Malaysia’s gay community begins to push the limits
When Malaysia’s only openly homosexual pastor announced he was establishing the nation’s first gay church, the proposal was met with a torrent of outrage and criticism.
Philippines says UN poverty target won’t be met
The Philippines said Thursday it would fail to meet its UN development goal on halving poverty levels by 2015 after even more people were added to the ranks of the poor in recent years.
Indonesia urged to increase anti-piracy patrols
An international maritime group urged Indonesia on Thursday to increase patrols in the South China Sea after pirates attacked nine vessels in less than three weeks.
Indonesian volcano ends 400-year slumber
JAKARTA, Indonesia A volcano in western Indonesia, which spewed hot lava and sand high into the sky early yesterday in its first eruption in 400 years, erupted again today, spewing white clouds of smoke and ash more than 2,000 yards into the air, officials and witnesses said. Indonesia – Volcano – Types of volcanic eruption – Lava – Volcanic ash
Cambodian rights groups face worsening repression: activists
Human rights workers in Cambodia face “an increasingly hostile environment” as authorities use violence, intimidation and “trumped-up” criminal charges to silence them, activists warned Thursday.
Two Indonesia police on trial for ‘Qaeda’ arms sales
Two Indonesian police officers went on trial on Thursday charged with selling firearms to alleged Islamist extremists from a group dubbed “Al-Qaeda in Aceh”, which plotted a series of attacks in Jakarta.
Singapore Airlines curbs crew’s Facebook musings
Singapore Airlines (SIA) has directed its flight attendants to avoid discussing work-related matters on Facebook and other social networking websites, company officials said Thursday.
Malaysia tackles national woes with ad campaign
The 1Malaysia campaign, promoting unity and national pride, comes as ethnic tensions have increased and the ruling party has seen its support decline. Many dismiss the effort as style over substance. Malaysia’s reputation as a moderate, progressive Muslim nation has been sullied by a string of embarrassing news stories involving church burnings, pig heads dumped in mosques, Muslim girls caned …
Malaysia Ringgit Up on Central Bank News
The Malaysian currency, the ringgit, gains after the nation’s central bank keeps interest rates steady.
Indonesian volcano erupts after 400 years of quiet
Tens of thousands of people packed emergency shelters after a long-dormant volcano in western Indonesia spewed clouds of hot ash and smoke more than a mile (several kilometers) into the air — an eruption that caught scientists off-guard. Indonesia – Volcano – Types of volcanic eruption – Volcanic ash – Earth Sciences
Thai Yellow Shirts convicted of slandering Thaksin
A Thai court convicted two prominent members of the royalist “Yellow Shirt” protest movement Thursday of defaming fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra by accusing him of insulting the monarchy.
Thai court favors industry in pollution case
A Thai court issued a ruling on Thursday that could allow 74 projects at an industrial estate to resume operation, effectively lifting an injunction on all but two companies accused of activities that harm the environment.
Thailand’s 40 Richest
Their net worth is over $36 billion. With a fortune of $7 billion, conglomerateur Dhanin Chearavanont is the new No. 1.
