Friday, April 4, 2025
30 C
Brunei Town
More

    South Korea’s Yoon: from rising star to impeached ex-president

    SEOUL (AFP)South Korea’s Yoon Suk Yeol rose from star prosecutor to the presidency in just a few years, but after a bungled martial law decree last year, on Friday he became the country’s second president to be booted from office.

    The lurch back to South Korea’s dark days of military rule on December 3 only lasted a few hours, and after a night of protests and high drama, Yoon was forced into a U-turn by lawmakers.

    He was swiftly impeached by parliament, and after weeks of hearings and deliberations, the country’s Constitutional Court on Friday unanimously upheld his impeachment, stripping him of all presidential powers and privileges.

    Yoon had remained defiant throughout.

    He was detained in January in a dawn raid after holding out against police and prosecutors for weeks, becoming the first sitting South Korean president to be arrested — although he was later released on procedural grounds.

    Riot police (foreground) stand guard near a banner with a photo of South Korea president Yoon Suk Yeol as supporters wait for the Constitutional Court’s verdict on Yoon’s impeachment outside the presidential residence in Seoul on April 4, 2025. PHOTO: AFP

    Yoon’s “dismissal reaffirms South Korea’s resilience as a democracy powered by the citizens, but also serves as a sobering reminder of the fragility of democracy,” Minseon Ku, a postdoctoral fellow at the Global Research Institute William and Mary, told AFP.

    The country’s democracy “faces constant threats from multiple processes, including misinformation, despite the institutional checks and balances on power,” she added.

    Grew up in dictatorship 

     

    Born in Seoul in 1960, months before a military coup, Yoon studied law and went on to become a public prosecutor and anti-corruption crusader.

    He played an instrumental role in Park Geun-hye, South Korea’s first female president, being impeached in 2016 and later convicted for abuse of power and imprisoned.

    As the country’s top prosecutor in 2019, he also indicted a senior aide of Park’s successor, Moon Jae-in, in a fraud and bribery case.

    The conservative People Power Party (PPP), in opposition at the time, liked what they saw and convinced Yoon to become their presidential candidate.

    He won in March 2022, beating Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party, but by the narrowest margin in South Korean history.

    Halloween to handbag 

     

    Yoon was never much loved by the public, especially by women — he vowed on the campaign trail to abolish the ministry of gender equality — and scandals have come thick and fast.

    They include his administration’s handling of a 2022 crowd crush during Halloween festivities that killed more than 150 people.

    Voters have also blamed Yoon’s administration for inflation, a lagging economy, and increasing constraints on freedom of speech.

    He was accused of abusing presidential vetoes, notably to strike down a bill paving the way for a special investigation into alleged stock manipulation by his wife, Kim Keon Hee.

    Yoon’s reputation was further hit in 2023 when his wife was secretly filmed accepting a designer handbag worth USD2,000 as a gift. Yoon insisted it would have been rude to refuse.

    FILE – South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and first lady Kim Keon-hee arrive for a formal dinner at the G20 Summit, in Nusa Dua, Indonesia, on Nov. 15, 2022. PHOTO: AP

    His mother-in-law, Choi Eun-soon, was sentenced to one year in prison for forging financial documents in a real estate deal. She was released in May 2024.

    Legacy 

     

    As president, Yoon maintained a tough stance against nuclear-armed North Korea and bolstered ties with Seoul’s traditional ally, the United States.

    In 2023, he sang Don McLean’s “American Pie” at the White House, prompting US President Joe Biden to respond: “I had no damn idea you could sing.”

    But his efforts to restore ties with South Korea’s former colonial ruler, Japan, did not sit well with many at home.

    Yoon had been a lame duck president since the opposition Democratic Party won a majority in parliamentary elections in April last year.

    In his televised address declaring martial law, Yoon railed against “anti-state elements plundering people’s freedom and happiness”, and his office subsequently cast the move as a bid to break legislative gridlock.

    Since then, he had garnered support from extreme relgious figures and right-wing YouTubers.

