Car review: MG S5's appeal is beyond skin-deep
SINGAPORE – The compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) class is the key battleground where car brands sl ug it out for market dominance.
Spacious, well-equipped and a refreshingly engaging drive, the MG S5 may be just what the Chinese-owned brand needs to make a mark in an increasingly congested segment.
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Straits Times
9 hours ago
- Straits Times
Malaysia's King warns Defence Ministry against buying ‘flying coffins'
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Malaysia's King Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar is advising against buying Black Hawk helicopters that are over 30 years old. KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia's King, Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar, has issued a stern reminder to the Defence Ministry not to repeat past mistakes in the procurement of military assets, particularly used aircraft that could endanger the lives of pilots and military personnel. Sultan Ibrahim said Malaysia's experience in purchasing second-hand Skyhawk aircraft should serve as a lesson, as the planes could not be fully used. 'Do not repeat the past mistake like when we bought second-hand Skyhawks… Are we going to put our pilots in 'flying coffins'? Think for yourselves,' he said. 'I believe all this happens because the Defence Ministry is full of agents or ex-generals turned salesmen, and even textile traders trying to sell drones,' said Sultan Ibrahim at the 60th anniversary parade of Rejimen Gerak Khas (RGK) at Kem Iskandar, on Aug 16. Also present were the Regent of Johor Tunku Mahkota Ismail and Tunku Putera Johor Tunku Abu Bakar Sultan Ibrahim. Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Malaysian Armed Forces chief General Mohd Nizam Jaffar and Army chief General Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan were also in attendance. The A-4 Skyhawk, developed by McDonnell-Douglas (now Boeing), was closely associated with the Royal Malaysian Air Force, which acquired 80 units from the United States in 1982 at US$1 million (S$1.28 million) each, before retiring the fleet due to a high accident rate. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Over 280 vapes seized, more than 640 people checked by police, HSA in anti-vape raids at nightspots Life Meet the tutors who take O-level exams every year to create a 'war mate' bond with their students Singapore Airport-bound public bus to be fitted with luggage rack in 3-month trial: LTA Life Six-figure sales each durian season: Why S'pore durian sellers are now live selling on TikTok Singapore 3 truck drivers injured after chain collision on ECP, including one rescued with hydraulic tools World Did Putin just put one over on Trump at the US-Russia summit on Ukraine? Singapore Nowhere to run: Why Singapore needs to start protecting its coasts now Life Pivot or perish: How Singapore restaurants are giving diners what they want Sultan Ibrahim, who is also colonel commandant of Gerup Gerak Khas (GGK), further advised the defence minister to cancel the proposed purchase of Black Hawk helicopters that are over 30 years old, out of concern that the same mistake would be repeated. Stop 'buying nonsense' He said all parties involved in military procurement must ensure evaluations are conducted transparently, based on market prices and the actual needs of the armed forces, and not merely on the recommendations of agents or vested interests. 'Do not waste time buying nonsense that does not fit the needs of the military. If you don't know the price, ask me first,' he said. 'Five years ago, I pointed out the purchase of rigid raiding craft for the commandos at RM5 million (S$1.5 million), when I could have sourced a better boat for under RM2 million,' he said. 'Recently, I heard there was a proposal to buy a similar boat but in a larger size, at nearly RM10 million. This makes no sense and must be carefully reviewed,' Sultan Ibrahim said. He stressed that if all asset purchases are made at inflated 'middleman' prices, then government allocations will never be sufficient. 'Therefore, do not try to fool me. If you do not want to heed my advice, I will not speak up again,' he said. In addition to highlighting the need for price transparency, Sultan Ibrahim also criticised the delay in the combat diving pool project at RGK Camp, which was supposed to be completed in 2022 but is still not operational. At the same time, he urged the government to prioritise the acquisition of new equipment to ensure RGK's readiness remains at the highest level, enabling swift response to any threat. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
Straits Times
11 hours ago
- Straits Times
Aprilia's Bezzecchi claims pole at Austrian Grand Prix
