A Malaysian teenager who posted an Instagram poll asking if she should live or die took her own life after a majority of respondents voted for the latter, sparking calls for an investigation.

The unidentified 16-year-old from Kuching in eastern Sarawak state died after posting the poll Monday on the Facebook-owned picture-sharing platform.

Police have classified the case as "sudden death".

"Really Important, Help Me Choose D/L," she wrote, according to a report on the news portal Astro Awani, with the letters "D" and "L" apparently referring to "die" or "live" respectively.

Sixty-nine per cent of votes cast were in favour of her ending her life, with just 31 per cent against, local media quoted police as saying.

Lawmaker Ramkarpal Singh called for a probe into the circumstances of her death.

"Would the girl still be alive today if the majority of netizens on her Instagram account discouraged her from taking her own life?" he asked.

"I urge the authorities... to investigate the social media accounts of the victim and the circumstances that led to her death to prevent further abuse of social media in similar circumstances in the future."

Mental health worries

Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq tweeted that he was "genuinely worried" about the state of mental health of young people in Malaysia.

"It's a national issue which must be taken seriously. A national discussion must take place," he said.

Ching Yee Wong, head of communications for Instagram APAC, said in a statement: "Our thoughts and prayers are with this young woman's family.

"We have a deep responsibility to make sure people using Instagram feel safe and supported. As part of our own efforts, we urge everyone to use our reporting tools and to contact emergency services if they see any behaviour that puts people's safety at risk."

Instagram announced a clampdown on images of self-harm in February after a British teen who went online to read about suicide took her own life.

The death of 14-year-old Molly Russell sparked a debate in Britain about regulating children's social media use.

Her parents did not directly blame Instagram for the loss of their daughter but they cited the easy access to disturbing content as a contributing factor, and urged the network to respond.

Instagram has never allowed posts that promote or encourage suicide or self-harm.

But as part of the clampdown, it removed references to non-graphic content related to people hurting themselves from its searches and recommendation features.

It also banned hashtags relating to self-harm.

The measures are meant to make such images more difficult to find for depressed teens who might have suicidal tendencies.

A Malaysian teenager who posted an Instagram poll asking if she should live or die took her own life after a majority of respondents voted for the latter, sparking calls for an investigation.

A Malaysian teenager who posted an Instagram poll asking if she should live or die took her own life after a majority of respondents voted for the latter, sparking calls for an investigation. The unidentified 16-year-old from Kuching in eastern Sarawak state died after posting the poll Monday on the Facebook-owned picture-sharing platform. Police have classified the case as "sudden death". "Really Important, Help Me Choose D/L," she wrote, according to a report on the news portal Astro Awani, with the letters "D" and "L" apparently referring to "die" or "live" respectively. Sixty-nine per cent of votes cast were in favour of her ending her life, with just 31 per cent against, local media quoted police as saying. Lawmaker Ramkarpal Singh called for a probe into the circumstances of her death. "Would the girl still be alive today if the majority of netizens on her Instagram account discouraged her from taking her own life?" he asked. "I urge the authorities... to investigate the social media accounts of the victim and the circumstances that led to her death to prevent further abuse of social media in similar circumstances in the future." Mental health worries Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq tweeted that he was "genuinely worried" about the state of mental health of young people in Malaysia. "It's a national issue which must be taken seriously. A national discussion must take place," he said. Ching Yee Wong, head of communications for Instagram APAC, said in a statement: "Our thoughts and prayers are with this young woman's family. "We have a deep responsibility to make sure people using Instagram feel safe and supported. As part of our own efforts, we urge everyone to use our reporting tools and to contact emergency services if they see any behaviour that puts people's safety at risk." Instagram announced a clampdown on images of self-harm in February after a British teen who went online to read about suicide took her own life. The death of 14-year-old Molly Russell sparked a debate in Britain about regulating children's social media use. Her parents did not directly blame Instagram for the loss of their daughter but they cited the easy access to disturbing content as a contributing factor, and urged the network to respond. Instagram has never allowed posts that promote or encourage suicide or self-harm. But as part of the clampdown, it removed references to non-graphic content related to people hurting themselves from its searches and recommendation features. It also banned hashtags relating to self-harm. The measures are meant to make such images more difficult to find for depressed teens who might have suicidal tendencies.

Malaysian teen commits suicide after Instagram poll

Bangladeshi police prevented dozens of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-rescues-23-rohingya-girls-from-traffickers-218061/amp">Rohingya Muslims</a>, most of them women, about to be trafficked to Malaysia by boat, authorities said on Tuesday.

Traffickers had picked up at least 69 Rohingya from refugee camps in the Cox's Bazar district, promising them to work in Malaysia where many Rohingya already live, police said.

Scores of Rohingya Muslims have boarded boats in recent months to try to reach Malaysia, part of what authorities fear could be a new wave of people smuggling by sea after a 2015 crackdown on trafficking.

An estimated 25,000 Rohingya crossed the Andaman Sea for Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia in 2015, many drowning in unsafe and overloaded boats.

"After getting information from a secret source, our team carried out an operation last night and rescued them," police officer Abul Khair told Reuters, adding that there were 43 women and 11 children. They would be returned to camps.

Police did not arrest any traffickers.

More than 700,000 Rohingya crossed into Bangladesh in 2017 fleeing an army crackdown in Myanmar's Rakhine state, according to UN&nbsp;agencies.

Buddhist-majority Myanmar regards Rohingya as illegal migrants from the Indian subcontinent and has confined tens of thousands to sprawling camps in Rakhine violence swept the area in 2012.

Bangladeshi police prevented dozens of Rohingya Muslims, most of them women, about to be trafficked to Malaysia by boat, authorities said on Tuesday. Traffickers had picked up at least 69 Rohingya from refugee camps in the Cox's Bazar district, promising them to work in Malaysia where many Rohingya already live, police said.

Bangladeshi police prevented dozens of Rohingya Muslims, most of them women, about to be trafficked to Malaysia by boat, authorities said on Tuesday. Traffickers had picked up at least 69 Rohingya from refugee camps in the Cox's Bazar district, promising them to work in Malaysia where many Rohingya already live, police said. Scores of Rohingya Muslims have boarded boats in recent months to try to reach Malaysia, part of what authorities fear could be a new wave of people smuggling by sea after a 2015 crackdown on trafficking. An estimated 25,000 Rohingya crossed the Andaman Sea for Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia in 2015, many drowning in unsafe and overloaded boats. "After getting information from a secret source, our team carried out an operation last night and rescued them," police officer Abul Khair told Reuters, adding that there were 43 women and 11 children. They would be returned to camps. Police did not arrest any traffickers. More than 700,000 Rohingya crossed into Bangladesh in 2017 fleeing an army crackdown in Myanmar's Rakhine state, according to UN agencies. Buddhist-majority Myanmar regards Rohingya as illegal migrants from the Indian subcontinent and has confined tens of thousands to sprawling camps in Rakhine violence swept the area in 2012.

Bangladesh police 'rescue' dozens of Rohingya being trafficked to Malaysia

Malaysian police have detained four men suspected of plotting a wave of killings and attacks in and around the capital during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, police said on Monday.

The Southeast Asian nation has been on high alert since gunmen allied with Islamic State carried out a series of attacks in Jakarta, the capital of neighbouring Indonesia, in January 2016.

The four suspects are two Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar, an Indonesian and a Malaysian, Inspector General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador told reporters.

Dubbed the "wolf pack" cell, he said its members had planned to launch large-scale attacks during the first week of Ramadan to avenge a Muslim fireman who was allegedly beaten to death during a racially charged riot at a Hindu temple in November.

The fireman's death angered majority Malay Muslims, some of whom had accused Hindu leaders of inciting the riot through racial remarks.

"This cell had also planned an operation to assassinate high-profile personalities accused of insulting and failing to uphold Islam," Abdul Hamid said in a video recording of a press conference seen by Reuters.

He declined to identify the targets of the planned killings.

Muslims all over the world fast during daylight hours during Ramadan.

One of the Rohingya suspects, a 20-year-old waiter, told police he was a supporter of the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), an insurgent group said to be behind a number of killings and attacks in Myanmar's Rakhine state, Abdul Hamid said.

The man possessed a UNHCR identification card issued by the UN&nbsp;refugee agency, he said.

Police also seized a gun and six homemade explosives during the arrests.

The Rohingya have for years fled persecution in Myanmar, which denies them citizenship as they are seen as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. They often arrive on Southeast Asian shores in rickety boats seeking asylum.

More than 90,000 Rohingya are registered with the United Nations in Malaysia but non-profit groups estimate as many as 200,000 Rohingya are living in the country.

Malaysian police have detained four men suspected of plotting a wave of killings and attacks in and around the capital during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, police said on Monday.

Malaysian police have detained four men suspected of plotting a wave of killings and attacks in and around the capital during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, police said on Monday. The Southeast Asian nation has been on high alert since gunmen allied with Islamic State carried out a series of attacks in Jakarta, the capital of neighbouring Indonesia, in January 2016. The four suspects are two Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar, an Indonesian and a Malaysian, Inspector General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador told reporters. Dubbed the "wolf pack" cell, he said its members had planned to launch large-scale attacks during the first week of Ramadan to avenge a Muslim fireman who was allegedly beaten to death during a racially charged riot at a Hindu temple in November. The fireman's death angered majority Malay Muslims, some of whom had accused Hindu leaders of inciting the riot through racial remarks. "This cell had also planned an operation to assassinate high-profile personalities accused of insulting and failing to uphold Islam," Abdul Hamid said in a video recording of a press conference seen by Reuters. He declined to identify the targets of the planned killings. Muslims all over the world fast during daylight hours during Ramadan. One of the Rohingya suspects, a 20-year-old waiter, told police he was a supporter of the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), an insurgent group said to be behind a number of killings and attacks in Myanmar's Rakhine state, Abdul Hamid said. The man possessed a UNHCR identification card issued by the UN refugee agency, he said. Police also seized a gun and six homemade explosives during the arrests. The Rohingya have for years fled persecution in Myanmar, which denies them citizenship as they are seen as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. They often arrive on Southeast Asian shores in rickety boats seeking asylum. More than 90,000 Rohingya are registered with the United Nations in Malaysia but non-profit groups estimate as many as 200,000 Rohingya are living in the country.

Four suspected of plotting Ramadan attacks arrested in Malaysia

A year ago, Malaysian land surveyor Muhammad Nur Aliff had high hopes that a shock election victory by 93-year-old <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysias-ruling-coalition-loses-state-by-election-as-support-wanes-210190&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi3_ruatpDiAhXBNI8KHYoVDbkQFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3DINr-9K6tm1La2yTLxV3n">Mahathir Mohamad</a> could be the catalyst for reform and revival in a country hobbled by sky-high public debt and corruption.

But polls show that such optimism has been steadily eroded since the election upset, in which the GDP growth in Malaysia(UMNO) was removed from power for the first time in 60 years and replaced by Mahathir and the patchwork Pakatan Harapan coalition.

Mahathir, who inherited a debt-laden economy, has focused much of his administration`s attention on cleaning up public finances following a multibillion-dollar corruption scandal involving state fund 1MDB and former prime minister Najib Razak.

Najib is facing charges but denies any wrongdoing. Meanwhile, deep divisions within the ruling coalition have curbed efforts to boost government revenue, attract investment or create jobs.

Support for the government fell to just 39 per cent in March, sharply down from the 66 per cent rating in August 2018, according to a survey by independent pollster Merdeka Center.

Mahathir also saw his popularity plunge to 46 per cent from 71 per cent over the same period, although he says he doesn`t put much faith in these numbers.

Worryingly for Mahathir, Merdeka Center said Malay Muslims, who make up around 60 per cent of Malaysia`s 32 million people, were largely more critical of his administration.

Most of the poorest people in the country are Malay and for decades they have been the beneficiaries of subsidies and other affirmative action policies pushed by UMNO.

Many in the majority community were also angered when Mahathir appointed an ethnic Chinese finance minister and an attorney-general from the Malaysian-Indian minority and said cash handouts to Malays could be reduced.

Pledges to end the death penalty and rescind oppressive laws such as the colonial-era Sedition Act were also unpopular with traditionalists.

"Many young people placed a lot of hope in this new government, but we haven`t seen anything that we had hoped for," said Aliff, 28, protesting in the capital last week with hundreds of other Malays. "We want to ensure a better future for young people, especially young Malays."&nbsp;

REFORM U-TURN

Following protests by Malays and a series of by-election defeats for the ruling Pakatan coalition this year, many of these planned policies have been put on the backburner.&nbsp;

In recent months, Malaysia has rolled back efforts to abolish the death penalty and revoke repressive security laws, as well as reversed plans to ratify two UN&nbsp;human rights treaties, after pro-Malay groups raised objections.&nbsp;

But UMNO and members of the opposition Islamist party PAS have been quick to remind voters of what they describe as Mahathir`s failure to uphold Islam and protect Malay interests.

"Pakatan is unpopular with the Malay-Muslim electorate," said Adib Zalkalpi, a Malaysia director with political risk consultancy Bower Group Asia.

"UMNO and PAS have formed a credible opposition front to challenge the government by exploiting communal sentiments."&nbsp;

Reform ambitions are also hampered by fractures within Pakatan, a coalition of parties that were aligned in its goal of removing Najib and UMNO, but doesn`t seem to agree on much else.

"Everyone is working in silos. Everyone has a general idea of the problems we face but there really are no discussions going on," said a senior government source, who asked not to be named due to the sensitivity of the topic.

"We don`t have a common narrative to counter the opposition`s racial rhetoric."&nbsp;Mahathir says accusations the coalition is dysfunctional are false.

"Our attention is directed at correcting all the mistakes of the previous government. That has taken much of our time," he told reporters on Thursday.

INVESTOR CONCERNS&nbsp;

Business sentiment has cooled after initial optimism that followed Pakatan`s electoral win, due mainly to a lack of consensus on the way forward for the economy, according to an April survey of 250 businesses by Ipsos Business Consulting.

"The continued lack of clarity on economic policies may lead to the increased level of anxiety among the businesses and further intensify the fear of an economic slowdown," the firm said its report.&nbsp;

Investors in the survey also expressed concerns over currency fluctuations and slowing economic growth. The ringgit currency has slumped this year and stocks are underperforming regional rivals.

Malaysia has had to fill a revenue shortfall stemming from a populist measure to scrap a goods and services tax last year, while efforts to turn around struggling state entities that burden the treasury, including long-suffering Malaysia Airlines, have faltered.&nbsp;

In March, Malaysia`s central bank cut its 2019 economic growth forecast to 4.3-4.8 per cent from 4.9 per cent, on expectations of a significant drop in export expansion due to slowing global growth and the US-China trade war.

On Tuesday, Bank Negara Malaysia became the first central bank in the region to cut its benchmark interest rate, in a move to support the country`s economy. Mahathir has mended ties with China, reaching a cut-price $11 billion rail link deal, which is a welcome investment boost.

But with Malaysia`s debt-to-GDP ratio around 50 per cent, public support waning and an unstable ruling coalition, it will become increasingly difficult for Mahathir to boost economic growth and win back disillusioned voters.

"With exports likely to remain in the doldrums, GDP growth in Malaysia looks set to slow to a post-financial crisis low this year. The government`s recent policies will make the downturn even worse," Capital Economics said in a research note on Wednesday.

&nbsp;

A year ago, Malaysian land surveyor Muhammad Nur Aliff had high hopes that a shock election victory by 93-year-old Mahathir Mohamad could be the catalyst for reform and revival in a country hobbled by sky-high public debt and corruption.

