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WP politician on Wuhan virus: “Every once in a while, the world will face new unknown and deadly viruses”

By
Obbana Rajah
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0
Photo: Yee Jenn Jong (YouTube screengrab)

Yee Jenn Jong, a former Non-constituency Member of Parliament (NCMP) with the Workers’ Party (WP) posted on social media earlier today asking the people of Singapore to stay calm, yet vigilant.

Sharing a message by his party, he wrote: “Most importantly, we urge everyone to remain calm, and not to give in to fear mongering by speculating or spreading rumours online”.

Mr Yee added: “Every once in a while, the world will face new unknown and deadly viruses. We do not know a lot yet about the new coronavirus that originated from Wuhan. It appears to spread faster than SARS due to its stealth nature (many carriers do not exhibit obvious symptoms) but is so far less deadly than SARS, MERS and certainly nowhere near the level of Ebola or the Spanish flu of 1918”.

Advising people to rest and sufficiently hydrate, Mr Yee also reminded the public of the need to be mindful about disseminating articles online “as there are many rumours spreading around, many of these untrue and stroking (sic) unnecessary fear”.

Earlier today, in their press release, The Workers’ Party voiced their “full support” for the multi-ministry task force to consolidate efforts in containing the spread of the virus within Singapore, as well as overseas. They too urged the public to stay united and heed instructions given by the various ministries.

Mr Yee’s and other politicians messages of concern come in as Singapore sees its seventh patient confirmed with the Wuhan virus; a 35-year-old male, who arrived in Singapore on Jan 23. He developed symptoms on Jan 24 and went to Raffles Hospital, from where he was transferred to the National Centre for Infectious Diseases by private ambulance, MOH said. The man subsequently tested positive for coronavirus on Jan 27 at 11 pm.  /TISG

PM Lee says Singapore is well prepared to deal with the Wuhan virus

By
Anna Maria Romero
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0
Photo: YouTube screengrab, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong interview

Singapore—In the wake of three new confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Singapore in a twenty-four-hour span, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong posted a message to the public regarding the spread of the virus, which originated in Wuhan, a city in central China and has thus far affected around 6,000 individuals, with a death toll of 132.

PM Lee sought to assure the public that measures are being made to ensure that Singapore is well-prepared at this time.

The Prime Minister, who posted his message late on Tuesday afternoon (Jan 28), said that he had been receiving numerous messages abut the virus, and assured that he understood well the concern people have for themselves and their loved ones in Singapore and other countries.

He acknowledged the swift progression of events in relation to the Wuhan virus, and said that the government’s contingency plan has been set in motion.

PM Lee added that the country’s healthcare system is well prepared, and has been getting ready for this type of situation since the SARS outbreak over 15 years ago.

He also told the public that hard work is being done all over the world to find a cure for the virus.

“Meanwhile, scientists and medical professionals across the world are working around the clock to understand the virus and develop a vaccine. Experts think the Wuhan virus may be less lethal than SARS, but more infectious. Patients who are infected may possibly be contagious before symptoms show. If true, this will make it harder to screen and detect new cases, and to stop the spread.”

He then went on to say that there is not yet a local transmission or community spread of the novel coronavirus in Singapore, and that all the people in the country so far who have tested positive for the virus are from Hubei and are Chinese nationals.

PM Lee added that recent travellers from Hubei, as well as those who have PRC passports issued from there, are no longer allowed entry or transit into Singapore. He said that Singaporeans who have recently visited Hubei or those who have long-term passes, will be quarantined.

The Prime Minister urged the public to stay calm and to practice good hygiene in order to prevent pathogens from spreading, and to consult a doctor immediately if they feel unwell.

He added that the wearing of masks is unnecessary if one is not sick.

PM Lee also urged the public to refrain from listening to fake news about the virus, since there is much of it going around especially on social media and messaging apps such as WhatsApp.

“Sharing news responsibly is an important way we can protect ourselves,” he wrote, adding web pages from the Ministry of Health, Channel NewsAsia (CNA), The Straits Times, government website Factually, and the government’s What’sApp push notification. -/TISG

Read related: Dr Tan Cheng Bock predicts elections likely to be delayed because of Wuhan virus

Dr Tan Cheng Bock predicts elections likely to be delayed because of Wuhan virus

 

Man arrested in Malaysia for spreading fake news about Wuhan virus

By
Anna Maria Romero
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0
Facebook screengrab: Wuhan Coronavirus Pandemic Watch Worldwide

Petaling Jaya—A man was arrested in Bangi on Tuesday (Jan 28) for spreading false information about the novel coronavirus, also commonly known as the Wuhan virus.

