Bangladesh, in a twist of irony, is looking to Saudi Arabia to fund a $ 1 billion plan to build hundreds of mosques and religious centres to counter militant Islam that for much of the past decade traced its roots to ultra-conservative strands of the faith promoted by a multi-billion dollar Saudi campaign.

The Bangladeshi plan constitutes the first effort by a Muslim country to enlist the kingdom whose crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, has vowed to return Saudi Arabia to an undefined form of 'moderate Islam,' in reverse engineering.

The plan would attempt to roll back the fallout of Saudi Arabia's global investment of up to $100 billion over a period of four decades in support of ultra-conservative mosques, religious centres, and groups as an antidote to post-1979 Iranian revolutionary zeal.

Cooperation with Saudi Arabia and various countries, including Malaysia, has focused until now on countering extremism in cooperation with defense and security authorities rather than as a religious initiative.

Saudi religious authorities and Islamic scholars have long issued fatwas or religious opinions condemning political violence and extremism and accused jihadists of deviating from the true path of Islam.

The Saudi campaign, the largest public diplomacy effort in history was, nevertheless, long abetted by opportunistic governments who played politics with religion as well as widespread discontent fuelled by the failure of governments to deliver public goods and services.

The Bangladeshi plan raises multiple questions, including whether the counter-narrative industry can produce results in the absence of effective government policies that address social, economic and political grievances.

It also begs the question whether a change in Saudi Arabia has advanced to a stage in which the kingdom can claim that it has put its ultra-conservative and militant roots truly behind it. The answer to both questions is probably no.

In many ways, Sunni Muslim ultra-conservatism and militancy, violent and non-violent, despite sharing common roots with the kingdom's long-standing theological thinking and benefitting directly or indirectly from Saudi financial largess, has created a life of its own that no longer looks to the kingdom for guidance and support and is critical of the path on which Prince Mohammed has embarked.

The fallout of the Saudi campaign is evident in Asia not only in the rise of militancy in Bangladesh but also the degree to which concepts of supremacism and intolerance have taken root in countries like Malaysia, Indonesia and Pakistan. Those concepts are often expressed in discrimination, if not persecution of minorities like Shia Muslims and Ahmadis, and draconic anti-blasphemy measures by authorities, militants and vigilantes.

Bangladesh in past years witnessed a series of brutal killings of bloggers and intellectuals whom jihadists accused of atheism.

Moreover, basic freedoms in Bangladesh are being officially and unofficially curtailed in various forms as a result of domestic struggles originally enabled by successful Saudi pressure to amend the country's secular constitution in 1975 to recognise Islam as its official religion.

Saudi Arabia withheld recognition of the new state as well as financial support until the amendment was adopted four years after Bangladeshi independence.

In Indonesia, hard-line Islamic groups, led by the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI), earlier this month filed a blasphemy complaint against politician Sukmawati Sukarnoputri, a daughter of Indonesia's founding father Sukarno and the younger sister of Megawati Sukarnoputri, who leads President Joko Widodo’s ruling party.

The hardliners accuse Ms Sukarnoputri of reciting a poem that allegedly insults Islam. The groups last year accused Basuki Tjahaja Purnama aka Ahok, Jakarta’s former Christian governor, of blasphemy and spearheaded mass rallies that led to his ouster and jailing, a ruling that many believed was politicised and unjust.

Pakistan's draconic anti-blasphemy law has created an environment that has allowed Sunni Muslim ultra-conservatives and powerful political forces to whip up popular emotion in pursuit of political objectives. The environment is symbolised by graffiti in the corridor of a courthouse in Islamabad that demanded that blasphemers be beheaded.

Pakistan last month designated Islamabad as a pilot project to regulate Friday prayer sermons in the city's 1,003 mosques, of which only 86 are state-controlled, in a bid to curb hate speech, extremism and demonisation of religions and communities.

The government has drafted a list of subjects that should be the focus of weekly Friday prayer sermons in a bid to prevent mosques being abused "to stir up sectarian hatred, demonise other religions and communities and promote extremism." The subjects include women rights Islamic principles of trade, cleanliness and health and the importance of hard work, tolerance, and honesty.

However, they do not address legally enshrined discrimination of minorities like Ahmadis, who are viewed as heretics by orthodox Muslims. The list risked reinforcing supremacist and intolerant militancy by including the concept of the finality of the Prophet Mohammed that is often used as a whip to discriminate against minorities.

Raising questions about the degree of moderation that Saudi-funded mosques and religious centres in Bangladesh would propagate, Prince Mohammed, in his effort to saw off the rough edges of Saudi ultra-conservatism, has given no indication that he intends to repeal a law that defines atheists as terrorists.

A Saudi court last year condemned a man to death on charges of blasphemy and atheism. Another Saudi was a year earlier sentenced to ten years in prison and 2,000 lashes for expressing atheist sentiments on social media.

Saudi Arabia and other Muslim nations have long lobbied for the criminalisation of blasphemy in international law in moves that would legitimise curbs on free speech and growing Muslim intolerance towards any open discussion of their faith.

To be sure, Saudi Arabia cannot be held directly liable for much of the expression of supremacism, intolerance and anti-pluralism in the Muslim world. Yet, by the same token, there is little doubt that Saudi propagation of ultra-conservatism frequently contributed to an enabling environment.

Prince Mohammed is at the beginning of his effort to moderate Saudi Islam and has yet to spell out in detail his vision of religious change. Beyond the issue of defining atheism as terrorism, Saudi Arabia also has yet to put an end to multiple ultra-conservative practices, including the principle of male guardianship that forces women to get the approval of a male relative for major decisions in their life.

Prince Mohammed has so far forced the country's ultra-conservative religious establishment into subservience. That raises the question whether there has been real change in the establishment's thinking or whether it is kowtowing to an autocratic leader.

In December, King Salman fired a government official for organising a mixed-gender fashion show after ultra-conservatives criticised the event on Twitter. The kingdom this week hosted its first ever Arab Fashion Week, for women only. Designers were obliged to adhere to strict dress codes banning transparent fabrics and the display of cleavages or clothing that bared knees.

In February, Saudi Arabia agreed to surrender control of the Great Mosque in Brussels after its efforts to install a more moderate administration failed to counter mounting Belgian criticism of alleged intolerance and supremacism propagated by mosque executives.

Efforts to moderate Islam in Saudi Arabia as well as Qatar, the world’s only other Wahhabi state that traces its ultra-conservatism to the teachings of 18th-century preacher Mohammed ibn Abdul Wahhab, but has long interpreted them more liberally than the kingdom, have proven to be easier said than done.

Saudi King Abdullah, King Salman’s predecessor, positioned himself as a champion of interfaith dialogue and reached out to various groups in society including Shiites and women.

Yet, more than a decade of Saudi efforts to cleanse textbooks used at home and abroad have made significant progress but have yet to completely erase descriptions of alternative strands of Islam such as Shiism and Sufism in derogatory terms or eliminate advise to Muslims not to associate with Jews and Christians who are labelled kaffirs or unbelievers.

Raising questions about Saudi involvement in the Bangladeshi plan, a Human Rights Watch survey of religion textbooks produced by the Saudi education ministry for the 2016-2017 school year concluded that “as early as first grade, students in Saudi schools are being taught hatred toward all those perceived to be of a different faith or school of thought.”

Human Rights Watch researcher Adam Coogle noted that Prince Mohammed has remained conspicuously silent about hate speech in textbooks as well as its use by officials and Islamic scholars connected to the government.

The New York-based Anti-Defamation League last year documented hate speech in Qatari mosques that were disseminated in Qatari media despite Qatar’s propagation of religious tolerance and outreach to American Jews as part of its effort to counter a United Arab Emirates-Saudi-led economic and diplomatic boycott of the Gulf state.

In one instance in December, Qatari preacher Muhammed al-Muraikhi described Jews in a sermon in Doha’s Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque as “your deceitful, lying, treacherous, fornicating, intransigent enemy” who have “despoiled, corrupted, ruined, and killed, and will not stop.”

No doubt, Saudi Arabia, like Qatar, which much earlier moved away from Puritan and literal Sunni Muslim ultra-conservatism, is sincere in its intention to adopt more tolerant and pluralistic worldviews.

Getting from A to B, however, is a lengthy process. The question remains whether the kingdom has progressed to a degree that it can credibly help countries like Bangladesh deal with their demons even before having successfully put its own house in order.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Bangladesh is looking to Saudi Arabia for funds to build mosques and religious centres to counter militant Islam

Bangladesh, in a twist of irony, is looking to Saudi Arabia to fund a $ 1 billion plan to build hundreds of mosques and religious centres to counter militant Islam that for much of the past decade traced its roots to ultra-conservative strands of the faith promoted by a multi-billion dollar Saudi campaign. The Bangladeshi plan constitutes the first effort by a Muslim country to enlist the kingdom whose crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, has vowed to return Saudi Arabia to an undefined form of 'moderate Islam,' in reverse engineering. The plan would attempt to roll back the fallout of Saudi Arabia's global investment of up to $100 billion over a period of four decades in support of ultra-conservative mosques, religious centres, and groups as an antidote to post-1979 Iranian revolutionary zeal. Cooperation with Saudi Arabia and various countries, including Malaysia, has focused until now on countering extremism in cooperation with defense and security authorities rather than as a religious initiative. Saudi religious authorities and Islamic scholars have long issued fatwas or religious opinions condemning political violence and extremism and accused jihadists of deviating from the true path of Islam. The Saudi campaign, the largest public diplomacy effort in history was, nevertheless, long abetted by opportunistic governments who played politics with religion as well as widespread discontent fuelled by the failure of governments to deliver public goods and services. The Bangladeshi plan raises multiple questions, including whether the counter-narrative industry can produce results in the absence of effective government policies that address social, economic and political grievances. It also begs the question whether a change in Saudi Arabia has advanced to a stage in which the kingdom can claim that it has put its ultra-conservative and militant roots truly behind it. The answer to both questions is probably no. In many ways, Sunni Muslim ultra-conservatism and militancy, violent and non-violent, despite sharing common roots with the kingdom's long-standing theological thinking and benefitting directly or indirectly from Saudi financial largess, has created a life of its own that no longer looks to the kingdom for guidance and support and is critical of the path on which Prince Mohammed has embarked. The fallout of the Saudi campaign is evident in Asia not only in the rise of militancy in Bangladesh but also the degree to which concepts of supremacism and intolerance have taken root in countries like Malaysia, Indonesia and Pakistan. Those concepts are often expressed in discrimination, if not persecution of minorities like Shia Muslims and Ahmadis, and draconic anti-blasphemy measures by authorities, militants and vigilantes. Bangladesh in past years witnessed a series of brutal killings of bloggers and intellectuals whom jihadists accused of atheism. Moreover, basic freedoms in Bangladesh are being officially and unofficially curtailed in various forms as a result of domestic struggles originally enabled by successful Saudi pressure to amend the country's secular constitution in 1975 to recognise Islam as its official religion. Saudi Arabia withheld recognition of the new state as well as financial support until the amendment was adopted four years after Bangladeshi independence. In Indonesia, hard-line Islamic groups, led by the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI), earlier this month filed a blasphemy complaint against politician Sukmawati Sukarnoputri, a daughter of Indonesia's founding father Sukarno and the younger sister of Megawati Sukarnoputri, who leads President Joko Widodo’s ruling party. The hardliners accuse Ms Sukarnoputri of reciting a poem that allegedly insults Islam. The groups last year accused Basuki Tjahaja Purnama aka Ahok, Jakarta’s former Christian governor, of blasphemy and spearheaded mass rallies that led to his ouster and jailing, a ruling that many believed was politicised and unjust. Pakistan's draconic anti-blasphemy law has created an environment that has allowed Sunni Muslim ultra-conservatives and powerful political forces to whip up popular emotion in pursuit of political objectives. The environment is symbolised by graffiti in the corridor of a courthouse in Islamabad that demanded that blasphemers be beheaded. Pakistan last month designated Islamabad as a pilot project to regulate Friday prayer sermons in the city's 1,003 mosques, of which only 86 are state-controlled, in a bid to curb hate speech, extremism and demonisation of religions and communities. The government has drafted a list of subjects that should be the focus of weekly Friday prayer sermons in a bid to prevent mosques being abused "to stir up sectarian hatred, demonise other religions and communities and promote extremism." The subjects include women rights Islamic principles of trade, cleanliness and health and the importance of hard work, tolerance, and honesty. However, they do not address legally enshrined discrimination of minorities like Ahmadis, who are viewed as heretics by orthodox Muslims. The list risked reinforcing supremacist and intolerant militancy by including the concept of the finality of the Prophet Mohammed that is often used as a whip to discriminate against minorities. Raising questions about the degree of moderation that Saudi-funded mosques and religious centres in Bangladesh would propagate, Prince Mohammed, in his effort to saw off the rough edges of Saudi ultra-conservatism, has given no indication that he intends to repeal a law that defines atheists as terrorists. A Saudi court last year condemned a man to death on charges of blasphemy and atheism. Another Saudi was a year earlier sentenced to ten years in prison and 2,000 lashes for expressing atheist sentiments on social media. Saudi Arabia and other Muslim nations have long lobbied for the criminalisation of blasphemy in international law in moves that would legitimise curbs on free speech and growing Muslim intolerance towards any open discussion of their faith. To be sure, Saudi Arabia cannot be held directly liable for much of the expression of supremacism, intolerance and anti-pluralism in the Muslim world. Yet, by the same token, there is little doubt that Saudi propagation of ultra-conservatism frequently contributed to an enabling environment. Prince Mohammed is at the beginning of his effort to moderate Saudi Islam and has yet to spell out in detail his vision of religious change. Beyond the issue of defining atheism as terrorism, Saudi Arabia also has yet to put an end to multiple ultra-conservative practices, including the principle of male guardianship that forces women to get the approval of a male relative for major decisions in their life. Prince Mohammed has so far forced the country's ultra-conservative religious establishment into subservience. That raises the question whether there has been real change in the establishment's thinking or whether it is kowtowing to an autocratic leader. In December, King Salman fired a government official for organising a mixed-gender fashion show after ultra-conservatives criticised the event on Twitter. The kingdom this week hosted its first ever Arab Fashion Week, for women only. Designers were obliged to adhere to strict dress codes banning transparent fabrics and the display of cleavages or clothing that bared knees. In February, Saudi Arabia agreed to surrender control of the Great Mosque in Brussels after its efforts to install a more moderate administration failed to counter mounting Belgian criticism of alleged intolerance and supremacism propagated by mosque executives. Efforts to moderate Islam in Saudi Arabia as well as Qatar, the world’s only other Wahhabi state that traces its ultra-conservatism to the teachings of 18th-century preacher Mohammed ibn Abdul Wahhab, but has long interpreted them more liberally than the kingdom, have proven to be easier said than done. Saudi King Abdullah, King Salman’s predecessor, positioned himself as a champion of interfaith dialogue and reached out to various groups in society including Shiites and women. Yet, more than a decade of Saudi efforts to cleanse textbooks used at home and abroad have made significant progress but have yet to completely erase descriptions of alternative strands of Islam such as Shiism and Sufism in derogatory terms or eliminate advise to Muslims not to associate with Jews and Christians who are labelled kaffirs or unbelievers. Raising questions about Saudi involvement in the Bangladeshi plan, a Human Rights Watch survey of religion textbooks produced by the Saudi education ministry for the 2016-2017 school year concluded that “as early as first grade, students in Saudi schools are being taught hatred toward all those perceived to be of a different faith or school of thought.” Human Rights Watch researcher Adam Coogle noted that Prince Mohammed has remained conspicuously silent about hate speech in textbooks as well as its use by officials and Islamic scholars connected to the government. The New York-based Anti-Defamation League last year documented hate speech in Qatari mosques that were disseminated in Qatari media despite Qatar’s propagation of religious tolerance and outreach to American Jews as part of its effort to counter a United Arab Emirates-Saudi-led economic and diplomatic boycott of the Gulf state. In one instance in December, Qatari preacher Muhammed al-Muraikhi described Jews in a sermon in Doha’s Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque as “your deceitful, lying, treacherous, fornicating, intransigent enemy” who have “despoiled, corrupted, ruined, and killed, and will not stop.” No doubt, Saudi Arabia, like Qatar, which much earlier moved away from Puritan and literal Sunni Muslim ultra-conservatism, is sincere in its intention to adopt more tolerant and pluralistic worldviews. Getting from A to B, however, is a lengthy process. The question remains whether the kingdom has progressed to a degree that it can credibly help countries like Bangladesh deal with their demons even before having successfully put its own house in order. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Can Saudi help Bangladesh in rolling back militancy?

Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib Razak announced the dissolution of parliament on Friday, paving the way for a general election showdown with his old mentor and the country's most seasoned campaigner, Mahathir Mohamad.

Najib is under pressure to deliver an emphatic win for the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition, as he struggles to appease Malaysians unhappy with rising costs and a multi-billion dollar scandal at a state fund he founded.

The 64-year-old leader is expected to retain power due to a rift in opposition ranks between Mahathir's bloc and the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party.

But analysts predict a tough fight from Mahathir, who transformed Malaysia into an industrial nation from a rural backwater during his iron-fisted 22-year rule until 2003.

The opposition says the election will be unfair.

In recent days, parliament approved plans to redraw electoral boundaries and passed a contentious anti-fake news bill, changes critics say will favour Najib.

The government rejects the accusations.

"If victory is given to BN, we promise to do our best, to carry out a bigger, more inclusive and more comprehensive transformation of the country," Najib said in an announcement on state television, adding that the dissolution of parliament would be effective from Saturday.

Polling must be held within 60 days of a dissolution. The Election Commission is expected to meet in days to announce a date for the approximately 14 million eligible voters to cast their ballots.

High living costs and corruption are issues that have resonated with voters but overall, Najib's standing is likely to be bolstered by a robust economy.

"We don't choose parties, we choose leaders," said 27-year-old Amir Mukris Bakeri, a travel agent in Kuala Lumpur.

"If the leader can provide for people's welfare, that's who we'd pick."

Growth has been buoyed by a recovery in global crude oil prices and increased trade and infrastructure investment from Malaysia's largest trading partner, China.

'Tricks'

Political apathy, however, is pervasive among young Malaysians and urban voters, many of whom are reluctant to choose between Mahathir and Najib, who are seen as cut from the same cloth.

Mahathir, 92, who was himself criticised for his authoritarian premiership, told a news conference Malaysia's 14th general election would be "dirty".

"Should Najib win this election through his tricks and his cheating, then we can kiss goodbye to democracy in the 15th, 16th, 17th elections," Mahathir said.

If elected, Mahathir would become the world's oldest prime minister.

Najib resisted demands to step down in mid-2015 following reports of financial mismanagement at state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), including that $681 million was deposited into his personal bank account.

Najib has denied any wrongdoing in connection with 1MDB, but the scandal created a rift between Najib and Mahathir, who has become the prime minister's harshest critic.

