Jun 30, 2011

Britain Sees Surge In Parental Child Abduction Abroad


Britain said Wednesday there had been an upsurge in the number of British children abducted by their parents and taken abroad, with Pakistan, Thailand and India the most common destinations.

The Foreign Office said that 161 children were taken over the past 12 months to countries that are outside an international treaty designed to ensure the return of wrongfully removed minors.

Malaysia Scientists Tag Borneo Saltwater Crocodile

Wildlife researchers in Malaysia are to track a saltwater crocodile by satellite, they said Wednesday, in a bid to find out why nearly 40 people have been attacked on Borneo island over a decade.

The wild saltwater crocodile was captured earlier this month on the Kinabatangan river in Sabah state and had a tag strapped around its neck before being released, said Benoit Goossens, head of the Danau Girang Field Centre.

France Gives Libya Rebels Arms But Britain Balks


France said Wednesday it had air dropped arms to rebels in Libya, but NATO ally Britain said it would not follow suit over concerns about whether it was permitted under UN Security Council resolutions.

France said Wednesday it had air dropped arms to rebels in Libya, but NATO ally Britain said it would not follow suit over concerns about whether it was permitted under UN Security Council resolutions.

Malaysia, Bangladesh To Fingerprint 500,000 Workers

Malaysian and Bangladeshi officials will work together to fingerprint for the first time the estimated 500,000 Bangladeshis working legally and illegally in Malaysia, the home minister said Wednesday.
It is part of a wider scheme to fingerprint the about two million illegal immigrants in Malaysia, which depends on foreigners from mostly poorer regional countries to fill jobs in construction sites, plantations and other places shunned by locals.
Malaysia announced last week that it will offer amnesty to those who come forward from July 11 for two weeks. 

Malaysian State Mulls Polygamy Incentive

A Malaysian state run by an Islamic opposition party is considering rewarding Muslim men who take on divorced women as their second, third or fourth wives.

Wan Ubaidah Omar, a lawmaker responsible for women's affairs in northern Kelantan state, said a male colleague had proposed "that men should take up divorcees as second wives... and proposed the government should give incentives to these men."

Saudi Bans Domestic Workers From Indonesia, Philippines


Saudi Arabia announced Wednesday it would stop granting work permits to domestic workers from Indonesia and the Philippines, following hiring conditions imposed by the Asian countries.

The ministry of labour said it would "stop issuing work visas to bring domestic workers from Indonesia and the Philippines, effective from Saturday" due to "the terms of recruitment announced by the two countries," according to a statement carried by state news agency SPA.

Jun 29, 2011

‘No’ To Proposal For Native Land Commission

Joseph Tawie
Sarawak's Minister with Special Function, Adenan Satem, believes there are 'sufficient safeguards' within the Land Code to recognise and secure native customary rights over (NCR) land.
KUCHING: The Taib Mahmud-led Sarawak government has rejected outright the opposition’s proposal to set up a Native Land Commission to resolve native customary right (NCR) issues, which has seen the authorities and the courts at odds with each other.

Michelle Yeoh: No Comment On Myanmar Ban


Malaysian international superstar Datuk Michelle Yeoh  has been blacklisted by Myanmar for her pro-democracy film, The Lady.
According to the Associated Press (AP), an official from the military-backed Myanmar government said the Malaysian actress arrived in Yangon on June 22, and was deported the same day because she has been blacklisted.

Minimum Wages Now, Not Policies

By Syed Shahrir Syed Mohamud

While a significant number of workers suffer due to poor wages, the government continues to be pro-employer in its approach.

COMMENT

It was a sad day for workers and unions in Malaysia when Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak at the Malaysian Trade Union Congress (MTUC) dinner on June 14 made no firm commitment on the promotion and protection of workers’ rights.

United Move Too Good For Young To Turn Down


England international Ashley Young said the chance to play for Manchester United was an opportunity he couldn't afford to miss after signing a five-year contract with the Premier League champions.