The swiftly spreading virus, which originated from Wuhan, a city in central China, has been causing alarm worldwide, with around 6,000 people infected and a death toll of 132. The cure rate of the virus currently stands at 103, and thousands of suspected cases around the globe are being tested or awaiting results from testing.

Authorities in all countries have been calling for the dissemination of only factual information about the virus, in order to prevent undue panic or alarm.

Malaysia, however, has taken the step of arresting one man for allegedly sharing a post on social media that contained misinformation. A yet unidentified 34-year-old man was arrested in Bangi, Selangor, over a post he shared last Sunday (Jan 26).

The Malay Mail reports the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) as saying that the man was arrested at his own home, authorities confiscated his cellular phone and sim card which they believe he used for sharing posts that contained falsehoods.

Under Section 233 of the country’s Communications and Multimedia Act, his action of improper use of network facilities could mean a fine of RM50,000 (approximately SGD 16,600) and no more than one year of jail time if he is convicted.

According to the MCMC, “The stern action is among efforts by the MCMC and Royal Malaysia Police to control the spread of false news on the novel coronavirus by irresponsible individuals, which could jeopardise national stability and public peace.”

The commission also said that three other individuals are currently being investigated on similar grounds, for having spread false information about the Wuhan virus.

The MCMC and Royal Malaysia Police issued a warning earlier in the week saying that the law concerning fake news would strictly be enforced, particularly in situations involving the novel coronavirus outbreak.

Malaysia’s health authorities have had to continually correct fake news about the Wuhan virus that has spread over the country’s social media, in order to avoid situations of panic, even if there has not been a widespread outbreak in the country.

Similar to its neighbour Singapore, Malaysia has so far reported seven cases of the Wuhan virus in total, with three new cases confirmed on Wednesday, January 29.

The Health Ministry of Malaysia confirmed that the three new cases all involve Chinese nationals. The three new cases are the mother of two children also infected with the virus, a 52-year-old man and a four-year-old girl.

The two children of the mother are grandchildren of a man, age 66, who is one of the first people in Singapore who tested positive for the Wuhan virus last week.

Malaysia recently implemented more stringent health checks along its international borders. Chinese visitors entering the Tuas immigration checkpoint in Johor now have a separate lane.

According to the director-general of the Health Ministry, Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah, thermal scanners are now in place in the country’s entry points to discover visitors who have a fever.  -/TISG

Read related: Japan confirms virus in man who had not been to China

Japan confirms virus in man who had not been to China

 

 

Lawrence Wong tells Singaporeans to be “psychologically prepared” for Wuhan outbreak

By
Miren Gonzalez
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0
Singapore’s National Development Minister Lawrence Wong speaks during a press conference on coronavirus situation in Singapore on January 27, 2020. - (Photo by Roslan RAHMAN / AFP)

SINGAPORE — On Monday (Jan 27), National Development Minister Lawrence Wong likened the current Wuhan virus spread to the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak of 2003. Mr Wong noted that the Wuhan outbreak could possibly overtake SARS in severity and advised Singaporeans to be “psychologically prepared”, “keep calm, carry on with your lives … and take the necessary precautions”.

The Wuhan coronavirus outbreak has taken over Singapore, with headlines all over the media blaring updates, warnings and advise to citizens on how to cope with the current situation.

Mr Wong, who co-chairs a multi-ministry task force specially formed to combat the outbreak in Singapore, said that while experts say it’s still too early to tell if Wuhan will be worse than SARS, psychological preparation is key to be able to face what’s coming.

“Be psychologically prepared that this may take some time to unravel, but be assured, too, that we have a system in place,” said Mr Wong.

He also emphasised that after the SARS epidemic of 2003, Singapore is more equipped to deal with a virus outbreak. The SARS coronavirus infected 238 people in Singapore and claimed the lives of 33—patients, doctors and healthcare workers alike were not exempt from the virus, which was spread through close contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person.

“We have put in place inter-ministry coordination mechanisms … [and] drawer plans for a full range of different scenarios of the virus outbreak,” Mr Wong said.

