Latest from New Straits Times
New Straits Times
17 minutes ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
UK homebuilder Barratt Redrow reports FY home completions below outlook
KUALA LUMPUR: Britain's largest homebuilder, Barratt Redrow, reported home completions for fiscal year 2025 below its expectations on Tuesday, as an uncertain economy reignited affordability concerns and kept private buyers on the sidelines. Home completions for the year ended June 29 came in at 16,565 homes, below the firm's guidance range of 16,800-17,200 homes. Barratt Redrow attributed the drop to fewer-than-expected international and investor completions in its London businesses. Even as stabilising mortgage rates and government incentives have offered builders some cautious optimism, persistent economic uncertainty continues to weigh on consumer confidence and slow the pace of recovery in housing demand. Meanwhile, Barratt Redrow announced a 100 million-pound (US$134.4 million) share buyback programme on Tuesday.
New Straits Times
30 minutes ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Anwar assures critical judiciary vacancies will be resolved soon, says Loke
SUBANG JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has assured Pakatan Harapan (PH) members of parliament that a decision will be made soon to fill critical vacancies in the judiciary. Transport Minister Anthony Loke, who was present at the meeting yesterday, said the decision would be reached following the Conference of Rulers' meeting tomorrow. "We have received the full picture from the Prime Minister. "In cabinet, he had mentioned the matter and we were briefed from time to time, but yesterday he gave an overall briefing to our backbenchers so that they are fully informed of what is going on. "He made it very clear that a decision will be made soon to fill the vacancies. The biggest concern right now is the vacancies in the top tier of the judiciary, especially the position of Chief Justice. "He also made it clear that he will present the matter to the Conference of Rulers tomorrow, and we hope that once they have given their consent, a decision will be announced," he told reporters after attending the launch of the 2025 Malaysia Maritime Week here today. Yesterday, Anwar held a one-and-a-half-hour meeting with PH MPs. Anwar, who is PH chairman and PKR president, left the complex at 5.53pm.
New Straits Times
30 minutes ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Club World Cup will be bigger than Champions League, says Chelsea's Colwill
LONDON: Chelsea defender Levi Colwill said the Club World Cup will be bigger than the Champions League after his side beat European champions Paris St Germain 3-0 in the final in New Jersey on Sunday. The quadrennial competition will return in 2029, which will be the second edition under the expanded format with 32 teams. "This is the biggest trophy I've ever won. I think the Club World Cup will be bigger than the Champions League and we were the first team to win it," the 22-year-old Colwill said. "I've really enjoyed it, playing games every four or five days. Playing to sold-out stadiums, playing against different teams who you would never normally get a chance to play." The England international said Chelsea would carry the momentum forward having beaten a phenomenal PSG side who had conceded only one goal in the tournament before the final. "I said at the start of this tournament that our plan is to win it and people looked at me as if I was crazy. So I'm going to say the exact same thing now going into the Premier League and Champions League," Colwill said. Chelsea have won the Champions League twice, in 2012 and 2021.--REUTERS
New Straits Times
30 minutes ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Modric joins Milan in one-year deal
LONDON: Croatia captain Luka Modric, who left Real Madrid after 13 years at the LaLiga club, has completed his move to AC Milan on a one-year deal with an option to extend until June 2027, the Serie A side said on Monday. The midfielder's arrival was confirmed by newly-appointed Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri earlier this month. "Very happy to be here to start a new chapter in my career," said Modric, who turns 40 in September, in an Instagram video shared by Milan. Milan said Modric will wear the number 14 shirt, which he previously wore during his four years at English side Tottenham Hotspur to honour Dutch great Johan Cruyff. "It's an immense honour for them to compare me to (Cruyff)... I wore the no. 14 at Tottenham in honour of him, and because the no. 10 wasn't available," Modric had said after winning the Ballon d'Or award in 2018. Modric, regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of all time, announced in May that he would leave Real after the Club World Cup. He has made 597 appearances for the Spanish club, winning 28 trophies including four LaLiga and six Champions League titles. He played his last game for Real on Wednesday, coming on as a second-half substitute during a 4-0 loss to Paris St Germain in the Club World Cup semi-finals. "It's a bitter end... he's a legend of world football and of Real Madrid. He'll be remembered for many more good things than for the 25 minutes he played today," Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso said after the match. Modric, considered Croatia's greatest player of all time, has represented the country a record 188 times, scoring 28 goals. He won the Golden Ball at World Cup 2018, where he led Croatia to the final for the first time. He won the Ballon d'Or in December that year, becoming the first player other than Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to win the prestigious annual award since 2007. Modric's arrival reinforces a Milan midfield that also features Youssouf Fofana, Yunus Musah and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, with Samuele Ricci joining from Torino earlier this month. Milan, who failed to qualify for a European competition after finishing eighth in the Italian top-flight league last season, begin their Serie A campaign against newly-promoted Cremonese on August 23.--REUTERS
