WC26 Third Place

England secured third place after defeating France in an incredibly dramatic and entertaining match... the playoff for third place turned into a goal-fest, with a remarkable 10 goals scored throughout the game, making it one of the most memorable matches of the tournament... both teams displayed attacking football from the opening whistle, creating numerous scoring opportunities and keeping spectators on the edge of their seats... although France fought hard and showed great determination to overturn the deficit, England proved more clinical in front of goal and managed to maintain their advantage until the final whistle...

the match showcased the quality, resilience, and attacking talent of both squads, with goals coming from a variety of players and situations... defensive mistakes, moments of brilliance, and relentless pressure contributed to the high-scoring encounter... while France will undoubtedly be disappointed to miss out on a podium finish, they can still be proud of reaching the latter stages of the competition and producing several outstanding performances throughout the tournament... for England, finishing in third place is a well-deserved reward for their consistency and determination... this victory allows them to end their campaign on a positive note and provides valuable momentum and confidence for future international competitions... the match will be remembered not only for England's achievement but also for the excitement and spectacle of a thrilling encounter that produced an extraordinary 6 goals...

Taxation Revision

Azim has been revising the Taxation topic in Mathematics... the basic formula begins with employment income, from which approved deductions are subtracted... these deductions include donations, gifts, and contributions approved by the government, as well as eligible tax reliefs... he should be careful when calculating tax reliefs: if the amount claimed exceeds the maximum limit stated, only the maximum allowable amount can be used; if the amount claimed is below the limit, the actual amount should be used... the Chargeable Income is calculated by subtracting all approved reliefs from the total income... next, the Income Tax is calculated using the tax rate table provided in the question... he should remember that if the chargeable income is below RM35,000, a RM400 tax rebate provided by the Government is automatically applicable... the Net Income Tax is obtained after considering the tax payable based on the relevant tax brackets... additional rebates, such as those for zakat and fitrah payments or certain approved religious travel levies, can then be deducted... the resulting figure is known as the Total Tax Charged...

finally, the PCB, which is the amount of tax already paid to the LHDN throughout the year, must be taken into account... if the question provides a monthly PCB amount, it must be multiplied by 12 months to obtain the annual total... the Tax Overpayment or Underpayment is calculated by comparing the Total Tax Charged with the PCB amount... if the PCB is greater than the Total Tax Charged, it means that too much tax has been paid, and the taxpayer will receive a tax refund from LHDN... on the other hand, if the Total Tax Charged is greater than the PCB, it means that insufficient tax has been paid, and the taxpayer must pay the outstanding balance to LHDN... this step is important in determining whether the taxpayer is entitled to a refund or is required to make an additional tax payment...

Listening Examination

the Bahasa Melayu and English listening examinations have now been completed... early this morning, Azim called me and asked for my prayers and blessings for his success, which made me feel both proud and touched... today is also a special day for all the students, as they have been given permission to return home... it is undoubtedly one of the happiest moments for them after spending such a long period at school without going home due to their commitment to attending SPM tuition classes during the weekends... the opportunity to reunite with their families, enjoy some rest, and recharge themselves before continuing their examination preparations is certainly something they have been eagerly looking forward to... may Azim and all his fellow students continue to stay focused, work hard, and achieve excellent results in their upcoming SPM examinations...

WC26 Semi-Final

the semi-final stage has now concluded, and both France and England have had to accept defeat against stronger opponents who successfully secured their places in the final... despite their impressive performances throughout the tournament, their journey toward the championship has come to an end... however, both teams will still have one more opportunity to finish on a high note as they face each other in the third-place playoff... attention now turns to the highly anticipated final between Spain and Argentina, where 2 of the tournament's best teams will compete for the ultimate prize... as we look forward to the championship match, I am sharing photos of the national squads that fell short of reaching the final... although they will not be contesting for the title, their determination, passion, and outstanding efforts throughout the competition deserve to be remembered and appreciated... these images serve as a tribute to their memorable journey and contribution to an unforgettable tournament...

