Article Pal site help to build up your link Popularity and give you higher Page Rank. http://www.articlepal.net     Fastest Image Upload with ImageThe.Net Giving the Net what it needs With Faster Upload Speeds. Share Images online to Earn Money ! try it out Imagethe.net http://www.articlepal.net/article/Fastest_Image_Upload_site.htm 11th Oct,2009 SINGAPORE: The recent weeks of hot and dry weather have seen Singaporeans using more water. With temperatures hitting 34°c last week, the daily potable water consumption rose to 3 per cent beyond the daily average. The increase is enough to fill 16 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Said Mr Chong Hou Chun, director of PUB's Water Supply Network: "Consumption patterns typically move upwards during dry spells. However, small acts can go a long way in helping Singapore as a whole save big on water." For instance, turning off the tap while soaping up can help save more than 10 litres of water. "If everyone cuts his water use by just 10 litres a day, the amount saved is enough to fill more than 6,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools in a year," Mr Chong added. Tips on how the public can conserve water at home are at tenlitres.sec.org.sg/index.asp. Or call PUB's 24-hour call centre for a water saving kit. As for the non-domestic sector, responsible for half of the island's water consumption, building managers and owners can help by installing constant-flow regulators at all taps and use water efficient labelled fittings with the "excellent" rating. Checking for and fixing leaks promptly also helps – a leaking pipe can waste up to 1,000 litres of water in a day. More measures are at www.tenpercent.sec.org.sg. To enhance the resilience of Singapore's water supply, PUB has invested in technology and infrastructure to strengthen the Four National Taps (local catchment water, imported water, NEWater and desalinated water). http://www.articlepal.net/article/v688vf39wx.htm 26th Feb,2009 SINGAPORE: It has been about 13 years since the 67-year-old was last a part of the law firm he had founded. Now, Mr Kalpanath Singh hopes to be reunited with Messrs Kalpanath and Co, currently managed by his daughter and her husband. To do that, he must get the Court of Three Judges' permission — and overcome the Attorney-General's objection to his reinstatement as a lawyer. Mr Singh was struck off the rolls in 1996 after he was found guilty of cheating his client a decade earlier. That he has waited a long time before asking for reinstatement should count in Mr Singh's favour, said his lawyer Abraham Vergis in the application to the court. The decision to give him back his practising certificate may hinge, however, on the severity of his two offences. In 1987 and 1998, Mr Singh had asked a client, who ran a video rental business, for $5,000 on two occasions. While the ex-lawyer had maintained that these were for legal fees or costs, the client said she was told the sums were for refundable court deposits, which she eventually learnt did not exist. Mr Singh was acquitted in the Subordinate Court after a 107-day trial, but was found guilty and sentenced to 18 months' jail for each charge by then-Chief Justice Yong Pung How after the prosecution had appealed. The Attorney-General is objecting to his reinstatement in order to maintain public confidence in the legal profession. Mr Singh's application, Principal Senior State Counsel Jeffrey Chan noted on Wednesday, was premature because more proof that he is worthy to be reinstalled as a member of the Bar was needed. Mr Singh's act of using the court as a vehicle for committing the offences, he added, was "totally heinous". The Law Society's representative K Anparasan agreed there had been a substantial passage of time since Mr Singh's convictions, and is supporting his application — if he fulfils certain conditions and restrictions upon returning to practice. Mr Vergis hopes the familial support in his erstwhile law firm will also be an effective safeguard. Mr Singh also gave his undertaking to attend a Legal Practice Management Course within a year — one of the conditions sought by the Law Society. The judges will deliver their decision at a later date. http://www.articlepal.net/article/a4jl726g1x.htm 26th Feb,2009 SINGAPORE : Police arrested 31 people suspected of being part of a pirated optical disc syndicate in a 23-hour island-wide operation on Tuesday. The 24 men and seven women, aged between 22 and 58 years, were found at several locations, including a private residence in the Thomson area, believed to be the "burning lab" where the digital video discs were burnt. Among the items seized were over 26,000 digital video discs believed to contain pirated movies and obscene films, colour printers, high-speed DVD-R burners, scanners, computers, a television and cash of S$1,900. Preliminary police investigations showed that the syndicate used street peddlers to sell the pirated discs at various entertainment outlets and industrial estates island-wide. Those found guilty of making infringing copies intended for sale may be fined up to S$10,000 for each article up to a maximum of S$100,000, or imprisoned for up to five years, or both. - CNA/ms http://www.articlepal.net/article/a8raokz0ed.htm 26th Feb,2009 SINGAPORE: Singaporean voters will decide whether the People's Action Party (PAP) has served them well at the next general elections. This was among the points made by Mr Chen Hwai Liang, press secretary to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, in a letter to the Financial Times (FT) published on Wednesday. Mr Chen was responding to an FT article, "Crisis spoils Singapore celebrations", by Mr John Burton. In the Feb 12 article, Mr Burton, citing the results of an online poll, had claimed that there is "an undercurrent of public discontent" with the PAP government as Singapore goes into a sharp recession. "Unfortunately, the online poll he cited was from a website