MADRID (AFP) – Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said yesterday his team’s “many styles” of play have helped them go 38 La Liga matches without defeat.
The Spanish and European champions lost just one league game last season, at Atletico Madrid on September 24, 2023.
Madrid have effectively gone unbeaten for a full league campaign, split between last season and the start of the current season, despite some in Spanish media criticising their approach.
“For me I don’t think it’s like that, that we play badly,” Ancelotti told a news conference.
“What stands out the most is that Real Madrid, over these years, doesn’t have one single identity, (we) have done things well, defended well in a low block, had very quick transitions, managed possession well in some games.
Carlo Ancelotti. PHOTO: AFP
“Not having a clear identity makes some think that we don’t have a style. And that’s the truth, we don’t have a style, we have many styles.” Barcelona hold the record for the longest unbeaten run in the Spanish top flight, going 43 games without defeat between April 2017 and May 2018 under Luis Enrique and mainly Ernesto Valverde.
Madrid host Alaves today aiming to cut down the four-point gap on leaders Barca, in what will be Ancelotti’s 300th game at the helm across two spells in all competitions.
The Italian coach said there will be “some rotations” when asked if their top scorer Kylian Mbappe would start against Alaves, after Vinicius Junior started on the bench in Saturday’s 4-1 win over Espanyol.
Madrid routed the Catalans in the second half after failing to find the net before the break, which they have only managed to do once in the league this season.
“We should put more intensity in, but understanding that teams lower their intensity in the second halves and there’s more space,” noted Ancelotti.
Midfielder Jude Bellingham seemed to hurt his shoulder against Espanyol, an issue he had trouble with last season too, but Ancelotti said he will be be ready to face Alaves.
BARCELONA (AFP) – Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen will have surgery on a ruptured knee tendon, the Catalan club said yesterday, with the club’s captain potentially sidelined for the rest of the season.
The 32-year-old German international was stretchered off after falling awkwardly during his team’s 5-1 victory over Villarreal on Sunday.
“(Ter Stegen) has a complete rupture in the patella tendon in his right knee,” said Barcelona in a statement.
“He will undergo a surgical process and once complete a new update will be released.”
Ter Stegen, who was criticised after making a mistake in Barcelona’s 2-1 Champions League defeat at Monaco, suffered the injury before half-time.
“I think it will be a huge injury, when he lay down on the field… you can see it directly,” Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said.
A man walks past a giant Euro logo at the visitor centre of the European Central Bank headquarters in Frankfurt am Main. PHOTO: AFP
BRUSSELS (AFP) – Eurozone business activity declined for the first time in seven months in September, as France lost steam after the end of the Paris Olympic Games, a key survey said yesterday.
S&P Global’s purchasing managers’ index (PMI) – a key gauge of the overall health of the economy – dropped to 48.9 in September, down from 51 in August.
Any reading below 50 indicated contraction.
“The eurozone is heading towards stagnation. After the Olympic effect had temporarily boosted France, the eurozone heavyweight economy, the Composite PMI fell in September to the largest extent in 15 month,” said chief economist at Hamburg Commercial Bank Cyrus de la Rubia. “Considering the rapid decline in new orders and the order backlog, it doesn’t take much imagination to foresee a further weakening of the economy.”
The survey showed powerhouses France and Germany were largely responsible for driving the slump in the 20-country economy. The manufacturing sector was down across the board.
A man walks past a giant Euro logo at the visitor centre of the European Central Bank headquarters in Frankfurt am Main. PHOTO: AFP
Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman in a group photo. PHOTO: AZLAN OTHMAN
A provider of haj services for Brunei Darussalam pilgrims in Makkah, Madinah, and Mashaer (Arafah and Mina) commended Brunei’s Haj Management for the successful organisation of this year’s pilgrimage, which proceeded smoothly as planned.
This was conveyed during a meeting between Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman, and the company’s chairman Dato Jamil Sulaiman from Saudi Arabia, yesterday.
Dato Jamil Sulaiman expressed hope that the cooperation would continue to strengthen in the future.
Also present at the courtesy call were Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Mohd Tashim bin Pengiran Haji Hassan; Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Religious Affairs Haji Mohammad Rosli bin Haji Ibrahim and Managing Director of the Haj Management Department, Haji Abdullah bin Haji Mohamad.
