PSP’s COE credit system proposal well-intentioned but unlikely to be effective: Amy Khor

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SINGAPORE: The proposal by the Progress Singapore Party ( PSP) to set up a certificate of entitlement ( COE ) credit system may be well-intentioned, but is “unlikely to be effective in practice”, said Senior Minister of State for Transport Amy Khor. &nbsp,

She was responding to questions raised by Non-Constituency Member of Parliament Hazel Poa at a motion to adjourn on Tuesday ( Jan 7 ) by PSP on how to create a more equitable COE system for private vehicles. &nbsp,

The proposed Department system may use “COE certificates” instead of money for buying, said Ms Poa. &nbsp,

The government proposed that child Singapore residents and permanent residents receive these credits each month, and the number of credits each person will receive will depend on several factors, including their citizenship, their years, the number of children they have, and whether or not they had any disabilities, among other factors. &nbsp,

Ms. Poa suggested that each child Singapore resident receive 100 credits and each adult PR receive 70. For each child who is a member and a PR, there are an additional 200 credits for each child under the age of 12 and an additional 140 certificates for each child under the age of 14. &nbsp,

Older individuals above the retirement age could get an extra 100 funds, and those who have mobility difficulties, such as those who qualify for Class 1 or Class 2 car park names for the handicapped, could get an extra 200 credits. &nbsp,

These examples are not exhaustive, but they serve as examples of how we can apply this system to consider needs and cultural contributions and lower the cost of ownership for those who have a greater need, she said. &nbsp,

She added that the proposed funds would also be applicable. For example, families may share their COE credits up to bet for a vehicle. &nbsp,

Credits could also be exchanged for higher requests so that those who want to own a car can purchase them. &nbsp,

” Inevitably, those who are financially better off may still be able to get a COE, although it is at least partially ameliorated by distributing COE funds based on needs elements,” said Ms. Poa. &nbsp,

Ms. Poa also suggested that a base fee become collected per COE to lessen the impact of the proposed new COE program on government revenues. Depending on the COE type, this could be a flat rate or a percent of the vehicle’s open market value. &nbsp,

Ms. Poa noted that the state may also lose some money even with the foundation fee. &nbsp,

In reply, Dr Khor noted that under the plan, those who want to own a car you buy COE certificates from those who do not.

The end result may be that those who were willing and able to pay for COEs would still be those, she said. &nbsp,

Their proposal” could possibly drive the price of credits beneath, where the costs of the credits become impenetrable and unknowing consumers are fleeced,” said Dr. Khor. &nbsp,

She added that a COE properly” also cost even more than today” and that a whole new trading and enforcement program may be required to “ultimately cost citizens even more” to prevent black markets for funds.

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MOM urges contractors, construction workers to stay alert in busy lead-up to Chinese New Year after worksite death

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SINGAPORE: The Ministry of Manpower ( MOM) said on Tuesday ( Jan 7 ) there must be” no compromises” on safety in the lead-up to the Chinese New Year period, following the death of a construction worker last week.

The 29-year-old Indian national was at the Plantation Edge I &amp, II Build-to-Order ( BTO ) project construction site in Tengah at around 8.40pm on January 2 when he was struck in the chest by the hose of a concrete pump truck.

One of the four outriggers in the truck pierced the practical, causing the hose to hit the man and the machine to bend.

The victim was performing casting repairs, according to both MOM and the Housing and Development Board ( HDB).

The employer was taken to Gleneagles Hospital, where he died. He was employed by Keong Hong Construction, who was awarded&nbsp, the S$ 293.7 million ( US$ 215.6 million ) tender for main contract works at&nbsp, Tengah Plantation in January 2024. &nbsp,

The task is expected to be finished in 2027.

With the Chinese New Year quickly approaching, MOM urged contractors and employees to keep call, noting that the time period “typically sees companies facing period pressures to finish projects.”

” During this time, MOM may proceed with our increased police work. There must never be any compromises on the health of the work.

The event is being investigated, it said.

