Prepare to be petrified

Entertainment

May 6, 2024

ABOVE & BELOW: Thailand horror film ‘Death Whisperer’; and Brian Cox and Emile Hirsch in a scene from ‘The Autopsy of Jane Doe’. PHOTO: NETFLIX

For the ambivert, navigating the delicate balance between social engagement and solitary retreat is a perpetual dance. Yet, nestled within the cosy confines of their living space, the allure of the couch holds a unique charm, offering a sanctuary that caters to both extroverted and introverted tendencies.

Following an extended stretch of social engagements, courtesy of the Raya festivities, I embarked on a brief but much-needed retreat to my sanctuary, seeking to replenish my social reserves and recharge my batteries in solitude.

Embracing the rare luxury of solitude, I settled onto the couch, eager to immerse myself in a marathon of horror films. With time typically a scarce commodity, this indulgent escape promised a welcome reprieve.

In that fleeting window of time, I successfully devoured 10 horror films – a feat that might strike some as peculiar or amusing, yet left me with a profound sense of accomplishment.

In this article, I’ll be spotlighting my top three picks from the eclectic mix.

THE AUTOPSY OF JANE DOE (2016)

Now, I know this movie came out in 2016, but a colleague of mine put me on it as homework to watch while I was away from work and because it was a horror film, I thought – why not? So, the movie’s a chilling horror film that follows a father-son coroner duo played by Brian Cox as Tommy (the father) and Emile Hirsch as Austin (the son, duh) as they dissect the mysterious body of an unidentified woman. Naturally, the movie kicks off with the police stumbling upon a crime scene: the grisly discovery of a body beneath the residence of a murdered elderly couple – intriguing.

Anyway, back to the father-son duo. As they dove deeper into the autopsy, they uncover unnerving secrets that defy scientific explanation – queue chilling sounds of horror.

I know most English horror movies aren’t that scary to us Southeast Asians, but the twists in this flick is definitely worth watching if you haven’t. The jump-scares really are jump-scares, and I like the fact that they blend suspense and supernatural elements together very well to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. With each forbidden truth they unearth from the woman’s body, disturbing consequences unfurl, casting a sinister shadow over their investigation.

PAMALI (2022)

Next up is an Indonesian horror flick that came out in 2022. Marthino Lio as Jaka Sunarya – a journalist who had recently lost his job and was in an economic slump – and Putri Ayudya – who plays his heavily pregnant wife Rika Retnosari.

They travel back to Raka’s family homestead that he left two decades back to fix it up before selling it off. It’s tucked away in the heart of the village and is in a state of disrepair of course, so they have to stay there for a few nights to fix and clean things up.

Well, guess what? They stumble into some seriously spooky stuff, especially when the sun goes down.

Now, you know about those pregnancy taboos we Southeast Asians are always warned about? This movie dives headfirst into those, with Rika breaking every rule in the book.

And let me tell you, Taskya Namya, who plays Nenden Sunarya (the ghostly apparition), really nails the creep factor, especially with her laughing.

You’ve got to hand it to Indonesian horror movies these days – they’re seriously stepping up their game when it comes to scares and visuals. They’re like a magnet, pulling you in and keeping you hooked from start to finish.

DEATH WHISPERER (2023)

Now it’s time for the horror movie that really takes the cake for me. Of course it’s a Thai supernatural horror film that dominates.

Also known as Tee Yod in Thai, Death Whisperer was adapted from Krittanon’s novel of the same name, and it’s set in the remote Kanchanaburi province of Thailand in 1972.

The film opens with a couple foraging in a forest at what looks like dawn or dusk when they hear screams coming from their home. It’s their daughter. They run to her with the speed of light and she’s screaming and writhing in pain before she dies. The mysterious death of this young girl sends shockwaves through the community, and soon a Thai-Chinese family deeply rooted in the village life finds themselves entangled in the supernatural. With six children – three sons, Yak, Yos, Yod, and three daughters, Yad, Yam, Yee – they were navigating their rural existence until horror strikes.

