Roundup of regional news - 5 November 2006

Taipei Times

DPP legislators silent on indictment

Weighed down by the indictment of first lady Wu Shu-jen (吳淑珍) for alleged corruption, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) headquarters and caucus yesterday remained quiet and appeared to be in low spirits.

When approached by the press in the Legislature yesterday morning, DPP Legislator Lin Cho-shui (林濁水) left his office without giving his opinions.

Former DPP Legislator Tuan Yi-kang (段宜康), known for his outspokenness, said in a phone interview that a consensus was reached in a Friday night meeting that DPP members would not accept media interviews on the matter.

DPP Legislator Lee Wen-chung (李文忠) also refused to comment on the indictment or on details of the meeting when quizzed by members of the press over the telephone. (Read more...)


The Star

Giant step to boost growth

JOHOR BARU: More than RM17bil is expected to be initially pumped into the 2,217sq km project, which is 2.5 times the size of Singapore and 48 times that of Putrajaya.
Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said it was Malaysia’s vision to make the region the new international address for business, investment, leisure and culture and to showcase all that the nation could be.

“Not only will this ambitious effort benefit the people of Johor, it will also bring great returns to all Malaysians,” he said in his speech at the launch of the SJER by Johor's Sultan Iskandar Ibni Almarhum Sultan Ismail. (Read more...)