Nation

Cabinet reshuffle necessary to give chance to the young, says PM

PUTRAJAYA: The recent Cabinet reshuffle that saw some ministers and their deputies dropped was necessary to ensure that young leaders have an opportunity to lead, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Technology

Analysis-Qatar bets on cheap power to catch up in Gulf AI race

DUBAI, Dec 17 (Reuters) - Qatar is banking on its abundant, low-cost energy to make up for lost time in the Gulf's artificial intelligence race, hoping that cheap power and deep pockets will help it catch up with regional rivals that have already secured a head start.

Corporate News

SIlver Ridge unit to supply laptops to MOE for RM42.88mil

KUALA LUMPUR: Silver Ridge Holdings Bhd (SRHB) via its wholly-owned subsidiary Silver RIdge Sdn Bhd has won a contract for the provision of laptops on a lease-to-own basis for teachers in the schools and educational institutions under the Ministry of Education in Zone-2 Sarawak for RM42.88mil.

Cambodia

From hospital beds, Cambodian soldiers describe 'toxic gas'

OU CHROV, (Cambodia): Cambodian soldier Kun Yong said he had been forced to pull back from his frontline position recently after he had trouble breathing following a sortie by a Thai aircraft.

Nation

PJ cops recover car stolen with five-year-old girl inside

PETALING JAYA: Police have recovered a car that was reported stolen with a five-year-old girl inside in Kampung Lindungan here on Wednesday (Dec 17).

Sabah & Sarawak

Masidi to raise bipartisan committee, Sabah Constitution amendments at state Cabinet

KOTA KINABALU: Proposals to form a bipartisan committee to oversee negotiations on Sabah's 40% revenue entitlement and to amend the state Constitution to allow the state to collect the revenue directly will be brought to the state Cabinet for consideration, says Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun.

World

From hospital beds, Cambodian soldiers describe 'toxic gas'

OU CHROV, Cambodia, Dec 17 (Reuters) - Cambodian soldier Kun Yong said he had been forced to pull back from his frontline position recently after he had trouble breathing following a sortie by a Thai aircraft.

AseanPlus News

Haier, China's leading smart home ecological brand, welcomes its global fans festival with a special pop-up experience in Bukit Jalil

Haier Group, a leading global provider of better life and digital transformation solutions, kicked oof its well-known festival at Pavilion Bukit Jalil on Wednesday (Dec 17).

Indonesia

Landmark Singapore-Indonesia deals took decades, leaders must keep trust-building going: Panel

SINGAPORE: Recent landmark Indonesia-Singapore agreements did not materialise overnight but were the payoff from decades of groundwork and trust-building, panellists said at the launch of a book on the "next chapter" of bilateral ties.

Technology

Analysis-Crypto investors show caution, shift to new strategies after crash

Dec 17 (Reuters) - The recent crypto market bust has left some investors more cautious, after hitting some of the hottest and most-hyped corners of the industry the hardest. It may also provide a boon to emerging strategies that seek to more actively manage risks.

Nation

‘Atrocious’ to reject a minister because they are Chinese, says PM

PUTRAJAYA: It is unacceptable to reject the appointment of Hannah Yeoh and Lo Su Fui as the respective Minister and Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) just because they are Chinese, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Forex

Ringgit snaps four-day gains to end marginally lower vs US$

KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit snapped four consecutive days of gains to close slightly lower against the US dollar on Wednesday as some traders took profit.

Japan

PM Takaichi says Japan 'always open' to dialogue with China amid spat

TOKYO: Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (pic) said on Wednesday (Dec 17) she is "always open" to dialogue with China despite a diplomatic row between Tokyo and Beijing over comments she made about Taiwan.

Nation

Anwar rules out possibility of general election in 2026, says 'long way to go'

PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has ruled out any possibility of holding snap general elections next year, saying that his priority now is to implement reforms and to address the rising cost of living faced by the people.

Nation

Eight arrested in Selangor parang attack

PETALING JAYA: Police have arrested eight suspects in connection with a parang attack that left a local man seriously injured at Amara Residensi, Batu Caves.

Sabah & Sarawak

KK High Court rules against SFI receiver in land dispute with state

KOTA KINABALU: The High Court here has struck out an application for judicial review by Grant Thorton, the official receiver for defunct Sabah Forest Industries (SFI) against the Chief Minister and state government move to acquire 15 parcels of land held by SFI.

World

Supporters of Tunisia’s Saied rally amid deepening political divisions

TUNIS, Dec 17 (Reuters) - Tunisian President Kais Saied's supporters rallied in the capital on Wednesday calling the opposition "traitors", following mounting street protests in recent weeks that have highlighted widening political divisions.

China

Man in China fired for taking frequent long toilet breaks, with one lasting four hours

BEIJING: A man in China has been fired for taking frequent toilet breaks lasting more than an hour each time at work.

Commodities

Silver climbs to US$65 for first time; gold rises as US unemployment rate rises

SILVER surged past $65 an ounce to record highs on Wednesday, while gold advanced after softer-than-expected U.S. jobs data signalled a cooling labour market, fuelling bets on more interest rate cuts next year. Spot silver jumped 3.3% to $65.91 an ounce after touching an all-time high of $66.52 earlier in the session, extending a rally driven by tight supply, strong industrial demand and rising speculative interest.

Corporate News

Jati Tinggi-Idiqa JV to undertake RM117.17mil TNB job

KUALA LUMPUR: Jati Tinggi Group Bhd's wholly-owned subsidiary Jati Tinggi Holding Sdn Bhd in an unincorporated joint venture with Idiqa Holding Sdn Bhd has accepted a RM117.17mil contract from Tenaga Nasional Bhd to establish a 275kV bulk supply connection to a data centre in Johor.