‘Puzzling’: Malaysia’s new rules for Sarawak’s oil and gas sector set to trigger fresh political tensions

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CAN THE DIFFERENT LAWS CO-EXIST?

Sarawak, which has longer pushed for greater control over its oil resources, has been the subject of decades of flimsy conversations with Petronas and the Malaysian authorities over Petronas ‘ dominance over the nation’s oil and gas reserves, as mandated by the PDA.

Sarawak, which insists that the PDA does not use to it, has passed laws governing its oil and gas industry and appointed Petros as its single gas aggregate in February last year, a step that instantly challenged Petronas ‘ long-held power.

The eastern position holds about 60 per cent of Malaysia’s oil resources and helps about 90 per cent of Malaysia’s LNG imports.

Both events have tried to reach a deal in discussions that started in April of last year, but they have broken down double, with Petronas suspending all discussions in December, according to professionals from the federal oil company.

Under the condition of anonymity, top Indonesian government leaders who spoke to CNA claimed that Petronas and the Sarawak government’s latest confusion is the result of efforts by the Anwar leadership to negotiate a deal.

One senior government official who was close to the circumstance said,” The true issue here is that discussions have broken down between the events and that is why Petronas and Sarawak doesn’t make any statements.”

Representatives from Petronas, who also spoke unnamed, claimed that the state had become unworkable in recent months as the condition began enforcing registration requirements for personal oil and gas companies operating in the position.

” The enactments of laws by the state ( Sarawak ) government have complicated the situation”, said the government official, adding that it has” caused a lot of uncertainty among international investors”.

” What used to go through Petronas in the state ( under the PDA ) before must now go through Petros, and that is putting pressure on both the foreign independent contractors and ourselves,”

Any group engaging in petrol distribution activities in Sarawak is required to apply for a license under the state’s distribution of gas ordinance, which states.

However, Azalina claimed in her published political response that Petronas and its affiliates are not required to obtain a license or follow any other requirements in Sarawak besides what is set forth in Act 144, which is the PDA 1974, based on the arrangement between Anwar and Abang Johari.

Some even have reservations about the compatibility of the various pieces of regulations governing Petronas and Petros.

Zaid Ibrahim, a notable Malaysia lawyer and a previous secretary overseeing legal matters, told CNA that Anwar’s notes in mid-January over a settlement reached are misplaced.

” There didn’t get two sets of rules, such as the PDA and the Sarawak Distribution of Gas Ordinance, because it will only result to more fight, and international investors want certainty”, he said.

Zaid thinks a fresh strategy is required.

The best outcome would be to have Petronas continue as it did before and both parties take to the authorities to resolve the dispute, he said.

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Retailers offer more interactive shopping features amid changing consumer demand

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REINVENTING SINGAPORE’S List SCENE

According to observers, as consumer expectations have changed, utilizing technology like virtual reality and artificial intelligence has grown to be even more crucial for retailers right now. &nbsp,

“E-commerce is here to dominate for convenience, but people still crave human interaction, emotional engagement, exploring the physical space ( and ) interacting with people”, said Dr Samer Elhajjar, a senior marketing lecturer at the National University of Singapore’s Business School.

” Experienced retail gives the business a way to differentiate themselves and stay relevant in the digital culture,” says the business.

As consumers immediately price commitment and customization, retailers need to focus on transforming the in-store practice for shoppers, he added. &nbsp,

The Singapore Retailers Association ( SRA ) has also urged retailers to provide unique shopping experiences to entice customers and fend off competition from places like Johor Bahru and Johor Bahru.

Ernie Koh, the agency’s president, told CNA,” We encourage our users to continue on the path of creating experienced financial in Singapore, so that consumers or perhaps tourists come here as a go-to position.” &nbsp,

The Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS ) Link, according to industry experts, will reportedly snab a portion of Singapore’s consumer market. By the end of the year, it is anticipated to start operating.

