EU to target export controls on military use goods, outbound investment risks

The European Commission plans to propose measures this year to address security risks posed by outbound investments as well as reinforcing export controls on goods that have both civilian and military uses, with an eye on rivals such as China.
In a document entitled "European Economic Security Strategy", seen by Reuters ahead of its presentation on Tuesday, the Commission sets out its view on how the European Union can make its economy more resilient and identify emerging risks.
It said these could come from exports and investments that let know-how leak to foreign rivals in a "narrow set of key enabling technologies with military implication", giving quantum computing, artificial intelligence, 6G, biotechnology and robotics as examples.
The European Union executive will present its "communication" to EU lawmakers and countries, whose leaders are set to discuss relations with China in Brussels next week.
The document does not name China, but stresses partnering with countries who share EU concerns and uses the phrase "de-risking", its policy of reducing economic reliance on China.
The EU executive will need to tread carefully because granting of export licences and weighing security interests are national competences that EU governments will want to retain.
A Dutch plan that effectively bars Chinese companies from buying the most advanced semiconductor-making tools of ASML is a case in point
The EU does control exports of specified "dual-use" goods that can have military applications. The Commission plans to produce a further list with EU members of technologies critical to economic security.
"EU member states are not ready to hand over export controls as a whole but we will probably see something more along the lines of greater cooperation," an EU diplomat said.
The Commission will also have an eye on inbound investment and may propose a revision of its screening mechanism before the end of 2023.
EU diplomats say the bloc must determine carefully what risks it wants to limit and establish that they cannot be contained by existing measures.
The Commission document says it will focus on risks to supply chains, including energy, and to critical infrastructure, such as telecom networks, as well as guarding against economic coercion and leaking out of leading-edge technology.


How to conduct pandemic polls? Senior officials tongue-tied in meeting with PM

Conversation came to a halt during a recent high-level meeting among the agencies tasked with fighting the Covid-19 pandemic after they were asked for their views on how to conduct elections during the pandemic season, now that a proposal for a state of emergency has been shot down.A source who was privy to the discussion involving top officials from health, legal, security and border control agencies, said there was only “silence” when Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin posed the question.“The likelihood of pandemic-season snap polls, as well as the state election which must be held in in Sarawak next year, appeared to top the list of concerns at that particular meeting,” the source told MalaysiaNow.Muhyiddin’s government had submitted a proposal to the Agong that he invoke his constitutional powers to declare a state of emergency amid threats by a group of MPs in the ruling bloc to shoot down the budget bill next month.Any such move would see the collapse of the government, triggering snap polls which health officials have repeatedly warned against.Following a meeting of the Malay rulers, though, Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah decided against declaring an emergency, and instead issued a stern warning to politicians against destabilising the government through politicking.Fears of an election in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic arose following the state election in Sabah which saw many peninsular politicians returning with the virus after weeks of campaigning.Although the Election Commission (EC) has said it will follow strict health SOPs if polls are called, there have been no clear guidelines that could strike a balance between public health and a fair election.Yesterday, health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said he would not recommend elections as long as the pandemic continued, although he would work with the EC to determine different ways of approaching the issue.If an election must be held, he said, there should be no outstation travel, mass gatherings or house-to-house visits.“The concern is that those conditions run contrary to fair elections, and could lead to the results being challenged,” the source said.“Voters have the right, we cannot stop them from going home.”The source also said that the meeting attended by the agency chiefs had heard that it would be challenging for health authorities to ensure that Sarawak remains a green zone to avoid any restriction of movement for voters.At the moment, only the state capital of Kuching is considered a red zone while Sibu is a yellow zone.The source said Muhyiddin had asked if there was any assurance that Sarawak voters from red zones would not cause a spike in the spread of the virus to other parts of the country, as had happened with the Sabah polls.He also said the EC and other authorities would not be able to prohibit voters from returning to their constituencies to cast their ballots.“Voters have the right, we cannot stop them from going home. That was why we proposed a state of emergency,” the source quoted the prime minister as saying, adding that this was met with silence from those at the meeting.“So how do we manage them, voters in Sarawak who live in Sabah? How? I don’t need answers, I know you won’t be able to,” the prime minister was also quoted as saying.A representative from Sarawak proposed that all outside voters undergo Covid-19 swab tests three days before entering the state, but this was shot down by a senior health official who said it would be logistically impossible to test half a million people in such a short period of time.Swab tests for each person could cost at least RM600, conducted upon entry and departure from the state.“There are simply not enough labs for that kind of volume,” the official said, adding that the Sarawak election should be postponed “so that the Sabah episode does not recur”.“Please think of the frontliners. It will be more difficult this time due to Sarawak’s demography,” the official added, referring to the rural areas in the state which cannot be accessed by road.Sarawak last held its state election in 2016. Its next is due by 2021.The source said Muhyiddin had repeatedly said he was worried about a pandemic-season state election in Sarawak given the absence of a state of emergency which could have prevented it.“Under an emergency, it can be delayed for six months. But we accept and we respect the Agong’s decision,” the source quoted the prime minister as saying.


Now, US scientists developing nasal spray to prevent Covid-19

Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania and the biotech firm Regeneron are investigating whether technology developed for gene therapy can be used to make a nasal spray that will prevent infection with the new coronavirus.The idea is to use a weakened virus as a delivery truck to carry genetic instructions to cells within the nose and the throat, which will in turn create powerful antibodies to stop SARS-CoV-2 from invading our bodies.“The advantage of our approach is that you don’t need a competent immune system for this to be effective,” James Wilson, a professor of medicine at Penn who is leading the project, told AFP.The technology is currently being tested in animals and Wilson believes that, if successful, it could provide people with around six months of protection from a single dose, sprayed up the nose, and therefore complement vaccines that could soon be approved.Wilson is a pioneer of gene therapy – delivering genetic code into a patient’s cells to correct for defects and treat disease.His research team discovered that the Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) group of viruses, which infect both humans and other primates but aren’t known to cause disease, can be engineered to ferry healthy DNA into cells.This approach led in 2019 to the approval of Zolgensma, the first drug for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy, and today AAVs are being investigated for dozens of more possible applications.Wilson was contacted by the US government in February to see if he and his lab could use the technology against Covid-19.But it wasn’t until Regeneron developed two promising lab-made antibodies against the coronavirus, which bind to a surface protein of the pathogen and stop it from invading our cells, that his team could move ahead.Regeneron’s antibodies are themselves in clinical testing but have received emergency approval for patients with mild or moderate Covid-19 who are at high-risk of getting severe disease – and were notably used recently to treat US President Donald Trump.Researchers are hoping that the nasal spray could be squirted through the nostrils, enter nasal epithelial cells, and hijack their protein-making machinery so that they make Regeneron’s antibodies.Normally, only immune cells create antibodies, which makes the new idea a particularly innovative approach.Since the coronavirus enters the lungs through the nasal passage, the spray could halt the infection in its tracks.What’s more, AAVs cause only a mild immune response so the side effects could be less severe than the frontrunner vaccines, which work by training the immune system to recognize a key protein of the virus.Penn and Regeneron hope to complete their animal studies by January, before applying to the Food and Drug Administration to begin human trials.


Greening the Himalayas: Is there a 'wrong' place to plant trees?

As he watches his neighbours watering the tens of thousands of tree saplings they planted in their Himalayan village a few months ago, Gyan Thinlay is excited about turning this patch of bare desert into a lush habitat for insects and birds.
Chushul village sits more than 14,000 feet (4,267 metres) above sea level in the Ladakh region, a cold desert between India and China where less than 4 inches (10cm) of annual rainfall and extreme seasonal temperature swings make it difficult for much to grow.
But that didn't discourage the villagers from planting 150,000 trees - mainly willow, sea buckthorn and tamarisk - in June, in a project they hope will combat air pollution, boost biodiversity and provide a new income source for locals who traditionally rely on livestock.
"All we see around us are barren mountains. We now look forward to seeing greenery, too," said Thinlay, a Buddhist monk who oversees the effort as the Chushul deputy chairman for Go Green Go Organic, the nonprofit organisation behind the project.
"The trees will also provide farmers fodder for their livestock," he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.
Companies, governments and green groups are promoting and adopting tree-planting in a bid to combat rising temperatures and lessen the impacts of climate change, as forests pull climate-heating carbon from the air, capture and store water in the soil, and provide shade for crops and livestock.
But some ecologists warn that the "mindless" creation of forests in areas where they would not naturally grow can damage fragile and unique ecosystems.
"Planting trees in deserts can be as harmful as cutting trees in forests," said Abi Tamim Vanak, acting director at the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) in Bengaluru.
Native plants and wild animals, such as Ladakh's famed snow leopards and blue sheep, are not adapted to forested ecosystems, Vanak noted.
"Creating plantations, especially in areas where people don't reside, can harm native habitats and make them unusable for wildlife," he said.
Trees 'stealing' water
In India, a massive development push is intensifying deforestation, a major driver of climate change.
Mining, as well as construction of roads, hydroelectric projects and other infrastructure, ate up a total of 554.3 square km (214 square miles) of forest in the country in the last three years, according to government data.
In the cold desert of Ladakh and other parts of South Asia, climate shifts are throwing off farming schedules and amplifying flooding risks.
"Glaciers are melting fast while rain and snow patterns have undergone changes, with extreme weather events such as cloudbursts occurring more frequently," said Mukhtar Ahmad, a scientist with India's Meteorological Department, adding that it is hard to know how much of that can be attributed to climate change.
Tree-planting projects are fairly new to the communities of Ladakh's cold desert.
It was only six years ago that Tibetan Buddhist leader Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche started encouraging people to create plantations and store water from melting glaciers to help curb the carbon emissions caused by increasing tourism in the area, grow more food and make money by supplying wood to the construction industry, said Chushul councillor Konchok Stanzin.
Villages in other parts of his constituency have also been establishing forests in the desert over the past two or three years, he added.
The trees are still young - but once they mature "the villagers are hopeful they are going to be an important source of fodder for sheep, goats and other livestock, besides providing greenery", Stanzin said.
But Vanak at ATREE stressed that growing trees requires a lot of water, so planting them in environments that are unnatural to them can make areas already struggling with low water supplies even drier.
"In effect, trees in the wrong places can 'steal' water from desert-adapted shrubs and herbs, and out-compete them," he said.
A report by a group of European scientists published in May in the journal Nature concluded that while large-scale tree cover expansion can increase water availability by up to 6% in some regions, it can cause water supplies in others to drop by nearly 40%.
As well as potentially taking water from livestock and wildlife - and, as a result, shrinking their food supply - planting trees in desert ecosystems can even exacerbate climate change, said Forrest Fleischman, associate professor in the Department of Forest Resources at the University of Minnesota.
When trees that have been planted in places like the African savanna are killed by fires or large animals, like elephants, they release more carbon into the atmosphere than if it had stayed underground, he explained.
Instead, "avoiding deforestation, improving forest management and protecting grasslands, peatlands and shrublands from land-use conversion should be the priority," Fleischman said by email.
Stanzin said irrigating the plantation in Chushul had no negative effect on the area's water supply.
From June to October, the villagers use water from melting glaciers and the rest of the year they draw groundwater using solar-powered pumps, he said.
"We rather believe (the project) will increase the water table, as the water is used around this land only and gets absorbed here," he added.
Damaging the desert
Jigmet Takpa, joint secretary in India's environment ministry, said concerns about desert greening were overblown.
"If you plant trees in one or two square kilometres out of 57,000 square kilometres, how can it damage the desert?" he asked.
In Chushul, the warnings didn't worry Stanzin Dolker as she tended to the newly planted trees along with a group of other villagers.
More important to her is the hope that the forest they have created will bring plants and wild animals to land that has been barren all her life.
"We will make sure that each of these saplings grows into a tree. This is our resolve," Dolker said.


