Sabah & Sarawak

Shafie–Kitingan appearance at Kaamatan event sparks talk of political pact

KOTA KINABALU: The presence of Parti Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal at the Keningau Kaamatan festival officiated by Sabah STAR president Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan has fuelled speculation of a possible political pact between both parties.

Nation

Thunderstorms expected in most parts of country until 7pm (May 17)

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued a warning of thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds in several states until 7pm on Sunday (May 17).

World

Italy PM Meloni heads to Modena after car-ramming, cancels Cyprus meeting

MILAN, May 17 (Reuters) - Italy's ⁠Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will travel to Modena ⁠on Sunday, a day after several people were ‌injured in a car-ramming incident there, cancelling a meeting in Nicosia with Cyprus' president in order to make the trip, government sources said.

Nation

Higher education access must align with national education policy, unity goals, says Zambry

KUALA LUMPUR: The government is adopting a balanced, inclusive and responsible approach in its efforts to expand access to national higher education as part of building a common meeting point for Malaysia's diverse society.

Indonesia

Indonesia's Mt Semeru on alert status, public urged to stay away

JAKARTA: (Bernama) Indonesian authorities have advised the public to stay away from high-risk areas around Mount Semeru after the volcano erupted several times over the weekend.

Nation

Rafizi, Nik Nazmi to leave PKR, will vacate parliamentary seats

PETALING JAYA: Former ministers Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad have officially announced they are leaving PKR to join Parti Bersama Malaysia.

Japan

Japan stops accepting new ‘Specified Skilled Workers’ in food service sector as number of foreigners nears limit of 50,000

TOKYO: The government stopped accepting new foreigners working in the food service sector under the Specified Skilled Workers (SSW) programme in mid-April in principle because the number of those allowed to work in the sector is expected to reach its limit of 50,000 as early as this month.

Nation

Anwar's diplomatic skills a boon in 'crazy' global political climate, says Mat Sabu

JOHOR BARU: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's diplomacy is what Malaysia needs to navigate the current "crazy" global political climate, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.

World

Philippine lawyers ask Supreme Court to reject senator's plea to block ICC arrest

MANILA, May 17 (Reuters) - Philippine ⁠government lawyers have urged the Supreme Court to reject the bid of fugitive Senator Ronald dela ⁠Rosa, who is wanted for alleged crimes against humanity linked to his role in a ‌bloody "war on drugs", to block his arrest and surrender.

Laos

Laos eyes China’s Hainan Port as new trade gateway

VIENTIANE: Laos is looking to China's Hainan province as a potential maritime gateway to expand international trade, according to comments made by a Lao official during a regional economic forum in China this week

Nation

Snap polls possible if unity government fractures, says Anwar

JOHOR BARU: A snap general election could take place if cracks continue to form within the unity government, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Thailand

Thailand's Makkasan crash sparks warning: Never enter rail crossing unless exit is clear

BANGKOK: The deadly train-bus collision near the Airport Rail Link's Makkasan station has renewed warnings that motorists must never enter a railway crossing unless they are sure there is enough space to clear the tracks completely.

Football

Soccer-Chelsea appoint Xabi Alonso as new manager

May ⁠17 (Reuters) - Xabi Alonso ⁠will take over ‌as Chelsea's new manager, the Premier ​League club ⁠said on ⁠Sunday, with the Spaniard ⁠signing ‌a four-year ⁠deal beginning on July ​1.

Badminton

Zi Yu-Noraqilah fall short in China Masters final

PETALING JAYA: Women's doubles pair Low Zi Yu-Nuraqilah Maisarah Ramdan fell short in their bid to capture the China Masters title after losing to Japan's Sumire Nakade-Miyu Takahashi on Sunday (May 17).

Nation

Cabinet approves RM10bil E-ART project to ease Johor Baru traffic

JOHOR BARU: The Cabinet has approved the RM10bil Elevated Autonomous Rapid Transit (E-Art) project to ease traffic congestion in Johor Baru, says Anthony Loke.

Thailand

Makkasan police charge only train driver so far over fatal bus crash

BANGKOK: Makkasan police have charged only the freight train driver so far in the latest development following the deadly train-bus collision near Airport Rail Link Makkasan, as investigators continue gathering evidence to determine whether other people should also face legal action.

Nation

Boycotting polls will only weaken voters’ voice, says Dr Chua

JOHOR BARU: Voters should not boycott elections or spoil their ballots out of frustration, as doing so would only weaken their ability to influence the country's political direction, says Tan Sri Dr Chua Soi Lek.

Nation

Pakatan ready to contest all 36 Negri Sembilan seats, says Loke

JOHOR BARU: Pakatan Harapan is prepared to contest all 36 seats in Negri Sembilan in a tit-for-tat move against Barisan Nasional's decision to go solo in the Johor state election.

Sabah & Sarawak

Departures from GRS must strengthen, not weaken our resolve, says Hajiji

KOTA KINABALU: Leaders quitting Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) has only strengthened the coalition's resolve, not weakened it, says Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

Pakistan

Pakistan makes fresh bid to revive US-Iran talks

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi (pic) landed in Tehran on a previously unannounced two-day visit, which diplomatic sources said was linked to Pakistan's continuing efforts to revive the stalled Iran-US peace process after President Donald Trump rejected Tehran's latest response to American proposals.