Not quite there yet with 2020 but a lot has been achieved, says Mahathir

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 6 (NNN-BERNAMA) — While Malaysia has yet to completely achieve the Vision 2020 it had planned on, the country has nevertheless made a lot of progress in many areas as it envisioned in the plan set out in 1991, said Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. “Although…

S.Korea’s ‘Parasite’ wins best foreign film at Golden Globes

Movie ‘Parasite’ SEOUL: The stars of “Parasite” — Choi Woo-sik, Jo Yeo-jung, Jang Hye-jin, Park So-dam, Lee Sun-kyun and Song Kang-ho (2nd L to R) — along with director Bong Jun-ho (L) — pose for a photo during a publicity event in Seoul earlier this year. Photo courtesy of YONHAP.…

Rains bring some respite to Australian bushfires

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 6 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Rains have brought some respite to the ongoing bushfires in Australia’s three states just as recovery has started amid the devastation and damages the fires have brought on. While there are still some 135 spots on fire, thunderstorms and rains in some parts have…

IHH stock takes hit from rising Middle East tension

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 6 (NNN-BERNAMA) — IHH shares took a hit in early trading today as geopolitical tension in the Middle East soared following the killing of an Iranian general in Baghdad, Iraq last week.  An analyst said that IHH which has been expanding significantly in the Middle East as well as India, China…

Turkey striving to reduce tensions between US, Iran

ANKARA, Jan 6 (NNN-BERNAMA-ANADOLU) — Turkey is going to great lengths to reduce tensions between the United States (US) and Iran, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Sunday following the recent killing of a top Iranian commander in a US drone strike in the Iraqi capital. “Turkey always stands against foreign intervention and regards the recent US attack…

Malaysia will continue its claims in South China Sea, says FM Saifuddin

PUTRAJAYA, Jan 3 (NNN-BERNAMA) — Malaysia will maintain its claim in the disputed South China Sea area despite China’s objection to Malaysia’s submission of the claim to the United Nations last month, said Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah.  The minister said the ministry has expected Beijing’s move and described it as “normal”. “For…

Saifuddin dismisses rumours of him taking up Education Minister post

PUTRAJAYA, Jan 3 (NNN-BERNAMA) — Foreign Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah has dismissed rumours that he will be replacing Maszlee Malik as education minister. He stressed that these rumours were merely speculations by certain parties. “They are only speculations. No, no, no,” he said in a press conference held after announcing the…

Five men including 4 Indonesians held for poaching in Sabah forest reserve

LAHAD DATU: An aerial view of Maliau Basin Conservation Centre, one of Sabah’s three most pristine forest. Photo courtesy of BERNAMA LAHAD DATU, Jan 3 (NNN-BERNAMA) — Four Indonesians are among five men who have been arrested for alleged involvement in illegal hunting at the Tabin Forest Reserve near here. Sabah chief…

Iran declares 3 days of public mourning following assassination of top military leader

 IRGC commander Qasem Soleimani. Photo courtesy of IRNA. US President Donald Trump is reported to have ordered the attack that killed Soleimani. Photo courtesy of IRNA. TEHRAN, Jan 3 (NNN-IRNA) — Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has announced three days of public mourning following the assassination of the…

Turkey’s decision to deploy troops in Libya marks a dangerous escalation – Greek PM

ATHENS, Jan 3 (NNN-CNA) — In a joint statement, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have denounced Turkey’s decision to deploy military troops in Libya. The three Heads of State said the decision marked a dangerous escalation…