Morning Briefing: Top stories from The Straits Times on Aug 1, 2023 - The Straits Times

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1. Morning Briefing: Top stories from The Straits Times on Aug 1, 2023  The Straits Times
2. Asean News Headlines at 9pm on Monday (July 31, 2023)  The Star Online
3. Evening Update: Today's headlines from The Straits Times on July 31, 2023  The Straits Times
4. Asean News Headlines at 9pm on Sunday (July 30, 2023)  The Star Online
5. Morning Briefing: Top stories from The Straits Times on July 31, 2023  The Straits Times
6. View Full coverage on Google News

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2023-07-31 23:52:03Z
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Six killed in Zelenskyy's hometown as Moscow bolsters onslaught - CNA

"ACT OF DESPERATION"

"Against the background of the failure of the so-called 'counteroffensive', Kyiv ... has focused on carrying out terrorist attacks on civilian infrastructure," Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said Monday.

In response, "the intensity of our strikes against Ukrainian military facilities ... has been considerably increased", Shoigu said.

Sunday's drone attack damaged two office towers in a Moscow business district, shattering several windows and leaving documents strewn on the ground.

The capital and its environs, lying about 500km from the Ukrainian border, had rarely been targeted during the conflict until several drone attacks this year.

Following the strikes, Zelenskyy warned Sunday that war was coming to Russia.

"Gradually, the war is returning to the territory of Russia - to its symbolic centres and military bases, and this is an inevitable, natural and absolutely fair process," Zelenskyy said.

The Kremlin responded Monday, describing the strikes on the capital as an "act of desperation" by Ukraine following setbacks on the battlefield.

"It is obvious that the counteroffensive is not a success," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, adding that the situation was "very difficult" for Ukrainian forces on the front.

"All possible measures have been taken to defend civil infrastructure" against Ukrainian strikes, Peskov added.

Ukraine began its long-awaited counteroffensive in June but has made modest advances in the face of stiff resistance from Russian forces on the frontline.

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2023-07-31 21:38:00Z
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Islamic State claims responsibility for Pakistan blast that killed 54 - CNA

On Monday the Islamic state group claimed responsibility.

"A suicide attacker from Islamic State … detonated his explosive jacket in the middle of a crowd" in Khar, the jihadist group's news arm Amaq said in a statement on Monday.

The attack occurred in the town of Khar in the northwestern Bajaur district, just 45km from the Afghan border, in an area where militancy has been rising since the Taliban took control of Kabul in 2021.

Parliament is likely to be dissolved after it completes its term in the next two weeks, with national elections to be held by mid-November or earlier.

The local chapter of the jihadist Islamic State group has in the past targeted JUI-F rallies and leaders.

SHATTERED FAMILIES

On Monday, blood-stained shoes and prayer caps littered the site, along with ball bearings and steel bolts from the suicide vest.

Pieces of human flesh could still be seen, blasted 30m from the stage where the bomber detonated his device.

Thousands of mourners attended the first funeral ceremonies, including for two young cousins aged 16 and 17.

"It was not easy for us to lift two coffins. This tragedy has shattered our family," said Najib Ullah, the brother of one of the boys.

"Our women are profoundly shocked and devastated. When I see the mothers of the victims, I find myself losing my own courage."

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2023-07-31 15:45:00Z
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Pakistan police comb bomb site after deadly blast - CNA

KHAR: Pakistan police on Monday (Jul 31) combed through the bloody wreckage of a suicide blast that killed at least 47 people at an Islamist party's political gathering ahead of elections due later this year.

Around 400 members of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F (JUI-F) party - a key government coalition partner led by a firebrand cleric - were waiting for speeches to begin when the attacker detonated his vest near the front stage.

"I was confronted with a devastating sight - lifeless bodies scattered on the ground while people cried out for help," Fazal Aman, who was near the tent when the bomb went off, told AFP.

The attack occurred in the town of Khar in the northwestern Bajaur district, just 45km from the Afghan border, in an area where militancy has been rising since the Taliban took control of Kabul in 2021.

Pakistan's parliament is likely to be dissolved after it completes its term in the next two weeks, with national elections to be held by mid-November or earlier.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, but the Pakistani Taliban - who operate in the area - have denied being behind it.

The local chapter of the Islamic State group, who have not yet commented on the attack, have in the past targeted JUI-F rallies and leaders.

SHATTERED FAMILY

On Monday, blood-stained shoes and prayer caps littered the site, along with ball bearings and steel bolts from the suicide vest.

Pieces of human flesh could still be seen, blasted 30m from the stage where the bomber detonated his device.

Thousands of mourners attended the first funeral ceremonies, including for two young cousins aged 16 and 17.

"It was not easy for us to lift two coffins. This tragedy has shattered our family," said Najib Ullah, the brother of one of the boys.

"Our women are profoundly shocked and devastated. When I see the mothers of the victims, I find myself losing my own courage."

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2023-07-31 08:55:00Z
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No hope of survivors from downed Australian military helicopter - CNA

SYDNEY: Authorities have lost hope of finding survivors after a military helicopter plunged into the sea during war games over the weekend, Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles said on Monday (Jul 31).

Rescuers initially clung to slim hopes they would find the four crew members alive, but those were dashed after the discovery of "significant wreckage" from the aircraft, Marles said.

The chopper had been taking part in the large-scale Talisman Sabre exercise, which brings together 30,000 military personnel from Australia, the United States and several other nations.

It plunged into the water near the Whitsunday Islands while taking part in a nighttime operation.

"There was a catastrophic impact, and that forms part of why we are now transferring this from an activity of search and rescue to one of recovery," Marles told reporters.

Militaries from at least three nations had joined police in looking for the crew of the MRH-90 Taipan, which went down late Friday night in subtropical waters off the northeast coast of Australia.

"The loss of these four men is as significant and meaningful as the loss of anyone who has worn our nation's uniform," Marles said, adding he was "deeply sorry" for their families.

"Amidst the inadequacy of these words, I want them to know they stand in the warm embrace of the entire nation."

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2023-07-31 04:23:33Z
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askST Jobs: When two colleagues seem too close for comfort - The Straits Times

In this series, manpower reporter Tay Hong Yi offers practical answers to candid questions on navigating workplace challenges and getting ahead in your career. Get more tips by signing up to The Straits Times’ HeadSTart newsletter.

Q: A colleague seems to be in a romantic relationship with another colleague. Is it inappropriate? Should I tell anyone?

A: A relationship between colleagues is considered inappropriate if it involves romantic or sexual involvement in a professional setting, especially if they have a supervisor-subordinate relationship, said Ms Linda Teo, country manager at ManpowerGroup Singapore.

“This is because such relationships may lead to conflicts of interest and breaches in professionalism, and can affect work performance and other issues,” she said.

Even if both parties keep things professional at work, others aware of their relationship may perceive the manager to be showing favouritism to the subordinate, which can undermine the couple’s abilities and the effort they put into their work, she said.

Another example of an inappropriate workplace relationship, Ms Teo said, is if there is a power imbalance or significant age gap between the two.

“In this case, this may raise concerns about ethics and the relationship may be viewed as exploitative.”

