Maldives ibu's Eyes

Row over Maldives 'custody' death

Tensions have been high in the Maldives after weekend protests over the death of a man who opposition parties allege was killed in police custody.

Hussain Salah's body was pulled from a harbour in the capital on Sunday.
The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) says he was beaten to death in custody, a charge officials deny.
The Maldives government has been under pressure over its human rights record in recent years and legalised opposition parties only in 2005.
Negotiations between the authorities and the opposition saw a number of opposition figures released from jail last year.
But the MDP now says preparations for landmark multiparty elections due in 2008 are taking too long.
'Violent mob'
The government says Mr Salah was arrested on drugs charges and died after he was released on Friday.

President Gayoom is accused of introducing reform too slowly
It said "unruly crowds" of opposition supporters had roamed the streets. There had been a number of arrests.
"MDP supporters also created unrest... A number of police constables were injured as the violent mob hurled stones and projectiles, and torched public property. Some of the injuries were serious," a statement from chief government spokesman Mohamed Shareef said.
The MDP said one of its senior leaders, Mohamed Nasheed, had been badly beaten by police and then briefly detained following the disturbances.
He was freed early on Monday morning.(read more)

Source from BBC WORLD NEWS

Maldives invites Malaysians to help develop 40 island resorts

THE Republic of Maldives is inviting Malaysian businesses to participate in the proposed development of another 40 island resorts to cater to the country's expanding tourism sector.

Targeted sectors for investment include the hospitality industry, fishery, construction and infrastructure."The current development in our tourism industry offers numerous opportunities for Malaysian businesses in investing in resorts and hotels, trading and construction," Maldives Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Dr Mahmood Shougy said in a statement.He was in Kuala Lumpur recently to meet with outbound Malaysian tour operators and representatives of chambers of commerce on the opportunities available in Maldives' tourism industry."Malaysia is a key target for inbound investments and trade because of its excellent record as a regional player. Malaysian entrepreneurs are well known for their creative energies and willingness to take risk," Maldives High Commissioner to Malaysia Midhath Hilmy added. The Maldives has been enjoying impressive economic development over the past two decades. With annual GDP growth averaging 7.4 per cent over the last 10 years and inflation maintained at low levels, it is keen to open its doors for Malaysian businesses to participate in its exotic island tourism product.To create more awareness of the opportunities available, an investment trade show titled "Maldives Open for Business" will be held in July this year.The trade show will provide a platform for Malaysian business representatives to meet with their Maldivian counterparts and explore the possibilities for future collaboration.The High Commission has also established a Business Service Centre or helpdesk, to provide information and facilitate business-to-business contact."The number of foreign companies investing in the Maldives, particularly in the tourism sector, has been increasing steadily. "With the ongoing expansion plans, more big name international hoteliers are expected to come in," Mahmood added.The Maldives comprises 1,190 islands known for their white beaches and enchanting scenery. Its economy is largely based on tourism and fishing.

Source: Business Times

The Maldives - Water Wonderworld

SUMMARY: What some people call a "thousand Robinson Crusoe islands" could be your next travel destination. The Maldives are ideal for a honeymoon, a family vacation, or a private getaway.The Maldives are a perfect destination for a holiday, especially if you enjoy the water and all it has to offer. What some people call a "thousand Robinson Crusoe islands" could be your next travel destination. The Maldives are ideal for a honeymoon, a family vacation, or a private getaway. They are the destination of choice for those that enjoy scuba diving and snorkelling.Warm temperatures all year round, picturesque scenery, and deep-sea underwater diving are just a few of the great reasons to book a trip to this beautiful Maldivian wonderland. Each of the 86 tourist resorts comprising the Maldives caters for scuba diving, and every one has scuba instructors, equipment, and easy set-up for underwater expeditions.Special courses cover night diving, rescue diving, underwater photography, simple naturalism, and sharks. The growing interest in marine biology amongst students and laymen has influenced the Maldives' instructional courses. All the dive schools instruct in English, at least. It's not uncommon to have German, Italian, French, and Japanese instruction availability.Some dive schools are instructor development centers, yet others cater to a large variety of advanced and specialized dive courses. All are concerned for safety and security so you will always be in good hands.These are the ideal islands to get your introduction into scuba diving because all the islands have the basic equipment of compressors, tanks, BCDs, wetsuits, weight belts, etc. Some islands even rent out underwater cameras and video cameras. Snorkeling is better for those afraid of deep sea diving, and surfing is better for those that want to stay above the waves.

Breaking News: The Winners of Femina Miss India 2007

Femina Miss India has just finished now. There were 25 contestants and 3 shone in the competition.

They are:
Miss India 2007 World- Sarah-Jane Dias
Miss India 2007 Universe- Puja Gupta
Miss India 2007 Earth - Pooja Chitgopekar

Now, let me tell a bit more about these 3 winners.

Pooja Chitgopekar
Twenty one year old Pooja Chitgopekar lives in New Zealand. She is doing her MBBS from University of Auckland. Earlier, Pooja won Miss India New Zealand 2002. She was the first runner up in Miss India Worldwide 2003 and Miss Auckland 2002. She worked as a ramp model for New Zealand fashion week. She came to participate in Miss India beauty contest because she believes that Femina Miss India would help her express her opinions.

Puja Gupta
Some girls want to be model, some actress, some money and fame but Puja Gupta is exceptional. Her dream is to become a writer. Independent, friendly, Puja loves yoga, writing, horse riding and drawing. She is an outgoing person who loves to travel meet new people and know about other cultures.