With the common goal of taking down Najib, Mahathir has joined hands with his former deputy and jailed opposition leader, Anwar Ibrahim, ending a feud that had shaped the country's political narrative over two decades.

'Unpredictable'

Najib's United Malay National Organisation (UMNO) party heads the ruling coalition that has held power since Malaysia's independence in 1957.

The coalition lost the popular vote in the last election, in 2013, but Najib held on to power with a smaller majority in parliament.

Malaysia has a first-past-the-post election system, which is based on the number of seats won, not the popular vote.

Even if Najib's coalition retains power, a weak victory could lead to an internal leadership challenge against him.

His predecessor, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, had to step down after the coalition lost its two-thirds majority in the 222-seat parliament for the first time in 2008.

"He wants not only to win, but to win big," said Yang Razali Kassim, Senior Fellow at S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore.

The election could be a very close call, he said.

"This will in fact be the most unpredictable general election in Malaysian politics," he said.

&nbsp

Najib is under pressure to deliver an emphatic win for the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition, as he struggles to appease Malaysians unhappy with rising costs and a multi-billion dollar scandal at a state fund he founded

Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib Razak announced the dissolution of parliament on Friday, paving the way for a general election showdown with his old mentor and the country's most seasoned campaigner, Mahathir Mohamad. Najib is under pressure to deliver an emphatic win for the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition, as he struggles to appease Malaysians unhappy with rising costs and a multi-billion dollar scandal at a state fund he founded. The 64-year-old leader is expected to retain power due to a rift in opposition ranks between Mahathir's bloc and the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party. But analysts predict a tough fight from Mahathir, who transformed Malaysia into an industrial nation from a rural backwater during his iron-fisted 22-year rule until 2003. The opposition says the election will be unfair. In recent days, parliament approved plans to redraw electoral boundaries and passed a contentious anti-fake news bill, changes critics say will favour Najib. The government rejects the accusations. "If victory is given to BN, we promise to do our best, to carry out a bigger, more inclusive and more comprehensive transformation of the country," Najib said in an announcement on state television, adding that the dissolution of parliament would be effective from Saturday. Polling must be held within 60 days of a dissolution. The Election Commission is expected to meet in days to announce a date for the approximately 14 million eligible voters to cast their ballots. High living costs and corruption are issues that have resonated with voters but overall, Najib's standing is likely to be bolstered by a robust economy. "We don't choose parties, we choose leaders," said 27-year-old Amir Mukris Bakeri, a travel agent in Kuala Lumpur. "If the leader can provide for people's welfare, that's who we'd pick." Growth has been buoyed by a recovery in global crude oil prices and increased trade and infrastructure investment from Malaysia's largest trading partner, China. 'Tricks' Political apathy, however, is pervasive among young Malaysians and urban voters, many of whom are reluctant to choose between Mahathir and Najib, who are seen as cut from the same cloth. Mahathir, 92, who was himself criticised for his authoritarian premiership, told a news conference Malaysia's 14th general election would be "dirty". "Should Najib win this election through his tricks and his cheating, then we can kiss goodbye to democracy in the 15th, 16th, 17th elections," Mahathir said. If elected, Mahathir would become the world's oldest prime minister. Najib resisted demands to step down in mid-2015 following reports of financial mismanagement at state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), including that $681 million was deposited into his personal bank account. Najib has denied any wrongdoing in connection with 1MDB, but the scandal created a rift between Najib and Mahathir, who has become the prime minister's harshest critic. With the common goal of taking down Najib, Mahathir has joined hands with his former deputy and jailed opposition leader, Anwar Ibrahim, ending a feud that had shaped the country's political narrative over two decades. 'Unpredictable' Najib's United Malay National Organisation (UMNO) party heads the ruling coalition that has held power since Malaysia's independence in 1957. The coalition lost the popular vote in the last election, in 2013, but Najib held on to power with a smaller majority in parliament. Malaysia has a first-past-the-post election system, which is based on the number of seats won, not the popular vote. Even if Najib's coalition retains power, a weak victory could lead to an internal leadership challenge against him. His predecessor, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, had to step down after the coalition lost its two-thirds majority in the 222-seat parliament for the first time in 2008. "He wants not only to win, but to win big," said Yang Razali Kassim, Senior Fellow at S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore. The election could be a very close call, he said. "This will in fact be the most unpredictable general election in Malaysian politics," he said.

Malaysians hope for change after PM Najib dissolves parliament ahead of election

After losing the first game against Wales, Indian women's hockey team is back on track as they have thrashed team Malaysia by 4-1 in the second Pool A match on Friday at 21st Commonwealth Games.

Indian defender Gurjit Kaur converted two penalty corners (6th and 39th minute) to inspire the team to such a crucial victory also skipper Rani Rampal and Lalremsiami's scored the other two goals in the 56th and 59th minute respectively to solidify the win.

The Indian captain said, "It's quite a good result, in the second half we did much better. Malaysia played well in the first and second quarters and didn't give us much space."

She mentioned about the yesterday's loss to Wales and said, "Yesterday (Thursday 5 April) was quite a bad day, but in sport sometimes you lose and we now have to bounce back. Today our defensive structure was good and we played a controlled game."

Malaysian captain Siti Ruhani said that the team is guilt for giving away too many chances. While interacting with media she said, "This game was a close competitive match except for the last quarter. We gave them too many chances to score."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
FT. The Indian Eves put on a dominating show in their second match of the <a href="https://twitter.com/GC2018?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GC2018</a> Commonwealth Games in Australia on 6th April, as an imposing performance showed off their ability to take full control of a game.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaKaGame?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaKaGame</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HallaHockeyKa?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HallaHockeyKa</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvMAS?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvMAS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GC2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GC2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/kHzw8gnTEl">pic.twitter.com/kHzw8gnTEl</a>
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheHockeyIndia/status/982143104751779841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Here are some moments captured from the Indian Eves’ dominating win against Malaysia in the second group stage match at the <a href="https://twitter.com/GC2018?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GC2018</a> XXI Commonwealth Games in Australia on 6th April. Album- <a href="https://t.co/j3W7qSLmCR">https://t.co/j3W7qSLmCR</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaKaGame?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaKaGame</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HallaHockeyKa?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HallaHockeyKa</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GC2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GC2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/r9dANHbxci">pic.twitter.com/r9dANHbxci</a>
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheHockeyIndia/status/982154343682945025?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp

Indian women's hockey team is back on track as they have thrashed team Malaysia by 4-1 in the second Pool A match

After losing the first game against Wales, Indian women's hockey team is back on track as they have thrashed team Malaysia by 4-1 in the second Pool A match on Friday at 21st Commonwealth Games. Indian defender Gurjit Kaur converted two penalty corners (6th and 39th minute) to inspire the team to such a crucial victory also skipper Rani Rampal and Lalremsiami's scored the other two goals in the 56th and 59th minute respectively to solidify the win. The Indian captain said, "It's quite a good result, in the second half we did much better. Malaysia played well in the first and second quarters and didn't give us much space." She mentioned about the yesterday's loss to Wales and said, "Yesterday (Thursday 5 April) was quite a bad day, but in sport sometimes you lose and we now have to bounce back. Today our defensive structure was good and we played a controlled game." Malaysian captain Siti Ruhani said that the team is guilt for giving away too many chances. While interacting with media she said, "This game was a close competitive match except for the last quarter. We gave them too many chances to score." FT. The Indian Eves put on a dominating show in their second match of the @GC2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia on 6th April, as an imposing performance showed off their ability to take full control of a game.#IndiaKaGame #HallaHockeyKa #INDvMAS #GC2018 pic.twitter.com/kHzw8gnTEl — Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) April 6, 2018 × Here are some moments captured from the Indian Eves’ dominating win against Malaysia in the second group stage match at the @GC2018 XXI Commonwealth Games in Australia on 6th April. Album- https://t.co/j3W7qSLmCR#IndiaKaGame #HallaHockeyKa #GC2018 pic.twitter.com/r9dANHbxci — Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) April 6, 2018 ×

Commonwealth Games: Indian women bounce back, defeat Malaysia in 2nd hockey match

The UN's top court said Thursday it will hold hearings in June into Malaysia's request to overturn its ruling in a decades-old dispute with Singapore over a tiny but strategic island.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) "will hold public hearings in the case concerning the revision of the judgement of 23 May 2008 in the case concerning sovereignty over Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh."

Four days of audiences will be held starting on June 11 in the imposing tribunal housed in the Peace Palace in The Hague, the ICJ added in a statement.

Malaysia lodged its case in February 2017, calling for the court to overturn its 2008 ruling granting its neighbour sovereignty over the disputed rocky outcrop.

Kuala Lumpur maintained new documents had been discovered in British archives backing its territorial claim to the islet.

Malaysia calls the island Pulau Batu Puteh, while Singapore dubs it Pedra Branca (white rock).

The island is in a strategically important position, 7.7 nautical miles (14 kilometres) off Johor on the eastern approach to the Singapore Strait from the South China Sea.

Singapore had operated the Horsburgh Lighthouse on the granite island for more than 130 years without protest from its neighbour.

But in a map of its maritime boundaries drawn up in 1980, Kuala Lumpur staked its claim to the islet.

After years of failed negotiations, the parties turned to ICJ, which in 2008 ruled the island belonged to Singapore.&nbsp

Another rocky outcrop called Middle Rocks was found to belong to Malaysia, while a low-tide bank called South Ledge was deemed to be in overlapping territorial waters.

But in its 2017 filing, Malaysia asked the court to revise that judgement based on the discovery of three documents in the British national archives between August 2016 and late January 2017.

They included internal correspondence from the Singapore colonial authorities in 1958, a British naval incident report from 1958 and a map from the 1960s.

Kuala Lumpur maintained these documents showed that "officials at the highest levels in the British colonial and Singaporean administration appreciated that Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh did not form part of Singapore's sovereign territory," according to the ICJ.

Under the court's rules, states can ask for a judgement to be revised if new facts come to light within 10 years of the first ruling.

In a separate filing, Malaysia has also asked for an interpretation of the 2008 ruling, saying despite having formed a joint committee with Singapore the two countries have failed to delimit their maritime borders in the area.

The ICJ will also hold four days of hearings on this filing between June 18 to 22. 
&nbsp

The International Court of Justice said it would hold hearings in the matter in June

The UN's top court said Thursday it will hold hearings in June into Malaysia's request to overturn its ruling in a decades-old dispute with Singapore over a tiny but strategic island. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) "will hold public hearings in the case concerning the revision of the judgement of 23 May 2008 in the case concerning sovereignty over Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh." Four days of audiences will be held starting on June 11 in the imposing tribunal housed in the Peace Palace in The Hague, the ICJ added in a statement. Malaysia lodged its case in February 2017, calling for the court to overturn its 2008 ruling granting its neighbour sovereignty over the disputed rocky outcrop. Kuala Lumpur maintained new documents had been discovered in British archives backing its territorial claim to the islet. Malaysia calls the island Pulau Batu Puteh, while Singapore dubs it Pedra Branca (white rock). The island is in a strategically important position, 7.7 nautical miles (14 kilometres) off Johor on the eastern approach to the Singapore Strait from the South China Sea. Singapore had operated the Horsburgh Lighthouse on the granite island for more than 130 years without protest from its neighbour. But in a map of its maritime boundaries drawn up in 1980, Kuala Lumpur staked its claim to the islet. After years of failed negotiations, the parties turned to ICJ, which in 2008 ruled the island belonged to Singapore. Another rocky outcrop called Middle Rocks was found to belong to Malaysia, while a low-tide bank called South Ledge was deemed to be in overlapping territorial waters. But in its 2017 filing, Malaysia asked the court to revise that judgement based on the discovery of three documents in the British national archives between August 2016 and late January 2017. They included internal correspondence from the Singapore colonial authorities in 1958, a British naval incident report from 1958 and a map from the 1960s. Kuala Lumpur maintained these documents showed that "officials at the highest levels in the British colonial and Singaporean administration appreciated that Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh did not form part of Singapore's sovereign territory," according to the ICJ. Under the court's rules, states can ask for a judgement to be revised if new facts come to light within 10 years of the first ruling. In a separate filing, Malaysia has also asked for an interpretation of the 2008 ruling, saying despite having formed a joint committee with Singapore the two countries have failed to delimit their maritime borders in the area. The ICJ will also hold four days of hearings on this filing between June 18 to 22.

Malaysia, Singapore to fight over island at UN top court

A debate has been triggered on social media over whether 'Rendangate' dish should be 'crispy' &nbsp;or not after a judge of MasterChef UK called traditional Malaysian dish 'Rendangate' not 'crispy' enough.

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Masterchef contestant Zaleha Kadir Olpin, a Malaysian born woman cooked a spicy chicken with nasi lemak chicken rendangate which is a traditional dish of Malaysia.

But the judge John Torode and Gregg Wallace turned down the dish saying that ''it was not crispy''.

However,&nbsp;after the outrage Judge Torode, defending his comment said that what he was misunderstood and what he meant was that it was "not well cooked."

"What I meant was it wasn’t cooked. It simply wasn't cooked. It was white and flabby," Wallace told a British daily.

"She (Zaleha Kadir Olpin) didn’t go out because her (chicken) skin wasn't crispy. She went out because the other cooks were better," he added.

However, Malaysian were enraged as they criticised&nbsp;Torode for saying that chicken rendance is not meant to be crispy and it is a dish which stewed in coconut milk.&nbsp;

Nasi lemak chicken rendangate is a rice dish cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaves. As the dish is commonly found in Malaysia, and is considered a national dish.

The dish is also popular in neighbouring countries namely Singapore, Brunei, and southern Thailand.

A debate has been triggered on social media over whether 'Rendangate' dish should be 'crispy' or not after a judge of Master chef UK called traditional Malaysian dish 'Rendangate' not 'crispy' enough

A debate has been triggered on social media over whether 'Rendangate' dish should be 'crispy' or not after a judge of MasterChef UK called traditional Malaysian dish 'Rendangate' not 'crispy' enough. × Masterchef contestant Zaleha Kadir Olpin, a Malaysian born woman cooked a spicy chicken with nasi lemak chicken rendangate which is a traditional dish of Malaysia. But the judge John Torode and Gregg Wallace turned down the dish saying that ''it was not crispy''. However, after the outrage Judge Torode, defending his comment said that what he was misunderstood and what he meant was that it was "not well cooked." "What I meant was it wasn’t cooked. It simply wasn't cooked. It was white and flabby," Wallace told a British daily. "She (Zaleha Kadir Olpin) didn’t go out because her (chicken) skin wasn't crispy. She went out because the other cooks were better," he added. However, Malaysian were enraged as they criticised Torode for saying that chicken rendance is not meant to be crispy and it is a dish which stewed in coconut milk. Nasi lemak chicken rendangate is a rice dish cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaves. As the dish is commonly found in Malaysia, and is considered a national dish. The dish is also popular in neighbouring countries namely Singapore, Brunei, and southern Thailand.

Watch: How MasterChef UK judge enraged Malaysians over chicken rendangate

Prime Minister Najib Razak promised&nbspon Wednesday&nbsp1.46 billion ringgit ($378.04 million) in salary hikes to Malaysia's civil servants, a key vote bank for the ruling coalition in a looming general election.

Malaysia's 1.6 million civil servants, most of them ethnic Malays, have traditionally been supporters of the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition. However, the rising cost of living has been a concern for many, with some ruling party officials warning that they could turn against the party if the issue is not addressed.

Scandal-plagued Najib needs to consolidate support for his coalition to stave off an unprecedented challenge from his former mentor turned opposition leader, Mahathir Mohamad.

"The government has agreed to increase the salaries amounting to one service year for all 1.6 million civil servants ... with an additional 1.46 billion ringgit from&nbspJuly 1," Najib told a gathering of civil servants in the administrative capital, Putrajaya.

Najib promised a one-time cash payment of 1,500 ringgit in October for civil servants and 750 ringgit for government retirees as part of the government's 2018 budget.

Civil servants saw a salary hike between 7 and 13 per cent in 2012 ahead of elections the following year.

Najib faces a tough contest in the upcoming polls - which could be called in days - amid a multi-billion dollar scandal at state fund 1MDB. Najib and the fund have denied any wrongdoing.

Parliament approved a plan last week to redraw electoral boundaries, a move that the opposition and critics say will help Najib's coalition retain power.

Najib needs to consolidate support for his coalition to stave off an unprecedented challenge from his former mentor turned opposition leader, Mahathir Mohamad

Prime Minister Najib Razak promised&nbspon Wednesday&nbsp1.46 billion ringgit ($378.04 million) in salary hikes to Malaysia's civil servants, a key vote bank for the ruling coalition in a looming general election. Malaysia's 1.6 million civil servants, most of them ethnic Malays, have traditionally been supporters of the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition. However, the rising cost of living has been a concern for many, with some ruling party officials warning that they could turn against the party if the issue is not addressed. Scandal-plagued Najib needs to consolidate support for his coalition to stave off an unprecedented challenge from his former mentor turned opposition leader, Mahathir Mohamad. "The government has agreed to increase the salaries amounting to one service year for all 1.6 million civil servants ... with an additional 1.46 billion ringgit from&nbspJuly 1," Najib told a gathering of civil servants in the administrative capital, Putrajaya. Najib promised a one-time cash payment of 1,500 ringgit in October for civil servants and 750 ringgit for government retirees as part of the government's 2018 budget. Civil servants saw a salary hike between 7 and 13 per cent in 2012 ahead of elections the following year. Najib faces a tough contest in the upcoming polls - which could be called in days - amid a multi-billion dollar scandal at state fund 1MDB. Najib and the fund have denied any wrongdoing. Parliament approved a plan last week to redraw electoral boundaries, a move that the opposition and critics say will help Najib's coalition retain power.

Malaysian PM Najib promises $378 million raise for civil servants ahead of polls

Malaysia intercepted a boat carrying 56 Rohingya refugees from Myanmar off its northern island of Langkawi on Tuesday and will allow them to enter on humanitarian grounds, with rights groups expecting further such perilous journeys by sea.

The boat had also halted for short period of time in Thailand on Sunday where it underwent some repair work and loaded it with food and other supplies.

As per reports, the passengers were safe but tired and hungry and would be handed over to the immigration authorities for humanitarian reasons, meaning, that they will be allowed to stay and not be sent back to sea. &nbsp;

The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency said in a statement that the boat was carrying 19 men, 17 women and 20 children. It had since been escorted to the peninsula and its occupants handed over to immigration authorities for processing.

The refugees are said to be fleeing from overcrowded camps for the stateless minority in southern Bangladesh.

Malaysia's standard policy has been to turn away refugee boats attempting to make landfall, unless weather conditions are bad, though thousands have managed to enter the country over the years.