However, workplace romances are not considered inappropriate by default, Ms Teo said, adding that whether workplace romances are accepted or frowned on depends on the company and circumstances.

In firms that have policies restricting office romance, dating a co-worker or being involved in a sexual relationship with one will be considered inappropriate, she said.

Companies that do not forbid workplace romances may require employees to disclose to the human resources (HR) department if they are involved to address any potential fallout.

“If one or both parties are married to other people, then the relationship is considered unacceptable as well,” said Ms Teo.

A workplace romance is also inappropriate if it affects the couple’s or their colleagues’ work performance.

Asked what is the threshold at which an employee should consider reporting what they witnessed to a supervisor or HR, Ms Teo said the employee should first refer to any company guideline and policy that regulate workplace romances.

“Employees should also report to HR what they had witnessed if the behaviour involves harassment or poses a safety risk.

“For example, if the employee sees that one of them is not interested in engaging in a romantic relationship yet the other colleague persists, then the employee should report it to HR, as it can be considered harassment.”

As for the impact of inappropriate relationships on the workplace, Ms Teo said such relationships could attract gossip and rumours among co-workers, creating a negative work environment that distracts from job tasks.

There is also the potential fallout and tension that can affect the workplace if the couple break up.

“The company’s overall productivity may also take a hit, as the couple may be more focused on their personal interactions instead of their work.”

Ms Teo said employers that want to respect their employees’ autonomy in their personal lives and also prevent inappropriate relationships from impacting work should set and share clear policies on when, if ever, workplace romances are acceptable.

“Employers can also consider having a policy whereby employees need to inform their supervisors or HR if they enter a romantic relationship to ensure there are no potential conflicts of interest.”

Have a question? Send it to askst@sph.com.sg

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2023-07-30 21:00:00Z
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Zelenskyy says 'war' coming to Russia after Moscow drone attack - CNA

KYIV: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned on Sunday (Jul 30) that "war" was coming to Russia after three Ukrainian drones were downed over Moscow.

"Gradually, the war is returning to the territory of Russia - to its symbolic centres and military bases, and this is an inevitable, natural and absolutely fair process," Zelenskyy said on a visit to the western city of Ivano-Frankivsk.

"Ukraine is getting stronger," he added, warning however that the country should prepare for new attack on energy infrastructure in winter.

"But we must be aware that, just as last year, Russian terrorists can still attack our energy sector and critical facilities this winter," Zelenskyy said, adding that preparations for "all possible scenarios" were discussed in Ivano-Frankivsk.

Zelenskyy spoke after three Ukrainian drones were downed over Moscow early on Sunday, the Russian defence ministry said. The attack damaged two office towers and briefly shut an international airport.

Separately, Moscow said on Sunday its forces had thwarted a Ukrainian attempt to attack Russia-annexed Crimea with 25 drones overnight.

The attacks reported Sunday were the latest in a series of recent drone assaults - including on the Kremlin and Russian towns near the border with Ukraine - that Moscow has blamed on Kyiv.

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2023-07-30 15:32:00Z
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Chinese zoo denies allegations star attraction is a man in a sun bear costume - The Straits Times

This is not the first time a zoo in China has grabbed the headlines for eyebrow raising exhibits.

In 2019, Yancheng Wild Animal World in Changzhou, a city in eastern China’s Jiangsu Province, sparked controversy after asking its workers to dress as gorillas, reported British newspaper Daily Mail.

The bizarre sight of two zookeepers jumping around the gorilla enclosure in full-body costumes was spotted by a parent.

The zoo defended itself, and said that the “human gorillas” were a special programme designed to entertain tourists on April Fool’s Day. It added that it had not expected the arrangement to cause misunderstanding from visitors.

And in 2013, CNN reported that a zoo in Luohe, Henan, tried to pass off a large hairy dog as a lion.

A visitor told Beijing Youth Daily that when she and her son approached the cage marked “African lion”, they were greeted not by a mighty roar, but a bark.

The furry beast turned out to be a Tibetan mastiff.

Other animals in the park were similarly mislabelled, Beijing Youth Daily reported, with another dog in the wolf cage, and a white fox on display in the leopard enclosure.

The park told CNN that the animals had been substituted for various unspecified reasons, and would be returned to their rightful places.

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2023-07-30 09:25:00Z
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Putin says Russia does not reject talks with Ukraine - CNA

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Saturday (Jul 29) that an African initiative could be a basis for peace in Ukraine but that Ukrainian attacks made it hard to realise.

He was speaking at a press conference after meeting African leaders in St Petersburg on Friday and hearing their calls for Moscow to move ahead with their plan.

"There are provisions of this peace initiative that are being implemented," he said.

"But there are things that are difficult or impossible to implement."

Reuters reported in June that African mediation in the conflict could begin with confidence-building measures followed by a cessation of hostilities agreement accompanied by negotiations between Russia and the West.

Putin said that one of the points in the initiative was a ceasefire.

"But the Ukrainian army is on the offensive, they are attacking, they are implementing a large-scale strategic offensive operation ... We cannot cease fire when we are under attack."

On the question of starting peace talks, he said, "We did not reject them ... In order for this process to begin, there needs to be agreement on both sides."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has rejected the idea of a ceasefire now that would leave Russia in control of nearly a fifth of his country and give its forces time to regroup after 17 grinding months of war.

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2023-07-29 23:31:02Z
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As Khanun forms, China warns of third typhoon in three weeks - CNA

BEIJING: Chinese forecasters on Saturday (Jul 29) warned of the approach of Tropical Storm Khanun, which is expected to rapidly gain typhoon strength and strike China's densely populated coast sometime next week.

Khanun, now more than 1,000km east of the Philippine archipelago in the Pacific, may make landfall in China's economically important Zhejiang province as early as Tuesday, Chinese forecasters said.

Typhoons are common in China, often threatening big cities. As many as 150 Chinese cities suffer from flooding each year due to inadequate drainage systems, disrupting local economies and even claiming lives.

As the Western Pacific enters its peak typhoon season in August and September, scientists warn storms could grow more frequent and violent due to global warming. Khanun would be the third typhoon to hit China after the powerful Doksuri on Friday and Talim just a week earlier.

Global average sea surface temperatures hit 21 degrees Celsius in late March and remained at record levels for the time of year throughout April and May. In the Florida Keys last week, the surface ocean temperature soared to abnormally high levels.

Temperatures on land have also smashed records this year as heatwaves ravaged much of the Northern Hemisphere - from Canada and the United States to the Mediterranean, India and China.

A remote township in northwest China endured temperatures of 52.2 degrees Celsius earlier this month, setting a new record for the country.

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2023-07-29 14:51:27Z
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Malaysian police tracking down suspect who hurled stones at PAS headquarters - CNA

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain confirmed on Saturday (Jul 29) that they have received a report in connection with a man hurling stones at the Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) headquarters, causing the glass wall to break.

He said the incident occurred at the headquarters at Jalan Raja Laut at 5.30am and police are tracking down the suspect with the help of the Kuala Lumpur City Hall.

"The suspect, who was riding a motorcycle, had made some noise before hurling the stones at the glass wall of the building," he said during a special media conference on Saturday, in conjunction with the state elections in Bukit Aman. 