devoted to anti-government invective," Mr Chen wrote. "Singaporeans may be apprehensive about the financial storm raging around us, but we understand the inescapable vulnerabilities of a small, open economy, and what we must do together to pull through," he added. Mr Chen noted that Mr Burton also highlighted losses from specific investments by Singapore government-owned entities in Western financial groups. Government Investment Corp (GIC) and Temasek, Mr Chen said, have diversified portfolios aimed at long-term returns. "Their performance is not measured on each individual investment but on the entire portfolio. They have suffered overall losses in this crisis like most investors in public listed assets, but by less than the decline in market indices," he added. Mr Chen pointed out that over the 20-year period up to March 31 last year, GIC earned annualised US dollar returns of 7.8 per cent, while Temasek earned 19 per cent. "This is not a disreputable record," Mr Chen wrote in his letter. http://www.articlepal.net/article/PM_Lee_s_office_responds_to_FT_report.htm 26th Feb,2009 SINGAPORE: In Singapore where food is an obsession, not being able to eat or drink because one can't swallow can be torture. And with the Society for the Physically Disabled (SPD) expecting the number of such patients to rise, in tandem with the ageing population, it wants to set up a clinic to treat the ailment and address service gaps. A stroke, cancer or road traffic accident can impair the muscles and nerves that control swallowing. Growing old could also weaken them and reduce coordination. If left untreated, this not only robs patients of their ability to eat and drink, it can result in more serious problems like dehydration and even lung infection. A poll of 46 speech therapists, medical social workers and managers of voluntary welfare organisations last year found that of the cases involving seniors, 75 per cent who need the help of a speech therapist do so to treat swallowing problems. Speech therapist Kunal Ghosh, who is assistant director of SPD’s Clinical Rehab Services Division, said the rehabilitation period depends on the nature and the severity of the condition. "Some patients may recover within a month. Some may take longer. "It also depends on a lot of other factors — family support, whether the treatment is carried out at home and so on." Patients in VWO-run nursing homes, for instance, often have to be referred either to acute care hospitals or private speech therapists for treatment. Survey respondents said the referral rates are low for various reasons — expense being one of them. The new dysphagia clinic should be set up in the next one to two years. Mr Ghosh is seeking funds to build the clinic at either Tampines or Tiong Bahru where the SPD currently runs two centres. http://www.articlepal.net/article/New_dysphagia_clinic_to_be_set_up_in_one_to_two_years.htm 26th Feb,2009 SINGAPORE: Unable to attract enough students in this downturn, at least four private schools have been forced to shut in the first two months of this year. This brings the total number to 11 in the past year, said Mr Seah Seng Choon, executive director of the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE). Two language schools — Goro Global School and Britannia School of Education — have yet to repay their students fees amounting to some $33,000. Mr Seah said CASE received 16 complaints from students, most of whom are from China and Vietnam. "We are helping them to recover the fees. Those whose fees are insured, they can claim from the insurer. Those that the school has failed to insure, they have to go to the Small Claims Tribunal." Mr Seah said both schools have been stripped of their CaseTrust mark. His advice to students planning to enrol here is to ensure their fees are adequately protected. They may choose to leave their fees with the Student Tuition Fee Account or Escrow scheme, or take up a Student Tuition Fee Insurance. Under the Escrow scheme, fees are left in the custody of a third party or CASE-endorsed banks. http://www.articlepal.net/article/Four_private_schools_close_since_January.htm 26th Feb,2009 SINGAPORE : The bleak economic picture certainly does not appear to be affecting high-end Formula 1 hospitality packages. Sixty per cent or some 2,400 of the most expensive corporate suite packages at the Paddock Club - costing some S$8,000 each - have been sold. For that price, F1 fans will get suites directly above the team garages, access to the Pit area, gourmet meals and more. According to race promoter Singapore GP, limited suites in prime viewing locations continue to sell well. Of the 160 Sky and Club suites available, 40 per cent have been sold since tickets were released on February 6. The new lower-priced entry level "Green Room", which is a single-level suite overlooking Turn 3, is also popular with companies looking to maximise budgets. General admission tickets will be available from end-March. http://www.articlepal.net/article/High-end_Formula_1_hospitality_packages_selling_well.htm 26th Feb,2009 SINGAPORE : Singapore Foreign Service officer Bernard William Baker has been appointed as the country's next High Commissioner to South Africa. The appointment takes effect from March 16. According to the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Mr Baker has served in Singapore High Commissions in Wellington, New Delhi and Pretoria and as Singapore's Consul-General in Vancouver. He held the post of Director, Public Affairs and Press Secretary to Foreign Minister George Yeo until early-February 2009. Mr Baker follows in the footsteps of his father Maurice Baker, who was also a Singapore diplomat. http://www.articlepal.net/article/Bernard_Baker_appointed_as_next_High_Commissioner_to_South_Africa.htm 26th Feb,2009 SINGAPORE: From next month, more people will be eligible for unsecured credit facilities. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has lowered the minimum annual income requirement from S$30,000 to S$20,000. However, this lower limit does not apply to credit cards and remains unchanged at S$30,000 for individuals at or below 55 years of age and S$15,000 for individuals above 55 years of age. The move, which is still subject to a cap of two times one's monthly income, has been welcomed by Credit Counselling Singapore. Kuo How Nam, president, Credit Counselling Singapore, said: “We've always believed banking should actually be inclusive and you shouldn't exclude people just on the basis of income. “There is always a danger here of people getting into trouble, borrowing too much. But I believe this is still a good move because you cannot ignore the fact that there are people who may have a genuine need for unsecured credit." However, if the borrower has an annual income of at least S$30,000, he can obtain unsecured credit of up to four times his monthly income. MAS said the new rules state that borrowers with an annual income of less than $20,000 can only take a small unsecured personal loan not exceeding S$3,000, with the interest capped at 18 per cent per annum. The unsecured lending provisions will not apply to high net worth Singaporean or Permanent Residents earning at least S$120,000 per annum, and non-Singaporeans/Permanent Residents. The unsecured lending provisions also provide for exclusions from their application for certain types of loans, for example, loans for purposes of medical treatment, study and renovation. As part of the new rules, banks will be required to be more stringent when it comes to lending. MAS is now making it a requirement for financial institutions to conduct comprehensive checks with Credit Bureau (Singapore) before approving each new credit card, charge card or unsecured credit facility. Financial institutions will also be barred from making unsolicited offers of unsecured credit facilities such as credit lines to customers unless these customers write in for them. This follows similar restrictions on unsolicited offers of credit cards already in place. Also, when it comes to explaining credit charges, late payments and other additional information, banks will now have to be much clearer than before. MAS said these changes follow extensive consultations it held with the Law Ministry, financial industry and the public. These changes will be incorporated into the new Moneylenders Rules which will take effect from March 1. These will come under the new Moneylenders Act which also takes effect on the same date. It was passed by Parliament in November 2008 and replaces the existing Act. MAS said the new Act will allow for a more flexible and progressive approach to the regulation of moneylending in keeping with the modern credit economy. It also clarifies the moneylending activities to be licensed, modernises moneylending operations and tightens the regulatory framework. http://www.articlepal.net/article/b4t04g78jq.htm 26th Feb,2009 SINGAPORE: DBS will be shifting 35 per cent of its Singapore workforce into its new Asia Hub in the Changi Business Park by the first quarter of next year. The lender marked the completion of structural works on the new building on Wednesday. The structural works have been completed for DBS' new 340,000 square foot building at Changi Business Park. When the building called the DBS Asia Hub is fully completed, the bank expects to relocate 2,400 staff from its Shenton Way offices and Technopark @ Chai Chee to the new location. This will save on downtown rentals and provide other benefits. Koh Boon Hwee, DBS Group chairman, said: "You can deploy people better rather than having them located in different buildings. Also, in terms of attracting employees, it's also easier for them to get to work. "The parking is easier, and of course, in a location like this with the MRT coming up, I think it should be quite efficient." While the total savings from the move are still unclear, DBS said it expects a cost reduction in rental to come to about 30 to 40 per cent. The DBS Asia Hub is part of a multi-year strategic occupancy programme announced in 2007. This includes relocating DBS' current headquarters to the Marina Bay Financial Centre in Singapore and various business units to two main locations in Hong Kong. DBS is not the only bank to move operations out of Singapore's Central Business District. Other lenders like Standard Chartered, Citibank and Credit Suisse are also taking similar strategies to build synergies and save on rentals. http://www.articlepal.net/article/uqfr2tk2ye.htm 26th Feb,2009 SINGAPORE: Channel 5's weekly music show, "Live n Loaded" has already seen some 220 entries from budding young bands, surpassing producers' expectations. This week's show upped the bar with three new bands taking the stage. The interactive format sees bands submitting clips online before the best is selected by experts in the business. Netizens too get to pick their favourite band which then receives precious minutes on air. The "Live n Loaded" site has seen more than 800,000 page views, with some 27,000 members of the public logging on and voting for their favourites. One of Singapore's top samba percussion troupes "Wicked Aura Batucada" took to the stage for this week's rocking performance. The show also saw a record turnout of fans thronging MediaCorp. http://www.articlepal.net/article/Channel_5_s_Live_N_Loaded_show_has_seen_220_band_entries.htm 26th Feb,2009 SINGAPORE: With the deepening crisis, more Professionals, Managers, Executives and Technicians (PMETs) are heeding the call to upgrade their skills. The number of jobless PMETs seeking help at the Employment and Employability Institute (E2i) has doubled since the start of this year. Besides nationwide schemes such as the just-announced Professional Skills Programme, even individuals are pitching in to help those joining the jobless ranks. One such individual is 47-year-old Gilbert Goh. Goh understands how it feels like to be unemployed. From