As per reports, the boat was intercepted near Langkawi waters after it entered Malaysia

Malaysia intercepted a boat carrying 56 Rohingya refugees from Myanmar off its northern island of Langkawi on Tuesday and will allow them to enter on humanitarian grounds, with rights groups expecting further such perilous journeys by sea. The boat had also halted for short period of time in Thailand on Sunday where it underwent some repair work and loaded it with food and other supplies. As per reports, the passengers were safe but tired and hungry and would be handed over to the immigration authorities for humanitarian reasons, meaning, that they will be allowed to stay and not be sent back to sea. The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency said in a statement that the boat was carrying 19 men, 17 women and 20 children. It had since been escorted to the peninsula and its occupants handed over to immigration authorities for processing. The refugees are said to be fleeing from overcrowded camps for the stateless minority in southern Bangladesh. Malaysia's standard policy has been to turn away refugee boats attempting to make landfall, unless weather conditions are bad, though thousands have managed to enter the country over the years.

Boat carrying Rohingya refugees intercepted off Malaysia

Malaysia's government Monday pushed a law through parliament that makes "fake news" punishable by a maximum six-year jail term despite an outcry from critics worried it will be used to stifle dissent before elections.

The law targets foreign as well as local media and is seen in part as an effort to silence criticism of the scandal surrounding sovereign wealth fund 1MDB that has rocked the administration of Prime Minister Najib Razak.

The election is expected within weeks and Najib is battling to win a third term at the head of the coalition that has led Malaysia for over six decades.

The current parliament is dominated by the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition.

The law originally proposed a maximum prison sentence of 10 years and a fine of 500,000 ringgit ($130,000) for publishing what authorities deem to be fake news, but the government lowered the jail term to six years following a storm of criticism.

"This law is not intended to restrict the freedom of speech but to restrict the dissemination of fake news," said Minister Azalina Othman Said.

But opposition legislators were not convinced, criticising the law's heavy penalties and its potential to limit free speech.

"This bill... is a weapon to close the truth so that what is false can be upheld as true, and what is true can be reversed as false," said Lim Guan Eng of the Democratic Action Party.

"This is something very dangerous for our country."

The law must still be debated in the Senate but is expected to be passed. More than half of the Senate is filled with Barisan Nasional members.

After this, it needs royal assent before taking effect.

The new law has sparked widespread anger among activists, press freedom groups and the opposition, who believe it is aimed at cracking down on dissenting voices rather than safeguarding the public from false information.

Before it was passed, Brad Adams, Asia director at Human Rights Watch, condemned it as a &nbsp"blatant attempt by the government to prevent any and all news that it doesn't like, whether about corruption or elections".

He said it "uses draconian penalties and broad language in an audacious and unprecedented effort to control discussion of Malaysia worldwide".

The law covers any information that is deemed to be "wholly or partly fake".&nbsp

It includes several examples, such as a blogger publishing a report known to be false someone sharing information on social media they know to be false and someone giving a speech containing information they know to be untrue.

Malaysia is one of several countries in Asia turning to such legislation, emboldened by US President Donald Trump's fulminations against "fake news", but activists warn authoritarian regimes will use the laws to target opponents.

A parliamentary committee in neighbouring Singapore, which is examining possible legislation to combat "fake news", came under fire Monday from activists who alleged it misrepresented them.&nbsp

Institute of Journalists Malaysia board member Ram Anand said the law, like existing legislation, would hang over journalists in the country and do "very little" to improve press freedom.

"We should be removing criminal laws that affect the media, not add more of them," he said.

Malaysia ranks 144th out of 180 countries in the 2017 World Press Freedom Index, with number one being the freest.

The law comes less than a week after parliament voted in favour of a move to redraw electoral borders. Opposition politicians said this would tilt the election in Najib's favour.

Najib is fighting to keep his coalition - which has never lost a national poll - in power while battling allegations that billions of dollars were looted from 1MDB, a sovereign wealth fund he founded.

Both Najib and the fund deny any wrongdoing.

He faces a tough challenge from an opposition led by his former boss and ex-premier Mahathir Mohamad, 92, who is looking to unseat him at the polls.

Malaysia's government Monday pushed a law through parliament that makes "fake news" punishable by a maximum six-year jail term

Malaysia's government Monday pushed a law through parliament that makes "fake news" punishable by a maximum six-year jail term despite an outcry from critics worried it will be used to stifle dissent before elections. The law targets foreign as well as local media and is seen in part as an effort to silence criticism of the scandal surrounding sovereign wealth fund 1MDB that has rocked the administration of Prime Minister Najib Razak. The election is expected within weeks and Najib is battling to win a third term at the head of the coalition that has led Malaysia for over six decades. The current parliament is dominated by the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition. The law originally proposed a maximum prison sentence of 10 years and a fine of 500,000 ringgit ($130,000) for publishing what authorities deem to be fake news, but the government lowered the jail term to six years following a storm of criticism. "This law is not intended to restrict the freedom of speech but to restrict the dissemination of fake news," said Minister Azalina Othman Said. But opposition legislators were not convinced, criticising the law's heavy penalties and its potential to limit free speech. "This bill... is a weapon to close the truth so that what is false can be upheld as true, and what is true can be reversed as false," said Lim Guan Eng of the Democratic Action Party. "This is something very dangerous for our country." The law must still be debated in the Senate but is expected to be passed. More than half of the Senate is filled with Barisan Nasional members. After this, it needs royal assent before taking effect. The new law has sparked widespread anger among activists, press freedom groups and the opposition, who believe it is aimed at cracking down on dissenting voices rather than safeguarding the public from false information. Before it was passed, Brad Adams, Asia director at Human Rights Watch, condemned it as a "blatant attempt by the government to prevent any and all news that it doesn't like, whether about corruption or elections". He said it "uses draconian penalties and broad language in an audacious and unprecedented effort to control discussion of Malaysia worldwide". The law covers any information that is deemed to be "wholly or partly fake". It includes several examples, such as a blogger publishing a report known to be false someone sharing information on social media they know to be false and someone giving a speech containing information they know to be untrue. Malaysia is one of several countries in Asia turning to such legislation, emboldened by US President Donald Trump's fulminations against "fake news", but activists warn authoritarian regimes will use the laws to target opponents. A parliamentary committee in neighbouring Singapore, which is examining possible legislation to combat "fake news", came under fire Monday from activists who alleged it misrepresented them. Institute of Journalists Malaysia board member Ram Anand said the law, like existing legislation, would hang over journalists in the country and do "very little" to improve press freedom. "We should be removing criminal laws that affect the media, not add more of them," he said. Malaysia ranks 144th out of 180 countries in the 2017 World Press Freedom Index, with number one being the freest. The law comes less than a week after parliament voted in favour of a move to redraw electoral borders. Opposition politicians said this would tilt the election in Najib's favour. Najib is fighting to keep his coalition - which has never lost a national poll - in power while battling allegations that billions of dollars were looted from 1MDB, a sovereign wealth fund he founded. Both Najib and the fund deny any wrongdoing. He faces a tough challenge from an opposition led by his former boss and ex-premier Mahathir Mohamad, 92, who is looking to unseat him at the polls.

Malaysia approves 'fake news' law despite outcry

Varsha Rajkhowa, 26, won the Miss Scuba International beauty pageant in Malaysia in November 2016. Miss Scuba International is a beauty pageant with a slight twist – the contestants all have to be scuba divers.&nbsp;

There were a total of 16 contestants from countries including the US, UK, and the Netherlands, and it was the first time an Indian was competing but Varsha won.&nbsp;

Varsha could now, arguably and with a little hyperbole, be called “chief spokesperson of the world's oceans”.&nbsp;

But, she had told WION when we first met her, the people are not listening to her.&nbsp;

“I tell them not to litter and they say, 'You're a marine environmentalist. Why do you care about littering on land?'&nbsp;

“But all that plastic... it ends up in the ocean,” says Varsha.&nbsp;

“Do you know the five ocean gyres are full of plastic?”&nbsp;

The five ocean gyres are the world's major ocean currents.&nbsp;

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is now becoming visible from space.&nbsp;

That “patch” is a gargantuan floating collection of litter in the North Pacific Ocean, most of it having made its way from the land to the sea.&nbsp;

Estimates of the “patch's” size range from 700,000 square kilometres to 15,000,000 square kilometres – that's 8% of the Pacific Ocean or, according to some media reports, up to "twice the size of the continental United States".&nbsp;

There is also an Indian Ocean Garbage Patch.&nbsp;

This plastic – and global warming, and tourism – is beginning to affect the world's oceans beyond repair.&nbsp;

The plastic breaks down into micro-plastics which are then ingested by fish. We eat the fish, along with the plastic in them.&nbsp;

That might be causing cancer in humans.&nbsp;

The toxins released by the breakdown of the plastic are also hurting marine life.&nbsp;

 
Global warming in India 
Varsha says a good place in India to see the effects of global warming is the Andamans.&nbsp;

The most obvious effect of the warming is coral bleaching, or the dying of coral reefs. They go from being vividly colourful to white overnight.&nbsp;

Caused by a sudden rise in water temperature, entire sections of coral reef in the Andamans have been known to bleach overnight.&nbsp;

 
Giving up the crown 
Varsha gave up her crown (all good things must come to an end, and you only get to be queen for a year) in November last year.&nbsp;

What was that like? "Emotional," says Varsha. Any separation anxiety? "Yes," says Varsha, "you get used to the crown. To being a queen."

Did she cry? "Yes, but with a smile." Did she cry when she had won? "Oh yes," says Varsha. "Especially because they announced the winner's name as India, not Varsha Rajkhowa."&nbsp;

 
So, what now?&nbsp; 
"My work as an ocean ambassador starts now," says Varsha, adding that her responsibilities have increased. She means that in the year she was reigning queen, she got to travel and tour with the Miss Scuba International organisation, but that she now has to talk about the world's oceans, their conservation, and scuba diving (remember what the award is called) and safe diving practices — all on her own.&nbsp;

"I'm working with the people I can," says Varsha, "schools and colleges, spreading awareness." She says that she was recently in the Konkan region, where she talked about plastic, the damage it can do, and how to limit it.&nbsp;

Varsha also did an awareness programme recently with the Climate Reality Project, a non-profit working on education and advocacy related to climate change..&nbsp;

What about the public? Are they listening?&nbsp;

“They will listen,” Varsha had told WION after winning her crown. “You tell people that we will be left with no oceans by 2030 if we are not careful – and if there are no oceans, there will be no earth – and they will listen.”&nbsp;

Are they listening now?&nbsp;

"They are,' says Varsha. "They even do what you ask them to for a day or two. But there isn't very much follow-up." &nbsp;

Varsha Rajkhowa, 26, won the Miss Scuba International beauty pageant in Malaysia. She could now, arguably and with a little hyperbole, be called 'chief spokesperson of the world's oceans'

Varsha Rajkhowa, 26, won the Miss Scuba International beauty pageant in Malaysia in November 2016. Miss Scuba International is a beauty pageant with a slight twist – the contestants all have to be scuba divers. There were a total of 16 contestants from countries including the US, UK, and the Netherlands, and it was the first time an Indian was competing but Varsha won. Varsha could now, arguably and with a little hyperbole, be called “chief spokesperson of the world's oceans”. But, she had told WION when we first met her, the people are not listening to her. “I tell them not to litter and they say, 'You're a marine environmentalist. Why do you care about littering on land?' “But all that plastic... it ends up in the ocean,” says Varsha. “Do you know the five ocean gyres are full of plastic?” The five ocean gyres are the world's major ocean currents. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is now becoming visible from space. That “patch” is a gargantuan floating collection of litter in the North Pacific Ocean, most of it having made its way from the land to the sea. Estimates of the “patch's” size range from 700,000 square kilometres to 15,000,000 square kilometres – that's 8% of the Pacific Ocean or, according to some media reports, up to "twice the size of the continental United States". There is also an Indian Ocean Garbage Patch. This plastic – and global warming, and tourism – is beginning to affect the world's oceans beyond repair. The plastic breaks down into micro-plastics which are then ingested by fish. We eat the fish, along with the plastic in them. That might be causing cancer in humans. The toxins released by the breakdown of the plastic are also hurting marine life. Global warming in India Varsha says a good place in India to see the effects of global warming is the Andamans. The most obvious effect of the warming is coral bleaching, or the dying of coral reefs. They go from being vividly colourful to white overnight. Caused by a sudden rise in water temperature, entire sections of coral reef in the Andamans have been known to bleach overnight. Giving up the crown Varsha gave up her crown (all good things must come to an end, and you only get to be queen for a year) in November last year. What was that like? "Emotional," says Varsha. Any separation anxiety? "Yes," says Varsha, "you get used to the crown. To being a queen." Did she cry? "Yes, but with a smile." Did she cry when she had won? "Oh yes," says Varsha. "Especially because they announced the winner's name as India, not Varsha Rajkhowa." So, what now? "My work as an ocean ambassador starts now," says Varsha, adding that her responsibilities have increased. She means that in the year she was reigning queen, she got to travel and tour with the Miss Scuba International organisation, but that she now has to talk about the world's oceans, their conservation, and scuba diving (remember what the award is called) and safe diving practices — all on her own. "I'm working with the people I can," says Varsha, "schools and colleges, spreading awareness." She says that she was recently in the Konkan region, where she talked about plastic, the damage it can do, and how to limit it. Varsha also did an awareness programme recently with the Climate Reality Project, a non-profit working on education and advocacy related to climate change.. What about the public? Are they listening? “They will listen,” Varsha had told WION after winning her crown. “You tell people that we will be left with no oceans by 2030 if we are not careful – and if there are no oceans, there will be no earth – and they will listen.” Are they listening now? "They are,' says Varsha. "They even do what you ask them to for a day or two. But there isn't very much follow-up."

The Indian beauty queen that no one has heard of

An Indian national has been arrested for allegedly fleeing to Malaysia with 470,000 Singapore dollar of his employer, according to a media report on Sunday.

Bahurudeen Kuthpudeen, 43, was charged with one count of criminal breach of trust as servant.

The police had received a report on Tuesday that an employee of a money changer had been missing with 470,000 ($357,907)&nbsp;in cash which was supposed to be couriered to the company's office.&nbsp;

The suspect, an Indian national, had already left Singapore for Malaysia before the report was made, said police.

He was eventually arrested in Malaysia on Wednesday with help from the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) and was extradited back to Singapore the next day.

About S$24,000 in cash was recovered.

Bahurudeen will be remanded for a week at the Central Police Division. He will be back in court on Friday at 9am.

If convicted, he can be jailed for up to 15 years and fined, the report said.

Bahurudeen Kuthpudeen, 43, took 470,000 Singapore dollars and was charged with one count of criminal breach of trust as servant

An Indian national has been arrested for allegedly fleeing to Malaysia with 470,000 Singapore dollar of his employer, according to a media report on Sunday. Bahurudeen Kuthpudeen, 43, was charged with one count of criminal breach of trust as servant. The police had received a report on Tuesday that an employee of a money changer had been missing with 470,000 ($357,907) in cash which was supposed to be couriered to the company's office. The suspect, an Indian national, had already left Singapore for Malaysia before the report was made, said police. He was eventually arrested in Malaysia on Wednesday with help from the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) and was extradited back to Singapore the next day. About S$24,000 in cash was recovered. Bahurudeen will be remanded for a week at the Central Police Division. He will be back in court on Friday at 9am. If convicted, he can be jailed for up to 15 years and fined, the report said.

Indian who stole Singapore employer's money arrested in Malaysia

As tension between the US and China continues the South China Sea, the US embassy in Hanoi said the Trump administration has delivered six patrol boats and equipment worth $20 million to Vietnam.

The embassy said it "will serve to deter bad actors from committing crimes against or near Vietnam".

Recently, the USS Carl Vinson entered Vietnam for first time since the end of the war in 1975. Both the US and Vietnam have rebuilt defence and bilateral ties even as China's clout in the region as grown in the past decade.

The move demonstrates US support for a "strong, prosperous, and independent Vietnam that contributes to international security and the rule of law", the embassy statement added.

However China's presence in the region continues to grow. Barely three weeks after the Vinson’s visit, the Vietnamese government bowed to Chinese pressure and canceled a major oil drilling project in disputed South China waters, Reuters reported.

China is reportedly conducting military drills in the area including sending aircraft carrier through the Taiwan Strait and flying jets between Japan’s southernmost islands, a move which has alarmed neighbours in the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei.

As a result, the US has increased its presence and sent in fighter jets and its Naval feet in the area. In a bid to push back the US, China said it plans to conduct monthly military exercises in the South China Sea.

China has in fact gone ahead an built several military posts on disputed atolls and reefs, transforming the area into military hotspot.

&nbspMischief Reef is now a well-armed Chinese military base.

China has in fact gone ahead an built several military posts on disputed atolls and reefs, transforming the area into military hotspot.

As tension between the US and China continues the South China Sea, the US embassy in Hanoi said the Trump administration has delivered six patrol boats and equipment worth $20 million to Vietnam. The embassy said it "will serve to deter bad actors from committing crimes against or near Vietnam". Recently, the USS Carl Vinson entered Vietnam for first time since the end of the war in 1975. Both the US and Vietnam have rebuilt defence and bilateral ties even as China's clout in the region as grown in the past decade. The move demonstrates US support for a "strong, prosperous, and independent Vietnam that contributes to international security and the rule of law", the embassy statement added. However China's presence in the region continues to grow. Barely three weeks after the Vinson’s visit, the Vietnamese government bowed to Chinese pressure and canceled a major oil drilling project in disputed South China waters, Reuters reported. China is reportedly conducting military drills in the area including sending aircraft carrier through the Taiwan Strait and flying jets between Japan’s southernmost islands, a move which has alarmed neighbours in the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei. As a result, the US has increased its presence and sent in fighter jets and its Naval feet in the area. In a bid to push back the US, China said it plans to conduct monthly military exercises in the South China Sea. China has in fact gone ahead an built several military posts on disputed atolls and reefs, transforming the area into military hotspot. &nbspMischief Reef is now a well-armed Chinese military base.

Amid tensions over South China Sea, US delivers patrol boats to Vietnam

Malaysia's parliament has been witnessing protests against the government's plan to redraw electoral boundaries. The move is likely to favour the ruling coalition in general elections that will be held soon.

Prime Minister Najib Razak is likely to press for a parliamentary approval today for the redrawn boundaries. Critics believe that the move, in case it materialises, is likely to worsen malapportionment leading to drawing of constitutional boundaries on racial lines to ensure electoral victory for the ruling coalition.

The protesters want the plan to be withdrawn and legal challenges cleared in the court.

The National Front coalition has faced severe setbacks in the last two elections including losing popular vote to the opposition for the first time in 2013.&nbsp

Najib also figures at the centre of a multibillion-dollar financial scandal.&nbsp

The protesters want the plan to be withdrawn and legal challenges cleared in the court

Malaysia's parliament has been witnessing protests against the government's plan to redraw electoral boundaries. The move is likely to favour the ruling coalition in general elections that will be held soon. Prime Minister Najib Razak is likely to press for a parliamentary approval today for the redrawn boundaries. Critics believe that the move, in case it materialises, is likely to worsen malapportionment leading to drawing of constitutional boundaries on racial lines to ensure electoral victory for the ruling coalition. The protesters want the plan to be withdrawn and legal challenges cleared in the court. The National Front coalition has faced severe setbacks in the last two elections including losing popular vote to the opposition for the first time in 2013. Najib also figures at the centre of a multibillion-dollar financial scandal.

