News Today

Fuel supplies: Steps in place for security
I REFER to the letter, 'What is procedure for managing energy crisis?' by Mr Raymond Tham Kon Weng (ST, Feb 8).The Government has put in place policies to safeguard the security of our energy supplies. We are developing a terminal to... [Read more]

Rest comes first, family can wait
ONE would have thought that Noh Alam Shah would rather have spent yesterday's day off in the comfort of his own home. The 26-year-old Lion, instead, chose to remain at the Amara hotel - the team hotel where a few other... [Read more]

Horse bites man at children's zoo
ON SUNDAY, a father carrying his year-old son in his arms was bitten by a horse in the Children's World Animal Land section at the Singapore Zoo.Mr Karl Verhulst, 39, said: 'It stretched over the 1.3m-tall barrier and in a flash... [Read more]

Volvo to acquire Nissan Diesel for $1.6b
TOKYO - VOLVO, the world's second-largest truckmaker, agreed to buy Nissan Diesel Motor for 7.5 billion Swedish kronor (S$1.63 billion) to add production in Asia, the world's fastest-growing economic region. Shareholders of Nissan Diesel, Japan's fourth-largest truckmaker, will receive 540 yen... [Read more]

Drogba reveals Chelsea differences
LONDON - DIDIER Drogba has confirmed one of football's worst-kept secrets - that there are problems between Chelsea's manager Jose Mourinho and his superiors.That is why the Premiership champions have faltered in the title race this season, the striker added, pointing... [Read more]

I was not the ideal president, says Aquino
FORMER Philippine president Corazon Aquino, who restored democracy to her country in the 1980s, has said that she never considered herself an ideal leader.Mrs Aquino, who turned 74 yesterday, was a housewife when she reluctantly took over as dictator Ferdinand Marcos'... [Read more]

FairPrice house brand to get trans fat labels
BY YEAR'S end, FairPrice, the largest supermarket chain here, will have the trans fat content on the labels of all food products sold under its house brand.It will also reformulate its products to reduce or remove trans fat, where possible.Its move... [Read more]

New taste of egg-vertising
TOKYO - WHAT came first: the chicken or the egg? In a new twist to the age-old conundrum, a Japanese firm is betting that - in shopping baskets at least - the chicken or rather chicken noodles will follow the egg... [Read more]

Intel chip to offer more power for less energy
SAN JOSE (CALIFORNIA) - INTEL has designed a computer chip that promises to perform calculations as quickly as an entire data centre - while consuming as much energy as a light bulb.The world's biggest chipmaker said on Sunday it has developed... [Read more]

Abdullah focused on work, not polls
PUTRAJAYA - MALAYSIAN Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi said on Thursday that he had not thought about the general election as he was focusing his attention on honouring the promises made in the last polls. 'I am not thinking (about the general... [Read more]

No headway in Iran's nuke stand-off
DEFYING innumerable United Nations Security Council resolutions, Iran let on earlier this week that it has set up more than 300 centrifuges in two uranium enrichment units at its underground Natanz complex. The country's nuclear programme is therefore set to go... [Read more]

Defence behind Spurs' 11-win run

SACRAMENTO - THE San Antonio Spurs are playing the type of defence they were noted for in their championship seasons.

It is one reason they have an 11-game winning streak.

Manu Ginobili scored 31 points, including five three-pointers, to continue the Spurs' winning ways in a 100-93 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Thursday.

He scored 11 of San Antonio's first 15 points in the fourth quarter, including three three-pointers.

He finished with 16 points in the period to hold off the Kings, who led several times in the fourth.

The loss ended the Kings' four-game winning streak.

While handing out praise for Ginobili's play in the fourth quarter, Spurs All-Star centre Tim Duncan was more impressed with the team's defence. No opponents have scored more than 94 points against them.

'I don't know what it is, but we have turned the corner (on defence) and been more consistent,' said Duncan, who had 15 points and 13 rebounds.

'We use the regular season to get into form and get ready for the play-offs. Maybe it's taken us that long to understand playing defence, but we're starting to do it.'

Ginobili carried much of the offensive load in the final quarter, yet it was point guard Tony Parker who made the two biggest baskets.

With fiancee Eva Longoria watching along the baseline, Parker put the Spurs ahead for good with 2:50 remaining, igniting a 9-0 run.

On the next possession, he flipped in an off-balance, high-arcing shot after being fouled by Corliss Williamson.

The basket put the Spurs ahead 89-86 - and they never looked back.

'But we scored 32 points in the fourth quarter against arguably the best defensive team in the league,' Kings coach Eric Musselman said.