A year ago, Malaysian land surveyor Muhammad Nur Aliff had high hopes that a shock election victory by 93-year-old Mahathir Mohamad could be the catalyst for reform and revival in a country hobbled by sky-high public debt and corruption. But polls show that such optimism has been steadily eroded since the election upset, in which the GDP growth in Malaysia(UMNO) was removed from power for the first time in 60 years and replaced by Mahathir and the patchwork Pakatan Harapan coalition. Mahathir, who inherited a debt-laden economy, has focused much of his administration`s attention on cleaning up public finances following a multibillion-dollar corruption scandal involving state fund 1MDB and former prime minister Najib Razak. Najib is facing charges but denies any wrongdoing. Meanwhile, deep divisions within the ruling coalition have curbed efforts to boost government revenue, attract investment or create jobs. Support for the government fell to just 39 per cent in March, sharply down from the 66 per cent rating in August 2018, according to a survey by independent pollster Merdeka Center. Mahathir also saw his popularity plunge to 46 per cent from 71 per cent over the same period, although he says he doesn`t put much faith in these numbers. Worryingly for Mahathir, Merdeka Center said Malay Muslims, who make up around 60 per cent of Malaysia`s 32 million people, were largely more critical of his administration. Most of the poorest people in the country are Malay and for decades they have been the beneficiaries of subsidies and other affirmative action policies pushed by UMNO. Many in the majority community were also angered when Mahathir appointed an ethnic Chinese finance minister and an attorney-general from the Malaysian-Indian minority and said cash handouts to Malays could be reduced. Pledges to end the death penalty and rescind oppressive laws such as the colonial-era Sedition Act were also unpopular with traditionalists. "Many young people placed a lot of hope in this new government, but we haven`t seen anything that we had hoped for," said Aliff, 28, protesting in the capital last week with hundreds of other Malays. "We want to ensure a better future for young people, especially young Malays." REFORM U-TURN Following protests by Malays and a series of by-election defeats for the ruling Pakatan coalition this year, many of these planned policies have been put on the backburner. In recent months, Malaysia has rolled back efforts to abolish the death penalty and revoke repressive security laws, as well as reversed plans to ratify two UN human rights treaties, after pro-Malay groups raised objections. But UMNO and members of the opposition Islamist party PAS have been quick to remind voters of what they describe as Mahathir`s failure to uphold Islam and protect Malay interests. "Pakatan is unpopular with the Malay-Muslim electorate," said Adib Zalkalpi, a Malaysia director with political risk consultancy Bower Group Asia. "UMNO and PAS have formed a credible opposition front to challenge the government by exploiting communal sentiments." Reform ambitions are also hampered by fractures within Pakatan, a coalition of parties that were aligned in its goal of removing Najib and UMNO, but doesn`t seem to agree on much else. "Everyone is working in silos. Everyone has a general idea of the problems we face but there really are no discussions going on," said a senior government source, who asked not to be named due to the sensitivity of the topic. "We don`t have a common narrative to counter the opposition`s racial rhetoric." Mahathir says accusations the coalition is dysfunctional are false. "Our attention is directed at correcting all the mistakes of the previous government. That has taken much of our time," he told reporters on Thursday. INVESTOR CONCERNS Business sentiment has cooled after initial optimism that followed Pakatan`s electoral win, due mainly to a lack of consensus on the way forward for the economy, according to an April survey of 250 businesses by Ipsos Business Consulting. "The continued lack of clarity on economic policies may lead to the increased level of anxiety among the businesses and further intensify the fear of an economic slowdown," the firm said its report. Investors in the survey also expressed concerns over currency fluctuations and slowing economic growth. The ringgit currency has slumped this year and stocks are underperforming regional rivals. Malaysia has had to fill a revenue shortfall stemming from a populist measure to scrap a goods and services tax last year, while efforts to turn around struggling state entities that burden the treasury, including long-suffering Malaysia Airlines, have faltered. In March, Malaysia`s central bank cut its 2019 economic growth forecast to 4.3-4.8 per cent from 4.9 per cent, on expectations of a significant drop in export expansion due to slowing global growth and the US-China trade war. On Tuesday, Bank Negara Malaysia became the first central bank in the region to cut its benchmark interest rate, in a move to support the country`s economy. Mahathir has mended ties with China, reaching a cut-price $11 billion rail link deal, which is a welcome investment boost. But with Malaysia`s debt-to-GDP ratio around 50 per cent, public support waning and an unstable ruling coalition, it will become increasingly difficult for Mahathir to boost economic growth and win back disillusioned voters. "With exports likely to remain in the doldrums, GDP growth in Malaysia looks set to slow to a post-financial crisis low this year. The government`s recent policies will make the downturn even worse," Capital Economics said in a research note on Wednesday.

Malaysia's hopes of economic revival under Mahathir fade

A former Goldman Sachs banker is expected to enter a plea later Monday in New York after being extradited from Malaysia to face bribery charges in the multi-billion-dollar 1MDB scandal.

Malaysian Ng Chong Hwa, 51, a former managing director at the bank charged in both Malaysia and America over 1MDB, was extradited to the US on Friday, Malaysian attorney-general Tommy Thomas said.

Also known as Roger Ng, the defendant is scheduled to be arraigned Monday afternoon after 1815 GMT at a federal court in Brooklyn, a spokesman for US Attorney's office said.

An attorney for Ng told Bloomberg he would contest the US criminal charges, which include conspiracy to commit bribery and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

Huge sums of public money were stolen from Malaysian state fund 1MDB and used to mass a trove of personal riches, including yachts and artwork, in a scheme allegedly overseen by former Premier Najib Razak and his cronies.

Goldman's role is under scrutiny as the Wall Street bank helped arrange $6.5 billion in bonds for 1MDB.&nbsp;

Authorities in Malaysia accuse former employees and some of the bank's subsidiaries of stealing $2.7 billion in the process and investigators believe cash was laundered through the US financial system.&nbsp;

Thomas said in a statement that an agreement had been reached for "a temporary surrender by Malaysia of Roger Ng for a period of 10 months to enable him to be extradited to the US and for the US prosecution to proceed first."

Facing US charges first

"Roger Ng was temporarily surrendered to the US on May 3, 2019, and shall be returned to Malaysia to face our charges as soon as the proceedings in the US are concluded," he added.

Ng had been in custody in Malaysia since November when the US unveiled 1MDB-linked charges against him and lodged an extradition request.

Malaysia later filed its own charges against Ng over the scandal.

Ng asked to be sent to the United States but Malaysia initially insisted he remains in the country until legal proceedings there had been completed.&nbsp;

Ng's attorney, Marc Agnifilo, said Ng intends to stay in the United States as long as needed to fight the charges, Bloomberg reported.

Agnifilo will ask a judge to release Ng on bond, Bloomberg said.

Malaysia and the US have also charged former Goldman partner Tim Leissner for his part in the controversy.

Leissner has already pleaded guilty in the US to 1MDB-linked charges.

The US also indicted Low Taek Jho, an alleged mastermind behind the scandal and an intermediary to the Malaysian fund. Low remains at large.

The US Justice Department estimates that $4.5 billion was looted from the fund by Najib and his associates.&nbsp;

The allegations played a major role in Najib's loss of power last year. He has since been hit with dozens of charges linked to the scandal and last month went on trial.

A former Goldman Sachs banker is expected to enter a plea later Monday in New York after being extradited from Malaysia to face bribery charges in the multi-billion-dollar 1MDB scandal.

A former Goldman Sachs banker is expected to enter a plea later Monday in New York after being extradited from Malaysia to face bribery charges in the multi-billion-dollar 1MDB scandal. Malaysian Ng Chong Hwa, 51, a former managing director at the bank charged in both Malaysia and America over 1MDB, was extradited to the US on Friday, Malaysian attorney-general Tommy Thomas said. Also known as Roger Ng, the defendant is scheduled to be arraigned Monday afternoon after 1815 GMT at a federal court in Brooklyn, a spokesman for US Attorney's office said. An attorney for Ng told Bloomberg he would contest the US criminal charges, which include conspiracy to commit bribery and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Huge sums of public money were stolen from Malaysian state fund 1MDB and used to mass a trove of personal riches, including yachts and artwork, in a scheme allegedly overseen by former Premier Najib Razak and his cronies. Goldman's role is under scrutiny as the Wall Street bank helped arrange $6.5 billion in bonds for 1MDB. Authorities in Malaysia accuse former employees and some of the bank's subsidiaries of stealing $2.7 billion in the process and investigators believe cash was laundered through the US financial system. Thomas said in a statement that an agreement had been reached for "a temporary surrender by Malaysia of Roger Ng for a period of 10 months to enable him to be extradited to the US and for the US prosecution to proceed first." Facing US charges first "Roger Ng was temporarily surrendered to the US on May 3, 2019, and shall be returned to Malaysia to face our charges as soon as the proceedings in the US are concluded," he added. Ng had been in custody in Malaysia since November when the US unveiled 1MDB-linked charges against him and lodged an extradition request. Malaysia later filed its own charges against Ng over the scandal. Ng asked to be sent to the United States but Malaysia initially insisted he remains in the country until legal proceedings there had been completed. Ng's attorney, Marc Agnifilo, said Ng intends to stay in the United States as long as needed to fight the charges, Bloomberg reported. Agnifilo will ask a judge to release Ng on bond, Bloomberg said. Malaysia and the US have also charged former Goldman partner Tim Leissner for his part in the controversy. Leissner has already pleaded guilty in the US to 1MDB-linked charges. The US also indicted Low Taek Jho, an alleged mastermind behind the scandal and an intermediary to the Malaysian fund. Low remains at large. The US Justice Department estimates that $4.5 billion was looted from the fund by Najib and his associates. The allegations played a major role in Najib's loss of power last year. He has since been hit with dozens of charges linked to the scandal and last month went on trial.

Ex-Goldman banker to face 1MDB charges in US court

A balding man with a backpack slung over his right shoulder walks across a crowded airport concourse, stopping to look up at the departure board to find his flight to Macau.

As he stands in front of an automatic check-in machine, he is grabbed from behind and something is put over his face. The incident lasts just over two seconds.

The blurry CCTV footage from airport cameras makes it impossible to see exactly what is happening. But half an hour later, Kim Jong Nam will be dead, poisoned by one of the most toxic nerve agents ever invented.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/murder-at-the-airport-the-brazen-attack-on-kim-jong-nam-207113&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjIiLiOxv7hAhVLuo8KHXlDD6oQFjABegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3_1apAdd5eulTAmENy-LSA">The assassination of Kim</a> -- the half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un -- gripped the world, spawning weeks of media coverage and sparking a tense diplomatic standoff.

South Korea immediately pointed the finger at its isolated northern neighbour, and Malaysia, in whose main airport the killing took place, found itself under an unwelcome international spotlight.

&nbsp;Agonising pain&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/last-jailed-kim-jong-nam-assassination-suspect-doan-thi-huong-freed-215518&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjpgu7Sxf7hAhV57HMBHfABBd0QFjADegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0p-93zNlyNAnT0VUChNoh6">Kim Jong Nam</a> was used to hanging around airports, having spent a decade shuttling between different locations after falling out with his family and going to live in exile.&nbsp;

The figure who had spoken out against the North Korean regime since leaving his homeland had been targeted with toxic nerve agent VX.&nbsp;

He died quickly and in agonising pain, his vital organs suffering horrendous damage as the chemical surged through his system.

The killing on February 13, 2017, was an assassination worthy of a spy thriller, capturing global headlines and featuring a cast of North Korean agents using pseudonyms, and young female migrant workers allegedly trained to be crack assassins.

The Cold War-style murder was the latest bizarre story to hit Malaysia, a normally placid, Southeast Asian backwater.

These ranged from the disappearance of Flight MH370 to the assassination of a Palestinian scientist in Kuala Lumpur, allegedly by Israeli operatives.

Kim, who was travelling on a North Korean passport under a different name, was rushed to the airport medical clinic and given emergency treatment following the attack but died soon afterwards in an ambulance transporting him to hospital.

The poison was so potent that Kim, who had told friends in the months leading up to the attack that he feared being killed, did not have time to take tablets that he was carrying which could have worked as an antidote.

Two seemingly unlikely assassins -- Siti Aisyah from Indonesia and Doan Thi Huong from Vietnam -- were arrested in the days after the killing and accused of having smeared the toxic nerve agent VX on his face.

&nbsp;'Carefully planned, executed'&nbsp;

The women went on trial for murder in October 2017. But after proceedings had run for a year and a half, prosecutors unexpectedly announced in March they were withdrawing the murder charge against Aisyah, and she flew home.

They did not provide any explanation for the move but it followed intense diplomatic pressure from Indonesia.&nbsp;

A month later, Huong agreed to accept a lesser charge of "causing injury" and she was freed Friday after more than two years behind bars.

The pair had steadfastly maintained their innocence, saying they were recruited by North Koreans who fled Malaysia after the assassination and were tricked into carrying out&nbsp;an attack they thought was a prank for a reality TV show.

Still, prosecutors insisted the women knew what they were doing and that the murder "was carefully planned and executed".

CCTV footage seen during proceedings showed the pair running in different directions after carrying out the attack.

Their arms were stretched out in front of them, and they headed to separate airport bathrooms to clean up.

Huong -- who was wearing a T-shirt with "LOL", which stands for "Laugh Out Loud", during the attack -- and Aisyah fled the airport by taxi.

Four North Koreans, who allegedly masterminded the murder, were seen on CCTV footage in the airport before the attack, and allegedly passed the poison to the women to carry out the assassination.&nbsp;

The men made a quick getaway following the murder, changing their clothes and heading to the airport's main terminal, where they met a North Korean embassy official and an official from national airline Air Koryo.&nbsp;

They are then believed to have flown out of the country, heading home via convoluted routes.

A balding man with a backpack slung over his right shoulder walks across a crowded airport concourse, stopping to look up at the departure board to find his flight to Macau.

A balding man with a backpack slung over his right shoulder walks across a crowded airport concourse, stopping to look up at the departure board to find his flight to Macau. As he stands in front of an automatic check-in machine, he is grabbed from behind and something is put over his face. The incident lasts just over two seconds. The blurry CCTV footage from airport cameras makes it impossible to see exactly what is happening. But half an hour later, Kim Jong Nam will be dead, poisoned by one of the most toxic nerve agents ever invented. The assassination of Kim -- the half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un -- gripped the world, spawning weeks of media coverage and sparking a tense diplomatic standoff. South Korea immediately pointed the finger at its isolated northern neighbour, and Malaysia, in whose main airport the killing took place, found itself under an unwelcome international spotlight. Agonising pain Kim Jong Nam was used to hanging around airports, having spent a decade shuttling between different locations after falling out with his family and going to live in exile. The figure who had spoken out against the North Korean regime since leaving his homeland had been targeted with toxic nerve agent VX. He died quickly and in agonising pain, his vital organs suffering horrendous damage as the chemical surged through his system. The killing on February 13, 2017, was an assassination worthy of a spy thriller, capturing global headlines and featuring a cast of North Korean agents using pseudonyms, and young female migrant workers allegedly trained to be crack assassins. The Cold War-style murder was the latest bizarre story to hit Malaysia, a normally placid, Southeast Asian backwater. These ranged from the disappearance of Flight MH370 to the assassination of a Palestinian scientist in Kuala Lumpur, allegedly by Israeli operatives. Kim, who was travelling on a North Korean passport under a different name, was rushed to the airport medical clinic and given emergency treatment following the attack but died soon afterwards in an ambulance transporting him to hospital. The poison was so potent that Kim, who had told friends in the months leading up to the attack that he feared being killed, did not have time to take tablets that he was carrying which could have worked as an antidote. Two seemingly unlikely assassins -- Siti Aisyah from Indonesia and Doan Thi Huong from Vietnam -- were arrested in the days after the killing and accused of having smeared the toxic nerve agent VX on his face. 'Carefully planned, executed' The women went on trial for murder in October 2017. But after proceedings had run for a year and a half, prosecutors unexpectedly announced in March they were withdrawing the murder charge against Aisyah, and she flew home. They did not provide any explanation for the move but it followed intense diplomatic pressure from Indonesia. A month later, Huong agreed to accept a lesser charge of "causing injury" and she was freed Friday after more than two years behind bars. The pair had steadfastly maintained their innocence, saying they were recruited by North Koreans who fled Malaysia after the assassination and were tricked into carrying out an attack they thought was a prank for a reality TV show. Still, prosecutors insisted the women knew what they were doing and that the murder "was carefully planned and executed". CCTV footage seen during proceedings showed the pair running in different directions after carrying out the attack. Their arms were stretched out in front of them, and they headed to separate airport bathrooms to clean up. Huong -- who was wearing a T-shirt with "LOL", which stands for "Laugh Out Loud", during the attack -- and Aisyah fled the airport by taxi. Four North Koreans, who allegedly masterminded the murder, were seen on CCTV footage in the airport before the attack, and allegedly passed the poison to the women to carry out the assassination. The men made a quick getaway following the murder, changing their clothes and heading to the airport's main terminal, where they met a North Korean embassy official and an official from national airline Air Koryo. They are then believed to have flown out of the country, heading home via convoluted routes.

Kim Jong Nam murder: The mystery that gripped the world

A Malaysian inquiry into the 2015 discovery of suspected human-trafficking camps and graves in the jungle heard Thursday police found one of the sites months before authorities publicly revealed their existence.

The public inquiry, which began this week, is examining the conduct of law enforcement agencies with regard to the discovery of almost 150 graves and dozens of camps near the Thai border.

Malaysian authorities announced in May 2015 they had uncovered the sites in the north of the country, about a month after neighbouring Thailand said it had found bodies of Rohingya from Myanmar and Bangladeshis at a makeshift camp over the border.

The discovery prompted Thai authorities to crack down on traditional sea routes for illegal migrants coming to the country, triggering a crisis as people-smugglers dumped hundreds of refugees off the coasts of other countries and fled.