Young's former club, Aston Villa, confirmed the move after the winger, capped 15 times by his country, underwent a medical Wednesday and the transfer, reportedly worth in the region of 16-20 million ($25-32 million), was completed Thursday.

Malaysia Halts Drug Trial Of Mexican Brothers

Three Mexican brothers facing the gallows in Malaysia on drug trafficking charges managed to get their trial halted on Tuesday amid claims that the evidence was tampered with.

The Gonzalez Villarreals -- Luis Alfonso, 43, Simon, 36 and Jose Regino, 33 -- were charged in 2008 with a Malaysian and a Singaporean after being arrested at an alleged drug-making factory.

Lady Gaga Accused Of Fraud In Japan Relief Efforts

American pop star Lady Gaga is accused of misrepresenting charitable donations from wristbands sold to benefit tsunami and earthquake victims in Japan earlier this year.

The complaint, filed in a Michigan court on Friday by 1800lawfirm, says the star as well as her record label, Universal Music Group, and the Bravado International Group, lacked transparency surrounding the amount of money that was raised from sales of the wristbands and whether those funds were 100% allocated to earthquake and tsunami victims.

Google Goes Social, Launches Facebook Rival

Internet search giant Google launched its rival to Facebook on Tuesday, a new social networking service called Google+.
Internet search giant Google launched its rival to Facebook on Tuesday, a new social networking service called Google+.
"Online sharing is awkward. Even broken. And we aim to fix it," Google's senior vice president for engineering Vic Gundotra said in a blog post.

Not so Bird-Brained: Clever Crows Recognise Faces

Humans who dismiss birds as featherweights may revise their opinion when learning of crows which not only can identify the face of someone who is a danger but also teach others about the threat.


Humans who dismiss birds as featherweights may revise their opinion when learning of crows which not only can identify the face of someone who is a danger but also teach others about the threat.
Intrigued by the behaviour of wild American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) on their campus in Seattle, University of Washington scientists explored whether the birds would recall a face associated with a frightening ordeal.

True Blood's Kristin Bauer Drops Hints About Season 4

Kristin Bauer couldn’t have asked for a better role than Pam: the straight-talking, Southern v...
Kristin Bauer couldn’t have asked for a better role than Pam: the straight-talking, Southern vampire belle, whose biting wit suppliesTrue Blood some of its most memorable one-liners. According to Bauer, the best part of Pam is her unique outlook on things. 

“Her focus is so simple,” says the actress, 38. “Our lives as humans are so complicated and she just left that world behind and good riddance.

Hulk Hogan's Ex-Wife Afraid Of His Rages

Hulk Hogan's ex-wife, Linda, said she was ''afraid he would kill'' her ''in one of his rages.''
Hulk Hogan's ex-wife said she was 'afraid he would kill' her 'in one of his rages.'
Linda Hogan alleges the wrestling star - whom she divorced in 2008 after 25 years of marriage - had a violent side and was physically abusive toward her.
In an extract from her autobiography, 'Wrestling the Hulk: My Life Against the Ropes', she writes: 'Hulk tore my shirt. He threw lamps. He held me down on the bed with his hands around my throat during arguments, slamming doors, pounding walls.

Jun 28, 2011

M'sian Schoolgirl Rakes In $10k By Selling Body


Kuala Lumpur (The Star/ANN) - A secondary school student in Malaysia made 30,000 ringgit (US$9,955) during the year-end school break last year by selling her own body, Malaysian newspaper China Press reported.
It said the student from Kuala Lumpur charged customers 250 ringgit to 800 ringgit each so that she could indulge in luxury items.

Spectacular Discoveries In New Guinea

A frog with fangs, a blind snake and a round-headed dolphin are among more than 1,000 new species recently found on the incredible Melanesian island of New Guinea, environment group WWF said.