” We anticipate that we will see many of our customers taking a coach over to Malaysia, doing the necessary searching, and returning,” said Mr. Koh. &nbsp,

” Also, we anticipate ( there will be purchases of ) high-ticket items, where you go in and you order, and you don’t have to bring it back … the vendor will ship it to you”.

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Court orders seizure of Iris Koh, Raymond Ng’s possessions over unpaid defamation suit costs

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Koh and Ng missed their Dec. 30 date, according to Mr. Cheng, while the other applicants, past Progress Singapore Party members Bradley Bowyer, Bevan Tey, and Chan Swee Cheong, have paid their communicate. &nbsp,

CNA saw a warning in an email sent to the couple from Mr. Cheng’s attorneys that if transaction wasn’t received by the deadline, contempt and enforcement proceedings could start. &nbsp,

According to the Singapore Courts website, if police fails due to a borrower’s rejection, judges may push access on the first try. But, for subsequent efforts, they may employ a plumber to gain exposure. &nbsp,

” I will push on. Costs of living are great, and every share matters”, Mr Cheng wrote in a Facebook post. &nbsp,

Koh, responding to CNA, said she was surprised by the unexpected explore by the court judge, Mr Cheng’s attorney and users of the press without notice from Mr Cheng’s legal staff. &nbsp,

She claimed to have requested a change to the court order, a legal procedure that allows the court to change or modify the words of an already-existing purchase. &nbsp,

” We expected the court order to be varied first then ( we ) pay”, she told CNA. &nbsp,

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Prime flats in Tanjong Rhu among 5,032 units up for sale in February BTO launch

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Summer 2025 BTO LAUNCH

Due to the large offer in February’s BTO and SBF activities, HDB said that it expects to receive a large amount of flat programs. &nbsp,

In order to allow more time to process the software, the following BTO training will be held in July, HDB said. &nbsp,

The level applicant can be more certain about their program results before the upcoming BTO workout is held, according to the statement added. &nbsp,

About 5, 400 cottages in Bukit Merah, Bukit Panjang, Clementi, Sembawang, Tampines, Toa Payoh and Woodlands will go on sales in the next exercise.

In an interview with CNA Digital, the Islands Times and Lianhe Zaobao in January, &nbsp, Minister for National Development Desmond Lee&nbsp, said that HDB will release about 19, 600 BTO cottages in 2025. &nbsp, &nbsp,

Among them, 3, 800 condos– or roughly 20 per cent – may have shorter waiting periods of under three decades.

With this year’s giving, the state is on track to start about 102, 300 BTO cottages between 2021 and 2025, exceeding its earlier devotion of 100, 000 products over the five-year time, Mr Lee finally said. &nbsp,

From February’s sales training, HDB will list level applicants up to 200 per cent of the total level supply, instead of up to 300 per cent.

This will increase efficiency, allowing HDB to serve applicants who have been shortlisted more quickly and successfully book apartments, giving applicants greater assurance because they will have access to the results of their flat application before.

The proportion of BTO flat applicants who did not request a flat has halved from 40 % to about 19 % over the past three BTO launches where booking exercises have been completed, according to the statement.

” This has made it easier for flat customers to buy their apartments more quickly. Nearly all flats are now booked by candidates within the first 20 % of the straight supply due to the lower non-selection price.

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MFA director-general loses appeal against jail term over use of diplomatic bag service

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A director-general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ( MFA ) received a week’s jail time for lying about using a diplomatic bag service, and his appeal against the sentence was dismissed on Monday ( Feb 10 ).

Gilbert Oh Hin Kwan, 46, admitted guilt next April&nbsp to lying to his better about the ownership of his father and other items that were discovered in a package to a public servant.

Justice Dedar Singh Gill upheld the lower court’s word by delivering his charm in a simple hearing on Monday, claiming that the district judge had carefully considered the case law and the details. &nbsp,

As the selection was read over, Oh, who appeared in the port, did not speak. &nbsp, &nbsp,

His attorneys from WongPartnership, led by Senior Counsel Tan Chee Meng, said Oh was set to begin his prison term on Monday, but asked for his customer to sacrifice himself half an hour after trials.