As the daughters encounter a ghostly woman in black, strange occurrences plague them, from Yam’s mysterious illness to Yad’s unsettling midnight encounters. When faced with this otherworldly threat, former soldier Yak returns home to confront the darkness looming over his family.

A bit of a spoiler, but Peerakit Patcharabunyakiat who plays Yod really did her thing scaring me with her facial expressions when she was possessed.

According to the author, Krittanon is based on a true story that unfolded within his mother’s family when she was just a 15-year-old teenager living in a province in the central region of Thailand.

The majority of the filming for Krittanon took place in Kanchanaburi province, which the film claims to be the actual setting of the events. The eerie tree, haunted by the woman in black dress, is indeed a real tree. However, the art directors’ team enhanced its lower part to give it a more ominous appearance.

Well, that wraps up our top three horror films for now. But before we sign off, let’s talk about one last thing: the knack horror films have for keeping us glued to the screen until the very end.

With their talent for suspense and surprise, they often deliver a jaw-dropping plot twist that leaves us reeling and hungry for more. Watch out for those twists! – Izah Azahari

Monday, May 6, 2024

BB Daily Digital

May 6, 2024

Netanyahu’s Cabinet closes Al Jazeera offices in Israel

World

May 5, 2024

PALESTINIAN-ISRAEL-CONFLICT-MEDIA — The Al Jazeera television network offices in Ramallah in the occupied West Bank. PHOTOS: AFP

TEL AVIV (AP) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that his government has voted unanimously to shut down the local offices of Qatar-owned broadcaster Al Jazeera, escalating Israel’s long-running feud with the channel at a time when cease-fire negotiations with Hamas – mediated by Qatar – are gaining steam.

According to a statement from Netanyahu’s office, the decision goes into effect immediately. It could include closing the channel’s offices in Israel, confiscating broadcast equipment, preventing the broadcast of the channel’s reports and blocking its websites, among other measures, the statement said.

Israeli media said the vote allows Israel to block the channel from operating in the country for 45 days, according to the decision.

“Al Jazeera reporters harmed Israel’s security and incited against soldiers,” Netanyahu said in the statement. “It’s time to remove the Hamas mouthpiece from our country.”

The extraordinary move is believed to be the first time Israel has ever shuttered a foreign news outlet, although its government has taken action against individual reporters in the past. The statement from Netanyahu’s office said that under a law passed last month, the government can take action against a foreign channel seen as “harming the country”.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjemin Setanyahu. PHOTO: AP

There was no immediate comment from Al Jazeera headquarters in the Qatari capital of Doha. But several Al Jazeera correspondents went on air to give their understanding of how the decision would affect the channel.

An Al Jazeera correspondent on its Arabic service said the order would affect the broadcaster’s operations in Israel and in east Jerusalem, where it has been doing live shots for months since the October 7 attack that sparked the war in Gaza.

It would not affect Al Jazeera’s operations in the Palestinian territories, the correspondent said.

Another correspondent, on Al Jazeera’s English channel, said the order barred the channel from “holding offices or operating them” in Israel. He said the broadcaster’s websites would be blocked, though they were still accessible by Sunday afternoon in Jerusalem.

Photos show the Al Jazeera television network offices in Ramallah in the occupied West Bank. PHOTOS: AFP

The decision threatens to heighten tensions with Qatar at a time when the Doha government is playing a key role in mediation efforts to halt the war in Gaza, along with Egypt and the United States.

Qatar has had strained ties with Netanyahu in particular since he made comments suggesting that Qatar is not exerting enough pressure on Hamas to prompt it to relent in its terms for a truce deal. Qatar hosts Hamas leaders in exile.

The sides appear to be close to striking a deal, but multiple previous rounds of talks have ended with no agreement.

Shortly after the government’s decision, Cabinet members from the National Unity party criticised its timing, saying it “may sabotage the efforts to finalise the negotiations and stems from political considerations”. The party said that in general, it supported the decision.

Israel has long had a rocky relationship with Al Jazeera, accusing it of bias. Relations took a major downturn nearly two years ago when Al Jazeera correspondent Shireen Abu Akleh was killed during an Israeli military raid in the occupied West Bank.