"Guards on duty in the building witnessed the incident. Police are tracking the suspect and ... we will track him down soon."

He added that the authorities are reviewing the close-circuit television cameras in nearby areas to assist in their investigations to identify the suspect.

The case is being investigated under Section 427 of Malaysia's Penal Code for committing mischief, he said.

Earlier on Saturday, PAS lodged a police report after one of the glass walls in its headquarters was broken by stones hurled by a man just a few hours before the nomination process for six state elections began.

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2023-07-29 09:56:59Z
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Japan set for largest ever minimum wage hike after panel proposal - CNA

TOKYO : A Japanese government panel recommended on Friday that the national average minimum wage be raised by 41 yen ($0.29) an hour to 1,002 yen, the biggest hike ever in value terms, as Prime Minister Fumio Kishida makes wages a key focus of his policies.

The health ministry panel's annual recommendation serves as the nationwide standard for minimum wages.

"I welcome this outcome," Kishida told reporters.

"Raising wages, as I've repeatedly said, is one of the most important challenges for the Kishida administration."

Kishida and the Bank of Japan are hoping that wage hikes can be sustained so that they generate more consumer spending that decisively lifts the world's third-largest economy out of decades of stagnation.

Minimum wages are set by the government, while in the annual round of spring wage negotiations, corporate management and labour unions negotiate directly over salaries.

Japan's largest labour organisation, Rengo, said this month that major companies had agreed to average pay hikes of 3.58 per cent this year, the highest level in three decades.

($1 = 140.3500 yen)

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2023-07-28 14:27:10Z
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Tesla set up Malaysian headquarters due to political stability by unity government: PM Anwar - CNA

Over the past four years, Malaysia has been rocked by political instability following the fall of the 22-month Pakatan Harapan (PH) government in 2020, triggered by the Sheraton Move. The two following administrations lasted 17 months under Muhyiddin Yassin and 15 months under Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

Despite Mr Anwar’s claim of political stability, Muhyiddin has criticised the unity government as being “hopeless” and “fragile”. 

According to a Free Malaysia Today report on Jun 29, Muhyiddin - who is also the opposition Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman - said that the biggest concern affecting the unity government is its stability.

“There is no stability. It’s fragile. It can collapse at any time. This is the reality,” he reportedly said, adding that, unlike PN, Mr Anwar’s unity government was fractured.

“We (PN) don’t have any problems; PH has a lot of internal problems. BN (Barisan Nasional) faces the same issue. When it comes to (fighting with) DAP (Democratic Action Party), it’s not even internal, it’s out in the open.” 

The unity government comprises Mr Anwar’s PH coalition - of which DAP is a component party - and the previous ruling BN coalition, among other parties.

Separately, Mr Anwar said on Thursday that the opening of Tesla’s headquarters in Malaysia will create thousands of job opportunities for the younger generation. 

“When he comes (and) opens offices, companies and factories for the new electric vehicles, we can take tens and thousands of our children to work (there),” he said. 

On Jul 14, Mr Anwar said that he welcomed the electric vehicle maker’s decision to invest in Malaysia and stated the government’s support for the opening of the Tesla head office in Selangor.

This after a 25-minute meeting virtual meeting with Musk that was attended by Malaysia's International Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil and SpaceX senior director Lauren Dreyer. 

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2023-07-28 08:12:00Z
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Typhoon Doksuri makes landfall in China's Fujian province after battering Taiwan - CNA

BEIJING: Typhoon Doksuri made landfall in China's southeastern Fujian province on Friday (Jul 28) morning, after it battered Taiwan and cut power to hundreds of thousands of homes. 

The typhoon arrived in the city of Jinjiang at about 10am local time, Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reported.

It is expected to continue in a north-westerly direction with a gradually weakening intensity.

Across the Taiwan Strait, the typhoon toppled trees and cut power in the island's south, prompting authorities to shut businesses and schools for another day. 

Doksuri is categorised as the second-strongest typhoon level by Taiwan's weather bureau.

A "hurricane-force-wind" alert was also issued in the Taiwanese islands of Penghu and Kinmen, where residents were warned to brace for gusts of more than 155kmh.

The storm had cut power to more than 186,000 homes across Taiwan and downed hundreds of trees in the major port city of Kaohsiung, which was also on alert for landslides and floods. Rainfall of more than 1m was recorded in the mountainous eastern and southern parts of the island.

More than 300 domestic and international flights were suspended and railway services between southern and eastern Taiwan were halted.

A ferry sank near the Philippine capital of Manila after passengers alarmed by strong winds rushed to one side of the boat, overturning it. As many as 36 people have been killed this week during Doksuri's transit off the northern Philippines.

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2023-07-28 03:57:54Z
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Faster clearance for Singaporeans visiting Taiwan with access to airport e-gates - The Straits Times

SINGAPORE – Singapore passport holders visiting Taiwan will from Thursday be allowed to use the e-gates at the island’s airports for speedier immigration clearance, said Taiwan’s Interior Ministry.

Travellers will first have to register at the immigration counters with their passports and have photos of their faces taken and fingerprints recorded.

According to Taiwan’s National Immigration Agency, Singapore is the sixth country – after the United States, South Korea, Australia, Italy and Germany – whose citizens will be allowed to use the e-gates at immigration.

Previously, the e-gates could be used only by Taiwan passport holders and foreigners who hold residency status on the island.

Taiwan’s Deputy Interior Minister Wu Jung-hui said on Thursday that Singaporeans aged 12 and above who are at least 140cm tall, holding biometric passports with at least six months’ validity and have no prior criminal convictions on the island will be allowed to use the e-gates.

A ceremony to mark the start of this privilege for Singaporean travellers was held on Thursday evening in Taipei. Mr Yip Wei Kiat, the Trade Representative of the Singapore Trade Office in Taipei, attended the event.

Mr Wu said this latest move reciprocates Singapore’s decision to extend usage of its automated immigration lanes to Taiwan passport holders in April – the island is now one of 51 jurisdictions whose passport holders are granted this access.

Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority said in April that it aims to make automated immigration clearance the norm at the country’s airport and land checkpoints.

It expects 95 per cent of all arrivals at Singapore Changi Airport to be cleared through the automated lanes by the first quarter of 2024.

Taiwan is a popular tourist destination for travellers from Singapore, with 460,000 registered visitors to the island in 2019, before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to the Taiwan Tourism Bureau in Singapore, almost 160,000 Singaporeans visited Taiwan from January to May 2023, more than 90 per cent of the pre-pandemic figures in 2019.

In terms of the number of travellers from South-east Asia visiting Taiwan, Singaporeans are the fourth-largest group, after those from Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.

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2023-07-27 15:32:54Z
CBMifGh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnN0cmFpdHN0aW1lcy5jb20vYXNpYS9lYXN0LWFzaWEvZmFzdGVyLWNsZWFyYW5jZS1mb3Itc2luZ2Fwb3JlYW5zLXZpc2l0aW5nLXRhaXdhbi13aXRoLWFjY2Vzcy10by1haXJwb3J0LWUtZ2F0ZXPSAQA

Taiwan holds annual live-fire drills at Taoyuan International Airport for the first time - CNA

NECESSITY OF DRILLS

Military experts said the drill was necessary because Taoyuan Airport is just 3km from Zhuwei beach, a potential landing point for the PLA. 