NZ queries virus approach as Delta outbreak grows

New Zealand conceded its ambitious “Covid zero” elimination strategy may no longer be viable Sunday, as an outbreak of the virulent Delta variant continued to spread.Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins reported a further 21 cases in a virus cluster that emerged in Auckland last week, ending a six-month run of no local cases and sparking a national lockdown.Hipkins said Delta’s highly transmissible nature was making this outbreak more difficult to contain than others, raising “big questions” about the elimination strategy.“The scale of infectiousness and the speed at which the virus has spread is something that, despite all the best preparations in the world, has put our system under strain,” he told TVNZ.New Zealand’s widely praised Covid-19 response – which has resulted in just 26 deaths in a population of five million – centres on eliminating the virus from the community.It has relied on strict border controls backed by hard lockdowns when any cases do slip through, but Hipkins said Delta may force a rethink.“(Delta’s) like nothing we’ve dealt with before in this pandemic,” he said.“It does change everything, it means that all of our existing preparations begin to look less adequate and raises some pretty big questions about the future of our long-term plans.”Neighbouring Australia has also pursued a “Covid zero” strategy and been similarly frustrated as its Delta cases continue to spike.The New Zealand outbreak has underlined the country’s slow vaccination rollout and prompted accusations the government became lax after its early success dealing with the pandemic.Only about 20 percent of the population is fully inoculated, one of the lowest rates in the developed world.Opposition National Party spokesman Chris Bishop said the outbreak had exposed a lack of urgency in Wellington’s vaccine plans.“The government’s complacency and inability to ensure supply and delivery of the vaccine has made us all sitting ducks, completely vulnerable to the Delta variant when it inevitably got into the community,” he said.Another opposition figure, ACT Party leader David Seymour, said Hipkins could not use the Delta variant as an excuse for current failures.“We’ve known about Delta since December, what’s he been doing in the meantime?” he asked.Hipkins said elimination remained top priority for the ongoing Delta outbreak, which now totals 71 active cases – 65 of them in Auckland and six in Wellington.The national lockdown is due to expire late Tuesday, although Hipkins indicated Auckland could face further restrictions even if they were lifted elsewhere.“If I was an Aucklander, I’d certainly be preparing to be at home for a bit longer,” he said.


MACC vetting all Mitra grant recipients since 2019

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is reviewing all applications, expenditure reports and programmes said to have been implemented by recipients of allocations from the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra) from 2019 to 2021.This follows the arrest of several company directors over the past few days on suspicion of being involved in the misappropriation of Mitra funds.According to a source, a total of 337 companies, associations and NGOs have been identified as receiving grant allocations by Mitra from 2019 to 2021, with an allocation of about RM203 million.“The highest allocation approved by Mitra was in 2019 for over RM90 million. The allocation was approved to about 205 companies, associations and NGOs and, of the amount, eight companies obtained grant allocations of over RM1 million,” added the source.On Oct 26, MACC announced the detention of 16 company directors suspected of being involved in the misappropriation of Mitra funds.The suspects were nabbed in a massive operation around the Klang Valley which began on Monday, with an estimated tens of millions of ringgit having been misused by the group who originally applied for Mitra grants to organise socioeconomic programmes for the Indian community.According to the source, the MACC team of investigators faced constraints investigating nearly all of the 337 programmes which had received the allocations, so an approach has been taken to focus on allocations of more than RM1 million for the time being.“The MACC investigation is in phase two, with phase one focusing on about 27 companies, associations and NGOs which had received between RM1 million and RM9 million.“For phase two, MACC will cooperate with the national unity ministry to form a special internal investigation team to focus on the almost 310 companies that received allocations of less than RM1 million,” said the source.The source added that for recipients of allocations below RM1 million, the investigation team had identified the companies, and the special team set up by MACC and ministry would call up all those involved to prove that the grants received had been spent as stated in their applications.“As of today, a total of 18 company directors have been arrested to assist in investigation and more will be detained considering that the focus of the investigation team in phase one is on recipients of grants worth RM1 million and more,” said the source.The source also said that of the 10 companies being investigated so far, 80% were found to have misused or misappropriated allocations for personal gain.


Sarawak CM welcomes appointment of 8 GPS MPs to Cabinet

Sarawak Chief Minister Abang Johari Openg today welcomed Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s move to appoint eight MPs from GPS to his Cabinet line-up, including Santubong MP Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar as minister in charge of Parliament and law.Speaking during a visit to Kuching today, he also expressed support for appointment of two Sarawak MPs from Bersatu as deputy ministers, saying the line-up would strengthen Ismail’s administration.“Four of our GPS MPs are full ministers and four are deputy ministers. With the two MPs from Bersatu (Willie Mongin and Ali Biju), we have 10 ministers from Sarawak in the Cabinet,” he said.He said he hoped the ministers would focus on solving the Covid-19 crisis.“Hopefully with the stability of a new federal government, we can solve the country’s problems including restoring the economy,” he said.“I believe with his approach of the Malaysian Family, we can share the responsibility to work together with our prime minister.”Wan Junaidi was previously entrepreneur development and cooperatives minister in Muhyiddin Yassin’s administration.Petra Jaya MP Fadillah Yusof meanwhile was retained as works minister while Kapit MP Alexander Nanta Linggi and Batang Sadong MP Nancy Shukri retained their portfolios of domestic trade and consumer affairs and tourism, arts and culture.Mukah MP Hanifah Taib was reappointed as deputy minister in the Prime Minister’s Department in charge of Sabah and Sarawak affairs while Lawas MP Henry Sum Agong maintained his position as deputy transport minister.Mongin and Ali meanwhile were reappointed as deputy plantation industries and commodities minister and deputy energy and natural resources minister.Kanowit MP Aaron Ago Dagang was appointed as a deputy health minister while Limbang MP Hasbi Habibollah retained his position as deputy rural development minister.


Pollution cuts water supply in Klang Valley again

A total of 1,196,457 Air Selangor account holders in 1,292 areas in the Klang Valley are experiencing another unscheduled disruption in water supply as operations at four Sungai Selangor water treatment plants have been suspended due to pollution at the raw water source.The pollution was detected at 2am today, following which operations at the Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3 and Rantau Panjang Sungai Selangor water treatment plants were stopped.Air Selangor corporate communications head Elina Baseri said immediate action had been taken to thaw-flush the contaminants found in Sungai Selangor.She said the Selangor Water Management Board had also released raw water through the KL Larut pond pumping operation for the same purpose.“As of 6.30am today, pollution was still detected in Sungai Selangor at 1 threshold odour number.“The stop-work of the four plants has caused an unscheduled disruption in water supply in Kuala Lumpur, Petaling, Klang/Shah Alam, Kuala Selangor, Hulu Selangor, Gombak and Kuala Langat,” she said in a statement today.Meanwhile, recovery of the partial termination of the SSP1 water treatment plant due to a burst water pipe had reached 80% as of 2am today.However, since the odour pollution involves the same plant, Baseri said water supply to the affected areas could not be restored according to the schedule as announced on Oct 18.Air Selangor provides water supply assistance by mobilising its lorry tankers to affected areas with priority to critical premises such as hospitals and dialysis centres.Consumers who need emergency water supply assistance can call 15300.


