Activist: Celebrating Musa a waste when Sabahans in dire straits
An activist from a Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) student group urged for governor Musa Aman's birthday celebration to be cancelled.
Aliff Danial said public funds should be channelled towards solving problems in the state.
He condemned the GRS-led state government for spending...
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The Star
4 hours ago
- The Star
Saudi Arabia to provide financial support with Qatar to Syria's state employees, Saudi foreign minister says
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud attends a press conference with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani (not pictured), in Damascus, Syria May 31, 2025. REUTERS/Yamam Al Shaar CAIRO (Reuters) -Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud said on Saturday that the kingdom will jointly offer with Qatar financial support to state employees in Syria. "The kingdom will provide with Qatar joint financial support to state employees in Syria," Bin Farhan said during a press conference with his Syrian counterpart Asaad al-Shibani in Damascus. He did not provide details on the size of the financial support to be provided by Riyadh and Doha. However, it echoes a similar move by Qatar to bankroll Syria's public sector. His visit comes few weeks after the U.S. made a surprise announcement on lifting sanctions on Syria's Islamist-led government which overthrew former leader Bashar al-Assad in December. U.S. President Donald Trump made the decision during his recent visit to the Middle East and said it was at the behest of Saudi Arabia's crown prince, whose country was a main advocate for the lifting of sanctions. The European Union also recently lifted economic sanctions on Syria. Bin Farhan referred to his country's role in helping to lift economic sanctions on Syria, saying that Saudi Arabia would continue to be one of the main backers to Syria in its path for reconstruction and economic recovery. He said he was being accompanied with a high-level economic delegation from the kingdom to "hold talks [with the Syrian side] to bolster aspects of cooperation in various fields". Several visits would then follow in the coming days by Saudi businessmen to Syria to discuss investments in energy, agriculture, infrastructure and other sectors, he said. (Reporting by Menna Alaa El-Din and Muhammad Al Gebaly; Writing by Menna Alaa El-Din and Jaidaa Taha; Editing by Toby Chopra)
The Star
12 hours ago
- The Star
New Zealand swears in new deputy prime minister
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The Star
12 hours ago
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Kannada originated from Tamil: Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan's remarks irk Congress, BJP
Kamal Hassan - Photo: IANS CHENNAI (India): Actor-turned-politician and Makkal Needhi Maiam chief Kamal Haasan's recent remark that Kannada originated from Tamil has sparked a massive political row with both the Congress-led Karnataka government and the Opposition BJP slamming the actor for undermining the state's language and cultural identity. Speaking at an event in Chennai, Haasan claimed that Kannada originated from Tamil. His remark didn't go down well with the Karnataka leaders, who took strong exception to his statement. Reacting to his remark, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah said that Kamal Haasan is not aware of the history of Kannada. 'Kannada has a long-standing history. Poor Kamal Haasan, he is unaware of it,' he said. Congress leader Rizwan Arshad criticised the Makkal Needhi Maiam chief for triggering an unnecessary language debate, stating that both Kannada and Tamil are ancient languages. 'What kind of a debate is this? Kannada and Tamil are ancient languages and part of our country's foundation. Is this debate necessary at a time when all of us have to be united? I did not expect Kamal Haasan to make such a statement. It is unfortunate,' he said. The Opposition BJP also slammed the actor-politician and demanded an explanation. 'Kamal Haasan always tries to act very smart. You should not belittle any language to praise your own language. From where did Kamal Haasan learn that Kannada is born from Tamil?' asked Tamil Nadu BJP vice president Narayanan Thirupathy. 'A celebrity like him should be more responsible because of his societal stature. He should tell where he learned all this from. Is there any document that says this? He can not try to escape from what he said. Kamal Haasan owes an explanation,' he added. Separately, The Statesman reported that actor Kamal Haasan's upcoming film, Thug Life, is facing trouble in Karnataka after the actor's recent remark on the Kannada language sparked anger among local groups, including the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), which has banned the film's release until the actor issues a public apology. While speaking to ANI, KFCC president M. Narasimhalu said that people in Karnataka are upset with Haasan for his comment that 'Kannada is born out of Tamil,' which he reportedly made during a promotional event in Chennai. Narasimhalu added that if the actor does not 'apologise' before the movie's slated release, it will not be allowed to screen in Karnataka. 'People of Karnataka are angry with Kamal Haasan. We have also sent a message to the South Film Chamber. The distributors have decided that if he does not apologise before the release of his film on the 5th, it will not be allowed to release here…' he said. The controversy has led to several protests in Karnataka by the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike and other Kannada organisations. In response to the growing backlash, Hassan stood by his statement, saying he believes in law and democracy. Terming India a 'democratic country,' the actor stated that he wouldn't 'apologise' to anyone for his actions if he is 'not wrong.' Pro-Kannada organisations have demanded a public apology from him for allegedly hurting the sentiments of Kannada people. Speaking to media personnel outside the DMK party headquarters in Chennai on Friday, Haasan said, 'It is a democracy. I believe in law and justice. My love for Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala is genuine. Nobody will doubt it except for those who have an agenda. I've been threatened earlier too, and if I am wrong, I would apologise; if I'm not, I won't.' Thug Life is directed by Mani Ratnam and stars Kamal Haasan, Trisha Krishnan, and Silambarasan TR in the lead roles. - The Statesman/ANN