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Aprilia's Marco Bezzecchi delivered a stunning turnaround to claim his first pole position of the season at the Austrian Grand Prix on Saturday, while championship leader Marc Marquez's front-row bid ended in the gravel after a costly crash. Bezzecchi had to battle through the Q1 qualifying session to secure the final Q2 spot before clocking one minute and 28.060 seconds to snatch pole position at the Red Bull Ring. It marked Bezzecchi's fifth career pole and his first since the Indian Grand Prix in 2023, with the Italian crediting MotoGP great Valentino Rossi for crucial late-night assistance after Friday's disappointing practice sessions. "Yesterday afternoon, I was a bit sad because I saw some positives. But then in the time attacks from the practice, I couldn't really make any lap time," said Bezzecchi, who progressed through the ranks at Rossi's VR46 Riders Academy. "We discovered what was wrong ... I really have to thank Vale a lot because he came to the box yesterday and we worked until late night and yeah, big thanks to him. "Also, thanks to the team, they did a wonderful job as always. I will try my best as always this afternoon (in the sprint) and then tomorrow." Bezzecchi is joined on the front row by Gresini Racing's Alex Marquez, who sits second in the championship, and Ducati's Francesco Bagnaia. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Over 280 vapes seized, more than 640 people checked by police, HSA in anti-vape raids at nightspots Life Meet the tutors who take O-level exams every year to create a 'war mate' bond with their students Singapore Airport-bound public bus to be fitted with luggage rack in 3-month trial: LTA World Did Putin just put one over on Trump at the US-Russia summit on Ukraine? Singapore 3 truck drivers injured after chain collision on ECP, including one rescued with hydraulic tools Asia Pakistan rescuers recover bodies after monsoon rains kill more than 320 Singapore Nowhere to run: Why Singapore needs to start protecting its coasts now Opinion Revitalise nightlife? Let's get the crowds out first Marc Marquez, who has won the last five Grands Prix, is seeking a first ever victory at the Red Bull Ring but after initially setting the fastest lap, he was pushed off the front row and will start fourth on the grid. The Spaniard's attempt at one final flying lap ended dramatically when he clipped the kerb on turn two and crashed into the gravel, unable to improve his time despite steering his battered Ducati through the remaining corners. KTM's Pedro Acosta had to abandon his lap midway and ride through the paddock to return to the pits as surprised staff jumped out of the way and the 21-year-old attempted one more lap to fight for pole at the team's home track. Acosta looked well set for pole when he went fastest on the first two sectors but made a mistake which required him to regain control and will start seventh on the grid behind Enea Bastianini and Fermin Aldeguer. Meanwhile, KTM Tech3's Maverick Vinales will sit out the rest of the weekend due to intense pain in his left shoulder having just returned from surgery. REUTERS
Straits Times
19 hours ago
- Straits Times
270 luxury vehicles seized in Malaysia in transport dept crackdown
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Owners of the seized luxury vehicles were reportedly driving without valid road tax and insurance. JOHOR BAHRU - In two weeks, 270 luxury vehicles have been seized nationwide in the Road Transport Department 's (JPJ) crackdown on owners driving without valid road tax and insurance. JPJ director-general Aedy Fadly Ramli said those caught include celebrities, influencers and successful businesspeople, with some owing up to RM29,000 (S$8830) in road tax arrears. 'The seized cars include Ferrari, Lamborghini and Rolls-Royce, with some of them still driven without road tax for about three years. 'In Johor alone, we detained 11 vehicles, including a car with an annual road tax of RM12,000. 'In Kuala Lumpur the highest road tax arrears recorded was RM29,000,' he said in a press conference here on Aug 15 . Datuk Aedy Fadly said the vehicles will only be released once owners pay all their outstanding road tax, insurance payments and writs of summons . 'Driving without a valid road tax and insurance puts not only other road users at risk, but also the driver themselves in the event of accidents,' he said. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. World Trump advises Ukraine's Zelensky to 'make a deal' with Russia after meeting Putin World Made-for-TV pageantry in Alaska as Trump brings Putin in from the cold Singapore Nowhere to run: Why Singapore needs to start protecting its coasts now Singapore Using nature, multi-use structures among solutions being studied to protect Singapore coastlines Life Meet those in Singapore changing careers in middle age and beyond Singapore HSA evaluating rapid urine test kits to enable faster detection of etomidate, found in Kpods Asia Move over, Labubu – Chiikawa is the new craze in Hong Kong He added that the Ops Luxury operation will be expanded to Sabah and Sarawak soon. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
