Nation

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, teams in group G of World Cup Asian qualifiers will play their remaining games at a centralized venue. Both UAE and Thailand have expressed their desire to host the games, though Asian Football Federation will most likely choose the former since it can fulfill all stadium, training ground, accommodation, Covid-19 prevention and cost requirements. What concerns Vietnam head coach Park Hang-seo the most is the scorching weather in UAE, where the heat and high humidity could fast deplete player stamina. Park wants the national team to train at a location with similar weather as UAE. However, because of the pandemic, it will be difficult for the squad to train abroad. Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) will arrange for the team to go to UAE a week early to acclimatize. The national team is expected to gather for training in May, when V. League is on break. They will have around a month to prepare for the three big games, with Indonesia on June 7, Malaysia … [Read more...] about National team to head abroad early for World Cup Asian qualifiers

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) responded to criticism levelled at it by Prime Minister Imran Khan and members of his cabinet, urging the government to let it work and "not sling mud on national institutions". In a press release, the commission made it clear that it would not respond to pressure, adding that it could not ignore the law and the Constitution to "please anyone". Referring to criticism on PDM's candidate Yousaf Raza Gilani's victory, the ECP said it 'rejects' the analysis and criticism that is being levelled over one result of the Senate elections. "This is the beauty of democracy and independent elections and the secret ballot which the entire nation witnessed, which was according to the Constitution," it said. The ECP said that it had heard all delegations that had called on it to discuss election-related matters and conducted a detailed review of their concerns and recommendations ahead of the Senate polls. "The election commission hears … [Read more...] about Let us work, don’t sling mud on national institutions: ECP to Imran Khan

SINGAPORE: Singapore's leaders have written to their Chinese counterparts to congratulate them on China's 63rd National Day. In his congratulatory letter to Premier Wen Jiabao, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said China has come a long way since 1949, now being the world's second largest economy and an important player on the international stage. He added that China's achievements over the last ten years in particular have been impressive, and where Premier Wen played an "instrumental role". Mr Lee also thanked Premier Wen for his "invaluable contributions" to Singapore-China relations. Mr Lee said bilateral cooperation has been multi-faceted, and has kept pace with changing developmental needs. He said there is scope for the two countries to work more closely, on "issues of mutual concern in the region and beyond". President Tony Tan's letter to President Hu Jintao spoke of the world looking to Asia, and especially China, as the engine for growth - against the … [Read more...] about PM Lee, President Tony Tan congratulate China’s leaders on its National Day

SINGAPORE: The committee spearheading a national conversation about Singapore's future has been unveiled. It comprises a mix of cabinet ministers, academics and ordinary Singaporeans like students and a taxi driver. Headed by Education Minister Heng Swee Keat, the 26-member team includes Chia Yong Yong, president of the Singapore Society for the Disabled; Ismail Hussein, head of the Islamic Banking Unit of Maybank Singapore and cabbie Patrick Teo. Mr Teo said: "I'm concerned about COEs (Certificates of Entitlement for vehicles). If the COEs keep going up, to S$200,000, how do you imagine taxi drivers will survive?" Banker and father of three, Ismail Hussein, said: "(Like most Singaporeans), I do have a concern about the rising food cost, housing and transportation costs. But I'm particularly concerned about my children and the future generation of Singapore. "I have three children and I hope through this initiative, we will be able to know about the aspirations and … [Read more...] about Panel spearheading national conversation on Singapore’s future unveiled

SINGAPORE: Even as Minister for Education Heng Swee Keat's committee gets down to work on the national conversation process, there have been calls to reach out to as wide a spectrum as possible. Singapore's parliamentarians say that the "Our Singapore Conversation" initiative requires the participation of many in order to hear the views about the kind of nation Singaporeans want to have in the next 20 years. Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts Yaacob Ibrahim said: "For the Malay community, it offers an opportunity for us to voice our concerns not as Malays but as Singaporeans first. "Whether they are issues that are important to us, they must also be important to the national community. We have a stake in the future of this country." Political observers emphasise the need for the right environment for the dialogue sessions. Nominated MP Assistant Professor Eugene Tan said: "For all the different consultations, it is important that the environment is … [Read more...] about MPs call for national conversation to reach wide spectrum of S’pore society