Wednesday, February 15th, 2006

New cabinet: Plethora of expectation

The general perception among the public towards the new cabinet line-up announced by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi yesterday, is a let-down.

The Star’s Deputy EIC Wong Chun Wai equalled the new list with realpolitik, based on practical rather than ideological considerations.

Even for the Prime Minister, with all the powers vested in him, it was clear [...]

Thai court may probe Thaksin’s role

Thailand Prime Minsiter Thaksin Shinawatra is in hot soup.

Last month, Thaksin sold his family’s stake of 49% stake in in Shin Corp to the Singaporean government’s investment arm, Temasek Holdings and avoided paying capital gains tax, resulted in the deal was heavily critisized in the Thai press.

Due to widespread criticism and repeated rallies from public [...]

Guangming suspended

Bad News: The Government has suspended Guangming Daily for two weeks, starting from February 16 to March 1, for publishing a photo depicting caricatures on Prophet Mohammad which Muslims considered blasphemous.

Good News: The suspension will only affect the evening edition of Guangming Daily.

Yesterday, two senior editors Ye Ning and Siew Nyoke Chow from Penang-based [...]