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Politics
Bahrain to have diplomatic relations with Israel
MANAMA: Bahrain is set to become the second Gulf state after the United ARAB Emirates (UAE) to establish diplomatic relations with Israel. “President Donald J. Trump, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa bin Salman Al-Khalifa of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel today spoke and…
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Politics
In historic move, eight women appointed judges in Kuwait
By Habib Toumi KUWAIT: In a breakthrough for further empowerment of Kuwaiti women, eight women have been appointed as judges. During a historic ceremony, the eight women were sworn in as the first female judges in Kuwait, taking the legal oath of office before the Chairman of Kuwait’s Supreme…
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Politics
UNA media forum emphasizes harmony among religions, cultures
By Nurzhan Kasmalieva BISHKEK: Peaceful co-existence of religions and cultures is a requisite in the fight against extremism and clashes between cultures and civilizations, the secretary general of the Muslim World League (MWL) has said. Dr. Muhammad bin Abdulkarim Al Issa emphasized the importance of strengthening the fight against religious…
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Politics
South Korea: Red mini dress triggers spat over dress code for women lawmakers
SEOUL: A red mini dress sported by a young female lawmaker during the latest parliamentary session in South Korea is stirring up a heated spat over what is suitable for female lawmakers to wear on duty. Rep. Ryu Ho-jeong of the progressive minor Justice Party drew public attention as photos…
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Politics
End of era of sledge-hammer politics in post-GE 2020 Singapore
By Ivan Lim Former AJA President, Contributor to AsiaN SINGAPORE: Is the era of hardball politics coming to an end in Singapore? For decades the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) has been delivering blow after blow, as if with an unabashed sledge hammer, at the microscopic opposition in Parliament. Will…
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Politics
Defector’s border crossing captured by military’s surveillance equipment; Seoul says defector had not tested positive
SEOUL: A North Korean defector was caught on military surveillance equipment as he fled across the border to his communist homeland, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said. The border crossing by the 24-year-old man, surnamed Kim, became known after North Korea revealed Sunday that a “runaway” returned home…
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Politics
Malaysia, Singapore agree on gradual re-opening of causeway border
JOHOR BAHRU: Malaysia and Singapore have finalised arrangements for long-term pass holders and travellers on essential or official business to cross the border. The foreign ministers of the two countries fine-tuned the details as they met at the midway point of the Johor Causeway and agreed to resume on August…
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Politics
Leeway to Opposition but Singaporeans play it safe in polls
By Ivan Lim Former AJA President, Contributor to AsiaN SINGAPORE: Descendants of migrants from China, India and the Malay Archipelago, Singaporeans are said to have a keen sense of survival. This natural instinct could be seen in the way they voted on July 10 in the General Election held amidst…
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Politics
Singapore General Election: PAP Super-Win or Opposition Super-Wave?
By Ivan Lim Former AJA President, Contributor to AsiaN SINGAPORE: A sweeping PAP victory or the Opposition hacking away the ruling monolith’s super-majority? On the eve of polling day, political pundits are busy sketching out both the outcomes in Singapore’s General Election (GE) on July 10. Those who foresee signs…
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Politics
Singapore opposition sees ‘Wipe-Out’ threat by PAP
By Ivan Lim Former AJA President, Contributor to AsiaN SINGAPORE: Temporarily side-tracked by a 10 million population debate, the ruling PAP has refocused its campaign on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and its S$100 billion budgets to help Singaporeans cope with business and employment problems. Party leaders from Prime…
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