Employers and contractors must make sure that the outriggers of technology are fully extended and sleep on steady, level foundations or basic plates with sufficient strength to maintain stability during operations, the ministry continued.

HDB, which is the job designer, told CNA on Tuesday that it also takes a serious perspective of the dangerous affair, and will provide support and assistance to the murderer’s family.

The tower contractor’s investigation into the union’s death is of utmost importance, the statement read.

” We may continue to collaborate with our business colleagues to improve workplace safety at our workplaces.”

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Former Cambodian MP shot dead in Bangkok

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Kim Kimya, 73, is renowned for remaining unmoved despite the banishment of some opposition colleagues.

PUBLISHED: 7 Jan 2025 at 21: 47

Police guard the partitioned-off crime scene where former Cambodian opposition MP Lim Kimya was shot dead, near Wat Bowonniwet Vihara in Phra Nakhon district of Bangkok on Tuesday evening.
Officers patrol the divided-off crime scene where former Thai criticism MP Lim Kimya was fatally shot on Tuesday night near Wat Bowonniwet Vihara in Bangkok’s Phra Nakhon area.

A bicyclist shot a previous Cambodian opposition MP dying on Tuesday night near Wat Bowonniwet Vihara in Bangkok’s Phra Nakhon region.

Lim Kimya, 73, died at the picture. The Metropolitan Police Bureau’s agents have launched a hunt for the murderer.

A man was seen on surveillance video from the field carrying a reddish Honda Wave 100 bike with the license plate 845, long trousers, and a gray short-sleeved top with a bag across the front. A cannon is thought to have been hidden in the case.

The bereaved, who held Vietnamese and European nationality, had apparently travelled to Bangkok by vehicle from Siem Reap, Cambodia, with his French woman and Thai brother.

According to authorities, the shooting occurred immediately after they arrived at the scene. The culprit rode up on a bike, parked it and got off to take. He then rode away along Phra Sumen Road, passing in front of Wat Bowonniwet, authorities said.

Before the Supreme Court dissolution in November 2017, Lim Kimya was a part of the Cambodia National Rescue Party, which was the country’s main opposition group.

He was one of a few party MPs who remained behind in Cambodia after several people fled into captivity to prevent further persecution by then-prime secretary Hun Sen, despite having a French card and having the ability to simply own resettled.

” I will not give up politicians”, he told reporters at the time.

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China’s Metal Storm poised to shred hypersonics – Asia Times

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China has developed a hyper-fast device weapon that could improve protection against fast missiles, posing a formidable challenge to conventional missile security systems.

South China Morning Post (SCMP ) reported this month that Chinese scientists are developing a revolutionary machine gun known as the” Metal Storm,” which can fire bullets at a rate of 450, 000 per minute per barrel.

The tool, which could one day be the most potent machine gun in history, has five or more barrels and is designed to stop hypersonic missiles moving at speeds over Jet 7 from the radar.

According to the review, the task, which is being led by Lu Xutao, an associate professor at the North University of China, uses a novel box-type circular firing systems with removable publications filled with biodegradable barrels. This creativity addresses the difficulty of refilling ammunition for a tool that burns thousands of rounds per minute. The electric set program, developed by Lu’s group, uses coils to create a high-energy material jet that ignites the violent, achieving a firing time of only 17.5 microseconds.

The Metal Storm concept was developed in the 1990s by Australian innovator MikeO’Dwyer, but his business went bankrupt in 2012. According to the report, China’s continued investment in this tech aims to beat the Northern design by at least ten times in the fire price, making it crucial for defending territorial waters and aircraft in upcoming issues.

Gun-based defenses such as China’s” Metal Storm” have a key advantage over missile defense systems in the sense that they have faster reaction times – they may begin firing almost quickly at an approaching threat’s basic direction, in contrast to missile-based defenses that take time to identify, identify, track, and join targets.

However, unlike missile defense systems, gun-based defenses have a very short range – just 5 to 9 kilometers in the case of the US Navy’s Phalanx close-in weapons system ( CIWS), limiting their use to point defense scenarios.