Earlier Dato Jamil Sulaiman met Haji Abdullah to discuss preparations for next year’s haj, with a focus on reviewing services at Mashaer (Arafah and Mina) to enhance the pilgrimage experience. – Azlan Othman
Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman in a group photo. PHOTO: AZLAN OTHMAN
Japanese Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Maeda Toru presents the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold and Silver Rays to Jessy Yap Bee Hoon.
PHOTO: JAPANESE EMBASSY IN BRUNEI DARUSSALAM
Jessy Yap Bee Hoon, who served the Embassy of Japan in Brunei Darussalam from 1989 to 2023, was recently conferred with the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold and Silver Rays.
The conferment ceremony was held at the official residence of the Japanese Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Maeda Toru, who handed over the decoration of the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold and Silver Rays.
Jessy Yap began her career with the embassy in 1989, later becoming the ambassador’s secretary from 2015 to 2023.
Her 34 years of service contributed to strengthening the bilateral relations between the Sultanate and Japan, while also serving as a role model to the embassy staff.
In her speech, Jessy Yap expressed her appreciation and said, “Today, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude. After 34 remarkable years with the Japanese Embassy, I am both honoured and humbled to have my friends and family here to witness this special moment as I receive the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold and Silver Rays from the government of Japan.”
She also thanked the Japanese ambassador and her former colleagues at the Embassy of Japan.
As she looks forward to retirement, she shared, “I am excited for what lies ahead but will always cherish the time I spent with everyone.” – James Kon
Japanese Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Maeda Toru presents the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold and Silver Rays to Jessy Yap Bee Hoon. PHOTO: JAPANESE EMBASSY IN BRUNEI DARUSSALAM
ABOVE & BELOW: Acting Minister of Finance and Economy Pengiran Datin Seri Paduka Hajah Zety Sufina binti Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Sani during the Maulidur Rasul celebration; and Director of the Core Knowledge Centre at the Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan Dr Haji Noralizam bin Haji Aliakhbar delivers a speech. PHOTO: RAFI ROSLI
The public should strengthen their devotion by adhering to Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) teachings, Director of the Core Knowledge Centre at the Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan Dr Haji Noralizam bin Haji Aliakhbar said, stressing the importance of following his guidance, as stated in Surah Al-Hasyr Verse 7.
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was sent as a mercy to all creation, referencing Surah Al-Anbiya’ Verse 107. The Prophet’s (pbuh) life reflected Allah the Almighty’s compassion, guiding humanity from ignorance to monotheism, worshipping Allah the Almighty alone, he said in a talk titled ‘Rasulullah Rahmat Sekalian Alam’ at an event by the Ministry of Finance and Economy (MoFE) and its departments to commemorate the Maulidur Rasul celebration for 1446 Hijrah at the ministry’s Theatre Hall yesterday.
Dr Haji Noralizam also highlighted that the Prophet’s (pbuh) mercy transcended all boundaries, with his teachings delivered through divine revelation, rather than human reasoning or desires.
“The core of the Prophet’s (pbuh) message was one of love, mercy and unwavering faith in Allah the Almighty, which continues to serve as a timeless guide for Muslims.” Acting Minister of Finance and Economy Pengiran Datin Seri Paduka Hajah Zety Sufina binti Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Sani was present at the event. Acting permanent secretary (Fiscal I), deputy permanent secretary (Trade and Industry) and heads of departments, along with staff from MoFE and the Brunei Darussalam Central Bank also attended. The event began with a Dikir performance and the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah.
The event concluded with the recitation of Doa Selamat and Doa Peliharakan Sultan dan Negara Brunei Darussalam. The event, organised by the Treasury Department, serves to honour the Prophet’s (pbuh) legacy and foster love and devotion towards him. – Fadley Faisal
ABOVE & BELOW: Acting Minister of Finance and Economy Pengiran Datin Seri Paduka Hajah Zety Sufina binti Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Sani during the Maulidur Rasul celebration; and Director of the Core Knowledge Centre at the Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan Dr Haji Noralizam bin Haji Aliakhbar delivers a speech. PHOTO: RAFI ROSLIPHOTO: RAFI ROSLI
The Selawat recitation and Qasidah during the Maulidur Rasul celebration. PHOTO: DANIEL LIM
New converts from across Belait District participated in a Selawat ceremony in conjunction with the Maulidur Rasul celebration for 1446 Hijrah, honouring the birth of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
The event featured the recitation of Selawat and Qasidah led by officers from the Belait District Dakwah Unit, followed by a series of tazkirah that explored the significance of the Selawat and Qasidah recitation.