According to Mr Wong, while medical experts are saying that the Wuhan virus is not yet as infectious as SARS—and currently still has a lower fatality rate—”the situation is evolving so quickly … [and] the virus is getting stronger”.

“I think the spread of the [Wuhan] virus will be much faster because we are unable to identify and isolate unlike SARS—we had the means to because of symptoms,” said Mr Wong, responding to queries about risk of infections spreading even before symptoms show.

However, he clarified that this statement was preliminary, as the task force is still in consultation with medical experts to prove if the Wuhan virus can be spread pre-symptoms. He noted that the team will have to “do more and escalate our measures even further” if that becomes the case.

With all the “imponderables” and “uncertainties” surrounding the Wuhan virus, Singaporeans need to be physically and mentally ready for what is to come.

In a post that he made to Facebook on Tuesday (Jan 28), Mr Wong spoke of the additional measures the government is taking to combat the outbreak.

<Wuhan coronavirus – additional measures>I mentioned yesterday that the situation is evolving rapidly, and the key is…

Posted by Lawrence Wong on Tuesday, January 28, 2020

“We have a comprehensive plan with contingencies for different scenarios. These measures are part of our plans. Given the accelerating trends and risk levels, we’ve decided to activate them now.

“We have to be mindful that the situation is fluid, with new information coming out from China every day, and with our risk assessments being updated constantly. There are signs now that the virus is more transmissible than SARS although less fatal. But we can’t tell how things will unfold. We have to be prepared that this Wuhan virus may well be different from SARS, including the possibility of infection before any symptoms arise. We cannot rule out the possibility of wider infection and community spread,” wrote Mr Wong.

While the situation is become more dire everyday, Mr Wong had words of encouragement for Singaporeans—

“We want to assure Singaporeans that we are [better prepared], and that’s why our message is: Keep calm, carry on with our lives, but all of us work together, take the necessary precautions and we can overcome this together.”

/TISG

Why are the Islamists afraid of Anwar Ibrahim?

By
Kazi Mahmood
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0
A smiling Anwar posing with Dr Mahathir at the PM's office in Putrajaya where they discussed a peaceful power transition - Picture Credit: Office of the Prime Minister (Nurhilmy Basiron)

Last year, Malaysia saw a spike in political manoeuvres akin to a “game of thrones”. The country watched the Economic Affairs Minister Azmin Ali challenge his party leader, Anwar Ibrahim for the Prime Minister’s post.

It soured their relationship. Some say it was to the point of no return and may dampen Anwar’s chance to become the eighth PM of Malaysia. For Anwar, 2019 was a shocker. To see his long-time friend and collaborator going against him was difficult.

The shock waves started with reports of Azmin rallying 20 MPs to jump ship from Anwar’s party to the Bersatu. Anwar’s party is the Parti Keadilan Rakyat or PKR and the Bersatu is Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s party. Then there was the gay-sex video scandal that came after the holy month of Ramadan.

PKR member, Haziq Abdullah Abdul Aziz, made bold accusations against Azmin saying the powerful minister is in the video.

He said he is the other actor in the short viral videos. It wasn’t over for Anwar. The party split into two factions, one supporting him and the other Azmin.

The pressure was on Anwar to prove his mettle as a strong leader. He chose the party’s congress to make some political moves to save the party from breaking point.

The Azmin faction made a push against the idea of Anwar as the eighth PM, criticising members and delegates for shouting the ‘Anwar for PM’ slogan. Heckled and booed they stood their ground firmly saying the party isn’t for one man to gain power.

A day before the congress, Anwar met with Azmin, sealing a deal with the latter. The deal was to get Azmin’s group to forfeit from holding their own ‘congress’ and to join the party’s machinery instead. They complied, but they didn’t expect the backlash from the thousand delegates.

However, they believed the Anwar camp had betrayed them and they made a stand during a dinner at the Renaissance Hotel in Kuala Lumpur.

The Minister of Housing and Local Government, Zuraidah Kamaruddin pointed a finger at Anwar on a sexual assault case made by one Yusuf Rauther. Azmin is rallying his troops to pressure the PKR leadership to abandon all disciplinary measures against Zuraidah Kamaruddin. The fiery lady is Azmin’s ally.