Malaysia: Protests simmer over government's attempt to redraw electoral boundaries

Responding to a question in Malaysia&nbsp;on how the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-discusses-jobs-economy-in-singapore-35059" target="_blank">Congress </a>would have rolled out demonetisation, Rahul Gandhi said he would have thrown the proposal for demonetisation in a dustbin.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-discusses-jobs-economy-in-singapore-35059" target="_blank">Rahul Gandhi discusses jobs, </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-discusses-jobs-economy-in-singapore-35059" target="_blank">economy</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-discusses-jobs-economy-in-singapore-35059" target="_blank"> in Singapore</a>

He said that demonetisation was &quot;not a good&quot; initiative and if he were the prime minister he would have thrown the proposal in a dustbin.

Gandhi was speaking in Malaysia with an &quot;enthusiastic gathering&quot; of the Indian diaspora in Kuala Lumpur.

Asked how he would have rolled out demonetisation differently, Gandhi said: &quot;if I was the Prime Minister and somebody would have given me a file with demonetisation written on it, I would thrown it in the dustbin, out of the door and into the junkyard.&quot;

&quot;That is how I would have rolled it out because that is what I think should have been done with the demonetisation which was not good at all,&quot; he said.

Congress has been very critical of Demonetisation since its roll-out.&nbsp;

Earlier at the University of California, Gandhi had called the move as &quot; reckless and dangerous&quot; decision taken by Prime Minister Modi.

Rahul Gandhi is on a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/singapore-author-questions-rahul-gandhi-on-family-rule-twitter-on-fire-35211" target="_blank">five-day trip to the Southeast Asian countries</a>.

(With inputs from PTI)

Responding to a question in Malaysia, on how the Congress would have rolled out demonetisation, Rahul Gandhi said he would have thrown the proposal for demonetisation in a dustbin

Responding to a question in Malaysia on how the Congress would have rolled out demonetisation, Rahul Gandhi said he would have thrown the proposal for demonetisation in a dustbin. Also read: Rahul Gandhi discusses jobs, economy in Singapore He said that demonetisation was "not a good" initiative and if he were the prime minister he would have thrown the proposal in a dustbin. Gandhi was speaking in Malaysia with an "enthusiastic gathering" of the Indian diaspora in Kuala Lumpur. Asked how he would have rolled out demonetisation differently, Gandhi said: "if I was the Prime Minister and somebody would have given me a file with demonetisation written on it, I would thrown it in the dustbin, out of the door and into the junkyard." "That is how I would have rolled it out because that is what I think should have been done with the demonetisation which was not good at all," he said. Congress has been very critical of Demonetisation since its roll-out. Earlier at the University of California, Gandhi had called the move as " reckless and dangerous" decision taken by Prime Minister Modi. Rahul Gandhi is on a five-day trip to the Southeast Asian countries. (With inputs from PTI)

If I were PM, would have thrown demonetisation proposal in dustbin: Rahul Gandhi

A volley of insults hurled by ruling party officials in Malaysia at 94-year-old ethnic-Chinese tycoon, Robert Kuok, has exposed a racial and religious divide ahead of elections due by August.

Leaders from UMNO targeted Hong Kong-based Malaysian billionaire Robert Kuok in the last two weeks, accusing him of funding a majority-Chinese opposition party to overthrow Najib`s government.

The attacks stopped after Kuok, Malaysia&rsquo;s richest man, threatened legal action against a website he said had cast aspersions on his commitment to democracy. Prime Minister Najib Razak also stepped in to calm the waters.

Many in Malaysia`s economically powerful ethnic Chinese community saw the criticism against Kuok as racial dog-whistling ahead of a very close and hotly contested election. 
A polarised electorate poses risks for Southeast Asia`s third-largest economy.

Malaysia`s ethnic minorities may end up with the short end of the stick if this year`s electoral results remains racially split, warned Abdul Rahman Dahlan, strategic communications director for Najib`s coalition.

&quot;Of course we&rsquo;ll be happy we win the election. But it will be better if the support comes from a broad base of support from the communities of all kinds, then everybody&rsquo;s voice will be represented,&quot; said Abdul Rahman, who is also a UMNO member of parliament told.

Najib`s United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) has increasingly relied on majority Malay Muslims to stay in power, after minorities deserted the ruling coalition the past two general elections. An election won entirely with the support of ethnic Malays could stall reform of a decades-old race-based affirmative action policy favouring indigenous groups, officials and analysts warn.&nbsp;

The policy, which grew out of 1969 race riots, reserves a large share of government contracts for Malay businesses. It remains in effect, even after it was due to expire in 1990.

Najib proposed a new economic model soon after taking power in 2009, aimed at speeding Malaysia`s transition to a higher-income, knowledge-based economy, but rolled back some of those plans after a backlash from the Malay-Muslim community.

Ethnic Malays and other indigenous groups account for about 69 per cent of the population, with Chinese making up 23 per cent, and ethnic Indians and other the remainder. Opinion surveys have found indigenous groups robustly support affirmative action policies.&nbsp;

UMNO has also been courting hardliners on the religious right, seeking support from the Islamist opposition Parti Islam se-Malaysia (PAS), which advocates a strict Islamic penal code that religious minorities fear could infringe their rights.

Divisions among ethnic and religious groups are intensifying in Malaysia, said the Eurasia Group, whose list of top risks for 2018 includes the growth of identity politics in Southeast Asia.

&quot;There is a trend towards a more conservative interpretation of Islam and the key Islamic party PAS will play a significant role during the upcoming election,&quot; Eurasia Group said in a recent research note about Malaysia.

Dubbed the &ldquo;Sugar King of Asia&rdquo;, Kuok became Malaysia&rsquo;s richest man by expanding a commodities-based business to an international empire that includes the Shangri-la hotel chain, plantations, property development and entertainment.

He has iconic status in the Malaysian Chinese community.

&quot;Kuok is a successful man, and a true Malaysian,&quot; said 52-year-old Eric Hun at a tea shop in Kuala Lumpur`s Chinatown. &quot;This kind of comment will win them (UMNO) the Malay votes in the kampung (village). That`s all they want ... they stopped caring about us a long time ago.&quot;

Divisions among ethnic and religious groups are intensifying in Malaysia, said the Eurasia Group

A volley of insults hurled by ruling party officials in Malaysia at 94-year-old ethnic-Chinese tycoon, Robert Kuok, has exposed a racial and religious divide ahead of elections due by August. Leaders from UMNO targeted Hong Kong-based Malaysian billionaire Robert Kuok in the last two weeks, accusing him of funding a majority-Chinese opposition party to overthrow Najib`s government. The attacks stopped after Kuok, Malaysia’s richest man, threatened legal action against a website he said had cast aspersions on his commitment to democracy. Prime Minister Najib Razak also stepped in to calm the waters. Many in Malaysia`s economically powerful ethnic Chinese community saw the criticism against Kuok as racial dog-whistling ahead of a very close and hotly contested election. A polarised electorate poses risks for Southeast Asia`s third-largest economy. Malaysia`s ethnic minorities may end up with the short end of the stick if this year`s electoral results remains racially split, warned Abdul Rahman Dahlan, strategic communications director for Najib`s coalition. "Of course we’ll be happy we win the election. But it will be better if the support comes from a broad base of support from the communities of all kinds, then everybody’s voice will be represented," said Abdul Rahman, who is also a UMNO member of parliament told. Najib`s United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) has increasingly relied on majority Malay Muslims to stay in power, after minorities deserted the ruling coalition the past two general elections. An election won entirely with the support of ethnic Malays could stall reform of a decades-old race-based affirmative action policy favouring indigenous groups, officials and analysts warn. The policy, which grew out of 1969 race riots, reserves a large share of government contracts for Malay businesses. It remains in effect, even after it was due to expire in 1990. Najib proposed a new economic model soon after taking power in 2009, aimed at speeding Malaysia`s transition to a higher-income, knowledge-based economy, but rolled back some of those plans after a backlash from the Malay-Muslim community. Ethnic Malays and other indigenous groups account for about 69 per cent of the population, with Chinese making up 23 per cent, and ethnic Indians and other the remainder. Opinion surveys have found indigenous groups robustly support affirmative action policies. UMNO has also been courting hardliners on the religious right, seeking support from the Islamist opposition Parti Islam se-Malaysia (PAS), which advocates a strict Islamic penal code that religious minorities fear could infringe their rights. Divisions among ethnic and religious groups are intensifying in Malaysia, said the Eurasia Group, whose list of top risks for 2018 includes the growth of identity politics in Southeast Asia. "There is a trend towards a more conservative interpretation of Islam and the key Islamic party PAS will play a significant role during the upcoming election," Eurasia Group said in a recent research note about Malaysia. Dubbed the “Sugar King of Asia”, Kuok became Malaysia’s richest man by expanding a commodities-based business to an international empire that includes the Shangri-la hotel chain, plantations, property development and entertainment. He has iconic status in the Malaysian Chinese community. "Kuok is a successful man, and a true Malaysian," said 52-year-old Eric Hun at a tea shop in Kuala Lumpur`s Chinatown. "This kind of comment will win them (UMNO) the Malay votes in the kampung (village). That`s all they want ... they stopped caring about us a long time ago."

Attack on Chinese billionaire exposes growing racial divide in Malaysia

Congress President Rahul Gandhi on his visit to Singapore said that he felt like crying when he visited Jammu and Kashmir in 2014.&nbsp;

He added that bad political decision (after 2014) have changed years of their policy-making

He said &quot;Our Kashmir policy under Dr. Manmohan Singh was about building bridges with people. When UPA came to power in 2004, we were handed a Jammu and Kashmir&nbsp;that was burning. We made a plan and worked on it for nine years. In 2014 when I went to Jammu and Kashmir I felt like crying. I saw what a bad political decision can to do years and years of policy-making&quot;.

He said &quot;You engage with people, you bring people in, you work with people, you trust people. It works. I have seen it for myself&quot;.

He also hit out at the BJP led government saying that &quot;India was facing serious dangers of polarising society&quot;.

Gandhi also said that he does not believe that Indians cannot&nbsp;challenge and compete with China in Manufacturing.&nbsp;

He said India and China need to have a peaceful and cooperative relationship.&nbsp;

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I don&#39;t buy the idea that India can&#39;t challenge &amp; compete with China in manufacturing: Congress President Rahul Gandhi in Singapore.
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/971699987427020800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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On his visit to Singapore, Gandhi discussed a range of issues including jobs, investments and the prevalent economic conditions with the Indian-origin CEOs of companies.

Gandhi is on a three-day foreign trip to meet the Indian diaspora from March 8 to 11.

He will also meet Malaysian PM Najib Razak.&nbsp;

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Over the next three days, I look forward to meeting the Indian community, business leaders and members of the Indian Overseas Congress in Singapore and Malaysia. 
 
Also on my schedule are meetings with the Singapore PM, Lee Hsien Loong and the Malaysian PM, Najib Razak. <a href="https://t.co/CzCqaiZs5p">pic.twitter.com/CzCqaiZs5p</a>
&mdash; Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeOfRG/status/971648792725540865?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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He said India and China need to have a peaceful and cooperative relationship

Congress President Rahul Gandhi on his visit to Singapore said that he felt like crying when he visited Jammu and Kashmir in 2014. He added that bad political decision (after 2014) have changed years of their policy-making He said "Our Kashmir policy under Dr. Manmohan Singh was about building bridges with people. When UPA came to power in 2004, we were handed a Jammu and Kashmir that was burning. We made a plan and worked on it for nine years. In 2014 when I went to Jammu and Kashmir I felt like crying. I saw what a bad political decision can to do years and years of policy-making". He said "You engage with people, you bring people in, you work with people, you trust people. It works. I have seen it for myself". He also hit out at the BJP led government saying that "India was facing serious dangers of polarising society". Gandhi also said that he does not believe that Indians cannot challenge and compete with China in Manufacturing. He said India and China need to have a peaceful and cooperative relationship. I don't buy the idea that India can't challenge & compete with China in manufacturing: Congress President Rahul Gandhi in Singapore. — ANI (@ANI) March 8, 2018 × On his visit to Singapore, Gandhi discussed a range of issues including jobs, investments and the prevalent economic conditions with the Indian-origin CEOs of companies. Gandhi is on a three-day foreign trip to meet the Indian diaspora from March 8 to 11. He will also meet Malaysian PM Najib Razak. Over the next three days, I look forward to meeting the Indian community, business leaders and members of the Indian Overseas Congress in Singapore and Malaysia. Also on my schedule are meetings with the Singapore PM, Lee Hsien Loong and the Malaysian PM, Najib Razak. pic.twitter.com/CzCqaiZs5p — Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) March 8, 2018 ×

India can challenge & compete with China in manufacturing: Rahul Gandhi

India crushed hosts Malaysia 5-1 in their fourth match of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2018 on Wednesday.&nbsp;

A different-looking India, from the listless one who lost 2-4 to Australia, played the hosts on Wednesday as they scored three goals in nine minutes in the final quarter to dent Malaysia&#39;s chances to finish in the top two. 
 
India, who have rested many senior players, had lost their opener to Argentina 2-3 before drawing 1-1 with England.

Shilanand Lakra opened the scoring for India in the 10th minute before Malaysia&rsquo;s Faizal Saari equalised in the 33rd minute.&nbsp;

Gurjant Singh then scored twice and was supported by Sumit Kumar and Ramandeep Singh as India registered their first win of the tournament.

India will now face Ireland in their final match of the round robin stage. India can still make it to the final if other results go their way. They are even in contention for the bronze medal match.

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India&rsquo;s fourth match in the 27th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup ends in a 5-1 victory against hosts Malaysia as an overall team performance gives India all 3 points at stake. Here are the moments captured from this encounter on 7th March 2018. Album- <a href="https://t.co/F6g8FRYP4q">https://t.co/F6g8FRYP4q</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaKaGame?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaKaGame</a> <a href="https://t.co/F2ujwgzGHN">pic.twitter.com/F2ujwgzGHN</a>
&mdash; Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheHockeyIndia/status/971413461019144192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

India will now face Ireland in their final match of the round robin stage.

India crushed hosts Malaysia 5-1 in their fourth match of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2018 on Wednesday. A different-looking India, from the listless one who lost 2-4 to Australia, played the hosts on Wednesday as they scored three goals in nine minutes in the final quarter to dent Malaysia's chances to finish in the top two. India, who have rested many senior players, had lost their opener to Argentina 2-3 before drawing 1-1 with England. Shilanand Lakra opened the scoring for India in the 10th minute before Malaysia’s Faizal Saari equalised in the 33rd minute. Gurjant Singh then scored twice and was supported by Sumit Kumar and Ramandeep Singh as India registered their first win of the tournament. India will now face Ireland in their final match of the round robin stage. India can still make it to the final if other results go their way. They are even in contention for the bronze medal match. India’s fourth match in the 27th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup ends in a 5-1 victory against hosts Malaysia as an overall team performance gives India all 3 points at stake. Here are the moments captured from this encounter on 7th March 2018. Album- https://t.co/F6g8FRYP4q#IndiaKaGame pic.twitter.com/F2ujwgzGHN — Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) March 7, 2018 ×

Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey: India beat Malaysia 5-1

Indian agencies, the Zee Group has learnt, are scrutinising at least three companies and their directors in Hong Kong, to try and verify if the companies are genuine overseas importers or part of the network of shell companies that Nirav Modi used to carry out his scam.&nbsp;

Sources told the Zee Group that Nirav Modi&#39;s firms Solar Exports and Diamonds 4 US imported diamonds from a few Hong Kong-based companies. The firms received hundreds of crores of rupees on the basis of Letters of Understanding (LoU) issued by Punjab National Bank. The Hong Kong branches of Allahabad Bank and Axis Bank made the payments to &nbsp;the firms.&nbsp;

The three firms. the sources said, are Aura Gems, Sino Traders, and Sunshine Gems. All three of them are based out of Hong Kong.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pnbs-overzealousness-shut-the-doors-on-ability-to-clear-the-dues-nirav-modi-33415" target="_blank">PNB&#39;s &#39;overzealousness&#39; shut door on ability to clear dues, Nirav Modi said in letter to bank</a>

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/full-text-of-nirav-modis-letter-to-pnb-33448" target="_blank">Full text of Nirav Modi&#39;s letter to PNB</a>

Over the last one year, Nirav Modi had allegedly started transferring his money through multiple layers, while making transactions at inflated prices. Some of those transactions are thought to have been with fictitious companies which are now being scrutinised by the agencies.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The agencies are closely monitoring transactions between India and five countries &mdash;&nbsp;the US, UK, Singapore, Malaysia, and China. 
&nbsp; 
The agencies suspect funds were routed to different cities worldwide.&nbsp;The&nbsp;funds were first transferred from India to Macau, Hong Kong, Beijing, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. They were then transferred to London. &nbsp;And from London, the funds were moved to Hawaii, Las Vegas, and New York before being moving to Modi&#39;s Swiss accounts. 
&nbsp; 
Sometime in December 2017, somebody from PNB &mdash; other than the two&nbsp;main accused &mdash; tipped Nirav Modi off about the meeting held by top PNB officials and that a complaint was to be filed with the CBI.

Indian agencies are trying to verify if the companies are genuine overseas exporters or part of the network of shell companies Nirav Modi used to carry out his scam

Indian agencies, the Zee Group has learnt, are scrutinising at least three companies and their directors in Hong Kong, to try and verify if the companies are genuine overseas importers or part of the network of shell companies that Nirav Modi used to carry out his scam. Sources told the Zee Group that Nirav Modi's firms Solar Exports and Diamonds 4 US imported diamonds from a few Hong Kong-based companies. The firms received hundreds of crores of rupees on the basis of Letters of Understanding (LoU) issued by Punjab National Bank. The Hong Kong branches of Allahabad Bank and Axis Bank made the payments to the firms. The three firms. the sources said, are Aura Gems, Sino Traders, and Sunshine Gems. All three of them are based out of Hong Kong. Also read: PNB's 'overzealousness' shut door on ability to clear dues, Nirav Modi said in letter to bank Also read: Full text of Nirav Modi's letter to PNB Over the last one year, Nirav Modi had allegedly started transferring his money through multiple layers, while making transactions at inflated prices. Some of those transactions are thought to have been with fictitious companies which are now being scrutinised by the agencies. The agencies are closely monitoring transactions between India and five countries — the US, UK, Singapore, Malaysia, and China. The agencies suspect funds were routed to different cities worldwide. The funds were first transferred from India to Macau, Hong Kong, Beijing, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. They were then transferred to London. And from London, the funds were moved to Hawaii, Las Vegas, and New York before being moving to Modi's Swiss accounts. Sometime in December 2017, somebody from PNB — other than the two main accused — tipped Nirav Modi off about the meeting held by top PNB officials and that a complaint was to be filed with the CBI.

