Dec 27, 2013-Jan 2, 2014
ASIA
IN 2013
Contents December 27-January 2, 2014
❖ January
❖ February
❖ March
❖ April
Jakarta floods
South Korea swears in first female president
China’s leadership transition
Bangladesh deadly building collapse
Contents December 27-January 2, 2014
❖ May
❖ June
❖ July
❖ August
Pakistan sees bloody but historical elections
Heavy haze covers Singapore, Malaysia and other SEA countries
Oil spill in the Gulf of Thailand
Shootings in Malaysia
Contents December 27-January 2, 2014
❖ September
❖ October
❖ November
❖ December
Tokyo to host 2020 Olympics
Bo Xilai verdict
Supertyphoon Haiyan
Bangkok protests
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December 27-January 2, 2014
ASIA IN 2013 : JANUARY ADEK BERRY/AFP
S. Korea joins global space club with satellite launch South Korea succeeded on in its third attempt to put a satellite into orbit on January 30, in a high-stakes test of national pride after arch-rival North Korea got there first with a rocket launch in December 2012. This handout photo provided by Korea Aerospace Research Institute shows the Korea Space Launch Vehicle-I (KSLV-I) taking off from its launch pad at the Naro Space Centre in Goheung, 350km south of Seoul.
December 27-January 2, 2014
ASIA IN 2013 : JANUARY AFP
Floods bring Jakarta to near standstill A man with children wades through a flooded street in Jakarta on January 21. Widespread floods hit Indonesia's capital that claimed at least 41 lives, displaced thousands and afflicted residents with water-borne illnesses.
December 27-January 27-January 2, 2, 2014 2013
ASIA IN 2013 : JANUARY AFP
This general view shows the Hotel Indonesia roundabout inundated by floods after heavy rains displaced almost 10,000 people in Jakarta.
December 27-January 2, 2014
An Indonesian family uses a makeshift raft as they wade down a flooded street. The floods were the worst to hit the capital since 2007.
ASIA IN 2013 : JANUARY
December 27-January 2, 2014
This picture taken on January 22 shows a thermal power plant discharging heavy smog into the air in Changchun, northeast China's Jilin Province. China has cleaned up its air before but experts say that it must overhaul an economy fuelled by heavily polluting coal and car use if it wants to clear the air.
AFP
China air pollution angers public
ASIA IN 2013 : JANUARY
December 27-January 2, 2014
ASIA IN 2013 : JANUARY
AFP
This combination of photos shows the Beijing skyline (this page) taken during clear weather on Feb 4, 2012, and during severe pollution (next page) on Jan 14, 2013. Dense smog shrouded the city with pollution at hazardous levels with residents advised to stay indoors.
December 27-January 2, 2014
ASIA IN 2013 : JANUARY
AFP
ASIA IN 2013 : FEBRUARY
December 27-January 2, 2014
KIM HONG-JI /AFP
North Korea confirms 'successful' underground nuclear test South Korean passengers watch news on TV reporting North Korea's apparent nuclear test on February 12. The hermit kingdom's apparent nuclear test had an explosive yield of between six and seven kilotonnes, South Korea's defence ministry said.
December 27-January 2, 2014
South Korea's newly elected President Park Geun-Hye waves after her inauguration ceremony at the parliament in Seoul on February 25. Park, daughter of Park Chung-hee who was president from 19631979, became the country's first female president.
KIM JAE-HWAN/ AFP
South Korea swears in first female president
ASIA IN 2013 : FEBRUARY February
ASIA IN 2013 : MARCH
December 27-January 2, 2014
China’s leadership transition
AAMIR QURESHI /AFP
Provided to China Daily
Chinese President Xi Jinping (right) shakes hands with Premier Li Keqiang after they assumed their new leadership posts at the 12th National People’s Congress in Beijing on March 14. Xi took over as president from Hu Jintao and Li Keqiang took over from Wen Jiabao. The once-in-a-decade transition had been widely anticipated and heralded as a precursor for a number of reforms, particularly in areas of trade and finance. A group of 2,952 delegates appointed Xi at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
Musharraf returns home after four year in exile
Pakistan's former military ruler Pervez Musharraf prays after he arrived at the Karachi International airport on March 24. Pakistan's former military ruler returned home after more than four years in exile, defying a Taliban death threat to contest historic general elections.