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Delhi announces ‘very, very slow’ easing of lockdown

Indian authorities Friday announced a “very very slow” easing of the lockdown in the capital New Delhi as coronavirus infections fall in major cities after weeks of lockdown.Rural areas now however seeing the brunt of a surge in cases that has overwhelmed the healthcare system and killed at least 160,000 people since the start of March.Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi chief minister, said that from Monday construction work and factories can resume “keeping the poorest section of our society, the labourers and daily wage workers, in mind”.“We are starting the process of reopening very, very slowly. We will reassess it after a week based on experts and people’s opinions,” he said.Daily infections reported across India have more than halved from more than 400,000 earlier this month, according to official statistics.Delhi reported Friday about 1,100 new infections in the previous 24 hours, down from about 25,000 daily cases when the lockdown was announced six weeks earlier.The devastating surge was blamed on new virus variants and the government having allowed most activity to return to normal including mass religious and political gatherings.Coronavirus patients died in droves outside hospitals or at home because of a lack of beds, medical oxygen and drugs, prompting a flood of desperate pleas on social media.Since mid-April hundreds of Covid-19 patients have also contracted the often deadly and usually very rare infection mucormycosis, or “black fungus”.Many other parts of India including the states of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka too are now also considering easing restrictions on activity.India’s vaccination programme meanwhile is making only slow progress due to shortages, confusion and squabbling between the central government and state authorities.So far some 160 million people, equivalent to only 12.5% of the Indian population have received one dose and 45 million, or 3.4%, two shots.


Special allocation to be given equally to all MPs

Both government and opposition MPs will be given equal allocations under the Prime Minister’s Special Allocation for the final four months of this year, says Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Special Functions) Mastura Mohd Yazid.She said the move was in line with Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s commitment to implementing the transformation of Parliament.Speaking while winding up her debate on the royal address in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday, Mastura said the special allocation for parliamentary constituencies was in addition to, and to complement the allocation provided by the government under the five-year Malaysia Plan.She said the provision of parliamentary constituency allocations to government and opposition MPs with different values previously was in accordance with the existing policy, and depended on the government’s financial position and capability.During the debate session, several MPs including Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (Independent-Muar), Mohd Azis Jamman (Warisan-Sepanggar) and Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz (BN-Padang Rengas) had suggested that the allocation should be distributed equally to all MPs.


Neelofa and husband to be charged in court over SOP violations

Celebrity Noor Neelofa Mohd Noor and her husband, Muhammad Haris Mohd Ismail, will be charged at the Magistrate’s Court in Seremban today with defying SOPs under the conditional movement control order (CMCO).Nilai police chief Supt Mohd Fazley Ab Rahman said the couple would be charged under Regulation 19 of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Measures Within Infected Local Area) (Conditional Movement Control) No.4) (Amendment) (No.12) Regulations 2021).He said Haris would face two charges, namely for failing to scan the MySejahtera QR code or to register manually to check in at a business premises in Nilai earlier this month and for not wearing a face mask at a public place as required under CMCO SOPs.“Meanwhile, Neelofa will be charged with failing to comply with the CMCO SOPs by not scanning the MySejahtera QR code or register manually to check in to the same premises,” he said in a statement last night.On May 2, Neelofa uploaded pictures and videos of her and her husband at a carpet shop in Nilai, which immediately went viral. Two days later, both of them were reported to have spent four hours at the Nilai police headquarters to give their statements on the case.Meanwhile, Kuala Lumpur police chief Azmi Abu Kassim said investigation papers on another SOP-defying case involving Neelofa and her family’s Raya gathering would be submitted to the Attorney-General’s Chambers soon.“Raya visits are not allowed (throughout MCO) as set by the government.“Anyone with information on SOP violations is requested to channel the information to the Kuala Lumpur police at 03-2115 9999 or any police station,” he said in a statement.On Tuesday, Neelofa and her family members were reported to have given their statements at the Brickfields police headquarters for allegedly having celebrated the first day of Aidilfitri together in a house in Pinggir Zaaba, Taman Tun Dr Ismail. Videos of the family gathering went viral on social media.


Appeals court postpones verdict again on bid by ex-Tabung Haji boss to strike out graft charges

The Court of Appeal has rescheduled its decision yet again on Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim's appeal to strike out his corruption and money laundering charges.
The three-member panel comprising justices Kamaludin Md Said, Abu Bakar Jais and Che Mohd Ruzima Ghazali postponed its verdict to Sept 5 as the former Tabung Haji chairman is unwell.
Azeez's lawyer Amer Hamzah Arshad informed the court that his client could not attend court today as he had been suffering from acute gastroenteritis since 2am and had gone to seek treatment at the Universiti Malaya Medical Centre.
"We have postponed the case many times and although we don't want to dispute his health, he should not abuse the court’s process," said Kamaludin.
But Amer Hamzah said it was not his client's intention to abuse the court's process and that he would undertake to give the court a copy of Azeez's medical certificate.
The panel was supposed to decide on Azeez's appeal last month but this was postponed to today as Amer Hamzah told the court that he had made representations to the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC).
The lawyer told the court today that he had not received any reply from the AGC.
Azeez, 55, is appealing against the High Court's decision on March 12 last year dismissing his application to strike out three corruption charges involving RM5.2 million in connection with road projects in Perak and Kedah, and 10 money laundering charges involving RM13.9 million which he allegedly received from Menuju Asas Sdn Bhd.
For the three corruption charges, he was alleged to have committed the offences at CIMB Bank, Jalan Tun Perak in Kuala Lumpur on Dec 8, 2010, and at Affin Bank, Puchong City Centre, Selangor, on June 13, 2017, and April 10, 2018.
As for the money laundering charges, Azeez was charged with committing the offences in the Klang Valley between March 8, 2010, and Aug 30, 2018.


Japan to waive pre-departure Covid tests for vaccinated travellers

Japan will waive pre-departure Covid-19 tests for vaccinated travellers to the country, but daily caps on entrants will remain in place, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Wednesday.
The requirement for tests will be lifted from Sept 7, Kishida said. No decision has been made yet on a reported plan to raise a daily cap on inbound travellers from 20,000 to 50,000, he added.
"We will continue relaxing these measures gradually," said Kishida, who addressed reporters online as he is recuperating from Covid at his official residence.
Japan has maintained some of the strictest pandemic border measures among major economies, requiring travellers to present a negative coronavirus test taken within 72 hours of departure.
Kishida said in May that he wanted to bring Japan's border measures more in line with those of other Group of Seven nations.
Japan in June opened up to tourists for the first time in two years, but requirements that they apply for visas and stick to guided, package tours have kept actual numbers of inbound visitors small.


Rosmah received RM6.5 million from businessman, ex-aide tells court

Rizal Mansor told the High Court in Kuala Lumpur yesterday that Rosmah Mansor received RM6.5 million in cash from the former managing director of Jepak Holdings Sdn Bhd, Saidi Abang Samsudin, as a reward for helping the company secure the solar hybrid project in Sarawak.Rizal, who is Rosmah’s former special officer, said the cash, in tranches of RM5 million and RM1.5 million, was sent to Rosmah separately at her official residence at the Seri Perdana Complex in Putrajaya at the end of December 2016 and at Langgak Duta in September 2017.He said at the end of December 2016, Saidi told him he was prepared to pay RM5 million as part of the RM187.5 million promised to Rosmah.He said Rosmah later ordered him to send the cash to her official residence as she was there at the time.Upon his arrival, he said, she ordered two butlers to carry the bags containing the RM5 million into the house.“I met Rosmah with the two bags. She later asked me, ‘How much?’ I replied ‘Five’, to mean RM5 million.“Rosmah did not open the bags but told the butlers to send them to her room. I later left the place,” he said, reading from his witness statement during a direct examination by deputy public prosecutor Ahmad Akram Gharib.Rizal, who is the 21st prosecution witness, said several days later, he asked Rosmah if she was satisfied with the RM5 million from Saidi.“She (Rosmah) told me that she needed lots of money for politics and told me with the meaning ‘Get them to take care of you’.“‘Them’ referred to Saidi and Rayyan (Rayyan Radzwill Abdullah, Saidi’s business partner).“I thought she (Rosmah) said that thinking that I wanted some of the money for myself as a reward. Rosmah did not say that Saidi had promised to give me RM25 million, and I had received RM500,000 at that time,” he said.He said after receiving the RM5 million, Rosmah frequently asked him about the remaining payment to be made by Jepak.“I received the queries from her (Rosmah) as an instruction to expedite the process to obtain the remaining payment promised. As such, I had to press Saidi to expedite the remaining payment to Rosmah,” he said.Rizal said Saidi told him one day that he had brought RM1.5 million in cash in two backpacks which were later placed in the second hall of Rosmah’s house in Langgak Duta, in early September 2017.“I also saw Rosmah ordering her butlers to carry the two backpacks brought by Saidi to her room,” he said.He said he also knew of a quarrel between Saidi and Rayyan after Saidi failed to pay the share demanded by Rayyan in the solar hybrid project.“What I understand was that Saidi had taken their money, and Rayyan asked me to reveal Saidi’s misdeed to Rosmah. I told Rayyan to settle the matter himself with Saidi and I did not want to take sides in the quarrel.“As I refused to support Rayyan, he threatened me, saying he would disclose the involvement of Rosmah, Najib Razak, Aazmey (Pekan Umno secretary Ahmad Aazmey Abu Talib) and I in the award of the solar hybrid project to Jepak.“Rayyan also told me that he would make sure I went to jail for my involvement in the matter,” he said.According to Rizal, after the 14th general election and after the matter was exposed by Sarawak Report, he was investigated for his involvement in the award of the project to Jepak.“After finding out that Saidi and Rayyan had been detained by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), I panicked and decided to flee to Jakarta, Indonesia.“Eventually, I decided to return to Malaysia after finding out that I cannot be running away forever and need to face the situation.“On that day, I was present at MACC (for investigation). I was detained and remanded for six days. After that, I was charged in court on four counts,” he said.Rosmah is facing one charge of soliciting RM187.5 million and two counts of receiving bribes totalling RM6.5 million from Saidi.According to the charge, Rosmah received the bribes through Rizal as a reward for helping Jepak secure the hybrid photovoltaic solar system integrated project, as well as the maintenance and operation of diesel gen-sets for 369 rural schools in Sarawak worth RM1.25 billion from the education ministry through direct negotiation.The acts were allegedly committed at Lygon Cafe, Sunway Putra Mall, Jalan Putra; Rosmah’s residence at Jalan Langgak Duta, Taman Duta and at Seri Perdana, Persiaran Seri Perdana, Precinct 10, Putrajaya between January 2016 and September 2017.The trial before justice Mohamed Zaini Mazlan continues on Monday.