Those relations further deteriorated following the outbreak of Israel’s war against Hamas on October 7.

China’s smartphone shipments reach 69.3 million units in Q1

Technology

May 5, 2024

AFP China smartphone — File photo of chinese workers assembling electronic components Foxconn’s factory in Shenzhen, China. PHOTO: AFP

BEIJING (XINHUA) – China’s smartphone shipments grew by 6.5 per cent year-on-year to 69.3 million units in the first quarter of 2024, data from a recent industry report showed.

Although this growth figure was supported by a low comparison base year, it marked the second consecutive quarter of growth, adding momentum to market recovery, according to the report from global market research firm International Data Corporation (IDC).

The market saw better-than-expected shipment figures, driven mainly by strong growth on the part of both Honor and Huawei, while Lunar New Year festivities in the first quarter also stimulated shopping sentiment and demand for low to mid-range devices, IDC said.

File photo of chinese workers assembling electronic components Foxconn’s factory in Shenzhen, China. PHOTO: AFP

Najib’s friends seek full royal pardon for former PM

Southeast Asia

May 5, 2024

KUALA LUMPUR (ANN/THE STAR): A proposal requesting a comprehensive royal pardon for former Malaysian prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has been formally presented to Umno’s president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Deputy President of Kelab Sahabat Najib 87, Datuk Kamarudin Abdullah, conveyed that the organisation is petitioning for a complete pardon from His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, on behalf of Najib.

“We also hope that Najib can serve his sentence under house arrest instead of in prison,” he said during a gathering at Menara Dato Onn on Sunday.

Also present were Najib’s wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor and her youngest son, Mohd Norashman.

The body also pledged full support towards Umno and would defend its presidential party institution.

Earlier in his speech, Ahmad Zahid reaffirmed his commitment to make efforts to assist Najib.

Former prime minister of Malaysia Najib Razak. PHOTO: BERNAMA

“We should not easily give up and stop our efforts,” he said.

He added that many other ways aside from legal channels can be used in such efforts.

“We can do it in various ways with the blessing of Najib’s family,” he said, without divulging the full details due to the sensitive nature of the matter.

Zahid added that his friendship with Najib had gone way back since 1987, and he sympathised with what Najib had gone through.

“I have never looked back on this struggle, although I know the risk is high,” he said.

Najib, 70, has been serving his sentence in Kajang Prison since August 23, 2022, after his conviction in the SRC International case.

The High Court has set June 5 to decide on a leave application by Najib to challenge the existence of an addendum order, purportedly issued with the consent of the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, allowing him to serve the remaining six years of prison sentence under house arrest.

Voices of a warming world

Features

May 5, 2024

Businesswoman working with camera — PHOTO: ENVATO

Journalism’s crucial role in defending science, empowering voices against climate threats

In 2024, the importance of journalism and freedom of expression is crucial, especially in the context of the ongoing global environmental crisis.

Journalists face significant challenges in uncovering and sharing information on contemporary issues like supply chain problems, climate migration, extractive industries, illegal mining, pollution, poaching, animal trafficking, deforestation and climate change.

Ensuring these issues are visible is vital for promoting peace and democratic values globally.

In the face of the world’s triple planetary crisis – climate change, biodiversity loss and air pollution – misinformation campaigns that challenge scientific research methods and knowledge are becoming a serious threat.

Attacks on the validity of science endanger pluralistic and informed public debate. Misinformation, especially about climate change, can sometimes undermine international efforts to address these issues.

Misinformation about environmental issues can also lead to insufficient public and political support for climate action, effective policies, and the protection of vulnerable communities affected by climate change, including women and girls, as climate change tends to exacerbate existing inequalities.

For sustainable development, it is necessary for journalists to report accurately, timely, and comprehensively on environmental issues and their consequences, as well as on potential solutions.

Addressing these challenges in journalism however requires a comprehensive strategy. First, it’s essential to protect journalists from crimes and uphold their rights to freedom of expression and access to information while combating misinformation.

Enhancing the diversity and viability of media, particularly at regional and local levels, is crucial for fostering informed communities.