Justice Gill gave Oh 15 days to address members of the family and friends who were present in court. &nbsp,

Oh hoped to transfer watches and other products from China to Singapore using the political case service. The things belonged to Oh’s companion in China, and Oh had agreed to assist in moving them to Singapore as a favor. &nbsp,

When sending documents or items for standard use, political carriers are used. Under the Vienna Convention, they may get opened or detained.

Oh, in January 2023, an inadvertent partner assisted in the delivery of the offer via the political bag support on a flight from China to Singapore. &nbsp,

The partner ended up carrying the offer in his luggage because it was later discovered that the political bag service had been suspended. &nbsp,

Oh told MFA that the timepieces belonged to his father, and that he was concerned that any possible disciplinary action had derail his career transition because he believed the MFA would be more liberal than if he told the truth. &nbsp,

A district judge sentenced Oh to a week in jail after the defendants ‘ pleas were accepted in the State Courts, despite the prosecution’s and Oh’s lawyer’s requests for sanctions.

According to District Judge Sharmila Sripathy-Shanaz, Oh had been a high-ranking people slave trying to subvert examinations, among other things, the crime had the potential to damage the credibility of MFA and the entire public services. &nbsp,

Claims UPON APPEAL&nbsp,

Oh filed an appeal against his word in the High Court in October of last year, where the prosecutors argued for the upholding of the prison term. &nbsp,

The lawyer’s switch from a good to a jail term was questioned by Oh’s attorneys, who argued for the prison term to be overturned.

The lawyers said the prosecution’s position on appeal was inconsistent with its original plea agreement, &nbsp, in which it agreed to propose a fine of&nbsp, S$ 6, 000 ( US$ 4, 400 ) to S$ 9, 000. The court may alignment due weight to the lawyer’s placement “at first example”, the lawyers argued. &nbsp,

A one-week prison expression was “manifestly overwhelming,” according to them, and the district judge had neglected to properly consider the circumstances presented to her.

The district judge erred in her examination of aggravating factors that led to her imposing a prison term and made a mistaken conclusion that a possible harm had been caused by Oh’s false statement, according to the attorneys. &nbsp,

In reaction, the prosecution said that the one-week jail term was not clearly increased, and added that while it had never sought a jail term in the lower court proceedings, it could still support the district judge’s sentence if it was constitutionally sound. &nbsp,

After Justice Gill requested the trial to create letters that had been exchanged between Oh’s guilty plea and the defense, the proceedings were adjourned. &nbsp,

COURT NOT PARTY TO PLEA AGREEMENT

Justice Gill refuted Oh’s claim that the court does give the prosecution’s sentencing position at first instance due consideration in his whole decision issued on Monday.

The prosecutor alleged that Oh did not identify any evidence to back up his claims, and that the judge was not a part of the plea agreements between the prosecution and the defense. &nbsp,

Additionally, the judge determined that Oh’s debate was in opposition to the idea that punishment was within the purview of the court. &nbsp,

The prosecutor argued that” the appellant’s explanation did unlawfully encircle the discretion of the judge,” noting that Oh did not contest the legality of a research case and that” sentence is a matter for the court and it is ultimately up to the court to determine what sentence will be just in the circumstances.” &nbsp,

Justice Gill also concurred that the city judge’s assessment of the potential harm caused by Oh’s offence was correct. &nbsp,

Justice Gill claimed that Oh’s lying sought to stop the MFA from learning the true character of his intended use of the political bag service and the conditions surrounding the arrest of the watches. &nbsp,

The true essence of his&nbsp, attempted abuse may have gone undetected, with the ability to “impinge on confidence in Singapore’s global relationships if for abuse was allowed to remain unchecked”, said the High Court judge. He also endorsed the lower court’s assertion that Oh was highly responsible.