No intention of fielding Pua at state polls, says DAP

DAP will not field its former publicity secretary Tony Pua in the upcoming state polls, party secretary-general Anthony Loke says.
Speaking to the media after an event in Putrajaya yesterday, Loke said Pua had not expressed any interest in representing DAP at any election.
"I am perplexed why the issue of him contesting came about. He (Pua) has no interest (in being a candidate). He even gave up (contesting) the parliamentary constituency, (so) there is no question of him contesting," Loke said.
Asked about the candidates for the state elections, Loke said the names had yet to be finalised, but confirmed that Pua would not be fielded.
Pua's statement calling Barisan Nasional a "corrupt coalition" created an uncomfortable situation for Pakatan Harapan's coalition partner, but Loke yesterday said it was made in an individual capacity, adding that "such attacks on a key coalition should not have been made".
However, Loke said Pua was still DAP's policy adviser and that they remained on good terms.
"It is not an official position in the party. There is no such position in the party constitution as his role is only to advise. So, it is up to me whether to seek his advice or not.
"I have no problem with the members. But sometimes if they go overboard in terms of their words, I will express disapproval. As the secretary-general, I will do so, no problem," he said.


1MDB’s debts guaranteed by the govt, Muhyiddin reminds Najib

Muhyiddin Yassin today continued to question Najib Razak’s claim in the Dewan Rakyat last week that the people’s money was not used to pay 1MDB’s debt, asking how Najib as the former prime minister and finance minister could forget that the sovereign fund’s debts were guaranteed by the government.“When 1MDB failed to pay its debts including interest totalling more than RM50 billion in all, it was the government that had to pay these debts,” he said in his debate on the royal address in the Dewan Rakyat today.He referred to the statement by Finance Minister Tenkgu Zafrul Aziz on March 3, that 1MDB’s outstanding debts as of February this year stood at RM38.8 billion.“The finance minister in January also said that the government had paid RM13.3 billion of 1MDB’s debts so far,” he added.“This means this is the people’s money. Perhaps what the Pekan MP meant was, because the government had succeeded in recovering some of 1MDB’s money and assets that were stolen, these should be used to pay back 1MDB’s debt.”Listing out some of the assets recovered, he said these included a luxury yacht valued at US$130 million, a personal jet worth US$35 million, and other assets owned by Najib’s stepson including a townhouse in London worth 23.2 million pounds, a house in Beverly Hills valued at US$17.5 million, and a condomnium unit in New York worth US$35.5 million.“For certain, none of these assets were bought for investment purposes that would have benefited 1MDB,” Muhyiddin said.“On the contrary, they were embezzled by people close to the Pekan MP using part of the US$4.5 billion stolen from 1MDB.”Referring to the historic general election in 2018 which saw Barisan Nasional (BN) toppled after more than 60 years in power, he said it was a good thing that the coalition had been ousted and that Najib was no longer the prime minister after that.He said the government had later set up a special task force to recover the money and assets stolen from 1MDB. During his time as prime minister, he added, he had instructed the task force to track down and return the 1MDB assets hidden in other countries.“I understand that as of now, more than RM20 billion in money and assets has been recovered and placed in the asset recovery trust account, to be used to pay off part of 1MDB’s debt.“Imagine if the Pekan MP were still the prime minister today. I do not think he would have formed a special task force to track down the money and assets from 1MDB that went missing because the one who caused them to go missing was he himself.“So it is true that the Pekan MP is a clever person – clever at lying,” he said.Najib was convicted in 2020 of seven counts of criminal breach of trust, money laundering and abuse of power connected to RM42 million in his accounts from 1MDB-linked unit SRC International.He appealed against the High Court’s verdict as well as his 12-year jail term and RM210 million fine.However, the Court of Appeal upheld the judgment in a unanimous decision last year, calling the transfer of funds into Najib’s accounts a “national embarrassment”.Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat today, Muhyiddin said he had explained and stressed many times that the country would suffer if its leaders did not hold to integrity.“What more when the case is known throughout the world as ‘the biggest scandal of the century’, involving a global chain of financial crooks or ‘the plundering idiots’ who sparked a national embarrassment,” he said.


No oranges or lion dances this New Year, only mud and dirty water

At Telemong in Karak, Pahang, the skies are blue and filled with fluffy white clouds through which beams of sunlight frequently fall.On the ground, though, Ho Kai Yip is struggling to deal with the biggest disaster to have struck in all his 56 years.The massive floods which swept across his village last month carried away everything in his house. Now, nothing remains of his family’s personal belongings although the strong currents which washed them away left behind other items and garbage including mattresses from unknown homes.Standing in front of his house, Ho recalls how Chinese New Year reunion dinners would always be hosted there.“Before the movement control orders, our children would come back from Singapore and celebrate with us,” he told MalaysiaNow.Furniture lies covered in mud and in disarray in Ho’s house, where his family has lived for more than 50 years.Celebrations in the village would be noisy and exuberant, complete with the clanging of cymbals, lion dances, ang pows and Mandarin oranges.This year, though, their house is filled only with mud and sludge.Where they would normally be hard at work spring cleaning and putting up decorations, they are now shovelling out mud and draining away stagnant water.“Right now, we are only thinking about our house,” he said. “We don’t even know where we will live.”The face mask he wears in accordance with health measures hides most of his emotions but his voice betrays his sadness.Ho walks through his house, which he and his sons are working hard to restore after the floods that destroyed many of their belongings.Ho and his wife have worked as rubber tappers since their youth, but these days they have no time to spare for their plantation as they are too busy trying to repair their house.In any case, the path leading to the plantation is still blocked by stagnant water left by the flood.After the flood, Ho sent his wife and youngest child to stay with a relative in Kuala Lumpur. But his two older sons were forced to return to the village after losing their jobs due to the Covid-19 pandemic.At the very least, the family house, a modest one-storey building, is still standing. Surrounded by green hills and lush palm oil plantations, the village during normal times would be calm and peaceful.Ho looks at what used to be a pathway leading to his rubber plantation.Now, though, the road leading to the settlement is filled with mud and logs washed down by the flood.Most of the 12 other homes in the area have also sustained heavy damage. Two were completely swept away.Ho is a little more fortunate than some of the others as volunteers helped clean away the foot of sludge which had collected in his house.But he and his sons still have their work cut out for them, getting rid of the rest of the mud and scrubbing down the house.Dressed in T-shirts, shorts and boots, they use wheelbarrows and spades to continue cleaning their house.Ho’s sons help clean out the mud that was left behind in their house after the floodwater subsided.When MalaysiaNow visited, one room was still filled with mud.Ho said he had received aid of RM1,500. “I heard about assistance of more than RM10,000 but I don’t know how to apply for it,” he said.“I asked the village leader but he doesn’t know either.”Alone with his sons, he continues to work. Every once in a while, the silence is broken by the sound of motorcycles and lorries entering the village.Water pours unceasingly from the main pipe outside his house which was damaged during the flood.Even if they manage to finish cleaning their house before Chinese New Year, the smell of mud and stagnant water will continue to haunt them.Good luck and prosperity seem miles away this year, but they cling to what they do have: their determination to keep going for the sake of their family.


Don't interfere, Hamzah tells UNHCR on deportation of refugees

Home Minister Hamzah Zainudin has told the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) as well as human rights groups not to interfere in Malaysia’s affairs in deporting Myanmar nationals back to their home country.
He said that foreigners being detained and sent back to their country of origin meant they had violated Malaysian laws.
"Not just Myanmar or any particular country, but anyone from anywhere in the world who comes here and breaks our laws, we will send them back... when it’s time to send them back, we will.
"So, UNHCR, the United Nations, or anyone at all – if the people we detain entered the country legally but then violate our laws, we will send them back. No need for outsiders to interfere," he said at a press conference in Kota Bharu today.
He said this when asked to comment on calls by the New York-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) for the government to stop repatriating political asylum seekers as it would put their lives in danger.
He said he understood that there were foreigners who came to the country as refugees and political asylum seekers.
"We also understand and are aware that, in terms of humanity, we will not send back people who may 'disappear' in their country of origin. We will not do things that can cause cruelty to individuals who are sent back," he said.
On the proposal to close the UNHCR office, Hamzah said the matter was still under review.
"We are reviewing it and will make a decision on whether or not the UNHCR should be here. As a dignified country, I must take care of our country first before taking care of outsiders," he said.


MIC to contest GE15 after all

MIC today said that it would contest the Nov 19 general election, ending speculation over its participation in the polls following what was believed to be disappointment over Barisan Nasional's (BN) allocation of seats.
Party president SA Vigneswaran, who was conspicuously absent from last night's announcement of BN candidates, said MIC had accepted the coalition's decision to allocate seats to the so-called Friends of BN.
Speaking at a press conference after chairing an emergency meeting at the party's headquarters in Kuala Lumpur today, Vigneswaran said the meeting was not held to discuss a boycott of GE15, but to ensure that MIC members understand the direction and accept any decisions related to GE15.
"I would like to inform you that the announcement by Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi yesterday regarding MIC candidates was a fair decision.
"It is hoped that the names (nominated) accept the decision with an open heart for the success of the BN family," he said as reported by Bernama.
On the current Batu parliamentary seat crisis, Vigneswaran said the party would continue to bet on A Kohilan Pillay even though MCA will reportedly field Yew Teong Look in the seat.
Questioned further on the matter, Vigneswaran appeared unaware of the latest candidate change, as announced by MCA president Wee Ka Siong this morning.
"The announcement was made by the BN chairman yesterday and (I assume) it is the final decision. We are contesting in Batu. I am also in constant contact with Zahid and we even talked this morning, but there was no notification about the change of candidates between MIC and MCA.
"He didn't mention anything about Batu seat swap. I think Zahid is the best person to answer (regarding the change of candidate)," he said.