But not enough. Period.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

News Today

US seeks Pakistan's help against Taleban
RAWALPINDI (PAKISTAN) - US DEFENCE Secretary Robert Gates sought Pakistan's support yesterday to prevent an expected Taleban spring offensive in neighbouring Afghanistan.The allies had the chance to deal a 'strategic setback' to the militants, said Mr Gates on his first visit... [Read more]

Ailing Castro still has fight in him
CUBAN state television has shown footage of Dr Fidel Castro for the first time in three months, and the ailing leader said he was still in the fight to recover from surgery that forced him to relinquish power last July. The... [Read more]

10 days later, funds still not with CPF
RECENTLY I had a problem with my CPF time deposit.My deposit with OCBC Bank matured on Jan 13 and the funds should have been credited into my CPF investment account with DBS Bank on Jan 15, according to OCBC staff.However, when... [Read more]

HK group calls for total ban on fa cai
HONG KONG - A GROUP of Hong Kong researchers has called for a total ban on the sale of fa cai - a hair-like sea moss that is widely consumed during Chinese New Year. The team from the Chinese University's department... [Read more]

En bloc sales: Have laws to protect minority
I REFER to the article, 'Couple lose fight on collective sale' (ST, Feb 6).I sympathise with the couple who lost the fight when the Strata Titles Board ruled that their CPF principal amount and accrued interest owed to their CPF accounts... [Read more]

Seafood during pregnancy 'may boost kid's IQ'
LONDON - WOMEN who eat seafood while pregnant may be boosting their children's IQ in the process, according to new research published yesterday in The Lancet. The study results were surprising, say the authors, and contradicted American and British recommendations that... [Read more]

Major Qantas investor opposes $13b takeover bid
SYDNEY - THE attempt by a consortium to take over Australia's flagship carrier Qantas Airways has hit another snag.A major shareholder of Qantas has raised objections to an agreed US$8.7 billion (S$13.35 billion) takeover offer, say sources close to the board,... [Read more]

Schools should play a bigger role in community service
As part of my secondary school's Community Involvement Programme, a group of 80 students visited the Katong School early this month to spice up the classrooms with hand-made Chinese New Year decorations. The school, falling under the umbrella of the Association... [Read more]

Upended after two-van collision
A van overturned after colliding with another in Jurong East yesterday morning, preventing traffic from turning into Jurong East Central for about two hours. Both drivers - who were alone in their vehicles - were not injured. This picture was sent... [Read more]

New taste of egg-vertising
TOKYO - WHAT came first: the chicken or the egg? In a new twist to the age-old conundrum, a Japanese firm is betting that - in shopping baskets at least - the chicken or rather chicken noodles will follow the egg... [Read more]

$30m Safra club in Jurong by 2009
THEY are already in the north, south, east and central districts. Coming next: a Safra club in the west. When completed by early 2009, the $30 million Jurong West Safra - themed a 'family playground' - will boast the largest indoor... [Read more]

Casmir allowed to play for Gombak

AGU Casmir can play for Gombak United in this season's S-League, starting with today's game against Geylang.

The five-member Players' Status Committee (PSC) decided last night that he could be registered outside the transfer period.

But it reprimanded the 22-year-old striker for being late for the hearing at the Football Association of Singapore.

The committee had sent out letters by fax and post last Friday, informing Casmir and his club of the hearing, which was scheduled for 7.30pm.

Among the recipients were the player, Gombak chairman John Yap and club manager Swee Hin Teck.

But, yesterday, Yap, who arrived punctually, had to telephone Casmir to rush down for the hearing.

The player, who returned from Malaysia yesterday with the national Under-23 team, came at about 9pm.

Swee explained the farcical situation as a 'misunderstanding'.

However, committee chairman Lim Kia Tong said: 'We've made it clear to him our total disappointment and regret that he chose not to be present in the hearing at the beginning.

'His lackadaisical attitude is a far cry from the high standard that the league is going for.'

The other PSC members present were Mohammad Muzammil, Pavan Kumar, Abdul Salim A. Ibrahim and Ronnie Teo.

Casmir had missed the S-League's registration deadline of Feb 5.

He could not sign for another club before the deadline as his contract with Woodlands Wellington expired only at the end of last month.

However, the FAS left the door open for him to appeal, and to explain why he wanted to switch to Gombak instead of carrying on with Woodlands.

In previous seasons, clubs could register players any time until the mid-season.

But a new registration system was adopted by the FAS two months ago, with the next transfer window in July.

'This case, however, is not to be treated as a precedent for other cases,' said Lim, a lawyer.

'Agu also has to enter and fulfil the full terms of his contract with Gombak.'

Casmir's contract with Gombak runs out in December.