“If the international airport was seized, the enemy would move into the second phase of assault or replenish supply to further expand its attack (so it's important to conduct this defence drill)," said senior analyst at the Institute for National Defense and Security Research Su Tzu Yun.

"This airport drill would help Taiwan’s air force to use the runways as backup for military aircraft to take off and land."

Taiwan has increased its military spending by 14 per cent this year to US$18.8 billion amid escalating tensions across the strait. But China’s military budget is more than 10 times higher than the island’s.

Analysts said asymmetric warfare - a form of irregular warfare where combatants are not from regular military forces - could be the key in making up for Taiwan’s gaps.

“Taiwan must have the capability of asymmetric warfare in order to prolong the (potential) war and protect our land, allowing other countries to supply aid to the island,” said Mr Arthur Wang, spokesman for the Asia-Pacific Elite Interchange Association.

Mr Su said that the Taiwan strait will geographically help with the island’s defence.

“With modern missile technology, it will give Taiwan the chance to build up its advantage both on air and at sea to stop the attack from the enemy,” he added.

Despite such capabilities, analysts said the best way to resolve cross-strait issues is through peaceful dialogue.

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2023-07-27 08:53:36Z
2267181958

US$8.4 million, 200kg of gold and 17 luxury cars seized in Malaysia raids - CNA

KUALA LUMPUR: A total of RM38 million (US$8.4 million) in cash, 200kg of gold worth RM60 million and 17 luxury cars have been seized by Malaysian enforcement agencies. 

A businessman and his two partners, all in their 40s, were also arrested, reported Bernama on Wednesday (Jul 26).

The simultaneous raids, involving 315 officers, took place on Monday at 34 locations in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.

The multi-agency task force was led by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in collaboration with the police, Immigration Department, Customs Department, Bank Negara Malaysia, Inland Revenue Board and CyberSecurity Malaysia.

Photos of the confiscated items taken by MACC showed a variety of luxury cars of various brands such as Maserati, Ferrari and Mercedes Benz.

Bundles of cash in several currencies as well as a collection of gold jewellery were also seen. 

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2023-07-27 03:27:00Z
2276204792

Typhoon Doksuri shuts businesses, grounds flights in Taiwan - CNA

TAIPEI: Southern Taiwan on Thursday (Jul 27) shut businesses and schools while airlines cancelled hundreds of domestic flights amid warnings of landslides and floods as Typhoon Doksuri churned past the island en route to China where it will make landfall later this week.

As of 10.15am (0215 GMT) Typhoon Doksuri, categorised as the second-strongest typhoon level by Taiwan's weather bureau, headed towards the southern Taiwan Strait with maximum winds of 191 kmh.

At one point Doksuri was a super typhoon, but lost some of its strength after it lashed the coastline of the northern Philippines on Wednesday, bursting banks of rivers and leaving thousands without electricity.

Doksuri killed five people in the Philippines, according to the country's disaster agency.

Taiwan's weather bureau issued wind and rain warnings on Thursday for the southern part of the island, including the major port city of Kaohsiung where businesses and schools were closed and landslide warnings were issued.

All domestic flights and ferry lines were suspended in Taiwan while more than 100 international flights were cancelled or delayed. Railway services between southern and eastern Taiwan were shut.

More than 5,700 people were evacuated as a precaution, mostly in the mountainous southern and eastern Taiwan, where more than 0.7m of rainfall was recorded in some areas and up to 1m was forecast.

The storm had cut power from more than 49,000 households across Taiwan but the majority of them had since been restored.

"Typhoon Doksuri should not be underestimated," Kaohsiung city mayor Chen Chi-mai said in a Facebook post late on Wednesday.

"The police and military force will assist in the effort of forced evacuation if needed," he said, pointing to threats by torrential rain in mountainous areas.

Braving occasional showers and winds, Taiwan's armed forces pressed ahead with a large-scale anti-landing drill on a beach near the major Taipei Port just outside the capital, simulating the repulsion of an enemy force with ground troops and tanks amid high military tensions with neighbouring China.

The storm has disrupted parts of Taiwan's main annual Han Kuang exercises and air-raid drills that started on Monday, as authorities cancelled some exercises citing safety concerns and the need to make preparations for the typhoon. 

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2023-07-27 01:49:00Z
CBMiZGh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmNoYW5uZWxuZXdzYXNpYS5jb20vYXNpYS90eXBob29uLWRva3N1cmktc2h1dHMtYnVzaW5lc3Nlcy1ncm91bmRzLWZsaWdodHMtdGFpd2FuLTM2NTc2NzbSAQA

Faster clearance for Singaporeans visiting Taiwan with access to airport e-gates - The Straits Times

SINGAPORE – Singapore passport holders visiting Taiwan will from Thursday be allowed to use the e-gates at the island’s airports for speedier immigration clearance, Taiwan’s Central News Agency reported.

Travellers will first have to register at the immigration counters with their passports and have photos of their faces taken and fingerprints recorded.

According to Taiwan’s National Immigration Agency, Singapore is the sixth country – after the United States, South Korea, Australia, Italy and Germany – whose citizens will be allowed to use the e-gates at immigration.

Previously, the e-gates could be used only by Taiwan passport holders and foreigners who hold residency status on the island.

A ceremony to mark the start of this new privilege for Singaporean travellers is expected to be held on Thursday evening in Taipei, the Central News Agency reported. Officials from both Taiwan and Singapore will attend the event.

Media outlets in Taiwan said this latest move reciprocates Singapore’s decision to extend usage of its automated immigration lanes to Taiwan passport holders in April 2023 – it is now one of 51 jurisdictions whose passport holders are granted this access.

Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority said in April that it aims to make automated immigration clearance the norm at the country’s airport and land checkpoints.

It expects 95 per cent of all arrivals at Singapore Changi Airport to be cleared through the automated lanes by the first quarter of 2024.

Taiwan is a popular tourist destination for travellers from Singapore, with 460,000 registered visitors to the island in 2019, before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to the Taiwan Tourism Bureau in Singapore, almost 160,000 Singaporeans visited Taiwan from January to May 2023, more than 90 per cent of the pre-pandemic figures in 2019.

Among travellers from South-east Asia, Singaporeans number fourth after Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.

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2023-07-26 23:00:00Z
2257698511

‘Just tell the truth, the sky won’t fall’: Chinese left guessing about Qin Gang - South China Morning Post

[unable to retrieve full-text content]

1. ‘Just tell the truth, the sky won’t fall’: Chinese left guessing about Qin Gang  South China Morning Post
2. Snap Insight: Foreign Minister Qin Gang's abrupt removal is embarrassing for Beijing and Xi Jinping  CNA
3. The questions that remain over China's removal of Qin Gang  The Straits Times
4. Wang Yi’s return as China’s foreign minister is a signal of continuity  South China Morning Post
5. Qin’s removal reveals a messy portrait of China  Hindustan Times
6. View Full coverage on Google News

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2023-07-26 13:26:26Z
2239059089

Cambodian PM Hun Sen to step down after four decades - CNA

PHNOM PENH: Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, one of the world's longest-serving leaders, said on Wednesday (Jul 26) he will resign and hand power to his eldest son after almost four decades of hardline rule.

