With such a packed schedule, comprising of trainings six times per week, four hours each day, it is a no mean feat how he manages to juggle his time between school, family, silat and personal time. But Imran manages and ensures that he dedicates enough time for each, by knowing his priorities well.

If a major competition was coming up, Imran would concentrate on his silat by training a little harder. Similarly, if an ICA was coming up, he would stop his trainings at least four days in advance for revision. For instance, his plans to go to Belgium and France for a Championship had to be cancelled, as he would be having his exams on the 27 th of March.

Balance is what Imran is looking for. He knows that it would be meaningless if he were to excel in just silat and have his studies affected. He wants to excel in both.

Though this world champion oozes self- confidence, he did have some low points in his life and more so, his career in silat. In 2003, when he lost three tournaments in a row and had to return home after being kicked out in the first round, his despair at seeing others, and not him, with medals was indescribable. It was firstly the Asia Pacific games in August, then the SEA Games in December where he lost against the opponent from the Philippines and finally, the Paris Open was the last straw. He even thought of quitting and focusing instead on his studies only.

But with full support from his family, especially his father who told him to not pursue his dreams halfway, he persevered and stayed on. With such determination, he was rewarded with a turn of events in 2004, starting from the UK Open, Swiss Open and the sweetest victory of all, the recent World Championship.

Imran does not believe that he has become more famous since appearing in the headlines, but in bringing glory to the nation though the number of students under him has reached 100 and still increasing. He just wants those aspiring to be silat champs to believe in themselves and achieve the best they can.

By NUR LIYANA MD AKBAR
Sourced from http://clednews.tripod.com/stories/profileonimran.htm

05 February 2005

Fresh approach needed for silat bodies to woo young generation

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 4 (Bernama) -- Traditional martial art organisations have been urged to adopt a fresh approach in terms of training methods in order to attract participation from the younger generation.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razak, when making the call, said the fresh approach was necessary to ensure continued interest in the cultural heritage among the younger generation.

"Otherwise, we will see our silat art dying one by one, especially those silat art which have little following and are seldom heard of," he said when launching the Martial Art Council (MARCIL), here.

He also reminded leaders of silat bodies not to reject elements of science and technology in enriching style and technique of the art so that it could be accepted by the international community as an art of self-defence that was not merely ritual in nature.

He said silat masters should also impart all their skills to the students so that they could be at par or even better than their masters.

"Silat masters should discard the old attitude of not imparting all their skills to the students for fear that their students would be better than them. That is why when the warrior Mat Kilau died, there was no one who could match him because no one had inherited his silat skills," Najib said.

He said besides having the ability to defend oneself from any threat, silat exponents were usually people of good character as they followed religious teachings and were of high morals.

"As such, the silat and martial art organisations with more than four million members formed a strong front in facing social threats," he said.

At the ceremony, Najib heard the pledge of allegiance to the government by representatives of about 130 silat and martial art organisations which were affiliated to MARCIL.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-18627325_ITM

30 January 2005

Watch out for Rina!

DEFEAT was a bitter pill for Rina Jordana Adnan to swallow at last month's World Championships, but the silat exponent hopes to get it right at the Paris Open in March.

Rina, who packs a powerful punch despite being only 150cm tall and makes heads turn with her good looks, has remained undefeated in the National Championships since 1999.

She, however, was controversially knocked out in the early rounds of the world meet in Singapore.

The loss prevented her from fulfilling her childhood dream of becoming a world champion and the silver from the 2002 World Championships remains her biggest achievement to date.

Despite her exit, Malaysia still created history when they finished above Indonesia in the standings with six gold, one silver and nine bronze medals.

Vietnam proved they were the new kingpins when they claimed nine gold, eight silver and two bronze medals to emerge champions.

Indonesia were third with four-six-five.

Rina, a sports science graduate, hopes this year will be fruitful and is targetting gold at the Manila SEA Games.

"I never seem to have much luck in international tournaments," said the 24-year-old part-time silat coach with MPPJ.

"Perhaps this year it will be different.

After all my disappointments, I hope to finally win gold in Manila." Rina, a class B (50-55kg) category exponent, comes from a family who have a deep background in silat - her parents Adnan Mohamad and Rosimah Jantan were her first teachers while younger sister Rina Juliana Adnan was formerly in the national team.

Meanwhile, National Silat Association (Pesaka) secretary Megat Zulkarnain Omar Din is hopeful Malaysia can continue their good form at the Manila Games.

"This (World Championships results) is our best ever achievement," he said.

"Previously, our best haul was five gold medals at the 2001 Kuala Lumpur SEA Games.

"To finish with six was a great achievement and will stand us in good stead for this year's SEA Games." The Malaysians who won gold in the World Championships were - Abang Erdie Fauzerul Abang Pauzan (Class A), Ahmad Shahril Zailuddin (Class D), Mohd Zuber Ismail (Class G), Mohd Azrin Abdul Malek (Class J) and two female exponents - Mastura Sapuan (Class E) and Suzy Mohd Sulaiman (creative solo).

Zulkarnain added Pesaka have yet to set a target for Manila but cautioned expectations should not be too high as only 14 events will be contested.

"But we are lukcy to have silat in the SEA Games as it was not in the initial list of sports," he said.

"There will only be 14 gold medals up for grabs.

So, we have to set a realistic target.

Two years ago, we only came home with two golds and perhaps we should, for now at least, aim for three.

"We will have a better idea of how we may fare closer to the Games and may be then, we may revise our targets." On Rina's defeat, he said: "All of us in the Malaysian camp felt Rina won her bout but, unfortunately, the judges did not see it that way.

There was nothing we could do.

Winning the six gold medals, however, made up for it." Zulkarnain added the national exponents will begin training on Tuesday and the Paris Open will be their first test this year.

However, instead of sending their world champions to France, Pesaka have decided to give them a rest.

"Although the Paris Open is quite a big event, with over 20 clubs and countries already confirmed in the fray, we have decided to send those who have yet to qualify for the SEA Games," he explained.

"The world champions are assured of boarding the plane to Manila - provided they maintain their form.

As such, we want to give the other exponents a chance to book their tickets to the SEA Games."

Written by GRAIG NUNIS
Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-127965150/watch-out-rina.html