When the target must be instantly destroyed, gun-based defenses may perform poorly. There is a chance that a hypersonic missile still hits its target despite suffering multiple bullet hits, with its high velocity guaranteeing heavy damage just by sheer kinetic energy, unlike an interceptor hit that can completely destroy an incoming missile using hit-to-kill methods.

Existing and future defense strategies that face cost, technical, and operational challenges face significant technical and structural challenges.

Hypersonic weapons, which can travel at speeds exceeding Mach 5, have exceptional maneuverability and low-altitude flight, making them difficult to detect with conventional radar and missile defense systems. These flight characteristics make it possible for hypersonic missiles to make use of air defense defense gaps.

Ballistic missiles are targeted by traditional missile defense strategies and technologies at various stages of their flight. A boost phase intercept may have the best chance of intercepting a ballistic missile when its rocket motors are burning to launch it into a high altitude. Positioning interceptor missiles close to the target are required for this strategy. Ballistic missiles also have short boost phases, lasting only 3-5 minutes, providing a tiny time window for interception.

A ballistic missile travels through space in a ballistic arc when it reaches its midpoint. This long phase gives more time for interception. However, within this time frame, it can deploy countermeasures, decoys, and penetration aids to defeat incoming interceptors.

When a ballistic missile re-enters the atmosphere and enters its final phase, defending it against specific targets like cities or military installations is necessary. However, this phase has a very short time window for the interception, and the re-entering missile travels at hypersonic speed, making interception very challenging. An already difficult task would become even more challenging if you hit a maneuvering target like a hypersonic missile.

The SM-6 Dual is the only US interceptor missile with some form of effectiveness against hypersonic threats, according to Asia Times in February 2022, and even then, its range of potential may be minimal.

Cognizant of the SM-6 Dual’s shortcomings, a June 2024 US Congressional Research Service ( CRS ) report mentions that the US is developing interceptors such as the Glide Phase Interceptor ( GPI ) and Glide Breaker projects to defeat hypersonic threats.

However, these interceptors ‘ high costs and protracted production times may make them ineligible against a saturation hypersonic missile attack. Additionally, the number of interceptors that US warships can carry is limited due to the limited magazine depth.

Although directed energy weapons like lasers and microwaves have been hailed as the future of missile defense and have been hailed as the best way to attack missiles with virtually unlimited ammunition at a reasonable price, the technology has not lived up to its promise.

In January 2024, Asia Times noted that key limitations in the US laser weapons program include the need for substantial physical, weight, power, and cooling space, which current US surface combatants lack.

While US initiatives like the HELIOS laser and the ODIN ( Optical Dazzling Interdictor ) systems are continuing efforts, technological maturity issues persist, such as improving beam quality and control. Further, the US Navy’s Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, already maxed out on upgrade potential, face internal space constraints, limiting the installation of new power generation systems necessary for laser weapons.

Railguns have been looked into as a potential defense against hypersonic weapons, similar to shooting down a bullet with a bullet. They use electromagnetic energy to propel a projectile instead of explosive propellants like traditional guns.

However, as with laser weapons, railguns have substantial physical, weight, power, and cooling space requirements. Further, the current railgun technology only permits a few shots per barrel because the intense heat from firing warps the rails, which are responsible for the projectile’s propellant.

Given the limitations of current and future counter-hypersonic defense systems, it would be possible to go against their kill chains, which include the people, processes, and assets required for a successful hypersonic missile attack.

However, Asia Times pointed out in December 2024 that multi-domain operations ( MDO ) may be the latest military conceptual boondoggle. Most ideas lack a crystal-clear theory of victory, generally frame adversaries, and make exaggerated assumptions about technological prowess, which could reduce the success of inter-service rivalry and whole-of-government strategies.

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About 50 lorries have installed mandatory speed limiters since scheme kicked in; TP concerned by low take-up

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SINGAPORE: As of end-2024, simply around 50 vehicles with a maximum laden fat between 3, 500 pounds and 12, 000kg have completed the required setup of speed limiters.