In response to CNA’s queries, the MFA said that Oh is still an officer but on no-pay leave.

After the court case is over,” MFA takes a serious view of any misconduct by our officers,” according to a spokesperson. &nbsp,

Giving false information to a public servant could result in both a fine or two-year prison sentences.

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Perimenopause symptoms: What can women do to ease hot flushes, anxiety, joint pain, brain fog and more?

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According to Dr. Games, stress is one of the most important factors contributing to perimenopause hormonal imbalances and mental swings, so it is crucial to learn effective methods to control stress.

She recommended meditation techniques such as deep breathing, yoga and body awareness exercises.

Mindfulness may help reduce the negative effects of stress on the body and mind by promoting awareness of the present moment and promoting pleasure, she explained. ” However, mindfulness-based techniques can help people build greater personal rules which has a knock-on effect of improving mood and reducing the intensity of mental swings”.

Dr. Games advised that a systematic treatment regimen that includes exercise, nutrition, and other lifestyle factors include mindfulness-based therapies and CBT.

PERIMENOPAUSE HELP# 4: WELLNESS PRACTICES

According to Julie Low, top physician at Oriental Remedies Clinic, perimenopause symptoms are frequently attributed to a breakdown in liver energy, especially kidney yin power, which disrupts the body’s yin and yang balance.

Herbal medicine, acupuncture and moxibustion ( a form of heat therapy where dried flower materials are burned on or very near the body ) help address hot flushes, night sweats, poor sleep, mood swings, fatigue and strain. &nbsp,

Low advised incorporating yin-nourishing foods like walnuts, goji berries, and black sesame seeds to promote kidney health and increase general strength.

Lessen your intake of cooked and spicy foods, especially if you experience hot flushes and night sweats, to help prevent heat buildup in the body.

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‘We want to push on’: Cathay cinema operator not giving up, says recovery in sight

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RISING Prices, TIGHT Profits

He reacted to viewers ‘ concerns about rising ticket prices by pointing out that users must pay mounting rent and staff fees. &nbsp,

About half of the box office revenue goes to the theater, so the margin is strong, he said. ” In truth, if you’re not selling compromises, you probably didn’t make or produce very much money”.

In order to improve its financial status, mm2 Asia is in talks with several loans and creditors regarding a short-term plan to cancel debts as it becomes due. Additionally, increasing merger and acquisition activity indicates renewed interest in the field, and a partial or complete divestment of its theatre business is on the table.

Despite pessimism about mm2 Asia’s acquisition of Cathay, Mr Ang remains decisive.

” When we acquired the theater, they were profitable”, he said. ” If we knew that COVID-19 was coming, then we probably wouldn’t have done it … but things happened and we have to work hard to resolve the problem”.

While right-sizing and possible business mergers may become necessary, he is comfortable in movie’s staying power.

According to Mr. Ang, individuals aren’t ready to give up on the unique experience it offers. As the number of theaters falls, malls with venues will gain a competitive edge in prospect, he added.

More important, he will never give up without a struggle.

” We’ve been managing ( the situation ) for the last few years, and we will continue to”, Mr Ang said. ” At this point in time, we still want to drive on”.

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Low-quality teachers, rural dropouts, learning divides: Can Asia solve this education crisis?

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More and more college students are now advancing their skills in the field of AI. Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, one of the first schools to provide an AI key back in 2006, has seen a boom in attendance.

” In the first year, we had only 30 ( students ), now we have 180 people majoring in AI every year”, said Wang Xiaojie, who heads the university’s Centre of Intelligent Science and Technology Research.

However, there were only two skilled workers for every five new Artificial jobs in the country as at late 2023, according to Maimai, China’s solution to Linked In.

Although it is not a subject his parents are particularly interested in, AI big and senior student Wen Xin is optimistic about his future.

