Why Thailand's Shinawatra Dynasty Is on the Brink of Losing Power Once Again
This marked the latest fallout from a leaked phone call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen, in which Paetongtarn criticized the Thai army and appeared to side with Hun Sen when discussing the border dispute between their countries.
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Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
20 retired MPs spoke up on many issues in Parliament, helped successors prepare for new role: PM Wong
SINGAPORE – The 20 PAP MPs who retired at the recent general election made special efforts to show new candidates the ropes, after years of speaking up in Parliament and helping to improve policies. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong acknowledged the contributions of the retired MPs at an appreciation dinner on July 4 at Parliament House – a PAP tradition to thank its outgoing comrades – and presented them with valedictory letters. With their help, the rookies did not have to start from scratch and could hit the ground running, he said. 'That is the PAP way – always thinking beyond ourselves, and investing in the next generation,' he added. The 20 MPs collectively served more than 280 years in Parliament – 'a tremendous legacy', he said. PM Wong said the decision to retire was not easy for everyone, although some who had served for several terms 'were more eager to pass the baton'. 'You know who you are – when you came to see me, you never failed to remind me that it was time to identify your successor,' he said, drawing laughter from the audience. Others asked to step down due to personal reasons, and he respected their decisions, he added. And a third group willingly stepped aside, putting the PAP's and Singapore's interests ahead of their own, he noted. 'A number of you could have easily continued for another term, but I had to ask you to make way for renewal and new blood,' said PM Wong. The PAP usually retires about a quarter to a third of its slate each election. A total of 32 new candidates were among those fielded in the 97 seats at the May 3 polls. 'You understood the party's decision and agreed to step aside with grace,' he added. The longest-serving MP in this batch of retirees is former senior minister Teo Chee Hean, who entered politics in 1992 and served seven terms. Mr Teo, 70, has agreed to contribute as senior adviser in the Prime Minister's Office, said PM Wong. Another example of a retiring PAP MP who became a senior adviser is former trade and industry minister Lim Hng Kiang, who took on the role after he stepped down from the Cabinet in 2018. He remains in the role despite having retired from politics in 2020. Seven retired MPs entered politics in the 2001 and 2006 elections – Dr Ng Eng Hen, Dr Maliki Osman, Mr Heng Chee How, Dr Amy Khor, Mr Lim Biow Chuan, Mr Sitoh Yih Pin and Dr Lim Wee Kiak. 'Special mention to Sitoh who worked hard over three elections to win the trust of our Potong Pasir residents,' said PM Wong. Mr Sitoh entered politics in 2001 to contest in the single seat, then held by opposition politician Chiam See Tong. He eventually won in his third contest in 2011, against Mr Chiam's wife Lina. Other retiring MPs – among them former deputy prime minister Heng Swee Keat – came in later and served two to three terms. They include Ms Cheryl Chan, Mr Chong Kee Hiong, Mr Louis Ng, Ms Foo Mee Har, Mr Gan Thiam Poh and Dr Tan Wu Meng. Five MPs stepped down after one term: Ms Carrie Tan, Mr Derrick Goh, Mr Don Wee, Mr Fahmi Aliman and Ms Ng Ling Ling. Dr Khor, Ms Tan, Ms Chan, Mr Fahmi, Mr Gan and Ms Ng did not attend the dinner. Mr Heng Swee Keat will continue in his role as chairman of the National Research Foundation, a department under the Prime Minister's Office that looks at the nation's research and development efforts. 'We will continue to benefit from your counsel and wisdom,' said PM Wong of Mr Teo and Mr Heng. The retired MPs spoke up on a wide range of national issues in Parliament and for different segments of Singaporeans, such as caregivers, lower-wage workers, businesses and arts and cultural groups, he said. They participated actively in government parliamentary committees (GPCs) and gave feedback that helped to improve policies. These include the setting up of the Rare Disease Fund and the adoption of more flexible work arrangements, he added. GPCs, comprising PAP MPs, are meant to scrutinise legislation and programmes of the various ministries. The outgoing GPC chairs are Mr Sitoh for culture, community and youth, Dr Tan for health, Ms Chan for national development and Mr Ng for sustainability and the environment. PM Wong also cited several outgoing MPs for their memorable contributions – such as Dr Tan who always spoke up for his Clementi residents, and Mr Ng who tabled two Private Member's Bills on food donation and wild animals and birds. Outside of Parliament, the MPs were attentive and responsive to the needs of their residents, said PM Wong. They can look back with satisfaction on what they have done, including the improvements in their constituencies, he added. For example, Sembawang GRC – where Dr Lim was an MP – has a hot spring park, while Brickland in Chua Chu Kang GRC – formerly helmed by Mr Wee – has Singapore's only BMX cycling facility. PM Wong also specifically thanked the six office-holders – former DPM Heng, Mr Teo, Dr Ng, the former defence minister; Dr Maliki, former minister in the Prime Minister's Office; Mr Heng Chee How and Dr Khor, both former senior ministers of state. 'I've worked closely with all of you, and I've learnt a great deal from each of you,' he said. Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction Discover how to enjoy other premium articles here
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Yahoo
US Plans AI Chip Curbs on Malaysia, Thailand Over China Concerns