In a written parliamentary response on Tuesday ( Jan 7 ), Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam claimed that the traffic police ( TP ) mandated the installation of speed limiters for these lorries in January 2024.

These rate limiters prevent vehicles from traveling at or over the 60 km/h speed limit.

Since a year has passed, Mr. Shanmugam said,” TP is concerned by the small assembly rate.”

He was responding to a question from MP Louis Ng ( PAP-Nee Soon ) regarding the proportion of lorries that have adhered to the requirement of installing speed limiters. &nbsp,

According to Mr. Shanmugam, TP is working with approved machine distributors, the Motor Traders Association of Singapore, and permitted inspection centers to encourage fleet owners to place speed limiters as soon as their vehicles are scheduled for regular maintenance. &nbsp,

He added that TP has even begun sending out SMS messages to bus owners and will do so on a regular basis.

” We urge fleet owners to place rate limiters early, ahead of the compliance timelines, to prevent a barrier at the workshops”, said Mr Shanmugam.

” Older vehicles are required to agree sooner, with heavier vehicles by Jan 1, 2026, and lighter vehicles by Jul 1, 2026″.

Since speed limits for these types of vehicles were never previously available, older vehicles have until 2027 to cooperate. &nbsp,

A lorry that doesn’t follow the installation deadlines will be held accountable for an offense and fail to pass their regular evaluation.

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Sri Lanka president to visit China ahead of budget

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COLOMBO: &nbsp, Sri Lanka’s president will travel to the island’s largest bilateral lender China next week ahead of his first national budget, the information minister said on Tuesday ( Jan 7 ). The attend comes one month before President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s first funds, which is expected to describe hisContinue Reading

Nippon Steel and US Steel: One last chance, Mr Trump – Asia Times

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Team Biden is doing so many strange things on its way out the door that nobody should have been surprised that President&nbsp, Joe Biden&nbsp, ( or whoever calls the shots ) &nbsp, rejected&nbsp, Nippon Steel’s bid to buy&nbsp, US Steel. &nbsp,

The White House stated that the agreement threatened regional stability. However, most of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, known as the CFIUS assessment committee that considered the national safety perspective, didn’t see it that way.

President Biden needs to state in detail what concerns are if there are concerns about national protection with this package. &nbsp,

The pieces of American Pennsylvania and Indiana that will suffer the most from this determination must then be compelled to testify in public before union rooms and local chambers of commerce.

Does they? No.

In south Pennsylvania, both Senator John Fetterman and Governor Josh Shapiro must even appear. They, too, may discuss why this was a good choice.

Does they? No.

Screenshot of the US Steel website’s landing page (screenshot October 7, 2024 ).

Shaking the alliance&nbsp,

This decision didn’t send down the&nbsp, US-Japan ally. But it hurts. &nbsp,

Japan is frequently touted as America’s key ally. The “most significant diplomatic marriage, club none,” as former adviser Mike Mansfield put it.

Immediately, we’ll have Japan to engage in more military action than it has ever done, or even more than it wants to do.

Telling Japan,” We want you to combat China with us but we don’t want you to private US Metal” won’t be well received in Tokyo. &nbsp,

Japan and its businesses have previously been treated this way, starting in the 1980s when it was portrayed as the monetary composite who would put US businesses out of business. Japan, in contrast, exhibited some compassion by jolting the US economy, especially Detroit automakers, into getting its act collectively.

In the&nbsp, Nippon Steel&nbsp, situation, the business bent over backward – or, better said, bent over forward in an nearly humiliating style – to show its great faith. It also offered to give the US government a&nbsp, reject &nbsp, over any potential business decisions regarding US Steel production.

A vital allied world’s company should not have to do this.

As for the&nbsp, regional security&nbsp, explanation?

Tokyo may find it irksome that it is included in the socialist Chinese. And don’t assume they haven’t noticed that the Biden administration supports the planned&nbsp, CCP-tied Gotion&nbsp, power factory in Michigan. A US defense foundation is even close by that location. The citizens don’t want it, but Team Biden does. &nbsp,

However, Nippon Steel poses a greater threat to national security than the US companies whose equipment and technology were officially used in the Chinese spy balloon the Biden management allowed to fly over the country in 2023.