WHO blames ‘perfect storm’ of factors for India Covid crisis

The World Health Organization (WHO) has said India’s deadly Covid-19 second wave was caused by a “perfect storm” of mass gatherings, low vaccination rates and more contagious variants.Speaking on Tuesday, WHO spokesman Tarik Jasarevic warned against blaming mutations of the virus as the sole cause of the calamity that has engulfed India in recent weeks, pushing the country’s healthcare system to the brink of collapse, the Guardian reports.“There are other factors such as recent large gatherings that may have contributed to the rise,” said Jasarevic.WHO also said unnecessary pressure was being put on India’s healthcare system by people going to hospitals in a panic when they could recover from Covid-19 at home. Jasarevic emphasised that only around 15% of Covid-19 patients require treatment in hospital.India officially recorded yet another day of over 300,000 new cases on Tuesday and 2,771 new deaths.However, health experts believe the actual toll is far higher, with populous states such as Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat accused of undercounting Covid-19 fatalities and cases.Officials are claiming that it is not undercounting that is responsible but wrongly categorising the causes of illness and death.With Covid testing labs overwhelmed in cities such as Delhi, many with symptoms have been unable to get a test.The Covid positivity rate in Delhi continued to rise to over 35%, while in the city of Kolkata in West Bengal, a state which is still going through heavily criticised state elections, doctors reported it was almost 50%.WHO is also part of a growing international effort to bring aid to India, as the country has been crippled by acute shortages of oxygen and medical equipment.On Tuesday morning, a flight from the UK carrying vital medical supplies including ventilators landed in Delhi. Six oxygen containers were flown in from Dubai and in a phone conversation between the Indian prime minister, Narendra Modi, and the US president, Joe Biden, on Monday, Biden pledged “America’s steadfast support” to India by providing oxygen-related supplies and vaccine raw materials.“Just as India sent assistance to the US as our hospitals were strained early in the pandemic, we are determined to help India in its time of need,” Biden wrote on Twitter.In Delhi, smoke billowed from dozens of pyres lit inside a parking lot that has been turned into a makeshift crematorium.“People are just dying, dying and dying,” Jitender Singh Shanty, who is coordinating the cremation of around 100 bodies a day at the site, told reporters.“If we get more bodies then we will cremate them on the road. There is no more space here.”


Jab first, register later, says Mahathir

Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has suggested that people be given vaccine shots before registering, saying the current procedure of dispensing Covid-19 shots to Malaysians should be improved to control the spread of the pandemic.“The present method which requires the people to register using their mobile phones has caused many to wait up to three months to get vaccinated. Vaccination centres may also be far from the people. Why not let the government go to the people?“Registration is not necessary. Anybody can be vaccinated by bringing their identity cards for the purpose of recording their data in the system. What is the use of MySejahtera? These are all bureaucracies,” he said on the “Wawancara Eksklusif Bersama Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad” programme aired live on Sinar Harian’s Facebook yesterday.Adding that the US was able to vaccinate three million people a day via the drive-thru system, he said vaccine jabs at villages could be handled by teams comprising a doctor, two nurses and an assistant.He also said Malaysia was too worried and took time to test each type of vaccine when the vaccines were already in use in various countries.“The Sputnik V vaccine has not been approved in Malaysia when it is already used in Germany but Malaysia is just starting to conduct tests.“We cannot just wait for Pfizer or AstraZeneca only. China’s vaccine is also good. The country has vaccinated more than 300 million people,” he said.Asked about the emergency, Mahathir said he was of the view that Parliament could convene even though the emergency period will continue until Aug 1.He reiterated that when the National Operations Council or Mageran was set up in 1969, Parliament had met to allow all parties including the opposition to give their views on issues faced by the country.


Putrajaya’s higher education authority revokes appointment of new member over RM2.8 million CBT charge

Putrajaya’s main agency tasked with supervising the quality of higher education institutions in the country has revoked the appointment of a new council member due to a string of corruption charges.The Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), a body under the higher education ministry, withdrew the appointment of Mohamed Zaini Amran last week, after checks revealed that cases related to criminal breach of trust have yet to be resolved at the Attorney-General’s Chambers.Zaini, a former company director, was charged early this year.“MQA and the higher education minister view seriously the integrity of a person who will be joining the council. Integrity is the most important thing,” MQA CEO Hussaini Omar told MalaysiaNow, confirming the decision.Zaini, the former director of Infra Desa Johor (IDJ) Sdn Bhd, faces nine counts of committing CBT involving RM2.82 million worth of company money two years ago.He was also slapped with nine other charges for using the company’s cheque by transferring the money from IDJ’s bank account to the accounts of five other companies without consent for his own benefit and that of others.The offences were said to have taken place at a bank in Taman Perling, Johor Bahru, on April 11 and 13, 2018.Zaini claimed trial to the charges.A source in the higher education ministry previously said that Zaini’s appointment to the council had not gone down well with some due to his CBT case.Requesting anonymity, the source said MQA should be more attentive when deciding who to appoint to the council, which is responsible for approving the agency’s plans and policies.“Appointing an individual who has problems with integrity will jeopardise public trust in MQA and the quality of higher education in the country,” the source said.Hussaini meanwhile said Higher Education Minister Noraini Ahmad had been informed of the charges against Zaini and that several investigations were conducted to ensure that the decision to withdraw his appointment was fair and without prejudice.He said the decision was not made public in order to protect the good name of many.“Zaini has also been informed of the decision and has accepted it,” he said.“He knows that MQA is an agency of quality, known throughout the country, and which also prioritises integrity.”


Canada region drops Covid booster eligibility age

Canada’s Ontario province, its most populous and with its most Covid infections, announced Thursday it is lowering the eligibility age for Covid boosters from 70 to 50 years old.These third shots will be available starting Dec 13, the government said in a statement, adding that it plans in January to further expand eligibility for booster doses “based on age and risk.”“Achieving the highest vaccination rates possible remains our best tool to protect us, reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission, and fight the significant surge of new cases and the new Omicron variant,” Ontario’s chief public health officer Kieran Moore said.Ontario has recorded 620,000 Covid infections, or more than one third of Canada’s total.Alberta in the west is also lowering the eligibility age for booster shots to 60 years starting Dec 6, and said it is planning to soon open up third shots to everyone under 18 years, but did not specify a timeline.Prime Minister Justin Trudeau this week said there will be sufficient supplies of booster shots.“We have lots of vaccines for boosters in Canada,” he told reporters on Wednesday. “We’re receiving more into the new year. We are fine in terms of quantity.”Canada’s national advisory committee on immunisation currently recommends booster shots for high-risk groups, including those over 70 years or older, at least six months after their second dose.According to the latest government data, almost 90% of Canada’s population 12 years and older, or 30 million people, have received at least one Covid vaccine jab. 86% are fully vaccinated.


Employer, assistant claim trial to assaulting bodyguards for fasting

An employer and his assistant who were charged in connection with the assault of two bodyguards over fasting pleaded not guilty at the Magistrate’s Court in Klang today.The employer, Chung Chee Yang, was slapped with five charges while his assistant, Choo Hin Voon, was slapped with two.The two men, both aged 43, claimed trial before magistrate P Sarulatha.Chung was charged with committing criminal intimidation against his bodyguard Mohd Azminzam Zulkepli, 44, by pointing a pistol at him and threatening to hurt him.He was charged under Section 506 of the Penal Code which carries a jail term of up to seven years, a fine or both, upon conviction.In the second and third charges, Chung was accused of abetting his assistant Choo by ordering the latter to intentionally cause hurt to Azminizam and another victim, Ahmad Shamsuri Zailani, 27, using a cane.Both charges were framed under Section 109 of the Penal Code, read together with Section 324 of the same law which carries a jail term of up to 10 years, a fine or whipping, or any two of the punishments, upon conviction.In the fourth charge, Chung was accused of uttering words against the two victims with the intention of hurting their religious feelings under Section 298 of the Penal Code which carries a jail term of up to one year, a fine or both, upon conviction.The fifth charge against Chung was for voluntarily causing hurt to Azminizam. He was charged under Section 323 of the Penal Code which carries a jail term of up to one year, a fine, or both.He allegedly committed the offences at the compound of a house in Bukit Tinggi on April 13, between 10.30pm and 11.30pm.His assistant, Choo, was charged with two counts of voluntarily causing hurt to both victims at the same place and time.Both charges were framed under Section 324 of the Penal Code, which carries a jail term of up to 10 years, a fine or whipping, or any two of the punishments, upon conviction.The court allowed RM50,000 bail for Chung and RM20,000 for Choo. They were ordered to surrender their passports to the court and report to a police station each month. The court also set June 23 for remention.The two bodyguards were previously said to have been assaulted with a cane, with reports saying their employer had threatened to kill them with a pistol for fasting.


