Myanmar media confirm junta chief retains power
A message from Myanmar’s junta chief Senior Gen. Than Shwe appeared in state media Tuesday, dispelling reports that he had stepped down from the army as part of a major military reshuffle ahead of elections.
Malaysia Rules in Islamic Finance
Kuala Lumpur dominates the market for Islamic bonds, called sukuk
Philippines counts cost of China’s fury at deaths
Tens of thousands of people have marched in Hong Kong to denounce the Philippines. Thousands of tourists canceled flight and hotel bookings. Two Chinese recipients of Asia’s most prestigious award failed to show up for the Manila ceremony.
Indonesian coal miner Harum Energy to sell 26.5 pct in IPO
JAKARTA, Aug 31 (Reuters) – Indonesian coal-miner PT Harum Energy said on Tuesday it plans to sell up to 715 million new and existing shares, equivalent to 26.5 percent of its enlarged share capital, in an initial public offering scheduled for October.
Malaysia uncovers nearly 100 live reptiles in bag
Malaysian airport security arrested a convicted wildlife smuggler after finding almost 100 live reptiles in his luggage, the country’s Wildlife and National Parks Department said.
Hong Kong police inspect Manila hostage bus
Hong Kong forensic experts inspected the bullet-peppered bus in which a hijacker was accused of killing eight tourists in Manila last week, as the Philippines worked to calm China’s outrage over the bloodshed.
Singapore Exchange Proposes Copper, Aluminum Futures Based on LME Prices
Singapore Exchange Ltd. is consulting the public about introducing non-ferrous metals futures contracts for trading on its derivatives market, it said in a statement.
Indonesia says to seek $2.44 bln for Timor Sea oil spill
JAKARTA, Aug 31 (Reuters) – Indonesia will seek 22 trillion rupiah ($2.44 billion) in compensation from Thailand’s state-run PTT Exploration and Production Plc (PTTEP) after a 2009 Timor Sea oil spill, the transport minister said on Tuesday.
Vietnam War-era shell explodes, killing villager
A Vietnam War-era artillery shell exploded and killed a villager in southern Vietnam as he was cutting it up for scrap metal.
Myanmar parties complain election fee too high
Political parties challenging Myanmar’s ruling junta in the country’s first election in two decades said they can’t afford to compete in every constituency because of the exorbitant fees charged to register candidates.
Myanmar reshuffle paves way for army-dominated polls
An armed forces shake-up in military-controlled Myanmar has surprised even the soldiers as the ruling junta gears up for a November election in which its civilian proxies are expecting a resounding victory.
Indonesian volcano erupts again, many evacuated
An Indonesian volcano, inactive for four centuries, erupted again on Monday, pitching ash two km (1.5 miles) into the air and sending nearby residents scurrying from their homes.