the September 11th attacks till the SARs outbreak in 2003, he was jobless for 20 months after leaving his insurance job. From that experience and knowing that the current recession will see even more retrenchments, he came up with this online counselling and support website http://transitioning.org/ especially for laid-off PMETs last month. He said: "Some are as young as 25 years old. Some unemployed might not want to show their face to the public by going to the CDC or even go to counselling. So the website can actually offer them online form of counselling." He has also written a book called "How to Survive Unemployment: A Survival Guide for the Jobless". It will be launched on March 7, with a print-run of 3,000 copies. In fact, Goh himself is facing the bleak prospect of being unemployed again once his contract as a private school teacher ends this April. But he has already started on a Masters in Counselling course, hoping it will lead to his next career. He said the Professional Skills Programme announced at Sunday's Tripartism Forum will be appreciated by PMETs who prefer to remain in the same industry. Transitioning.org is planning to work with the Workforce Development Agency and labour movement to hold support and networking sessions for PMETs. Ong Ye Kung, assistant secretary-general, NTUC Chairman, e2i, said: "For PMETs, I think firstly, we will invite them to our executive workshops. More can be done in terms of introducing new programmes, understanding what other skills and competencies that are required in the labour market." Ong said PMETs have to be very realistic in their expectations and ensure their skills are transferable. He added that high-end investments like ION Orchard, integrated resorts and upcoming chemical and pharmaceutical plants will provide more job openings for PMETs. http://www.articlepal.net/article/More_PMETs_seeking_help_at_e2i_teacher_sets_up_site_to_help_jobless.htm 26th Feb,2009 SINGAPORE: Charities are having a hard time during this recession. For instance, the Singapore Children's Society (SCS) saw a 22 per cent drop in donations as individuals scaled back their contributions last year. To counter that, the society has launched an initiative to encourage companies to continue giving to those in need. SCS said the number of disadvantaged families seeking assistance have swelled by 24 per cent compared to the previous year. With more needing help, the charity hopes to build up its war chest by banking on big and small companies to keep funds coming in. It aims to get 1,000 companies to donate S$1,000 or more every year for the next three years to raise S$3 million. SCS hopes to gather at least 20 "Leading Enterprises", each donating S$10,000 or more a year and the remaining 980 "Participating Enterprises" to donate at least S$1,000 each. The response has been positive since it started its outreach in December. Koh Choon Hui, chairman, Executive Committee, SCS 1900, said: "As of today, more than 35 organisations have committed to donate for three years and the amount they have pledged to us is S$145,000." The society needs S$10 million this year to run its services, which include caregiving and public education. 80 per cent of the children from the Student Care Centre in Henderson come from families that earn S$1,500 or less a month. Some 60 per cent of the kids come from single families. With the help from Student Care Centres, it is hoped that parents of these kids will be able to go out and work. The society said it will dip into its S$25 million reserves to help more needy families, if necessary. http://www.articlepal.net/article/S_pore_Children_s_Society_to_recruit_1_000_firms_to_donate_every_year.htm 26th Feb,2009 SINGAPORE: Singapore will hold its first Media Fiesta next month, with over 40 events to acquaint the public in the film, animation, gaming, broadcast and interactive digital media industries. According to the Media Development Authority (MDA), some 10,000 jobs are expected to be created in the media industry in the next few years. The Media Fiesta will include various activities such as rating a film together with the Board of Film Censors, getting free lessons in creating online games, watching films projected on a roof and learning to animate your own cartoon. The event will kick off on March 5 at Marina Square and some 50,000 people are expected. There are also going to be 40 fringe events, such as free animation lessons, photography workshops and movie screenings that will take place islandwide. The aim is to raise media literacy in Singapore and to encourage more responsible media use among the young. Another objective is to attract more talent to the media industry, which currently employs about 55,000 people. In 2006, Singapore's media industry contributed S$19.5 billion to the economy, a 7.7 per cent increase over 2005. Dr Christopher Chia, CEO, Media Development Authority, said: "Our media sector is actually doing quite alright right now because many of them are executing projects based on the pipeline, built up over the past one to two years. So the challenge, really, is how to sustain the pipeline, going forward." More details on the government's plans for the industry will be out next month. http://www.articlepal.net/article/Inaugural_month-long_Media_Fiesta_kicks_off_on_Mar.htm 26th Feb,2009 BRUNEI: Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew said as small states surrounded by bigger neighbours, both Brunei and Singapore can complement each other to enhance growth and development. Mr Lee was speaking in Brunei at the inaugural Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Memorial Lecture on Wednesday. Over the years, the two countries have maintained close bilateral relations due in part to the friendship forged between Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew and Brunei's first King, Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien, who was the father of the