Remember our oath, Noor Hisham appeals to contract doctors planning to strike

Health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah has made a passionate appeal to contract doctors and health workers ahead of a planned walkout organised by a group of them at several hospitals tomorrow in order to press for permanent positions.Noor Hisham reminded them of their professional oath, saying any move to disrupt services would undermine the principle of “primum non nocere” or doing no harm.“Remember the oath we took sincerely and be there for your patients at the time when they and country need you the most. We are the last bastion of defence to make a difference to our patients and every life matters,” he said in a Facebook post this evening.He also urged junior doctors not to join the walkout.“Remember, many lives are on the line and the demonstration could affect their lives and even your career.”Yesterday, a spokesman for the so-called Hartal Doktor Kontrak scoffed at Putrajaya’s offer of a short-term remedy pending a comprehensive solution to their position as contract staff, an arrangement implemented in 2016 by then-prime minister Najib Razak citing constraints on permanent positions.Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin had announced on Friday a two-year extension of contract for medical officers, dentists and pharmacists once they have completed their compulsory service, as well as up to four years’ extension for those accepted for specialisation in their fields.The government also announced the improvement of benefits such as special leave and assistance and monetary allowances.But the spokesman for the contract doctors, Dr Umar Barakah, said there was nothing in black and white, adding that the walkout would proceed despite the offer.He also said that some 4,000 doctors were expected to join the walkout at 11am tomorrow while assuring no disruption to healthcare.“We want to show that we are many in number, and without us, the healthcare system will be paralysed,” he said, adding that those working in key areas might show their solidarity without leaving their stations.Noor Hisham said the temporary solution was announced pending an amendment to the Pensions Act to facilitate contributions under the Employees Provident Fund.“I wish to remind all that patients’ safety is our priority,” he added.


Muhyiddin to reveal SDs from MPs who support him as PM

Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman Muhyiddin Yassin says he will show statutory declarations (SD) from MPs as proof that the coalition has enough numbers and support to form the government.
Muhyiddin said claims by Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi that BN had never discussed with Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) about offering the party’s support to PN in order to form the government would not prevent PN from forming the federal government with the support of MPs.
"If any MP decides to support me based on the Federal Constitution to become the prime minister, that is the MP’s right.
"The constitution says if anyone wishes to become the prime minister, he or she must receive the support of a majority of MPs, at least 112," he told reporters after chairing a Bersatu Supreme Council meeting in Shah Alam last night.
Muhyiddin added that the Anti-Party Hopping Act did not prevent parties, even if not under PN, from offering their support for him to become the prime minister.
"This is because they do not leave their party but offer their support as individuals and as MPs. That is not wrong according to the act," he said.
Earlier, it was reported that the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong had decreed that leaders of coalitions and political parties must inform Istana Negara of the agreed coalition to form a government by 2pm on Monday.
Leaders were also asked to submit the name of their respective prime minister candidate by then.
In the 15th general election, Pakatan Harapan (PH) emerged as the party with the highest number of parliamentary seats with 82, followed by PN (73), Barisan Nasional (30), GPS (22), Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) (six), Warisan (three) and one each by Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat and Parti Bangsa Malaysia.
Two seats were won by independent candidates.
A total of 112 seats are needed to form the government with a simple majority.


Power vacuum and other post-Masing problems for PRS

When the declaration of emergency in Sarawak was lifted in early November last year, paving the way for the long-anticipated state polls, Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) was still mourning the sudden death of its leader, political veteran James Jemut Masing.While other parties were preoccupied with mobilising their election machinery, PRS leaders were acutely aware of the power vacuum in their own.More than just its president, Masing had held the Baleh state seat since 1983 and party leaders would have to move quickly to field a new candidate in his place.But arguably their biggest task was to find a new leader.Determined to defend the seats they held in the state legislative assembly, PRS deputy president Joseph Salang took over the presidential responsibilities, looking to restore a measure of political calm following the scuffles for power among party leaders.Come Dec 18, PRS succeeded in defending the 11 seats it held, including Baleh which was represented by Masing’s nephew, Nicholas Kudi Jantai Masing. Five of its assemblymen were later appointed to the new state Cabinet.Sarawak political analyst Lucy Sebli said the appointments were a much needed boost for PRS following the loss of its leader Masing.“The results showed that the party was united, and had contributed 11 seats for Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS),” she said.“Despite the intense internal struggle where certain groups or individuals were busy jostling for top leadership positions, PRS was doing very well.”The new Cabinet line-up saw Kakus assemblyman John Sikie Tayai appointed as state minister in the Chief Minister’s Department while the other four PRS members were appointed as assistant ministers.Samalaju assemblyman Majang Anak Renggi, the only new face, was appointed as assistant minister for infrastructure and port development; Batang Ai assemblyman Malcolm Mussen anak Lamoh was made assistant minister for international trade and investment; Ngemah assemblyman Liwan Lagang, assistant minister for utility and telecommunication; and Balai Ringin assemblyman Snowdan anak Lawan, assistant minister for creative industry and performing arts.But Salang, the party’s number two and de facto leader, maintains that the state leadership is still in need of stronger Iban representation.“I am mourning more for the under-representation of PRS in the new state Cabinet,” Salang, who had tried without success to reach Chief Minister Abang Johari Openg for negotiations on ministerial positions, told MalaysiaNow.New president neededBut to lead any formal negotiations on the party, political observer James Chin says it must first sort out its leadership issues.With the position of president still vacant, he said, it was crucial for PRS to elect a new leader.“It will be hard for PRS to lead negotiations because it has no clear leader,” Chin told MalaysiaNow.Another problem revolves around Salang, who will need to be in the state Cabinet as well if he wishes to lead the party.“At the moment, only John Sikie Tayai is eligible,” Chin said, adding that PRS might face difficulties deciding on Masing’s successor.For years, Masing was known for his outspoken nature. In the state, he was also known as the general of the Dayaks, who constantly urged his community, especially the youth, to stand up for the rights of natives.This is a stand that PRS will need to take into consideration in choosing a new leader, Lucy Sebli of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak said.Any move to elect a new president must be done at a full session of the party’s Supreme Council meeting, although no plans have yet been made for such a gathering.Yet this is the only way that PRS will be able to demand more political positions, Chin warned.PRS vs PDPAnother problem for PRS is that Masing was also a deputy state minister, appointed in 2017 by the late Adenan Satem.The appointment of Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) president Dr Sim Kui Hian as a deputy minister in the latest Cabinet line-up means that PRS has effectively lost its voice.Chin said Sim’s appointment to the position followed SUPP’s victory in 13 seats at the Dec 18 polls – nearly double the number won at the previous state election five years earlier.“One important point from the recent state election is that SUPP now has more assemblymen than PRS,” he said.“That, of course, will shift the dynamics in GPS as a whole.”He also warned that a power struggle within the party would open up opportunities for other GPS components to take over PRS seats.“If it doesn’t elect a strong leader who can hold the party together, the danger is that other people will come and disturb (the allocation of seats),” he said.Chin said the most obvious contender would be the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP), given its similarity in political philosophy and structure.“The only difference is, PRS is led by the Iban and PDP is led by the Chinese,” he added.


BioNTech co-founder ‘confident’ vaccine works against Indian variant

BioNTech co-founder Ugur Sahin on Wednesday voiced confidence that the vaccine that his company jointly developed with Pfizer works against the Indian variant of the coronavirus.“We are still testing the Indian variant, but the Indian variant has mutations that we have already tested for and which our vaccine works against, so I am confident,” said Sahin.“The vaccine is cleverly built and I’m convinced the bulwark will hold. And if we have to strengthen the bulwark again, then we will do it, that I’m not worried about,” he added.India is facing surging new cases and deaths in the pandemic, and fears are rising that the variant could be contributing to the unfolding catastrophe.The World Health Organization has said the B.1.617 variant of Covid-19 first found in India had as of Tuesday been detected in “at least 17 countries”.The health agency recently listed B.1.617 – which counts several sub-lineages with slightly different mutations and characteristics – as a “variant of interest”.But so far it has stopped short of declaring it a “variant of concern”, which would have indicated that it is more dangerous than the original version of the virus by, for instance, being more transmissible, deadly or able to dodge vaccine protections.The BioNTech-Pfizer vaccine was the first to win authorisation in the West, and has since been deployed in dozens of countries worldwide.Giving an update of the authorisation process in China, Sahin said approval was “very possible in July”.“We are almost through with all questions,” he said.


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Proposed Indonesian booze ban gives Bali the jitters

The idyllic island of Bali has long been a bucket-list destination for travellers, but a proposed alcohol ban could see tourists seeking alternative destinations when the world reopens.Bali’s hoteliers are warning that a proposed Indonesia-wide alcohol ban would scare off tourists and knock any post-coronavirus economic recovery for six.Two Islamist political parties and the nationalist party Gerindra want to revive a bill that has lain dormant since 2016. The law would make it an offence to produce, store, sell or consume alcoholic drinks. Anyone consuming alcohol could be jailed for up to two years or fined up to US$5,000.Ricky Putra, the chairman of the Bali Hotel Association, said the current laws regulating alcohol in Indonesia were sufficient and that in majority-Hindu Bali – where alcohol is more widely consumed than in other parts of the majority-Muslim country – the results could have a big negative impact on tourism.“We are currently already struggling with the pandemic. How will we get people to come when our border reopens? Not only international tourists but also domestic tourists will think why go to Bali for a holiday when they can’t even enjoy a bottle of beer?” he said.“We already have laws on where and who can sell alcohol, we just need to implement them properly. Then a new law will not be needed.”Bali’s economy has already been shattered by a 95% drop in tourism because of international border closures, which has cost the economy billions of dollars.Indonesian MP Illiza Sa’aduddin Djamal said further discussion of the details of the proposed law are needed and that it is currently just a proposal. “The proposed law is not blindly banning alcohol,” she said. “We are aware Indonesia is not an Islamic country in which the religion governs everything.”In 2019, Indonesia considered new laws banning sex outside marriage, but the plan was dropped because of the inevitable damage to Bali tourism.


