Latest news with #ASIANEWS
Straits Times
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Malaysia PM Anwar urges global push to end Israeli aggression, violence in Middle East
Malaysian PM Ibrahim Anwar stressed that lasting peace in the region could be achieved only if Israel ends its hostile actions. PHOTO: BERNAMA Follow our live coverage here. – Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has urged the international community to act decisively to end the violence in the Middle East, calling for pressure to be placed on Israel to halt its provocations and aggression. Datuk Seri Anwar stressed that lasting peace in the region could be achieved only if Israel ends its hostile actions. 'For genuine peace to be realised, Israel must be pressured to stop its provocative and violent behaviour towards other nations,' he told reporters in Kuching, Sarawak, on June 22. Commenting on Iran's military response, Mr Anwar said it was expected given the earlier attacks and reiterated that Malaysia maintains a fair and balanced stance. 'When you launch attacks and kill people, of course there will be retaliation from Iran. Our position is a fair one,' he added. Mr Anwar also expressed concern over the deepening crisis in Gaza and the broader region, citing the continued killing of civilians, including women and children, as well as escalating tensions due to strikes on Iran and foreign interference from the United States. 'Now they are attacking Iran and Iran has chosen to fight back. The intervention by external powers such as the United States will only escalate the conflict further,' he said. He also warned that the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz could have serious implications for the global economy. US President Donald Trump said early on June 22 that US forces had bombed three Iranian nuclear sites. The attacks came after Israel launched a military assault on Iran on June 13, prompting retaliatory strikes from Iran against Israel. Emphasising Malaysia's stance, Mr Anwar said the country must continue to speak out in defence of human rights and justice. 'For me, the most important thing is the sanctity of human life and justice. Stop the violence. 'People say Iran should not respond but why is Israel allowed to act with such impunity? 'Malaysia is compelled to voice our position. We must not allow a sovereign and independent nation to be silenced when it comes to speaking out about human rights and justice,' he added. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
14-06-2025
- Straits Times
Accident claims life of Singaporean cyclist in Kulai, Johor
The bicycle of the dead cyclist on the gravel-strewn road in Kulai, Johor. PHOTO: THE STAR KULAI - A 42-year-old Singaporean male cyclist died in Johor on June 14 after he hit a pothole, fell and got run over by a gravel-laden lorry. Kulai OCPD Asst Comm Tan Seng Lee said the incident occurred along Jalan Gunung Pulai. 'The victim, who was with three other cyclists, suffered severe head injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene,' he said in a statement, adding that the 41-year-old lorry driver was unhurt. ACP Tan said the deceased was sent to Hospital Temenggong Seri Maharaja Tun Ibrahim in Kulai for a post-mortem examination. He added that the case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act, causing death by reckless or dangerous driving. Earlier, a video clip of the incident, believed to have been recorded by the lorry driver, was widely shared on social media. In the clip, which has since been taken down, the helmet-wearing victim was seen trapped under the heavy vehicle. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Penang-born actress Lim Pik-Sen from ‘Mind Your Language' passes away at 80
The 80-year-old British actress was born in 1944 to businessman Lim Cheng-Teik. PHOTO: THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Penang-born actress Lim Pik-Sen from 'Mind Your Language' passes away at 80 PETALING JAYA - Penang-born Lim Pik-Sen, who shot to stardom for her role in British sitcom Mind Your Language, passed away on June 9. The 80-year-old British actress was born in 1944 to businessman Lim Cheng-Teik and pursued her early education in the state before leaving for the United Kingdom to study acting when she was just 17. Her given birth name was Lim Phaik-Seng, but she changed it to 'Pik-Sen' since her British friends would mispronounce 'Phaik' as 'fake'. Well-known for her acting in Mind Your Language from 1977 to 1986, she played Chinese student Chung Su-Lee in the sitcom and spoke broken English in a Chinese accent for the role although she was fluent in the language. Portraying herself as a staunch follower of Chinese communist leader Mao Zedong in the sitcom, she was known to hilariously whip out a 'little red book' and dictate verses on communism. Apart from the sitcom, she also acted in over 30 other movies, dramas and TV series between 1964 and 2023, such as Dr Who, General Hospital and The Professionals. Among the shows Lim had acted in in recent years were TV and drama series such as Vampire Academy, The Nevers and This Way Up. She also played the 'killer cleaner' in the 2011 movie Johnny English Reborn alongside actors Rowan Atkinson, Gillian Anderson and Dominic West. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
