News Today

S'pore army chief's China visit
Singapore's Chief of Army, Major-General Desmond Kuek, exchanging mementoes with People's Liberation Army's Chief of General Staff, General Liang Guanglie, during his four-day introductory visit to China.Singapore's Ministry of Defence said yesterday that Maj-Gen Kuek, who returned on Thursday, was hosted... [Read more]

Quick News
ROAD CLOSURES IN CHINATOWN SEVERAL roads in Chinatown will be closed to traffic from today, in the run-up to Chinese New Year.To facilitate the light-up ceremony there tonight, New Bridge Road between Upper Cross Street and Kreta Ayer Road, and Eu... [Read more]

Two Indonesians plead guilty to US arms charges
BALTIMORE - TWO Indonesian men have pleaded guilty to trying to illegally export weapons to Indonesia through undercover US federal agents.The sting operation also netted a suspected international arms dealer and three men associated with the Sri Lankan Tamil Tigers rebel... [Read more]

Singapore remembers victims of Japanese Occupation
THE long wail of an air raid siren yesterday morning, distinctly heard over the War Memorial at Beach Road, sounded the 'All Clear' signal. It marked the start of a 30-minute ceremony to remember victims of the Japanese Occupation 65 years... [Read more]

Bourse set for further run-up
THIS week promises to be packed with action, as traders bid farewell to the lunar Year of the Fire Dog and welcome in the Year of the Golden Pig.While many will be sorry to see the curtains drawn on the Dog... [Read more]

Seven months later, still no answers
SEVEN months after the skeleton of an old woman was found in the toilet of a dilapidated house off Upper Thomson Road, police have still not been able to establish her identity. Yesterday, the Coroner's Court postponed the case for the... [Read more]

Japan rips into author of book on Masako
TOKYO - THE Japanese government has demanded an apology from the Australian author of a new book accused of defaming the imperial family through its depiction of Crown Princess Masako, officials said yesterday. Written by Ben Hills, the book Princess Masako:... [Read more]

Malaysia warns dual licence holders
JOHOR BARU - MALAYSIAN motorists will have their driving licences revoked if they also have a Singapore licence, transport officials here have said.State Road Transport Department (JPJ) director Mohd Rosli Ramli said this was to make it easier to trace drivers... [Read more]

News In Brief
Tokyo, New York bourses on track for tie-up dealTOKYO - THE Tokyo and New York stock exchanges are expected to reach an agreement on their tie-up when bourse officials meet in New York at the end of the month, said a... [Read more]

Mahathir out of hospital
FORMER Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad was discharged from hospital yesterday after being treated overnight for flu, his aide said. Tun Dr Mahathir, 81, said he was feeling better, according to his aide Sufi Yusoff. Details of his medical treatment were... [Read more]

Qantas suitor rules out higher offer
SYDNEY - A PRIVATE equity consortium bidding for Australia's iconic airline Qantas Airways yesterday rejected speculation that it would increase its A$11 billion (S$13 billion) takeover bid. In lodging its offer with Qantas shareholders, Airline Partners Australia (APA) confirmed that the... [Read more]