Heartless? A deception? Or both?

Without Nippon Steel’s funding and technology, US Steel did fish and just may collapse. That would endanger people, families, and full towns.

US Steel control, people, and local folks support the deal. Yet the neighborhood organizations do. Top&nbsp, United Steelworkers&nbsp, ( USW) leadership, as is often the case with union bosses, don’t seem to care or listen to what rank-and-file members want.

Spend an hour watching this&nbsp, Hudson Institute&nbsp, discussion&nbsp, with US Steel staff and union exercises, as well as a native president.

You’ll get informed ー and moved.

One final possibility is Trump

Generally, business announcements are drab, lifeless jargon. &nbsp,

Not this one. &nbsp,

US Steel President David B Burritt gets it&nbsp, best.

January 3, 2025– President Biden’s activity today is terrible and dishonest. He gave a political retribution to a union boss out of reach with his associates while harming our company’s potential, our employees, and our national security. He insulted Japan, a crucial alliance for both economic and regional security, and threatened the United States ‘ profitability. Dancers from the Chinese Communist Party in Beijing are taking to the streets. And Biden did it all by refusing to even ask to talk to us about the specifics.

Better is what our staff and societies deserve. We needed a leader who is knowledgeable about how to negotiate the best package for America and work tirelessly to make it happen. Make no mistake: this purchase is what guarantees a great potential for US Steel, our employees, our communities, and our nation. We intend to fight President Biden’s social problem. &nbsp,

Hopefully, after January 20th, CEO Burritt won’t be able to insert” Trump” for” Biden” and re-issue the statement. &nbsp,

Yet, both President-elect&nbsp, Donald Trump&nbsp, and Vice President-elect&nbsp, JD Vance&nbsp, opposed the deal before the vote.

US Steel workers, and regional union representatives, and additional autoworkers supported Trump anyway. Obviously, they thought that he understood them and only needed to get through the vote.

They stuck their heads up and kept their confidence. &nbsp,

Mr. Trump must backward this pronouncement, or he will leave along with the Vice President and make an apology. If that’s even probable.

You simply get one chance in this region of America when people put their trust in you.

RELATED:

Grant Newsham is a former US minister and former US Marine agent. He is the author of the book” When China Attacks: A Warning To America“.

This article was originally published by JAPAN Forward. It is republished with permission.

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Chinese football in crisis: Guangzhou out of professional leagues

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Guangzhou FC celebrating with the AFC Champions League trophyGetty Images
Tom Link
BBC Sport blogger
  • 7 January 2025

Guangzhou FC, China’s most effective side, will certainly play appropriately next season because they are unable to pay off enough of their significant debt.

The Chinese Football Association has forbid the eight-time champions of China Super League ( CSL ) play in domestic football when the new campaign kicks off.

It is a stunning fall from grace that ends a luxurious lifestyle that saw them win two AFC Champions League titles in 2013 and 2015 in three decades.

They won the Club World Cup in that powerful time, agreed an university partnership with True Madrid, and disclosed plans for a 100, 000-capacity venue.

Guangzhou picture crisis in Chinese soccer

Guangzhou’s swift development began when China Evergrande, a company that developed real estate, purchased the team in 2010 for the Foreign second-tier.

The fresh ownership team renamed the Guangzhou Evergrande side and made significant investments both on and off the ball, in line with Xi Jinping’s plan to make China a sports powerhouse that may host and win the World Cup.

In 2012, Marcello Lippi, the country’s champion manager, won three CSL names, a Taiwanese FA Cup, and the AFC Champions League. He was appointed as Italy’s manager.

Luiz Felipe Scolari, who led Brazil to World Cup splendor in 2002, was even more powerful, winning seven medals in two-and-a-half times.

Past Colombian forward Jackson Martinez, former midfielder for Tottenham and Barcelona, and former international striker Alberto Gilardino for big transfer fees and extremely high salaries were among the foreign stars signing.