Sarah-Jane Dias:
In Miss India 2007 contest, if someone is in deep trouble with her body it is Sarah-Jane Dias. She is now struggling with her weights. Sarah won Miss India Oman in 1995. Currently, she is working as a VJ in Channel [V]. Her main weakness is her addiction. In future, she wants to travel around the world. Her ability to talk with anyone is her major strength. Since childhood, Sarah wanted to become Miss India and now is her chance.

And yes, she has done it.

Sight seen tour in Kaula Lampur on 7th April 2007- PART 1

World largest 2nd Tower - KL Tower

Beryl's chocolate Gellary

Charles Brooke Memorial (Tugu Peringatan Charles Brooke)

Charles Brooke Memorial was built on the 19th October 1924 as a remembrance of Charles Brooke's rule in Sarawak. Charles Brooke was the nephew of the James Brooke, the first White Rajah of Sarawak. There are carvings on the four sides of the monument. The first carving is of James Brooke. The second carving is that of Datuk Patinggi Ali who was a brave malay warrior. The third carving is that of Rentap who was a famous leader of the Iban community. The fourth carving is that Ason who was a headman of the Chinese community.

Tugu Peringatan Negara atau juga dikenali sebagai Tugu Negara Malaysia disiapkan 8 Februari 1966 sebagai penghormatan kepada lebih 11 ribu perajurit yang gugur jasa-jasa pahlawan yang gugur dalam Perang Dunia I (1914-1918), Perang Dunia II (1935-1942) dan semasa Darurat (1948-1960). Ia terletak di ibu negara, Kuala Lumpur berhampiran dengan bangunan Parlimen.
Pada setiap tahun, 11 November, satu perbarisan hormat akan diadakan di Tugu Negara. Tugu tersebut menggambarkan sekumpulan tentera mengibar bendera negara, Jalur Gemilang. Setiap patung gangsa tersebut melambangkan pimpinan, getir, persatuan, siap sedia, kekuatan, keberanian, dan pengorbanan.
Dibina pada tahun 1966, tugu tersebut berdiri setinggi 15 meter, diperbuat daripada gangsa dan direka oleh pengukir Austria, Felix de Weldon yang bertanggung jawab bagi Tugu Peringatan Perang USMC (USMC War Memorial) di Virginia, Amerika Syarikat.
Pada tahun 1975, tugu tersebut mengalami kerosakan teruk akibat letupan yang diletakkan oleh pengganas komunis. Ia kini telah dipulihkan pada keadaan asal.

(AnDing,the girl in front, Liyi,2nd row, XuJie, 3rd row guy)(*PS: i only got the picture of AnDing who is going to be exchange to NTU, dont have the other 2 of them, dont mistook the other in the picture as the ones gg to NTU)Yep, heard that the 3 locals chosen out of 10 who are supposed to be exchanged to NTU next semester are confirmed.It seem that those who are not chosen, werent that depressed because they felt their chances were slim due to their level of english which in my opinions are already better than many people in the class if not they werent be shortlisted in the first place.Out of the 3, AnDing, had specially prepared for this chance to go to singapore because her boyfriend went to study in SMU last year and this was her golden opportunity to see him. Hmm... weird that all the chosen ones are girls and no guys made it in the interview~Glad to see her wish come true and hope they will endure through the long separation (6 years= 2 years bonded in spore+4 yrs SMU study) and a happy ending.

The Real Meaning of Adventure

What is adventure? Some people believe that adventure is not just that extreme and dangerous experience that one could find existing. On the contrary, they believe that it is an attitude that helps us face the obstacles present in our daily routine. For example, the challenges we have to deal with, the new and different options that life offers, the unknown that is at all time waiting for us, represent an adventure in itself. And it is in this adventure that the human beings discover themselves.

The word adventure has different meanings for different people. Generally, adventure implies thrill and excitement, risks and dangers, and the unexpected and extraordinary experiences. The adventurous people are always on the look out for things that will evoke new feelings and sensations. This is the definition of adventure commonly accepted. However, there are others for whom adventure means much more than this. They associate adventure with a certain bent of mind that helps them enjoy life to the fullest, by accepting it as it unfolds before them. They see opportunities in difficulties and treat hurdles as stepping-stones. They accept everything knowing very well that there is nothing without its pluses and minuses.

Therefore, life is seen as an adventure in itself. It is the manner in which you decide to view and live your own life. And the approach you have to life will certainly affect the way you experience this mysterious journey which we are part of. Some people believe that traveling, sightseeing or hanging on a rope is what an adventure stands for. But the problem may be that they are not experiencing their life as an exploration and their boring life leads them to lookfor excitement outside themselves.

This hidden and deeper meaning of adventure can only be understood by changing one's point of view towards life. This will not only enable you to identify the raison d'etre of your life, but will also help you recognize your strengths and weaknesses, and accept yourself as a person. However, one needs to realize that one just doesn't stumble upon adventures just like that. It is only through discovering our own strengths that we can uncover these adventures, and derive wisdom from them. As human beings, we are posed in the world in such a manner that we are compulsive adventurers. And, being so, we are capable of shaping our own lives and destinies, through a positive and constructive approach.

Life is a rare opportunity. With a little faith we can change the very meaning of life. Hurdles and obstacles can be used as openings and opportunities to discover the extent of our strength and courage. The secret lies in living life as an ever-new, ever-fresh adventure and being open to accepting whatever comes our way.