Ornamental Fish - Fighting Fish Stamp

Betta Splendens

Betta splendens is a kind of fighting fish, which are produced through the cross-breeding of fighting fish from Malaysia, Thailand and Kampuchea. These cross-bred species is a very popular ornamental fish. They are not breed naturally in this country instead are bred using the standard Betta breeding techniques. Breeding and selection of commercial Betta splendens are actively pursued in this country. The new strains are actually originated from unattractive, greenish and short-finned fish that is still bred in Thailand for fighting. Hybridizations amongst different strains are commonly carried out to produce attractive new hybrids, in fact often resulting in brilliant colored Betta splendens with different shapes of fins. Betta splendens are usually peaceful with other fish of its own size. However, the males are very aggressive with one another. To prevent fighting, they are normally kept solitary in transparent small containers.

Local Fighting Fish (Betta Imbellis)

They are found in clear stagnant acidic water especially in paddy fields, rubber estates or coconut plantations. Quite peaceful among each other compared with the common fighting fish. Male is brightly colored with green to greenish blue scale. A prolific bubble-nest builder if supplied with live food. This species can easily be bred and adapt in an aquarium environment if provided with acidic cold water and a lot of vegetations.

Red Fighting Fish (Betta Coccina)

A very timid fighting fish is known as a dwarf Betta. The fish is endemic to highly acidic black water area. After conditioning the wild, the fish manage to tribe well in neutral aquarium water. The fish can spawn in the tank by providing a conducive environment and hiding place such as bogwoods or water vegetation. They spawn in hollow PVC tubes or submerged bogwood. A single pair can produced about 30 offspring.



Technical Details

Date of Issue : 26th April 2003

Stamp Value : 30 sen, 50 sen & RM1 setenent

Stamp Size : 40mm x 30mm

Sheet Content : 20 Stamps

Miniature Sheet Size : 100mm x 70mm

Stamp Size in Miniature Sheet : 34mm X 29mm

Stamp Value on Miniature Sheet : 50 sen x 2

First Day Cover Value : 30 Sen

Perforation : 14

Paper : Watermarked SPM, Phosphor Coated

Printing Process : Hologram & Lithography

Printer : Percetakan Keselamatan Nasional Sdn. Bhd.

Designer : Hazel Design

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Coronation - HRH Sultan Selangor IX Stamp

His Royal Highness Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah ibni Almarhum Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah was proclaimed as the ninth Sultan of Selangor on November 22, 2001 after the demise of his father, the late Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah on November 21, 2001. His Royal Highness was given the title Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah. His Royal Highness was born on December 24, 1945 at Istana Jema'ah Klang Selangor (present Islamic College, Klang) and is the eldest son of 10 children of the late DYMM Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Alhaj and YMM Raja Shaidatul Ihsan Binti Tengku Badar Shah @ Raja Lat (with the title Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Bonda Raja Selangor).

His Royal Highness received his early education at the Malay Primary School, Jalan Raja Muda Kuala Lumpur and St John's Institution Primary School From 1954 to 1959. His Royal Highness then continued his secondary education at Hale School in Perth, Australia in 1960 before proceeding to England to further his education at the Langhurst College in Surrey in 1964.

On September 3rd, 1960 at the age of 15 His Royal Highness was proclaimed and gazette as the Crown Prince of Selangor. The installation ceremony was held at Istana Alam Shah, Klang on March 14, 1970, thus His Royal Highness became the eighth Raja Muda of Selangor.

On his return from England in 1968 after completing his studies, His Royal Highness has held several posts in the Selangor State and Federal Government Administrative Services. His Royal Highness was attached to the Selangor State Secretariat, the District Office and the Royal Malaysian Police Department in Kuala Lumpur and has gained wide experience and knowledge in the fields of administration.

His Royal Highness is blessed with 2 daughters, YAM Tengku Zerafina and YAM Tengku Zatashah, and a son DYTM Tengku Amir Shah ibni Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, the Raja Muda of Selangor.

His Royal Highness Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah was also actively involved in sports. A keen sportsman and an ardent supporter of Football Association of Selangor (FAS). In recognition to his great interest and support of the Association, His Royal Highness was appointed as Chairman of the Semi-Pro Football Association and made as an Honorary Life President of the Football Association of Selangor.

His Royal Highness is also active in adventurous sports such as sailing, vintage car race and mountain scaling to add to his credits. The most prestige Vintage Car Race that His Royal highness has participated and achieved was the "Peking to Paris Challenge" in 1997. The race was a 16,000 kilometer distance that took 43 days driving through 15 countries (China, Mongolia, Tibet, Nepal, India, Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, Greece, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Germany and France). His Royal Highness received the Silver Medal under the Vintage Car Class.