Scientists made the astounding discoveries, which also included a river shark and dozens of butterflies, on New Guinea at a rate of two a week from 1998 to 2008, WWF said in a new report on the island's natural habitat.
"This report shows that New Guinea's forests and rivers are among the richest and most biodiverse in the world," said WWF's Western Melanesia programme representative, Neil Stronach.

Malaysia, Singapore To Open Rapid Border Rail Link


Malaysia and Singapore agreed Monday to set up a high-speed rail link between their border areas following a deal to shut down an old service dating back to British colonial rule.

In a joint statement, the two counties said a rapid transit system (RTS) will run from a metro station in northern Singapore to Malaysia's Johor Baru city by 2018.
This followed an agreement to relocate a Malaysian-owned train station from downtown Singapore to the border.

Philippines Tells Rebel Group 'To Discipline Its Forces'

The Philippine government told a Muslim separatist group Monday that it needed to "discipline its forces" as the two sides met in Malaysia in efforts to thrash out a long-awaited peace agreement.
Manila and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) are striving to end a deadly decades-old insurgency in the southern Philippines through drawn-out peace negotiations which restarted in February.
In a statement, the Philippine government said it had deferred its submission of a peace deal proposal. The MILF put forward its draft at the last session, in April.

Varane Can Be The Next Blanc, Says Zidane

Zinedine Zidane has acclaimed imminent Real Madrid signing Raphael Varane as the natural successor to his former France team-mate, Laurent Blanc.

Varane, 18, is expected to complete a move to the Spanish giants next Monday, despite having played just 23 league matches for Lens, who were relegated from the French top flight last season.
Real have reportedly seen off interest from clubs including Arsenal, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain, and Zidane believes Varane has the ability to reach the very top.

Japan Get Off To Winning Start At World Cup

Japan got their women's World Cup campaign off to a winning start with a 2-1 victory over Group B rivals New Zealand here on Monday.

But the Japanese Nadeshiko were pushed hard by the New Zealand Ferns who had been looking to score their first point in their third appearance in a World Cup.
Yuki Nagasato and Aya Miyama scored for Japan with Amber Hearn heading in for New Zealand.
It was the second major international tournament where the two sides had met in the opening match after the 2008 Olympics where New Zealand held Japan 2-2.

Jun 27, 2011

Police Report Against Taib-Linked Coal Plant

Joseph Tawie
Despite complaints from the Iban community, the operators of the Mukah coal-fired power plant are yet to initiate efforts to mitigate the effects of erosion.
KUCHING: Angry villagers in the Rumah Bansan longhouse in Mukah have lodged a police report against the Mukah coal-fired power plant, which is linked to Chief Minister Taib Mahmud’s family- owned conglomerate Cahaya Mata Sarawak (CMS).
In their report, the Ibans in the 13-door longhouse claimed that sea water entering their rivers during high tide had caused severe erosion and destruction to their crops and properties.

Google Fined By Taipei Over App Refund


Taipei said Monday it had fined Google Tw$1,000,000 ($34,600) for refusing to grant customers a seven-day trial period when they download apps for their cell phones.

Taiwan's consumer protection law stipulates that consumers are entitled to a seven-day trial period after purchasing any products via Internet, including cell phone software applications.
The capital city's government found that Google and Apple had violated the law and on June 8 ordered them to alter their trading rules.

Cambodia Court To Open Landmark Khmer Rouge Trial

Four former top Khmer Rouge leaders go on trial for genocide at Cambodia's UN-backed war crimes court on Monday in a case described as the world's most complex in decades.

The trial has been long awaited by survivors of the brutal regime that wiped out nearly a quarter of the population during its 1975-79 reign of terror.
The elderly defendants, including "Brother Number Two" Nuon Chea and former head of state Khieu Samphan, are to appear at an initial hearing at 09:00am (0200 GMT).

Stop 'Deliciano' Nonsense, Murray Tells Mum

British Wimbledon hope Andy Murray has told his mother to stop embarrassing him by referring to Spanish heartthrob Feliciano Lopez as "Deliciano".