current king, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah. Mr Lee said: "He trusted me because I never took advantage of his friendship to ask for favours. All Singapore prime ministers and ministers have scrupulously followed my policy of never taking advantage of our close friendships with the Brunei royal family and their ministers and officials." The minister mentor met Sultan Omar Ali in 1960 when he was invited to attend the Sultan's birthday celebrations together with Singapore's first President Yusof Ishak. "It was during this visit to Brunei that we struck up a friendship that was to grow and endure the rest of his life," said Mr Lee of the late Sultan. The personal bond has extended to the new generation of leaders. Mr Lee said the close ties continue "between the Sultan and his brothers with the present PM and other leaders of Singapore". He added that both countries share similar aspirations and concerns in an increasingly uncertain and complex world. Brunei's Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah echoed this sentiment when he referred to the global financial crisis, saying that it has also impacted Brunei's export-oriented industries. One major area of co-operation is in defence where both sides enjoy strong ties. Singapore and Brunei conduct regular joint military exercises and exchange programmes. Mr Lee said: "A recent addition is the Scholars Exchange Programme for scholars from the defence establishments of both countries before they depart for their studies. These exchanges have enabled the officers to enhance their military knowledge. "More importantly, they get to know one another at a personal level. Such interactions provide the foundation for ensuring that the relationship between our two armed forces remains strong in the coming years." On the international front, both have shared interests in the region. "Both bilaterally and multilaterally with our other partners in ASEAN, we can help ASEAN become an integrated, stable and thriving regional association at peace with one another and with our larger neighbours, including China and India," added Mr Lee. The Singapore dollar is another sign of close ties between Singapore and Brunei. Both countries signed a Currency Interchangeability Agreement in 1967, which means that the Singapore currency can be used in Brunei and vice-versa. Brunei is the only country that Singapore has signed such an agreement with. http://www.articlepal.net/article/MM_Lee_delivers_Sultan_Omar_Ali_Saifuddien_Memorial_Lecture_in_Brunei.htm 25th Feb,2009 SINGAPORE: Salaries in Singapore are expected to stay mostly stable this year with some decreases expected in the financial services sector, according to the latest annual salary survey by human resource consultancy, Robert Walters. The study showed that despite some companies in Singapore having announced retrenchments and imposed hiring freezes, firms across most commerce sectors have not yet felt the need to trim salary packages. However, the hiring situation in the financial services market continues to remain tough. Robert Walters said many banks have frozen recruitment, especially across operations and finance. In addition, hirings and salaries in the sector have also declined amid the fallout from the global financial turmoil. The survey showed that wages of front office and operations staff may fall slightly this year compared to last year. Managing director of Robert Walters Singapore, Amanda Ross, said salaries in the sector will remain mostly flat. Ms Ross said: "I don't think we'll see increases. I think we'll see minimal increases for critical positions or very key positions, that is, financial services for your control areas because there's an increased focus on your controls and risk. "But within banking operations, we're not seeing salary cuts or anything like that. If anything, they'll let people go, but we're not seeing drastic cuts in those salaries. She expects headcount to be tight across all sectors this year as most companies will be focusing on improving efficiency and productivity. Another trend is that the demand for contract workers has risen amid the economic downturn. The study showed that while the use of contractors was more common in the past in the technology sector, there has been an increase in demand for such workers in finance, human resources, compliance and marketing areas. It said many permanent roles are now offered on a contract basis as employers are unable to increase permanent headcount. http://www.articlepal.net/article/Salaries_to_stay_stable_this_year_some_drops_in_financial_sector_survey.htm 25th Feb,2009 SINGAPORE : A former oil trader for Mitsui Oil Asia has been sentenced to five years' jail for falsifying accounts to cover up millions in losses. His crime led to the closure of his company, which was once among the top players in oil markets. Noriyuki Yamazaki looked relaxed as he made his way to court with his wife for sentencing on Wednesday. He had pleaded guilty last Friday to falsifying documents. The court was told that Mr Yamazaki made bad bets on the petroleum product, naphtha. He then tried to hide the fact by making false entries in the company's accounts 109 times between April and October 2006. He said he genuinely believed that the market would recover, and was trying to buy time. But the losses were discovered after a regular internal review of trading operations. According to the prosecution, US$81 million was lost. That was 10 times the maximum loss limit set for the company as a whole, and Mitsui Oil Asia subsequently closed down. Some said this case brings to mind Nick Leeson - the rogue trader who single-handedly brought down Britain's oldest merchant bank, Barings. Mr Leeson was sentenced to six-and-a-half years' jail in Singapore. District Judge Chia Wee Kiat said Mr Yamazaki should not have taken "matters into his own hands", and had inflicted "irreparable damage" on the company. Mr