    Pro-Yoon rallies turned violent in January when extremist supporters, angered by the court’s approval of Yoon’s formal arrest warrant, stormed a Seoul courthouse — injuring at least 50 police officers and vandalising the building by smashing windows and doors.

    Yoon’s extreme political base “was not built around personal loyalty to Yoon — it is more structural and ideological. That is very concerning,” Ji Yeon Hong, a political science professor at University of Michigan, told AFP.

    “As we’ve seen in other democracies, such groups often outlast the leaders who brought them together.

    “In that sense, Yoon’s legacy may endure not through his achievements, but through the political forces he helped awaken — forces that could continue to shape, and challenge, Korean democracy in the years to come,” she added.

    Remain steadfast in worship and righteous deeds after Ramadhan

    The Friday sermon reminded Muslims to remain steadfast in worship and righteous deeds even after the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadhan, as part of continuous efforts to attain Allah the Almighty’s pleasure.

    The sermon highlighted that Ramadhan has served as a spiritual training ground for Muslims to strengthen their faith and piety. During the holy month, many increased their acts of worship including performing Sunnat prayers such as Qiyamullail, reciting the Al-Quran, giving alms, and engaging in other forms of charitable deeds.

    “Let us continue these good practices with consistency (istiqamah) throughout the month of Syawal and beyond,” said the sermon. It emphasised that steadfastness in worship—no matter how small—is more beloved to Allah the Almighty than actions done in large amounts but only occasionally.

    The sermon also reminded congregants that true success in this world and the hereafter lies in achieving Allah the Almighty’s pleasure through istiqamah. A person who is consistent in performing acts of worship, doing good, and embodying noble character, while fulfilling Allah the Almighty’s commandments and avoiding prohibitions, will be rewarded with paradise.

    The sermon called on Muslims to maintain the momentum gained during Ramadhan by continuing beneficial deeds such as reading the Quran, performing dhikr, making supplications, and offering voluntary prayers. Neglecting these acts and falling back into sinful behaviours after Ramadhan may weaken one’s resolve and hinder their istiqamah.

    A man prays at the Jame ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque in Kampong Kiarong. PHOTO: RAFI ROSLI

    In conclusion, the sermon urged all to make istiqamah a way of life, consistently obeying Allah the Almighty while abstaining from all that is sinful. It is through this struggle against personal desires (mujahadah) that one becomes a person of true faith and taqwa.

    “Remember, those who are steadfast will be blessed by Allah the Almighty with tranquility, inner peace, and a life filled with ease, blessings, and abundant sustenance.” – Hakim Hayat

    JOLLIBEE’S ANNUAL “HARI RAYA DRIVE FOR JOY” RETURNS — A GRAND FESTIVE CELEBRATION AWAITS!

    Bruneians are invited to experience the wonders of Hari Raya in a one-of-a-kind drive-thru celebration, exclusively at Jollibee Beribi, available until April 30, 2025!

    The festive season just got even more joyful! Jollibee Brunei brought back its highly anticipated “Hari Raya Drive for Joy,” transforming the drive-thru into a dazzling, immersive experience like no other. This annual celebration, now on its fourth year, is a tribute to the spirit of Hari Raya—spreading joy, gratitude, and delicious moments with every drive-thru visit.

    Jollibee and Friends spreading joy and excitement ahead of the launch for the Beribi Drive for Joy!
    Drive-thru customers were warmly greeted by Jollibee and Twirlie, creating a grand festive experience for drive-thru customers who visited during the launch of Drive for Joy.
    The Beribi Drive-Thru glows with vibrant lights and joyful energy, creating a Raya wonderland experience that spreads joy to every customer that visits.
    Excited children taking photos with Jollibee, enjoying the festive atmosphere against the beautifully lit and decorated Beribi Drive-Thru.

    Themed around traditional Batik floral patterns, vibrant colours, and beloved Jollibee characters dressed up for the occasion. The drive-thru is brought to life with festive Raya decorations and twinkling lights that shine even more brilliantly at night. From the moment you enter, you’ll be transported into a festive wonderland – a visual feast that perfectly  compliment your favourite Jollibee treats.