13-06-2025
- Straits Times
Muhammed Yusoff, former aide of Malaysian PM Anwar, acquitted of drug trafficking
KUALA LUMPUR: Former research assistant Muhammed Yusoff Rawther walked out a free man after the High Court here acquitted him of two charges of drug trafficking and possession of imitation firearms. Justice Muhammad Jamil Hussin ruled that the prosecution has failed to prove a prima facie case against the 32-year-old. In his judgment, the judge said the prosecution had failed to prove that the accused had control, custody and possession of two imitation pistols and 305g of cannabis. He noted that a car, in which the items were found, belonged to Mr Yusoff, and the car keys and remote control were in his possession. 'It is undeniable that he was near the car and opened the door when the police conducted their operation. But that does not mean we can conclude that the accused has exclusive control of the car, nor does he have custody and control over the pistols and the drugs,' he said in his decision at the end of the prosecution's case yesterday. Justice Jamil also said the accused's behaviour during the operation was consistent with that of a person with no knowledge of the items found in the car. After he was arrested, Mr Yusoff told the police that he was 'a victim who was framed by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim', the judge said. 'However, the police did not carry out any investigation to verify this claim. The failure to investigate has denied the accused the right to a fair trial. 'Therefore, it is not safe for the court to call the accused to enter his defence. 'I hereby make the order to discharge and acquit the accused without calling for his defence,' the judge added. On Sept 12, 2024, Mr Yusoff was charged with trafficking 305g of cannabis. The drug was found in his vehicle near a surau at the Kuala Lumpur police headquarters at 10.15am on Sept 6, 2024. He was charged under Section 39B(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act, which carries a sentence of life imprisonment and at least 12 strokes of the cane, upon conviction. He was also charged with possessing two imitation firearms by the roadside near a condominium in Jalan Bukit Kiara at 9.25am the same day. The charge was framed under Section 36(1) of the Arms Act, which provides for a maximum penalty of one year in prison, a fine of up to RM5,000 (S$1,500), or both, upon conviction. Mr Yusoff, who wore a striped long-sleeve shirt, was greeted by a large group of people outside of the court complex after his release. He told reporters that he was grateful for the court's decision and thanked his family, lawyers and others who supported him. Throughout the trial, Mr Yusoff was detained at the Sungai Buloh prison as the offence he was accused of did not allow for bail. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
12-06-2025
- General
- Straits Times
‘Lower income, less hygienic?' Swimming pool in South Korea sign sparks backlash
Photos of the sign which detailed the guidelines for using the pool began circulating online. PHOTO ILLUSTRATION: PEXELS SEOUL - A sign at a private swimming pool in Gyeonggi Province is drawing backlash online for appearing to demean low-income individuals. Photos of the sign which detailed the guidelines for using the pool began circulating on June 12 on online communities and social media platforms. 'The turbidity of the water after use reflects your income level,' the sign read. 'Research shows that the lower a person's income is, the less hygienic they are.' One user who posted the image which wrote 'This is a private pool in Gyeonggi Province. How can they openly express hatred toward the poor? Our society is soaked in classism and poverty shaming. This is a serious issue.' Commenters expressed outrage online. One user wrote: 'What does pool cleanliness have to do with income?' Another wrote: 'This is pure discrimination.' Some users questioned, writing: 'Why would anyone use such offensive language?' The pool's management has not yet issued an official statement. THE KOREA HERALD/ ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