PNB scam: 3 Hong Kong companies under scanner, say sources

The stage is set in New Delhi, India for two days ASEAN-India commemorative summit, an international meet to commemorate 26 years of&nbsp;India-ASEAN relations and its partnership.

Heads of all ten ASEAN member countries will be in India to attend the summit two-day summit from 25-26 of January.

Heads of ASEAN member countries, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Brunei would start arriving in the country on January 25.

During the event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also expected to have a bilateral meeting with leaders of ASEAN nations.

The ASEAN heads will be received by the President of India Ram Nath Kovind and will be followed by lunch at Rashtrapati Bhawan.

The leaders coming from ASEAN member countries will also attend Republic day parade and will make a walk in Mughal garden which would be followed by a formal photo shoot.

During the Summit Tour de Exhibition of 20 paintings of ASEAN-India Artists&rsquo; Camp will also be on display inside Mumtaz Hall.

Several cultural programmes will also be organised in honour of the ASEAN leader.

India and ASEAN have celebrated 25 years of their Dialogue Partnership, 15 years of Summit Level interaction and 5 years of Strategic Partnership in 2017.

Heads of all ten ASEAN member countries will be in India to attend the summit two-day summit from 25-26 of January

The stage is set in New Delhi, India for two days ASEAN-India commemorative summit, an international meet to commemorate 26 years of India-ASEAN relations and its partnership. Heads of all ten ASEAN member countries will be in India to attend the summit two-day summit from 25-26 of January. Heads of ASEAN member countries, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Brunei would start arriving in the country on January 25. During the event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also expected to have a bilateral meeting with leaders of ASEAN nations. The ASEAN heads will be received by the President of India Ram Nath Kovind and will be followed by lunch at Rashtrapati Bhawan. The leaders coming from ASEAN member countries will also attend Republic day parade and will make a walk in Mughal garden which would be followed by a formal photo shoot. During the Summit Tour de Exhibition of 20 paintings of ASEAN-India Artists’ Camp will also be on display inside Mumtaz Hall. Several cultural programmes will also be organised in honour of the ASEAN leader. India and ASEAN have celebrated 25 years of their Dialogue Partnership, 15 years of Summit Level interaction and 5 years of Strategic Partnership in 2017.

Heads of ASEAN countries to participate in two-day summit in Delhi

With on-going controversies with Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s Padmaavat, a new one has come in - it has now been banned in Malaysia for allegedly portraying Islam in a bad light.&nbsp;

The negative role of Sultan Alauddin Khilji in the film &quot;gave a bad image of Islam through the role played by a (Muslim) sultan.&quot;

&quot;He is portrayed as a Sultan who is arrogant, cruel, inhumane, devious with all kinds of trickery, unreliable and who does not fully practice Islamic teachings,&quot; the ministry said in a statement.

Actor Ranveer Singh essays the role of Sultan Alauddin Khilji, the 13th-century ruler of the Khilji dynasty, in the film.

The 14th century period drama focuses on the tale of Muslim King Alauddin Khilji, Rajput ruler Ratan Singh, and Hindu queen Padmavati.

On Tuesday, Malaysia&#39;s Film Censorship Board stated that the movie could &quot;not approved for screening&quot;, while hearing an appeal lodged by the film&#39;s distributors, according to media reports.

Malaysia&#39;s Film Appeal Committee had also rejected an appeal by the movie&#39;s distributors in the country to lift the ban.

Bollywood films are extremely popular in Malaysia among Indians, who make up a considerable chunk of the country&#39;s population.

After massive protests in northern and western India, Padmaavat was released in India on January 25. It crossed the Rs 100 crore mark within four days at the box office. It has collected Rs 192.5 crores so far and is inching towards the Rs 200 crore mark.

Muslims make up 60 percent of multi-ethnic Malaysia&#39;s 32 million population.&nbsp;

The negative role of Sultan Alauddin Khilji in the film "gave a bad image about Islam through the role played by a (Muslim) sultan."

With on-going controversies with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Padmaavat, a new one has come in - it has now been banned in Malaysia for allegedly portraying Islam in a bad light. The negative role of Sultan Alauddin Khilji in the film "gave a bad image of Islam through the role played by a (Muslim) sultan." "He is portrayed as a Sultan who is arrogant, cruel, inhumane, devious with all kinds of trickery, unreliable and who does not fully practice Islamic teachings," the ministry said in a statement. Actor Ranveer Singh essays the role of Sultan Alauddin Khilji, the 13th-century ruler of the Khilji dynasty, in the film. The 14th century period drama focuses on the tale of Muslim King Alauddin Khilji, Rajput ruler Ratan Singh, and Hindu queen Padmavati. On Tuesday, Malaysia's Film Censorship Board stated that the movie could "not approved for screening", while hearing an appeal lodged by the film's distributors, according to media reports. Malaysia's Film Appeal Committee had also rejected an appeal by the movie's distributors in the country to lift the ban. Bollywood films are extremely popular in Malaysia among Indians, who make up a considerable chunk of the country's population. After massive protests in northern and western India, Padmaavat was released in India on January 25. It crossed the Rs 100 crore mark within four days at the box office. It has collected Rs 192.5 crores so far and is inching towards the Rs 200 crore mark. Muslims make up 60 percent of multi-ethnic Malaysia's 32 million population.

Padmaavat now banned in Malaysia

North Korea is flouting sanctions by exporting coal, iron, steel and other banned commodities, earning nearly $200 million in revenue last year, a UN report said Friday.

A UN panel of experts also found evidence of military cooperation by North Korea to develop Syria&#39;s chemical weapons programs and to provide Myanmar with ballistic missiles.&nbsp;

North Korea &quot;continued to export almost all the commodities prohibited in the resolutions, generating nearly $200 million in revenue between January and September 2017,&quot; said the report by the experts seen by AFP.

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<h5>North Korea &#39;continued to export almost all the commodities prohibited in the resolutions, generating nearly $200 million in revenue between January and September 2017&#39;</h5>
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Coal shipments were delivered to China, Malaysia, South Korea, Russia and Vietnam by ships using &quot;a combination of multiple evasion techniques, routes and deceptive tactics,&quot; said the report.

The Security Council last year adopted a series of resolutions to tighten and expand exports bans aimed at cutting off revenue to North Korea&#39;s military programs.

The United States led the push for tough economic sanctions after North Korea&#39;s sixth nuclear test and a series of ballistic missile launches that raised fears that the US mainland could soon be within reach.

Seven ships have been barred from ports worldwide for violating UN sanctions with coal and petroleum transfers, but the experts said much more must be done to confront &quot;these rampant illicit activities.&quot;

The panel found that North Korea &quot;is already flouting the most recent resolutions by exploiting global oil supply chains, complicit foreign nationals, offshore company registries, and the international banking system.&quot;

Arming Syria, Myanmar 
Syria and Myanmar are continuing cooperation with North Korea&#39;s KOMID corporation, the country&#39;s main arms exporter, which is on a UN sanctions blacklist, the report said.

The panel uncovered more than 40 previously unreported shipments from North Korea between 2012 and 2017 to front companies for Syria&#39;s Scientific Studies Research Council, also known as CERS, a key institute for Syria&#39;s chemical program.&nbsp;

The investigations reveal &quot;substantial new evidence&quot; concerning Pyongyang&#39;s military cooperation with Damascus, including at least three visits by North Korean technicians to Syria in 2016.

A visit by a North Korean technical delegation in August 2016 involved the &quot;transfer of special resistance valves and thermometers known for use in chemical weapons programs,&quot; said the report.

A member-state that was not named told the panel that North Korean &quot;technicians continue to operate at chemical weapons and missile facilities at Barzei, Adra and Hama&quot; in Syria, said the report.

Syria however told the panel that there were no North Korean technicians in its territory and that the only experts it was hosting from the country were involved in sports.

A member-state, which was not named, also notified the panel that Myanmar had received &quot;ballistic missile systems from (North Korea) in addition to a range of conventional weapons, including multiple rocket launches and surface-to air missiles&quot;.&nbsp;

North Korean diplomats, in particular trade representatives, continue to provide logistical support for arms sales and help organize exchanges for military technicians, it said.

While sanctions have been significantly broadened, this &quot;expansion of the regime is yet to be matched by the requisite political will&quot; to implement the measures, the experts said.

The panel of experts said 2018 offered a &quot;critical window of opportunity before a potential miscalculation with disastrous implications for international peace and security.&quot; 
&nbsp;

Coal shipments were delivered to China, Malaysia, South Korea, Russia and Vietnam by ships using 'a combination of multiple evasion techniques, routes and deceptive tactics,' a UN report said

North Korea is flouting sanctions by exporting coal, iron, steel and other banned commodities, earning nearly $200 million in revenue last year, a UN report said Friday. A UN panel of experts also found evidence of military cooperation by North Korea to develop Syria's chemical weapons programs and to provide Myanmar with ballistic missiles. North Korea "continued to export almost all the commodities prohibited in the resolutions, generating nearly $200 million in revenue between January and September 2017," said the report by the experts seen by AFP. North Korea 'continued to export almost all the commodities prohibited in the resolutions, generating nearly $200 million in revenue between January and September 2017' × Coal shipments were delivered to China, Malaysia, South Korea, Russia and Vietnam by ships using "a combination of multiple evasion techniques, routes and deceptive tactics," said the report. The Security Council last year adopted a series of resolutions to tighten and expand exports bans aimed at cutting off revenue to North Korea's military programs. The United States led the push for tough economic sanctions after North Korea's sixth nuclear test and a series of ballistic missile launches that raised fears that the US mainland could soon be within reach. Seven ships have been barred from ports worldwide for violating UN sanctions with coal and petroleum transfers, but the experts said much more must be done to confront "these rampant illicit activities." The panel found that North Korea "is already flouting the most recent resolutions by exploiting global oil supply chains, complicit foreign nationals, offshore company registries, and the international banking system." Arming Syria, Myanmar Syria and Myanmar are continuing cooperation with North Korea's KOMID corporation, the country's main arms exporter, which is on a UN sanctions blacklist, the report said. The panel uncovered more than 40 previously unreported shipments from North Korea between 2012 and 2017 to front companies for Syria's Scientific Studies Research Council, also known as CERS, a key institute for Syria's chemical program. The investigations reveal "substantial new evidence" concerning Pyongyang's military cooperation with Damascus, including at least three visits by North Korean technicians to Syria in 2016. A visit by a North Korean technical delegation in August 2016 involved the "transfer of special resistance valves and thermometers known for use in chemical weapons programs," said the report. A member-state that was not named told the panel that North Korean "technicians continue to operate at chemical weapons and missile facilities at Barzei, Adra and Hama" in Syria, said the report. Syria however told the panel that there were no North Korean technicians in its territory and that the only experts it was hosting from the country were involved in sports. A member-state, which was not named, also notified the panel that Myanmar had received "ballistic missile systems from (North Korea) in addition to a range of conventional weapons, including multiple rocket launches and surface-to air missiles". North Korean diplomats, in particular trade representatives, continue to provide logistical support for arms sales and help organize exchanges for military technicians, it said. While sanctions have been significantly broadened, this "expansion of the regime is yet to be matched by the requisite political will" to implement the measures, the experts said. The panel of experts said 2018 offered a "critical window of opportunity before a potential miscalculation with disastrous implications for international peace and security."

North Korea flouting sanctions, earned $200 mn from banned exports: UN

Malaysia signed a deal on Wednesday to pay a US seabed exploration firm up to $70 million if it finds the missing Malaysia Airlines aircraft MH370 within 90 days of embarking on a new search in the Southern Indian ocean.

The disappearance of the aircraft en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing in March 2014 with 239 people aboard ranks among the world&#39;s greatest aviation mysteries.

Australia, China and Malaysia ended a fruitless A$200-million ($157 million) search of a 120,000 sq km area in January last year, despite investigators urging the search be extended to a 25,000-square-km area further to the north.

Malaysian transport minister Liow Tiong Lai said a Houston-based private firm, Ocean Infinity, would search for MH370 in that 25,000-sq-km priority area on a &quot;no-cure, no-fee&quot; basis, meaning it will only get paid if it finds the plane.

&quot;As we speak, the vessel, Seabed Constructor, is on her way to the search area, taking advantage of favourable weather conditions in the South Indian ocean,&quot; Liow told a news conference. 
The search will begin on January 17, said Ocean Infinity Chief Executive Oliver Plunkett, who attended the signing event.

Ocean Infinity will be paid $20 million if the plane is found within 5,000 sq km, $30 million if it is found within 10,000 square km and $50 million if it is found within an area of 25,000 square km. Beyond that area, Ocean Infinity will receive $70 million, Liow said.

Its priority is to locate the wreckage or the flight and cockpit recorders, and present credible evidence to confirm their location within 90 days, Liow added.

&quot;They cannot take forever or drag it on for another six months or a year.&quot;

&#39;Unique solution&#39;

Ocean Infinity&#39;s vessel carries eight autonomous underwater vehicles that will scour the seabed with scanning equipment for information to be sent back for analysis.

It has 65 crew, including two government representatives drawn from the Malaysian navy.

The ship could complete the search within three or four weeks, and cover up to 60,000 square km in 90 days, or four times faster than earlier efforts, Plunkett told Reuters.

&quot;It was a unique problem that required a unique solution ... We looked at it and said, &#39;Let&#39;s do something different than what other people would do,&#39; and that&#39;s the essence of our business.&quot;

Ocean Infinity&#39;s core business is in the oil and gas industry, as well as subsea exploration services for tasks such as underwater cabling and seabed mapping, he said.

The company&#39;s shareholders would bear the upfront costs of the search, Plunkett added.

Debris from MH370 could provide clues to events on board before the crash. There have been competing theories that the aircraft suffered mechanical failure or was intentionally flown off course.

Investigators believe someone may have deliberately switched off the plane&#39;s transponder before diverting it thousands of miles out over the Indian Ocean.

At least three pieces of debris collected from sites on Indian Ocean islands and along Africa&#39;s east coast have been confirmed as being from the missing plane.

Ocean Infinity will be paid $20 mn if the plane is found within 5,000 sq km, $30 mn if it is found within 10,000 sq km and $50 mn if it is found within an area of 25,000 sq km. Beyond that area, firm will receive $70 mn

Malaysia signed a deal on Wednesday to pay a US seabed exploration firm up to $70 million if it finds the missing Malaysia Airlines aircraft MH370 within 90 days of embarking on a new search in the Southern Indian ocean. The disappearance of the aircraft en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing in March 2014 with 239 people aboard ranks among the world's greatest aviation mysteries. Australia, China and Malaysia ended a fruitless A$200-million ($157 million) search of a 120,000 sq km area in January last year, despite investigators urging the search be extended to a 25,000-square-km area further to the north. Malaysian transport minister Liow Tiong Lai said a Houston-based private firm, Ocean Infinity, would search for MH370 in that 25,000-sq-km priority area on a "no-cure, no-fee" basis, meaning it will only get paid if it finds the plane. "As we speak, the vessel, Seabed Constructor, is on her way to the search area, taking advantage of favourable weather conditions in the South Indian ocean," Liow told a news conference. The search will begin on January 17, said Ocean Infinity Chief Executive Oliver Plunkett, who attended the signing event. Ocean Infinity will be paid $20 million if the plane is found within 5,000 sq km, $30 million if it is found within 10,000 square km and $50 million if it is found within an area of 25,000 square km. Beyond that area, Ocean Infinity will receive $70 million, Liow said. Its priority is to locate the wreckage or the flight and cockpit recorders, and present credible evidence to confirm their location within 90 days, Liow added. "They cannot take forever or drag it on for another six months or a year." 'Unique solution' Ocean Infinity's vessel carries eight autonomous underwater vehicles that will scour the seabed with scanning equipment for information to be sent back for analysis. It has 65 crew, including two government representatives drawn from the Malaysian navy. The ship could complete the search within three or four weeks, and cover up to 60,000 square km in 90 days, or four times faster than earlier efforts, Plunkett told Reuters. "It was a unique problem that required a unique solution ... We looked at it and said, 'Let's do something different than what other people would do,' and that's the essence of our business." Ocean Infinity's core business is in the oil and gas industry, as well as subsea exploration services for tasks such as underwater cabling and seabed mapping, he said. The company's shareholders would bear the upfront costs of the search, Plunkett added. Debris from MH370 could provide clues to events on board before the crash. There have been competing theories that the aircraft suffered mechanical failure or was intentionally flown off course. Investigators believe someone may have deliberately switched off the plane's transponder before diverting it thousands of miles out over the Indian Ocean. At least three pieces of debris collected from sites on Indian Ocean islands and along Africa's east coast have been confirmed as being from the missing plane.

MH370: Malaysia to give $70 million to US firm if plane found in 90 days

A Malaysian woman was given a six-month jail term on Friday for making offensive remarks about the Prophet Mohammed in a mosque, state media said, a fresh sign of growing tensions in the multi-ethnic country.

Tham Yut Mooi, from the country&#39;s ethnic Chinese minority, was found guilty of three counts of insulting the Prophet at the mosque in northern Perak state in May last year, the state-run Bernama news agency said.

The 46-year-old housewife was also fined 15,000 ringgit ($3,700) at a magistrate&#39;s court in the city of Ipoh.

However, the mother-of-two will not begin serving her jail term immediately as she is appealing the conviction.

The case highlighted the long-simmering tensions between the Muslim Malay majority and the country&#39;s ethnic and religious minorities.

Malays make up about 60 percent of Malaysia&#39;s 32 million inhabitants, and the country is also home to substantial ethnic Chinese and Indian minorities.

Critics say the government has exacerbated religious and ethnic divisions by pandering to Muslim hardliners and cracking down on anything deemed un-Islamic in a bid to maintain support in the Malay heartlands.

Tham Yut Mooi, from the country's ethnic Chinese minority, was found guilty of three counts of insulting the Prophet at the mosque in northern Perak state in May last year, the state-run Bernama news agency said.

A Malaysian woman was given a six-month jail term on Friday for making offensive remarks about the Prophet Mohammed in a mosque, state media said, a fresh sign of growing tensions in the multi-ethnic country. Tham Yut Mooi, from the country's ethnic Chinese minority, was found guilty of three counts of insulting the Prophet at the mosque in northern Perak state in May last year, the state-run Bernama news agency said. The 46-year-old housewife was also fined 15,000 ringgit ($3,700) at a magistrate's court in the city of Ipoh. However, the mother-of-two will not begin serving her jail term immediately as she is appealing the conviction. The case highlighted the long-simmering tensions between the Muslim Malay majority and the country's ethnic and religious minorities. Malays make up about 60 percent of Malaysia's 32 million inhabitants, and the country is also home to substantial ethnic Chinese and Indian minorities. Critics say the government has exacerbated religious and ethnic divisions by pandering to Muslim hardliners and cracking down on anything deemed un-Islamic in a bid to maintain support in the Malay heartlands.