On Thursday the Malaysian inquiry heard from M&nbsp;Joeking, a senior police official charged with guarding the border in part of northern Malaysian, who said authorities found a camp in January 2015.&nbsp;

After hearing from a colleague about the camp in the jungle, he sent officers to raid the site in northern Perlis state where they discovered wooden cages and lookout posts, as well as graves and a stretcher to carry dead bodies.

His testimony confirmed long-held suspicions that authorities knew about the camps -- where Rohingya and Bangladeshis were held in appalling conditions after arriving by sea -- for months before going public.&nbsp;

Razali Ismail, one of the officials overseeing the inquiry, suggested the raid was a failure as many migrants fled and police rescued only 38 of them.

But Joeking responded: "We managed to save 38 people... We saved lives and halted the operations of a syndicate."

The establishment of the inquiry was announced in January, several months after a corruption-plagued regime was ejected from power by a reformist alliance.

Muslim Rohingya from Myanmar, who complain of persecution in their mainly Buddhist homeland, and Bangladeshis for years made the perilous sea crossing in large numbers to Thailand, from where they usually headed to Muslim-majority Malaysia.

Arrivals have fallen sharply since the 2015 crackdown.

A Malaysian inquiry into the 2015 discovery of suspected human-trafficking camps and graves in the jungle heard Thursday police found one of the sites months before authorities publicly revealed their existence.

A Malaysian inquiry into the 2015 discovery of suspected human-trafficking camps and graves in the jungle heard Thursday police found one of the sites months before authorities publicly revealed their existence. The public inquiry, which began this week, is examining the conduct of law enforcement agencies with regard to the discovery of almost 150 graves and dozens of camps near the Thai border. Malaysian authorities announced in May 2015 they had uncovered the sites in the north of the country, about a month after neighbouring Thailand said it had found bodies of Rohingya from Myanmar and Bangladeshis at a makeshift camp over the border. The discovery prompted Thai authorities to crack down on traditional sea routes for illegal migrants coming to the country, triggering a crisis as people-smugglers dumped hundreds of refugees off the coasts of other countries and fled. On Thursday the Malaysian inquiry heard from M Joeking, a senior police official charged with guarding the border in part of northern Malaysian, who said authorities found a camp in January 2015. After hearing from a colleague about the camp in the jungle, he sent officers to raid the site in northern Perlis state where they discovered wooden cages and lookout posts, as well as graves and a stretcher to carry dead bodies. His testimony confirmed long-held suspicions that authorities knew about the camps -- where Rohingya and Bangladeshis were held in appalling conditions after arriving by sea -- for months before going public. Razali Ismail, one of the officials overseeing the inquiry, suggested the raid was a failure as many migrants fled and police rescued only 38 of them. But Joeking responded: "We managed to save 38 people... We saved lives and halted the operations of a syndicate." The establishment of the inquiry was announced in January, several months after a corruption-plagued regime was ejected from power by a reformist alliance. Muslim Rohingya from Myanmar, who complain of persecution in their mainly Buddhist homeland, and Bangladeshis for years made the perilous sea crossing in large numbers to Thailand, from where they usually headed to Muslim-majority Malaysia. Arrivals have fallen sharply since the 2015 crackdown.

Malaysian inquiry probes trafficking camps, migrant graves

Malaysia began a public inquiry on Wednesday into the discovery of mass graves and suspected human trafficking camps in the jungles near its border with Thailand, which prompted a regional crisis in 2015, and accusations over obstruction of justice.

The dense jungles of southern Thailand and northern Malaysia have been a major stop-off point for smugglers bringing people to Southeast Asia by boat from Myanmar, most of them Rohingya Muslims who say they are fleeing persecution, and Bangladesh.

In January, the government had said it would set up a panel to inquire into claims that authorities mishandled an investigation into 139 mass graves and more than 12 campsites suspected to have been run by migrant-smuggling gangs.

Three police from a jungle infantry unit described finding the first of the campsites in January 2015, during a patrol in a heavily-forested region on the Malaysian side of the border.

The officials found an area filled with tents and structures made of wooden sticks, some as high as two storeys, said one of them, Mat Ten.

"These makeshift houses were surrounded by barbed wire and there were people living inside," he told the panel.

The men's testimony confirmed media reports and rights groups' statements that authorities had known about the camps four months before going public in May 2015.

In a report last month, the Malaysian Human Rights Commission and rights group Fortify Rights said authorities had destroyed one of the camps a day after its discovery, wiping out evidence that could have aided police investigations.

The human rights commission was set up by Malaysia's parliament but the government is not bound by its findings.

Mat Ten said he returned with a team of 10 police to survey the site the day after the first visit, but they were interrupted after a woman they believed to be acting as a lookout alerted others at the camp, who fled.

Six Rohingya and Bangladeshi migrants who were left behind were detained and handed over to immigration authorities, said Mohamad Mossadique Azni, the officer who led the raiding team.

The discovery of similar camps and graves on the Thai side of the border triggered a regional crisis in 2015.

A Thai crackdown on the camps prompted traffickers to abandon thousands of migrants in overloaded boats in the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea.

The hearings continue on Thursday.

Malaysia began a public inquiry on Wednesday into the discovery of mass graves and suspected human trafficking camps in the jungles near its border with Thailand, which prompted a regional crisis in 2015, and accusations over obstruction of justice.

Malaysia began a public inquiry on Wednesday into the discovery of mass graves and suspected human trafficking camps in the jungles near its border with Thailand, which prompted a regional crisis in 2015, and accusations over obstruction of justice. The dense jungles of southern Thailand and northern Malaysia have been a major stop-off point for smugglers bringing people to Southeast Asia by boat from Myanmar, most of them Rohingya Muslims who say they are fleeing persecution, and Bangladesh. In January, the government had said it would set up a panel to inquire into claims that authorities mishandled an investigation into 139 mass graves and more than 12 campsites suspected to have been run by migrant-smuggling gangs. Three police from a jungle infantry unit described finding the first of the campsites in January 2015, during a patrol in a heavily-forested region on the Malaysian side of the border. The officials found an area filled with tents and structures made of wooden sticks, some as high as two storeys, said one of them, Mat Ten. "These makeshift houses were surrounded by barbed wire and there were people living inside," he told the panel. The men's testimony confirmed media reports and rights groups' statements that authorities had known about the camps four months before going public in May 2015. In a report last month, the Malaysian Human Rights Commission and rights group Fortify Rights said authorities had destroyed one of the camps a day after its discovery, wiping out evidence that could have aided police investigations. The human rights commission was set up by Malaysia's parliament but the government is not bound by its findings. Mat Ten said he returned with a team of 10 police to survey the site the day after the first visit, but they were interrupted after a woman they believed to be acting as a lookout alerted others at the camp, who fled. Six Rohingya and Bangladeshi migrants who were left behind were detained and handed over to immigration authorities, said Mohamad Mossadique Azni, the officer who led the raiding team. The discovery of similar camps and graves on the Thai side of the border triggered a regional crisis in 2015. A Thai crackdown on the camps prompted traffickers to abandon thousands of migrants in overloaded boats in the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea. The hearings continue on Thursday.

Malaysia begins inquiry into discovery of mass graves, human trafficking camps

Malaysia's ruling coalition lost a state constituency in a by-election on Saturday in a further sign of declining public support for Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's alliance.

It is the third defeat for Mahathir's Pakatan Harapan coalition, or Alliance of Hope, in local elections since it took power in May last year.

Its candidate, Streram Sinnasamy, lost the Rantau constituency in Negeri Sembilan state by 4,510 votes to Mohamad Hasan, the acting chairman of Barisan Nasional, the main opposition coalition.

Mohamad was appointed to the post after scandal-plagued former prime minister Najib Razak led Barisan Nasional to its first defeat in more than 60 years in last year's national election.

Mohamad had won Rantau unopposed in 2018, but a Malaysian court later found errors in electoral procedure and called for a new poll.

His win is the latest blow for Mahathir's coalition, which has faced criticism for failing to deliver on promised reforms and protecting the rights of majority ethnic Malay Muslims.

Polls consistently show that the coalition has been losing support among the Malays, some of whom fear that affirmative-action policies favouring them in business, education and housing could be taken away.

Anwar Ibrahim, a former deputy prime minister who is widely expected to succeed Mahathir, had actively campaigned in Rantau in a bid to garner support away from Mohamad, seen as a highly popular figure among Malays.

Meanwhile, Najib, an active public presence during two previous by-elections, was largely absent on the Rantau campaign trial as he faced the first of several corruption trials earlier this month.

Najib is facing more than 40 charges of money laundering and other offences over the alleged loss of billions of dollars from state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad.

Malaysia's ruling coalition lost a state constituency in a by-election on Saturday in a further sign of declining public support for Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's alliance.

Malaysia's ruling coalition lost a state constituency in a by-election on Saturday in a further sign of declining public support for Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's alliance. It is the third defeat for Mahathir's Pakatan Harapan coalition, or Alliance of Hope, in local elections since it took power in May last year. Its candidate, Streram Sinnasamy, lost the Rantau constituency in Negeri Sembilan state by 4,510 votes to Mohamad Hasan, the acting chairman of Barisan Nasional, the main opposition coalition. Mohamad was appointed to the post after scandal-plagued former prime minister Najib Razak led Barisan Nasional to its first defeat in more than 60 years in last year's national election. Mohamad had won Rantau unopposed in 2018, but a Malaysian court later found errors in electoral procedure and called for a new poll. His win is the latest blow for Mahathir's coalition, which has faced criticism for failing to deliver on promised reforms and protecting the rights of majority ethnic Malay Muslims. Polls consistently show that the coalition has been losing support among the Malays, some of whom fear that affirmative-action policies favouring them in business, education and housing could be taken away. Anwar Ibrahim, a former deputy prime minister who is widely expected to succeed Mahathir, had actively campaigned in Rantau in a bid to garner support away from Mohamad, seen as a highly popular figure among Malays. Meanwhile, Najib, an active public presence during two previous by-elections, was largely absent on the Rantau campaign trial as he faced the first of several corruption trials earlier this month. Najib is facing more than 40 charges of money laundering and other offences over the alleged loss of billions of dollars from state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad.

Malaysia's ruling coalition loses state by-election as support wanes

A Vietnamese woman accused of killing the half-brother of North Korean leader <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/opinions/donald-trump-kim-jong-un-summits-other-aim-was-to-sell-vietnam-model-to-north-korea-208086&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwil2c2RxMzhAhUC2o8KHexwBlcQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1wiqe58eN9qS_vRGZh_dqd">Kim Jong-un </a>will walk free on May 3, her lawyer said Saturday.

Following diplomatic pressure from the Vietnamese government, Malaysian prosecutors had dropped the murder charge against Doan Thi Huong on April 1.

Subsequently, the 30-year-old former hair salon worker pleaded guilty to "causing injury" and was handed a three year and four-month jail term effective from the date of her arrest in February 2017 and later reduced for good behaviour.

The brazen killing of <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/murder-at-the-airport-the-brazen-attack-on-kim-jong-nam-207113&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjT3ojnxMzhAhWD7XMBHcytAVYQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3QXXs80GmIxdk2C8nNvhJg">Kim Jong-nam</a>&nbsp;with a toxic nerve agent at Kuala Lumpur's international airport in broad daylight shocked the world.

Seoul accused Pyongyang of plotting the Cold War-style hit as Malaysia allowed the two women's suspected North Korean handlers to leave in the days after the murder.

"We have been told by prison authorities that Huong will be freed on May 3," lawyer Salim Bashir told AFP.

"Huong is in a jovial mood. The young woman is expected to be immediately flown to Hanoi."

Last month the charge against co-accused 27-year-old Indonesian suspect Siti Aisyah was dropped.

During the women's long-running trial which began in October 2017, the court was shown CCTV footage of them approaching Kim as he waited for the flight, one of them placing their hands on his face, and then both of them running to bathrooms before fleeing the airport.

But the pair always maintained they were innocent pawns in a plan hatched by North Korea and believed they were carrying out pranks for a reality TV show.

The women would have been sentenced to death by hanging if convicted of murder.

The women's lawyers said the real masterminds were four North Koreans who were seen at the airport on the day of the murder meeting the pair, and who fled after the assassination. The four were charged in absentia along with the women over the killing.

"Obviously Huong deserves this freedom after her long incarceration. She is looking forward to being with her family and friends," her lawyer Salim said.

A Vietnamese woman accused of killing the half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un will walk free on May 3, her lawyer said Saturday. Following diplomatic pressure from the Vietnamese government, Malaysian prosecutors had dropped the murder charge against Doan Thi Huong on April 1.

A Vietnamese woman accused of killing the half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un will walk free on May 3, her lawyer said Saturday. Following diplomatic pressure from the Vietnamese government, Malaysian prosecutors had dropped the murder charge against Doan Thi Huong on April 1. Subsequently, the 30-year-old former hair salon worker pleaded guilty to "causing injury" and was handed a three year and four-month jail term effective from the date of her arrest in February 2017 and later reduced for good behaviour. The brazen killing of Kim Jong-nam with a toxic nerve agent at Kuala Lumpur's international airport in broad daylight shocked the world. Seoul accused Pyongyang of plotting the Cold War-style hit as Malaysia allowed the two women's suspected North Korean handlers to leave in the days after the murder. "We have been told by prison authorities that Huong will be freed on May 3," lawyer Salim Bashir told AFP. "Huong is in a jovial mood. The young woman is expected to be immediately flown to Hanoi." Last month the charge against co-accused 27-year-old Indonesian suspect Siti Aisyah was dropped. During the women's long-running trial which began in October 2017, the court was shown CCTV footage of them approaching Kim as he waited for the flight, one of them placing their hands on his face, and then both of them running to bathrooms before fleeing the airport. But the pair always maintained they were innocent pawns in a plan hatched by North Korea and believed they were carrying out pranks for a reality TV show. The women would have been sentenced to death by hanging if convicted of murder. The women's lawyers said the real masterminds were four North Koreans who were seen at the airport on the day of the murder meeting the pair, and who fled after the assassination. The four were charged in absentia along with the women over the killing. "Obviously Huong deserves this freedom after her long incarceration. She is looking forward to being with her family and friends," her lawyer Salim said.

Vietnam woman in Kim's brother murder to be freed on May 3

Forty-one <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-stops-115-rohingya-seeking-to-reach-malaysia-208264&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiszsyzqsDhAhUU73MBHcBwCBoQFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0GW3JdUELvJKudTv8DMoK6">Rohingya </a>were found on a Malaysian beach Monday, police said, the second group of the Muslim minority to arrive in the country within weeks, stoking fears of a looming exodus.

Many Rohingya have been seeking in recent weeks to leave by sea from<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/joint-india-myanmar-operation-target-rohingya-insurgent-group-and-naga-terror-group-203499&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiszsyzqsDhAhUU73MBHcBwCBoQFggOMAM&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1eyET3M-kRgCaJ2zcp_EOa"> Bangladesh</a>, where they live in squalid refugee camps after fleeing their mostly Buddhist homeland Myanmar before the monsoon season starts in earnest.

Security forces have prevented hundreds from departing for Malaysia with people smugglers on fishing boats. But last month 34 Rohingya arrived in the northern Malaysian state of Perlis, the first group believed to have landed in the country in almost year.

The latest batch, which consisted entirely of men, were found Monday on the same beach as the previous boatload, local police chief<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/dozens-of-rohingya-found-on-malaysian-beach-officials-200586&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwi16NDLqsDhAhVN7HMBHaWkBJkQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1w1ZjsfcVR1rMZu8717lNP"> Noor Mushar Mohamad</a> told AFP.

"This is definitely the work of human smuggling syndicates working with local syndicates," he said.

"I fear there could be more Rohingya arrivals unless maritime enforcement agencies step up patrols urgently."

Noor Mushar said initial investigations indicated they could have travelled in a large boat before being transferred to smaller craft by local criminal gangs and ferried ashore. They have been handed over to immigration authorities, he said.

It was not clear whether they had departed from Bangladesh or Myanmar, or when they had arrived.&nbsp;

About 740,000 Rohingya fled Myanmar for Bangladesh following a brutal military clampdown in their home country in August 2017, joining hundreds of thousands already living in crowded camps.

The traditional route to Malaysia is by boat from Myanmar or Bangladesh. Refugees arrive either in Thailand and head overland to Malaysia or arrive directly in Malaysia.

But arrivals have fallen markedly since 2015 when Thailand launched a crackdown, which disrupted the lucrative trade and led to smugglers abandoning huge numbers of refugees at sea.

Relatively affluent, Muslim-majority Malaysia has long been a favourite destination for Rohingya, where they are a source of labour in low-paying industries such as agriculture and construction.

