Tuesday, May 13, 2025
26.1 C
Singapore
Home Blog Page 2411

Mahathir tells M’sian King state of emergency is turning Malays against him

Malaysia’s former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad warned Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah on Tuesday (Apr 20) that the Covid-19 state of emergency is turning the Malays against the king.

He asked the king to lift the royal order for the emergency issued in January.

The South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that Dr Mahathir, 95, spoke to members of the media on Tuesday (Apr 20) after handing over to the palace a petition asking the king to revoke the royal order. The petition contained 39,000 signatures.

The royal order had given emergency powers to Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin. This, as well as the suspension of parliament, was turning Malaysia into a “dictatorship”, according to Dr Mahathir. 

He told reporters that it was “unusual” for Malays to dissent openly against the country’s royals, adding he believed that the government had not informed the king about the “feelings of the Malays”.

“This is very unusual, for the Malays to go against their own rulers. It is quite clear that very large numbers of Malays are now angry as they are suffering because of this darurat (emergency).”

Dr Mahathir also said that he wanted Sultan Abdullah to be informed of the people’s sentiments before any other actions might “increase the anger of the people”.

SCMP reports that there has been public criticism over a news report based on unnamed sources alleging the king had participated in distributing a small batch of Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccines late last year, which has not been approved yet in Malaysia.

Health Minister Adham Baba has denied these allegations.

The queen, Tunku Azizah Aminah, has also been the subject of criticism due to a social media post.

When a netizen asked her in a comment if the palace chefs had already got vaccinated against Covid-19, she replied, “Dengki ke? (Are you jealous?’).”

In the backlash on Monday night, thousands of netizens started using #Dengkike as a hashtag.

In a blog post entitled “The Rule of Law”, which Dr Mahathir published before going to the palace on Tuesday, he wrote that the state of emergency had never been about the pandemic.

He took aim at Prime Minister Muhyiddin, writing, “Let us be honest. This declaration of a state of emergency is not about fighting Covid-19. Not at all.

It is about politics. It is about a weak government wanting to stay in power. For the people the price to pay is horrendous. They lose their freedom of speech and their right to change the government. Many live in fear of being called up for questioning, for detention and harassment.

“In the meantime, the economy is shrinking as the government grapples with the constraints on normal economic activities.”

Adding that the government “is not even functioning properly” because ministers have been unable to manage the country’s political, economic, social and health issues, Dr Mahathir ended his blog entry by writing, “Wither the rule of law.”

/TISG

Read also: Dr Mahathir: Corruption led to the downfall of Pakatan govt

Dr Mahathir: Corruption led to the downfall of Pakatan govt

Covid surge means SHN for travellers from India extended to 21 days, entry approvals for PRs & non-citizens reduced

Singapore—The Ministry of Health (MOH ) announced on Tuesday (Apr 20) a longer quarantine for travellers from India following a worsening pandemic situation there.

All travellers from India will be required to serve an additional seven-day stay-home notice (SHN) at their place of residence in addition to the 14-day SHN at dedicated SHN facilities imposed immediately upon arrival.

Entry approvals for non-Singapore citizens or permanent residents arriving from India will also be reduced.

These measures will take effect on Friday (Apr 22) at 11.59 pm. All travellers from India subsequently will be tested at the end of their initial 14-day SHN (as per the current requirement), and again after they have completed their  additional seven-day SHN period, said MOH.

“Travellers who have yet to complete their 14-day SHN by 22 April 2021, 2359 hours, will also be subjected to the additional 7-day SHN period,” the statement added.

“Migrant workers arriving from India in the Construction, Marine and Process sectors will continue to be subjected to a 21-day SHN. These measures will minimise importation risks and protect public health.”

India has experienced a surge in Covid-19 cases along with the emergence of new virus variants. On Tuesday, the country recorded over 259,000 new cases, the sixth day when cases exceeded 200,000. 

It also saw its highest death toll on Monday, with 1,761 succumbing to the disease. India’s total recorded number of Covid deaths is now 180,530. 

Its total number of Covid cases has reached 15.3 million, second only to the United States.

Epidemiologists have said the new variants are responsible for much of the spread of infections in this current surge.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the increase in Covid-19 infections as a “storm”. In a televised message, he told the people to stay at home and not to panic.

“The situation was manageable until a few weeks ago. The second wave of infections has come like a storm. The central and state governments, as well as the private sector, are together trying to ensure oxygen supplies to those in need. We are trying to increase oxygen production and supply across the country,” Mr Modi said.

Large parts of India are under lockdown in a bid to control the spread of infections. But Mr Modi has asked states to use lockdown only as a last resort.