Moreover, the governance of digital platforms must promote transparency, accountability and user empowerment, aligning with international human rights standards as indicated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Additionally, promoting media and information literacy (MIL) programmes is key to empowering individuals with critical thinking skills necessary for navigating the digital environment effectively.

This approach will enhance public engagement and information quality across media platforms.

United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres, noted the “unprecedented environmental emergency” the world is currently facing, which poses an existential threat to this and future generations.

He emphasised the essential role of journalists and media workers in informing and educating the public, as highlighted in his message for World Press Freedom Day, observed every May 3.

“People need to know about this – and journalists and media workers have a key role in informing and educating them.”

As such, he believed that local, national and global media outlets should highlight stories about the climate crisis, biodiversity loss and environmental injustice.

“Through their work, people come to understand the plight of our planet, and are mobilised and empowered to take action for change.

“Media workers also document environmental degradation. And they provide evidence of environmental vandalism that helps to hold those responsible to account.”

Guterres acknowledged that environmental journalism has become an increasingly dangerous profession, as some powerful people, companies and institutions will stop at nothing to prevent journalists from doing their work.

He cited a UNESCO study that showed in the past 15 years, 750 attacks have been made on journalists and news outlets reporting on environmental issues, and 44 environmental journalists have been killed.

“But environmental journalists are not the only ones at risk,” he continued. “Around the world, media workers are risking their lives trying to bring us news on everything from war to democracy.

“I am shocked and appalled by the high number of journalists killed in Israeli military operations in Gaza.”

He then expressed the UN’s commitment to recognising the invaluable work of journalists and media professionals to ensure the public remains informed and engaged.

UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, reiterated the severity of the Earth’s environmental situation, noting the average global surface temperature is now 1.45 degrees Celsius higher than in the pre-industrial era.

She stressed the dual challenges of climate and journalism, noting no effective climate action is possible without access to free and reliable scientific information.

“Over the next few weeks, we will also be launching initiatives specifically dedicated to the environment, to provide environmental journalists with greater protection and to strengthen media education and information on major social networks.

“On May 3 this year, UNESCO relayed a simple message: protecting free and pluralistic information also means protecting our democracies and our planet,” she added.

Swiatek finds Nadal inspiration to win ‘crazy’ Madrid Open title

Sports

May 5, 2024

TOPSHOT-TENNIS-WTA-ESP — Iga Swiatek holds her trophy. PHOTO: AFP

MADRID (AFP) – Top-ranked Iga Swiatek came through “the most intense and crazy final” she has ever contested to avenge her loss to Aryna Sabalenka in last year’s Madrid final with a gruelling three-hour 11-minute victory in the Spanish capital on Saturday.

Coming back from 1-3 down in the decider and saving three match points in total, Swiatek claimed a 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (9/7) victory to secure the Madrid Open trophy for the first time.

“Well, who is going to say now that women’s tennis is boring, right?” said Swiatek.

Swiatek, who picked up the 20th title of her career, and ninth at the WTA 1000 level, has now won her last eight consecutive finals and joins Elena Rybakina with a tour-leading 30 victories this season.

The 22-year-old Pole confessed she felt tight in the first two hours of the contest but drew inspiration from Rafael Nadal, and his ability to step up mentally.

Iga Swiatek returns the ball against Aryna Sabalenka during the 2024 WTA Tour Madrid Open tournament final tennis match. PHOTO: AFP

“I was surprised that in the third set I felt the best mentally,” said Swiatek, who improved to 7-3 lifetime against two-time Madrid champion Sabalenka.

“One thing that came through my mind was that I think Rafa had a couple of matches like that.

“I remember exactly when he was playing (Daniil) Medvedev in Australia and it clicked for him. He also struggled for a bit of time, he was tense and I think stressed. That kind of gave me hope that maybe it will click, even after two hours.”

At the Caja Magica, the pair traded breaks to kick off the final and were neck and neck until Swiatek drew a forehand error from Sabalenka to break for 6-5 and closed out the 61-minute opening set on her first opportunity.