Forty-one Rohingya were found on a Malaysian beach Monday, police said, the second group of the Muslim minority to arrive in the country within weeks, stoking fears of a looming exodus.

Forty-one Rohingya were found on a Malaysian beach Monday, police said, the second group of the Muslim minority to arrive in the country within weeks, stoking fears of a looming exodus. Many Rohingya have been seeking in recent weeks to leave by sea from Bangladesh, where they live in squalid refugee camps after fleeing their mostly Buddhist homeland Myanmar before the monsoon season starts in earnest. Security forces have prevented hundreds from departing for Malaysia with people smugglers on fishing boats. But last month 34 Rohingya arrived in the northern Malaysian state of Perlis, the first group believed to have landed in the country in almost year. The latest batch, which consisted entirely of men, were found Monday on the same beach as the previous boatload, local police chief Noor Mushar Mohamad told AFP. "This is definitely the work of human smuggling syndicates working with local syndicates," he said. "I fear there could be more Rohingya arrivals unless maritime enforcement agencies step up patrols urgently." Noor Mushar said initial investigations indicated they could have travelled in a large boat before being transferred to smaller craft by local criminal gangs and ferried ashore. They have been handed over to immigration authorities, he said. It was not clear whether they had departed from Bangladesh or Myanmar, or when they had arrived. About 740,000 Rohingya fled Myanmar for Bangladesh following a brutal military clampdown in their home country in August 2017, joining hundreds of thousands already living in crowded camps. The traditional route to Malaysia is by boat from Myanmar or Bangladesh. Refugees arrive either in Thailand and head overland to Malaysia or arrive directly in Malaysia. But arrivals have fallen markedly since 2015 when Thailand launched a crackdown, which disrupted the lucrative trade and led to smugglers abandoning huge numbers of refugees at sea. Relatively affluent, Muslim-majority Malaysia has long been a favourite destination for Rohingya, where they are a source of labour in low-paying industries such as agriculture and construction.

Second group of Rohingya arrive in Malaysia within weeks

By James Chin

The corruption trial of Najib Tun Razak, the former prime minister of Malaysia, has finally begun following two postponements and an attempt on the opening day of the trial for a third. Many Malaysians were starting to wonder if Najib would ever get his day in court.

Najib’s lawyers have used every legal manoeuvre at their disposal to try to delay the trial as long as possible. These tactics verged on the ridiculous a month ago when Najib’s main lawyer claimed his pet dog had injured his wrist. The move worked – the former PM was granted another reprieve.

The trial over Najib’s role in a financial scam involving Malaysia’s 1MDB sovereign wealth fund will certainly not proceed smoothly, and the defence is sure to file new objections to higher courts to try to stop it again.

The reason Najib wants the trial delayed is simple: if he is found guilty, it will have a major impact on other upcoming trials.

His wife is also charged with money-laundering in connection with the scandal. (She’s accused of splurging on designer clothes and handbags during million-dollar shopping trips.) If Najib is found guilty, this would undoubtedly strengthen the case against her. Several ministers who served under Najib have also been charged with corruption.

Najib himself also faces several other trials related to the 1MDB scandal. For the government, the current trial is by far the simplest and easiest to prosecute. It involves 42 million Malaysian ringgit (A$14.5 million) that made its way from SRC International, a former unit of 1MDB, to Najib’s personal account. All these transactions occurred in Malaysia, unlike the other cases, which involve international transactions and multiple jurisdictions. The paper trial for this trial is straightforward.

Najib has pleaded not guilty to all charges and claimed the money in his accounts did not come from SRC International.

If Najib is found guilty, he will automatically lose his seat in parliament and face possible jail time. Being an MP gives him the platform to influence politics and say anything he likes against the current government, led by his political rival, Mahathir bin Mohamad.

Najib is already working on his political comeback – part of the strategy is to maintain a high profile as an MP through social media.

How Malaysians are viewing the trial 
 
Many Malaysians want the trial to proceed without any more interruptions because it would show the accountability process is finally working in Malaysia. Najib and his government were ousted from power in last year’s election because voters wanted the PM (and his wife) to face trial over the corruption allegations. Previously, it was understood that if you held a high political office, you were likely to get away with corruption.

If Najib isn’t convicted, many will likely wonder if there was any point to the change in power. The new government knows this and must deliver a credible trial. There is no other political option.

If Najib and his expensive lawyers are able to continue delaying the trial, Malaysians may start to lose faith with the new administration. Mahathir has publicly pledged to jail Najib for corruption before he hands over power next year to party leader Anwar Ibrahim, and if he cannot deliver on this, it will damage his successor’s political capital.

Najib may even try to delay his trials until after the next election, due in 2023, so he can continue to mount his political comeback.

Far more important for Malaysia, however, is the issue of political immunity. No previous leader has ever been charged with corruption and it is vitally important the rule of law is applied here for future generations.

This has regional implications, as well. Many activists in countries such as Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand see the Najib trial as a benchmark for tackling corruption in their own countries.

In many Southeast Asian countries, a culture of impunity persists at the highest levels of government. There is a belief among many political leaders that once they leave office, the sins they committed while in power will not lead to jail. It is as if this is one of the benefits of being elected to office.

In the coming days, expect more delay tactics by Najib’s defence team. The case might even be halted again due to a legal challenge on a point of law.

But given the stakes involved, I have no doubt the new Malaysian Attorney-General, Tommy Thomas, will make sure Najib’s trial goes ahead. Malaysia as a nation cannot have closure over the 1MDB affair until he is called to answer for his alleged crimes. 
 
(James Chin is Director, Asia Institute Tasmania, University of Tasmania)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-najib-razaks-corruption-trial-means-for-malaysia-and-the-region-114828">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

&nbsp;

By James Chin The corruption trial of Najib Tun Razak, the former prime minister of Malaysia, has finally begun following two postponements and an attempt on the opening day of the trial for a third.

By James Chin The corruption trial of Najib Tun Razak, the former prime minister of Malaysia, has finally begun following two postponements and an attempt on the opening day of the trial for a third. Many Malaysians were starting to wonder if Najib would ever get his day in court. Najib’s lawyers have used every legal manoeuvre at their disposal to try to delay the trial as long as possible. These tactics verged on the ridiculous a month ago when Najib’s main lawyer claimed his pet dog had injured his wrist. The move worked – the former PM was granted another reprieve. The trial over Najib’s role in a financial scam involving Malaysia’s 1MDB sovereign wealth fund will certainly not proceed smoothly, and the defence is sure to file new objections to higher courts to try to stop it again. The reason Najib wants the trial delayed is simple: if he is found guilty, it will have a major impact on other upcoming trials. His wife is also charged with money-laundering in connection with the scandal. (She’s accused of splurging on designer clothes and handbags during million-dollar shopping trips.) If Najib is found guilty, this would undoubtedly strengthen the case against her. Several ministers who served under Najib have also been charged with corruption. Najib himself also faces several other trials related to the 1MDB scandal. For the government, the current trial is by far the simplest and easiest to prosecute. It involves 42 million Malaysian ringgit (A$14.5 million) that made its way from SRC International, a former unit of 1MDB, to Najib’s personal account. All these transactions occurred in Malaysia, unlike the other cases, which involve international transactions and multiple jurisdictions. The paper trial for this trial is straightforward. Najib has pleaded not guilty to all charges and claimed the money in his accounts did not come from SRC International. If Najib is found guilty, he will automatically lose his seat in parliament and face possible jail time. Being an MP gives him the platform to influence politics and say anything he likes against the current government, led by his political rival, Mahathir bin Mohamad. Najib is already working on his political comeback – part of the strategy is to maintain a high profile as an MP through social media. How Malaysians are viewing the trial Many Malaysians want the trial to proceed without any more interruptions because it would show the accountability process is finally working in Malaysia. Najib and his government were ousted from power in last year’s election because voters wanted the PM (and his wife) to face trial over the corruption allegations. Previously, it was understood that if you held a high political office, you were likely to get away with corruption. If Najib isn’t convicted, many will likely wonder if there was any point to the change in power. The new government knows this and must deliver a credible trial. There is no other political option. If Najib and his expensive lawyers are able to continue delaying the trial, Malaysians may start to lose faith with the new administration. Mahathir has publicly pledged to jail Najib for corruption before he hands over power next year to party leader Anwar Ibrahim, and if he cannot deliver on this, it will damage his successor’s political capital. Najib may even try to delay his trials until after the next election, due in 2023, so he can continue to mount his political comeback. Far more important for Malaysia, however, is the issue of political immunity. No previous leader has ever been charged with corruption and it is vitally important the rule of law is applied here for future generations. This has regional implications, as well. Many activists in countries such as Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand see the Najib trial as a benchmark for tackling corruption in their own countries. In many Southeast Asian countries, a culture of impunity persists at the highest levels of government. There is a belief among many political leaders that once they leave office, the sins they committed while in power will not lead to jail. It is as if this is one of the benefits of being elected to office. In the coming days, expect more delay tactics by Najib’s defence team. The case might even be halted again due to a legal challenge on a point of law. But given the stakes involved, I have no doubt the new Malaysian Attorney-General, Tommy Thomas, will make sure Najib’s trial goes ahead. Malaysia as a nation cannot have closure over the 1MDB affair until he is called to answer for his alleged crimes. (James Chin is Director, Asia Institute Tasmania, University of Tasmania) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

What Najib Razak’s corruption trial means for Malaysia – and the region

Malaysia has agreed to sell a superyacht linked to a multi-billion dollar scandal at state fund<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/1mdb-case-malaysian-prosecutors-to-summon-goldman-sachs-units-in-london-hong-kong-204064"> 1MDB to casino operator</a> Genting Malaysia Bhd for $126 million, the country's attorney general said on Wednesday.

The superyacht Equanimity is among assets allegedly bought by fugitive financier Low Taek Jho and his associates with money taken from the fund, the US&nbsp;and Malaysian officials have said.

Low allegedly paid $250 million for the yacht, which has an interior clad in marble and gold leaf, a spa and sauna, a 20-metre (66-ft) swimming pool, a movie theatre and helipad.

Malaysia has agreed to sell a superyacht linked to a multi-billion dollar scandal at state fund 1MDB to casino operator Genting Malaysia Bhd for $126 million, the country's attorney general said on Wednesday.

Malaysia has agreed to sell a superyacht linked to a multi-billion dollar scandal at state fund 1MDB to casino operator Genting Malaysia Bhd for $126 million, the country's attorney general said on Wednesday. The superyacht Equanimity is among assets allegedly bought by fugitive financier Low Taek Jho and his associates with money taken from the fund, the US and Malaysian officials have said. Low allegedly paid $250 million for the yacht, which has an interior clad in marble and gold leaf, a spa and sauna, a 20-metre (66-ft) swimming pool, a movie theatre and helipad.

Malaysia to sell 1MDB-linked super yacht

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-eyes-900-million-investment-deals-during-malaysian-pms-visit-204687">Pakistan and Malaysia</a> Friday agreed to elevate their bilateral relation to strategic level and decided to strengthen economic and commercial ties as Prime Minister Imran Khan held talks with his Malaysian counterpart Mahathir Mohamad here.

The deliberations are part of Malaysian Prime Minister's ongoing 3-day visit to the Muslim-majority nation. He arrived in Islamabad on Thursday.

Mahathir held talks with Khan at one-on-one and delegation level, according to a joint statement.

"Both Leaders agreed that the existing relations between Pakistan-Malaysia be elevated to a strategic partnership. It marked a new level of the bilateral cooperation between both countries in various fields, namely trade in palm oil, agricultural products, food retail, halal products, automotive parts, energy, science and technology, and telecommunication investment," according to joint statement.

Both sides reaffirmed their shared desire to maintain close high-level contacts, deepen friendly exchanges of visits and cooperation in all fields, as well as, to actively promote Pakistan-Malaysia relations.

The two side agreed to promote cooperation in the automotive industry and the two Prime Ministers jointly officiated the symbolic ground-breaking ceremony of PROTON plant in Islamabad to boost the manufacturing and services industry for both countries.

The two nations reaffirmed the importance of the cooperation between the private sectors of both countries and both leaders witnessed the signing of agreements and Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) for investment and cooperation, particularly in the telecommunication sector.

Earlier, Advisor to Prime Minister Khan on Commerce Razzak Dawood said that MoUs worth USD 800-900 million would be singed but their exact worth was not declared after signing ceremony.

However, Finance Minister Asad Umar told the media that MoUs were about five big projects?. He also said that Malaysia was interested in buying JF-17 Thunder jets from Pakistan.

Umar also said that Pakistan would provide anti-tank missiles to Malaysia.&nbsp;

According to the joint statement, the two leaders acknowledged that MoU singed for the investment would serve to promote and strengthen the economic ties between both countries.

Malaysia expressed hope that Pakistan would continue to import more Malaysian palm oil and palm oil-based products, as well as, remove any non-tariff barriers on Malaysian goods and products.

Both stressed that terrorism cannot be associated with any religion or belief.&nbsp;

The two leaders also spoke against rising Islamophobia and agreed that steps should be taken to address this issue.

"Pakistan and Malaysia both understand the need to find ways to combat Islamophobia. This is our priority. We must work to improve the perception of Muslims in the world. We must change the prevailing atmosphere of fear. We must also realise that fighting back does not always mean killing each other," said Mahathir.

Mahathir will be the guest of honour at Pakistan Day parade on Saturday.

Pakistan and Malaysia Friday agreed to elevate their bilateral relation to strategic level and decided to strengthen economic and commercial ties as Prime Minister Imran Khan held talks with his Malaysian counterpart Mahathir Mohamad here.

Pakistan and Malaysia Friday agreed to elevate their bilateral relation to strategic level and decided to strengthen economic and commercial ties as Prime Minister Imran Khan held talks with his Malaysian counterpart Mahathir Mohamad here. The deliberations are part of Malaysian Prime Minister's ongoing 3-day visit to the Muslim-majority nation. He arrived in Islamabad on Thursday. Mahathir held talks with Khan at one-on-one and delegation level, according to a joint statement. "Both Leaders agreed that the existing relations between Pakistan-Malaysia be elevated to a strategic partnership. It marked a new level of the bilateral cooperation between both countries in various fields, namely trade in palm oil, agricultural products, food retail, halal products, automotive parts, energy, science and technology, and telecommunication investment," according to joint statement. Both sides reaffirmed their shared desire to maintain close high-level contacts, deepen friendly exchanges of visits and cooperation in all fields, as well as, to actively promote Pakistan-Malaysia relations. The two side agreed to promote cooperation in the automotive industry and the two Prime Ministers jointly officiated the symbolic ground-breaking ceremony of PROTON plant in Islamabad to boost the manufacturing and services industry for both countries. The two nations reaffirmed the importance of the cooperation between the private sectors of both countries and both leaders witnessed the signing of agreements and Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) for investment and cooperation, particularly in the telecommunication sector. Earlier, Advisor to Prime Minister Khan on Commerce Razzak Dawood said that MoUs worth USD 800-900 million would be singed but their exact worth was not declared after signing ceremony. However, Finance Minister Asad Umar told the media that MoUs were about five big projects?. He also said that Malaysia was interested in buying JF-17 Thunder jets from Pakistan. Umar also said that Pakistan would provide anti-tank missiles to Malaysia. According to the joint statement, the two leaders acknowledged that MoU singed for the investment would serve to promote and strengthen the economic ties between both countries. Malaysia expressed hope that Pakistan would continue to import more Malaysian palm oil and palm oil-based products, as well as, remove any non-tariff barriers on Malaysian goods and products. Both stressed that terrorism cannot be associated with any religion or belief. The two leaders also spoke against rising Islamophobia and agreed that steps should be taken to address this issue. "Pakistan and Malaysia both understand the need to find ways to combat Islamophobia. This is our priority. We must work to improve the perception of Muslims in the world. We must change the prevailing atmosphere of fear. We must also realise that fighting back does not always mean killing each other," said Mahathir. Mahathir will be the guest of honour at Pakistan Day parade on Saturday.

Pakistan, Malaysia agree to elevate their bilateral relation to strategic level 

Malaysian prosecutors said Monday they will <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/goldman-sachs-has-done-wrong-things-in-1mdb-case-pm-mahathir-mohamad-176997">summon Goldman Sachs units</a> in London and Hong Kong to appear at a June hearing of a case linked to corruption in state investment fund 1MDB.

The Wall Street titan is accused of misleading investors in the case when it helped <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysia-probes-claim-china-offered-to-bail-out-1mdb-188963">1MDB raise $6.5 billion through a series</a> of bond issues in 2012 and 2013.

Malaysian authorities are seeking fines in excess of the $2.7 billion allegedly misappropriated from the bond issues as well as the $600 million Goldman earned in fees.