“We have to save the country from a lockdown. I appeal to the states, they should use lockdown as the last option, and pay more attention to micro-containment zones.”

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson cancelled a trip to India because of the Covid surge.

On Tuesday, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said, “Even fully vaccinated travelers… should avoid all travel to India.”

/TISG

Read also: Fake job offer letters from SGH circulate in India

Fake job offer letters from SGH circulate in India

Beyoncé poses in a glittery sheer crop top and skirt on a yacht

0

Miami — Beyoncé has been posting more “outfit of the day” photos recently. Normally she would post photos sparingly on Instagram, but she just posted her third outfit of the day in five days on Tuesday night (April 20). Her latest post is her glitziest yet. Queen B wore a sheer metallic Oséree crop top and skirt on a Miami yacht.

According to a report by ELLE, she held a red Solo Cup in her hand and wore Illesteva sunglasses even though it was night time. The singer accessorised with big earrings and a choker. Beyoncé looked stunning in the photo.

The day before, Beyoncé posted a photo of herself in an Auné bodycon dress and matching gloves. She uploaded a photo of herself in a white, low-cut Area suit personalised with Beyoncé pendants over the weekend.

Beyoncé in an Aune suit with Beyoncé pendants. Picture: Instagram

So far this year, she has not given any interviews, but she did speak to ELLE for its January 2020 issue about how she does self-care and how that experience inspired her fashion line, Ivy Park.

“The name of the brand (Ivy Park) comes from where I built my strength and endurance as a young woman,” Beyoncé said. “I ran and trained in the park, and that state of mind has stayed with me all these years. It’s the first place where I learned to listen to my body.

“Many of us grew up seeing our parents act as if they were superheroes. Most women have been conditioned to ignore symptoms and just ‘tough it out’ and focus on taking care of everyone else before themselves.

“I am no longer one of those people. After having a difficult pregnancy, I took a year to focus on my health. I have researched information on homoeopathic medicines. I don’t just put any prescription in my body. My diet is important, and I use tools like acupuncture, meditation, visualisation, and breathing exercises.”/TISG

1 foreign worker dead, 16 injured in major accident along PIE

Singapore – A 33-year-old man travelling on the back of a lorry died after the vehicle collided with a stationary tipper truck on the Pan-Island Expressway (PIE) on Tuesday (Apr 20). Another 16 migrant workers were injured in the accident.

The Migrant Workers’ Centre (MWC) took to Facebook on Tuesday to announce the accident involving a transport vehicle for migrant workers and a tipper truck along PIE towards Changi Airport before Jalan Bahar. The incident “resulted in the death of one migrant brother and left 16 others injured to various degrees,” said MWC.

The non-government organisation noted that it has been in contact with the employer of the affected workers, reported to be Bright Asia Construction, according to The Straits Times. MWC is working closely with them to provide the necessary assistance to the affected workers.

As of Tuesday evening, nine of the injured workers had been discharged from the hospital after being treated for minor injuries. Meanwhile, the remaining seven individuals are still warded, said MWC. Two of the seven workers are in the intensive care unit (ICU).

“For the affected workers, MWC will be working with the hospitals and employer to visit them and, most importantly, reassure them that we’re here to provide them with the necessary care and support.”

A video of the incident posted by SG Road Vigilante on Tuesday showed several men lying on the ground while Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) officers were deployed at the scene.

There were at least two ambulances and a fire engine present.

Photo: YT screengrab

SCDF revealed that two workers were found trapped in the rear compartment of the lorry and were extricated using hydraulic equipment.

Photo: YT screengrab

The passengers, aged between 23 and 46, were taken to National University Hospital and Ng Teng Fong General Hospital.

The police said that a 36-year-old male lorry driver was arrested for careless driving causing death.

“Workers put at risk when seated behind lorries without a seatbelt,” noted SG Road Vigilante in the caption. “Especially when these lorries fail to conform to the vehicle speed limit of 70 kph.”

In its post, MWC highlighted that the accident took place while the workers were en route to the worksite. “They should be protected under the Work Injury Compensation Act (WICA),” said MWC.

WICA is a low-cost and quicker alternative to the common law as it lets employees make claims for work-related injuries or diseases without having to file a civil suit under common law, according to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) website.

“MWC will also be contacting the loved ones of the deceased to offer our sympathies as well as to extend interim financial assistance to the family as it will take some time for WICA to be paid out,” said MWC.

MOM’s Assurance, Care and Engagement (ACE) officers are working closely with MWC and the employer to take care of the affected workers’ well-being, added a MOM representative to ST.