Yamazaki has been handed a five-year jail term which he is appealing. Some lawyers Channel NewsAsia spoke to said the sentence was rather stiff, but did not come as a surprise, considering the recent financial scandals overseas involving prominent figures such as Bernard Madoff and Robert Allen Stanford. http://www.articlepal.net/article/Ex-Mitsui_oil_trader_sentenced_to_5_years_jail_for_falsifying_accounts.htm 25th Feb,2009 DHAKA: Bangladesh's border security force staged an armed mutiny in the capital on Wednesday, taking more than 100 hostages and sparking a gunfight that left at least five dead, officials said. Thousands of police and troops have cordoned off the headquarters of the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) after rank-and-file soldiers of the paramilitary force took up arms against their superiors, sparking a fierce gunbattle. The deputy head of Bangladesh's Rapid Action Battalion, Colonel Rezaul Karim, said the head of the BDR and dozens of sector commanders were still being held. "More than a hundred people have been taken hostage," he said. After hours of gunfire and panic in the city, one of the mutineers' leaders said late Wednesday they were prepared to lay down their arms and return to barracks following an amnesty offer from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. "We have pledged to her that we will lay down arms and go back to barracks. She has agreed to meet our demands gradually," said Tauhid, an assistant director of BDR, after talks with the prime minister. But the mutineers said they would not lay down their arms unless troops surrounding the compound were removed. Sporadic gunfire could still be heard into Wednesday evening and the country's home minister had to back off from entering the headquarters, an AFP reporter at the scene said. With no surrender in sight, thousands of troops cordoned off the area housing barracks and headquarters, an army major at the scene told AFP. "We are ready for any circumstances," he said, adding some 800 students from nearby Dhaka University dormitories had been evacuated. Officials said tensions in the force had been simmering for months but exploded into violence when senior officers dismissed appeals for more pay, subsidised food and holidays. At least five people have been killed, including two top army officers and 42 others wounded, police and medical officials said. The bodies of the two senior officers were found dumped in a drain outside their barracks, police said. Both had shot wounds. Red Crescent ambulances have been allowed to collect injured soldiers from the barracks and headquarters, and private ATN Bangla television quoting a mutineer said 10 more dead bodies were lying scattered inside the compound. It is the biggest challenge to face Sheikh Hasina since she took office less than two months ago after a landslide election victory that ended two years of army-backed government. She appeared keen to bring a quick and peaceful end to a stand-off that has highlighted the frustrations felt by many Bangladeshis, including high food prices, a sluggish economy and rampant corruption within the country's ruling classes. Some rebels have accused their chiefs of stealing government funds meant for soldiers. Although there was no apparent threat of a coup, an unnamed soldier described as a participant in the mutiny told ATN Bangla the mutineers would not give up and had taken their officers hostage. Since winning independence from Pakistan in 1971, Bangladesh has had a history of political violence, coups and counter-coups. The grindingly poor country was run by military dictator Hussain Mohammad Ershad from 1982 to 1990, before democracy was restored in 1991. The army again stepped in in January 2007, cancelling elections and declaring a state of emergency following months of political unrest. Democracy was restored with elections last December. http://www.articlepal.net/article/Armed_mutiny_rocks_Bangladesh_capital_5_dead_42_wounded.htm 25th Feb,2009 SEOUL: South Korean President Lee Myung-bak marked his first year in office on Wednesday, but there were no celebrations and parties. His popularity has plunged since he took office and instead, anti-MB - referring to Myung-bak - rallies were held in Seoul. About a year ago, President Lee was sworn in, promising to make South Korea a better place to live. He was the country's first businessman-turned president, winning the election with a record victory margin. South Koreans looked to him with high expectations. But one year on, it is a different story. Ki Han Joonl said: "I had high hopes and I know it's not all the president's fault. But the economy is really bad right now. Many say it's a global crisis, but many of his policies don't affect us. A lot of people are saying it's really difficult now and there's very few saying anything positive." Hwang Ye Ryung said: "It's been only a year and so it's possible things can improve and he can do better. But during this one year, it has been one of the worst times and that he really did a bad job." Instead of cheers and celebrations, Koreans are struggling to overcome economic difficulties and communist North Korea is threatening war. Mr Lee's approval rating stands at about 34 per cent in the latest poll by Korea Gallup. That is higher than the 21 per cent in May, but lower than the 52 per cent when he first took office. His first test came in May after he agreed to resume imports of US beef. Protesters took to the streets for months, demanding a renegotiation with the US on the free trade agreement amid worries of mad cow disease. Since then, the president has undergone several more tests which many Koreans think he has failed. The economy is one example. Mr Lee's key campaign pledge was to bring about a seven percent economic growth during his five-year term, 40,000 dollars in per capital income, and make the country the world's seventh largest economy. That may have helped him win