Last December, Malaysia filed criminal charges against Goldman Sachs units in Singapore, London and Hong Kong as well as two of the bank's former employees.

A representative from Goldman's Singapore unit and a team of local lawyers appeared in a Malaysian court Monday for a pre-trial hearing.

Prosecutor Aaron Paul Chelliah told reporters that "fresh summonses" will be served on the bank's Hong Kong and London offices ahead of the next pre-trial hearing on June 24.

This would mean representatives from all three Goldman units would appear in court in June, he added.

Allegations that huge sums were looted from 1MDB and used to buy everything from yachts to artwork, in a fraud that involved former Malaysian leader Najib Razak, contributed to the last government's shock defeat at May elections.

The new administration under Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has filed dozens of charges against Najib and barred him from leaving the country. The ex-premier has denied any wrongdoing.

The Goldman units and former bankers Tim Leissner and Ng Chong Hwa, a Malaysian, are accused of misappropriating $2.7 billion, bribing officials and giving false statements in relation to bond issues they arranged for the fund.

At a separate Kuala Lumpur court Monday, a frail-looking Ng was led handcuffed into court, where a judge fixed April 15 for another pre-trial hearing of his case.

Ng was charged last December with abetting Goldman to provide misleading statements in the offering prospectus for the 1MDB bond sales.

New York-based Goldman has denied the allegations and vowed to defend the charges, saying it had been misled by Leissner and senior officials in the Malaysian government about the role of a key intermediary in the scandal, Low Taek Jho.

Better known as Jho Low, the jet-setting Malaysian financier, whose whereabouts is unknown, is accused of being the mastermind of the fraud.

Malaysian prosecutors said Monday they will summon Goldman Sachs units in London and Hong Kong to appear at a June hearing of a case linked to corruption in state investment fund 1MDB.

Malaysian prosecutors said Monday they will summon Goldman Sachs units in London and Hong Kong to appear at a June hearing of a case linked to corruption in state investment fund 1MDB. The Wall Street titan is accused of misleading investors in the case when it helped 1MDB raise $6.5 billion through a series of bond issues in 2012 and 2013. Malaysian authorities are seeking fines in excess of the $2.7 billion allegedly misappropriated from the bond issues as well as the $600 million Goldman earned in fees. Last December, Malaysia filed criminal charges against Goldman Sachs units in Singapore, London and Hong Kong as well as two of the bank's former employees. A representative from Goldman's Singapore unit and a team of local lawyers appeared in a Malaysian court Monday for a pre-trial hearing. Prosecutor Aaron Paul Chelliah told reporters that "fresh summonses" will be served on the bank's Hong Kong and London offices ahead of the next pre-trial hearing on June 24. This would mean representatives from all three Goldman units would appear in court in June, he added. Allegations that huge sums were looted from 1MDB and used to buy everything from yachts to artwork, in a fraud that involved former Malaysian leader Najib Razak, contributed to the last government's shock defeat at May elections. The new administration under Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has filed dozens of charges against Najib and barred him from leaving the country. The ex-premier has denied any wrongdoing. The Goldman units and former bankers Tim Leissner and Ng Chong Hwa, a Malaysian, are accused of misappropriating $2.7 billion, bribing officials and giving false statements in relation to bond issues they arranged for the fund. At a separate Kuala Lumpur court Monday, a frail-looking Ng was led handcuffed into court, where a judge fixed April 15 for another pre-trial hearing of his case. Ng was charged last December with abetting Goldman to provide misleading statements in the offering prospectus for the 1MDB bond sales. New York-based Goldman has denied the allegations and vowed to defend the charges, saying it had been misled by Leissner and senior officials in the Malaysian government about the role of a key intermediary in the scandal, Low Taek Jho. Better known as Jho Low, the jet-setting Malaysian financier, whose whereabouts is unknown, is accused of being the mastermind of the fraud.

1MDB case: Malaysian prosecutors to summon Goldman Sachs units in London, Hong Kong

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-review-petition-security-of-state-supersedes-everything-government-tells-supreme-court-203317">Rafale review petition: 'Security of state supersedes everything,' government tells Supreme Court</a>

Attorney General KK Venugopal told the Supreme Court Thursday that the "security of state supersedes everything". The court is hearing a review petition of its earlier judgement in the Rafale case which had said the deal did not need to be investigated for corruption.&nbsp;

The review petition has been filed by former union ministers Arun Shourie and Yashwant Sinha, and the lawyer Prashant Bhushan.&nbsp;

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-leader-donald-tusk-backs-long-delay-if-britain-rethinks-brexit-203291">EU's Donald Tusk backs 'long' delay if Britain 'rethinks' Brexit</a>

EU leader Donald Tusk said Thursday that European capitals could approve a long delay to Brexit, in a last-ditch push to persuade Prime Minister Theresa May to change her negotiating red lines. &nbsp;&nbsp;

During consultations ahead of next week's EU summit, Tusk said he "will appeal to the EU27 to be open to a long extension if the UK finds it necessary to rethink its Brexit strategy and build consensus around it."

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sp-bsp-will-have-joint-rallies-in-uttar-pradesh-says-akhilesh-203316">Lok Sabha polls: SP &amp; BSP will hold joint rallies in Uttar Pradesh, says Akhilesh</a>

In Uttar Pradesh, the SP and BSP will hold joint election rallies during the ensuing Lok Sabha polls, former chief minister Akhilesh Yadav said here on Thursday.&nbsp;

'We have planned joint rallies in Uttar Pradesh,' he told ANI in reply to a question about what transpired in his meeting with BSP president Mayawati on Wednesday.&nbsp;

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/wing-commander-abhinandans-debiefing-complete-he-will-now-go-on-sick-leave-iaf-sources-203327">Wing Commander Abhinandan's debriefing complete, he will now go on sick leave: IAF sources</a>

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varathaman's debriefing is now complete, Indian Air Force sources said on Thursday.&nbsp;

The news agency ANI quoted the sources as saying Abhinandan will now go on sick leave for a few weeks on the advice of doctors at the army's Research and Referral Hospital in Delhi.&nbsp;

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-100-malaysian-schools-shut-after-toxic-waste-dump-203324">Over 100 Malaysian schools shut after </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-100-malaysian-schools-shut-after-toxic-waste-dump-203324">toxic</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-100-malaysian-schools-shut-after-toxic-waste-dump-203324"> waste dump</a>

Over 100 schools in Malaysia have been closed after the dumping of toxic waste into a river caused hundreds of people to fall ill, including many children, authorities said.

A lorry is believed to have dumped the waste in southern Johor state last week, sending hazardous fumes across a wide area and causing those affected to display symptoms of poisoning such as nausea and vomiting.

Rafale review petition: 'Security of state supersedes everything,' government tells Supreme Court Attorney General KK Venugopal told the Supreme Court Thursday that the "security of state supersedes everything".

Rafale review petition: 'Security of state supersedes everything,' government tells Supreme Court Attorney General KK Venugopal told the Supreme Court Thursday that the "security of state supersedes everything". The court is hearing a review petition of its earlier judgement in the Rafale case which had said the deal did not need to be investigated for corruption. The review petition has been filed by former union ministers Arun Shourie and Yashwant Sinha, and the lawyer Prashant Bhushan. EU's Donald Tusk backs 'long' delay if Britain 'rethinks' Brexit EU leader Donald Tusk said Thursday that European capitals could approve a long delay to Brexit, in a last-ditch push to persuade Prime Minister Theresa May to change her negotiating red lines. During consultations ahead of next week's EU summit, Tusk said he "will appeal to the EU27 to be open to a long extension if the UK finds it necessary to rethink its Brexit strategy and build consensus around it." Lok Sabha polls: SP & BSP will hold joint rallies in Uttar Pradesh, says Akhilesh In Uttar Pradesh, the SP and BSP will hold joint election rallies during the ensuing Lok Sabha polls, former chief minister Akhilesh Yadav said here on Thursday. 'We have planned joint rallies in Uttar Pradesh,' he told ANI in reply to a question about what transpired in his meeting with BSP president Mayawati on Wednesday. Wing Commander Abhinandan's debriefing complete, he will now go on sick leave: IAF sources Wing Commander Abhinandan Varathaman's debriefing is now complete, Indian Air Force sources said on Thursday. The news agency ANI quoted the sources as saying Abhinandan will now go on sick leave for a few weeks on the advice of doctors at the army's Research and Referral Hospital in Delhi. Over 100 Malaysian schools shut after toxic waste dump Over 100 schools in Malaysia have been closed after the dumping of toxic waste into a river caused hundreds of people to fall ill, including many children, authorities said. A lorry is believed to have dumped the waste in southern Johor state last week, sending hazardous fumes across a wide area and causing those affected to display symptoms of poisoning such as nausea and vomiting.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Over 100 schools in Malaysia have been closed after the dumping of toxic waste into a river caused hundreds of people to fall ill, including many children, authorities said.

A lorry is believed to have dumped the waste in southern Johor state last week, sending hazardous fumes across a wide area and causing those affected to display symptoms of poisoning such as nausea and vomiting.

Over 500 people, many of them school pupils, have received medical treatment after inhaling the fumes, with over 160 admitted to hospital, according to official news agency Bernama.&nbsp;

It was unclear what type of poisonous gas had been emitted near the industrial town of Pasir Gudang.

Education Minister Maszlee Malik initially ordered the closure of 43 schools in the area Wednesday, but later announced that figure had more than doubled.

"The ministry of education has decided to close all 111 schools in the Pasir Gudang area immediately," he said in a statement.&nbsp;

"The education ministry is requesting that all parties take precautions."

Three men were arrested earlier this week over the toxic waste dumping. One is expected to be charged in court soon and could face up to five years in jail if found guilty of breaking environmental protection laws.

Over 100 schools in Malaysia have been closed after the dumping of toxic waste into a river caused hundreds of people to fall ill, including many children, authorities said.

Over 100 schools in Malaysia have been closed after the dumping of toxic waste into a river caused hundreds of people to fall ill, including many children, authorities said. A lorry is believed to have dumped the waste in southern Johor state last week, sending hazardous fumes across a wide area and causing those affected to display symptoms of poisoning such as nausea and vomiting. Over 500 people, many of them school pupils, have received medical treatment after inhaling the fumes, with over 160 admitted to hospital, according to official news agency Bernama. It was unclear what type of poisonous gas had been emitted near the industrial town of Pasir Gudang. Education Minister Maszlee Malik initially ordered the closure of 43 schools in the area Wednesday, but later announced that figure had more than doubled. "The ministry of education has decided to close all 111 schools in the Pasir Gudang area immediately," he said in a statement. "The education ministry is requesting that all parties take precautions." Three men were arrested earlier this week over the toxic waste dumping. One is expected to be charged in court soon and could face up to five years in jail if found guilty of breaking environmental protection laws.

Over 100 Malaysian schools shut after toxic waste dump

Malaysia's attorney-general on Thursday rejected Vietnam's request to free a woman accused of the murder of Kim Jong Nam, the half-brother of North Korea's leader, and a court set April 1 for her trial to resume. 
 
Vietnam's call had followed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysia-court-frees-indonesian-in-kim-jong-nam-murder-case-202483">Monday's release, at Indonesia's request</a>, of an Indonesian woman, who had been accused along with the Vietnamese, Doan Thi Huong. 
 
Huong and Siti Aisyah were charged with killing Kim Jong Nam by smearing his face with VX poison, a banned chemical weapon, at Kuala Lumpur airport in February 2017. 
 
"It's our complaint that the public prosecution has not acted fairly and justly to Doan Thi Huong," her lawyer Hisyam Teh, who asked for an adjournment on the grounds that his client was unwell. 
 
The told the court the rejection of Vietnam's request was "perverse", and a case of discrimination, as the attorney-general had favoured one party over another since the court had ordered both to enter their defence. 
 
Vietnam's ministers of justice and foreign affairs are communicating with their Malaysian counterparts to secure his client's release, The added. 
 
Vietnam's foreign ministry said it regretted the Malaysian court's decision not to immediately free Huong. 
 
"Vietnam has mentioned this case in all its exchanges with Malaysia and we have also requested that Malaysia conduct a fair trial," foreign ministry spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang told a news conference in Hanoi, the capital. 
 
Prosecutors had sprung a surprise on Monday by asking the court to drop the charge against Siti Aisyah and free her. The Indonesian embassy flew her to Jakarta the same day. 
 
The trial featured airport video recordings of two women allegedly assaulting Kim Jong Nam while he prepared to check in for a flight. 
 
In one, a woman identified as Huong puts her hands on Kim's face, while a blurry image shows someone the prosecution identified as Siti Aisyah hurrying away. 
 
The rejected speculation that Siti Aisyah's release was due to a lack of video evidence against her, saying the court had already established a case against both. 
'So it makes no difference whatsoever if Doan's image was caught on the CCTV camera, none at all,'&nbsp;he said after the hearing 
. 
Defence lawyers have maintained the women were pawns in an assassination orchestrated by North Korean agents. The North Korean embassy in Kuala Lumpur was defaced with graffiti just hours before the trial was to resume. 
 
Interpol had issued a red notice for four North Koreans identified as suspects by Malaysian police who had left the country hours after the murder. 
 
After the ruling, Huong was seen sobbing as she spoke with Vietnamese embassy officials, before being whisked away by police. 
 
In Vietnam, Huong’s stepmother, Nguyen Thi Vy, said the decision saddened her. 
 
"I don’t understand why the other girl was released, but not my daughter," Vy told Reuters after the decision. "They were charged with the same thing, it’s such an injustice." 
 
Kim Jong Nam was living in exile in Macau before the killing, having fled his homeland after his half-brother Kim Jong Un became North Korea's leader in 2011 following their father's death. 
 
Some South Korean lawmakers said the North Korean regime had ordered the assassination of Kim Jong Nam, who had been critical of his family's dynastic rule. Pyongyang has denied this.

Malaysia's attorney-general on Thursday rejected Vietnam's request to free a woman accused of the murder of Kim Jong Nam, the half-brother of North Korea's leader, and a court set April 1 for her trial to resume.

Malaysia's attorney-general on Thursday rejected Vietnam's request to free a woman accused of the murder of Kim Jong Nam, the half-brother of North Korea's leader, and a court set April 1 for her trial to resume. Vietnam's call had followed Monday's release, at Indonesia's request, of an Indonesian woman, who had been accused along with the Vietnamese, Doan Thi Huong. Huong and Siti Aisyah were charged with killing Kim Jong Nam by smearing his face with VX poison, a banned chemical weapon, at Kuala Lumpur airport in February 2017. "It's our complaint that the public prosecution has not acted fairly and justly to Doan Thi Huong," her lawyer Hisyam Teh, who asked for an adjournment on the grounds that his client was unwell. The told the court the rejection of Vietnam's request was "perverse", and a case of discrimination, as the attorney-general had favoured one party over another since the court had ordered both to enter their defence. Vietnam's ministers of justice and foreign affairs are communicating with their Malaysian counterparts to secure his client's release, The added. Vietnam's foreign ministry said it regretted the Malaysian court's decision not to immediately free Huong. "Vietnam has mentioned this case in all its exchanges with Malaysia and we have also requested that Malaysia conduct a fair trial," foreign ministry spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang told a news conference in Hanoi, the capital. Prosecutors had sprung a surprise on Monday by asking the court to drop the charge against Siti Aisyah and free her. The Indonesian embassy flew her to Jakarta the same day. The trial featured airport video recordings of two women allegedly assaulting Kim Jong Nam while he prepared to check in for a flight. In one, a woman identified as Huong puts her hands on Kim's face, while a blurry image shows someone the prosecution identified as Siti Aisyah hurrying away. The rejected speculation that Siti Aisyah's release was due to a lack of video evidence against her, saying the court had already established a case against both. 'So it makes no difference whatsoever if Doan's image was caught on the CCTV camera, none at all,' he said after the hearing . Defence lawyers have maintained the women were pawns in an assassination orchestrated by North Korean agents. The North Korean embassy in Kuala Lumpur was defaced with graffiti just hours before the trial was to resume. Interpol had issued a red notice for four North Koreans identified as suspects by Malaysian police who had left the country hours after the murder. After the ruling, Huong was seen sobbing as she spoke with Vietnamese embassy officials, before being whisked away by police. In Vietnam, Huong’s stepmother, Nguyen Thi Vy, said the decision saddened her. "I don’t understand why the other girl was released, but not my daughter," Vy told Reuters after the decision. "They were charged with the same thing, it’s such an injustice." Kim Jong Nam was living in exile in Macau before the killing, having fled his homeland after his half-brother Kim Jong Un became North Korea's leader in 2011 following their father's death. Some South Korean lawmakers said the North Korean regime had ordered the assassination of Kim Jong Nam, who had been critical of his family's dynastic rule. Pyongyang has denied this.