The former Khmer Rouge cadre has run the kingdom since 1985, eliminating all opposition to his power, with opposition parties banned, challengers forced to flee and freedom of expression stifled.

His Cambodian People's Party (CPP) won a landslide victory in an election on Sunday with no meaningful opposition, taking 82 per cent of the vote, paving the way for a dynastic succession to his eldest son that some critics have compared to North Korea.

"I would like to ask for understanding from the people as I announce that I will not continue as prime minister," the 70-year-old said in a special broadcast on state television.

Election authorities disqualified the only serious challenger, the Candlelight Party, on a technicality in advance of the election, and the CPP is expected to win all but five lower house seats.

The government hailed the 84.6 per cent turnout as evidence of the country's "democratic maturity" but Western powers including the United States and European Union condemned the poll as neither free nor fair.

The newly elected parliament will convene on Aug 21 and a new cabinet will be sworn in the next day.

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2023-07-26 07:37:00Z
2229187424

Snap Insight: Foreign Minister Qin Gang's abrupt removal is embarrassing for Beijing and Xi Jinping - CNA

PATH FOR “WOLF WARRIOR” DIPLOMACY

For China’s diplomacy, it has meant confusion, as the change in minister has seemed to seize the mechanisms of the ministry and led to other countries being unable to advance their diplomatic goals. Mr Qin missed a key Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) foreign ministers’ meeting in Indonesia, for instance, and a host of bilateral and multilateral meetings that went with it.

Furthermore, Mr Qin's ouster makes it less clear how China’s diplomats should present themselves: Should they be bold and brash as Mr Qin had been earlier in his career as a wolf warrior, or cautious and less combative to avoid a similar fate?

Even with the most-senior diplomat, Wang Yi, being a similarly confident and at times abrasive voice, lower-level Chinese foreign service employees keen for promotion are unlikely to want to stick their neck out right now.

Over time, Beijing will no doubt bring greater stability to the top of the ministry, installing another minister and moving on from Mr Qin’s short tenure. But for now, the abrupt way in which Mr Qin was kicked to the kerb, with his silent disappearance creating a vacuum for speculation, has just created turbulence and disorientation in China’s diplomacy. 

Christian Le Miere is a foreign policy adviser and the founder and managing director of Arcipel, a strategic advisory firm based in London.

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2023-07-26 01:30:00Z
2239059089

China's New Foreign Minister Wang Yi Has Longstanding Ties With US Counterparts - Bloomberg

[unable to retrieve full-text content]

1. China's New Foreign Minister Wang Yi Has Longstanding Ties With US Counterparts  Bloomberg
2. China replaces foreign minister Qin Gang with predecessor Wang Yi, after brief stint and weeks of speculation  CNA
3. China removes foreign minister Qin Gang; Wang Yi gets old job back  The Straits Times
4. China Names Wang Yi New Foreign Minister to Replace Qin Gang  Bloomberg
5. Gone in seven months: China's fired foreign minister Qin Gang  CNA
6. View Full coverage on Google News

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2023-07-25 19:09:14Z
2239059089

'Silver fox' Wang Yi returns to lead China's foreign ministry - CNA

BEIJING: China's top diplomat Wang Yi has been given back his old job as foreign minister, one he had held for almost a decade from 2013, after the shock removal of his short-lived successor.

Wang, 69, is a career diplomat and fluent Japanese speaker who served as China’s ambassador in Tokyo and head of China’s policy-making Taiwan Affairs Office.

Likened to a "silver fox" by China’s state media and online admirers due to his greying hair and diplomatic wiles, Wang currently heads the Chinese Communist Party Foreign Affairs Commission, the top foreign policy decision-making body.

Regarded by some of his foreign counterparts as suave and charming, he has become increasingly tough in recent years: A proponent of China's aggressive and often abrasive "wolf warrior" style of diplomacy.

"No matter how blonde you dye your hair or how sharp you make your nose, you will never become European, American or Western," he told South Korean and Japanese counterparts at a forum earlier this month, in a criticism about their pro-western stance.

He told US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in 2022 that the U.S. should "stop trying to deal with the Chinese from a position of strength."

When he met Blinken in Beijing last month - the first visit by Washington's top diplomat in five years - he told him China had "no room for compromise or concessions" on Taiwan, the democratic island China claims as its own and Washington supports.

Journalists have also been on the receiving end of Wang's sharp tongue.

After a Canadian reporter asked him about human rights in 2016, he responded by saying the question was "full of prejudice against China and arrogance".

"I don’t know where that comes from. This is totally unacceptable,” he said through an interpreter.

Wang had been kept busy after stepping down as foreign minister in 2022.

He was seen as instrumental in brokering a surprise peace deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia in March and then stood in for his successor Qin Gang at several engagements after he disappeared from public view for a month before his removal.

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2023-07-25 14:33:22Z
2239059089

Gone in seven months: China's fired foreign minister Qin Gang - CNA

A fluent English speaker, Qin was twice foreign ministry spokesman, between 2006 and 2014, and chief protocol officer between 2014 and 2018, overseeing many of Xi's interactions with foreign leaders.

As ministry spokesman, he stood out for being one of the first diplomats to speak aggressively in defence of China's increasingly assertive foreign policy, a style that became known as "wolf warrior" diplomacy.

During his stints as foreign ministry spokesman, he became known for his caustic responses to difficult questions from journalists.

The Diplomat magazine called him "one of the first Chinese foreign ministry celebrities" for his memorable lines, such as when asked his opinion of US rock band Guns N' Roses' album 'Chinese Democracy', he replied: "Not many people are fond of this kind of music because it's too loud and noisy. Besides, you are a mature adult, aren't you?"

But analysts say Qin's real break came when he entered Xi's direct orbit as chief of the foreign ministry's protocol department between 2014 and 2018.

That job involved organising Xi's foreign trips and accompanying the leader on them.

He served as vice-foreign minister between 2018 and 2021, before becoming US ambassador.

Qin also displayed willingness to work with the United States, declaring upon his arrival in Washington as ambassador in July 2021, after a period of unusual public vitriol between US and Chinese officials, that relations held "great opportunities and potential".

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2023-07-25 12:19:00Z
2239059089

Singapore records first 2 deaths from dengue for 2023 - The Straits Times

SINGAPORE – Two people died from dengue in Singapore between April and June, logging the first deaths from local dengue infections for 2023.

The National Environment Agency (NEA) said in its quarterly dengue surveillance report on Tuesday that 1,989 cases were recorded in the second quarter of 2023, a 15.7 per cent decrease from the previous quarter.

This is the fourth consecutive quarter in which the number of dengue cases has dropped, despite a high number of cases at the start of the year. The 279 weekly cases recorded in the first week of 2023 were the second-highest for the first week of the year in the last five years.

NEA said then that the spike was driven by a high Aedes aegypti mosquito population and low population immunity against the prevalent dengue serotype then.

