and the control rods jammed, preventing an emergency shutdown. The sudden buildup of steam caused two explosions, exposing the reactor's graphite moderator to air and setting it on fire. With nothing to cool them, the reactor's fuel rods then overheated and suffered a full meltdown, in which the fuel turned to liquid form [source: World Nuclear Association]. Thirty plant workers were killed. Unlike the plant at Three Mile Island, Chernobyl's stricken reactor apparently lacked a sturdy containment vessel, and large amounts of radiation spewed out over an area of 125,000 square miles (323,749 square kilometers). The number of deaths caused by radiation-related illnesses is still unclear, but a 2006 World Health Organization study estimated that it may have caused 9,000 cancer deaths [source: World Health Organization].

In the nexthas been greater interest, especially from the young, to organise projects on the Malay language and culture.

"This support is good motivation for them as they try to build up their identity and use their mother tongue," he said.PM Lee said he was glad to see that the initiative - first started in 1988 - has evolved and stayed relevant. This time, more than 100 activities have been lined up, including concerts and plays.

Speaking in English and Malay, Mr Lee highlighted the Government's commitment to its bilingual policy, adding: "These efforts to promote the Malay language are part of the Government's consistent emphasis on our three official mother tongue languages - Chinese, Malay, Tamil."

The Malay community has made enormous progress in the last 50 years, and successful Malays are