Malaysian housewife handed jail term for insulting Islam

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said on Friday, the 10th of November, that he was &quot;reasonably confident&quot; a deal on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) could be reached without the United States.

Trade ministers from the TPP countries met on Thursday, November 9th, but their meetings ended without making headway. It was unclear whether leaders of TPP countries would meet on Friday.

The TPP aims to eliminate tariffs on industrial and farm products across a bloc whose trade totalled $356 billion last year. It also has provisions for protecting everything from labour rights to the environment to intellectual property - one of the main sticking points.

The Trans-Pacific Partnership has provisions for protecting everything from labour rights to the environment to intellectual property - one of the main sticking points

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said on Friday, the 10th of November, that he was "reasonably confident" a deal on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) could be reached without the United States. Trade ministers from the TPP countries met on Thursday, November 9th, but their meetings ended without making headway. It was unclear whether leaders of TPP countries would meet on Friday. The TPP aims to eliminate tariffs on industrial and farm products across a bloc whose trade totalled $356 billion last year. It also has provisions for protecting everything from labour rights to the environment to intellectual property - one of the main sticking points.

TPP trade deal can be reached without US: Malaysia

A dominant India continued their unbeaten run in the tournament and thrashed arch-rivals Pakistan 4-0 to sail into the final of the 10th men&#39;s Asia Cup hockey tournament here today.

The sixth ranked India, who just needed a draw to seal a place in tomorrow&#39;s summit clash, produced a superlative performance after the change of ends to pump in four goals -- three field strikes and one through penalty corner.

Satbir Singh (39th minute), Harmanpreet Singh (51st), Lalit Upadhyay (52nd) and Gurjant Singh (57th) were the scorers for India.

By virtue of this win, India not only topped the Super 4 stage with seven points, but also continued their domination over Pakistan.

It was India&#39;s fourth win over Pakistan this year, having beaten them twice in the Hockey World League Semi-finals in London and once in the pool stages here.

The defeat knocked Pakistan out of the final race and India will now play either Korea or Malaysia, who play later in the day, in the final.

Contrary to the result, the Indians were slow to get off the blocks, while Pakistan were the better side in terms of possession in the first two quarters.

Pakistan had three chances via penalty corners to take the lead in the first quarter, but wasted all.

The Indians secured the first penalty corner in the final minute of the opening quarter, but Harmanpreet messed up the opportunity.

After Ramandeep Singh&#39;s shot was saved by Pakistan goalkeeper Amjad Ali in the 23rd minute, India defended well to deny their rivals from another short corner.

Minutes later, Harmanpreet hit the cross bar from India&#39;s second penalty corner as both the teams failed to break the deadlock at half time.

But India looked more organised after the change of ends and dominated the proceedings in the final two quarters.

Satbir gave India the lead in the 39th minute after receiving a fine back stick pass from Lalit.

Minutes later, Harmanpreet&#39;s effort from India&#39;s third set piece was saved by Amjad Ali.

The Indians created chances in the final few minutes of the third quarter but Pakistan custodian Amjad Ali was upto the mark to keep Pakistan in the hunt.

India wasted two more penalty corners in a span of two minutes as Amjad Ali made multiple saves to deny their opponents.

India pressed on the gas in the final 10 minutes and scored three goals in a span of six minutes to run away with the game.

While Harmanpreet Singh scored his seventh goal of the tournament from India&#39;s sixth penalty corner, Lalit made it 3-0 a minute later by pouncing on a loose ball inside the D.

India added salt to Pakistan&#39;s wounds when Gurjant slotted home three minutes from the final hooter after receiving a precision pass from Akshdeep Singh from the right flank.&nbsp;

India will play either Korea or Malaysia in the final

A dominant India continued their unbeaten run in the tournament and thrashed arch-rivals Pakistan 4-0 to sail into the final of the 10th men's Asia Cup hockey tournament here today. The sixth ranked India, who just needed a draw to seal a place in tomorrow's summit clash, produced a superlative performance after the change of ends to pump in four goals -- three field strikes and one through penalty corner. Satbir Singh (39th minute), Harmanpreet Singh (51st), Lalit Upadhyay (52nd) and Gurjant Singh (57th) were the scorers for India. By virtue of this win, India not only topped the Super 4 stage with seven points, but also continued their domination over Pakistan. It was India's fourth win over Pakistan this year, having beaten them twice in the Hockey World League Semi-finals in London and once in the pool stages here. The defeat knocked Pakistan out of the final race and India will now play either Korea or Malaysia, who play later in the day, in the final. Contrary to the result, the Indians were slow to get off the blocks, while Pakistan were the better side in terms of possession in the first two quarters. Pakistan had three chances via penalty corners to take the lead in the first quarter, but wasted all. The Indians secured the first penalty corner in the final minute of the opening quarter, but Harmanpreet messed up the opportunity. After Ramandeep Singh's shot was saved by Pakistan goalkeeper Amjad Ali in the 23rd minute, India defended well to deny their rivals from another short corner. Minutes later, Harmanpreet hit the cross bar from India's second penalty corner as both the teams failed to break the deadlock at half time. But India looked more organised after the change of ends and dominated the proceedings in the final two quarters. Satbir gave India the lead in the 39th minute after receiving a fine back stick pass from Lalit. Minutes later, Harmanpreet's effort from India's third set piece was saved by Amjad Ali. The Indians created chances in the final few minutes of the third quarter but Pakistan custodian Amjad Ali was upto the mark to keep Pakistan in the hunt. India wasted two more penalty corners in a span of two minutes as Amjad Ali made multiple saves to deny their opponents. India pressed on the gas in the final 10 minutes and scored three goals in a span of six minutes to run away with the game. While Harmanpreet Singh scored his seventh goal of the tournament from India's sixth penalty corner, Lalit made it 3-0 a minute later by pouncing on a loose ball inside the D. India added salt to Pakistan's wounds when Gurjant slotted home three minutes from the final hooter after receiving a precision pass from Akshdeep Singh from the right flank.

India beat Pakistan 4-0 to enter Asia Cup final

At least 25 people, including students, have been killed in a fire at a religious school in Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, Reuters reported.

&quot;The number of confirmed dead are 23 students and&nbsp;two wardens,&quot; Khirudin&nbsp;Drahman, director of Kuala Lumpur&#39;s fire&nbsp;and rescue&nbsp;department&nbsp;told AFP.

The fire at the Darul Quran Ittifaqiyah was reported at 5.40 am (2140 GMT Wednesday), the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department said.

The blaze started in bedrooms before dawn and firefighters from a nearby station reached within minutes, according to a fire department official.

The bodies have been taken to a nearby hospital.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The fire at Darul Quran Ittifaqiyah was reported at around 5.40 am local time (2140 GMT)

At least 25 people, including students, have been killed in a fire at a religious school in Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, Reuters reported. "The number of confirmed dead are 23 students and two wardens," Khirudin Drahman, director of Kuala Lumpur's fire and rescue department told AFP. The fire at the Darul Quran Ittifaqiyah was reported at 5.40 am (2140 GMT Wednesday), the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department said. The blaze started in bedrooms before dawn and firefighters from a nearby station reached within minutes, according to a fire department official. The bodies have been taken to a nearby hospital. (With inputs from agencies)

Malaysia: At least 25 killed in fire at religious school

Invoking history in the everyday politics of a post-colonial state is an insane thing to do. On almost every occasion it is done, the objective is to create or expand fissures among communities for mean gains. Manipulators interpret history partially or irrationally.&nbsp;It&rsquo;s an absurd thing to live in the past, ignoring the realities and the established universal values of today. Unfortunately, all these negatives are being manifested in present day&rsquo;s Myanmar and especially in its western Rakhine State, which is also known as Arakan, in the form of an utterly irrational citizenship rule created by 1960s military dictator.

The Myanmar citizenship rule is in complete contrast with all international norms and conventions of the citizenship. And this citizenship rule makes an unprecedented cut off line that needs to date back to the 19th century as the criterion for citizenship, turning most Rohingya ethnic people of Rakhine State illegal immigrant.&nbsp;

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<h5>The Myanmar citizenship rule is in complete contrast with all international norms and conventions of the citizenship.</h5>
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Now, Rohingyas are fleeing Arakan again like the seventies. Already about half of their close to 3 million population are refugees in Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Thailand, Malaysia, India and Indonesia from the past exodus. The poor civilians of this highly persecuted and discriminated community are again on the run following the crack down on them by the Myanmar army. Accused of indulging in acts of political militancy by some elements of this desperate community, the usual Myanmar over reaction is brutal and cruel.

However, to understand the context of the crisis, it is imperative to revisit a bit of history and geography. Arakan rather has more geographical contiguity with Chittagong of Bangladesh in the north than the Bamar (the dominant ethnic group in Myanmar who constitute about 66 per cent&nbsp;of the country&rsquo;s population)&nbsp;hinterland in southern and central Myanmar. Rakhine State is a coastal province, elongated like a tail from north to south. The state is separated from rest of Myanmar by Arakan Mountains located on the east of the state. The mountains also run parallel from north to south to the coastal plains of the state.

There are two major ethnic groups living in Arakan. One is the Rakhine, after whom the state is named, and the other is the Rohingya. The Rakhine are culturally and linguistically close to the Bamar and Rohingya to the Bengali. Racially also, these two ethnicities are different. Rakhines are Mongoloid, Rohingyas are Caucasoid &ndash; Austro Asiatic mixed like most people of the eastern part of Indian sub- continent.

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<h5>Separatist armed movements were waged by the Rohingyas in northern Arakan in the 1950s and 1960s which Burmese army quelled with brute force.</h5>
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Historically, both the people lived and&nbsp;moved freely around this Chittagong-Arakan coastal plains and adjacent hills. There are about 200000 Rakhines too in the Chittagong Hill District of Bandarban and some in the southern Bangladeshi district of Patuakhali. Rakhines are also known as Mogh or Marma in Bangladesh. For the most part of the history, there were independent Mogh/ Rakhine kingdoms in Arakan which sometimes expanded up to Chittagong. There were early Bengali/ Rohingya courtiers and royal poets in Arakan courts. In the 18th century, forces of Bamar kingdoms crossed Arakan mountains, invaded and annexed Arakan. But it didn&rsquo;t last long as within a few decades the British gained Arakan and later the entire Burma and kept Arakan annexed to its Burmese dominion.

During British period there was a wave of Bengalis moving into Arakan for work, and under British patronage, they merged with old Rohingyas.&nbsp;In the World War II, the Rohingyas sided with the British whereas the Rakhines generally sided with the Japanese. Around the time of independence of Burma, there were communal tensions and riots between Rohingyas and Rakhines. Rohingyas wanted the Muslim majority of northern Arakan which had the border with Chittagong to merge with East Pakistan. Separatist armed movements were waged by the Rohingyas in northern Arakan in the 1950s and 1960s which Burmese army quelled with brute force. The same happened in the 1970s which met the same fate. The armed movement found resurgence since the 1990s and some elements are still continuing that.

Interestingly, there were separatist movements&nbsp;from the Rakhine side also against the Burmese. At least two groups operated in the 1960s and 1970s and some remnants still exist although at the marginal level. Burma or the present Myanmar is ethnically quite diverse a country. There are several dozens of ethnic groups other than the dominant Bamars. Some of these ethnicities are sizable and they form a majority in their own areas e.g. Kachin, Karen Shan etc. A long military rule, hegemony of the Bamar community and lack of channels for political expressions have led to the&nbsp;number of armed separatist movements in Myanmar many of which still persists. &nbsp;

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<h5>A long military rule, hegemony of the Bamar community and lack of channels for political expressions have led to the&nbsp;number of armed separatist movements in Myanmar.</h5>
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For the most part of its post-colonial history, Myanmar leadership has been self-secluded, secretive and regressive. Like the Pakistani army, Myanmar army captured the polity of the country right after its independence and continued to be at the helm till date. They haven&rsquo;t allowed much modern liberals thoughts of rights, democracy or institutions to enter their domain of imposed nominal socialism. Inside, they kept the Burmese society orthodox,&nbsp;stagnant and economically under developed.

The Buddhist monks of Myanmar, like their Sri Lankan counter parts, espouse a kind of religious nationalism. They are quite aggressive and violence-inciting and receives patronage from Myanmar army and political forces. It&rsquo;s a huge irony in light of fundamental non-violent tenets of Buddhism. The difference between Myanmar and other nations of south Asia is quite stark. Myanmar expelled its sizable Indian population right after its independence. It also had anti-Muslim turned anti-South Asian riots in the central part of it in recent past.

Aung San Suu Kyi, after decades of struggle, has only attained a limited political power. And despite the criticism of her in the Rohingya episode for remaining silent, it has to be understood that Suu Kyi&#39;s hands are actually tied. The Myanmar army has clearly taken the side of the Rakhine, who are ethnically and communally close to the Bamars, and they won&rsquo;t allow Suu Kyi much leeway in this. However, Suu Khi should at least have taken a middle stand and put some indirect pressure on the military. Then the international community could have done more.

The Rohingyas are politically quite disorganised and the high degree of persecution has suppressed their natural political expressions. Due to this oppression, some Islamist militants have found their way into this community. And that, in turn, has become more of a reason for the Myanmar army to conduct heavy handed crack down at the cost of high civilian causality.

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<h5>Despite the criticism of her in the Rohingya episode for remaining silent, it has to be understood that Suu Kyi&#39;s hands are actually tied.</h5>
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Geopolitically, it seems no country is interested to do much for the Rohingyas as yet. Bangladesh doesn&#39;t have enough strength to do much on its own- be it diplomatic or military.&nbsp;Bangladesh has close relations with China, but China has even closer relations with Myanmar. Despite the overt bonhomie with Hasina government, the BJP government&nbsp;in India has hardly any empathy towards Muslim sufferings anywhere in the world. Nehruvian principle based foreign policy is a thing of past for India.

The foreign policy is now narrow nationalistic interest based and the current Indian government&nbsp;will easily sacrifice Rohingyas for a little strategic leverage with Myanmar. The Indian government has already declared that it will deport the 40 thousand Rohingyas from neighbouring Myanmar, about 0.33 or one-thirtieths of the entire Rohingya refugee and that too against its own home ministry policy of giving shelter to persecuted communities and defying UNHCR measures.&nbsp;

Apart from Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have taken in sizable numbers of Rohingya refugees and Turkey is quite vocal against Myanmar atrocities against Rohingyas. But the Islamic world itself is in chaos and Islamic solidarity is in decline.&nbsp;Trump&rsquo;s US is no more reliable for anything good and many will probably count only on the EU and UK in the west on this matter. UN has been the lone consistent international voice for these distressed people. ASEAN countries certainly have some influence on Myanmar although not as much as China.

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<h5>Bengalis are culturally close to the Rohingyas, and there is internal pressure on Bangladesh government to do something, but the government&nbsp;as of now has been careful not to antagonise Myanmar despite the atrocities and tried to solve the matter bilaterally with very limited success.&nbsp;</h5>
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Bangladesh is in a difficult dilemma at this point. Bengalis are culturally close to the Rohingyas, and there is internal pressure on Bangladesh government to do something, but the government&nbsp;as of now has been careful not to antagonise Myanmar despite the atrocities and tried to solve the matter bilaterally with very limited success.&nbsp;It seems now that only a Bangladesh, Turkey, Saudi Arabia led diplomatic drive including measures like sanctions on Myanmar, if necessary, and with help from ASEAN countries like Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia and perhaps the EU and UN is the only way forward. Bangladesh has to be careful while taking the help of the Islamic world in not giving in to any demand of Islamic radicals to operate in Arakan from its soil. That can have serious ramifications for Bangladesh, Arakan and even the entire sub-region.

But the big question is to what extent these countries will be ready to coordinate with each other and invest in this crisis? Can China be pressurised substantially to put pressure on Myanmar in turn? As of now, it appears that there isn&rsquo;t&nbsp;much hope for the destitute and internationally abandoned Rohingyas - the most persecuted community in the world as declared by the UN. Humanity continues to be humiliated in that wretched land.

There isn?t?much hope for the destitute and internationally abandoned Rohingyas - the most persecuted community in the world as declared by the UN.

