The renewal of a three-decade old pact between the United States and Singapore that grants US forces access to the Lion City’s naval and air bases signals that Washington views the city state as a vital part of its Asia strategy for a long time to come, analysts have said.One maritime observer said the renewal of the 1990 agreement – which was all but a formality – was likely to be viewed by China with some trepidation, as it comes amid US efforts to enhance its forward presence in the Asia…
Najib Razak’s defence team wants Jho Low ‘produced as soon as possible’ to determine truth in 1MDB corruption trial
The defence team of Najib Razak on Tuesday called for fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho, better known as Jho Low, to be produced as soon as possible in the former Malaysian premier’s corruption trial stemming from the 1MDB scandal.Counsel Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah said Jho Low should quickly be brought in so the court could determine the truth in Najib’s case.“The Inspector-General of police (IGP) has said not more than a month ago that they [the police] got Jho Low and they know exactly…
Shinzo Abe heads to US hoping for no new auto tariffs and de-escalation with Iran
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe embarks Monday on a trip to New York with two deals in mind – an envisaged Japan-US trade agreement and the strained Iran nuclear accord at the centre of rising tensions in the Middle East.Abe is scheduled to attend the UN General Assembly for the seventh straight year, giving a speech on Tuesday that will emphasise Japan’s support for a multilateral approach to tackling global issues ranging from climate change to marine plastic debris.One major highlight of…
Indonesia’s biggest taxi firm hopes electric vehicles can counter threat from ride-hailing apps like Grab and Gojek
In 2015, the shares of Indonesia’s largest taxi company were soaring, while its revenue reached a record high. Then came Uber, followed by Grab and Gojek, Southeast Asia’s answer to the revolutionary ride-hailing app.Competition from the technology titans wiped out US$1.7 billion, or almost 80 per cent, of PT Blue Bird’s market value from a peak. Revenue plunged 23 per cent in three years and the latest quarterly earnings fell to a record low. But rather than give up, the 54-year-old cab…
How a four-star hotel in Indian-held Kashmir became a political prison
Perched on the foothills of the Zabarwan mountains and overlooking the scenic Dal Lake, the lavish Centaur Lake View Hotel seems an unlikely place to find political prisoners. Until recently, the four-star establishment offered luxurious rooms with panoramic views, including executive, deluxe and presidential suites costing up to US$357 a night. The hotel, spread across 13 acres of land in the Kashmir Valley, also boasted round-the-clock protection with “three tiers” of security, including the…
Thailand’s long-time Sinophile Princess Sirindhorn to receive China’s Friendship Medal
Thailand’s Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s relationship with China goes back almost four decades. Over that time, her work to promote Sino-Thai relations – particularly in diplomacy and the arts – has earned her much recognition on the mainland. In 2009, the princess was voted one of the “Ten Best International Friends of China” for her contribution towards cultural exchanges and friendly ties between the two countries. Next month, as the People’s Republic of China celebrates its 70th…
Rogue oil trader causes US$320 million loss at Mitsubishi’s Singapore unit
Mitsubishi Corp said a rogue oil trader at its Singapore unit lost US$320 million in unauthorised transactions disguised as legitimate hedges for customers.The employee, a Chinese national working at Petro-Diamond Singapore, has been fired and reported to the police, Mitsubishi said in a statement, declining to name him.The trader, hired in November 2018 to handle oil business with China, “repeatedly” engaged in the unauthorised deals since January, disguising them to “look like hedge…
Singapore must guard against division and distrust, warns leader-in-waiting Heng Swee Keat
Singapore’s prime minister-designate Heng Swee Keat on Friday said divides along class, generational and political lines posed the biggest risk to the city state’s vaunted prosperity and stability, amid rising talk that his ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) could call snap polls in months.Heng, the deputy prime minister and finance minister, was speaking to top business leaders attending the Singapore Summit, an annual business forum usually held in conjunction with the country’s Formula One…
Police in Japan investigating after manes of famous racehorses partially cut off, put up for sale online
Police in Japan are investigating a series of incidents in which famous racehorses had lengths of their manes carefully cut off. On Sunday, staff at a farm in the town of Hidaka, in Hokkaido Prefecture, reported to police that parts of the manes of two thoroughbreds were missing. An employee of Kimura Farm noticed that about 15cm of mane had been cut from racehorses Taiki Shuttle and Rose Kingdom. Before retiring, Taiki Shuttle was the winner of a number of Grade One races in Japan and abroad…
Three couples in Indonesia’s Aceh whipped over public displays of affection
A trio of canoodling couples were publicly flogged in Indonesia’s Aceh province on Thursday, charged with breaking local Islamic law that outlaws public displays of affection.Despite international condemnation, whipping is a common punishment for a range of offences in the deeply conservative region on Sumatra island, including gambling, drinking alcohol, and having gay or premarital sex.Aceh is the only region in the world’s biggest Muslim-majority country that imposes Islamic law.Millions may…