 

Earwax Removal

it is a common procedure used to remove excessive or impacted earwax that may accumulate in the ear canal... the main benefits of ear cleaning include improved hearing, relief from a feeling of blockage or fullness in the ear, reduced ear discomfort, and easier examination of the ear by healthcare professionals... for individuals who produce excessive earwax, use hearing aids, or frequently wear earphones, professional ear cleaning can help prevent wax buildup that may interfere with hearing or cause irritation... in some cases, removing impacted earwax can also reduce symptoms such as ringing in the ears, dizziness, or mild ear pain...

the frequency of ear cleaning depends on the individual... most people do not require routine ear cleaning because the ear has a natural self-cleaning mechanism that gradually moves wax out of the ear canal... however, individuals who frequently experience wax buildup may benefit from professional cleaning every 6 to 12 months, while others may only need it when symptoms develop... it is generally not recommended to insert cotton buds or other objects into the ear, as this can push wax deeper into the canal and increase the risk of impaction or injury...

after ear cleaning treatment, some people may experience temporary side effects, which are usually mild and resolve within a short period... these may include slight dizziness, mild ear discomfort, temporary sensitivity to sound, a feeling of coolness or moisture in the ear, or minor irritation of the ear canal... in rare cases, complications such as infection, bleeding, damage to the ear canal, or perforation of the eardrum may occur, particularly if the procedure is performed improperly... therefore, ear cleaning should ideally be carried out by a qualified healthcare professional... overall, ear cleaning is a safe and effective procedure when performed appropriately and can contribute to better hearing, comfort, and ear health...

X50 Service 100K

today marked the 100,000-kilometre scheduled service for my Proton X50 after successfully securing an appointment slot last Monday... I arrived and registered at the service centre at 8:30 am... during the registration process, I requested the service team to thoroughly inspect any components that were still covered under warranty... if any defects or wear-and-tear issues were identified, I asked them to proceed with ordering the replacement parts and arrange a follow-up appointment... I also planned to combine the future visit with the replacement of the timing belt and air-conditioning belt... after completing the service registration, I headed straight to the office while the vehicle was being serviced... my Service Advisor was Nur Nadia Shafiqah (013-2423267), while the assigned Technician was Mr. Raj... I received an SMS notification at 11:30 am informing me that the service had been completed...

the total service bill amounted to RM531.51, which included RM7.20 in service tax... the items replaced and serviced included the Drain Plug (RM5.26), Fuel Filter (RM83.80), Air Conditioner Filter (RM69.00), 5 litres of Proton Genuine 5W30 Fully Synthetic Engine Oil (RM194.00), Windshield Cleaner (RM2.00), Fuel System Cleaner (RM30.00), Oil Filter (RM50.25), and Labour Charges (RM97.20, including service tax)... these components play important roles in maintaining the vehicle's performance... the fully synthetic engine oil provides superior lubrication and protection for the engine, while the oil filter removes contaminants from the oil... the fuel filter ensures clean fuel delivery to the engine, improving efficiency and performance... the air-conditioning filter helps maintain clean cabin air and optimal cooling performance, while the fuel system cleaner assists in removing deposits from the fuel system to improve combustion efficiency and fuel economy...

in addition, Nur Nadia informed me that several parts that are still covered under warranty have been approved for replacement... these include the lower arm, steering rack, steering column, driveshaft, grounding cable, front left wheel bearing, and the front tire sidewall... these are important components related to the vehicle's suspension, steering, drivetrain, electrical system, and overall driving comfort and safety... the replacement of these parts under warranty is a significant benefit, as it will help restore the vehicle to optimal condition without incurring additional repair costs... I will be contacted once the ordered parts arrive, after which a new appointment will be scheduled to complete the warranty replacement work... overall, the 100,000-kilometre service was productive and reassuring, ensuring that the X50 continues to remain reliable, safe, and well-maintained for the years ahead... 

Squat Position

this is the correct squat position that helps reduce the risk of injury, particularly to the knees, hips, and lower back... many people make mistakes when learning squats from pictures or online videos without proper guidance from a qualified trainer... 3 of the most common errors involve knee alignment, upper-body posture, and squat depth... first, the knees should always track in the same direction as the toes throughout the movement... allowing the knees to collapse inward places excessive stress on the knee joints and ligaments, increasing the risk of injury... second, the chest should remain upright while the spine and pelvis stay in a neutral position... rounding the back or excessively arching it can place unnecessary strain on the lower back and reduce the effectiveness of the exercise... maintaining proper posture helps distribute the load evenly across the body and improves stability... third, the squat should be performed with sufficient depth, lowering the body until the thighs are at least parallel to the floor or as far as individual mobility allows while maintaining good form... squatting too shallowly limits muscle activation, while going too deep without adequate mobility may compromise technique... when these 3 fundamentals are followed correctly, the squat becomes a highly effective exercise for strengthening the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, core, and supporting muscles while improving mobility, balance, and overall lower-body function... proper technique not only maximizes results but also ensures long-term joint health and injury prevention...