MWC also announced that members of the public who wish to help the affected workers could do so through its charity arm, the Migrant Workers’ Assistance Fund (MWAF). MWAF is one of the few locally registered charities approved to provide financial support to overseas dependents of our migrant workers.

Contributions can be made on this website./TISG

Read related: Foreign worker seated precariously at the back of an open lorry cause for concern

Foreign worker seated precariously at the back of an open lorry cause for concern

Uncle offers ComfortDelGro taxi to niece as wedding car to save on expenses

Singapore – The story of an uncle lending his niece his ComfortDelGro taxi for her wedding day to help the couple save on expenses has gone viral online.

“A luxury car is commonly used for weddings, but what about a taxi?” wrote ComfortDelGro on its Facebook page on Tuesday (Apr 20), featuring cabby Abdul Aziz Bin Talibak’s story.

The post noted that when Mr Aziz’s niece, Ms Syarinah Sani, was preparing for her wedding in March this year, he knew exactly what to do.

He offered his own Comfort Ioniq taxi as a wedding car to the couple to help them avoid the cost of hiring one.

“I decided to offer my taxi as my niece’s wedding car as I thought it would help them save on expenses. The taxi may not be a luxury car, but it is only slightly over one year old, and still looks new,” said Mr Aziz.

Seeking approval for his plan, Mr Aziz approached ComfortDelGro management on Mar 12. He also had to write to the Land Transport Authority for permission.

The approval came on the same day, wrote ComfortDelGro.

Photo: FB screengrab/ComfortDelGro Taxi

“I was very surprised and thankful when Uncle Aziz offered to let us use his taxi,” shared an appreciative Ms Syarinah. Her uncle had helped her save at least S$400 to S$500, which was the cost of renting a wedding car for a day.

“He even paid for the decoration out of his own pocket and made the taxi look so presentable on my big day,” said Ms Syarinah.

Photo: FB screengrab/ComfortDelGro Taxi
Photo: FB screengrab/ComfortDelGro Taxi

ComfortDelGro wrote, “We are glad to have our taxi dressed up for such a joyous occasion! Congratulations to Ms Syarinah Sani!”/TISG

Read related: Taxi driver goes the extra mile to help mother of 3 on a rainy day

Taxi driver goes the extra mile to help mother of 3 on a rainy day

Foreign student hanged himself in deliberate act of suicide for breaching quarantine: Coroner

Singapore – An incoming foreign student caught breaching his stay-home notice (SHN) hanged himself in his hotel room in a deliberate act of suicide, a coroner announced on Tuesday (Apr 20).

Nishad Manilka De Fonseka, a 20-year-old Sri Lankan national, came to Singapore last year to begin his first year of studies at Singapore Management University (SMU), reported Channel News Asia.

Mr De Fonseka was found hanging from the ceiling in his room at the Hotel Grand Pacific a few days before his school term was scheduled to begin in Aug 2020.

According to his Internet search history, Mr De Fonseka had researched SHN breaches, including two news articles about the consequences of breaching SHN.

The student also left notes apologising to his family, saying, “sorry if I let you down,” and called the world “a cruel place”.

Mr De Fonseka and a female friend arrived in Singapore on Aug 1, 2020. They were informed they had to serve an SHN and not come into contact with other people.

But Mr De Fonseka, according to a friend, used to leave his hotel room frequently to visit his female friend. He would leave his door open using a clothes hanger.

He was eventually caught when he got locked out of his hotel room, and the staff checked the closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage.

Mr De Fonseka asked the hotel staff not to report the matter, but his request  was denied as the protocol was to report such incidents

He was worried about how his parents would receive the news and concerned that his studies would be affected. His friend advised him that it might not be so serious as they had been on the same flight to Singapore, reports noted.

The pair took a Covid-19 swab test on Aug 11, 2020, and was asked by SMU to submit a statement explaining the SHN breach.

After submitting their responses to SMU, the pair texted one another, worried by the university’s request.

The female friend texted she was trying hard not to kill herself, and Mr De Fonseka replied, “same,” and that he was “trying to find s*** to do.”
The duo discussed their future further, with Mr De Fonseka noting he didn’t know if he could take it anymore. His friend replied that she was worried about being sent back and said she would kill herself.

Mr De Fonseka had called his friend to inform her that his mother had not answered his call, reported CNA. He was afraid that SMU would suspend them, causing him to fall behind in his studies and have his scholarship revoked. Mr De Fonseka said he did not know how to explain such things to his parents.

Mr De Fonseka’s friend advised him to call her if he had the urge to harm himself and went to bed only after receiving assurance that he was fine.