Malaysia rejects call to free Vietnamese accused in Kim Jong Nam killing

Malaysia's prime minister said Tuesday the surprise <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/malaysia-court-frees-indonesian-in-kim-jong-nam-murder-case-202483">release of an Indonesian woman </a>who was on trial for assassinating the North Korean leader's half-brother followed the "rule of law", after suspicions of meddling amid an intense lobbying effort by Jakarta.

Siti Aisyah was freed by a Malaysian court Monday after prosecutors withdrew a murder charge without any explanation, more than two years after her arrest for the 2017 assassination of Kim Jong Nam at Kuala Lumpur airport.

Her sudden release prompted questions about interference in Malaysia's justice system, particularly after the Indonesian government revealed that it had lobbied Kuala Lumpur on the case, including pressure from President Joko Widodo.

But Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad told reporters in parliament that the decision was in line with "the rule of law".

"There is a law that allows charges to be withdrawn. That was what happened. I do not know in detail the reasons," he said, adding he was unaware of any negotiations between Indonesia and Malaysia on the issue.

On Monday, Indonesian officials released a letter from the country's justice minister to Malaysia's attorney-general, which said Aisyah had been "deceived" and sought her release. The attorney-general agreed to the request last week.

Her swift release had sparked anger in Malaysia, and accusations that the government had caved in to diplomatic pressure.

"Any govt can just pressure Malaysia to release a suspect in a criminal case?" wrote one user on Facebook.

Another, John Lim, commented that Aisyah's release was "definitely not according to the rule of law".

She had been on trial alongside a Vietnamese woman, Doan Thi Huong, who was left distraught as she was not freed at the same time.

The pair always denied murder, insisting they were tricked by North Korean spies into carrying out the Cold War-style hit using a toxic nerve agent and thought it was just a prank.

Huong's lawyers have now asked the attorney-general to withdraw her murder charge, and prosecutors may on Thursday inform the Shah Alam High Court, outside Kuala Lumpur, whether the application has been successful.

The women's lawyers have presented them as scapegoats. They say the real murderers are four North Koreans -- formally accused of the crime alongside the women -- who fled Malaysia shortly after the assassination.

South Korea accuses the North of plotting the murder of Kim, an estranged relative of Kim Jong Un who was once seen as heir apparent to the North Korean leadership. Pyongyang denies the accusation.

Malaysia's prime minister said Tuesday the surprise release of an Indonesian woman who was on trial for assassinating the North Korean leader's half-brother followed the "rule of law", after suspicions of meddling amid an intense lobbying effort by Jakarta.

Malaysia's prime minister said Tuesday the surprise release of an Indonesian woman who was on trial for assassinating the North Korean leader's half-brother followed the "rule of law", after suspicions of meddling amid an intense lobbying effort by Jakarta. Siti Aisyah was freed by a Malaysian court Monday after prosecutors withdrew a murder charge without any explanation, more than two years after her arrest for the 2017 assassination of Kim Jong Nam at Kuala Lumpur airport. Her sudden release prompted questions about interference in Malaysia's justice system, particularly after the Indonesian government revealed that it had lobbied Kuala Lumpur on the case, including pressure from President Joko Widodo. But Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad told reporters in parliament that the decision was in line with "the rule of law". "There is a law that allows charges to be withdrawn. That was what happened. I do not know in detail the reasons," he said, adding he was unaware of any negotiations between Indonesia and Malaysia on the issue. On Monday, Indonesian officials released a letter from the country's justice minister to Malaysia's attorney-general, which said Aisyah had been "deceived" and sought her release. The attorney-general agreed to the request last week. Her swift release had sparked anger in Malaysia, and accusations that the government had caved in to diplomatic pressure. "Any govt can just pressure Malaysia to release a suspect in a criminal case?" wrote one user on Facebook. Another, John Lim, commented that Aisyah's release was "definitely not according to the rule of law". She had been on trial alongside a Vietnamese woman, Doan Thi Huong, who was left distraught as she was not freed at the same time. The pair always denied murder, insisting they were tricked by North Korean spies into carrying out the Cold War-style hit using a toxic nerve agent and thought it was just a prank. Huong's lawyers have now asked the attorney-general to withdraw her murder charge, and prosecutors may on Thursday inform the Shah Alam High Court, outside Kuala Lumpur, whether the application has been successful. The women's lawyers have presented them as scapegoats. They say the real murderers are four North Koreans -- formally accused of the crime alongside the women -- who fled Malaysia shortly after the assassination. South Korea accuses the North of plotting the murder of Kim, an estranged relative of Kim Jong Un who was once seen as heir apparent to the North Korean leadership. Pyongyang denies the accusation.

Release of Indonesian woman in North Korea case within rules: Malaysian PM

Every Saturday, Chinese farmer Li Eryou still calls the long-disconnected mobile telephone number of his son, who was among the 239 aboard <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/five-years-on-fate-of-missing-mh370-remains-a-mystery-200629">Malaysia Airlines flight MH370</a> when it vanished five years ago in the world's greatest aviation mystery.

"I don't care what's on the other end," said the 60-year-old farmer from rural Handan, in the northern province of Hebei, as he described his weekly ritual. "I would always say a few words to my son."

Li Yanlin, who worked in Malaysia for Chinese telecoms equipment giant ZTE, was 30 when the flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing disappeared on March 8, 2014, with 153 Chinese citizens on board.

"My son was the first person in our village to go abroad by plane," his father told Reuters, as he thumbed through an album of his son's last photos holidaying in Malaysia, downloaded from social media by his distraught parents.

Li's wife, Liu Shuangfeng, said she frequently cries herself to sleep and has been diagnosed with severe depression.

Efforts to locate the aircraft have been unsuccessful.

In January 2017, Australia, China and Malaysia called off a two-year, $141-million underwater search in the southern Indian Ocean after it found no trace of the aircraft.

A second, three-month search, led by US exploration firm Ocean Infinity, ended unsuccessfully last May.

Last week Malaysia said it would consider resuming the search if viable proposals or credible leads emerged, but a lack of closure continues to gnaw at those left behind.

After his son's disappearance, Li left his wheat crops overgrown and untended as he travelled back and forth to the Chinese capital of Beijing for meetings with Malaysian and Chinese authorities.

The hundreds of train tickets and receipts he accumulated in that effort will inspire him to keep up the search, he said.

"It has been five years, but I haven't given up and will never give up," Li said. "I will continue to search for my son."

Every Saturday, Chinese farmer Li Eryou still calls the long-disconnected mobile telephone number of his son, who was among the 239 aboard Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 when it vanished five years ago in the world's greatest aviation mystery.

Every Saturday, Chinese farmer Li Eryou still calls the long-disconnected mobile telephone number of his son, who was among the 239 aboard Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 when it vanished five years ago in the world's greatest aviation mystery. "I don't care what's on the other end," said the 60-year-old farmer from rural Handan, in the northern province of Hebei, as he described his weekly ritual. "I would always say a few words to my son." Li Yanlin, who worked in Malaysia for Chinese telecoms equipment giant ZTE, was 30 when the flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing disappeared on March 8, 2014, with 153 Chinese citizens on board. "My son was the first person in our village to go abroad by plane," his father told Reuters, as he thumbed through an album of his son's last photos holidaying in Malaysia, downloaded from social media by his distraught parents. Li's wife, Liu Shuangfeng, said she frequently cries herself to sleep and has been diagnosed with severe depression. Efforts to locate the aircraft have been unsuccessful. In January 2017, Australia, China and Malaysia called off a two-year, $141-million underwater search in the southern Indian Ocean after it found no trace of the aircraft. A second, three-month search, led by US exploration firm Ocean Infinity, ended unsuccessfully last May. Last week Malaysia said it would consider resuming the search if viable proposals or credible leads emerged, but a lack of closure continues to gnaw at those left behind. After his son's disappearance, Li left his wheat crops overgrown and untended as he travelled back and forth to the Chinese capital of Beijing for meetings with Malaysian and Chinese authorities. The hundreds of train tickets and receipts he accumulated in that effort will inspire him to keep up the search, he said. "It has been five years, but I haven't given up and will never give up," Li said. "I will continue to search for my son."

'Will never give up': Relatives of missing Chinese on MH370 vow to keep searching

Malaysia is open to restarting the hunt for Flight MH370 if firms come forward with credible leads and concrete proposals, the transport minister said Sunday, five years on from the plane's disappearance.&nbsp;

The Malaysia Airlines jet vanished in March 2014 with 239 people -- mostly from China -- on board, en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing.

No sign of it was found in a 120,000-square kilometre (46,000-square mile) Indian Ocean search zone and the Australian-led hunt, the largest in aviation history, was suspended in January 2017.

US exploration firm Ocean Infinity mounted a fresh hunt on a "no find, no fee basis" last year for several months, using hi-tech drones to scour the seabed, but did not locate the plane.&nbsp;

Hundreds of people, including some of the relatives of those onboard, gathered at a Kuala Lumpur shopping mall Sunday to mark the anniversary of the jet's disappearance.&nbsp;

Only a few fragments of MH370 have been found, all of them on western Indian Ocean shores. Two of those pieces were put on display Sunday for the first time at the memorial.&nbsp;

There is no new search planned, but Transport Minister Anthony Loke said at the event that the government was open to hearing proposals to resume the hunt.

"If there are any credible leads and any specific proposals, especially from Ocean Infinity, we are more than willing to look at it," he said.

Jacquita Gonzales, whose husband Patrick Gomes was a crew member on the flight, said there was "no closure until the plane is found, until we exactly know what happened to the aircraft and our loved ones on board.

"It gets tougher every year, because we are all expecting some answers."

In a long-awaited final report into the tragedy released in July last year, the official investigation team pointed to failings by air traffic control and said the course of the plane was changed manually. &nbsp;

But they failed to come up with any firm conclusions, leaving families of those onboard angry and disappointed.

Malaysia is open to restarting the hunt for Flight MH370 if firms come forward with credible leads and concrete proposals, the transport minister said Sunday, five years on from the plane's disappearance.

Malaysia is open to restarting the hunt for Flight MH370 if firms come forward with credible leads and concrete proposals, the transport minister said Sunday, five years on from the plane's disappearance. The Malaysia Airlines jet vanished in March 2014 with 239 people -- mostly from China -- on board, en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. No sign of it was found in a 120,000-square kilometre (46,000-square mile) Indian Ocean search zone and the Australian-led hunt, the largest in aviation history, was suspended in January 2017. US exploration firm Ocean Infinity mounted a fresh hunt on a "no find, no fee basis" last year for several months, using hi-tech drones to scour the seabed, but did not locate the plane. Hundreds of people, including some of the relatives of those onboard, gathered at a Kuala Lumpur shopping mall Sunday to mark the anniversary of the jet's disappearance. Only a few fragments of MH370 have been found, all of them on western Indian Ocean shores. Two of those pieces were put on display Sunday for the first time at the memorial. There is no new search planned, but Transport Minister Anthony Loke said at the event that the government was open to hearing proposals to resume the hunt. "If there are any credible leads and any specific proposals, especially from Ocean Infinity, we are more than willing to look at it," he said. Jacquita Gonzales, whose husband Patrick Gomes was a crew member on the flight, said there was "no closure until the plane is found, until we exactly know what happened to the aircraft and our loved ones on board. "It gets tougher every year, because we are all expecting some answers." In a long-awaited final report into the tragedy released in July last year, the official investigation team pointed to failings by air traffic control and said the course of the plane was changed manually. But they failed to come up with any firm conclusions, leaving families of those onboard angry and disappointed.

Malaysia open to proposals to revive MH370 hunt

An association representing the families of the 239 passengers, who disappeared with <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/malaysia-civil-aviation-chief-resigns-over-mh370-lapses-156098">Malaysia Airlines flight MH370</a> in 2014, on Sunday called for a fresh search to find the aircraft.

At a public event held in Kuala Lumpur, a few days before the fifth anniversary of the tragedy, Voice 370 requested Malaysian authorities to start a fresh search, which would be the third since the disappearance of the plane.

"Many amongst us continue to struggle (...) Give us answers to what, why and how, and if it comes to it, who. Give us the truth," said KS Narendran whose wife was onboard MH370 when it mysteriously disappeared.

Grace Nathan, whose mother was also on board, called the tragedy an incurable wound and added that a new search would be an investment into improving global aeronautical security.

The event, which was broadcast live on social media, was also attended by the Malaysian Transport Minister, Anthony Loke.

Loke clarified that efforts to find the plane had not been abandoned and hoped they would find the answers to the mystery one day.

He also added that the Malaysian government welcomes any lead or credible evidence to restart the search.

Two previous searches, spread over one part of the Indian Ocean, had failed to locate the remains of the plane.

In a video recording, Oliver Plunkett, CEO of Ocean Infinity, the company who was in charge of conducting the second search, had offered to launch a new search mission to track the seabed.

He said they will charge a fee for the operation only if the search was successful.

During Sunday's event and for the first time in public, the flaperon, a part of the Boeing 777, was displayed to the public.

However, the whereabouts of the main part of the fuselage remains unknown.

The Beijing-bound MH370 had disappeared from the radar on March 8, 2014 about 40 minutes after taking off from Kuala Lumpur, when someone had turned off the communication systems and changed the aircraft's route, according to an official investigation.

Several pieces of debris had been recovered in the last five years on the east coast of Africa, that analysts confirmed to be part of the missing aircraft, a Boeing 777.

So far, 27 pieces have been recovered from the beaches of Reunion, Mozambique, Mauritius, South Africa and Pemba Island (Zanzibar), fragments that were swept away by the Indian Ocean currents, coinciding with the official hypothesis that the plane might have crashed into the Indian Ocean after running out of fuel.

Experts had confirmed that three fragments found in Reunion, Mauritius and Pemba belong to the MH370, while seven other pieces - including parts of the cabin interior - almost certainly belong to the same aircraft, and eight more pieces have a high probability of belonging to the same plane.

An association representing the families of the 239 passengers, who disappeared with Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 in 2014, on Sunday called for a fresh search to find the aircraft.

An association representing the families of the 239 passengers, who disappeared with Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 in 2014, on Sunday called for a fresh search to find the aircraft. At a public event held in Kuala Lumpur, a few days before the fifth anniversary of the tragedy, Voice 370 requested Malaysian authorities to start a fresh search, which would be the third since the disappearance of the plane. "Many amongst us continue to struggle (...) Give us answers to what, why and how, and if it comes to it, who. Give us the truth," said KS Narendran whose wife was onboard MH370 when it mysteriously disappeared. Grace Nathan, whose mother was also on board, called the tragedy an incurable wound and added that a new search would be an investment into improving global aeronautical security. The event, which was broadcast live on social media, was also attended by the Malaysian Transport Minister, Anthony Loke. Loke clarified that efforts to find the plane had not been abandoned and hoped they would find the answers to the mystery one day. He also added that the Malaysian government welcomes any lead or credible evidence to restart the search. Two previous searches, spread over one part of the Indian Ocean, had failed to locate the remains of the plane. In a video recording, Oliver Plunkett, CEO of Ocean Infinity, the company who was in charge of conducting the second search, had offered to launch a new search mission to track the seabed. He said they will charge a fee for the operation only if the search was successful. During Sunday's event and for the first time in public, the flaperon, a part of the Boeing 777, was displayed to the public. However, the whereabouts of the main part of the fuselage remains unknown. The Beijing-bound MH370 had disappeared from the radar on March 8, 2014 about 40 minutes after taking off from Kuala Lumpur, when someone had turned off the communication systems and changed the aircraft's route, according to an official investigation. Several pieces of debris had been recovered in the last five years on the east coast of Africa, that analysts confirmed to be part of the missing aircraft, a Boeing 777. So far, 27 pieces have been recovered from the beaches of Reunion, Mozambique, Mauritius, South Africa and Pemba Island (Zanzibar), fragments that were swept away by the Indian Ocean currents, coinciding with the official hypothesis that the plane might have crashed into the Indian Ocean after running out of fuel. Experts had confirmed that three fragments found in Reunion, Mauritius and Pemba belong to the MH370, while seven other pieces - including parts of the cabin interior - almost certainly belong to the same aircraft, and eight more pieces have a high probability of belonging to the same plane.

Families of MH370 passengers urge Malaysia for a fresh search

Pakistan has come out of the financial crisis with the help of friendly countries and the economy has been set on the right path, the governor of the cash-strapped country's central bank has claimed.&nbsp;

Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan Tariq Bajwa's remarks coincided with the announcement by Saudi Arabia that it would invest 420 billion in Pakistan under various projects.