In 1995-1996 His Royal Highness created history for Selangor by sailing on world circumnavigation with his yatch "S.Y. Jugra" for 21 months (27,940 nautical miles) which made him the first Malay from the Royal Family to achieve the challenge.

His Royal Highness was also awarded as Honorary member and Fellowship and appointed as Patrons by various organizations, associations, councils, clubs, societies and foundations.

In the academic fields, His Royal Highness was appointed the Pro-Chancellor of University Teknologi MARA (UiTM) on May 20, 2000. On March 31, 2001 University Teknologi MARA conferred His Royal Highness the honorary degree of the 'Doctor of Public Administration'. And on April 1st, 2002 His Royal Highness was appointed as the 'Chancellor' or University Putra Malaysia (UPM).

His Royal Highness is extremely interested in art, and has a very good collection of Art works by local and Asian artists. His other hobbies include reading, yachting, photography, collecting stamps and traditional Malay weapons (keris). Presently His Royal Highness is the Chairman of the Board of Trustees Yayasan Seni Selangor (Selangor Art Foundation) and Galeri Shah Alam.

Technical Details

Date of Issue : 8 March 2003

Denomination : 30 sen, 50 sen, RM1.00

Stamp Size : 30mm X 40mm

Perforation : 14

Sheet Content : 20 stamps

First Day Cover Value : 30 Sen

Presentation Pack Value : RM3.50

Paper : SPM Watermarked, Phosphor Coated

Printing Process : Lithography

Father of Independence Malaysia Stamp

Tunku Abdul Rahman was born at the 'Istana Tiga Tingkat' (Three Storey Palace) in Alor Setar, Kedah on the 8th of February, 1903. He was the 20th child of Sultan Abdul Hamid Halimshah, the 24th Sultan of Kedah. Tunku's mother, Nerang, better known as Che Menjalara, was a descendent of Chao Phya Maha Kota, Thailand. Although Tunku lived at the palace grounds, he frequently slipped out to play with the village boys. His moderate personality with a good sense of humor and down to earth manner in which he carried himself, made him often known as 'The Prince" with a common touch.

When he was ten, his mother sent him to stay with his eldest brother, Tunku Yusuf in Bangkok and he had the opportunity to study at the Debsurin School. However, when Tunku Yusuf passed away, Tunku had to return to Kedah. He then studied in a Malay school for a year and then joined the Penang Free School.

When he was seventeen, Tunku left for England to continue his studies, on a Kedah Government Scholarship. He also represented his college in his favorite game, football. In 1926, Tunku returned to Kedah with a bachelor's degree in law and history from the Cambridge University which he obtained in 1925. 4 months later, Tunku was sent back to England by his elder brother, Tunku Ibrahim, who was the Raja Muda (Crown Prince) of Kedah at that time to continue with his law studies at the Inner Temple. In view of the increasing number of Malay students, he got together with the others and formed The Malay Association of Great Britain and was elected secretary of the association. Due to lack of concentration, after 5 years he failed in his studies and returned to Malaya.

Tunku chose to join the Civil Service as a cadet in the Legal Advisor's Office in Alor Star and then as Assistant District Officer and District Officer in several areas in Kedah.

In 1933, Tunku married a Chinese lady who became a Muslim, Meriam and had two children, Tunku Khadijah and Tunku Ahmad Nerang. Not long after that, when Tunku was in charge of Kuala Nerang, Meriam died of malaria, in a time when he was trying hard to improve health and medical conditions there. Another attempt to complete his law studies in England was made in 1938. While there, Tunku married Violet Coulson from England, but the union was short-lived. When the Second World War broke out Tunku had to return to Kedah. He was appointed District Officer of Sungai Petani and later of Kulim. In 1939, he married Sharifah Rodziah bt. Syed Alwi Barakbah and they lead a happy married life until the end of Tunku's life.

Tunku was determined to finish his studies. In 1947, he went back to England and this time he returned happily after successfully completing his studies at the Inns of Court.

Soon after that, Tunky was made Chairman of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), Kedah. When Dato' Oon bin Jaafar resigned as UMNO President, Tunku was chosen to lead the party. Among historic events guided by Tunku was the political alliance of UMNO and the Malayan Chinese Association (MCA) in 1952 and with the Malayan Indian Congress (MIC) who joined the Alliance in 1955. On the same year, Tunku also declared an amnesty for communist terrorists who surrendered. 5 years later, the concerted efforts of all Malayans succeeded in ending the Emergency caused by communist terrorism.

Efforts in freeing the country from being ruled further by the British were finally accomplished. On the midnight of 30th August 1957 at the Selangor Club Padang, the Malayan flag was hoisted taking place of the Union Jack. The next morning, the 31st of August, at the Merdeka Stadium, Tunku read the Proclamation of Independence followed by the shouts of "Merdeka' which were joyously echoed by thousands who were there and the millions who followed the proceedings through the radio.