Dengue is spread through the bite of a female Aedes aegypti mosquito, the same species that carries yellow fever and Zika.

Symptoms can appear three to 14 days after a person is bitten. They include joint and muscle pain, severe headache with pain behind the eyes, and skin rash.

The number of dengue clusters identified from April to June dropped by about 34 per cent compared with the previous quarter, according to the latest NEA data.

Of the 213 clusters detected, 170 were closed in the same period.

However, NEA has detected more mosquito habitats, with about 5,300 identified in the second quarter of 2023. This marks an increase of about 15 per cent compared with the previous quarter.

The top five breeding habitats for the second quarter of 2023 in homes were pails, flowerpot plates and trays, vases, canvas sheets and plastic sheets, and refuse bins placed outside landed houses.

The top five breeding habitats for the same period in public areas were covered perimeter drains, discarded containers, gully traps, scupper drains of housing estates and covered carpark drains.

People can be infected with dengue up to four times as there are four serotypes of the dengue virus. Repeated infections increase the risk of severe dengue and death.

NEA’s report noted that the dengue serotype-1 virus accounted for the majority of the cases sampled between April and June. This was followed by dengue serotype-3, dengue serotype-2 and dengue serotype-4.

The peak season for dengue is from June to October because of warmer weather, faster multiplication of the virus in mosquitoes and accelerated development of the mosquitoes.

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2023-07-25 09:40:00Z
2253918045

‘Wiped out my savings’: Taiwan woman shocked mum spent most of her US$90,000 - South China Morning Post

[unable to retrieve full-text content]

‘Wiped out my savings’: Taiwan woman shocked mum spent most of her US$90,000  South China Morning PostView Full coverage on Google News
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2023-07-24 10:00:14Z
CBMiqQFodHRwczovL3d3dy5zY21wLmNvbS9uZXdzL3Blb3BsZS1jdWx0dXJlL3RyZW5kaW5nLWNoaW5hL2FydGljbGUvMzIyODM4Ny93aXBlZC1vdXQtbXktc2F2aW5ncy10YWl3YW4td29tYW4td2hvc2UtbW90aGVyLXNhdmVkLWhlci1wYXktMTIteWVhcnMtc2hvY2tlZC1sZXNzLTItY2VudC11czkwMDAw0gGpAWh0dHBzOi8vYW1wLnNjbXAuY29tL25ld3MvcGVvcGxlLWN1bHR1cmUvdHJlbmRpbmctY2hpbmEvYXJ0aWNsZS8zMjI4Mzg3L3dpcGVkLW91dC1teS1zYXZpbmdzLXRhaXdhbi13b21hbi13aG9zZS1tb3RoZXItc2F2ZWQtaGVyLXBheS0xMi15ZWFycy1zaG9ja2VkLWxlc3MtMi1jZW50LXVzOTAwMDA

Daughter drains elderly woman's life savings of $130,000 from their joint accounts - STOMP

An elderly woman accumulated $180,000 in savings after a lifetime of hard work, only to lose $130,000 to her youngest daughter.

Left with just over $200 in her bank accounts, Mdm Chen has had no choice but to lodge a police report.

The 73-year-old woman told Shin Min Daily News that she had opened three joints accounts with her youngest daughter in May 2021.

She said: "My husband and I worked hard all our lives for these savings. The money was previously in our couple's joint account before being transferred into these three accounts."

On June 26, 2023, Mdm Chen discovered that one of the accounts was left with $180 instead of the $85,000 it was supposed to have.

Feeling something amiss, she checked the other two accounts as well.

She found one account completely emptied of its $19,999 sum, while the other account had gone from having $76,174 to $61.

Mdm Chen said: "I saved about $180,000 saved and previously withdrew $50,000, so there should be $130,000 remaining. But now, I'm left with only over $200."

After investigating, Mdm Chen realised that all the money had been transferred by her youngest daughter.

She subsequently lodged a police report, but was told that nothing could be done as the money had been in joint accounts.

"The police suggested that I get a lawyer, but that will cost a lot of money," added Mdm Chen, who was unable to recall why she had opened the joint accounts with her daughter.

Mdm Chen also called her daughter.

"She admitted to using my money and said she would pay it back to me slowly, but I don't know how she is going to do that," said Mdm Chen.

Reporters tried to contact Mdm Chen's daughter for two consecutive days, but to no avail. When they got in touch with Mdm Chen's son-in-law, he said: "Don't write nonsense."

Mdm Chen's eldest daughter, 43-year-old Ms Zhuo, said her parents have lost their life savings.

According to Ms Zhuo, her mother worked as a dishwasher for 30 years while her father operated a boat.

She added: "My father was in poor health a few years ago and is currently bedridden. I didn't expect my sister to take their money."

The family's relationship with Mdm Chen's youngest daughter deteriorated following the incident and she has since stopped replying to Mdm Chen's messages.

Mdm Chen believes that her youngest daughter and son-in-law are facing problems with their business, a frozen seafood company which they started in 2021.

She said: "I requested for transfer records from the bank and discovered that my youngest daughter has been transferring money to her company's employees, suppliers and even directly to her husband since June 2021.

"In fact, even the registration fee for her marriage this year is my money."

Ms Zhuo said that things have been amiss ever since her youngest sister started dating her now-husband in 2021.

She explained: "His own divorce procedures had yet to be completed when he was with my sister. Afterwards, he did not come to see my parents so we do not know him well and don't have a good impression of him."

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2023-07-24 07:17:35Z
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Malaysia's ruling coalition goes on offensive against Kedah leader in battle to win state - The Straits Times

ALOR SETAR – Malaysia’s ruling coalition has painted a large bull’s eye on the back of Kedah’s caretaker chief minister Sanusi Md Nor, as it ramps up efforts to win back the northern state in the Aug 12 state polls.

Sanusi, from the federal opposition alliance Perikatan Nasional (PN), was last week charged in court with sedition for insulting the Selangor ruler, and is due for questioning over alleged corruption involving mining activities in the state.

He alleged that his popular TikTok account, with some 540,000 followers, was mysteriously blocked for three days in mid-July and then unblocked again, with the Home Minister and Minister of Communications and Digital saying they had no hand in it.

These developments come just ahead of the Aug 12 polls involving six states. Sanusi, 48, is the election director for PN, which is led by two major Malay-Muslim parties.

Despite these distractions, PN and Sanusi are set to put up a tough fight to defend Kedah.

Sanusi became the state’s Menteri Besar (chief minister) after the Pakatan Harapan (PH) state government was toppled in 2020 following a major shift of alliances among state politicians.

To boost its support among Malay voters in Malaysia, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s ruling coalition led by PH badly needs to wrest Kedah back.

But PH and its key ally Barisan Nasional (BN) may face an uphill battle. Many Kedahans whom The Straits Times spoke to sang praises of the blunt-speaking Sanusi.

At political rallies, his shoot-from-the-hip style and thick Kedah accent resonate with heartlanders in the state, which is known as Malaysia’s “rice bowl state” as it has the highest rice output in the country.

Stock trader Abdul Rahim, 35, who works part-time as a private-hire driver, said Sanusi is “the best Menteri Besar”.