Task & Workload

in many workplaces, employees often face a situation that can be described as more tasks from above and more workload from below... from the top, management continues to introduce new initiatives, projects, targets, reports, committees, compliance requirements, and performance indicators that employees must fulfill... at the same time, from below, operational responsibilities and day-to-day work continue to increase as customer demands, stakeholder expectations, and administrative requirements grow... as a result, employees may feel trapped between strategic demands from management and operational pressures from their daily duties... this situation can lead to stress, burnout, reduced productivity, lower job satisfaction, and a decline in the quality of work... employees may find themselves spending more time completing paperwork, attending meetings, and responding to new requests than focusing on their core responsibilities...

a good solution begins with prioritization and workload management... organizations should regularly review tasks and distinguish between activities that are essential and those that add little value... management should avoid introducing new responsibilities without considering existing workloads and available resources... clear communication between leadership and employees is also important so that expectations remain realistic and achievable... in addition, organizations can improve efficiency through automation, digitalization, and process simplification to reduce unnecessary administrative burdens... delegation of tasks, hiring additional staff where necessary, and empowering employees to make decisions can further distribute the workload more fairly... from an individual perspective, employees should practice effective time management, set priorities, communicate workload concerns professionally, and focus on high-impact activities... ultimately, a healthy organization is not one that continuously adds more tasks, but one that ensures that objectives, resources, and employee well-being remain in balance... when this balance is achieved, both productivity and employee satisfaction can improve significantly...

WC26 Quarter-Final

the quarter-final stage has now been completed, leaving only 4 teams to advance to the highly anticipated semi-finals... as expected, the matches were fiercely contested, with every team giving their utmost effort in pursuit of a place among the tournament's final contenders... the quarter-finals showcased exceptional skill, determination, tactical battles, and memorable moments that kept fans entertained throughout... while 4 teams successfully secured their places in the next round, the journey has unfortunately come to an end for the others... to commemorate this stage of the competition, I am sharing photos of the national squads that were eliminated in the quarter-finals... although they fell short of reaching the semi-finals, their commitment, passion, and performances throughout the tournament deserve to be recognized and remembered... these images serve as a tribute to their achievements and the valuable memories they created during their campaign...

16th Johor State Election

the results of the 16th Johor State Election clearly indicate a strong resurgence of Barisan Nasional (BN), which secured 48 out of 56 seats, leaving Pakatan Harapan (PH) with only 8 seats... compared to the previous Johor state election in 2022, BN improved its performance significantly by gaining an additional 8 seats overall... within BN, UMNO increased its representation from 33 to 36 seats (+3), MCA doubled its seats from 4 to 8 (+4), and MIC increased from 3 to 4 seats (+1)... on the other hand, PH experienced a noticeable setback, with DAP declining from 10 to 6 seats (-4), while PKR and AMANAH maintained their respective seat counts without gains or losses... meanwhile, Perikatan Nasional (PN), which had previously held several seats, failed to retain any representation in the Johor State Assembly.

Berita Harian reported several factors may explain BN's impressive performance... first, the leadership of the Johor state government under Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi appears to have strengthened voter confidence in BN's ability to govern effectively... second, BN successfully attracted support across both urban and rural constituencies, including areas previously regarded as competitive... the strong performance of MCA suggests that a significant portion of Chinese voters returned to BN in several mixed and urban constituencies, particularly where MCA managed to capture seats previously held by DAP... similarly, MIC's clean sweep of its contested seats indicates continued support from segments of the Indian community... for PH, the results suggest the coalition may need to reassess its strategy in Johor... while DAP continues to maintain a presence in several urban strongholds, the loss of 4 seats indicates that its support base may no longer be as secure as before... the fact that PKR and AMANAH recorded no net gains also highlights the challenge of expanding PH's influence beyond its traditional support areas... PH's survival in only 8 constituencies demonstrates that it remains a relevant opposition force, but one that will need renewed momentum and stronger grassroots engagement if it hopes to make future gains...

this excerpt has been widely cited by many political analysts and commentators... however, my humble analysis differs from theirs... looking back at the previous General Election, PH required the support and collaboration of BN to form the federal government, which is evident from the inclusion of several BN Members of Parliament in the Cabinet... in Parliament, BN has also remained part of the governing bloc... BN's strategy appears to have been to maintain unity within its ranks by suspending MPs who did not support the coalition, thereby ensuring that its parliamentary strength was not reduced... the most significant outcome was that BN was able to govern alongside PH, despite both parties having been fierce rivals during the previous election campaign...