    Hari Raya is a time for togetherness, gratitude, and celebration, and Jollibee is honoured to be part of these cherished moments with Bruneian families. The event kicked off with a special appearance from Jollibee and Friends, who greeted customers with warm smiles, free gifts, and balloons to spread the festive joy. The Drive for Joy initiative is Jollibee’s way of giving back, creating unforgettable experiences for families and little ones celebrating the occasion and making every meal a special one.

    Don’t miss out on this limited-time experience! Visit Jollibee Beribi’s Drive for Joy from 7AM – 12AM daily until April 30, 2025, and celebrate Hari Raya with a feast of flavors! Whether it’s the crispy, juicy Chickenjoy, the iconic Chicken Sandwich, or the irresistible Jolly Spaghetti, your Jollibee favorites are ready to make your celebrations even more delightful.

    For the latest updates on Hari Raya Drive for Joy and more exciting Jollibee Brunei news, follow us on social media. Don’t forget to post, share and tag your Jolly experience with us!

    📸 Instagram: @jollibeebrunei

    👍 Facebook: Jollibee Brunei

    Celebrate Hari Raya with joy, laughter, and delicious food—only at Jollibee! 🎉✨

    Hungary welcomes Netanyahu and says it will leave the International Criminal Court

    BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — Hungary will begin the process of withdrawing from the International Criminal Court, an official said Thursday, just as Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu arrived to a red-carpet treatment in the country’s capital despite an arrest warrant from the world’s only permanent global tribunal for war crimes and genocide.

    Prime Minister Viktor Orbán gave the Israeli leader a welcome with full military honors in Budapest’s Castle District. The two close allies stood side by side as a military band played and an elaborate procession of soldiers on horseback and carrying swords and bayoneted rifles marched by.

    As the ceremony unfolded, Orbán’s chief of staff, Gergely Gulyás, released a brief statement saying that “the government will initiate the withdrawal procedure” for leaving the court, which could take a year or more to complete.

    Orbán later said that he believes the ICC is “a political court.”

    Netanyahu makes second trip abroad since warrant

    Netanyahu’s visit to Hungary, which is scheduled to last until Sunday, was only his second foreign trip since the ICC issued the warrant against him in November.

    Netanyahu and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban talk after a welcoming ceremony with a guard of honor at Buda Castle in Budapest, Hungary, on Thursday, April 3, 2025. PHOTO: AP

    The ICC, based in The Hague, Netherlands, said when issuing its warrant that there was reason to believe Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant had committed crimes against humanity in connection with the war in Gaza.

    Israel’s offensive in Gaza has killed more than 50,000 Palestinians, according to the enclave’s Health Ministry, which doesn’t say whether those killed are civilians or combatants. Israel says it has killed around 20,000 militants, without providing evidence, and resumed its campaign last month, shattering a ceasefire.

    After the ICC issued the warrant, Orbán invited Netanyahu to Budapest, and accused the court of “interfering in an ongoing conflict for political purposes.” That invitation was in open defiance of the court’s ruling and contradicted Hungary’s obligations as a signatory to arrest any suspects facing a warrant if they set foot on their soil.

    All countries in the 27-member European Union, including Hungary, are signatories, but the court relies on member countries to enforce its rulings. Hungary joined the court in 2001 during Orbán’s first term as prime minister.

    ‘No longer an impartial court’

    At a news conference following their meeting, Orbán said that he believes the ICC is “no longer an impartial court, not a court of law, but a political court. And this was most clearly shown by the decisions regarding Israel.”

    “I am convinced that this otherwise important international judicial forum has been degraded into a political tool, with which we cannot and do not want to engage,” Orbán said.

    The Hungarian leader, regarded by critics as the EU’s most intransigent spoiler in the bloc’s decision-making, is seen as using some of the tactics that Netanyahu has been accused of employing in Israel: subjugation of the judiciary, antagonism toward the EU and cracking down on civil society and human rights groups.