the election but experts said he needs to change tack. Kim Yong Ho, professor of Political Science at Inha University, said: "Who would have thought that such a huge crisis like this would occur during the presidential elections and even afterwards when the incoming government proposed the 747 policy. What the government has to do now is to quickly give this up and move forward." Besides, the threat of war from North Korea is not helping the situation. Fears of possible confrontation on the Korean peninsula is further hurting efforts to revive the economy. Experts said it is important for President Lee to bring back confidence in the Korean economy and security among Koreans and foreigners. http://www.articlepal.net/article/South_Korean_President_Lee_s_popularity_dips_after_one_year_in_office.htm 25th Feb,2009 BANGKOK : Thai consumers and farmers have been left wondering about the safety of common herbs such as chilli and lemon grass. This comes after authorities listed 13 everyday plants as hazardous substances - alarming farmers who frequently use them in natural pesticides. Ginger, lemon grass, and chilli are some of the most common herbs used in Thai cooking, herbal medicine and organic farming. Their inclusion, along with 10 other frequently used herbs, as hazardous substances has caused confusion and worry among farmers, consumers, non-governmental organisations and health advocates. Organic farmers like Suthan Soonthornchot say that making natural pesticides from readily available natural growing plants like neem and citronella are cheaper and better for farmers' health and the environment. Mr Suthan is dismayed at the latest move. He said: "The 13 plants are the ones that Thais usually eat, and now we feel scared when we cook them. Some people even gave up eating them altogether. Announcing that these plants were hazardous and using a 'skull and crossbones' image has really caused me to panic." Environmental activists are also confused, especially since the government has been encouraging farmers to grow organic crops for their taste and greater profitability. Authorities admit that a bad choice of words - singling out specific plants as toxic or hazardous - has caused undue controversy. Wichar Thitiprasert, director, Agricultural Regulations Office, said: "The aim or objective is just to control the chemical, not the plant itself." They said the plants themselves are perfectly safe, but concentrated plant extracts contain strong chemicals that could be harmful if not used properly. And moving the 13 types of plants from Category 2 to Category 1 under the Hazardous Substances Act means they will be less regulated, not more. This is in line with organic farmers' requests and the government's own policy of supporting low impact and organic farming. Mr Wichar said: "We want to encourage them to produce (natural pesticides) and we want the farmers to have alternatives by not just buying the synthesised chemicals from the shop. They have an alternative to select, if they want to buy a natural substance." The Agriculture Ministry said it intends to clear up any remaining misconceptions in a public forum, as well as through a public campaign. http://www.articlepal.net/article/Thai_farmers_concerned_after_authorities_list_13_plants_as_hazardous_substances.htm 25th Feb,2009 BANGKOK: Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva evaded anti-government protesters camped outside his offices on Wednesday and slipped into work under heavy police protection, an AFP correspondent saw. Up to 10,000 supporters of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra dressed in their trademark red shirts surrounded Bangkok's Government House compound on Tuesday demanding fresh elections, and many camped outside overnight. But numbers had dwindled to less than 1,000 by early Wednesday, a police official said, allowing Abhisit to cross a bridge by car and enter the compound protected by police and soldiers at about 7:00am (0000 GMT). "Today the prime minister and I are able to work as normal, thanks to protesters who did not violate the law and also thanks to officials who carried out their work with patience," said deputy premier Suthep Thaugsuban. The "Red Shirts" have campaigned against the government since a court dissolved the pro-Thaksin former ruling party in December, paving the way for British-born Abhisit to take power in a parliamentary vote. Tuesday's rally forced Abhisit to move his weekly cabinet meeting to the beach resort of Hua Hin, where he will host a summit of Association of Southeast Asian Nations leaders from Friday. Protest leaders have said they will stay outside Government House for at least three days, but have vowed not to disrupt the Hua Hin summit. As well as calling for the dissolution of parliament, they are demanding the resignation of Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya because of his links to anti-Thaksin group the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD). They also want PAD leaders charged for their occupation of Bangkok's two airports late last year, the peak of six months of protests aimed at toppling the pro-Thaksin government elected in December 2007. http://www.articlepal.net/article/Thai_PM_goes_to_work_defying_protesters.htm 25th Feb,2009 KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian police have discovered the body of a murder victim, buried in a grave belonging to another man who died 48 years ago, reports said on Wednesday. The remains of 35-year-old R. Gunaseelan, who went missing in August, were found three feet deep and under a layer of concrete which had been poured to hide the body, police said. Police investigator Aziz Zakaria said they were led to the grave in an ethnic Chinese cemetery following the arrest of John Thevakumar, an alleged member of a crime gang. Last month, police crippled the gang's activities in drug trafficking, extortion, money-laundering and weapons sales with the