Nearly 3 years later, Tunku mooted the formation of Malaysia, to comprise Malaya, Singapore, North Borneo, Sarawak and Brunei. Brunei decided not to join the formation. Although the Philippines and Indonesia opposed, Malaysia was successfully formed in 1963. In 1965, Singapore decided to leave Malaysia and that decision saddened Tunku.

Tunku then relinquished his position as the first Prime Minister of Malaysia in 1970 to his deputy Tun Abdul Razak after the race riot outbreak on the 13th May 1969. Even though Tunku was not holding any position in the government, he continued to contribute through his books, newspaper columns and occasional speeches. Tunku also received numerous honors, awards and honorary degrees for his role and effort from the State and Federal Government, universities, charity organizations and foreign governments.

The late Tunku Abdul Rahman passed away in 1990 at the age of 87 years old.

Technical Details

Date of Issue : 3-Mar-2003

Stamp Value : 30 Sen; 50 Sen; RM1.00 ( 2 Designs )

Stamp Size : 30mm X 40mm

Miniature Sheet Denomination : RM1.00

Miniature Sheet Size : 100mm X 70mm

Stamp Size in Miniature Sheet : 30mm X 40mm

Perforation : 14

Sheet Content : 20 stamps

Stamp Designer : Hazel Design

Paper : SPM Watermarked, Phosphor Coated

Printing Process : Lithography

First Day Cover Value : 30 Sen

Roses in Malaysia 2003 Stamp

Malaysia is famous for the beauty of its flora and fauna. Having an Equatorial climate enables Malaysia to enjoy the ideal weather for the cultivation of various plants and trees. One of the plants that flourish in Malaysia is the rose tree. Roses are probably the most popular flower in the country. It's frequently sought after as a symbol of remembrance during special days like anniversaries, birthdays and also during festive season.

Roses come in a variety of sizes and colors. Most of the roses found in Malaysia are fragrant though there are those which are odorless. Generally, roses need extra care in its cultivation. From its soil, fertilizer and insect repellant, all this information is vital in order to produce a beautiful and healthy blossom.

Rosa hybrida is the favorite species of rose in the country. Among popular breeds of Rosa hybrida is the hybrid team which is also the largest group of roses. They are either budded or grafted meaning they are not growing off their own rootstock. The complex hybridization process has resulted to the many colors, flower sizes and forms or roses.

Floribundas were produced by crossing Polyantha roses with Hybird Teas. Floribunda lives in a group and is suitable to be grown either on flowerbeds or in pots. This species normally grows between 3 to 5 feet high.

The Floribunda featured here is a rare species. Stripes, which appear on its petals, make it more unique, Floribundas can live in most climates and has a strong resistance in combating diseases that frequently attacks other species of roses. As the name suggests, the blossoms of Floribunda miniature is small in size and most of its plants can be categorized as shrubs, Due to its physical condition, it is perfect for containers, window boxes or patios. Only a few of these species are fragrant. This doesn't stop them from be admired for their beauty.

Rosa centifolia is one of two species of roses that can produce fragrant oil. The oil is quite pricy, as tonnes of its petals are needed just to produce a liter of oil. The oil is used by perfume and cosmetics manufacturer to obtain the rose fragrance in their products. Thorny like most species of roses, Rosa centifolia can grow until 8 feet high and are normally pink or yellow in color.



Technical Details

Date of Issue : 22-Feb-2003

Stamp Value : 30 Sen ( 2 Designs); 50 Sen Setenant ( 2 Designs )

Stamp Size : 35mm X 35mm

Sheet Content : 20 Stamps

Miniature Sheet Denomination : RM3.00

Miniature Sheet Size : 70mm X 100mm

Stamp Size in Miniature Sheet : 29.85mm X 40.8mm

Perforation : 14

Paper : Watermarked, Phosphor Coated

Printing Process : Fragrant Ink

First Day Cover Value : 30 Sen

Presentation Pack Value : RM3.00

XIII Conference of Heads of State or Government of The Non-Aligned Movement Stamp

The Non-Aligned Movement

Historical Background

The formation of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) can be traced back to the newfound sentiments and determination of the leaders of 29 Asian and African countries, most of which were then newly independent ones that participated in the Asian-African Conference, more popularly known as the Bandung Conference, held in Bandung, Indonesia from 18-24 April 1955.

The Bandung Conference discussed the possible measures that these countries could implement in enhancing close cooperation in the fields of politics, economy and culture. The main trust of the Final Communique of the Conference was the Dasa Sila Bandung (The Ten Principles of Bandung) which provided an agreed premise for them to govern the conduct of relations among themselves as well as with other countries in the said fields of cooperation.