Bawja told an audience at a private university in Lahore on Monday that uncertainty in the economy had ended, while the government was on the right path and it was capable of meeting all economic challenges, Dawn reported.

The governor spoke about the current account deficit, which had hit the economy badly during the current financial year.

The current account deficit was the real cause of concern for the new government headed by Prime Minister Imran Khan. Khan visited friendly countries like China, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Malaysia and Turkey to seek investment and managed to get financial help to bridge the external deficit.

Bajwa said a plan had been prepared to eliminate the current account deficit. He said the deficit was the biggest hurdle for the country and the government was still negotiating with the International Monetary Fund for a package to minimise it.

Pakistan has come out of the financial crisis with the help of friendly countries and the economy has been set on the right path, the governor of the cash-strapped country's central bank has claimed.

Pakistan has come out of the financial crisis with the help of friendly countries and the economy has been set on the right path, the governor of the cash-strapped country's central bank has claimed. Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan Tariq Bajwa's remarks coincided with the announcement by Saudi Arabia that it would invest 420 billion in Pakistan under various projects. Bawja told an audience at a private university in Lahore on Monday that uncertainty in the economy had ended, while the government was on the right path and it was capable of meeting all economic challenges, Dawn reported. The governor spoke about the current account deficit, which had hit the economy badly during the current financial year. The current account deficit was the real cause of concern for the new government headed by Prime Minister Imran Khan. Khan visited friendly countries like China, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Malaysia and Turkey to seek investment and managed to get financial help to bridge the external deficit. Bajwa said a plan had been prepared to eliminate the current account deficit. He said the deficit was the biggest hurdle for the country and the government was still negotiating with the International Monetary Fund for a package to minimise it.

Pakistan is out of financial crisis, claims central bank governor 

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-bangladesh-call-for-safe-and-sustainable-repatriation-of-rohingya-refugees-196061">Bangladesh</a> police have stopped 43<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-fears-lingering-rohingya-crisis-may-trigger-radicalism-196630"> Rohingya refugees</a> from being smuggled to Malaysia by boat with a dozen women claiming they were abducted by traffickers, officials said Thursday.

Acting on tip-offs, police found the refugees at two separate places in the southeastern border district of Cox's Bazar, raising the number of Rohingya being rescued from the traffickers to more than 100 in less than a week.

About 740,000 of the Muslim minority fled Myanmar for Bangladesh after a military clampdown in the Buddhist-majority nation in August 2017.

They have joined another 300,000 Rohingya who have already been living in overcrowded camps in Cox's Bazar following previous bouts of violence.

Officials fear many may end up being exploited by an internationally organised human smuggling racket who have previously sent thousands of Rohingya to Malaysia by boats until Bangladesh launched a crackdown in 2015 following the discovery of mass graves of refugees in Thailand.&nbsp;

Rapid Action Battalion, an elite police unit, said they rescued 12 women — mostly in their 20s — from a residential room in Cox's Bazar city early Thursday morning and arrested two alleged traffickers for "abducting" them.

"The young women from the refugee camps were lured by the traffickers. They were promised they would be sent to Malaysia. They were then brought to Cox's Bazar and kept in a house," RAB spokesman Mashkur Rahman told AFP.

Rahman said they were treating it as a case of abduction after the women claimed they were confined in a room without consent.

In another drive late Wednesday, Cox's Bazar police rescued another 31 Rohingya from the southern island of Maheshkhali, some 110 kilometres (70 miles) away from the overcrowded Kutupalong refugee camp.

Local police chief Provash Chandra said the 14 women, 11 men and six children were hiding in a coastal forest at Maheskhali waiting to board a Malaysian-bound boat.

"They paid some 20,000 taka ($240) each to the traffickers for the journey," he said.

He said they arrested a woman trafficker and were "searching for others".

Dangerous sign

An analyst said the latest discovery of Malaysia-bound Rohingya was a "dangerous" sign and shows the desperation at more than 30 refugee camps where the Rohingya live in bamboo and tarpaulin made shanties in squalid conditions.

"It is very natural for the desperate refugees to attempt the risk to search for a better future," Tasneem Siddiqui, who heads a Bangladeshi think tank on migration issues, told AFP.

"They know the way is full of obstacles, yet many think this is their only way out," she said.

Authorities fear that more Rohingya will try to take boats to Malaysia while the Bay of Bengal remains calm before the arrival of monsoons at the end of March.

Bangladesh police have stopped 43 Rohingya refugees from being smuggled to Malaysia by boat with a dozen women claiming they were abducted by traffickers, officials said Thursday.

Bangladesh police have stopped 43 Rohingya refugees from being smuggled to Malaysia by boat with a dozen women claiming they were abducted by traffickers, officials said Thursday. Acting on tip-offs, police found the refugees at two separate places in the southeastern border district of Cox's Bazar, raising the number of Rohingya being rescued from the traffickers to more than 100 in less than a week. About 740,000 of the Muslim minority fled Myanmar for Bangladesh after a military clampdown in the Buddhist-majority nation in August 2017. They have joined another 300,000 Rohingya who have already been living in overcrowded camps in Cox's Bazar following previous bouts of violence. Officials fear many may end up being exploited by an internationally organised human smuggling racket who have previously sent thousands of Rohingya to Malaysia by boats until Bangladesh launched a crackdown in 2015 following the discovery of mass graves of refugees in Thailand. Rapid Action Battalion, an elite police unit, said they rescued 12 women — mostly in their 20s — from a residential room in Cox's Bazar city early Thursday morning and arrested two alleged traffickers for "abducting" them. "The young women from the refugee camps were lured by the traffickers. They were promised they would be sent to Malaysia. They were then brought to Cox's Bazar and kept in a house," RAB spokesman Mashkur Rahman told AFP. Rahman said they were treating it as a case of abduction after the women claimed they were confined in a room without consent. In another drive late Wednesday, Cox's Bazar police rescued another 31 Rohingya from the southern island of Maheshkhali, some 110 kilometres (70 miles) away from the overcrowded Kutupalong refugee camp. Local police chief Provash Chandra said the 14 women, 11 men and six children were hiding in a coastal forest at Maheskhali waiting to board a Malaysian-bound boat. "They paid some 20,000 taka ($240) each to the traffickers for the journey," he said. He said they arrested a woman trafficker and were "searching for others". Dangerous sign An analyst said the latest discovery of Malaysia-bound Rohingya was a "dangerous" sign and shows the desperation at more than 30 refugee camps where the Rohingya live in bamboo and tarpaulin made shanties in squalid conditions. "It is very natural for the desperate refugees to attempt the risk to search for a better future," Tasneem Siddiqui, who heads a Bangladeshi think tank on migration issues, told AFP. "They know the way is full of obstacles, yet many think this is their only way out," she said. Authorities fear that more Rohingya will try to take boats to Malaysia while the Bay of Bengal remains calm before the arrival of monsoons at the end of March.

Bangladesh rescues 'abducted' Malaysia-bound Rohingya

Malaysian authorities have made a record seizure of about 30 tonnes of pangolins and their scales worth some $2 million in raids on major processing facilities, police and environmentalists said Tuesday.

The haul included about 1,800 boxes full of frozen pangolins stuffed inside three refrigerated containers, 572 more frozen pangolins in six freezers, 61 live pangolins in cages, and 361 kilogrammes (795 pounds) of pangolin scales, according to police.

The Southeast Asian nation is battling to clamp down on rampant poaching and smuggling of pangolins, the world's most heavily trafficked mammal.&nbsp;

The critically endangered creatures, also known as scaly anteaters, have long been targeted as their body parts are highly valued in traditional medicine in countries including China and Vietnam while their meat is considered a delicacy.

Following a tip-off, wildlife officials in Sabah state raided a factory and a warehouse on Thursday, according to a statement from local police chief Omar Mammah.

Police arrested a 35-year-old man suspected to have been in charge of the factory as part of an illegal syndicate.&nbsp;

The operation is believed to have been running for the past seven years, and police believe the pangolins were bought from poachers to be distributed locally.

Traffic, a Malaysia-based group that monitors wildlife smuggling around the region, said it was the "biggest such bust Malaysia has seen to date".

"No threatened species can withstand industrial levels of extraction such as this," Kanitha Krishnasamy, the group's Southeast Asia director, told AFP.

The seizures also shone a light on Sabah's major role in animal trafficking — the state on Borneo island has been implicated in smuggling cases involving over 40 tonnes of pangolins since August 2017, according to Traffic.&nbsp;

Malaysia regularly foils attempts to smuggle pangolins and their parts out of the country but usually on a far smaller scale.

Malaysian authorities have made a record seizure of about 30 tonnes of pangolins and their scales worth some $2 million in raids on major processing facilities, police and environmentalists said Tuesday.

Malaysian authorities have made a record seizure of about 30 tonnes of pangolins and their scales worth some $2 million in raids on major processing facilities, police and environmentalists said Tuesday. The haul included about 1,800 boxes full of frozen pangolins stuffed inside three refrigerated containers, 572 more frozen pangolins in six freezers, 61 live pangolins in cages, and 361 kilogrammes (795 pounds) of pangolin scales, according to police. The Southeast Asian nation is battling to clamp down on rampant poaching and smuggling of pangolins, the world's most heavily trafficked mammal. The critically endangered creatures, also known as scaly anteaters, have long been targeted as their body parts are highly valued in traditional medicine in countries including China and Vietnam while their meat is considered a delicacy. Following a tip-off, wildlife officials in Sabah state raided a factory and a warehouse on Thursday, according to a statement from local police chief Omar Mammah. Police arrested a 35-year-old man suspected to have been in charge of the factory as part of an illegal syndicate. The operation is believed to have been running for the past seven years, and police believe the pangolins were bought from poachers to be distributed locally. Traffic, a Malaysia-based group that monitors wildlife smuggling around the region, said it was the "biggest such bust Malaysia has seen to date". "No threatened species can withstand industrial levels of extraction such as this," Kanitha Krishnasamy, the group's Southeast Asia director, told AFP. The seizures also shone a light on Sabah's major role in animal trafficking — the state on Borneo island has been implicated in smuggling cases involving over 40 tonnes of pangolins since August 2017, according to Traffic. Malaysia regularly foils attempts to smuggle pangolins and their parts out of the country but usually on a far smaller scale.

Malaysia makes record of 30-tonne pangolin seizure

A French tourist has been arrested for flying a drone near Myanmar's parliament in the capital Naypyidaw, the French embassy confirmed Monday.

The man tried to fly a drone over the government building, which is illegal under Myanmar law.

Three journalists and their driver were jailed in 2017 for the same offence.

Local media published photos of the French detainee, including his passport details, and his drone.

"A French man, on a visit to Myanmar, was arrested late afternoon on Thursday, February 7 for having flown a drone over the parliament," the embassy said, adding that the man was still in detention in Naypyidaw.

His family had been informed of his arrest and embassy staff was trying to secure his release, it added.

It was unclear why he was flying the drone and Myanmar authorities were not available for comment.

In 2017, journalists Lau Hon Meng from Singapore and Mok Choy Lin from Malaysia were making a documentary for Turkish state broadcaster TRT when they were detained in October 2017 along with Myanmar reporter Aung Naing Soe and driver Hla Tin.

Expecting to receive a fine, they confessed to flying the drone over parliament but were instead sentenced to two months in prison under Myanmar's aircraft act.

A French tourist has been arrested for flying a drone near Myanmar's parliament in the capital Naypyidaw, the French embassy confirmed Monday. The man tried to fly a drone over the government building, which is illegal under Myanmar law.

A French tourist has been arrested for flying a drone near Myanmar's parliament in the capital Naypyidaw, the French embassy confirmed Monday. The man tried to fly a drone over the government building, which is illegal under Myanmar law. Three journalists and their driver were jailed in 2017 for the same offence. Local media published photos of the French detainee, including his passport details, and his drone. "A French man, on a visit to Myanmar, was arrested late afternoon on Thursday, February 7 for having flown a drone over the parliament," the embassy said, adding that the man was still in detention in Naypyidaw. His family had been informed of his arrest and embassy staff was trying to secure his release, it added. It was unclear why he was flying the drone and Myanmar authorities were not available for comment. In 2017, journalists Lau Hon Meng from Singapore and Mok Choy Lin from Malaysia were making a documentary for Turkish state broadcaster TRT when they were detained in October 2017 along with Myanmar reporter Aung Naing Soe and driver Hla Tin. Expecting to receive a fine, they confessed to flying the drone over parliament but were instead sentenced to two months in prison under Myanmar's aircraft act.

Frenchman arrested for flying drone over Myanmar parliament: Embassy

Bangladesh security forces stopped 22 Rohingya Muslims from being smuggled to Malaysia by boat, officials said Monday, the second group in three days prevented from leaving squalid refugee camps.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) forces found 11 women, 10 children and a man at a village on the Bay of Bengal coast, near the border with Myanmar, on Sunday.

The 22 had paid traffickers up to $1,200 each to get a place on a small boat for the dangerous journey, a BGB officer said. The people smugglers fled before security forces arrived.

About 740,000 of the Muslim minority fled Myanmar for Bangladesh after a military clampdown in the Buddhist-majority nation in August 2017.&nbsp;

There were already 300,000 Rohingya already in Bangladesh where they are largely confined to the overflowing camps.

"The traffickers took whatever they could from the refugees," Lieutenant Colonel Asadud Zaman Chowdhury, BGB chief for the town of Teknaf, told AFP.

He added that it was possible many of the young women would have ended up in "forced prostitution".

It is the fourth time since November that Rohingya have been intercepted attempting to get a boat to Muslim-majority Malaysia.

On Friday, border guards stopped 30 Rohingya from boarding a boat and sent them back to their camps.

Authorities fear that more Rohingya will try to take boats to Malaysia while the Bay of Bengal is calm up until the end of March.&nbsp;

Bangladesh's refugee commissioner Mohammad Abul Kalam said "an internationally organised racket" was preying on desperation in the Rohingya camps.

"The refugees are lured by false promises. They simply don't have any idea how dangerous these sea journeys can be," he told AFP.

People smugglers sent tens of thousands of Rohingya from the camps to Malaysia before Bangladesh launched a crackdown in 2015.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Bangladesh security forces stopped 22 Rohingya Muslims from being smuggled to Malaysia by boat, officials said Monday, the second group in three days prevented from leaving squalid refugee camps.

Bangladesh security forces stopped 22 Rohingya Muslims from being smuggled to Malaysia by boat, officials said Monday, the second group in three days prevented from leaving squalid refugee camps. Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) forces found 11 women, 10 children and a man at a village on the Bay of Bengal coast, near the border with Myanmar, on Sunday. The 22 had paid traffickers up to $1,200 each to get a place on a small boat for the dangerous journey, a BGB officer said. The people smugglers fled before security forces arrived. About 740,000 of the Muslim minority fled Myanmar for Bangladesh after a military clampdown in the Buddhist-majority nation in August 2017. There were already 300,000 Rohingya already in Bangladesh where they are largely confined to the overflowing camps. "The traffickers took whatever they could from the refugees," Lieutenant Colonel Asadud Zaman Chowdhury, BGB chief for the town of Teknaf, told AFP. He added that it was possible many of the young women would have ended up in "forced prostitution". It is the fourth time since November that Rohingya have been intercepted attempting to get a boat to Muslim-majority Malaysia. On Friday, border guards stopped 30 Rohingya from boarding a boat and sent them back to their camps. Authorities fear that more Rohingya will try to take boats to Malaysia while the Bay of Bengal is calm up until the end of March. Bangladesh's refugee commissioner Mohammad Abul Kalam said "an internationally organised racket" was preying on desperation in the Rohingya camps. "The refugees are lured by false promises. They simply don't have any idea how dangerous these sea journeys can be," he told AFP. People smugglers sent tens of thousands of Rohingya from the camps to Malaysia before Bangladesh launched a crackdown in 2015.

Bangladesh stops more Rohingya taking risky trip to Malaysia

A Malaysian court on Monday postponed the corruption trial of former<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/former-prime-minister-of-malaysia-charged-for-altering-state-funds-1mdb-loot-183396"> prime minister Najib Razak </a>over charges related to a multibillion-dollar scandal at state fund 1MDB pending an appeal, his lawyer said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/malaysia-ex-pm-najib-razak-and-ally-charged-in-16-billion-graft-case-173306">Najib</a> has pleaded not guilty to ten charges of criminal breach of trust, money laundering and abuse of power and his trial was originally set to begin on Tuesday.

His lawyers, however, filed an application last week to stay the trial pending an appeal over a lower court's ruling to transfer some of the charges to the Kuala Lumpur High Court, media reported.

Harvinderjit Singh, one of Najib's lawyers, told Reuters in a brief text message that the Court of Appeal had agreed to postpone the trial "until the appeal is heard".