The ceremony aimed to guide the district’s new converts by emphasising the importance of the Maulidur Rasul celebration in the Islamic faith, while fostering closer ties between the converts and Islamic Da’wah Centre (PDI) officers and staff.
Acting Director of the PDI Ahmad Abdussalam bin Haji Abdul Rahman was the guest of honour at the event at the Belait District Dakwah Unit halls.
Head Religious Officer at the Belait District Religious Affairs Office Mohammad Aliyani bin Ismail, heads of the Dakwah Units from Tutong and Temburong districts, as well as PDI officers and staff were also present. – Daniel Lim
The Selawat recitation and Qasidah during the Maulidur Rasul celebration. PHOTO: DANIEL LIM
The attendees during the morning session of the nationwide talk on the use of cooling equipment containing flammable gas. PHOTO: JAMES KON
Brunei Darussalam managed to reduce the use of ozone depleting substances (ODS) by 61.8 per cent, achieving the target baseline set by the Montreal Protocol, Director of the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation (JASTRe) Hajah Martinah binti Haji Tamit said.
She said this in her welcoming remarks at the nationwide talk on the use of cooling equipment containing flammable gas, in conjunction with the World Ozone Day (WOD) 2024 celebration, at a hotel yesterday.
“With the cooperation of all stakeholders, Brunei Darussalam will be able to reach its next target of 67.5 per cent in 2025,” she added. The target is achieved through the Import Permit System and the allocation of hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) import quotas which came into force on January 1, 2013 and also the cooperation of relevant agencies.
Explaining the Montreal Protocol, she said, “In 1985, the Vienna Convention for the protection of the ozone layer and the Montreal Protocol were established to ensure the protection and restoration of the ozone layer.
“The convention agreed that high commitment from all countries is required to control the production and use of ozone depleting substances that contain chlorine such as chloroflourocarbon (CFC) and HCFC.”
The attendees during the morning session of the nationwide talk on the use of cooling equipment containing flammable gas. PHOTO: JAMES KONDirector of the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation Hajah Martinah binti Haji Tamit delivers a welcoming remark. PHOTO: JAMES KONABOVE & BELOW: Photos show participants during the dissemination. PHOTO: JAMES KONPHOTO: JAMES KON
Therefore, she said, “WOD is celebrated on September 16 every year to commemorate the commitment and obligation of each member country to protect the earth’s ozone layer.”
This year’s WOD, themed ‘Montreal Protocol: Advancing Climate Action’, “celebrates over three decades of commitment and efforts implemented by member countries”.
The briefing was split into four topics: Introduction of ozone layer and Montreal Protocol; Introduction on Best practices in the use of flammable gas; Energy Efficiency (Standards and Labelling) Act; and Fire Safety Certification and Fire Safety Order.
Some 200 participants, including Legislative Council members Yang Berhormat Amran bin Haji Maidin, Yang Berhormat Lawi bin Haji Lamat, Yang Berhormat Haji Daud bin Jihan, Yang Berhormat Zainol bin Mohamed and Yang Berhormat Mohammad Ali bin Tanjong with mukim penghulus and village heads from the Brunei-Muara District and officers from government agencies, were present.
The dissemination aimed to equip grassroots leaders with knowledge on the role and importance of the Montreal Protocol and the procedures of using air conditioners that utilise flammable gases and energy saving equipment.
It also aimed to increase awareness on the negative effects of ODS on the ozone layer and promote alternatives, while highlighting best practices, such as using certified technicians for servicing equipment and ensuring flammable gases used are approved by JASTRe.
The talk will also be held in other districts this month. – James Kon
Bruneians are most concerned about heatwaves (68.9 per cent), floods (67 per cent), and droughts (52.4 per cent), according to the Southeast Asia Climate Outlook Survey 2024 by ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute.
The survey, conducted online from July 10 to August 17, gathered 2,931 responses from across ASEAN, with findings released on September 17.
Despite these concerns, only 22.7 per cent of Brunei respondents expressed strong concern about climate change, though 55.3 per cent agreed it is an issue worth monitoring. Regionally, 52.6 per cent believe climate change will negatively affect their health, with the Philippines (71.5 per cent), Vietnam (61.4 per cent) and Thailand (55.8 per cent) showing the most concern. In Brunei, only 28.2 per cent believe their health will be impacted. On lifestyle changes made for climate action, 71.4 per cent of respondents reduced single-use plastics, though this is down from 83.5 per cent in 2023. Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand lead in reducing plastic use. Brunei, however, had the highest percentage (11.7 per cent) of respondents reporting no lifestyle changes.