He claimed that” AI can be used in conjunction with any existing technology to create a kind of empowerment,” such as electronic appliances and gas engines. ” AI is the biggest gold me at provide. We’re presently the equivalent of golden miners”.

See the Shifting Horizons episode right here. And learn about the line ‘ look&nbsp, at homeless children in Asia’s biggest countries.

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NUS professor Ben Leong to head new NGO aimed at protecting victims of ‘frivolous’ lawsuits

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GROWING CONCERNS OVER “LAWFARE”

The setting up of&nbsp, Lionheart Advocates&nbsp, coincides with current efforts by the government to suppress the mistreatment of court procedures. On November 13, 2013, parliament passed amendments to the Administration of Justice ( Protection ) Act ( AOJPA ) to expressly state that a violation of court proceedings can result in contempt of court.

In response to press inquiries about Assoc Prof. Leong’s legal situation in November, the Ministry of Law pointed out that Singapore’s legal system has safeguards in place to stop false statements intended to enslave and steal a lawsuit.

In a political discussion on the amendments, the minister of state for legislation, Murali Pillai, stated that a pattern of these cases has been observed in Singapore and another nations. Pillai added that the effects of egregious abuse of process can be very grave and can eventually lead to a decline in trust in the justice system.

BITCOIN Payment

In response to queries from CNA, Assoc Prof Leong said that most of the S$ 700, 000 came from one of his ex-students in the form of 5 BTC ( bitcoin ). &nbsp,

He cited Singapore’s rigid anti-money laundering laws as causing delays in paying out a significant amount of cryptocurrency. &nbsp,

” It turns out I had a lot of backers who offered income,” I said. In addition&nbsp, to the 5 BTC”, said Assoc Prof Leong.

” When the BTC was first pledged to us, it was worth ~$ 660K. The wait in taking out the cash has actually been a gift because the overall price has since increased. In the long term, we are not planning to hold bitcoin. Our NGO may only work with fiat.

As of Sunday, one BTC is for S$ 131, 400.

Assoc Prof. Leong added that the funds are distributed to law organizations representing plaintiffs in court proceedings. Two companies are now working with the NGO, with one of them, TSMP Law Firm, providing pro bono service.

In response to concerns that they might be subject to online abuse, Assoc Prof Leong declined to disclose additional staff members who are involved in Lionheart Advocates.

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Man arrested over allegedly assaulting priest at Church of the Holy Spirit

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A 22-year-old gentleman was detained on Sunday night in Singapore after allegedly assaulting a pastor at the Church of the Holy Spirit on Upper Thomson Road.

The police claimed that after the event, which occurred after mass during dissemination, they received a call for assistance at 10.35 am.

CNA can ensure that the pastor was &nbsp, Father Cary Chan, one of the church’s four native monks. He claimed to CNA that the suspect had punched him outside the cathedral on the phone.

According to Altar staff, the event occurred after the 9o’clock size. Father Chan went on to enjoy the 11.30am size, said the machines.

According to initial studies, the Singaporean Chinese guy is a normal parishioner.

He was quickly detained by cathedral security staff before being turned over to responding officers officers. No weapons was found in his hands, and the priest did not sustain any injury.

The suspect has been detained for public annoyance and will be referred to the Institute of Mental Health ( IMH) for further evaluation, according to the police in a statement.

Authorities also advised the government to stay away from speculation as investigations progress.

In a speech, the Catholic Church in Singapore said the priest was “hit” by the&nbsp, 22-year-old person.

” The pastor has been attended to by doctors, and apart from some minor swelling on his face, is secure and well”, said the&nbsp, Archbishop’s Communications Office.

The temple servers informed CNA Father Chan that he appeared “normal” during the early mass and that they had not spoken to the parishioners about the incident. &nbsp,

A christian, who gave his name as Mr Lee, said he arrived around 11.20am for the 11.30am size and saw around five to six officers officials. He described Father Chan as a person who was “very composed” and who behaved like “everything was standard” at the early mass.

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