arrest of 11 members including two women, state news agency Bernama reported. "During interrogation, Thevakumar confessed that he was ordered by his boss Hari Kumar on November 10 last year, to shoot the victim who was a former member of the gang," Aziz told Bernama. He said Thevakumar paid a man to bury the remains in the graveyard just outside the capital, and to lay cement over the grave to prevent it being discovered. Aziz said police took three hours to dig up the body in the presence of family members of both men buried there. Gunaseelan's relatives identified the remains based on a chain and jacket found on the body. "This is rather unfortunate... but we are left with little choice as it involves investigations into a murder," the son of the grave's original occupant, Chua Kim Hong, told the Star daily. http://www.articlepal.net/article/y0rxg2o98u.htm 25th Feb,2009 MELBOURNE: Reinforcements were called in to the fight against Australia's deadly wildfires on Wednesday in a race to build defences ahead of a dangerous new blast of searing heat and wind. Scores more firefighters from New Zealand and across Australia were to join more than 3,000 already battling seven major blazes in Victoria state, where more than 200 people have been burned to death, officials said. The lethal combination of high temperatures and strong winds which sent walls of flame roaring through towns and villages on February 7 is forecast to return on Friday, though not to the same degree. "I don't think anyone wants to overstate what could happen on Friday, but people need to be prepared, need to be alert, be vigilant," said Bruce Esplin, Victoria's emergency services commissioner. "Going into Friday we'll be expecting new (fire) starts, and also that some of the fires we're patrolling and working with at the moment will re-light," said environment department spokesman Ewan Waller. With no homes under threat as milder weather brought some relief in recent days, firefighters have worked around the clock to establish control lines against resurgent fires. Officials have warned that without significant rain, the fires could burn until April. At least 210 people were killed in the fires earlier this month, and police said on Wednesday up to 30 were still unaccounted for. However, they cautioned that not all of those reported missing had necessarily died, or even been in fire areas at the time. "Whilst we hold grave concerns for those who have not been heard of since the fires, it may be that they have just not registered with the Red Cross," said deputy commissioner Kieran Walshe. Revised figures this week showed 2,029 homes were destroyed in the fires, with more than 6,000 insurance claims lodged, totalling 775 million dollars (504 million US). Some 450,000 hectares (1.1 million acres) have been burned out in Victoria since the fire season began in November. http://www.articlepal.net/article/taj07lzo6v.htm 25th Feb,2009 DHAKA - A fierce gun battle broke out Wednesday inside the headquarters of Bangladesh's border security force in the capital Dhaka after a mutiny by soldiers against their officers, officials said. At least one bystander was killed and eight others wounded, medical sources said, as police and regular troops ringed the headquarters of the Bangladesh Rifles. "There has been a huge exchange of gunfire at BDR (Bangladesh Rifles) headquarters complex this morning," local police chief Nabojit Khisa said. Smoke could be seen coming from the complex, with security forces sealing off the area. "The army has been called in. They have already started moving to the area," said Colonel Rezaur Rahman, the deputy chief of Bangladesh's elite internal security force, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB). "RAB officers have also circled the whole compound... Gunfire can be heard from inside." Official sources told AFP that the mutiny broke out while senior officers were meeting at the Bangladesh Rifles' headquarters -- which is home to 3,000 to 4,000 troops -- in Dhaka's Pilkhana area. But they stressed that the mutiny was the result of a problem within the security force, including demands for higher pay and subsidised food, and was not an attempted coup d'etat. "It seems to be a mutiny of BDR (paramilitary) troops" against their regular army officers, an armed forces spokesman said, adding the troops had even "fired at army helicopters hovering over their barracks." In a statement, the Bangladeshi army called on the renegade BDR troops to "surrender arms and go back to the barracks." "The honourable prime minister (Sheikh Hasina) will herself talk to you about your demand. Any soldiers who fail to give up arms after this announcement will be prosecuted," the statement added. According to local media, BDR troops are demanding better payment, more subsidised food and more holidays. Reports said the BDR chief, Major General Shakil Ahmed, refused to listen to the demands, prompting the armed revolt. Several television channels said the BDR chief was injured in the attack, but no official confirmation was available. The head nurse at the Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Khademul Islam, said all but one of the casualties were civilian bystanders caught in the crossfire on the streets of the capital. "At least one person has died and eight were injured, including a BDR soldier -- all hit by bullets in the BDR gunfight. The deceased is a rickshaw puller," Islam said. Since winning independence from Pakistan in 1971, Bangladesh has had a history of political violence, coups and counter-coups. The grindingly poor country was run by military dictator Hussain Mohammad Ershad from 1982 to 1990, before democracy was restored in 1991. The army again stepped in January 2007, cancelling elections and declaring a state of emergency following months of political unrest. Democracy was restored with elections last December. http://www.articlepal.net/article/n6urb8hjon.htm 25th Feb,2009