This got her in trouble with the party’s disciplinary board but Azmin is asking the board to drop the charges. While the party is still at boiling point, the Prime Minister has agreed that the Pakatan Harapan coalition presidential council is to decide on his departure date.

But the most incredible element in all of this is that the party is still intact. This is a short-lived victory for Anwar because the Islamists from the Parti Islam Se-Malaysia or PAS gave the media a scoop.

They published a picture of Dr Mahathir having breakfast with their leader, Abdul Hadi Awang at the PM’s residence. This became the talk of the town and goes to show that in politics, a week can be a long time.

PAS revealed that Dr Mahathir invited them to join the Pakatan coalition. Dr Mahathir made no attempt to deny the statement from the PAS. But Anwar knows it is a tough call for the PAS to join the PH. PKR, Amanah and DAP may stand in the way.

PAS and the Umno are having a magnificent ride in the by-elections, with one win after another, defeating Dr Mahathir’s coalition in a humiliating manner. Sources say PAS is Azmin’s ally and are against Anwar taking over as the next PM of Malaysia. The Harakah, the tabloid belonging to PAS says Dr Mahathir is a better Muslim than Anwar.

If this is the reason they had breakfast with Dr Mahathir on January 20, Anwar might still be in trouble. Allied to Anwar in the 2008 and 2013 elections PAS is hell-bent on stopping him in his move to become Prime Minister.

But the question is why would PAS be so afraid of Anwar becoming the next PM of Malaysia?

Wuhan virus: WP urges public to “not give in to fear-mongering by speculating, spreading rumours”

By
Anna Maria Romero
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0
Scgeengrab: http://www.wp.sg/

Singapore — The Workers’ Party (WP), referring to the Wuhan virus outbreak, has urged the public to “not give in to fear-mongering by speculating and spreading rumours”.

In a statement on Wednesday morning (Jan 29), the opposition party also pledged full support for the multi-ministry task force on the Wuhan virus outbreak.

It called the outbreak, which has affected nearly 6,000 people and killed 132 in China, “a new development that is serious and concerning”, and said, “we give the task force our full support during this trying period”.

The party joined the call for the public to exercise caution and maintain good personal hygiene, and to keep updated with advisories from the Ministry of Health (MOH). It reminded the public to seek medical help at once if they feel unwell.

The WP also urged unity at this time. It said: “We have to stay united, and heed instructions given by the various ministries, especially that from the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Manpower, and the Ministry of Education. Most importantly, we urge everyone to remain calm, and not to give in to fear-mongering by speculating or spreading rumours online. If you have any doubts, please refer to official announcements or news from major news outlets.”

The party thanked frontline medical personnel and border staff who have “worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of Singaporeans”, adding that “we stand behind them in this nation-wide effort to tackle the coronavirus”.

As of Tuesday evening (Jan 28), two new cases of the virus were confirmed in Singapore, bringing the total to seven. With three confirmed cases within the last 24 hours, the MOH noted that the trend of infection among Chinese nationals from Hubei province in Singapore is accelerating, in line with the sharp increase in global infection rates. It said this presented a heightened risk to Singapore, although there was as yet no evidence that the virus had spread in the community.

From Wednesday (Jan 29), travellers who have passports issued in Hubei and those who have been to Hubei recently will not be allowed to enter or transit through Singapore.

The authorities said on Tuesday that there are around 2,000 individuals in Singapore who recently travelled to Hubei. From among them, those who are deemed to be at higher risk will be put into quarantine.

According to the co-chairman of the task force, National Development Minister Lawrence Wong: “It is clear that there is heightened risk from Hubei travellers.”

At present, 75 people are under quarantine, all of whom were in close contact with the first four individuals confirmed to have the virus in Singapore.

Quarantine, which falls under the Infectious Diseases Act, carries strict penalties when disobeyed. A fine of $10,000 and a six-month jail sentence can be meted out for first time offenders, with more stringent penalties for those who repeat the offence. -/TISG

Read related: Wuhan virus test of 4G leadership, just as SARS was for 3G—analysts

Wuhan virus test of 4G leadership, just as SARS was for 3G—analysts

 

 

Travel restrictions for those travelling from Hubei effective 12pm, Jan 29

By
Beatrice Del Rosario
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0
Photo: from Facebook public photos

Effective 12pm Wednesday (Jan 29), tightened travel restrictions will be imposed in wake of two new confirmed cases of the Wuhan virus in Singapore, bringing the number of confirmed cases to seven.