“He builds new roads and he goes down to the ground when there are floods. He may be brash, but we don’t mind it,” he told ST.

Of the six states headed for the polls in August, PN controls the state governments of Kedah, Terengganu and Kelantan. Mr Anwar’s PH-BN alliance controls the other three state assemblies – Penang, Selangor and Negeri Sembilan.

An influential figure, Sanusi has accused Mr Anwar’s federal administration of launching investigations against him to curtail his speeches.

“In Malaysia, it looks like we cannot say anything. We have a government that is afraid and using the police to stop our speech,” he told reporters after his court appearance on Tuesday.

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2023-07-23 21:00:00Z
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Malaysia domestic trade minister Salahuddin Ayub dies aged 61 - CNA

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Salahuddin Ayub died on Sunday (Jul 23) following surgery for a brain haemorrhage. He was 61.

This was confirmed by his daughter Fatiha Salahuddin in a Facebook post.

“We are saddened to inform that the head of our family, Salahuddin Ayub died at 9.23 pm on July 23, 2023,” she posted.

Salahuddin’s press secretary, Syakirin Husnal, said in a statement that Salahuddin died at the Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital (HSB) in Alor Setar, Kedah.

He said Salahuddin’s remains would be taken to his mother’s home in Kampung Serkat (Kopi Tenggek), Tanjung Piai, and that the minister’s office will provide further information regarding funeral arrangements soon.

He added that the deceased's family would like to express their utmost appreciation and gratitude to everyone for their prayers and condolences.

“They also wish to thank all the doctors and staff of the Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital, Alor Setar, Kedah,” he said.

On Saturday, Syakirin said the minister was taken to the emergency ward of the HSB at about 10.15pm on Friday after suffering from nausea and vomiting, before being diagnosed with a brain haemorrhage by a specialist.

Salahuddin leaves behind his wife, Fatimah Taha, and six children.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim described the demise of Salahuddin as a huge loss for him, personally, and his family.

Admitting to being affected by the sad news, the prime minister said that the services of Salahuddin, who was also the Amanah deputy president, could not be materially repaid.

“He was known for being of an esteemed character, be it to his friends or foes. A strong figure who works and is very obedient to trust and responsibility.

“Rest now, my friend,” he posted on Facebook on Sunday.

CHAMPION OF THE PEOPLE

Born on Dec 1, 1961, in Tanjung Piai, Pontian, Johor, Salahuddin will be best remembered as a champion of the people on the issue of the rising cost of living by introducing various initiatives known as 'Payung RAHMAH'.

Salahuddin was no stranger to national politics and succeeded in making a name for himself until he was appointed Deputy President of Parti Amanah Party (Amanah).

He was also Pontian branch Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (ABIM) secretary from 1981 to 1983, before being actively involved in politics after joining PAS in 1983.

In PAS, he rose through the ranks, from being the Pontian PAS vice-president (1983-1987) and to being overall party vice-president from 2009 to 2015.

In the 2004 general election, PAS nominated him to contest the Kubang Kerian parliamentary constituency, which he won and served for two terms.

However, Salahuddin exited PAS and joined Amanah on Aug 31, 2015, after an internal conflict between PAS members at the time.

The Amanah deputy president then won the Pulai parliamentary seat and the Simpang Jeram state seat in the 14th general election in 2018 on a Pakatan Harapan (PH) ticket. He was appointed Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister before the PH government collapsed in February 2020.

The Johor PH chairman defended the seats in the Johor state election in March 2022 and the 15th general election on Nov 19 last year before being appointed Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living.

During his tenure, Salahuddin implemented various initiatives under the Payung RAHMAH brand to help people face various challenges related to the rising cost of living, especially when the country and the economy were recovering from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Salahuddin was a minister always seen on the ground to ensure a sufficient supply of goods and his tireless efforts succeeded in stabilising the prices of basic goods while also reducing the effects of inflation on consumers.

"Until the end of his life, he was concerned and continued to fight for the well-being of the people. The country lost a great leader," said Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in a Facebook post.

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2023-07-23 16:03:13Z
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25m stretch of road collapses in Iskandar Puteri; probe to determine cause - The Straits Times

ISKANDAR PUTERI – A 25m-long stretch of road between Forest City and the Tanjung Pelepas highway in Iskandar Puteri, Johor, collapsed on Sunday.

Iskandar Puteri Fire and Rescue department operations commander Hairulnizam Mohd Noh said his unit received a call about the incident at around 2.09pm.

“Seven firemen were deployed to the scene and, upon arrival, found that about 25m of the main road and bridge had collapsed,” he said in a statement.

“Once we confirmed that the area was safe, we handed the matter over to the police for traffic control at the area,” he added.

Iskandar Puteri Police Assistant Commissioner Rahmat Ariffin confirmed the incident and said no injuries were reported.

In a statement, developer Country Garden Pacificview said Forest City’s project employees and relevant technical personnel rushed to the scene for emergency action.

“Forest City immediately got in touch with the relevant government departments for setback management and cause investigation,” it said.

It added that it would conduct a thorough inspection of the entire bridge and actively cooperate with government departments “to carry out the necessary action and procedures to ensure the safety of users”.

It added that updates on the matter, including construction recovery, would be posted on Forest City’s official social media accounts. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK

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2023-07-23 12:35:00Z
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Twenty-five metre stretch of road collapses in Iskandar Puteri - The Star Online

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1. Twenty-five metre stretch of road collapses in Iskandar Puteri  The Star Online
2. 25m stretch of road collapses in Iskandar Puteri; probe set to determine cause  The Straits Times
3. View Full coverage on Google News

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2023-07-23 11:22:00Z
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Cambodia votes as Hun Sen near-guaranteed election win - CNA

PHNOM PENH: Cambodians voted on Sunday (Jul 23) in an election that longtime leader Hun Sen is all but guaranteed to win as he looks to secure his legacy by handing the reins to his eldest son.

The 70-year-old former Khmer Rouge cadre has ruled since 1985 and faces no real contest in this vote, with opposition parties banned, challenger candidates forced to flee and freedom of expression stifled.

His Cambodian People's Party (CPP) is likely to retain all 125 seats in the lower house, prolonging his grip on power and paving the way for a dynastic succession some critics have compared to North Korean politics.

The only serious opposition party was disqualified on a technicality in the run-up to the polls and it will be a surprise if any of the 17 other small, poorly funded parties win seats.

Hun Sen cast his ballot in the capital Phnom Penh shortly after polling stations opened at 7am (midnight GMT), according to AFP journalists at the scene.

More than 9.7 million people are registered to vote in the seventh election since the United Nations first sponsored polls in 1993 after years of conflict - including the genocidal Khmer Rouge - left the country devastated.

Over the last 30 years, what hopes the international community might have had for a vibrant multi-party democracy in Cambodia have been flattened by the juggernaut of Hun Sen's rule.

The veteran prime minister has begun to look to the future, saying that he would hand over to his son, four-star general Hun Manet - possibly even in the coming weeks.

The 45-year-old scion led the final CPP rally in Phnom Penh ahead of polling day, telling a raucous crowd on Friday that it was "victory day" for the country.

Critics would disagree, and rights groups have condemned the upcoming election.