New Straits Times
31 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Celebrating Siti's three decades in the industry
BIDUANITA Negara Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin's recent 'Violet Skies: Dato' Sri Siti Nurhaliza Live In Arena Of Stars' concert was a spectacular showcase at Resorts World Genting's Arena of Stars, The performance, held in celebration of her 30-year journey in the Malaysian music industry, had drawn a crowd of more than 4,600 enthusiastic fans. It was more than just a nostalgic trip down memory lane — it also offered a refreshing perspective on the beloved songstress through a mix of carefully curated song choices, imaginative musical arrangements, powerful vocal delivery, and engaging stage gimmicks. Adding to the excitement, 'Violet Skies' was held over two consecutive evenings, most likely to accommodate her huge following. One of the most memorable highlights of the night was the selection of songs rarely performed live, much to the delight of her loyal fanbase known as the SitiZoners. That evening, she performed 26 songs, with some as duets with guests performers like Noh Salleh and her little nephew Amad Dayyan. Those songs included 'Pendirianku', 'Beradu Di Khayalan', 'Sendiri', 'Tak Rela Berpisah Darimu', 'Cinta Tak Berganti', 'Bintang Malam', and 'Kita Kan Bersama'. Each number was presented with fresh musical arrangements, giving fans a completely new and exclusive concert experience, thanks to the concert's music director Aubrey Suwito, who had been collaborating with Siti for more than 60 concerts throughout her 30 years in the industry. Siti also revisited the classic 'Tak Boleh Lupa' from her landmark 1998 album Adiwarna — an album she described as deeply meaningful due to the many milestones and successes that stemmed from it. It was also during this era that she made her international mark by winning the Voice of Asia competition with the iconic 'Purnama Merindu'. "This album holds a special place in my heart because so many unforgettable memories and achievements came from it," she shared, to roaring cheers from the concert-goers during the first evening. Adding to the night's surprises, Siti announced she is currently working on a brand-new traditional music album, expected to be completed by the end of this year. "God-willing, the album will be ready by year's end and hopefully I can include songs from this album for a concert next year," she revealed to loud applause. The concert for next year, according to her, will be a performance especially dedicated to the traditional music genre. "After this, I will concentrate on wrapping up the album," she said. But before going back into the studio, Siti is due for another concert, to be held across the Causeway, as she is slated to perform at 'The Next Wave: Dato' Sri Siti Nurhaliza Live In Singapore' concert at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on July 26. Meanwhile, at the recent concert, among the standout vocal moments were the powerful rendition of 'Sendiri', when Siti demonstrated her mastery of the high-register technique, which is a true testament to her vocal prowess. Her popular tune 'Seindah Biasa' was given a playful, upbeat arrangement that brought a lively, joyful energy to the concert venue. One of the more theatrical moments came when Siti appeared on stage in a kimono while gracefully dancing to 'Kau Kekasihku', adding a visually engaging twist to the performance. Showcasing her genre versatility, she also delivered a medley of 1990s rock hits: BumiPutra Rockers' 1999 hit 'Seribu Tahun Takkan Mungkin', Fotograf's 1992 song 'Di Alam Fana Cintamu', and Medicine's 1999 track 'Tika Dan Saat Ini'. The evening was further enriched by a special duet segment with guest singer Noh. Together, they performed 'Rahsia Tuhan' and 'Pagi Yang Gelap', complete with a perfect musical chemistry between them. They also reprised 'Bengawan Solo', the Indonesian classic which they had performed together 15 years ago.A heartwarming moment came with the appearance of Amad, the young and talented son of Siti's sister, Siti Saerah. His presence added a personal and generational touch to the concert, hinting at the artistic legacy continuing within the family. Among the many local celebrities and fellow artistes in attendance showing their support were powerhouse vocalist Aina Abdul, actress Nadia Brian, and well-known social media influencers Mek Dinda and Leeyana Rahman. The concert atmosphere was further elevated by the visual theme of 'Violet Skies', with the stage adorned in hues of purple, white, and deep violet. Many fans enthusiastically embraced the theme, turning up in purple-themed attire, which added vibrancy and unity to the night's celebration. Siti herself captivated the audience not only with her voice, but also her presence, donning three stunning custom-made outfits from local designers Ezuwan Ismail, Ashraff Zainal, and Samm Republic. In addition to performing her classic hits, the concert also served as the launch platform for two of her latest singles: 'Sesal', a song which was also featured in the movie 'Telaga Suriram'; and 'Sejarah' which was especially composed for her by Indonesia's Erwin Gutawa, which was a heartfelt tribute to Siti's inspiring, colourful journey in the music world. As a celebrated Biduanita Negara, Siti has once again proved why she remains a revered, relevant, and irreplaceable icon in Malaysian entertainment, beloved across generations and ever evolving in her artistry.