Establishment

At the collective initiative of President Josip Eroz Tito of the then Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, President Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt, Prime Minister Jawalharlal Nehru of India, and President Ahmad Soekarno of Indonesia, and with the co-sponsorship of Afghanistan, the Preparatory Meeting for the 1st Conference of Heads of State or Government of NAM (1st NAM Summit) was convened, in Cairo, Egypt from 5-12 June 1961. The meeting was aimed at conducting "a general discussion in an atmosphere of friendship and understanding or questions relating to the holding of the 15t NAM Summit".

As recommended by the aforementioned Cairo Preparatory Meeting, the 1st NAM Summit was held in Belgrade, Yugoslavia from 1-6 September 1961. Thus, the convening of the Summit marked the birth of NAM.

Since the 1st NAM Summit in Belgrade in 1961, 11 subsequent Summits were held which involved ever-increasing participation by the developing countries. Currently, the NAM is represented by 114 member countries, 16 observer countries, 7 observer organizations, 31 quest countries and 42 guest organizations.

Malaysia was officially brought into the fold of the Movement as a member country with its participation in the Informal Meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of NAM at New York on 27 September 1969. Subsequently, the Malaysian Delegation, led by Tun Abdul Razak as the then Prime Minister, attended its first ever Summit as a member country at the 3rd NAM Summit in Lusaka, Zambia from 8-10 September 1970.

Principles and Objectives

The appeal of NAM lies both in its origin as well as its principles and objectives. The idea grew out of a desire of a great majority of newly independent countries of Asia, Africa, Europe and Latin America and the Caribbean to be free from any alignment in the then rigidly bipolar world. Such a sentiment was able to reduce tension and safeguard their newfound independence and national integrity.

The XIII NAM Summit

The Conference of HOSIGs or NAM Summit is the highest decision-making authority of the Movement. The existing practice is to hold the Summit once in every three years. Malaysia is deeply honored for being unanimously endorsed by the member states of NAM during the Ministerial Meeting of the Coordinating Bureau of NAM in Qurban, South Africa from 27-29 April 2002 as the host country of the XIII NAM Summit as well as its Chair for 2003-2006. Malaysia's readiness in hosting the XIII NAM Summit and assuming the NAM Chair is a testimony to its strong commitment to the Movement.

Malaysia and the Non-Aligned Movement

Malaysia recognizes the importance of NAM as a major forum for consultations and co-ordination of positions on political and economic issues of importance among the developing countries. The Movement must continue to strive for a global order that is peaceful, secure and oriented towards prosperity, justice and equality, a world in which the worth of the human person and the sovereignty of states are upheld. The vitality and relevance of the Movement as a vehicle to achieve these goals should be further strengthened and broadened based on the commonality of interests and shared concerns, without sacrificing its founding principles.

As a body representing almost two-thirds of the sovereign states of the world, NAM's potential in shaping an international order that takes into account the concerns of the developing countries could be further enhanced. Malaysia, as the upcoming Chair of NAM will endeavor to further promote this aim with the cooperation of the larger NAM membership.



Technical Details

Date of Issue : 6-Feb-2003

Stamp Value : 30 Sen ( Setenant ); 50 Sen ( Setenant )

Stamp Size : 40mm X 30mm

Perforation : 14

Sheet Content : 20 Stamps

Paper : SPM Watermarked, Phosphor Coated

Printing Process : Lithography

First Day Cover Value : 30 Sen

Southern Serow - Naemorbedus Sumatraensis Stamp

Related to other herbivores, Serows in the genus Capricornis have relatively short bodies and long legs. The upperparts of their bodies are usually black or dark grey sometimes with reddish tinges. Their under parts are paler. A long shaggy mane of hair runs along their backs.

Both sexes of the serow are similar in size with short slightly curved horns. There is a distinctive large open gland in front of each of their eyes. The serow mainly inhibits steep forested cliffs including limestone mountains. They can also be found in lowlands and on off-shore limestone islands as well. Serows will come out to feed in more open areas in the early morning and late evening. The serow will eat almost all vegetation.

Mainly solitary, serows come together only to mate. One or usually two young are born after a gestation period of 7-8 months. The young may stay with the mother for up to a year. The serows' territory spans from India to southern China. This includes most of the mainland in South-East Asia and Sumatra. It is believe that serows have great healing properties. This is the reason they are hunted till today. Their numbers in the wild have decreased and today, serows are totally protected under the Protection of Wildlife Act.

Technical Details

Date of Issue : 25-Jan-2003

Stamp Value : 30 Sen; 50 Sen Setenant

Stamp Size : 30mm X 40mm

Sheet Content : 20 Stamps

Perforation : 14

Paper : Watermarked, Phosphor Coated

Printing Process : Lithography

First Day Cover Value : 30 Sen

Presentation Pack Value : RM3.00