    During the news conference, where journalists weren’t permitted to ask questions, Netanyahu praised Hungary’s decision, thanking Orbán for taking a “bold and principled decision.”

    “The ICC directs its actions against us fighting a just war with just means,” Netanyahu said, calling Hungary “the first state that walks out of this corruption and this rottenness, and I think it’ll be deeply appreciated, not only in Israel but in many, many countries around the world.”

    ICC has criticised Hungary

    Netanyahu’s visit to Hungary was his second opportunity to travel abroad following the issuance of the warrant — the first was when he met with US President Donald Trump in Washington in February. It was also a chance to project an image of statesmanship while he faces mounting discontent at home.

    He has faced mass protests by Israelis who fear his decision to resume the war in Gaza endangers the lives of the remaining hostages held by Hamas. He has also sparked anger by trying to fire or sideline top officials in what critics view as a power grab and an attack on state institutions.

    Along with resuming its offensive in Gaza last month, Israel halted all imports of food, fuel and humanitarian aid to the territory’s 2 million Palestinians to pressure Hamas to release more hostages and accept proposed changes to the truce agreement.

    The ICC has criticised Hungary’s decision to defy its warrant for Netanyahu, with the court’s spokesperson, Fadi El Abdallah, saying on Thursday that the court “recalls that Hungary remains under a duty to cooperate with the ICC.”

    Hamas said in a statement that it considers the move by Hungary an “immoral stance that shows collusion with a war criminal who is running away from justice.” The militant group called on Hungary to reverse its decision and hand Netanyahu over to the ICC to stand trial.

    How does South Korea’s society treat celebrities in crisis? A new case raises questions

    SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — A young actor’s suicide in South Korea. Allegations of an underage relationship. They are part of a growing drama in the Asian entertainment world that raises questions about society’s treatment of celebrities in crisis, with harsh media and online commentary amplifying their lowest moments.

    This week, South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun publicly denied allegations that he dated the late actor Kim Sae-ron when she was under the age of sexual consent. His emotional press conference followed Kim Sae-ron’s suicide in February, which reignited allegations that they were romantically involved.

    Here’s what we know about the case.

    Who was Kim Sae-ron?

    Kim Sae-ron was once one of South Korea’s most promising film stars. She began acting at age 9 in the 2009 film “A Brand New Life,” which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. She gained further recognition with “The Man from Nowhere” (2010) and “A Girl at My Door” (2014), also invited to Cannes.

    Her career halted in May 2022 after she crashed her car in Seoul while driving under the influence. Despite offering a public apology and reportedly paying compensation to shops that lost power because of the crash, she faced relentless negative attention.

    Media and online commentators scrutinised her personal life. YouTube gossip channels accused her of exaggerating financial difficulties and questioned her sincerity. Critics, and her family, say it contributed to her declining mental health.

    She killed herself on Feb. 16, Kim Soo-hyun’s birthday.

    Who is Kim Soo-hyun and what is he accused of?

    Kim Soo-hyun, 37, also has been one of South Korea’s most recognised actors, known for dramas such as “My Love from the Star” (2013) and “Queen of Tears” (2024) as well as films like “The Thieves” (2012) and “Secretly, Greatly” (2013).

    South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun sheds tears as he was speaking at a news conference in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, March 31, 2025. PHOTO: AP

    Speculation about a relationship with Kim Sae-ron began last year when she posted a photo of them together, quickly deleted. Gold Medalist, the agency co-founded by Kim Soo-hyun, denied the relationship, according to South Korean media.

    Days after Kim Sae-ron’s death, a YouTube channel known for its politically charged content, HoverLab, alleged that she and Kim Soo-hyun had been in a six-year romantic relationship beginning in 2015, when she was 15 and he was in his late 20s. The channel released what it called evidence including photos, videos and letters. Kim Soo-hyun has called them fabricated.

    Kim Sae-ron’s family had approached HoverLab to release the materials, calling it an attempt to restore Kim Sae-ron’s image.