According to a recent report by Channel News Asia, on Tuesday (Jan 28), the Ministry of Health announced that in an effort to counter the fast-spreading virus across Asia, people who have a history of travelling to Hubei anytime within the past 14 days will not be allowed to enter Singapore. The restriction will also be imposed on travellers with passports that have been issued in Hubei.

Furthermore, effective immediately, the issuance of new visas for Hubei passport holders–including previously issued short-term and multiple-entry visas–will be suspended. In addition to this, transit facilities will no longer be provided to travellers who meet the criteria of the travel restriction.

The Immigration Checkpoints Authority (ICA) disclosed on Tuesday (Jan 28) that travellers visiting Singapore, who are holding an invalid visa will not be allowed entry, and will be expected to make their own arrangements to leave. However, those requiring more time to do so can approach the ICA, which will provide assistance. This will be implemented in all checkpoints and includes those travelling from Johor Bahru into Singapore by coach. Visitors who are not in possession of a valid visa will also be denied entry.

According to a report by Mothership, there are around 2,000 people falling under the criteria of either having a history of travelling to Hubei or a Hubei-issued passport. The MOH has reportedly begun contacting these individuals, ready to take quarantine measures on those who are high-risk. Having come into contact with someone with the Wuhan virus and having recently visited a hospital in China are part of the assesment criteria.

As for Singaporean residents who are returning from travels abroad as well as long-term pass holders, including Dependant’s Passes and long-term visit passes (LTVP), the 14-day window restriction will also be imposed. Returning PRs and long-term pass holders with PRC passports issued in Hubei will also be included in the quarantine policy.

The MOH has urged airline companies to do their part by informing passengers of these measures that are set to be implemented later today and assures the public that anyone showing symptoms will be attended to. As for quarantine orders, the measures are backed by legal force, with non-compliance being punishable with fines ranging from S$10,000 to six months in prison.

According to Minister for National Development Lawrence Wong, Singaporeans and PRs in quarantine will receive an allowance of S$100 a day, which is a measure similar to that used during the SARS outbreak in 2003, as a counter to the economic blow of the virus.

Singaporeans have the option to be quarantined at home.

 

Dr Tan Cheng Bock predicts elections likely to be delayed because of Wuhan virus

By
Obbana Rajah
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0
Photo: File Image

Speaking at the launch of the Progress Singapore Party’s (PSP) new headquarters on Monday (Jan 27) at Bukit Timah Shopping Centre, Secretary-General Dr Tan Cheng Bock predicted that the Wuhan virus would impact the timing that elections are called.

Addressing more than 40 party members who were present at the occasion, along with members of the media and special guests, Dr Tan said: “I think it will have an impact on election”.

He added that, “The illness can stretch on. I think it is not wise to hold the election so fast because rallies – everybody will be crowding together. All these campaigns, you know. So have to be careful long term”.

Emphasising that the spread of the virus could have long-term effects, he added that even the Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak in 2003 “also took quite a while before we can really understand the spread of the illness and the containment of the spread”.

Dr Tan also commented on how he was dissatisfied with the types of hospitals being built whereby they were connected to many shopping centres or shops.

He said: “It is very dangerous because I see some of the patients carrying their drips, walking all around in the coffee shops. My goodness, I worry, if there is a spread, this person spread to him” (sic).

According to him, the types of hospitals he favoured were ones that were standalone buildings because it would be a lot easier to contain the spread of contagious diseases.

“But at this point, lets not have any blame game”, Dr Tan said.

“Now our focus is let’s contain it. All work together as a team. We don’t care which political party you belong to. The problem is there. Let us all work together”, Dr Tan emphasized. /TISG

MOM’s figures of S’poreans in labour force “extremely disturbing,” says SDP

By
Obbana Rajah
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0
Chee Soon Juan, the secretary-general of the opposition Singapore Democratic Party (SDP), speaks to reporters before addressing a lunch time crowd in the financial district of Raffles Place ahead of Singapore's September 11 election, on September 7, 2015. Campaigning for Singapore's September 11 election began September 1, with a resurgent opposition seeking a greater political role as voters chafe at immigration and high living costs. AFP PHOTO / ROSLAN RAHMAN (Photo by ROSLAN RAHMAN / AFP)

The Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) has called figures released by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) on Singapore citizens in the labour force “extremely disturbing”.