University students except in Sarawak allowed to go home for Aidilfitri

More than 100,000 students at institutions of higher learning who are currently on campus will be allowed to return home for the Aidilfitri holidays, except for those in Sarawak.The higher education ministry in a statement today said that the matter was decided at a special meeting held yesterday by the National Security Council (NSC).The students will be allowed to go home in stages from May 7 to 12 while the movement of students returning to campus will be from May 15 to 20.“The movement of students in conjunction with the Aidilfitri holidays is estimated to only involve 103,994 students who are now on campus, out of a total of 1.3 million students. These students are composed of the six categories of students that were previously allowed to undergo teaching and learning sessions on campus.“Students are given a choice of whether to return to their homes or to remain on campus during the holidays. This approval is in line with the previous relaxation given by the NSC for the education sector,” it said.


Man wanted in 1MDB-SRC probe nabbed after 5 years on the run

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) said today it had succeeded in repatriating an individual involved in 1MDB and SRC International investigations through cooperation with international law enforcement agencies.
According to a source, the man was suspected of receiving proceeds from the misappropriation of 1MDB and SRC International funds and had been on the run since 2018.
He arrived at klia2 at 3.30am on May 3 and was issued a notice of order to appear at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya at 10am.
His statement was taken and his house searched that same day.
The source said that the man was believed to have received the money through the bank account of a company known as Wright Shaw Ltd.
MACC in collaboration with Singapore's Commercial Affairs Department (CAD) had reported successfully seizing the bank account with funds amounting to approximately US$5.2 million.
Investigations also found that the man had received money from the misappropriation of 1MDB funds through Yayasan Rakyat 1Malaysia.
The source said that on April 26, MACC together with the Singapore CAD had succeeded in bringing back some RM16 million from a company known as Totality Limited, owned by one Tang Keng Chee.
"Tang Keng Chee, otherwise known as Casey Tang, was 1MDB's executive director of business development from 2012 to 2013," it said.
"He was involved with 1MDB, known then as Terengganu Investment Authority, until 2011.
"He conspired to mislead the bank and to hide certain facts from the 1MDB board of directors to transfer US$700 million to Good Star Ltd, allegedly owned by Low Taek Jho, also known as Jho Low."
The source said MACC was believed to have issued a warrant of arrest or red notice for Tang, dated June 29, 2018, as he was found to have committed an offence under Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009 read together with Section 28 of the same act.
It added that Tang remained at large.
When contacted, MACC chief Azam Baki confirmed the arrest and said that the agency was working to bring back several other assets from individuals involved in Singapore.
MACC has so far succeeded in recovering approximately 70% of 1MDB's assets involving a total of RM28.3 billion.


Why would pipeline damage threaten Black Sea grain deal?

Russia's Defence Ministry said on Wednesday that "Ukrainian saboteurs" had blown up a section of the Togliatti-Odesa ammonia pipeline that carries fertiliser from Russia to Ukraine in Kharkiv region on Monday.
The ministry said it would take up to three months to repair the pipeline.
The statement follows reports from Ukraine that Russian forces had repeatedly fired at the pipeline.
What does the pipeline carry?
Russia uses the pipeline to pump up to 2.5 million tonnes of ammonia annually for global export to Ukraine's Pivdennyi port on the Black Sea from Togliatti on the Volga River in western Russia. It has been shut down since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.
It is the world's longest ammonia pipeline at about 2,470km in length, the International Energy Agency says.
What does it mean for the Black Sea grains deal?
The United Nations and Turkey brokered the Black Sea Grain Initiative for an initial 120 days last July to help tackle a global food crisis worsened by Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, one of the world's leading grain exporters. It has been extended three times since, most recently until July 17.
More than 31 million tonnes of mostly corn and wheat have been exported by Ukraine under the deal. The Black Sea Grain Initiative also allows for the safe export of ammonia - an ingredient of nitrate fertiliser - but none has been shipped.
Extending the grains deal to allow the safe wartime export of grains and fertilisers from three Ukrainian Black Sea ports is likely to more difficult if the pipeline is damaged, given that Russia has repeatedly demanded during negotiations that its ammonia exports should be facilitated.
What had Russia demanded?
Moscow previously said it was "ready without delay, in a matter of days" to restart the ammonia pipeline. Now it says it will take up to three months to repair it.
Until the ammonia pipeline can be restarted, Moscow has said it will limit the number of vessels allowed to travel to Pivdennyi port under the Black Sea deal, the United Nations said.
UN data shows no ships have visited Pivdennyi port for more than three weeks.
Under the Black Sea Grain Initiative, a joint coordination centre in Istanbul made up of officials from Ukraine, Russia, Turkey and the UN agrees on the ships to be registered and conducts inbound and outbound inspections in Turkish waters.
How has Ukraine responded?
The Black Sea Grain Initiative covers the "safe navigation for the export of grain and related foodstuffs and fertilisers, including ammonia" from the Ukrainian Black Sea ports of Odesa, Chornomorsk and Pivdennyi, known in Russian as Yuzhny.
Ukraine has said the language of the deal does not cover the transit of Russian ammonia across Ukraine. A Ukrainian government source told Reuters that Kyiv would consider restarting the pipeline in exchange for an expansion of the Black Sea grain deal to include more ports and commodities.
Russia had said the transit of ammonia "although not spelled out literally, is implied by the logic of the agreement".
UN proposal to restart ammonia pipeline
In September, Reuters reported that the United Nations proposed that ammonia gas owned by Russian fertiliser producer Uralchem be brought via pipeline to the Russia-Ukraine border.
At the border it would be purchased by US-headquartered commodities trader Trammo, according to the proposal. Trammo has been approached by the United Nations to assist in this project and is happy to cooperate, it said in an emailed statement.
The United Nations has consistently pushed for the reopening of the ammonia pipeline.
Reuters reported last week that the US proposed that Kyiv, Moscow and Ankara begin preparatory work on restarting the pipeline, while conducting parallel talks to broaden the Black Sea deal to include more Ukrainian ports and other cargoes.


RM48 million forfeited from accounts of Jho Low’s dad now belongs to govt

More than RM48 million seized from seven bank accounts belonging to Larry Low Hock Peng, the father of fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho or Jho Low, who has been charged in the 1MDB scandal, now belongs to the government of Malaysia.This follows the order by High Court judge Mohamed Zaini Mazlan that the money be forfeited by the government after Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) deputy public prosecutor Shafinas Shabudin, as the applicant, announced there was no third party present in court to claim the money amounting to RM48,491,064.“Notice to third parties was issued on March 11 this year. However no third party was present in court today to claim the money.“As there was no third party present to claim, and the asset was proposed to be forfeited, the prosecution is seeking for the assets to be forfeited by the government of Malaysia,” Shafinas said.Larry Low, as the respondent, was not represented by any lawyer and he himself was not present in court.When met by reporters after the proceeding, Shafinas said the money involved was RM20,784,952.56, RM300,000, RM500,000 and RM20 million seized from current and fixed accounts of the respondent at the KLCC branch of RHB Bank.According to Shafinas, RM6,242,593.10, RM345,496.47 and RM318,021.95 was also confiscated from the fixed and current accounts of the respondent in Maybank Plaza Gurney branch, Penang.On July 19, 2019, Zaini allowed the application of the prosecution to forfeit RM48,979,500.67 in seven bank accounts belonging to Larry Low after no third party was present in court to claim the money.However, the forfeiture case was heard again after the prosecution amended the proposed notice to enter information on two banks involved in the forfeiture application.On March 29 2019, the government filed a civil forfeiture notice to freeze seven bank accounts owned by Larry Low on the charge that the money was proceeds from money laundering.A notice of seizure dated Jan 17, 2019 directed to Goh Gaik Ewe, 66, Jho Low’s mother, was issued under Sub-Section 51 (1) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Illicit Activities Act 2001.Authorities are still tracking down Larry Low, his wife Goh, and Jho Low to assist investigations in the case involving 1MDB.


Health ministry advised to enhance security for MySejahtera, MyVAS apps

The health ministry has been advised to conduct an assessment of the security levels of the MySejahtera and MyVAS applications as a whole and make security enhancements to their respective systems and data.
According to the Auditor-General's Report for the Year 2021 Series 2 released today, this is to overcome weaknesses in the user account management for administrative and data matters, as well as data security that could invite the risk of account abuse.
The report said that one super admin account had downloaded the private information of three million vaccine recipients from the MySejahtera application by using various internet protocol addresses.
"The health ministry must ensure that the management of MySejahtera and MyVAS user accounts is implemented according to the ministry’s information and communications security policies.
"The ministry must conduct data housekeeping to ensure that the data is always available, complete and reliable," it said.
Other examples of weaknesses listed in the report included an instance in which 3.89 million records were uploaded more than a day after the individuals were vaccinated, 1.12 million cyber-attack attempts on MySejahtera from Oct 27, 2021, and 28,735 vaccination records showing individuals receiving the vaccine after the vaccination centres had been closed.
It also noted how 1,657 individuals had more than one MySJ ID while 1,543 individuals had between two and seven accounts involving 3,108 active MySJ IDs with their identities verified and having received vaccines.
"Agencies need to refer to the finance ministry for urgent and immediate procurement or payment to avoid any violation of the regulations in force," the report read.


