Recent months have seen Malaysia’s king take on a prominent role in the country’s chaotic political arena. On several occasions, King Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah called upon members of parliament to support next year’s budget in a bid to prevent further political instability – which was seen by many as contradictory to the monarch’s constitutional role, given how it was perceived as indirectly supporting the beleaguered administration of Prime Minister Muhyiddin…
Coronavirus: profit glitters for Malaysian goldsmiths even amid pandemic recession
In a backroom workshop in Malaysia, goldsmiths with blowtorches and chisels sit at wooden desks as they melt and mould the precious metal into glittery jewellery.Demand for the safe-haven commodity has soared during the coronavirus pandemic and it is not only professional investors who are cashing in, but small businesses too.The Makmur Gold company, which is based in northern Kelantan state and mainly makes jewellery, has enjoyed brisk business this year even as the Southeast Asian nation’s…
Philippine homeowners power furniture stores through Covid-19 with ‘fixer-upper’ plans
During a normal year, Camille Peredo, 31, would be spending her weekends hiking mountains or strolling on some of the Philippines’ best beaches. But 2020 is not like any other year. Instead, she has mostly stayed at home for the past eight months as the country grapples with one of the world’s longest lockdowns imposed to combat Covid-19. “The farthest I’ve been is the office, which is just a few minutes away from my house,” Peredo said of her limited wanderings during the lockdowns, which…
Germany gives Unified Patent Court project fresh impetus
German law makers have given the Unified Patent Court (UPC) project fresh impetus by passing legislation that is necessary to enable the proposed court system to become operational.
CMA scrutinises electric vehicle charging market
A new study into the electric vehicle charging market has been opened by the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) in an effort to ensure the market works well for consumers and supports the take-up of electric vehicles.
Global joint ventures require consistent approach to liability
Joint ventures (JVs) delivering major infrastructure projects are set to play a significant role in the global recovery, but their members need certainty about the extent to which they must individually bear risk.
New Zealand businesswoman Elizabeth Zhong killed at home before being put in car boot, police say
A 55-year-old businesswoman was killed in her East Auckland house before being put in the boot of her car, New Zealand police said on Friday.Ying Zhong, also known as Elizabeth Zhong, was found dead in Sunnyhills last Saturday. She is believed to have been murdered.Police have formally identified the victim as Zhong, Acting Detective Inspector Shaun Vickers told media on Friday.“Elizabeth was killed in her house,” Vickers said.She was placed in her Land Rover when she was deceased and items…
Donald Trump should remember the Philippines’ Ferdinand Marcos when considering his exit strategy
“Cut and cut cleanly. The time has come.”Donald Trump, the outgoing president of the United States, might do well to heed the terse advice given in February 1986 by then-senator Paul Laxalt to the autocratic Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos.Like Trump, Marcos had just been beaten at the polls by his opponent Corazon Aquino, the widow drafted by the opposition after her husband and long-time Marcos rival, Benigno Aquino, was assassinated upon his return from exile in 1983.Also like Trump,…
Singapore funeral director charged over ex-boyfriend’s death at car park
The 38-year-old director of City Funeral Singapore was charged in court on Thursday over the death of her ex-boyfriend in May during the circuit breaker period imposed to limit the spread of Covid-19.Alverna Cher Sheue Pin faces a charge of culpable homicide not amounting to murder.She is accused of causing the death of Wee Jun Xiang, 32, on May 16 at Deck 4B of the multistorey car park at Block 145A Bedok Reservoir Road between 1.44pm and 5.15pm. Court documents did not provide more details of…
Indonesia teacher turned tailor cashes in on cat fashion craze
It may not be haute couture, but Indonesian tailor Fredi Lugina Priadi has found a lucrative market for his cat fashions, creating unique costumes and cosplay outfits for cats.After quitting his job as a schoolteacher, he tried his hand at a number of businesses – including running a motorbike repair shop – before stumbling upon feline fashions, an idea from one of his cat-loving cousins.The 39-year-old now supplies outfits to picky pet owners looking to dress their cats in everything from…