However, Guangzhou were not the only ones who spent so much.

As the CSL sought to contend with powerhouses like the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, and Bundesliga, an abundance of foreign players relocated to China.

Brazil scorer Hulk joined Shanghai SIPG, who were managed by previous England director Sven-Goran Eriksson, for £46m.

Former Manchester City and United winger Carlos Tevez moved to Shanghai Shenhua for a alleged$ 40 million while former Chelsea playmaker Oscar followed for$ 60 million.

All of the players were paid incredibly high salaries, and Chelsea director Antonio Conte stated in 2016 that the money spent on people by Chinese leagues was a “danger for all teams in the world.”

Arsene Wenger, the manager of Arsenal, stated that” China appears to have the financial resources to transfer a total European league to China.”

Gareth Bale, who was once the most costly player in the world, was linked with a walk to Jiangsu Suning for £1m per week in 2019.

But issues immediately began to change. The Chinese Football Association, afraid of the spiralling investing, introduced a’ extravagance taxes’ that made big-money transfers excessively cheap.

Additionally, a salary cap was established, and partners were prohibited from renaming their own clubs, giving Guangzhou Evergrande the name Guangzhou FC.

By that point, Evergrande was already in financial trouble, and in 2021, they made default payments as a result of a wider Chinai real estate problems that was made worse by the effects of the Covid-19 epidemic.

Guangzhou went into issue in 2022 after the company declared bankruptcy. Their idealistic stadium renovation plans were abandoned, and players were sold, leading to fall later that year.

Due to their continued financial difficulties, Guangzhou was given the opportunity to compete in the forthcoming campaign after just missing out on advertising in the 2024 season.

Nonetheless, the team continues to be optimistic about having some form of existence.

We regret that we were unable to achieve it, so we offer our sincere condolences to enthusiasts and the supporters of the club from all walks of life,” Guangzhou said in a statement.

” We will not transform our original intention, and we will do our best to handle the aftermath and contribute to the growth of Guangdong and Guangzhou football.”

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Singapore passes law removing mandatory minimum penalties for first-time driving offenders

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REMOVING IMPORTANT MINIMUM Fines ARE A CONCERN.

Nominated Member of Parliament Razwana Begum and Progress Singapore Party ( PSP) Non-Constituency MP Hazel Poa, along with MPs Dennis Tan ( WP-Hougang ), Yip Hon Weng ( PAP-Yio Chu Kang ), and Joan Pereira ( PAP-Tanjong Pagar ), collectively raised questions from the electorate.

When the Bill was announced, Mr Yip noted how some of his people asked whether it was &nbsp, sending the wrong information, and if it meant that officials were “going sweet” on criminals.

Even if that is not the intention, the removal of mandatory minimum sentences may unintentionally be interpreted as mercy. He claimed that this could destroy public confidence and destroy years of efforts to promote safer traveling practices.

Mr Yip even asked if lighter words had “embolden difficult behaviour” and result to more repeat offenders.

Ms Pereira said the adjustments to the required minimum phrases were” too liberal, even for first-time violators”. &nbsp,

” We have to bear in mind that in these circumstances, lives have been or could have been lost,” she said. The criminals did engage in dangerous or negligent driving behavior in order to cause the injuries. The sanctions must be serious enough to effectively serve as a valuable deterrent.

Ms Begum suggested that it could be “appropriate” for the adjustments to be accompanied by a public awareness campaign.

” We need to make sure that the people who are affected by these modifications are aware of this,” she continued.

In a time when there are more traffic fatalities and dangerous driving accidents, PSP’s Ms. Poa stated that the celebration was in favor of several different proposed amendments, but she could not support the removal of the requirement for mandatory minimum sentences and the disqualification period for first-time unsafe or thoughtless driving offenders.

In the end, both of PSP’s NCMPs, Ms Poa and Leong Mun Wai, recorded their dissention and voted against the proposed modifications.

In her statement, Ms Poa pointed to what she called an “apparent coverage U-turn” following modifications made in 2019 where MHA reviewed Road Traffic Act crimes. &nbsp,

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