Woodlands had bailed the Nigerian-born player out last year, when he had to repay a US$20,000 (S$31,000) sign-on fee he took from Indonesian side Persija Jakarta.

The club also paid his $20,000 fine for indiscipline, imposed by the FAS after he disappeared for five weeks.

Said a relieved Casmir: 'I'm looking forward to the new season with my new club.'

News Today

Immigration: What to look out for
Singaporeans travelling abroad should be careful to adhere to all immigration requirements of the country they are visiting. Failing to observe such requirements may lead to penalties under local laws. Singaporeans entering Malaysia should get their passports stamped at the Immigration... [Read more]

Concern over long-term effects of paid transplants
I refer to the letter, 'Don't ignore organ transplant beneficiaries' (ST, Feb 5), by Mr Wah June Hwang in reply to my letter.Mr Wah may have missed my point. My concern is about the long-term effects of paid transplants more generally.... [Read more]

Workfare payouts meant to be savings for future
LOW-WAGE workers may prefer more cash from their new Workfare benefits, but the Government believes it is their future that they should worry about.A day after a new permanent scheme to boost the incomes of low-wage workers was unveiled in the... [Read more]

Solution to cyberspace criticism lies within Reach
WITH regard to 'PAP moves to counter criticism of party, Govt in cyberspace' (ST, Feb 3), the simple solution is to improve reach.gov.sg, the feedback portal.The original site was a lot easier to use and all it needed was a little... [Read more]

Thai-language media cries foul, reflects bitterness over loss
BANGKOK - THAI-LANGUAGE media yesterday cried foul over the country's loss to Singapore in Wednesday's Asean Football Championship match. Singapore beat Thailand 2-1 in the first-leg of the final, a match marred by a 15-minute walkout by the Thais, who were... [Read more]

Two fatal accidents in five months near condo - do something please
I am a resident of Springdale Condo in Upper Bukit Timah Road.On the morning of Feb 15, a fatal accident occurred just in front of the condominium. It's scary that two fatal accidents occurred within five months in the same location... [Read more]

Planned missile shield triggers Russian wrath
WARSAW - A US proposal to base a missile shield in Poland and the Czech Republic has moved ahead with both countries indicating agreement, while a top Russian general warned the plan could lead Moscow to target the former allies with... [Read more]

Jakarta in dilemma over retrieving black box
MAKASSAR (INDONESIA) - INDONESIA yesterday debated the costs and complications involved in retrieving the black box of a jetliner that plunged into the sea with 102 people, as experts warned that its 30-day battery life was close to expiring.The Adam Air... [Read more]

US consumer spending rises 0.7%
WASHINGTON - PERSONAL spending in the United States jumped in December by the most in five months, and a measure of inflation monitored by the Federal Reserve rose less than forecast.The 0.7 per cent rise in purchases followed a 0.5 per... [Read more]

VW becomes first carmaker to sell its own vehicles in S'pore
FINALLY, it is signed and sealed. After two years of uncertainty, German carmaker Volkswagen (VW) has publicly declared that it is now the importer and retailer for its own vehicles in Singapore. It has taken over the business from entrepreneur Peter... [Read more]

Lebanese rally to mark former PM's assassination
BEIRUT - AROUND 300,000 Lebanese took to the streets of Beirut yesterday to honour slain former premier Rafik Hariri two years after his death, and to show support for the anti-Syrian government. The highly charged demonstration came a day after bus... [Read more]

News Today

Born in the Year of the Pig
Some famous people born in the Year of the Pig, and how old they will be this year:Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew, 84;MediaCorp artistes Bryan Wong, 36; Patricia Mok, 36; and Joanne Peh, 24;Singers Elton John, 60; Dannii Minogue, 36; and... [Read more]

Leaders for change
THE Global Roundtable on Climate Change was formed in 2004 by Columbia University to explore issues critical to shaping public and industry policy on climate change. It includes executives from a range of industries, from transport and energy to finance and... [Read more]

Companies in brief
PACIFIC HEALTHCARE IN $32M TIE-UPMAINBOARD-LISTED health-care provider Pacific Healthcare Holdings has inked a $32 million joint venture deal with Kuwait Finance House to build new medical centres in Asia.Pacific Healthcare will take a 40 per cent stake in the venture. Kuwait... [Read more]

Roma's physical tactics upset Lyon
LYON have accused Roma of rough play during Wednesday's 0-0 Champions League match. 'It was quite a rough match with unfair behaviour by the Roma players,' said Lyon chairman Jean-Michel Aulas, after the game in Rome. 'There was some verbal abuse... [Read more]