a similar situation emerged in this state election, where PH and BN contested against each other in all constituencies... from my observation, PH's campaign strategy remained largely unchanged, continuing to focus on criticizing BN's leadership... what I find particularly interesting is the position taken by PN after it was no longer led by BERSATU... under PAS's leadership, PN appeared to adopt a strategy aimed primarily at defeating PH... in constituencies where PAS was not contesting, PAS supporters were encouraged to vote for BN... this tactic seemed to be highly successful, even though PN did not win a single seat in Johor... rather than splitting the Malay vote in a state traditionally regarded as a stronghold of UMNO, the priority appeared to be ensuring a convincing BN victory... it is also possible that such an approach could pave the way for stronger economic cooperation between Johor and states governed by PAS in the future...

the key question now is whether BN will choose to work together with PH at the state level in Johor, given that there is virtually no opposition presence in the State Assembly, and whether PH representatives might be offered positions in the state administration... alternatively, PH may decide to remain as the opposition despite its limited representation... whatever the outcome, the decision ultimately lies with UMNO and BN, which have secured a commanding mandate from the electorate... when examining the voter turnout, which was around 75%, one may speculate about how different the results might have been if turnout had reached 100%... from my perspective, the election outcome may be viewed by some as an indication of increasing support among Malay voters... it also suggests that issues perceived as affecting Malay sensitivities continue to play an important role in shaping electoral preferences... while concerns may not always be expressed publicly or through immediate action, elections remain one of the main channels through which voters communicate their views and preferences to political leaders...

Hand Grip Exercises

this hand grip workout is excellent for developing grip strength, forearm endurance, hand power, and overall upper-body performance... a strong grip is beneficial not only for sports and weight training but also for everyday activities such as carrying objects, opening jars, and maintaining hand function as we age... the routine consists of 4 effective exercises: Heavy Gripper Closes, Barbell Finger Curls, Heavy Towel Dead Hangs, and Two-Plate Pinch Holds... the Heavy Gripper Closes involve squeezing a hand gripper against strong resistance, primarily targeting the crushing strength of the fingers, hands, and forearms... the Barbell Finger Curls are performed by rolling a barbell into the fingers and then curling it back into the palms, strengthening the forearm flexors and improving grip endurance... the Heavy Towel Dead Hangs require hanging from a pull-up bar while gripping towels draped over the bar, significantly challenging grip strength, forearm muscles, and shoulder stability... meanwhile, the Two-Plate Pinch Holds involve pinching and holding two weight plates together using the fingers and thumb, which develops pinch grip strength and thumb power... when performed consistently, these 4 exercises can greatly improve grip strength, forearm development, lifting performance, and overall hand function, making them an excellent addition to any strength-training programme...

Salt, Chili & Sugar

in life, there is much to learn from salt, chili, and sugar... salt teaches us humility because, even though it is rarely seen, its presence enhances the flavor of everything around it... likewise, we do not always need recognition for our contributions; sometimes, the greatest impact comes from quietly adding value to the lives of others... chili teaches us resilience and courage... its spicy taste may be intense, but it reminds us that challenges and hardships are part of life... just as a little chili can transform a meal, difficulties can strengthen our character and help us grow... sugar, on the other hand, teaches us kindness and compassion... its sweetness brings enjoyment and comfort, reminding us to speak gently, treat others with respect, and spread positivity wherever we go... together, salt, chili, and sugar symbolize the balance needed in life, humility to serve others, resilience to face challenges, and kindness to make the journey meaningful... a successful and fulfilling life is not about possessing only one of these qualities, but about knowing how to blend all three in the right measure...

Daily Routine

as a Muslim, establishing a daily routine of zikr and Quranic recitation from morning until night brings numerous spiritual, emotional, and psychological benefits... beginning the day with morning helps strengthen one's connection with Allah SWT, brings peace to the heart, and sets a positive tone for the day ahead... regular remembrance of Allah SWT nurtures gratitude, humility, and mindfulness... Reciting surahs provides spiritual protection, increases faith, and serves as a reminder of Allah SWT's guidance and mercy... throughout the day, continuous zikr helps reduce stress, anxiety, and negative thoughts while encouraging patience, self-control, and reliance upon Allah SWT in all matters... by consistently maintaining these daily practices from dawn until night, a Muslim develops a stronger relationship with Allah SWT, increases spiritual well-being, purifies the heart, and cultivates a lifestyle centered on faith, gratitude, and remembrance of the Creator...

WC26 Round 16

the Round of 16 has now been completed, and only the strongest and most deserving teams have earned their places in the quarter-finals... as expected, the competition became even more intense at this stage, with every team giving their all in pursuit of a spot among the tournament's elite... the matches were filled with excitement, skill, determination, and memorable moments that kept football fans on the edge of their seats... while some teams successfully advanced, others saw their journey come to an end despite their best efforts... to commemorate this stage of the tournament, I am sharing photos of the national squads that were eliminated in the Round of 16... although they will not continue to the quarter-finals, their performances, passion, and contributions to the tournament deserve to be remembered and appreciated... these images serve as a lasting tribute to their campaign and the unforgettable memories they created along the way...