Invoking history in the everyday politics of a post-colonial state is an insane thing to do. On almost every occasion it is done, the objective is to create or expand fissures among communities for mean gains. Manipulators interpret history partially or irrationally. It’s an absurd thing to live in the past, ignoring the realities and the established universal values of today. Unfortunately, all these negatives are being manifested in present day’s Myanmar and especially in its western Rakhine State, which is also known as Arakan, in the form of an utterly irrational citizenship rule created by 1960s military dictator. The Myanmar citizenship rule is in complete contrast with all international norms and conventions of the citizenship. And this citizenship rule makes an unprecedented cut off line that needs to date back to the 19th century as the criterion for citizenship, turning most Rohingya ethnic people of Rakhine State illegal immigrant. The Myanmar citizenship rule is in complete contrast with all international norms and conventions of the citizenship. × Now, Rohingyas are fleeing Arakan again like the seventies. Already about half of their close to 3 million population are refugees in Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Thailand, Malaysia, India and Indonesia from the past exodus. The poor civilians of this highly persecuted and discriminated community are again on the run following the crack down on them by the Myanmar army. Accused of indulging in acts of political militancy by some elements of this desperate community, the usual Myanmar over reaction is brutal and cruel. However, to understand the context of the crisis, it is imperative to revisit a bit of history and geography. Arakan rather has more geographical contiguity with Chittagong of Bangladesh in the north than the Bamar (the dominant ethnic group in Myanmar who constitute about 66 per cent of the country’s population) hinterland in southern and central Myanmar. Rakhine State is a coastal province, elongated like a tail from north to south. The state is separated from rest of Myanmar by Arakan Mountains located on the east of the state. The mountains also run parallel from north to south to the coastal plains of the state. There are two major ethnic groups living in Arakan. One is the Rakhine, after whom the state is named, and the other is the Rohingya. The Rakhine are culturally and linguistically close to the Bamar and Rohingya to the Bengali. Racially also, these two ethnicities are different. Rakhines are Mongoloid, Rohingyas are Caucasoid – Austro Asiatic mixed like most people of the eastern part of Indian sub- continent. Separatist armed movements were waged by the Rohingyas in northern Arakan in the 1950s and 1960s which Burmese army quelled with brute force. × Historically, both the people lived and moved freely around this Chittagong-Arakan coastal plains and adjacent hills. There are about 200000 Rakhines too in the Chittagong Hill District of Bandarban and some in the southern Bangladeshi district of Patuakhali. Rakhines are also known as Mogh or Marma in Bangladesh. For the most part of the history, there were independent Mogh/ Rakhine kingdoms in Arakan which sometimes expanded up to Chittagong. There were early Bengali/ Rohingya courtiers and royal poets in Arakan courts. In the 18th century, forces of Bamar kingdoms crossed Arakan mountains, invaded and annexed Arakan. But it didn’t last long as within a few decades the British gained Arakan and later the entire Burma and kept Arakan annexed to its Burmese dominion. During British period there was a wave of Bengalis moving into Arakan for work, and under British patronage, they merged with old Rohingyas. In the World War II, the Rohingyas sided with the British whereas the Rakhines generally sided with the Japanese. Around the time of independence of Burma, there were communal tensions and riots between Rohingyas and Rakhines. Rohingyas wanted the Muslim majority of northern Arakan which had the border with Chittagong to merge with East Pakistan. Separatist armed movements were waged by the Rohingyas in northern Arakan in the 1950s and 1960s which Burmese army quelled with brute force. The same happened in the 1970s which met the same fate. The armed movement found resurgence since the 1990s and some elements are still continuing that. Interestingly, there were separatist movements from the Rakhine side also against the Burmese. At least two groups operated in the 1960s and 1970s and some remnants still exist although at the marginal level. Burma or the present Myanmar is ethnically quite diverse a country. There are several dozens of ethnic groups other than the dominant Bamars. Some of these ethnicities are sizable and they form a majority in their own areas e.g. Kachin, Karen Shan etc. A long military rule, hegemony of the Bamar community and lack of channels for political expressions have led to the number of armed separatist movements in Myanmar many of which still persists. A long military rule, hegemony of the Bamar community and lack of channels for political expressions have led to the number of armed separatist movements in Myanmar. × For the most part of its post-colonial history, Myanmar leadership has been self-secluded, secretive and regressive. Like the Pakistani army, Myanmar army captured the polity of the country right after its independence and continued to be at the helm till date. They haven’t allowed much modern liberals thoughts of rights, democracy or institutions to enter their domain of imposed nominal socialism. Inside, they kept the Burmese society orthodox, stagnant and economically under developed. The Buddhist monks of Myanmar, like their Sri Lankan counter parts, espouse a kind of religious nationalism. They are quite aggressive and violence-inciting and receives patronage from Myanmar army and political forces. It’s a huge irony in light of fundamental non-violent tenets of Buddhism. The difference between Myanmar and other nations of south Asia is quite stark. Myanmar expelled its sizable Indian population right after its independence. It also had anti-Muslim turned anti-South Asian riots in the central part of it in recent past. Aung San Suu Kyi, after decades of struggle, has only attained a limited political power. And despite the criticism of her in the Rohingya episode for remaining silent, it has to be understood that Suu Kyi's hands are actually tied. The Myanmar army has clearly taken the side of the Rakhine, who are ethnically and communally close to the Bamars, and they won’t allow Suu Kyi much leeway in this. However, Suu Khi should at least have taken a middle stand and put some indirect pressure on the military. Then the international community could have done more. The Rohingyas are politically quite disorganised and the high degree of persecution has suppressed their natural political expressions. Due to this oppression, some Islamist militants have found their way into this community. And that, in turn, has become more of a reason for the Myanmar army to conduct heavy handed crack down at the cost of high civilian causality. Despite the criticism of her in the Rohingya episode for remaining silent, it has to be understood that Suu Kyi's hands are actually tied. × Geopolitically, it seems no country is interested to do much for the Rohingyas as yet. Bangladesh doesn't have enough strength to do much on its own- be it diplomatic or military. Bangladesh has close relations with China, but China has even closer relations with Myanmar. Despite the overt bonhomie with Hasina government, the BJP government in India has hardly any empathy towards Muslim sufferings anywhere in the world. Nehruvian principle based foreign policy is a thing of past for India. The foreign policy is now narrow nationalistic interest based and the current Indian government will easily sacrifice Rohingyas for a little strategic leverage with Myanmar. The Indian government has already declared that it will deport the 40 thousand Rohingyas from neighbouring Myanmar, about 0.33 or one-thirtieths of the entire Rohingya refugee and that too against its own home ministry policy of giving shelter to persecuted communities and defying UNHCR measures. Apart from Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have taken in sizable numbers of Rohingya refugees and Turkey is quite vocal against Myanmar atrocities against Rohingyas. But the Islamic world itself is in chaos and Islamic solidarity is in decline. Trump’s US is no more reliable for anything good and many will probably count only on the EU and UK in the west on this matter. UN has been the lone consistent international voice for these distressed people. ASEAN countries certainly have some influence on Myanmar although not as much as China. Bengalis are culturally close to the Rohingyas, and there is internal pressure on Bangladesh government to do something, but the government as of now has been careful not to antagonise Myanmar despite the atrocities and tried to solve the matter bilaterally with very limited success. × Bangladesh is in a difficult dilemma at this point. Bengalis are culturally close to the Rohingyas, and there is internal pressure on Bangladesh government to do something, but the government as of now has been careful not to antagonise Myanmar despite the atrocities and tried to solve the matter bilaterally with very limited success. It seems now that only a Bangladesh, Turkey, Saudi Arabia led diplomatic drive including measures like sanctions on Myanmar, if necessary, and with help from ASEAN countries like Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia and perhaps the EU and UN is the only way forward. Bangladesh has to be careful while taking the help of the Islamic world in not giving in to any demand of Islamic radicals to operate in Arakan from its soil. That can have serious ramifications for Bangladesh, Arakan and even the entire sub-region. But the big question is to what extent these countries will be ready to coordinate with each other and invest in this crisis? Can China be pressurised substantially to put pressure on Myanmar in turn? As of now, it appears that there isn’t much hope for the destitute and internationally abandoned Rohingyas - the most persecuted community in the world as declared by the UN. Humanity continues to be humiliated in that wretched land.

No country for a Rohingya

China&rsquo;s Internet market is growing at a phenomenal rate with more than 731 million users at present. The market is so enormous that there are around 200 different app stores in the country at present. Gaining abundant success in the domestic market, China&rsquo;s tech giants simultaneously pushed their boundaries, creating waves in rest of the world, despite stiff competition.

China is the second largest economy in the world - worth of $11 trillion as per World Bank&rsquo;s 2017 figures with the US bagging the first rank $18 trillion. Despite this, China&#39;s market has often been characterised by skeptics as an act of mere &quot;replication&quot; of products made elsewhere in the world. But having said that, it is undeniable that Chinese Internet giants are vying with early starters of the western world.

In the year 2011, China blocked Google Play, since its authority wanted Google to store Chinese users&#39; data on China&#39;s servers. In addition, the authority needed Google to filter its search results, which Google refused. Instead of being dispirited, country&rsquo;s tech giants came up with its own alternative for the search engine. Soon, the market was taken over by Baidu, a popular Chinese search engine that became China&rsquo;s Google. Today, Baidu happens to be the sixth largest Internet company in the world.

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<h5>According to Mary Meeker&rsquo;s attest Internet Trends report, another Chinese production, the UC browser made it to the list of the top ten-most downloaded apps in India.</h5>
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According to Mary Meeker&rsquo;s Internet Trends report, another Chinese production, the UC browser made it to the list of the top ten-most downloaded apps in India, ranking at the sixth position with WhatsApp at the first, followed by Facebook Messenger. This Chinese search engine reached the Indian Internet market in 2008. During those years, only two search engines were operational--UC Browser and Opera Mini. Therefore, it was easier back then to develop credibility and win the trust of people. It was a preferred over Opera mini in smartphones and desktops.

&quot;UC Inside, World in Hand&quot;, the browser&#39;s slogan said it all. Over the years, UC Browser&rsquo;s Indian market share has risen to 41.76 per cent, beating Google Chrome which is at 38.99 per cent, according to the reports of StatCounter. Late last year&#39;s data shows that more than 100 million active users access UC browser on their mobile phones.

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<h5>The consistent rise in Indian internet users&rsquo; graph estimates around 465 million users in 2017, as per the report of Internet and Mobile Association of India.</h5>
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Since India&#39;s Internet sector is burgeoning at a rapid pace with rising number of social media websites, growing Internet penetration, and increasing sophistication and diversification of small businesses, it is predicted that its Internet market will grow by 2.5 times by 2020. Other international tech giants, such as Amazon and Uber are inspired enough to invest billion dollars into the country. Besides, as per the report of Internet and Mobile Association of India, there are around 465 million Internet users in 2017.

China&rsquo;s Internet sector giants were left with two choices&mdash;either to target West or East. Their decision to capture eastern countries like India with potential users turned out to be sensible. A Chinese beautifying app, &ldquo;Beauty Plus&rdquo;, is a rage in India because of the selfie-obsessed youth. The parent company - Meitu, that developed the app, did a thorough research before stepping into the Indian market. Since a majority of Indian girls seek fair and blemish free looks, this app introduced makeup filters for flawless-looking skin. Earlier, as the country was struggling with slow Internet speed, the company launched a lighter version of the app called &ldquo;Beauty Plus Me&rdquo;. One of the believed approaches of these Chinese firms is that they are not easily swayed by what is cool and in trend; instead, they go for what is the requirement of the target market.

Mobo Market app, which is China&rsquo;s version of Google Play Store, is proved to be more advanced and diversified than the latter one itself. The company is promoting its applications in full swing in India and adding features specific to the country--it now has Beta support for multiple Indian languages including Bengali, Urdu, Marathi, and Tamil. On the other hand, China&#39;s &ldquo;ShareIt&rdquo;, the fastest file transfer tool - 200 times the Bluetooth speed&mdash;bagged the third position in the Top 10-most downloaded apps on Google Play in 2017. Furthermore, recently China&#39;s Wechat, an instant messaging app by Tencent, has invested in India&rsquo;s WhatsApp rival Hike messenger.

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<h5>China&rsquo;s e-commerce giant, Alibaba Company turned around the picture of its domestic, small and middle scale businesses and of the firms around the world via web portals.</h5>
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China&rsquo;s e-commerce giant, Alibaba Company turned around the picture of its domestic, small and middle scale businesses and of the firms around the world via web portals. Jack Ma, the founder of Alibaba group, who is officially the richest man in China did not use the magic mantra of &ldquo;Open Sesame&rdquo; which worked for the original Alibaba of the Arabian Nights - opening the mouth of the cave in which forty thieves have hidden a treasure. Instead, it was Ma&rsquo;s struggle and determination that helped Alibaba to scale such heights. Currently, Alibaba group has handsomely invested in some of India&rsquo;s major e-commerce businesses, most famous among these being Paytm. Besides, Baidu is also expected to invest in Indian e-commerce startups including, Zomato, BookMyShow, and Bigbasket.

China&#39;s tech titans, Baidu (search), Alibaba(e-commerce) and Tencent (instant messaging and gaming)-(BAT), called as the &quot;Kings of Chinese Internet industries&quot; although being distinct from each other, but are doing core businesses in the country. It is, therefore, definitely a major breakthrough for India as well. Furthermore, let&rsquo;s see if this companionship works in strengthening India-China relations when there is already a peril going on in between both the countries over Doklam border standoff.

Princess Tunku Tun Aminah Sultan Ibrahim is the only daughter of the Sultan of Johor

China’s Internet market is growing at a phenomenal rate with more than 731 million users at present. The market is so enormous that there are around 200 different app stores in the country at present. Gaining abundant success in the domestic market, China’s tech giants simultaneously pushed their boundaries, creating waves in rest of the world, despite stiff competition. China is the second largest economy in the world - worth of $11 trillion as per World Bank’s 2017 figures with the US bagging the first rank $18 trillion. Despite this, China's market has often been characterised by skeptics as an act of mere "replication" of products made elsewhere in the world. But having said that, it is undeniable that Chinese Internet giants are vying with early starters of the western world. In the year 2011, China blocked Google Play, since its authority wanted Google to store Chinese users' data on China's servers. In addition, the authority needed Google to filter its search results, which Google refused. Instead of being dispirited, country’s tech giants came up with its own alternative for the search engine. Soon, the market was taken over by Baidu, a popular Chinese search engine that became China’s Google. Today, Baidu happens to be the sixth largest Internet company in the world. According to Mary Meeker’s attest Internet Trends report, another Chinese production, the UC browser made it to the list of the top ten-most downloaded apps in India. × According to Mary Meeker’s Internet Trends report, another Chinese production, the UC browser made it to the list of the top ten-most downloaded apps in India, ranking at the sixth position with WhatsApp at the first, followed by Facebook Messenger. This Chinese search engine reached the Indian Internet market in 2008. During those years, only two search engines were operational--UC Browser and Opera Mini. Therefore, it was easier back then to develop credibility and win the trust of people. It was a preferred over Opera mini in smartphones and desktops. "UC Inside, World in Hand", the browser's slogan said it all. Over the years, UC Browser’s Indian market share has risen to 41.76 per cent, beating Google Chrome which is at 38.99 per cent, according to the reports of StatCounter. Late last year's data shows that more than 100 million active users access UC browser on their mobile phones. The consistent rise in Indian internet users’ graph estimates around 465 million users in 2017, as per the report of Internet and Mobile Association of India. × Since India's Internet sector is burgeoning at a rapid pace with rising number of social media websites, growing Internet penetration, and increasing sophistication and diversification of small businesses, it is predicted that its Internet market will grow by 2.5 times by 2020. Other international tech giants, such as Amazon and Uber are inspired enough to invest billion dollars into the country. Besides, as per the report of Internet and Mobile Association of India, there are around 465 million Internet users in 2017. China’s Internet sector giants were left with two choices—either to target West or East. Their decision to capture eastern countries like India with potential users turned out to be sensible. A Chinese beautifying app, “Beauty Plus”, is a rage in India because of the selfie-obsessed youth. The parent company - Meitu, that developed the app, did a thorough research before stepping into the Indian market. Since a majority of Indian girls seek fair and blemish free looks, this app introduced makeup filters for flawless-looking skin. Earlier, as the country was struggling with slow Internet speed, the company launched a lighter version of the app called “Beauty Plus Me”. One of the believed approaches of these Chinese firms is that they are not easily swayed by what is cool and in trend; instead, they go for what is the requirement of the target market. Mobo Market app, which is China’s version of Google Play Store, is proved to be more advanced and diversified than the latter one itself. The company is promoting its applications in full swing in India and adding features specific to the country--it now has Beta support for multiple Indian languages including Bengali, Urdu, Marathi, and Tamil. On the other hand, China's “ShareIt”, the fastest file transfer tool - 200 times the Bluetooth speed—bagged the third position in the Top 10-most downloaded apps on Google Play in 2017. Furthermore, recently China's Wechat, an instant messaging app by Tencent, has invested in India’s WhatsApp rival Hike messenger. China’s e-commerce giant, Alibaba Company turned around the picture of its domestic, small and middle scale businesses and of the firms around the world via web portals. × China’s e-commerce giant, Alibaba Company turned around the picture of its domestic, small and middle scale businesses and of the firms around the world via web portals. Jack Ma, the founder of Alibaba group, who is officially the richest man in China did not use the magic mantra of “Open Sesame” which worked for the original Alibaba of the Arabian Nights - opening the mouth of the cave in which forty thieves have hidden a treasure. Instead, it was Ma’s struggle and determination that helped Alibaba to scale such heights. Currently, Alibaba group has handsomely invested in some of India’s major e-commerce businesses, most famous among these being Paytm. Besides, Baidu is also expected to invest in Indian e-commerce startups including, Zomato, BookMyShow, and Bigbasket. China's tech titans, Baidu (search), Alibaba(e-commerce) and Tencent (instant messaging and gaming)-(BAT), called as the "Kings of Chinese Internet industries" although being distinct from each other, but are doing core businesses in the country. It is, therefore, definitely a major breakthrough for India as well. Furthermore, let’s see if this companionship works in strengthening India-China relations when there is already a peril going on in between both the countries over Doklam border standoff.

Malaysian princess gets married in a lavish ceremony

A Malaysian air force fighter jet was reported missing on Thursday and a search and rescue operation has been launched, informed the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF).

A Hawk 108 fighter jet which is believed to have gone missing north of Kuantan near the Pahang-Terengganu border lost contact with the RMAF, reports the Malaysian National News Agency.

The RMAF said in a statement that contact was lost after the aircraft took off from the Kuantan airbase at 11.30 a.m.

Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein, in a Twitter message expressed concern over the incident and prayed for the safety of the pilots.&nbsp;

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Terima berita membimbangkan. Semoga semuanya selamat, insyaAllah. <a href="https://t.co/EwIQ2YbTo9">https://t.co/EwIQ2YbTo9</a>
&mdash; Hishammuddin Hussein (@HishammuddinH2O) <a href="https://twitter.com/HishammuddinH2O/status/875215152454316034">June 15, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Malaysian air force fighter jet goes missing north of Kuantan near the Pahang-Terengganu border

A Malaysian air force fighter jet was reported missing on Thursday and a search and rescue operation has been launched, informed the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF). A Hawk 108 fighter jet which is believed to have gone missing north of Kuantan near the Pahang-Terengganu border lost contact with the RMAF, reports the Malaysian National News Agency. The RMAF said in a statement that contact was lost after the aircraft took off from the Kuantan airbase at 11.30 a.m. Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein, in a Twitter message expressed concern over the incident and prayed for the safety of the pilots. Terima berita membimbangkan. Semoga semuanya selamat, insyaAllah. https://t.co/EwIQ2YbTo9 — Hishammuddin Hussein (@HishammuddinH2O) June 15, 2017 ×

Malaysian fighter jet goes missing north of Kuantan, search-and-rescue operation initiated

Malaysia has arrested six foreigners and one Malaysian for suspected links to militant groups including Islamic State, the police chief said on Sunday.

The Southeast Asian nation has been on high alert since suicide bombers and gunmen linked to Islamic State launched multiple attacks in Jakarta, the capital of neighbouring Indonesia, in January 2016.

A grenade attack on a bar on the outskirts of the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur, in June last year wounded eight people. Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attacks, the first of such attacks on Malaysian soil.

Malaysia has arrested hundreds over the last few years for suspected links to militant groups.

In the latest arrests made between February 21 and February 26, one Malaysian and one Indonesian were detained for planning to launch a large-scale car bomb attack using a &quot;vehicle borne improvised explosive device&quot;, before leaving to join IS in Syria, Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar said in a statement.

The two were part of an Islamic State cell that received instructions from Muhammad Wanndy Muhammad Jedi - a known Malaysian IS fighter in Syria.

One East Asian, with a fake student visa, had connections to an East Asian militant group that sends its members to Malaysia before heading to Syria to join Islamic State, Khalid said.

Four Yemenis arrested were suspected of being part of a Yemeni insurgent group. They were also part of a syndicate forging travel documents.

Police seized multiple international passports and 270,000 ringgit ($60,650) in cash in different currencies from the four.