    On March 27, a lawyer representing Kim Sae-ron’s family presented to journalists what the family claimed was a photo of an undelivered letter written in 2024 in which Kim Sae-ron described Kim Soo-hyun as her “first and last love” and referenced a five-to-six-year relationship.

    The letter was written after she failed to reach Kim Soo-hyun to discuss a debt she owed his agency, according to the lawyer. After Kim Sae-ron’s contract ended and wasn’t renewed, the agency asked her to pay back KRW700 million (about USD520,000) in damages related to her drunk-driving case. Her family says the demand placed severe pressure on her.

    Kim Soo-hyun has acknowledged that he dated Kim Sae-ron but insisted their relationship began after she became an adult. He called claims of an underage relationship false and damaging.

    “It is also not true that the deceased made a tragic choice because of my avoidance (of her), or because my agency pressured her about debt,” an emotional Kim told Monday’s press conference.

    He refused to answer a question from the AP about when he first met Kim Sae-ron.

    Could there be legal consequences?

    Whether any laws were broken depends largely on timing. South Korea raised its age of sexual consent from 13 to 16 in 2020. Kim Sae-ron was born in 2000, and the family alleges the relationship began in 2015, when she was 15 and Kim Soo-hyun was 27.

    Kim Soo-hyun maintains that their relationship lasted from summer 2019 to fall 2020, when Kim Sae-ron was a legal adult.

    Kim Soo-hyun’s agency has taken legal action against the family of Kim Sae-ron and HoverLab, which first aired the underage relationship claims, for distributing private photos and videos of the actor, including images of Kim Soo-hyun kissing the late actor. Kim’s agency said Kim Sae-ron had visited his apartment and his family was present. The agency said they were not dating at the time.

    On Monday, Kim Soo-hyun’s lawyer announced a civil lawsuit seeking KRW12 billion (approximately USD8.15 million) in damages against the YouTube channel and Kim Sae-ron’s family, along with criminal complaints alleging defamation and violation of privacy laws. Kim Soo-hyun and his agency also sued the YouTube channel operator for stalking.

    The family’s legal representative and HoverLab both told the AP on Wednesday that they plan to sue Kim Soo-hyun and his agency for making false claims about his relationship with the late actor.

    What role did online harassment play?

    Kim’s death reignited criticism of South Korea’s relentless tabloid and digital media culture. Her family has singled out videos with speculative, unverified content portraying her as emotionally unstable and morally questionable.

    Suing for defamation is often a lengthy, costly battle for South Korean celebrities, as many platforms, like YouTube, are based overseas. Punishments are typically light, with fines or suspended sentences.

    Other high-profile cases following negative online attention have included the deaths of K-pop singers Sulli and Goo Hara in 2019 and “Parasite” actor Lee Sun-kyun in 2023.

    What’s the fallout?

    Fashion brand Prada has ended its collaboration with Kim Soo-hyun. South Korean cosmetics company Dinto terminated its one-year contract with him, citing the seriousness of the controversy. 7-Eleven Taiwan canceled a Kim Soo-hyun fan event last month, citing schedule changes.

    An online petition this week calling for the age of consent to be raised from 16 to 19 has gathered nearly 40,000 signatures on the National Assembly’s website.

    Suggested reforms in South Korea meant to discourage harsh online comments have not been passed.

    Head of Myanmar’s military government visits Thailand in rare trip abroad

    BANGKOK (AP) — The head of Myanmar’s military government arrived in Thailand on Thursday for a regional summit, making a rare international trip as his country recovers from a devastating earthquake that killed thousands.

    Senior General Min Aung Hlaing has been shunned by much of the West for overthrowing the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi and subsequent brutal repression. He has not been allowed to participate in meetings of another regional organisation, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, since the army seized of power in February 2021 and began violently suppressing opposition.

    He is one of several regional leaders visiting Bangkok for a three-day summit of nations in the Bay of Bengal region.

    It was Min Aung Hlaing’s first to a country other than his government’s main supporters and backers — China, Russia and Russian ally Belarus — since he attended a regional meeting in Indonesia in 2021.