Great Leaders

great leaders do not rely on a single leadership style... instead, they understand that different situations require different approaches, and they know when to adapt their leadership accordingly... at times, they lead from the front by providing clear direction, making decisive decisions, and inspiring others through their vision and actions... in other situations, they lead from behind by empowering their team members, encouraging collaboration, and allowing others to take ownership and grow... this flexibility enables leaders to bring out the best in their people while ensuring that organizational goals are achieved... by knowing when to step forward and when to step back, great leaders build trust, develop future leaders, and create a culture of shared responsibility and continuous success...

Hip Exercises

this hip workout is excellent for improving hip strength, stability, range of motion, and overall movement quality... tight or weak hips can contribute to lower back pain, poor posture, reduced athletic performance, and discomfort during daily activities... the routine consists of 4 effective movements: Hip Airplane, Psoas Stretch, Pigeon Pose, and 90/90 Hip Stretch... the Hip Airplane is a balance and stability exercise that strengthens the hip muscles, glutes, and core while improving hip control and coordination through rotational movement... the Psoas Stretch targets the hip flexors, particularly the psoas muscle, which often becomes tight due to prolonged sitting... this stretch helps improve posture, reduce lower back tension, and enhance hip mobility... the Pigeon Pose, a popular yoga movement, provides a deep stretch for the glutes, piriformis, and outer hip muscles, helping to relieve tightness and improve flexibility in the hip region... meanwhile, the 90/90 Hip Stretch focuses on both internal and external hip rotation by positioning the legs at right angles, promoting greater hip mobility, flexibility, and joint health... when performed regularly, these exercises can help reduce stiffness, improve movement efficiency, enhance athletic performance, and support healthier hips, making everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, and exercising more comfortable and effective...

Mathematics & History

the programme places a strong emphasis on SPM Mathematics and History tuition sessions conducted at MRSM Kuala Klawang.. these sessions are designed to enhance students' understanding of key concepts, strengthen their examination techniques, and improve their overall preparedness for the SPM examination... the Mathematics session focuses on developing problem-solving skills, mastering important formulas, and applying effective strategies to tackle both routine and higher-order thinking questions... students are guided through step-by-step solutions and practice exercises to improve accuracy, confidence, and time management during examinations... meanwhile, the History session aims to deepen students' understanding of significant historical events, concepts, and themes outlined in the SPM syllabus... emphasis is placed on critical thinking, source analysis, essay-writing techniques, and strategies for answering structured and essay-based questions effectively... through intensive revision, guided discussions, and hands-on exercises, students are encouraged to strengthen their subject mastery and examination skills... the overall objective of these sessions is to equip students with the knowledge, confidence, and motivation needed to achieve excellent results in their SPM examinations...

Bahasa Melayu & History

the programme places a strong emphasis on SPM Bahasa Melayu and History enrichment sessions conducted at SMK Dato' Undang Syed Ali Al-Jufri... the Bahasa Melayu session, led by Puan Ashaliza, is designed to strengthen students' language proficiency, focusing on grammar, comprehension, essay writing, and effective techniques for answering examination questions... students are guided through structured exercises and revision activities to improve their mastery of the language and boost their confidence in tackling the SPM examination... meanwhile, the History session, conducted by Mohamad Shafiq, focuses on enhancing students' understanding of key historical topics, critical thinking skills, and examination strategies... students are taught how to analyze historical events, interpret sources, and construct well-organized answers for both structured and essay-based questions... through interactive discussions, guided practice, and intensive revision, both sessions aim to help students improve their academic performance, strengthen their subject knowledge, and prepare effectively for the SPM examination... the programme also encourages discipline, active participation, and a positive learning attitude, enabling students to achieve their full academic potential...

WC26 Round 32

the Round of 32 knockout stage has now concluded, producing several unexpected results and a number of dramatic eliminations through penalty shootouts... as the tournament progresses, attention now turns to the Round of 16, where the remaining teams will battle for a place in the quarter-finals... the intensity of the competition continues to rise, with every match becoming even more important as the dream of lifting the world cup trophy draws closer... to commemorate this stage of the tournament, I am sharing photos of the national squads that were eliminated in the Round of 32... although their campaigns have come to an end, their efforts, determination, and memorable performances deserve to be recognized and remembered... these images serve as a tribute to their journey and contribution to the excitement and competitiveness of the tournament...