No new date for the trial or the appeal has been set, he said.

Najib was ousted in an election in May last year amid public fury over the alleged theft of $4.5 billion from 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

The charges against Najib relate to a suspected transfer of 42 million ringgit ($10.3 million) into his bank account from SRC International, a former 1MDB unit.

The trial is the first of several criminal proceedings that Najib is expected to face over the 1MDB scandal so far, and the sum involved is a fraction of the $1 billion that investigators say allegedly made their way into his bank accounts.

At least six countries, including the United States, Switzerland and Singapore, have launched money laundering and graft probes into 1MDB, set up by Najib in 2009.

US&nbsp;prosecutors say money stolen from 1MDB was used to buy a private jet, luxury real estate, artwork by Picasso and Monet, as well as jewellery for Najib's wife, Rosmah Mansor.

Najib and his wife both deny wrongdoing.

SRC was the initial focus of Malaysian investigators as all the suspicious transactions involving the firm were made through Malaysian entities, unlike other 1MDB-related transactions that went through foreign banks and companies.

A Malaysian court on Monday postponed the corruption trial of former prime minister Najib Razak over charges related to a multibillion-dollar scandal at state fund 1MDB pending an appeal, his lawyer said.

A Malaysian court on Monday postponed the corruption trial of former prime minister Najib Razak over charges related to a multibillion-dollar scandal at state fund 1MDB pending an appeal, his lawyer said. Najib has pleaded not guilty to ten charges of criminal breach of trust, money laundering and abuse of power and his trial was originally set to begin on Tuesday. His lawyers, however, filed an application last week to stay the trial pending an appeal over a lower court's ruling to transfer some of the charges to the Kuala Lumpur High Court, media reported. Harvinderjit Singh, one of Najib's lawyers, told Reuters in a brief text message that the Court of Appeal had agreed to postpone the trial "until the appeal is heard". No new date for the trial or the appeal has been set, he said. Najib was ousted in an election in May last year amid public fury over the alleged theft of $4.5 billion from 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). The charges against Najib relate to a suspected transfer of 42 million ringgit ($10.3 million) into his bank account from SRC International, a former 1MDB unit. The trial is the first of several criminal proceedings that Najib is expected to face over the 1MDB scandal so far, and the sum involved is a fraction of the $1 billion that investigators say allegedly made their way into his bank accounts. At least six countries, including the United States, Switzerland and Singapore, have launched money laundering and graft probes into 1MDB, set up by Najib in 2009. US prosecutors say money stolen from 1MDB was used to buy a private jet, luxury real estate, artwork by Picasso and Monet, as well as jewellery for Najib's wife, Rosmah Mansor. Najib and his wife both deny wrongdoing. SRC was the initial focus of Malaysian investigators as all the suspicious transactions involving the firm were made through Malaysian entities, unlike other 1MDB-related transactions that went through foreign banks and companies.

Malaysia court postpones ex-PM Najib's corruption trial pending appeal

Disgraced former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has been out in recent weeks campaigning as if for an election, trying to shed the image of a wealthy, elite politician and elicit public sympathy before his corruption trial begins on Tuesday.

Najib has pleaded not guilty to charges of criminal breach of trust, abuse of power and money laundering, in what is set to be the first of many trials over suspected <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/malaysia-probes-claim-china-offered-to-bail-out-1mdb-188963">multibillion-dollar fraud at state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad</a> (1MDB).

The trial starts nine months after Malaysians voted Najib out of office in a general election dominated by public disgust over allegations some $4.5 billion was stolen from 1MDB, and about a quarter of it went into his personal bank accounts.

Police found nearly $300 million worth of goods and cash at properties linked to Najib soon after the May 2018 election.

But as the trial date nears, Najib - who has maintained his innocence - has sought a radical change of image, painting himself as a victim of a vindictive government led by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.

The 65-year-old son of Malaysia’s second prime minister is also trying to build an image as a folksy voice of working people, especially members of the ethnic Malay majority.

Najib, in a viral video last month, crooned a Malay-language version of the 1970s hit 'Kiss and Say Goodbye', surrounded by a chorus of sombre young singers, criticising Mahathir's coalition for failing to live up to election promises.

"On May 9, 2018, I was ousted. All this time, I have been fighting with my life for the people I love. But what can I do?" an earnest Najib says of his "saddest day" in the introduction to the song.

Najib has also been hitting out online. His jibes against ruling party politicians on Facebook and Twitter have some social media users referring to him as "King of Trolls".

A relaxed, casually dressed Najib also paid a visit this month to Langkawi, Mahathir's island constituency, where he pottered around town, visiting markets, eating at hawker stalls and rubbing elbows and posing for selfies with passersby.

Mahathir was not impressed. He told a news conference last week Najib seemed to be getting popular on social media because "he provides a lot of stories".

Harvinderjit Singh, one of Najib's lawyers, declined to comment on the former premier's public appearances but said the 1MDB trials were unlikely to be affected by the hoopla.

"The case is going to be determined by what happens in court, not out of it," he said.

1MDB trial

While Najib has been trying to build public support, the Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) has been building a formidable team to prosecute Najib, his wife and a host of other former top officials charged for corruption. All of them have pleaded not guilty.

The prosecution has been recruiting top-notch criminal attorneys including former federal court judge Gopal Sri Ram and Sulaiman Abdullah, a lawyer with a background in cases of white-collar crime.

The AGC has also recalled several prosecutors from state offices to join the team, two lawyers with knowledge of the matter said.

The AGC did not respond to a request for comment.

Najib has a defence team of eight lawyers, led by Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, who once represented the government in a sodomy case against former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Najib could face years in prison. He faces 39 criminal charges over losses at 1MDB and other state entities.

Seven of those charges will be the subject of Tuesday's trial, relating to transfers totalling 42 million ringgit ($10.30 million) into Najib's personal bank account from SRC International, a former 1MDB unit.

Prosecutors have handed nearly 3,000 pages of documents to the defence ahead of the trial, said Najib's lawyer Singh.

The documents include statements from 26 witnesses, some of whom were SRC officials, who will likely be called to testify.

Najib, who has not been asked to testify in his own defence, hopes only for a fair trial, Singh said.

"Our client is of the view that if he gets a fair trial, then the truth will show itself to the public," he said.

Disgraced former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has been out in recent weeks campaigning as if for an election, trying to shed the image of a wealthy, elite politician and elicit public sympathy before his corruption trial begins on Tuesday.

Disgraced former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has been out in recent weeks campaigning as if for an election, trying to shed the image of a wealthy, elite politician and elicit public sympathy before his corruption trial begins on Tuesday. Najib has pleaded not guilty to charges of criminal breach of trust, abuse of power and money laundering, in what is set to be the first of many trials over suspected multibillion-dollar fraud at state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). The trial starts nine months after Malaysians voted Najib out of office in a general election dominated by public disgust over allegations some $4.5 billion was stolen from 1MDB, and about a quarter of it went into his personal bank accounts. Police found nearly $300 million worth of goods and cash at properties linked to Najib soon after the May 2018 election. But as the trial date nears, Najib - who has maintained his innocence - has sought a radical change of image, painting himself as a victim of a vindictive government led by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad. The 65-year-old son of Malaysia’s second prime minister is also trying to build an image as a folksy voice of working people, especially members of the ethnic Malay majority. Najib, in a viral video last month, crooned a Malay-language version of the 1970s hit 'Kiss and Say Goodbye', surrounded by a chorus of sombre young singers, criticising Mahathir's coalition for failing to live up to election promises. "On May 9, 2018, I was ousted. All this time, I have been fighting with my life for the people I love. But what can I do?" an earnest Najib says of his "saddest day" in the introduction to the song. Najib has also been hitting out online. His jibes against ruling party politicians on Facebook and Twitter have some social media users referring to him as "King of Trolls". A relaxed, casually dressed Najib also paid a visit this month to Langkawi, Mahathir's island constituency, where he pottered around town, visiting markets, eating at hawker stalls and rubbing elbows and posing for selfies with passersby. Mahathir was not impressed. He told a news conference last week Najib seemed to be getting popular on social media because "he provides a lot of stories". Harvinderjit Singh, one of Najib's lawyers, declined to comment on the former premier's public appearances but said the 1MDB trials were unlikely to be affected by the hoopla. "The case is going to be determined by what happens in court, not out of it," he said. 1MDB trial While Najib has been trying to build public support, the Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) has been building a formidable team to prosecute Najib, his wife and a host of other former top officials charged for corruption. All of them have pleaded not guilty. The prosecution has been recruiting top-notch criminal attorneys including former federal court judge Gopal Sri Ram and Sulaiman Abdullah, a lawyer with a background in cases of white-collar crime. The AGC has also recalled several prosecutors from state offices to join the team, two lawyers with knowledge of the matter said. The AGC did not respond to a request for comment. Najib has a defence team of eight lawyers, led by Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, who once represented the government in a sodomy case against former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim. Najib could face years in prison. He faces 39 criminal charges over losses at 1MDB and other state entities. Seven of those charges will be the subject of Tuesday's trial, relating to transfers totalling 42 million ringgit ($10.30 million) into Najib's personal bank account from SRC International, a former 1MDB unit. Prosecutors have handed nearly 3,000 pages of documents to the defence ahead of the trial, said Najib's lawyer Singh. The documents include statements from 26 witnesses, some of whom were SRC officials, who will likely be called to testify. Najib, who has not been asked to testify in his own defence, hopes only for a fair trial, Singh said. "Our client is of the view that if he gets a fair trial, then the truth will show itself to the public," he said.

1MDB scandal: All about the multi-million dollar fraud and why Malaysia's ex-PM is up for trial 

Bangladesh security forces stopped 30 Rohingya refugees from being smuggled to Malaysia by boat, officials said Friday, as fears rise that calmer seas may tempt those living in squalid camps to make the journey to Southeast Asia.

Two suspected human traffickers were detained in the operation by Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) forces in Cox's Bazar district late Thursday, the officials said.

About 740,000 Rohingya fled Myanmar for Bangladesh following a military clampdown in August 2017. They joined about 300,000 of the Muslim minority already in the country where they are largely confined to camps, which have strained Bangladesh's resources to the limit.

The 17 women, six children and seven men were detained on a beach near the coastal town of Teknaf, which borders Myanmar's violence-wracked Rakine state, the BGB said.

It is the third time since November that Rohingya have been intercepted while attempting to reach the more prosperous and Muslim-majority Malaysia by boat.

Some boats have also been intercepted trying to leave Myanmar.

Lieutenant Colonel Asadud Zaman Chowdhury told AFP the 30 Rohingya were lured by human traffickers operating in refugee camps in Cox's Bazar.

He said the Rohingya, who had paid about $1,000 each for "safe passage" to Malaysia, would be sent back to the camps.

One of the women in the group said she was going to Malaysia "to get married" to a Rohingya man she had never met.

"My uncle set me up for the journey and paid for the trip. My husband to be was meant to meet me once I reached Malaysia," she told AFP, refusing to give her name.

There are fears that with improving weather more Rohingya may be tempted by traffickers to leave the Bangladesh camps and make the dangerous boat journey to Malaysia.

People smugglers sent tens of thousands of Rohingya from the camps to Malaysia before Bangladesh launched a crackdown in 2015. This came after Thai authorities discovered mass graves of refugees and overcrowded boats were intercepted at sea.

The Bay of Bengal -- which the boats must cross on their way to Malaysia -- is calmer between November and March. But many of the small boats are critically overcrowded by the owners seeking to make more money.

Bangladesh security forces stopped 30 Rohingya refugees from being smuggled to Malaysia by boat, officials said Friday, as fears rise that calmer seas may tempt those living in squalid camps to make the journey to Southeast Asia.

Bangladesh security forces stopped 30 Rohingya refugees from being smuggled to Malaysia by boat, officials said Friday, as fears rise that calmer seas may tempt those living in squalid camps to make the journey to Southeast Asia. Two suspected human traffickers were detained in the operation by Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) forces in Cox's Bazar district late Thursday, the officials said. About 740,000 Rohingya fled Myanmar for Bangladesh following a military clampdown in August 2017. They joined about 300,000 of the Muslim minority already in the country where they are largely confined to camps, which have strained Bangladesh's resources to the limit. The 17 women, six children and seven men were detained on a beach near the coastal town of Teknaf, which borders Myanmar's violence-wracked Rakine state, the BGB said. It is the third time since November that Rohingya have been intercepted while attempting to reach the more prosperous and Muslim-majority Malaysia by boat. Some boats have also been intercepted trying to leave Myanmar. Lieutenant Colonel Asadud Zaman Chowdhury told AFP the 30 Rohingya were lured by human traffickers operating in refugee camps in Cox's Bazar. He said the Rohingya, who had paid about $1,000 each for "safe passage" to Malaysia, would be sent back to the camps. One of the women in the group said she was going to Malaysia "to get married" to a Rohingya man she had never met. "My uncle set me up for the journey and paid for the trip. My husband to be was meant to meet me once I reached Malaysia," she told AFP, refusing to give her name. There are fears that with improving weather more Rohingya may be tempted by traffickers to leave the Bangladesh camps and make the dangerous boat journey to Malaysia. People smugglers sent tens of thousands of Rohingya from the camps to Malaysia before Bangladesh launched a crackdown in 2015. This came after Thai authorities discovered mass graves of refugees and overcrowded boats were intercepted at sea. The Bay of Bengal -- which the boats must cross on their way to Malaysia -- is calmer between November and March. But many of the small boats are critically overcrowded by the owners seeking to make more money.

Bangladesh stops Rohingya trying to get to Malaysia

Indonesian police found 193 Bangladeshis locked up in a shophouse after human traffickers had lured them with the promise of getting them to Malaysia, an immigration official said on Thursday.

The men entered Indonesia as tourists via Bali and the city of Yogyakarta with the intention of going to Malaysia for work, North Sumatra's immigration chief said.

"They are victims of human trafficking and were lured here," Fery Monang Sihite said by telephone, adding that the men had been locked up in Medan on the island of Sumatra.

The men, who were described as in a healthy condition when they were found on Tuesday night, had been taken to an immigration detention centre and would be sent back to Bangladesh, Sihite said.

One of the men, named as 39-year old Mahbub, was quoted by online news portal Tribun Medan as saying that some of the group had been held by the traffickers for three months.

"All of us were conned. The destination was meant to be Malaysia. We left from Bangladesh to Bali and arrived here after taking a four-day bus trip," Mahbub was quoted as saying.

Reuters could not immediately reach the men or police for comment.

Authorities were first alerted to the case after neighbours had reported hearing suspicious noises coming from the building, according to media.

Sihite said the men were not Rohingya Muslims.

Hundreds of Rohingya have landed by boat in Sumatra in recent years after fleeing Myanmar and Bangladesh, often intending to reach Malaysia.

Myanmar regards Rohingya as illegal migrants and has confined tens of thousands to sprawling camps in Rakhine state since violence swept the area in 2012.

More than 700,000 Rohingya crossed into Bangladesh after fleeing an army crackdown in the north of Rakhine, according to U.N. agencies.

Indonesian police found 193 Bangladeshis locked up in a shophouse after human traffickers had lured them with the promise of getting them to Malaysia, an immigration official said on Thursday.

Indonesian police found 193 Bangladeshis locked up in a shophouse after human traffickers had lured them with the promise of getting them to Malaysia, an immigration official said on Thursday. The men entered Indonesia as tourists via Bali and the city of Yogyakarta with the intention of going to Malaysia for work, North Sumatra's immigration chief said. "They are victims of human trafficking and were lured here," Fery Monang Sihite said by telephone, adding that the men had been locked up in Medan on the island of Sumatra. The men, who were described as in a healthy condition when they were found on Tuesday night, had been taken to an immigration detention centre and would be sent back to Bangladesh, Sihite said. One of the men, named as 39-year old Mahbub, was quoted by online news portal Tribun Medan as saying that some of the group had been held by the traffickers for three months. "All of us were conned. The destination was meant to be Malaysia. We left from Bangladesh to Bali and arrived here after taking a four-day bus trip," Mahbub was quoted as saying. Reuters could not immediately reach the men or police for comment. Authorities were first alerted to the case after neighbours had reported hearing suspicious noises coming from the building, according to media. Sihite said the men were not Rohingya Muslims. Hundreds of Rohingya have landed by boat in Sumatra in recent years after fleeing Myanmar and Bangladesh, often intending to reach Malaysia. Myanmar regards Rohingya as illegal migrants and has confined tens of thousands to sprawling camps in Rakhine state since violence swept the area in 2012. More than 700,000 Rohingya crossed into Bangladesh after fleeing an army crackdown in the north of Rakhine, according to U.N. agencies.

Indonesia finds 193 Bangladeshis locked up in shophouse

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