They add that the MOM’s statistic that “The increase in employment rate of Singapore citizens over the last decade (from 60.0% in June 2009 to 63.6% in June 2019) was driven most consistently by those aged 65 & over. This reflected efforts to raise the employability of older workers”, stood out to them the most. This is because the retirement age in Singapore is 62, yet, the increase in employment rate of Singaporeans over the last decade was driven most consistently by those aged 65 & over, they explained.

The SDP then raised questions such as why the elderly cannot retire in comfort and security. They asked if it was because their CPF savings were “withheld under the Retirement Sum Scheme?”

The party also asked of the MOM would provide a breakdown of the number of elderly people working each job. They asked: “How old are the oldest workers? Will the MOM tell us the age groups of these workers (eg 65-75, 75-85, 85 and above)?”

In a press release on Jan 23, they wrote that they had hoped that the employment rate among Singaporeans would have been driven primarily by younger workers instead of those who had retired.

The party also wrote that Singapore’s elderly “find themselves unable to retire”.

The SDP concluded their press release saying, “A comprehensive approach to our people and the economy embracing alternative voices and listening to the people of Singapore is critical”. /TISG

UK’s Prince Andrew urged to cooperate with US over Epstein

By
AFP
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0
Prince Andrew during the fatal interview - Screen Grab

by Joe JACKSON

Lawyers representing alleged victims of the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein on Tuesday urged Britain’s Prince Andrew to help US investigators, after a prosecutor said he had given “zero cooperation”.

US lawyer Gloria Allred, who represents five women allegedly assaulted by Epstein, said the Duke of York has “a moral obligation” to meet with the FBI and that his failure to do so was “a disservice to the victims”.

“It’s long overdue for him to do it, or to explain why he will not do it, and he’s done neither,” she told BBC Radio.

“If he’s done nothing wrong, which appears to be what he has claimed, then why won’t he talk to law enforcement?”

Andrew, 59, has strenuously denied claims he had sex with a 17-year-old girl procured by Epstein, a disgraced financier found dead in prison last August while awaiting charges of trafficking minors.

Queen Elizabeth II’s second son, who was a long-time friend of his, said in November he was “willing to help any appropriate law enforcement agency with their investigations, if required.”

But New York attorney Geoffrey Berman, who is leading an investigation into possible co-conspirators of Epstein, said Andrew was yet to respond to a request by the FBI and his office for an interview.

“To date, Prince Andrew has provided zero cooperation,” Berman, the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, told reporters.

Berman made the comments during a news conference outside Epstein’s former Manhattan mansion, which Andrew has admitted staying at.

He said he would not normally comment on whether individuals were cooperating but made an exception for the prince because of his statement offering help.

“It’s fair for people to know whether Prince Andrew has followed through with that public commitment,” said Berman.

Buckingham Palace has not immediately respond to request for comment.

‘Have you seen this prince?’
Epstein, a multi-millionaire hedge fund manager, was convicted in Florida in 2008 of paying young girls for massages but served just 13 months in jail under a secret plea deal.

The 66-year-old, who befriended countless celebrities over the years including US President Donald Trump, killed himself in a New York jail in August while awaiting trial on new sex-trafficking charges

He had denied the charges and was facing up to 45 years in jail if found guilty.

Determined to obtain justice despite his death, dozens of women who say they were abused by Epstein have sued his estate while prosecutors have pledged to pursue any accomplices.

Andrew, who is eighth in line to the British throne, has long been dogged by his links to the convicted paedophile, having stayed at his various homes around the world.

He stepped back from royal duties in November after facing outrage over an unconvincing interview with the BBC in which he defended the friendship with Epstein.

The scandal has engulfed Andrew at a difficult time for the royal family, following Prince Harry and Meghan’s decision to withdraw as frontline royals and other crises.

British newspapers on Tuesday prominently featured the latest turmoil.

“FBI: Why won’t Andrew speak to us?” screamed the front page of the Daily Mail, while the Daily Mirror said: “Andrew snubs FBI”.

Meanwhile best-selling tabloid The Sun mocked up an FBI “missing person” report for Andrew on its front page, asking: “Have you seen this prince?”

© Agence France-Presse

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