Human rights body urges govt to take steps to support ban of torture

File photo of participants at the ‘Workshop on Malaysia Accession to the United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT)’ held last year. Photo courtesy of BERNAMA. KUALA LUMPUR, June 27 (NNN-BERNAMA) — The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) on Friday called on…

M’sian govt stands firm on blocking entry of Rohingya refugees

File photo of former Foreign Minister and currently Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah (fourth, right) with United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet (third, right) visiting Rohingya children at the Rohingya Integrated School of Excellence (RISE) last year. There are more than 200,000 estimated Rohingya refugees…

Health DG: Follow-up a must for Covid-19, no guarantee of immunity for ex-patients

PUTRAJAYA, June 26 (NNN-BERNAMA) — The Health Ministry (MOH) will carry out follow-up checks on discharged COVID-19 patients every three months to monitor their antibody levels and lung health. Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said this is because there is no guarantee that recovered patients cannot be reinfected. “Follow up…

36th Asean Summit reflects unity and resilience – M’sian FM

PUTRAJAYA, June 26 (NNN-BERNAMA) — The convening of today’s 36th ASEAN Summit via video conferencing showcased ASEAN’s unity and resilience during these unprecedented times, which is in line with the 2020 Chairmanship theme “Cohesive and Responsive ASEAN”, said Foreign Minister Hishammuddin Hussein. He expressed surprise that all the achievements from Friday’s summit and…

Petronas refutes report on alleged conflict over tax payment to Sarawak

KUALA LUMPUR, June 26 (NNN-BERNAMA) — Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) has categorically refuted a newswire report titled “Malaysian energy giant’s board at odds with prime minister over payment to Sarawak state.” “The alleged conflict between the prime minister, Petronas and its shareholder is mere speculative reporting without any basis whatsoever. “Petronas wishes…

S’pore asked to consider allowing M’sian workers to commute daily

KUALA LUMPUR, June 26 (NNN-BERNAMA) — Malaysia has asked Singapore to consider allowing Malaysians working in the republic to commute daily between the two countries, said Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. Muhyiddin conveyed this to Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong during a telephone conversation today discussing the possible reopening of the…

Asean needs cohesive plan to shore up investments, create jobs

KUALA LUMPUR, June 26 (NNN-BERNAMA) — ASEAN governments must materialise cohesive plans to quickly implement measures or “travel bubbles” between ‘green’ member states amid the COVID-19 pandemic to shore up investments and create job opportunities, Prime Minister, Muhyiddin Yassin said Friday. Possibly in the near future, the region can also open up…

UNHCR urged to work with Asean to speed up resettlement of cardholders

KUALA LUMPUR, June 26 (NNN-BERNAMA) — Malaysia called on the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to work closely with ASEAN to expedite the resettlement process of UNHCR Cardholders to third countries as the spillover effects of the Rakhine State crisis continues to impact the region. Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin…

South China Sea should remain a peaceful sea and trade route – M’sian PM

PUTRAJAYA, June 26 (NNN-BERNAMA) — Malaysia’s position regarding the South China Sea has been clear and consistent, with views it should remain a sea of peace and trade, said Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.  “Malaysia holds the view that the South China Sea should remain a sea of peace and trade. “Thus,…

VIRTUAL ASEAN SUMMIT KICKS OFF AGAINST BACKDROP OF COVID-19

PUTRAJAYA, June 26 (NNN-BERNAMA) — The 36th ASEAN Summit kicked off today, with leaders gathering virtually across 10 cities in the region for the first time due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  ASEAN Chair for 2020, Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, presided over the opening ceremony of the Summit in Hanoi, joined by…