    He was greeted upon arrival at the airport by Thai Labor Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn and later attended an official dinner for leaders of the seven-member Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation, or BIMSTEC, which includes Thailand, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

    In this photo released by Thailand’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, Myanmar’s military leader Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, foreground left, arrives in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, April 3, 2025. PHOTO: Thailand’s Foreign Affairs Ministry via AP

    The meeting comes as Myanmar is still searching for survivors in the rubble left by a massive earthquake last week. The magnitude 7.7 quake toppled thousands of buildings, collapsed bridges and buckled roads. The death toll rose to 3,085 on Thursday, with more than 4,700 people injured and over 300 missing, the military said in a statement.

    It worsened an already dire humanitarian crisis due to Myanmar’s civil war. More than 3 million people had been displaced from their homes and nearly 20 million were in need even before it hit, according to the United Nations.

    The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs said BIMSTEC members discussed disaster management during ministerial meetings on Thursday. Thailand postponed the meeting from last year after then-prime minister Srettha Thavisin was suddenly removed from his post by a court.

    The earthquake killed at least 22 people in Bangkok, mostly due to the collapse of a high-rise building under construction.

    The general’s visit drew condemnation and criticisms from his opponents. The shadow National Unity Government, or NUG, established by elected lawmakers who were barred from taking their seats, said it strongly condemed the inclusion of Min Aung Hlaing at the summit. It said he doesn’t have the legitimacy to represent Myanmar.

    The NUG said it urges BIMSTEC to “immediately revoke the military junta’s participation in the summit and related meetings.”

    Activist group Justice for Myanmar said in a statement that the invitation for Min Aung Hlaing to attend the meeting “legitimises and emboldens a military junta that the people of Myanmar have been resisting for over four years, and tarnishes BIMSTEC’s reputation as a regional body.”

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs denied Thursday that the invitation had tarnished Thailand’s reputation.

    “I think the inverse would occur if we don’t adhere to what the charter says and enshrined in the charter it says that Thailand has the responsibility to invite the leaders of all

    BIMSTEC leaders,” said ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura.
    Among other leaders attending the summit are Muhammad Yunus, chief advisor to the Bangladesh government, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

    Indian parliament passes bill that would change Muslim endowments

    SRINAGAR, India (AP) — India’s parliament passed a bill moved by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist government to amend laws governing Muslim land endowments while Muslim groups and opposition parties protested the move.

    The bill would add non-Muslims to boards that manage waqf land endowments and give the government a larger role in validating their land holdings. The government says the changes will help to fight corruption and mismanagement while promoting diversity, but critics fear that it will further undermine the rights of the country’s Muslim minority and could be used to confiscate historic mosques and other property.

    The debate was heated in both houses of parliament. The Lower House debated it Wednesday through early Thursday while in the Upper House, the fiery discussion lasted more than 16 hours into early Friday.

    The Congress-led opposition firmly opposed the proposal, calling it unconstitutional and discriminatory against Muslims. Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party lacks a majority in the Lower House, but its allies helped to pass the bill.

    In the Lower House, 288 members voted for the bill while 232 were against it. Similarly, 128 favored it and 95 voted against it in the Upper House. The bill will now be sent to President Droupadi Murmu for her assent to become law.

    Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju introduced the bill to change a 1995 law that set rules for the foundations and set up state-level boards to administer them.

    Raza Academy members shout slogans in Mumbai, India, to condemn the Waqf amendment bill that was passed early Thursday by the Lower House of India’s parliament, Thursday, April 3, 2025. PHOTO: AP

    Many Muslim groups as well as the opposition parties say the proposal is discriminatory, politically motivated and an attempt by Modi’s ruling party to weaken minority rights.

    The bill was first introduced in parliament last year, and opposition leaders have said some of their subsequent proposals on it were ignored. The government has said opposition parties are using rumors to discredit them and block transparency in managing the endowments.

    What’s a waqf?

    Waqfs are a traditional type of Islamic charitable foundation in which a donor permanently sets aside property — often but not always real estate — for religious or charitable purposes. Waqf properties cannot be sold or transferred.