NHK loses case over toning down of sex slavery show
TOKYO - JAPAN'S public broadcaster was ordered to compensate a women's rights group yesterday after producers toned down a programme on World War II sex slavery following a complaint from government official Shinzo Abe, who is now the prime minister.The Tokyo... [Read more]

Taiwan's new history textbooks draw flak
TAIPEI - TAIWAN'S new high school history textbooks have sparked controversy by drawing a clear distinction between the history of China and Taiwan.The move was seen by some observers as the latest in a continuing effort by the ruling Democratic Progressive... [Read more]

Sports World
JOCKEY MURPHY DIES AFTER FALLWELLINGTON: Irish jockey Damien Murphy died yesterday from injuries suffered in a race fall.The 23-year-old never regained consciousness after crashing to the turf when his mount, Ajay's Luck, clipped the heels of another runner nearing the finish... [Read more]

'We're gangsters. Both are gangsters'
IN A testimony peppered with glimpses of underworld dealings, accused gunman Tan Chor Jin yesterday gave his side of the story in the fatal shooting of his long-time friend, nightclub boss Lim Hock Soon. Tan, dubbed the 'One-eyed Dragon', told of... [Read more]

Insurgents use chemical warfare
IRAQI insurgents have started using bombs that combine explosives with chlorine gas in what officials fear is a new and deadly tactic against civilians.At least three such attacks have been carried out in the last month, resulting in 31 deaths.... [Read more]

Savage does not expect sympathy
LONDON - BLACKBURN midfielder Robbie Savage is devastated after suffering a broken leg.But he expects little sympathy from his many critics.Savage suffered a fractured fibula after a questionable challenge from Watford midfielder Al Bangura on Tuesday and is almost certainly ruled... [Read more]

Review of 12 health-sector charities out
THE report card on 12 of Singapore's largest charities in the health sector is out - and while there are no shocking revelations, three key areas have been identified for them to work on. They have a six-month deadline to fix... [Read more]

News Today

7 die in collapse
Rescue workers carrying a victim from the rubble after a library under construction collapsed. The 19m-high library building at Guangxi Medical University in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, collapsed on Monday afternoon.Three workers died at the scene while four... [Read more]

Blues' chairman confident Mourinho will stay
DESPITE reports to the contrary, Chelsea's board has no intention of sacking manager Jose Mourinho.The club's chairman, Bruce Buck, has denied that there is any disagreement between the two parties. He is also confident that the Portuguese will remain at Stamford... [Read more]

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]

Reyes blasts Capello's tactics and selection
MADRID - REAL Madrid's Jose Antonio Reyes has taken a swipe at coach Fabio Capello's defensive tactics, and the way he selects players out of position. The Spain winger, on loan from Arsenal, is frustrated at his lack of opportunities. Like... [Read more]

Al-Qaeda threat puts America's oil suppliers on alert
DUBAI - A CALL by an extremist group linked to Al-Qaeda for wider attacks against United States oil suppliers has forced Canada, Mexico and Venezuela to review security at oil installations.'We've always said that Canada is not immune to threats. We... [Read more]

Workfare payouts meant to be savings for future
LOW-WAGE workers may prefer more cash from their new Workfare benefits, but the Government believes it is their future that they should worry about.A day after a new permanent scheme to boost the incomes of low-wage workers was unveiled in the... [Read more]

Barrier to entry for new market players in the postal sector too high
I refer to the reports, 'S'pore to open up basic mail services market' (ST, Feb 6), 'Postal companies express interest in new licences' and 'SingPost still exclusive holder of mailbox keys' (ST, Feb 7).While it is a good sign that our... [Read more]

Chinese army opens up to private suppliers
BEIJING - WHEN Chinese soldiers joined international peacekeepers in Lebanon last year, they took with them an unusual piece of kit: armoured vehicles built by a private company. The purchase of armoured personnel carriers (APCs) from Shaanxi Baoji Special Vehicles marked... [Read more]

Campaign to focus on dangers of Net piracy
THIS year's anti-piracy public education efforts will focus on raising awareness of the perils of online piracy.Students and professionals will be among the key groups targeted in the campaign. The campaign, which is expected to roll out in April, will also... [Read more]

Fund managers hail removal of 80:20 tax exemption rule
SMALL or 'boutique' fund managers in Singapore yesterday cheered the long-awaited removal of an unwieldy rule on tax exemptions for foreign investors.Under the rule, introduced in 2005, fund managers based here have had to ensure that at least 80 per cent... [Read more]

Ronaldinho scores twice in Barca win
MADRID - AFTER a series of subdued performances, Ronaldinho showed a return to form when he struck twice on Sunday.The Brazilian striker, who has been criticised for his poor showings in recent games, scored both goals in Barcelona's 2-0 victory over... [Read more]