Despite squandering a 2-0 lead early in the second, Sabalenka manifested a set point on Swiatek’s serve in game 10, forcing a decider with a lightning-fast down-the-line forehand winner.

It was the fifth time in six matches this fortnight that Sabalenka found herself embroiled in a three-set duel and she was clearly ready to go the distance. The defending champion broke for 3-1 in the decider, peppering Swiatek with deep, powerful shots, but her lead was short-lived.

Swiatek saved a pair of match points on her own serve at 5-6 as the high-quality affair fittingly went to a deciding tiebreak.

Sabalenka produced an ace to save match point at 5-6 in the breaker and saw one of her own slip away as Swiatek survived for 7-7.

Moments later, the Polish world number one flung herself to the ground in disbelief as she sealed a heroic victory on a long backhand from Sabalenka.

“I think it was the most intense and, like, crazy final I played,” said Swiatek after the match.

Iga Swiatek holds her trophy. PHOTO: AFP

Haaland ‘back to business’ in Man City rout of Wolves

Sports

May 5, 2024

Britain Soccer Premier League — Manchester City's Erling Haaland. PHOTO: AP

AFP – Erling Haaland scored four as Manchester City closed to within three games of an unprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League title by thrashing Wolves 5-1 at the Etihad.

Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Bournemouth on Saturday had opened up a four-point lead for the Gunners.

But City showed no signs of feeling the pressure as they cut the gap back to one point and have three matches remaining to Arsenal’s two.

Haaland has faced criticism for not matching the standards of his stunning first season in Manchester, when he scored 52 goals as City won the treble.

However, the Norwegian took his tally for this season to 36 goals in 41 appearances with a devastating display of finishing.

“Erling is back to business,” said City boss Pep Guardiola.

“Penalties are a guarantee but the second and fourth (goals) were unbelievable.”

Haaland was restored to Pep Guardiola’s starting line-up after coming off the bench to score against Nottingham Forest last weekend on his return from injury.

However, Guardiola pointed to an earlier injury problem this season that kept him out for two months as the reason behind Haaland failing to hit the same heights as last year.

“He was injured, an important one, and he’s so tall to get back to your best form you need time,” added Guardiola.

Even if City collectively are also not at the same level as a year ago, they remain well on course for a Premier League and FA Cup double.

And Guardiola insisted they will need to win all three matches, despite Arsenal facing a tricky trip away to Manchester United next weekend.

“One week, three games. Nine points we will be champions, six or seven points, Arsenal will be champions.”

Manchester City’s Erling Haaland. PHOTO: AP

Residents flee Ukrainian village as Russian forces advance

World

May 5, 2024

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — The Ukrainian village of Ocheretyne has been battered by fighting, drone footage obtained overnight by The Associated Press shows. The village has been a target for Russian forces in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine.

Russian troops have been advancing in the area, pounding Kyiv’s depleted, ammunition-deprived forces with artillery, drones and bombs. Ukraine’s military has acknowledged the Russians have gained a “foothold” in Ocheretyne, which had a population of about 3,000 before the war, but says that fighting continues.

Residents have scrambled to flee the village, among them a 98-year-old womanwho walked almost 10 kilometres alone last week, wearing a pair of slippers and supported by a cane, until she reached Ukrainian front lines.

Not a single person is seen in the footage obtained late Friday, and no building in Ocheretyne appears to have been left untouched by the fighting. Most houses, apartment blocks and other buildings look damaged beyond repair, and many houses have been pummeled into piles of wood and bricks. A factory on the outskirts has also been badly damaged.

The footage also shows smoke billowing from several houses, and fires burning in at least two buildings.

Elsewhere, Russia has in recent weeks stepped up attacks on Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city.

Four people were wounded and a two-story civilian building was damaged and set ablaze overnight after Russian forces struck Kharkiv, in northeastern Ukraine, with exploding drones, regional Governor Oleh Syniehubov said Saturday.

The four, including a 13-year-old, were hurt by falling debris, he said on the Telegram messaging app.

