Pakistan ex-spy chief: US dictate on S-400 ‘difficult’

By Iftikhar Gilani   | Musharraf-era intelligence head says Afghan peace process needs to be protected from vested interests Gen. Ehsan ul Haq retired as chairman joint chiefs of staff committee of the Pakistan military in October 2007. He was chief of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), the premier Pakistan intelligence…

Mediterranean diet ideal for healthy body, says expert

ANKARA, Turkey, June 27 (NNN-BERNAMA-ANADOLU) — The Mediterranean diet is one of the healthy eating plans that contributes to the growth of microbiota – a colony of friendly microorganisms in the human body — helping to perform various functions.  Experts believe that besides combining nutrition and culinary tastes, the Mediterranean…

S. Korea launches FTA talks with Malaysia

South Korean Trade Minister Yoo Myung-hee (C) holds a teleconference with her Malaysian counterpart Darell Leiking at the government complex in Gwacheon, south of Seoul. Photo courtesy of Seoul’s trade ministry/YONHAP. SEOUL, June 27 (NNN-YONHAP) — South Korea officially announced the start of free trade talks with Malaysia on Thursday,…

Indonesian celebrity gets five months jail sentence for offering sex service

By Mohd Shukri Ishak Indonesian actress Vanessa Angel. Instragram Photo. JAKARTA, June 27 (NNN-BERNAMA) — Indonesian celebrity Vanessa Angel was sentenced to five months in jail today after being found guilty by the Surabaya District Court for involvement in online prostitution offering sex for up to US$5,680 (IDR80 million) per ‘service’. Judge Dwi Purwadi who chaired the panel read…

No one will be spared in MACC’s investigation, says its new chief

BANTING, June 27 (NNN-BERNAMA) — No individual will be exempted from an investigation by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) if there is a report linking the individual with alleged corrupt practices, MACC chief commissioner Latheefa Koya said today. She said the MACC is prepared to conduct an investigation if it…

Government unable to spend more on citizens’ welfare due to losses from 1MDB fiasco

PUTRAJAYA, June 27 (NNN-BERNAMA) — The government’s ability to spend more especially on the people’s welfare programme have been hampered by financial constraints due to losses sustained from 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) and other related corruptions cases, said Malaysia’s Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng. “The government would like to spend…

Former Malaysian DPM faces 33 bribery charges on overseas visa system

SHAH ALAM, Malaysia, June 27 (NNN-BERNAMA) — Former Malaysian deputy prime minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was charged in the Sessions Court here today with 33 counts of having accepted bribes totalling RM42.76 million from a company over the overseas visa system, raising to 40 the number of…

Papua New Guinea’s Ulawun volcano spews ash

KOKOPO, Papua New Guinea, June 26 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Papua New Guinea’s volatile Ulawun volcano is reported to have started throwing up ash Wednesday, prompting an eruption warning from an Australian meteorological department. “The volcanic activity at Mt Ulawun began at 7:00 am this morning after slight rumbling and light emission,”…

Malaysia sets up task force to follow up on Suhakam’s findings on missing pastor and activist

PUTRAJAYA, June 26 (NNN-BERNAMA) — A Special Task Force (STF) has been set up by the Malaysian government to follow up on the findings of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) on the disappearance of pastor Raymond Koh and social activist Amri Che Mat. The task force will comprise…

Aussie media bosses demand law changes to protect journalists from police raids

CANBERRA, June 26 (NNN-XINHUA) — Three of Australia’s top media bosses have demanded greater protections for journalists following federal police raid in May, reported Xinhua news agency. The National Press Club (NPC) on Wednesday hosted executives from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), News Corp Australia and the Nine Entertainment Company…