She later woke up with multiple text messages from him asking her to call him. When she tried calling him back, he did not pick up the phone.

She then asked the hotel reception to check on Mr De Fonseka. He was found hanging from the ceiling and pronounced dead on Aug 12, 2020.

SMU revealed they did not have standard operating procedures for such a situation at that time. The court heard they had sent emails to students explaining the SHN and the penalties for breaching the quarantine.

The university had also arranged for care calls for the two students during SHN to check on their status, reminding them to adhere to protocols such as taking their temperatures.

The coroner noted that the Ministry of Education (MOE) had set up guidelines for institutes of higher learning on handling similar cases of SHN breaches after the incident.

The guidelines included how to communicate with those who breach their SHNs and mentally prepare the individuals with a call before sending an email. They should also be informed that counselling and support are available for them.

Mr De Fonseka’s death was a deliberate act of suicide, with no foul play suspected, said State Coroner Kamala Ponnampalam.

SMU has also changed its policy for student welfare management, said the coroner. Ms Kamala gave her condolences to Mr De Fonseka’s family for their loss./TISG

Read related: Young girl who attempted suicide urges PM Lee, MOE to respond to bullying

Young girl who attempted suicide urges PM Lee, MOE to respond to bullying

Fake job offer letters from SGH circulate in India

Singapore — Fake letters offering jobs at Singapore General Hospital (SGH) have been circulating in India.

These letters offer the position of store keeper and a monthly salary of S$1512.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday (Apr 20), SGH alerted against the scam.

It wrote: “Please be warned that the Hospital did not issue such letters. The Hospital does not have recruitment office or agent overseas”.

The hospital added that the fake letters could be made out from the exceptionally large SGH logo, the wrong address printed and the wrong employment agency (CV KM Brothers).

In poor English, the letters also promise those hired “All of benefits as outlined in the Singapore general hospital guidelines which will be provide with contract”.

Photo: FB/SGH
Photo: FB/SGH

The letters say the new hires will have to work 48 hours a week, earning S$8 per hour of overtime, and will be provided with accommodation, transportation and medical help.

They add that the offer is contingent on “successfully passing document test in next 3 Days from the date of receiving the letter”.

The letter shared by SGH on Facebook was signed by one Manual Santiago, the human resource manager of the company. It also stated that Barry Johnson, the controller, will be the one in charge of new hires. /TISG

YouTuber helps stop attack on Singaporean student in London

Singapore—An attempt to rob a Singaporean student of his bike was thwarted when a YouTuber, who happened to be live-streaming at that time, stopped the assailant in his tracks.

Furthermore, the YouTuber, a British man who goes by the name Sherwin, helped 21-year-old Raymond Hing call the police after the attack left him with a bloody gash on his face.

The incident occurred when Sherwin was live-streaming himself going on a walk one night in Central London earlier this month (Apr 10).

At one point—six hours into his live stream—he asks a passer-by for some directions, as he was looking at Google Maps for a specific point where he was to get a ride.

While he was talking to the passer-by, screams were suddenly heard.

Sherwin is then seen running towards where the screams are coming from.

“Is he getting attacked?,” the YouTuber asks, and then shouts, “Leave him alone! Leave him alone. F*** off!!!”

He came upon Mr Hing sitting in what appeared to be the middle of a road clutching his bicycle, with another man nearby. The student said, “Call the police!”

But the assailant, a young African man, made a further attempt to take Mr Hing’s bike.

Sherwin is then heard screaming loudly at him, “F*** off!!! Leave him alone! Leave him alone!”

The assailant’s face is clearly seen on his video. 

The YouTuber’s live stream caught the attacker walking, and then running away.

Mr Hing asked Sherwin again, “Call the police now, man.”

Others come by to help as Sherwin used his mobile phone to call the police. 

When he got through, Mr Hing told them that he “almost got murdered” at Leicester Square.

It was an “attempted murder” and the assailant “was armed and dangerous,” the Singaporean student told the police, adding that the assailant had a knife and had tried to rob him.

Although Mr Hing was shaken and kept asking for his glasses, he was able to describe the attacker as “Black, Somalian, skinny…1.7 metres tall…dark blue jacket…looks 25.”

At that point, Sherwin handed his phone to Mr Hing and went to look for the student’s glasses, while the police and ambulance arrived.

According to a report in The Straits Times (ST), Mr Hing recovered quickly, which is why he did not contact the Singapore High Commission in London.

ST quotes him as saying, “I have recuperated and I am feeling better – still alive and kicking.”