On the eve of voting, a 17-strong coalition - including the Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) and the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) - characterised the polls as being of "profound concern".

"The upcoming electoral exercise indicates a notable absence of transparency, fairness and inclusivity in the electoral process," the coalition said in a statement issued on Saturday.

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2023-07-23 01:51:01Z
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Inside Lombok's secretive gold mining community, slowly suffering from poisoning - CNA

Then, in Lombok, a new danger emerged. Informal gold mining started almost 15 years ago after a mining company found “large deposits” on the island, and locals spotted an opportunity, said environmental health specialist Yuyun Ismawati.

It has been estimated that 22,000 people in Lombok depend on small-scale gold mining — done on land they do not own — to earn a living. But until now, the small-scale mining activities have been illegal, Yuyun added.

Lombok’s miners are normally secretive about their work, but Faturahman agreed to share his story. Born on the island, he used to be a fisherman, “but it was so hard to get a good income”. So he became a miner.

Just half a gramme of gold is worth 300,000 rupiah (S$26) to him, which is more than twice the amount he earned daily as a fisherman.

Globally, around 20 per cent of gold production comes from informal miners like him. But their use of mercury complicates matters. And illness in Lombok’s mining communities has largely flown under the radar of medical authorities.

WATCH: The real price of Indonesia’s mercury-poisoned gold (46:18)

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2023-07-22 22:00:00Z
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After winning an election, Move Forward's quest to lead Thailand's government grinds to a halt - The Straits Times

BANGKOK - Pumping his fist into the air, Mr Pita Limjaroenrat walked out of Parliament’s chambers on Wednesday in the midst of proceedings, while fellow party and coalition members stood in applause.

Moments before, the 42-year-old leader of the Move Forward Party (MFP) had said in his parting address: “I think Thailand has changed drastically since May 14. The people have already won half the battle, and there is still halfway to go.”

Maybe, his optimism was misplaced.

Mr Pita is under a temporary suspension of his parliamentary duties by the Constitutional Court pending its ruling over his ownership of media shares, which is forbidden under election law.

“I’ll be back,” Mr Pita wrote on social media shortly after leaving Parliament, even as lawmakers continued to debate whether he should get a second shot at the premiership.

But the reality was that he would not be back, at least not in his desired position as Thailand’s 30th Prime Minister. Later that evening, a majority of parliamentary voters denied him a second attempt at nomination for the post.

Now, his party is fighting for its place in the coalition it had assembled after winning the most seats in the May election. It has been a turbulent two months since the reformist MFP and its Ivy League-graduate leader shot to the top of the political arena, beating more established parties to bag 151 seats in the 500-member elected House of Representatives.

Its victory was powered by widespread desire for change, in a country that has experienced comparatively sluggish post-pandemic recovery, high household debt and more than a dozen military coups, with the most recent in 2014 by now-caretaker PM Prayut Chan-o-cha.

One female voter in her 60s, a former supporter of conservative parties who decided to throw her support behind the MFP this time around, said: “It’s about having new people in charge. I don’t necessarily support all the MFP’s policies, but something must change.”

With the backing of main coalition partner Pheu Thai and six smaller parties, the MFP entered uncharted territory as it tried to lead the 312-member alliance in establishing what it termed the “People’s Government”.

However, the legal threats as well as the entrenched conservative forces that oppose the party’s seemingly radical policies have meant challenges at every turn.

“We have to apologise to the people and frankly admit that they (those in power) do not want MFP to be a core party to form a government,” said MFP secretary-general Chaithawat Tulathon on Friday, noting that opposing voices have cited the party’s stance to amend Section 112 of the Criminal Code – the lese majeste law – and loyalty to the monarchy as reasons to block the party from Government House.

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2023-07-22 14:48:00Z
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What you need to know about Cambodia's election - CNA

Cambodia holds an election on Sunday (Jul 23) that is almost certain to be won by the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) of Prime Minister Hun Sen, extending its nearly four-decade grip on power.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN ON SUNDAY?

About 9.7 million of Cambodia's 16 million people are eligible to vote in the election for a national assembly. Polling stations will open from 7am (8am, Singapore time) until 3pm and a preliminary result is expected Sunday evening.

Aside from CPP, there are 17 parties running, but most are obscure and none have the clout or resources to mount a challenge to the ruling party, which won all 125 seats assembly seats in the 2018 election. A repeat of that is expected.

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE OPPOSITION?

CPP encountered its biggest challenge to its rule in the 2013 election when it won less than half of the votes, closely followed by the newly formed opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), reflecting CNRP's popularity among the youth and trade unions and some disenchantment with CPP.

In the following years, CPP used its influence over courts and democratic institutions to hobble its rival, culminating in CNRP's dissolution nine months before the 2018 election, for its alleged plot to overthrow Hun Sen's government. The CNRP's leader was arrested on treason charges.

Large numbers of opposition figures fled into exile and hundreds were convicted of crimes mostly in absentia in mass trials.

From CNRP's ashes rose the Candlelight Party, but its members have endured a campaign of intimidation and harassment, according to human rights groups. The party was disqualified from the election on a technicality over a registration document and this week, two of its members were arrested for incitement after they urged voters to destroy their ballots.

IS THE CPP POPULAR?

The CPP's ability to maintain peace, growth and stability after the 1970s Khmer Rouge genocide and ensuing civil war remains its biggest selling point, particularly in rural areas where many Cambodians have witnessed a relative transformation in what was once among the world's poorest countries.

Under 70-year-old Hun Sen, Cambodia has achieved lower middle-income status, with improvements in health, education and infrastructure. Its textiles manufacturing sector, mainly for famous Western brands, has boomed, creating vital jobs, while the economy grew on average 7.7 per cent between 1998 and 2019.

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2023-07-22 08:35:55Z
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On topic: Why Thailand's Pita failed to become prime minister - Nikkei Asia

The winner of Thailand's general election, Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat, failed in his recent attempt to become prime minister. How was he blocked from the premiership? Here's a selection of stories looking at the country's struggle to form a new government.

Pita Limjaroenrat leaves the parliamentary chamber after being suspended as an MP on July 19. (Photo by Ken Kobayashi)

Move Forward leader Pita on Wednesday came up against two roadblocks in his bid to become prime minister, as parliament denied his second nomination and the Constitutional Court suspended him while it considers an electoral complaint. Read more.

Move Forward supporters protest in front of Bangkok's Democracy Monument on July 19. (Photo by Ken Kobayashi)

Around a thousand people filled Bangkok's Democracy Monument on Wednesday night after Pita was denied a second nomination for prime minister by parliament and was suspended as a lawmaker. People dressed in black staged a mock funeral for conservative senators and judges to protest their actions, which are seen as obstructing the consensus reached in the May election. Read more.

Pita Limjaroenrat reacts after failing to win parliamentary support to become Thailand's prime minister on July 13. (Photo by Ken Kobayashi)

It is an open secret that Thailand's Constitutional Court and Election Commission -- intended to be independent bodies -- are under the military's influence. The court suspended Pita as a lawmaker over his shareholdings in a media company, marking an extension of past democratization stumbles and political disputes in Thailand. Read more.

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2023-07-22 03:30:00Z
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