Lopez has an army of female admirers on the tour with Murray's mother Judy giving the 28-year-old left-hander his nickname when she was writing on Twitter.
"I think it's about time she stopped that nonsense. Makes me want to throw up. It's disgusting," said Murray, who could meet the Spaniard in the quarter-finals.

Police Nab Australian Cult Leader In Fiji Raid

A fugitive Australian cult leader has been arrested during a raid on a former resort in the South Pacific island nation of Fiji, authorities and reports said Sunday.

Police said Agape Ministries leader Rocco Leo was picked up by Fijian officials a week ago, along with two associates, for alleged visa breaches and remains in detention. It is not known whether he will be deported.
"It's the call of the Fijian authorities as to whether or not they (Rocco Leo and associates) are breaching any immigration laws or not," Detective Superintendent Jim Jeffery told reporters in Adelaide.

China Hosts Sudan Leader Wanted By World Court

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir is to arrive in China on Monday for a state visit, with rights groups outraged over the warm welcome for a man accused of genocide and war crimes.

China is a key supporter of Bashir, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity that occurred in Sudan's war-torn western Darfur region during the country's civil war.
Beijing is also a key military supplier to the regime in Khartoum and the biggest buyer of the country's oil, although the majority of Sudan's oil fields are located in the south, which will become independent next month.

China, Vietnam Vow To Cool S. China Sea Tensions


China and Vietnam pledged to resolve a row over the strategic South China Sea, state media said Sunday, in a bid to ease tensions that prompted accusations of Chinese bullying in the region.

The apparent olive branch between the testy neighbours came as the United States and Philippines readied for joint naval exercises in the face of Chinese actions and after the US called for Beijing to help lower the temperature.
Several recent incidents have put the security spotlight on the South China Sea, a strategic and potentially oil-rich area where China has sometimes overlapping disputes with Vietnam, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan.

Beyonce Serenades Glastonbury To a Close


US soul diva Beyonce on Sunday brought Britain's Glastonbury festival to a flamboyant finale with a greatest hits and covers set before of 100,000 sun-baked revellers.

US soul diva Beyonce on Sunday brought Britain's Glastonbury festival to a flamboyant finale with a greatest hits and covers set before of 100,000 sun-baked revellers.
The Bootylicious singer, whose husband Jay Z played a famous set at the 2008 festival, performed her solo repertoire, hits from her time as a member of Destiny's Child and an eclectic mix of cover versions.

Malaysia Police Hold Dozens Ahead Of Opposition Rally

Malaysian police have arrested dozens of people planning to build up support ahead of a mass rally for electoral reforms, activists said Sunday.

Police have held some 70 people since Friday, mainly members of the opposition Socialist Party of Malaysia, and stopped at least one talk aiming to whip up backing for the rally planned for July 9.
Government leaders and police have warned people not to promote the event, to be held by activists and opposition parties in the capital Kuala Lumpur, deeming it illegal because it has not been sanctioned by police.

Jun 26, 2011

UN Food Agency to Elect New Chief


ROME (AP) — Representatives at the Food and Agriculture Organization vote this weekend to give the largest U.N. agency its first new chief in almost two decades — an election that comes at a time of critically high food prices and malnutrition across the world.
Six candidates are vying for the top job at the Rome-based agency, but the vote Sunday is likely to come down to a battle between two men: a Brazilian who had a leading role in his country's campaign against poverty and hunger and a Spaniard who has served as his nation's top diplomat.

Obama Pitches Plan To Promote High-Tech Innovation


WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama says technological innovations can help create jobs and spur growth in clean energy and advanced manufacturing.
In his radio and Internet address, the president promoted a plan he outlined Friday in which the government would join with universities and corporations to re-ignite the manufacturing sector with an emphasis on cutting-edge research and new technologies.