Tight SOPs leave little room for oomph in Melaka polls

The strict SOPs put in place to curb the spread of Covid-19 during the Melaka state election have left a marked change in atmosphere in the historic state as candidates navigate the challenges of campaigning in the so-called new normal.The ban on political talks or ceramahs and house-to-house visits, a staple during any normal election, have meant a much quieter build-up compared to that of pre-pandemic polls, and even the flags and posters put up around the state do not convey the same cheer and energy as they did before.A lecturer at an institution of higher education in Lendu who declined to be named said many people, especially the senior citizens, remain concerned over the threat of Covid-19.“I do not think that many will turn out to vote, especially from among the older people,” he told MalaysiaNow when met in Alor Gajah.The Election Commission however is more optimistic and is estimating a 70% voter turnout for the Melaka polls.This is even higher than the 66.61% turnout seen during the Sabah state election last year.But the lecturer said there are no big issues this time to galvanise voters, adding that the Melaka polls were caused merely by the squabbling of politicians.He was referring to the move by four state assemblymen to withdraw their support for the chief minister, Sulaiman Md Ali, resulting in the dissolution of the state legislative assembly.The four were Idris Haron (Sungai Udang), Nor Azman Hassan (Pantai Kundor), Norhizam Hassan Baktee (Pengkalan Batu) and Noor Effandi Ahmad (Telok Mas).“Many people are struggling just to put food on the table,” the lecturer said. “The mood of voters is also not encouraging.”Even in WhatsApp groups, he said, there has been no swapping of political stories unless one or two members share messages displaying graphics of their preferred candidates.“Even then, no one wants to respond. Everyone is lethargic, unlike the last general election where family chat groups were filled with political chit-chat,” he said.With physical campaigning strictly off limits, candidates have been forced to take their battles to the digital arena.While some struggled with a slow start, most are now working hard to get their campaigning messages through on social media.DAP, for example, live streams a talk show on its Facebook page every night.Even so, the party machinery of various groups is often slow to inform the media about the movement of candidates. Only a handful of schedules can be gleaned each day, and only after continued questioning by members of the media.Still, campaigns are expected to pick up the pace, and not everyone is apathetic about the upcoming polls.Mohd Azri, 29, works at an audit firm in Ayer Keroh and does his best to keep up with issues in the state.His family members are also up to date with political developments although they are not inclined towards any party in particular.Azri, who is registered to vote in the Serkam state constituency, is eager to head to the polling booth come Nov 20.The Melaka election will witness three-way fights among the country’s main political blocs: Perikatan Nasional, Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional, with 112 nomination papers received by the EC.Putra and Iman will also contest the state election, along with 22 independent candidates.


Almost 500 flood victims still at relief centres in Baling

The number of evacuees affected by floods in Baling dropped to 495 people at three relief centres (PPS) as of 8am today, from 1,424 last night.
Baling Civil Defence officer Rasidah Kassim said most of the evacuees who left were those at the SMK Agama Yayasan Al-Khiriah PPS.
Most of them were students who left when their relatives came to pick them up, leaving only 78 students still at the PPS, she said in a statement today.
A total of 159 people from 50 families remain at the SMK Jerai PPS and 258 people from 59 families at the Surau An-Nur PPS.
The floods and water head phenomena that occurred yesterday afternoon killed three victims while seven houses were destroyed by strong currents and about 70 houses were damaged as a result of the disaster.
All three victims who died were family members, who were killed when their house in Kampong Iboi was swept away by the currents.


Myanmar broadens social media crackdown as anti-coup protests grow

Myanmar’s military rulers have broadened a crackdown on social media in a bid to stifle growing signs of popular dissent, as a UN envoy made direct contact with the new regime to pressure it into reversing this week’s coup.Twitter confirmed on Saturday it had become the latest platform blocked by the junta, following a surge of new users seeking to circumvent blocks on Facebook and other internet domains.The move “undermines the public conversation and the rights of people to make their voices heard”, a Twitter spokesperson told AFP.The dawn arrests of de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other senior leaders this week brought a sudden halt to Myanmar’s brief 10-year experiment with democracy, and catalysed an outpouring of fury that has migrated from social media to the streets.Online calls to protest the army takeover have prompted increasingly bold displays of defiance against the new regime including the nightly deafening clamour of people around the country banging pots and pans – a practice traditionally associated with driving out evil.Friday saw one of the largest concentrated shows of public dissent within the country so far from around 200 teachers and university students.The group sang a popular revolutionary song and displayed the three-finger salute borrowed from Thailand’s democracy movements, mirroring similar rallies elsewhere in the country.UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres said a special envoy to the country had made “first contact” with Myanmar’s deputy military commander to urge the junta to relinquish power to the civilian government it toppled.“We will do everything we can to make the international community united in making sure that conditions are created for this coup to be reversed,” he told reporters on Friday.State media in Myanmar reported Saturday that junta figures had spoken with diplomats the previous day to respond to an international outcry and asked them to work with the new leaders.“The Government understand the concerns of the international community on the continuation of Myanmar’s democratic transition process,” International Cooperation Minister Ko Ko Hlaing said in the meeting, according to the report.‘Freedom from fear’As protests gathered steam this week, the junta ordered telecom networks to freeze users out of access to Facebook, an extremely popular service in the country and arguably its main mode of communication.The platform had hosted a rapidly growing “Civil Disobedience Movement” forum that had inspired civil servants, healthcare professionals, and teachers to show their dissent by boycotting their jobs in civil service and hospitals.The military widened its efforts to stifle dissent on Friday when it demanded new blocks on other social media services.Norway-based Telenor said its local phone company had been instructed to cut access to the platform late on Friday, adding it had “challenged the necessity” of the directive.An apparent ministry document ordering the blockade – seen by AFP but not verified – said Twitter and Instagram were being used to “cause misunderstanding among the public”.Some internet-savvy users have managed to circumvent the social media block by using VPN services.By Saturday morning, trending hashtags like #WeNeedDemocracy, #HeartheVoiceofMyanmar and “Freedom from fear” – the latter a famed Suu Kyi quote – had millions of mentions.An immensely popular figure despite a tarnished reputation in the West, Suu Kyi has not been seen in public since the coup, but a party spokesman said Friday she was under house arrest and “in good health”.US President Joe Biden was among world leaders this week to demand the generals “relinquish power… release advocates and activists and officials they have detained, lift the restrictions in telecommunications, and refrain from violence”.Japanese beer giant Kirin – long under scrutiny over its ties to Myanmar’s army-owned breweries – said Friday it was terminating a joint venture with a military-owned conglomerate.


US approves US$750 million weapons sale to Taiwan

The US State Department has approved a possible US$750 million weapons sale to Taiwan, the government said on Wednesday in a notification to Congress, reports Kyodo newsThe announcement prompted a swift objection from Beijing and will likely add pressure to already strained US-China relations.The potential deal includes self-propelled howitzer artillery systems and related equipment and serves “US national, economic, and security interests by supporting the recipient’s continuing efforts to modernise its armed forces and to maintain a credible defensive capability,” the Defense Security Cooperation Agency under the Defense Department said in a news release.The move follows a series of US arms sales to Taipei as China steps up its military and diplomatic pressure against what is sees as a renegade province.On Thursday, the Chinese government voiced strong opposition to the potential arms sale, saying it has “lodged a stern protest” with Washington.The foreign ministry urged Washington to immediately withdraw the deal and indicated that otherwise Beijing would take countermeasures.The administration of former president Donald Trump had notified Congress of 20 proposed major foreign military sales cases for Taiwan, with a combined value of over US$18 billion, according to a Congressional Research Service report issued in July.Under the Taiwan Relations Act, which Congress passed in 1979 after the US switched its diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing, Washington maintains unofficial relations with Taiwan and supplies the island with arms and spare parts to maintain its self-defence capabilities against a Chinese attack.The Defense Security Cooperation Agency said the latest proposed sale of the artillery system will help enhance Taiwan’s “ability to meet current and future threats” while “further enhancing interoperability with the US and other allies”.It added that the weaponry will “not alter the basic military balance in the region”.Taiwan’s foreign ministry on Thursday expressed appreciation for the US move, describing the latest development as the first arms sale since Biden took office in January.The decision demonstrates Washington’s commitment to the Taiwan Relations Act and allows the island to maintain a “rock-solid self-defence, and regional peace and stability”, the ministry said on Twitter.Beijing and Taipei have had a rocky relationship for decades but relations have deteriorated further since independence-leaning Tsai Ing-wen became Taiwan’s president in 2016.In recent years, fears have been mounting that the leadership of President Xi Jinping will sooner or later try to achieve its cherished goal of reuniting the perfidious island with the mainland.Xi has never been shy of saying he will do so by force if necessary.


Saudi executes two men amid death penalty spike

Saudi Arabia on Saturday put to death two men, including one convicted of attempting to blow up an oil facility, bringing to six the number of executions this year, state media reported.
The second man was convicted of forcibly committing "an obscene act of sodomy" on minors, according to the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
The executions, both in the western Mecca region, came three days after authorities in the southwestern Baha region put to death four men accused of kidnapping and killing another man.
They are the first cases of capital punishment this year in the kingdom, which executed 147 people last year – more than double the 2021 figure of 69, according to AFP tallies.
Last year's number included 81 people put to death for terrorism-related offences on a single day in March 2022, an event that spurred an international outcry.
The executions on Saturday demonstrate the government's "keenness to establish security and achieve justice" and should serve as a warning to other would-be offenders, SPA said, citing the interior ministry.
The man who tried to attack the oil facility also shot and killed a member of the security forces and fired on others, SPA said, without stating when the attack took place.
Saudi Arabia is the world's biggest crude oil exporter.
The SPA reports did not make clear how the recent executions were meted out, though the wealthy Gulf kingdom is known for beheadings.
More than 1,000 death sentences have been carried out since King Salman assumed power in 2015, according to a report published earlier this year by Reprieve and the European-Saudi Organisation for Human Rights (ESOHR).
The rate has soared from an average of 70.8 executions a year from 2010 to 2014, to 129.5 a year since 2015, the report said.
Last year saw the resumption of executions for drug crimes, ending a moratorium that lasted almost three years.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the king's son and Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler, said in an interview with The Atlantic magazine that the kingdom had "got rid of" the death penalty except for cases of murder or when someone "threatens the lives of many people", according to a transcript published by state media in March 2022.