Looking ahead, 59.8 per cent of Southeast Asians expect extreme weather and climate impacts to affect them personally by 2034, up from 55.7 per cent in 2023. In Brunei, 13.6 per cent believe they won’t experience any impacts in the next decade, the highest proportion in the region.
Meanwhile, the survey also found out that the proportion of those who see climate change as a serious and immediate threat dropped to 42.5 per cent in 2024. This was down from 49.4 per cent in 2023, 45.8 per cent in 2022 and 72.2 per cent in 2021. The majority of Southeast Asians either view climate change as an important issue that deserves monitoring or as a serious and immediate threat to their countries’ well-being with the Philippines showing the greatest concern (55.3 per cent). Vietnam respondents (46.9 per cent) also expressed higher levels of concern compared to the regional average of 42.5 per cent.
PHOTO: ENVATO
Floods (70.3 per cent), heat waves (51.8 per cent) and landslides triggered by heavy rain (49.8 per cent) are the top three most serious climate change impacts in the lived climate experiences of Southeast Asians.
Landslides triggered by heavy rain were among the top three concerns last year. Given the unique and diverse geographies of the tropics, it is not surprising that there are variations among regional respondents’ experiences with extreme weather events. In the Philippines, tropical storms (72.6 per cent) and floods (72.1 per cent) are top concerns due to the country’s vulnerability to typhoons, while Singapore is more worried about heat waves (82.1 per cent) and rising sea levels (71.6 per cent) because of its low-lying position. Thailand’s concerns focus on drought (72.5 per cent) and heat waves (70.3 per cent), as the region experienced an unusually long El Niño season.
Those with higher education levels are more likely to view climate change as an immediate threat. Mainstream news remains the leading source of climate information (36 per cent), followed by social media and online influencers (28.7 per cent). Messaging apps including WhatsApp and Telegram have overtaken personal conversations as a key information source.
June 2024 marked the 12th straight month with global temperatures 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. In Southeast Asia, extreme weather like droughts, floods and typhoons are clear signs of climate change’s impact.
Nearly 60 per cent of respondents believe their lives will be severely affected in the next 10 years, and over half think climate change will harm their health. Food insecurity is also rising, with 70 per cent reporting it, up from 60 per cent in 2023.
Support for a national carbon tax is high, with over 90 per cent willing to shoulder the cost. Vietnam (75 per cent) and Indonesia (73.5 per cent) showed the greatest support. Japan was most recognised as a global leader in climate action (22.4 per cent), overtaking the European Union and the United States.
This is the fifth annual edition of the survey and the institute will continue to monitor the views of Southeast Asians as climate change issues develop in the coming years. – Azlan Othman
Brunei Masters Athletics Association members during the 12th Sabah Masters Athletics Open Championship over the weekend at Keningau Stadium and Sports Complex, Sabah. PHOTO: HAJAH MARIAH BINTI HAJI METUSSIN
The Brunei Masters Athletics Association clinched 13 gold, four silver and three bronze medals at the 12th Sabah Masters Athletics Open Championship over the weekend at Keningau Stadium and Sports Complex, Sabah.
Brunei’s contingent, comprising 10 male and two female athletes, was led by honorary secretary Hajah Mariah binti Haji Metussin as team manager.
Two athletes won four gold medals – Alinawati binti Aliakbar in shot put, javelin, long jump and high jump, and Haji Zainal bin Haji Namit in javelin, high jump, triple jump and shot put. Meanwhile, Haji Tiang bin Mudin collected one gold and two silver medals in long jump, 100-metre (m) dash and 200m. Pengiran Azizul Akbar bagged one gold and one silver in discus throw and shot put, while Salman Siggar clinched one gold and one bronze in discus and shot put.
Omar bin Kahar walked away with one gold medal in the 5,000m-walk and Ampuan Abdul Khifli won one gold medal in discus throw. Budin anak Meringgai won one silver and two bronze medals in 200m run, long jump and triple jump.
Some 700 athletes from ASEAN member nations participated in 16 events.
Hajah Mariah said their next target is the Malaysian International Open Masters Athletics Championship at MSN Stadium Bukit Jalil in Kuala Lumpur on October 12-13. – Azlan Othman
Brunei Masters Athletics Association members during the 12th Sabah Masters Athletics Open Championship over the weekend at Keningau Stadium and Sports Complex, Sabah. PHOTO: HAJAH MARIAH BINTI HAJI METUSSIN