    Waqfs in India control 872,000 properties that cover 405,000 hectares (1 million acres) of land, worth an estimated USD14.22 billion. Some of these endowments date back centuries, and many are used for mosques, seminaries, graveyards and orphanages.
    Law would change who runs waqfs

    In India, waqf property is managed by semi-official boards, one for each state and federally run union territory. The law would require non-Muslims to be appointed to the boards.
    Currently, waqf boards are staffed by Muslims, like similar bodies that help administer other religious charities.

    During the parliamentary debate, Home Minister Amit Shah said non-Muslims would be included in waqf boards only for administration purposes and helping run the endowments smoothly. He added that they were not there to interfere in religious affairs.

    “The (non-Muslim) members will monitor whether the administration is running as per law or not, and whether the donations are being used for what they were intended or not,” he said.

    Muslim groups, like The All India Muslim Personal Law Board, said such comments were against the fundamentals of Islamic endowments as such bodies necessarily need to be governed by Muslims only. The board said the bill was “a blatant infringement on the constitutional rights of Muslim citizens” and called on citizens to hit the streets against it.
    Mallikarjun Kharge, the Congress president, said why should waqf bodies allow non-Muslims as members when Hindu temple trusts don’t allow people of other religions in their fold.

    One of the most controversial changes is to ownership rules, which could impact historical mosques, shrines and graveyards since many such properties lack formal documentation as they were donated without legal records decades, and even centuries, ago.

    Questions about title

    Other changes could impact mosques on land held in centuries-old waqfs.

    Radical Hindu groups have laid claim to several mosques around India, arguing they are built on the ruins of important Hindu temples. Many such cases are pending in courts.

    The law would require waqf boards to seek approval from a district level officer to confirm the waqfs’ claims to property.

    Critics say that would undermine the board and could lead to Muslims being stripped of their land. It’s not clear how often the boards would be asked to confirm such claims to land.

    “The Waqf (Amendment) Bill is a weapon aimed at marginalising Muslims and usurping their personal laws and property rights,” Rahul Gandhi, the main opposition leader, wrote on social media platform X. He said the bill was an “attack on the Constitution” by the BJP and its allies “aimed at Muslims today but sets a precedent to target other communities in the future.”

    Fears among Muslims

    While many Muslims agree that waqfs suffer from corruption, encroachments and poor management, they also fear that the new law could give India’s Hindu nationalist government far greater control over Muslim properties, particularly at a time when attacks against minority communities have become more aggressive under Modi, with Muslims often targeted for everything from their food and clothing styles to inter-religious marriages.

    Last month, the US Commission on International Religious Freedom said in its annual report that religious freedom conditions in India continued to deteriorate while Modi and his party “propagated hateful rhetoric and disinformation against Muslims and other religious minorities” during last year’s election campaign.

    Modi’s government says India is run on democratic principles of equality and no discrimination exists in the country.

    Muslims, who are 14 per cent of India’s 1.4 billion population, are the largest minority group in the Hindu-majority nation but they are also the poorest, a 2013 government survey found.

    Local man killed in multi-vehicle crash involving water tanker

    A tragic accident involving a water tanker lorry and five private vehicles claimed the life of a local man at the intersection of Jalan Kota Batu and Jalan Kampong Mentiri on April 2 at around 8:36am.

    According to the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF), initial investigations revealed that the accident involved a water tanker and five private vehicles. The 34-year-old local driver of the water tanker lorry sustained severe injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

    The vehicles involved in the fatal crash at the intersection of Jalan Kota Batu and Jalan Kampong Mentiri in April 2. PHOTO: RBPF

    Preliminary findings suggest that the lorry experienced brake failure, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle.

    The RBPF is continuing its investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident.

    Authorities have urged road users to remain vigilant while driving and to prioritise vehicle maintenance to ensure roadworthiness. The RBPF emphasised the importance of safety measures, such as checking brakes and other critical components, to prevent accidents and protect all road users. – James Kon

    Bangkok declares end of disaster situation, except for collapsed building area

    ANN/THE NATION – The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA)’s Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command Centre issued an official announcement on Thursday, stating that the disaster situation in the metropolitan area caused by an earthquake has now ended.