(Bloomberg) -- President Donald Trump's administration plans to restrict shipments of AI chips from the likes of Nvidia Corp. to Malaysia and Thailand, part of an effort to crack down on suspected semiconductor smuggling into China. Foreign Buyers Swoop on Cape Town Homes, Pricing Out Locals Massachusetts to Follow NYC in Making Landlords Pay Broker Fees NYC Commutes Resume After Midtown Bus Terminal Crash Chaos Struggling Downtowns Are Looking to Lure New Crowds What Gothenburg Got Out of Congestion Pricing A draft rule from the Commerce Department seeks to prevent China — to which the US has effectively banned sales of Nvidia's advanced AI processors — from obtaining those components through intermediaries in the two Southeast Asian nations, according to people familiar with the matter. The rule is not yet finalized and could still change, said the people, who requested anonymity to discuss private conversations. Officials plan to pair the Malaysia and Thailand controls with a formal rescission of global curbs from the so-called AI diffusion rule, the people said. That framework from the end of President Joe Biden's term drew objections from US allies and tech companies, including Nvidia. Washington would maintain semiconductor restrictions targeting China — imposed in 2022 and ramped up several times since — as well as more than 40 other countries covered by a 2023 measure, which Biden officials designed to address smuggling concerns and increase visibility into key markets. All told, the regulation would mark the first formal step in Trump's promised overhaul of his predecessor's AI diffusion approach — after the Commerce Department said in May that it would supplant that Biden rule with its own 'bold, inclusive strategy.' But the draft measure is far from a comprehensive replacement, the people said. It doesn't answer, for example, questions about security conditions for the use of US chips in overseas data centers — a debate with particularly high stakes for the Middle East. It's unclear whether Trump officials may ultimately regulate AI chip shipments to a wider swath of countries, beyond the Malaysia and Thailand additions. The Commerce Department didn't respond to a request for comment. The agency has offered few specifics about its regulatory vision beyond what Secretary Howard Lutnick told lawmakers last month: The US will 'allow our allies to buy AI chips, provided they're run by an approved American data center operator, and the cloud that touches that data center is an approved American operator,' he said during congressional testimony. Nvidia, the dominant maker of AI chips, declined to comment, while spokespeople for the Thai and Malaysian governments didn't respond. Nvidia Chief Executive Officer Jensen Huang has previously said there's 'no evidence' of AI chip diversion, in general remarks that didn't touch on any particular country. In response to earlier Bloomberg queries about curbs focused on smuggling risks, Thailand said it's awaiting details, while Malaysia's Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry said clear and consistent policies are essential for the tech sector. Washington officials for years have debated which countries should be able to import American AI chips — and under what conditions. On one hand, the world wants Nvidia hardware, and US policymakers want the world to build AI systems using American technology — before China can offer a compelling alternative. On the other, once those semiconductors leave American and allied shores, US officials worry the chips could somehow make their way to China, or that Chinese AI companies could benefit from remote access to data centers outside the Asian country. Southeast Asia is a key focus. Companies including Oracle Corp. are investing aggressively in data centers in Malaysia, and trade data shows that chip shipments there have surged in recent months. Under pressure from Washington, Malaysian officials have pledged to closely scrutinize those imports, but the Commerce Department's draft rule indicates the US still has concerns. Semiconductor sales to Malaysia also are a focal point of a court case in neighboring Singapore, where prosecutors have charged three men with defrauding customers about the ultimate destination of AI servers — originally shipped from the island nation to Malaysia — that may have contained advanced Nvidia chips. (Nvidia is not the subject of Singapore's investigation and has not been accused of any wrongdoing.) Related: Malaysia Downplays Huawei Deal as US Checks China's AI Reach The export curbs on Malaysia and Thailand would include several measures to ease pressure on companies with significant business operations there, people familiar with the matter said. One provision would allow firms headquartered in the US and a few dozen friendly nations to continue shipping AI chips to both countries, without seeking a license, for a few months after the rule is published, people familiar with the matter said. The license requirements also would still include certain exemptions to prevent supply chain disruptions, the people said. Many semiconductor companies rely on Southeast Asian facilities for crucial manufacturing steps like packaging, the process of encasing chips for use in devices. --With assistance from Patpicha Tanakasempipat, Michael Shepard and Olivia Solon. 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Bloomberg
8 hours ago
- Bloomberg
US Plans AI Chip Curbs on Malaysia, Thailand Over China Concerns
President Donald Trump's administration plans to restrict shipments of AI chips from the likes of Nvidia Corp. to Malaysia and Thailand, part of an effort to crack down on suspected semiconductor smuggling into China. A draft rule from the Commerce Department seeks to prevent China — to which the US has effectively banned sales of Nvidia's advanced AI processors — from obtaining those components through intermediaries in the two Southeast Asian nations, according to people familiar with the matter. The rule is not yet finalized and could still change, said the people, who requested anonymity to discuss private conversations.
