Laos

Lao government, partners unite to strengthen maternal, child health services

VIENTIANE: The Lao government and development partners have launched a new phase of a joint programme aimed at strengthening reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health services across Laos.

South Korea

South Korea justice nominee withdraws in Lee's second cabinet setback as polls slide

SEOUL: South Korean President Lee Jae Myung's nominee for justice minister withdrew from consideration on Saturday (Sept 19), the second of Lee's cabinet picks to step aside this month as his approval ratings slump.

Japan

Japan's PM Takaichi expects much of reform-minded Japan Innovation Party, while caution grows within LDP

TOKYO: A member of the Japan Innovation Party has joined a cabinet for the first time, following the reshuffle by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi that was completed on Thursday (Sept 17)

Football

Soccer-Famed Inter Milan and Italy forward Mazzola dies at 83

Sept 19 (Reuters) - Former Italy forward Sandro ⁠Mazzola, who spent all 17 years of his senior career at Inter Milan, ⁠has died at the age of 83, the club said on Saturday.

Myanmar

Political parties’ representatives for second day in Myanmar to discuss peace process

NAYPYIDAW: The second day of a meeting between the National Solidarity and Peacemaking Negotiation Coordination Committee (NSPNC) and representatives of a grouping of political parties was held in Naypyidaw on September 18.

Nation

Mat Sabu among 37 witnesses quizzed over Kedah fertiliser probe, says MACC chief

KAJANG: Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu was among 37 witnesses called by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to have their statements recorded to assist investigations into alleged irregularities and delays in the supply of Baja 3 fertiliser in Kedah.

Vietnam

Vietnam moves to fast-track foreign investment through institutional reforms

HANOI: The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has proposed easing market access conditions for foreign investors and extending "green-lane" special investment procedures beyond functional zones to cut administrative hurdles and speed up project implementation, amid growing competition for investment based on institutional quality and administrative efficiency.

Nation

MACC seeks consent to charge two ex-Felda chiefs over KLVC project

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will recommend pressing charges against two former senior Felda officials over alleged irregularities surrounding the Kuala Lumpur Vertical City (KLVC) project.

Nation

Six foreigners charged in absentia over a gang robbery involving Chinese national

PETALING JAYA: Six foreign men have been charged in absentia at the Sessions Court Kuala Lumpur over a gang robbery involving a 28-year-old Chinese national at his residential unit at Pavilion Embassy, Jalan Ampang.

Nation

MACC orders ex-Tabung Haji chief Azeez Rahim, family to declare assets

KAJANG: Former Tabung Haji (TH) chairman Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim and his immediate family have been served a formal notice to declare their assets as part of ongoing graft investigations, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) said.

Asia & Oceania

Singapore is still cooking 

Six remarkable tables and one very good reason to cross the Causeway hungry.

Video games

Control Resonant’s director watches ‘Twin Peaks’ every year

The upcoming game by the studio behind Alan Wake features the surreal visuals and gnawing emotions of a David Lynch production.

Nation

MACC questions Isa Samad in Felda probe, seeks cross-border legal help

KAJANG: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has recorded a statement from former Felda chairman Tan Sri Mohd Isa Samad as part of an active probe into the agency, with investigators now seeking cross-border legal help to retrieve key evidence abroad.

Nation

Haze: 15 areas with unhealthy API readings as of 10am

PETALING JAYA: A total of 15 localities nationwide recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) levels at 10am on Saturday (Sept 19), according to the Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS).

Thailand

Thailand tightens hospital birth records to curb nationality fraud

BANGKOK: Thailand's health ministry has ordered public and private hospitals to follow stricter rules on birth certification in a bid to stop "phantom father" networks obtaining Thai nationality for children by falsely naming Thai men as their fathers, an official said on Friday (Sept 18).

Nation

Three motorcyclists killed in multi-vehicle crash along Ipoh North–Ipoh South Local Express Lane

IPOH: Three youths were killed during an accident that involved 12 motorcycles and three cars along the Ipoh North–Ipoh South Local Express Lane between Meru and Bercham here.

China

Macau concludes first closed-door national security trial

MACAU, China: Macau has concluded its first national security trial behind closed doors, a court said on Friday (Sept 18), days after proceedings began in a former pro-democracy lawmaker's case.

Nation

Pardon power does not place anyone above the law, says Azalina

PETALING JAYA: The constitutional power to grant pardons should not be portrayed as placing an individual above the law, says Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.

Singapore

Comment: What ‘begging’ for S$2 taught me about surviving on Singapore’s streets

SINGAPORE: For the first time in my life, I realised I'm not above begging.

Nation

Car with Prisons Dept logo seen entering Najib’s Jalan Langgak Duta residence

KUALA LUMPUR: A car bearing the Prisons Department logo was seen entering former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's Jalan Langgak Duta residence here on Saturday (Sept 19) morning.