    All areas in the city are no longer disaster zones, except for the area around the construction site of the new State Audit Office (SAO) building on Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road, Chatuchak District, the statement said.

    The under-construction 30-story building collapsed on March 28, 2025, following an earthquake in Myanmar, trapping several workers inside.

    Search and rescue operations continue

    The centre announced that while the overall disaster situation in Bangkok has returned to normal, search and rescue operations are still ongoing at the collapsed building. Officials from various agencies, including rescue workers, structural engineers, and medical teams, are continuing rescue efforts using modern equipment and technology to reduce dangers to the personnel involved.

    The centre explained that the operation area has been divided into zones, with task forces deployed to search for individuals who might still be trapped inside. Drones are being used for aerial surveying, and specialised equipment are being used to detect signs of life. Moreover, a team of experts specialising in rescue operations in collapsed areas has been sent to assist in the mission.

    Public urged to avoid dangerous areas

    The BMA urged the public to refrain from approaching the construction site to ensure safety and avoid hindering the work of the rescue teams. The public is also advised to closely follow updates from the relevant authorities and adhere to official guidance.

    Individuals affected or with relevant information can contact the appropriate agencies for assistance, the BMA added.

    Search and rescue operations are still ongoing at the construction site of the SAO building in Chatuchak District. PHOTO: ANN/THE NATION

    S Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol removed from office

    ANN/THE KOREA HERALD – The Constitutional Court of Korea ruled Friday to remove President Yoon Suk Yeol from office, citing a grave violation of democratic norms and the rule of law. This brings an end to controversies over his abrupt declaration of martial law on Dec. 3, which triggered arguably the most significant political unrest in decades.

    In a unanimous verdict, all eight justices voted in favor of Yoon’s ouster from the presidential office, which is final and unchallengeable. Yoon has become the second sitting president removed by the Constitutional Court.

    This decision marked the longest impeachment deliberation in the country’s history, underscoring its complexity and the severity of the charges.

    Yoon was accused of violating the Constitution by declaring martial law without legitimate cause. He argued the declaration was not meant to impose full military rule but to warn against what he viewed as the Democratic Party of Korea’s abuse of its legislative majority — a move he claimed “put the nation at risk.”

    While political chaos is likely to continue, the ruling eliminates uncertainty over Yoon’s teetering presidency. By law, South Korea must hold a presidential election within 60 days if a president is removed by the Constitutional Court or in the event of death. The special election is likely to be held June 3.

    Until then, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will continue to serve as acting president.

    President Yoon Suk Yeol. PHOTO: Getty Images via ANN/THE KOREA HERALD

    President Yoon’s term was originally set to end on May 9, 2027. His removal means he now loses all presidential privileges, including pension and legal immunity. He also faces a criminal trial on charges of insurrection, which will start on April 14. Most officials involved in the Dec. 3 martial law declaration, including ex-Defense Minister and Yoon ally Kim Yong-hyun, have already been indicted.

    The ruling came 122 days after Yoon declared martial law — the first such declaration in 44 years — and ordered armed forces to storm the National Assembly. Likely to be remembered as one of the most challenging cases in South Korea’s constitutional history, Yoon’s legal battle in the nation’s top court against the National Assembly deeply divided the nation for the past four months, sparking intense street rallies, political confrontations, and a leadership void at a time when the country faces global trade disruptions and a stagnant economy.

    During the seven-week trial, Yoon expressed willingness to pursue constitutional and political reform – but only if reinstated. The National Assembly, which led the impeachment effort, argued his removal was necessary “for the sake of democracy.”

    In addition to insurrection charges, now-civilian Yoon faces other allegations, including a scandal involving self-proclaimed political broker Myung Tae-kyun. Prosecutors could push for investigations into other charges as he no longer has immunity. Based on Korean law, individuals charged with insurrection, particularly ringleaders, face the potential for the death penalty or life imprisonment.

    Trending News