(Reuters)

Malaysia has been on high alert since suicide bombers and gunmen linked to IS launched multiple attacks in Jakarta last year

Malaysia has arrested six foreigners and one Malaysian for suspected links to militant groups including Islamic State, the police chief said on Sunday. The Southeast Asian nation has been on high alert since suicide bombers and gunmen linked to Islamic State launched multiple attacks in Jakarta, the capital of neighbouring Indonesia, in January 2016. A grenade attack on a bar on the outskirts of the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur, in June last year wounded eight people. Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attacks, the first of such attacks on Malaysian soil. Malaysia has arrested hundreds over the last few years for suspected links to militant groups. In the latest arrests made between February 21 and February 26, one Malaysian and one Indonesian were detained for planning to launch a large-scale car bomb attack using a "vehicle borne improvised explosive device", before leaving to join IS in Syria, Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar said in a statement. The two were part of an Islamic State cell that received instructions from Muhammad Wanndy Muhammad Jedi - a known Malaysian IS fighter in Syria. One East Asian, with a fake student visa, had connections to an East Asian militant group that sends its members to Malaysia before heading to Syria to join Islamic State, Khalid said. Four Yemenis arrested were suspected of being part of a Yemeni insurgent group. They were also part of a syndicate forging travel documents. Police seized multiple international passports and 270,000 ringgit ($60,650) in cash in different currencies from the four. (Reuters)

Malaysia: Seven arrested for suspected links to militant groups including IS

Malaysia on Saturday expelled the North Korean ambassador to the country, declaring him &quot;persona non grata&quot; and asking the envoy to leave Malaysia within 48 hours.

The move comes nearly three weeks after Kim Jong Nam, the estranged half brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, was murdered at Kuala Lumpur&#39;s airport with a toxic nerve agent. US&nbsp;and South Korean officials have said he was killed by agents of the North Korean regime.

<a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/news/north-korea/north-korea-says-kim-jong-nam-likely-died-heart-attack-n728041" target="_blank">NBC </a>reported that a North Korean official disputed the cause of death, suggesting&nbsp;Kim Jong Nam wasn&#39;t murdered by assassins who used poison on the orders of his half-brother&#39;s secretive regime, but rather died of a natural heart attack.

North Korea requested that no autopsy be conducted, NBC reports, but Malaysia did&nbsp;one anyway and found the nerve agent VX on&nbsp;Kim Jong Nam&#39;s eyes and face.&nbsp;

Two women were caught on camera in the airport, smearing Kim Jong Nam&#39;s face. He died twenty minutes later.&nbsp;

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xJZvE2qhGd0" width="560"></iframe>

Kang Chol, North Korea&#39;s ambassador to Malaysia, said last month his country &quot;cannot trust&quot; Malaysia&#39;s handling of the probe, and also accused the country of &quot;colluding with outside forces&quot; in a veiled reference to bitter rival South Korea.

Malaysian foreign minister Anifah Haji Aman said in a statement on Saturday that Malaysia had demanded an apology from the ambassador for his comments, but none was forthcoming.

&quot;Malaysia will react strongly against any insults made against it or any attempt to tarnish its reputation,&quot; Anifah said.

(WION with inputs from Reuters)

US?and South Korean officials have said he was killed by North Korean agents. A North Korean official suggested it was a heart attack

Malaysia on Saturday expelled the North Korean ambassador to the country, declaring him "persona non grata" and asking the envoy to leave Malaysia within 48 hours. The move comes nearly three weeks after Kim Jong Nam, the estranged half brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, was murdered at Kuala Lumpur's airport with a toxic nerve agent. US and South Korean officials have said he was killed by agents of the North Korean regime. NBC reported that a North Korean official disputed the cause of death, suggesting Kim Jong Nam wasn't murdered by assassins who used poison on the orders of his half-brother's secretive regime, but rather died of a natural heart attack. North Korea requested that no autopsy be conducted, NBC reports, but Malaysia did one anyway and found the nerve agent VX on Kim Jong Nam's eyes and face. Two women were caught on camera in the airport, smearing Kim Jong Nam's face. He died twenty minutes later. Kang Chol, North Korea's ambassador to Malaysia, said last month his country "cannot trust" Malaysia's handling of the probe, and also accused the country of "colluding with outside forces" in a veiled reference to bitter rival South Korea. Malaysian foreign minister Anifah Haji Aman said in a statement on Saturday that Malaysia had demanded an apology from the ambassador for his comments, but none was forthcoming. "Malaysia will react strongly against any insults made against it or any attempt to tarnish its reputation," Anifah said. (WION with inputs from Reuters)

Malaysia expels North Korean ambassador after Kim Jong Nam murder

Saudi Arabia&rsquo;s King Salman and a 500-member plus entourage visited Malaysia and are now in Indonesia. The Saudis will holiday there and then travel onwards to Brunei, the Maldives, Japan and China. Saudi Arabia is ostensibly seeking and offering investment, among others a Joint Venture with South East Asian oil companies. But is he also there as a public relations act to fortify Wahabi Islam, the rapidly spreading and rigid form as practised in Saudi Arabia.

WION&rsquo;s Senior International Correspondent Padma Rao Sundarji spoke to Malaysian activist Marina Mahathir. She is the daughter of Mahathir Mohammed, the longest-serving former Prime Minister of Malaysia and also at the forefront of activism against what she calls &ldquo;Arab colonialism&rdquo;. 
&nbsp; 
PRS: Ms Mahathir, Saudi Arabia&rsquo;s King Salman is currently visiting your region with a huge entourage and will remain in Asia for an entire month. You have often warned of &lsquo;&rsquo;Arab Colonialism&rdquo; in Malaysia. Does that warning extend to the entire South East Asian region and if so, are your own Islamic scholars doing anything about it?

Mahathir: They claim to be. But it&rsquo;s not very effective because they are giving out mixed messages. On the one hand, they talk about how people should not go off to join IS. They are very concerned about potential recruits for IS. But at the same time, they are also extremely conservative and not very tolerant of anything that is not part of the Sunni sect of Islam. Malaysian Muslims have been increasingly taking on Arab forms of dress, even Arab forms of speaking. Most of us do not speak Arabic but to show their Islamic credentials, some people will start a speech in Arabic without translating it, for instance. Additionally, there is almost a rejection of our own local culture. There is a lot of Malay culture that has been banned or downgraded or neglected. I feel very much that we are losing our identity and becoming more and more alien to our culture. And I see that also in other parts of Muslim parts of South Asia but I think it is more obvious here because we are a Muslim majority country but much smaller. 
&nbsp; 
PRS: Does this &ldquo;Arab colonialism&rdquo; target women in particular? Have there been sudden, new diktats on how to dress, how to and what to speak? 
&nbsp; 
Mahathir: I think the most obvious is in the way that some women dress. Suddenly, we see a lot of women favouring the long caftan-like outfit, rather than our traditional dress. Whether out of fashion sense or comfort, it&rsquo;s still quite worrying to see so many women doing so and neglecting our own, traditional outfits. I&rsquo;ve started seeing quite a few niqabs,&nbsp;the face-covering head-dress. It is completely alien to our culture and I am wondering where it came from. But on the other hand, we&rsquo;ve made so many forward strides since independence that it&rsquo;s very hard to roll all that back. So nobody has dared to suggest that women in Malaysia cannot drive, and that sort of thing. But still, in terms of personal laws -- that&rsquo;s where my organisation comes in and -- we&rsquo;re very worried about this trend. Of course, the most worrying thing is the move first by the opposition and now by our government, to push forward what we call the hudood bill. It is intended to make Shariah courts more powerful than they have ever been and to implement so-called Islamic laws for various crimes. That&rsquo;s what&rsquo;s worrying. 
&nbsp; 
PRS: On a scale of 1-10, to what extent is Saudi Arabia itself responsible for this radicalisation? Does the inspiration come from this one country alone? Or are there other causes too?

Mahathir: They are a factor perhaps a five on that scale. But there are many other reasons. The sluggish economy, lots of listless men who have nothing to do and get attracted to this type of ideology. In addition, we have a government that is politicising religion, that seems to be in a race with the opposition to show who is more Islamic. It all combines to move towards this type of radicalisation. 
&nbsp; 
PRS: Still, there was some good news today. An appeals court overthrew an earlier decision against your petition for a judicial review of a fatwa issued against your organisation, The Sisters of Islam and has ordered the courts to look at it again. Does your petition have widespread support both in Malaysia and elsewhere in South East Asia?

Mahathir: I wouldn&rsquo;t call it widespread. There are certainly many people watching it and we are very happy with the unanimous decision by the appeals court judges to allow the judicial review. But we face challenges all the time. Even the fact that the fatwa is supposedly on hold, doesn&rsquo;t stop sermons being read against us or all sorts of other attempts to harass us every day. So yes, it was a good day today but we still face long challenges and I am sure it will not be easy, once we go back to court to hear the judicial review. 
&nbsp; 
PRS: Are such fatwas new? &nbsp;Do you feel that these recent fatwas are also due to growing Saudi influence?

Mahathir: Yes, I do think that there have been more in the past ten years. Partly because of all circumstances, not just the Saudi influence, particularly the politicisation of religion in this country and the competition between the government and the Islamist party. With the ruling party losing the 2/3rds majority in parliament, it is trying to win back rural voters who are mostly Muslim and thinks this is the best way to do so. They&rsquo;ve mounted a campaign against pluralism, liberalism, Shias &ndash; all very similar to Saudi-style Islam. And we are caught in it and are very big targets because we are women talking about religion. And we&rsquo;ve been around for long. We are not unused to this type of harassment. But we feel that it has become more intense nowadays and that&rsquo;s because it&rsquo;s being weaponised by the government. The Islamic Development Agency, a government body in the PM&rsquo;s department, enjoys a budget of 1 billion Ringgit. Considering they don&rsquo;t have that much to do, what&rsquo;s all that money for? &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
PRS: Saudi Arabian King Salman is on a month-long Asia visit, supposedly to firm up oil deals, investments, business. But is that all there is to the trip? Or is there more than meets the eye? He is, after all, also going to the Maldives &ndash; and Wahabi Islam has been on the rise there too&hellip;

Mahathir: I am no expert. But I think there is probably a different agenda, though perhaps not a conscious one. It&rsquo;s probably to make an impression upon the Muslims here, to dazzle them with the huge entourage and the money being thrown around in such a way, that they somehow equate all this wealth with Islam. It&rsquo;s kind of a PR campaign: to promote a certain brand of Islam without considering that our part of the world is very, very different from Saudi Arabia. 
&nbsp; 
PRS:&nbsp;Is this attempt to impress aimed primarily at the grassroots? People, who are dependent on tourism?

Mahathir: I don&rsquo;t know how much money will actually reach the grassroots. After all, they&rsquo;re staying in luxury<a class="V4K1n6ka LoGF30kb145kc" href="#86321189" style="z-index: 2147483647;" title="Click to Continue &gt; by Advertisement"> </a>hotels and no middle-class people go there. But okay, the odd waiter may get a huge tip. A lot of Asians have this &ldquo;Big Man Syndrome.&rdquo; &nbsp;A big man is surely entitled to all these luxuries and privileges, is the thinking. And it&rsquo;s all very impressive to the grassroots. What&rsquo;s worse is, the visit is being spun politically here in Malaysia. Our PM is justifying a controversial goods and service tax, a one-off payment to poor families, all only because Saudi Arabia has those provisions in place. So everything is being justified in relation to Saudi Arabia. In a way, that is saying that if Saudi Arabia is doing something then it must be a good thing and by implication, also an Islamic thing. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
PRS: King Salman travelled to Malaysia first, before flying to Indonesia. How did people in your country react? Were there protests?

Mahathir: We Malaysians are a very passive lot. Nobody really protested. It was more like grumbling about a big dignitary being in town and causing traffic jams. But I am quite impressed by Indonesian women who have come out to protest against his visit, principally because of the sufferings of a number of Indonesian migrant workers in Saudi Arabia. 
&nbsp; 
PRS: Do you have a sizeable Hindu population in Malaysia? Or even a small but influential one?

Mahathir: About 10 per cent of our population is of subcontinental origin. They are grouped as Indians&nbsp;but are not necessarily all Hindus. There is a nascent Hindu movement because of many cases of discrimination. &nbsp;There is also an Indian component party of the ruling coalition but they did so badly in the party elections, so they have much of a voice anymore. Unfortunately, we are all living under a very domineering government. It is hard for minorities but even for Muslims who don&rsquo;t agree with the government line. For them, there&rsquo;s no space. &nbsp;

(WION)

The activist spoke to WION about 'Arab colonialism' and what King Salman's visit means for the country and the region as a whole

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and a 500-member plus entourage visited Malaysia and are now in Indonesia. The Saudis will holiday there and then travel onwards to Brunei, the Maldives, Japan and China. Saudi Arabia is ostensibly seeking and offering investment, among others a Joint Venture with South East Asian oil companies. But is he also there as a public relations act to fortify Wahabi Islam, the rapidly spreading and rigid form as practised in Saudi Arabia. WION’s Senior International Correspondent Padma Rao Sundarji spoke to Malaysian activist Marina Mahathir. She is the daughter of Mahathir Mohammed, the longest-serving former Prime Minister of Malaysia and also at the forefront of activism against what she calls “Arab colonialism”. PRS: Ms Mahathir, Saudi Arabia’s King Salman is currently visiting your region with a huge entourage and will remain in Asia for an entire month. You have often warned of ‘’Arab Colonialism” in Malaysia. Does that warning extend to the entire South East Asian region and if so, are your own Islamic scholars doing anything about it? Mahathir: They claim to be. But it’s not very effective because they are giving out mixed messages. On the one hand, they talk about how people should not go off to join IS. They are very concerned about potential recruits for IS. But at the same time, they are also extremely conservative and not very tolerant of anything that is not part of the Sunni sect of Islam. Malaysian Muslims have been increasingly taking on Arab forms of dress, even Arab forms of speaking. Most of us do not speak Arabic but to show their Islamic credentials, some people will start a speech in Arabic without translating it, for instance. Additionally, there is almost a rejection of our own local culture. There is a lot of Malay culture that has been banned or downgraded or neglected. I feel very much that we are losing our identity and becoming more and more alien to our culture. And I see that also in other parts of Muslim parts of South Asia but I think it is more obvious here because we are a Muslim majority country but much smaller. PRS: Does this “Arab colonialism” target women in particular? Have there been sudden, new diktats on how to dress, how to and what to speak? Mahathir: I think the most obvious is in the way that some women dress. Suddenly, we see a lot of women favouring the long caftan-like outfit, rather than our traditional dress. Whether out of fashion sense or comfort, it’s still quite worrying to see so many women doing so and neglecting our own, traditional outfits. I’ve started seeing quite a few niqabs, the face-covering head-dress. It is completely alien to our culture and I am wondering where it came from. But on the other hand, we’ve made so many forward strides since independence that it’s very hard to roll all that back. So nobody has dared to suggest that women in Malaysia cannot drive, and that sort of thing. But still, in terms of personal laws -- that’s where my organisation comes in and -- we’re very worried about this trend. Of course, the most worrying thing is the move first by the opposition and now by our government, to push forward what we call the hudood bill. It is intended to make Shariah courts more powerful than they have ever been and to implement so-called Islamic laws for various crimes. That’s what’s worrying. PRS: On a scale of 1-10, to what extent is Saudi Arabia itself responsible for this radicalisation? Does the inspiration come from this one country alone? Or are there other causes too? Mahathir: They are a factor perhaps a five on that scale. But there are many other reasons. The sluggish economy, lots of listless men who have nothing to do and get attracted to this type of ideology. In addition, we have a government that is politicising religion, that seems to be in a race with the opposition to show who is more Islamic. It all combines to move towards this type of radicalisation. PRS: Still, there was some good news today. An appeals court overthrew an earlier decision against your petition for a judicial review of a fatwa issued against your organisation, The Sisters of Islam and has ordered the courts to look at it again. Does your petition have widespread support both in Malaysia and elsewhere in South East Asia? Mahathir: I wouldn’t call it widespread. There are certainly many people watching it and we are very happy with the unanimous decision by the appeals court judges to allow the judicial review. But we face challenges all the time. Even the fact that the fatwa is supposedly on hold, doesn’t stop sermons being read against us or all sorts of other attempts to harass us every day. So yes, it was a good day today but we still face long challenges and I am sure it will not be easy, once we go back to court to hear the judicial review. PRS: Are such fatwas new? Do you feel that these recent fatwas are also due to growing Saudi influence? Mahathir: Yes, I do think that there have been more in the past ten years. Partly because of all circumstances, not just the Saudi influence, particularly the politicisation of religion in this country and the competition between the government and the Islamist party. With the ruling party losing the 2/3rds majority in parliament, it is trying to win back rural voters who are mostly Muslim and thinks this is the best way to do so. They’ve mounted a campaign against pluralism, liberalism, Shias – all very similar to Saudi-style Islam. And we are caught in it and are very big targets because we are women talking about religion. And we’ve been around for long. We are not unused to this type of harassment. But we feel that it has become more intense nowadays and that’s because it’s being weaponised by the government. The Islamic Development Agency, a government body in the PM’s department, enjoys a budget of 1 billion Ringgit. Considering they don’t have that much to do, what’s all that money for? PRS: Saudi Arabian King Salman is on a month-long Asia visit, supposedly to firm up oil deals, investments, business. But is that all there is to the trip? Or is there more than meets the eye? He is, after all, also going to the Maldives – and Wahabi Islam has been on the rise there too… Mahathir: I am no expert. But I think there is probably a different agenda, though perhaps not a conscious one. It’s probably to make an impression upon the Muslims here, to dazzle them with the huge entourage and the money being thrown around in such a way, that they somehow equate all this wealth with Islam. It’s kind of a PR campaign: to promote a certain brand of Islam without considering that our part of the world is very, very different from Saudi Arabia. PRS: Is this attempt to impress aimed primarily at the grassroots? People, who are dependent on tourism? Mahathir: I don’t know how much money will actually reach the grassroots. After all, they’re staying in luxury hotels and no middle-class people go there. But okay, the odd waiter may get a huge tip. A lot of Asians have this “Big Man Syndrome.” A big man is surely entitled to all these luxuries and privileges, is the thinking. And it’s all very impressive to the grassroots. What’s worse is, the visit is being spun politically here in Malaysia. Our PM is justifying a controversial goods and service tax, a one-off payment to poor families, all only because Saudi Arabia has those provisions in place. So everything is being justified in relation to Saudi Arabia. In a way, that is saying that if Saudi Arabia is doing something then it must be a good thing and by implication, also an Islamic thing. PRS: King Salman travelled to Malaysia first, before flying to Indonesia. How did people in your country react? Were there protests? Mahathir: We Malaysians are a very passive lot. Nobody really protested. It was more like grumbling about a big dignitary being in town and causing traffic jams. But I am quite impressed by Indonesian women who have come out to protest against his visit, principally because of the sufferings of a number of Indonesian migrant workers in Saudi Arabia. PRS: Do you have a sizeable Hindu population in Malaysia? Or even a small but influential one? Mahathir: About 10 per cent of our population is of subcontinental origin. They are grouped as Indians but are not necessarily all Hindus. There is a nascent Hindu movement because of many cases of discrimination. There is also an Indian component party of the ruling coalition but they did so badly in the party elections, so they have much of a voice anymore. Unfortunately, we are all living under a very domineering government. It is hard for minorities but even for Muslims who don’t agree with the government line. For them, there’s no space. (WION)

Exclusive: Marina Mahathir on Saudi king's visit to Malaysia

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