Japan firm defends Van Gogh ownership after lawsuit
A JAPANESE company has defended its ownership of Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers”, obtained at auction in 1987, after the family of its former owner filed a US lawsuit demanding its return. The artwork — one of five original versions of the famous still life — was purchased by the predecessor of insurance firm Sompo Holdings at Christie’s in London […]
Scholz pressed by EU partners over tanks for Ukraine
GERMAN Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who named a new defence minister on Tuesday, faced increased pressure from several European Union partners to authorise the export of Leopard tanks to Ukraine. The issue featured prominently in discussions at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where Scholz is a star speaker, on Wednesday.
Govt mulls establishment of Ombudsman Malaysia
THE government is mulling the establishment of Ombudsman Malaysia, an independent body to address the wide range of public complaints against government departments or agencies. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Azalina Othman Said said it was in line with the unity government’s agenda that emphasised transparency and integrity.
Guan Eng did not receive RM2 million bribe, says lawyer
THE Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court was told today that RM2 million in bribes allegedly given to Lim Guan Eng, was actually paid to another party. Lawyer Gobind Singh Deo, who represented Lim, said two prosecution witnesses, Azli Adam and Ibrahim Sahari, who testified in the fraud case involving businessman G. Gnanaraja at the Shah Alam […]
Leaders of 6 states need to discuss dates for polls, says Negri Sembilan MB
SIX states that will be holding their elections this year need to discuss suitable dates to dissolve their respective state legislative assemblies. Negri Sembilan Menteri Besar Aminuddin Harun said he, Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari, and Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow are in talks to meet with the leaders of Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu […]
French football president Le Graet under investigation for sexual harassment
THE president of the French Football Federation, Noel Le Graet, has been placed under investigation for sexual harassment, prosecutors told AFP today. The probe was opened yesterday after football agent Sonia Souid made accusations against Le Graet in an affair that has shaken French football just weeks after France were beaten by Argentina in the […]
Slain Kenya LGBT activist buried amid calls for justice
A PROMINENT Kenyan LGBT campaigner whose body was found dumped in a metal box about two weeks ago was buried at the family home in the west of the country today. The grisly death of Edwin Kiprotich Kipruto, popularly known as Edwin Chiloba, has drawn condemnation and calls for justice from friends and rights groups […]
Erdogan effigy stunt in Sweden aimed to reveal ‘dictatorial’ Turkey
PRO-KURDISH activists in Stockholm who hanged an effigy of Turkey’s president, further impeding Sweden’s bid to join NATO, say their stunt aimed to draw attention to Ankara’s “dictatorial” regime. The brazen stunt in front of the city hall incensed Turkey, which is yet to ratify Sweden’s bid to join NATO after Russia invaded Ukraine last […]
Hung Parliament in GE15, as both Pakatan and Perikatan in race to form govt
malaymail.com | KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 20 — Malaysia wakes up today to a hung Parliament even after the 15th general election (GE15) that saw encouraging voter turnout, with both Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) claiming to possess the numbers to form a federal government. Perikatan Nasional (PN) was initially in the driving seat […]
Malaysia faces hung parliament in tight election race
reuters.com | KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 20 – Malaysia was facing a hung parliament for the first time in its history as support for a conservative Islamic alliance prevented major coalitions from winning a simple majority in a general election. Without a clear winner, political uncertainty could persist as Malaysia faces slowing economic growth and rising […]