KADAZANDUSUN-DAYAK BUSINESS TIE-UP WIN PRAISES


KOTA KINABALU, June 25 (Bernama) -- Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman has commended the close cooperation between the Kadazandusun and Dayak chambers of commerce and industry in producing successful, quality and resilient Bumiputera entrepreneurs.
Speaking at the 5th Pesta Kaamatan/Gawai Dayak celebrations jointly organised by the two business chambers here tonight, he said this strong collaboration would hopefully see more Bumiputera firms getting listed on Bursa Malaysia and competing at the global level.

Nadal, Federer Race Into Last 16 At Wimbledon

The tantalising prospect of a fourth Wimbledon final between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer moved a step closer on Saturday as the two rivals cruised into the last 16.

The tantalising prospect of a fourth Wimbledon final between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer moved a step closer on Saturday as the two rivals cruised into the last 16.
World number one Nadal wrapped up a straight sets win over Luxembourg's Gilles Muller in a match that had been halted on Friday because of rain, winning 7-6 (8/6), 7-6 (7/5), 6-0.

Vietnamese In Japan Rally Against China

About 200 Vietnamese marched through the streets of Tokyo on Saturday to protest against China in a territorial dispute over island groups in the South China Sea.

Chanting "Don't kill fishermen in Vietnam!" in Japanese, the predominantly young protesters walked several kilometres from the fashionable district of Roppongi to another trendy area, Ebisu.
They did not go close to the Chinese embassy in the area.

US, China Meet On Rising Sea Tensions

The United States and China were holding first-of-a-kind talks Saturday on rising tensions in the South China Sea, with Beijing angry over Washington's support of Southeast Asian countries.
Senior officials of the Pacific powers were meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii, days after the United States rallied behind the Philippines and Vietnam which have been alarmed at what they see as Beijing's growing assertiveness at sea.
Kurt Campbell, the US assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, said ahead of the talks that he would make clear to China the "strong principles" of the United States in defense of freedom of navigation.

MoCS Backs DAP Reps On Ceremonial Garb

Joseph Tawie
It's disturbing that BN politicians are turning it into a religious issue when it was a non-issue from the start, says its chief Francis .
KUCHING: Movement for change, Sarawak (MoCS) has criticised Barisan Nasional politicians for turning the ‘ceremonial attire” issue into a religious issue.
MoCS leader Francis Siah said that since DUN (state assembly) members have been given an option to don the ceremonial attire, it is a non-issue.

Jun 25, 2011

Tambatuon Folk Fear Bakun Fate

Michael Kaung
Suhakam hears why the villagers don’t want a dam in their midst.
PENAMPANG: The villagers of Tambatuon are anxious to avoid the heartbreak that the people of Bakun suffer, according to testimony before Suhakam commissioners who are conducting a study on Native Customary Land Rights (NCR) issues.
Jahim Singkui, who heads the Tambatuon Villagers’ Action Committee, told the commissioners today that the government had ignored pleas against its plan to build a RM450 million dam in the village, which is in the Kota Belud district.

New York State Senate Approves Gay Marriage

New York's state senate approved a same-sex marriage bill late Friday, a powerful victory for the move to legalize gay marriage in one of the most populous states of the union.

New York's state senate approved a same-sex marriage bill late Friday, a powerful victory for the move to legalize gay marriage in one of the most populous states of the union.
Cheers erupted in the galleries when the Republican-controlled senate voted 33-29 on the measure, approved after weeks of intense wrangling. The 29 Democratic senators were joined by four Republicans, one more than the minimum needed to get the bill approved.

Obama Taps Korean American As Seoul Envoy

President Barack Obama on Friday named veteran Asia troubleshooter Sung Kim to be the ambassador to South Korea, the first Korean American to represent the United States in Seoul.

Kim is now the special envoy to six-nation denuclearization talks with North Korea, but the dialogue has been at a standstill since 2009 when Pyongyang tested a long-range missile and a nuclear bomb.
"It gives me great confidence that such dedicated and capable individuals have agreed to join this administration to serve the American people," Obama said in a statement announcing a number of new positions.