As for the YouTuber, he told Insider news, “As I was rushing over, adrenaline mixed in with my anxiety. I truly really hope, if anything, I’ve maybe inspired people to not be afraid. To try and step in, and to stop a bad-looking scenario from turning (from) bad to fatally worse.”

The Metropolitan Police said the suspect had not been found and no arrest had been made, but the incident is still under investigation.

“What spurred me to help the defenceless man? I’m not sure. My mind and thoughts were blank. I just wanted, and tried, to stop the attack,” Sherwin told Insider.

/TISG

Read also: British teen found guilty of hate crime against S’porean student in London

British teen found guilty of hate crime against S’porean student in London

Not just clean, Monica clean! Courteney Cox’s kitchen proves she’s a real-life Monica

India, April 20 — If you’re a Friends fan and have binge-watched the show multiple times, chances are you were amazed by the organising skills of the cleanliness freak Monica Geller played by Courteney Cox. Monica’s character made sure that everything in her apartment was kept in the right place and in the right way. And you’ll be surprised to know that Cox is somewhat like her on-screen character in real life too. In a recent clip shared on her personal Instagram profile, Cox shared a glimpse of her perfectly sorted kitchen which may leave you thoroughly entertained.

“Am I the only one?” reads the caption shared alongside the clip. The video starts with Cox standing in her kitchen as the text ‘Tell me you’re a Monica without telling me you’re a Monica’ appears on screen. Cox then goes on to show her perfectly arranged drawers and cupboards in the kitchen and ends with Monica’s popular dialogue ‘I know!’. The video may leave you giggling hard.

Take a look at the clip:

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Courteney Cox (@courteneycoxofficial)

Shared on April 15, the clip has garnered over two million views and several reactions. People were much amused to find out the similarities between Cox’s personality to that of her on-screen character Monica. While some showered the comments section with heart emojis, others couldn’t stop pointing how amazed they were to see the similarities. Many also requested Cox to share tips on organising kitchen spaces.

“Monica is such a Courteney,” wrote an Instagram user. “If you could come organize my kitchen and life that would be awesome,” commented another. “Not just clean. MONICA CLEAN!” joked a third pulling a reference from the show Friends.

What do you think of this fun video?

MP Baey Yam Keng goes cycling, says he believes “motorists & cyclists can co-exist safely, harmoniously”

Singapore—Member of Parliament Baey Yam Keng (PAP – Tampines GRC) has weighed in on the lately fraught relationship between motorists and cyclists, saying he believes the two can “co-exist safely and harmoniously.”

Incidents of cyclists behaving badly on the road have made the news lately, with more and more motorists growing irate at the risks they carelessly pose on the road.

On Sunday (Apr 18), Mr Baey bucked the trend by posting about a positive encounter last month with a group of cyclists, which caused him to give them a thumbs-up signal.

“What caught my eye was that they stopped at the red lights when there were no other vehicles going in the direction of the green light, which is the right way but I don’t see all cyclists doing that.”

The leader of the group, a man named Raymond, later messaged him, inviting him to go cycling with them.

And while the Tampines MP is known to post about his fitness routines on social media, he confessed that he “was not very confident cycling on the road.”

However, Raymond, his father Richard, and two of his friends, Ryan and Adrian, helped Mr Baey pedal his way through the streets.

He added, “They showed me how to ride safe, not only for ourselves but other road users too. They kept to one lane, single file most of the time, used hand signals, gave way and slowed down when necessary.”

FB screengrab: Bae Yam Keng

Notably, on the ride he took with Raymond and the group, he saw motorists with “gracious” driving manners as well.

“I do believe that motorists and cyclists can co-exist safely and harmoniously on the road. We just need to look out for ourselves and others,” the MP added.

Mr Baey, who is also the Senior Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry for Transport, also shared on his Facebook page a post from the Land Transport Authority (LTA), which teamed up with the Traffic Police last weekend in operations concerning active mobility users.

“From the AYE and West Coast Highway to Bukit Timah and Tanah Merah Coast Road, we took the opportunity to drill home the message of safe cycling and took errant cyclists to task,” the LTA wrote. 

They caught a total of 34 cyclists breaking the rules—16 who did not wear helmets, 16 who beat red lights, and two who rode against the flow of traffic.

FB screengrab: LTA

Cycling is a great way to keep fit while exploring Singapore. We are happy to see that more are taking up this environmentally-friendly way of commuting but do keep safety in mind at all times while on the roads. Abide by the rules and exercise consideration and graciousness to keep everyone safe!” the LTA reminded the public.

/TISG

Read also: Actor Tay Ping Hui tells cycling community, ‘I am not the enemy’

Actor Tay Ping Hui tells cycling community, ‘I am not the enemy’