Russian state agency RIA reported Saturday that Moscow’s forces struck a drone warehouse in Kharkiv that had been used by Ukrainian troops overnight, citing Sergei Lebedev, described as a coordinator of local pro-Moscow guerrillas. His comments could not be independently verified.

Russian forces continued hitting Kharkiv and its surroundings on Saturday, according to updates posted by Syniehubov and other Ukrainian officials on the Telegram messenger app. One strike hit a civilian business in an industrial district of the city, wounding at least six people, Syniehubov said. A further attack killed a 49-year-old civilian outside his house in Slobozhanske, a village northeast of the city, the governor reported.

In the Black Sea port of Odesa, which has been repeatedly targeted in recent days, three people were hurt in a rocket attack on “civil infrastructure,” regional Governor Oleh Kiper said.

Ukraine’s military said Russia launched a total of 13 Shahed drones at the Kharkiv and Dnipropetrovsk regions of eastern Ukraine overnight, all of which were shot down by Ukrainian air defences.

Ukraine’s energy ministry on Saturday said the overnight strikes damaged an electrical substation in the Dnipropetrovsk region, briefly depriving households and businesses of power.

According to Serhii Lysak, the province’s governor, falling drone debris damaged critical infrastructure and three private houses, one of which caught fire. Two residents were hospitalised.

Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed early on Saturday that its forces overnight shot down four US-provided long-range ATACMS missiles over the Crimean Peninsula, which Moscow illegally annexed from Ukraine in 2014. The ministry did not provide further details.

Ukraine has recently begun using the missiles, provided secretly by the United States, to hit Russian-held areas, including a military airfield in Crimea and in another area east of the occupied city of Berdyansk, US officials said last week.

Long sought by the leadership in Kyiv, the new missiles give Ukraine nearly double the striking distance — up to 300 kilometres — than it had with the mid-range version of the weapons it received from the US last October.

Later that day, Russia’s Emergencies Ministry reported that a major fire had engulfed a warehouse on the outskirts of the Crimean city of Simferopol. Dozens of emergency workers were dispatched to the site, and had extinguished the fire by early evening, according to the ministry.

The ministry did not say what had caused the blaze, or what was stored at the warehouse. There were no immediate reports of casualties or comment from Ukraine.

Also on Saturday, a Ukrainian drone damaged telecommunications infrastructure on the outskirts of Belgorod, a Russian city some 50 kilometres from the Ukrainian border, according to the local governor. Vyacheslav Gladkov did not say what the site was used for.

Hours later, Gladkov reported that five people in Belgorod were hospitalised, with shrapnel wounds and other injuries, following a strong blast on Saturday that also damaged around 30 private homes and sparked two fires. He did not immediately clarify what caused the explosions.

One Telegram news channel focusing on Belgorod posted claims Saturday that a Russian aerial bomb meant for Ukraine’s Kharkiv region across the border might have been dropped on the city by mistake.

According to an update by Pepel (“Ashes” in English), a channel run by Belgorod journalists now based outside Russia, local authorities had not issued any warnings prior to the blast. The destruction also appeared inconsistent with a Ukrainian drone strike, the post alleged.

Russian officials did not immediately respond to these claims, which could not be independently verified.

This drone footage obtained by The Associated Press shows the village of Ocheretyne, a target for Russian forces in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine. PHOTO: AP

Driver dies after crashing into White House gate

World

May 5, 2024

AP24126237101577 — The White House is visible through the fence at the North Lawn in Washington, on June 16, 2016. PHOTO: AP

WASHINGTON (AP) — A driver died after crashing a vehicle into a gate at the White House Saturday night, authorities said.

The driver was found dead in the vehicle following the crash shortly before 10.30pm at an outer perimeter gate of the White House complex, the US Secret Service said in a statement.

Security protocols were implemented but there was no threat to the White House, the agency said.

The driver was not immediately identified.

The Secret Service will continue to investigate the matter, while turning over the fatal crash portion of the investigation to the Washington Metropolitan Police Department, the agency said.

Borneo Bulletin OnlineThe Independent Newspaper in Brunei Darussalam, Sabah and Sarawak

Social Media

Category

Site Links