December 27-January 2, 2014
ASIA IN 2013 : APRIL
Cranes operated by Bangladeshi Army personnel are pictured at the scene following the April 24 collapse of an eight-storey building in Savar, in the outskirts of Dhaka, on April 29. Casualties totalled 1,127. This was not the first time that dire conditions in Bangladesh's garment factories were highlighted by accidents. Fires razed down factory buildings in November 2012 and October this year. Some of the world's fast fashion brands work with these factories, raising concerns on the global stage for safer working conditions for the poorly paid workers.
AFP
Bangladesh deadly building collapse
ASIA IN 2013 : APRIL
December 27-January 2, 2014
XUE YUBIN / PROVIDED TO CHINA
A mother and daughter in front of their house, which was destroyed by the earthquake. FENG YONGBIN / CHINA DAILY
A magnitude 7.0 earthquake hit Lushan, Sichuan Province on April 20. More than 150 people were killed and 3,000 injured in the earthquake, wrecking homes and triggering landslides in an area devastated by a major tremor in 2008.
CHEN CHENG / FOR CHINA DAILY
MARK RALSTON/AFP
7.0 earthquake shakes China
Volunteers join soldiers to rush injured people to an aid centre 10 kilometres away.
An injured resident is moved to a temporary shelter.
ASIA IN 2013 : MAY
December 27-January 2, 2014
Pakistan sees bloody but historical elections AFP
PAKISTAN MUSLIM LEAGUE-NAWAZ SUPPORTERS CELEBRATING AFTER THE PARTY WON THE COUNTRY’S LANDMARK ELECTIONS DESPITE TALIBAN VIOLENCE ON MAY 12.
Pakistan saw its first transition between civilian governments in the country’s 66-year history on May 12. Despite deadly bursts of violence aimed at polling centres, there was a 60-per-cent voter turnout that saw the election of veteran politician Nawaz Sharif as prime minister. The pre-election period and election day saw a number of deadly bomb attacks, many of which the Taliban militant group took responsibility for. In total, the campaign period saw more than 130 killed in bombings or shootings, causing analysts to declare this one of the deadliest polls in the country’s history.
PAKISTAN MUSLIM LEAGUE-NAWAZ SUPPORTERS HOLD UP CUT-OUTS OF NAWAZ SHARIF WHO WAS ELECTED PRIME MINISTER AFTER THE PARTY WON THE ELECTIONS ON MAY 12.
SOLDIERS STAND GUARD AS VOTERS QUEUE OUTSIDE A POLLING STATION IN KARACHI, AFTER A RE-VOTE WAS CALLED IN THE CITY OVER ALLEGATIONS OF BALLOT-STUFFING DURING THE NATIONWIDE ELECTIONS ON MAY 12.
NAWAZ SHARIF ADDRESSES NEWLY ELECTED MPS. SHARIF EXPRESSED HIS SUPPORT FOR NEGOTIATIONS WITH MILITANT TALIBAN, SAYING THAT IT WAS THE BEST WAY TO ESTABLISH PEACE AND BOOST DEVELOPMENT..
ASIA IN 2013 : MAY
December 27-January 2, 2014
PHOTOS FROM THE STAR
VOTERS QUEUE UP TO CAST THEIR BALLOTS AT A POLLING STATION IN KLANG, SELANGOR DURING MALAYSIA’S GENERAL ELECTION ON MAY 5.
Malaysia's ruling party suffers biggest loss in 40 years The Barisan Nasional coalition formed the Malaysian federal government by a slim margin, with a majority of seats and 47.38 per cent of popularity votes, making it the worst result for the party that has ruled since the 1969 general election. The opposition coalition
Pakatan Rakyat garnered 50.87 per cent in popularity votes, but failed to form the government short of 12 seats. The election saw a voter turnout of 84.84 per cent. The election also saw many firsts for the country, including the use of indelible ink to prevent
voters from voting more than once. Advanced voting replaced postal voting for civil servants and military personnel following allegations by election watchdogs that postal voting was not transparent, while postal voting was introduced for Malaysians residing overseas.
OPPOSITION LEADER NURUL IZZAH ANWAR EMBRACES HER FAMILY MEMBERS AFTER BEING ANNOUNCED WINNER OF THE LEMBAH PANTAI PARLIAMENTARY CONSTITUENCY.
A VOTER HAS HER INDEX FINGER MARKED WITH INDELIBLE INK BEFORE CASTING HER BALLOT AT A POLLING STATION.
VOTERS SHOW OFF THEIR INDELIBLE INK-SMEARED INDEX FINGERS AFTER VOTING.
CAMPAIGN POSTERS AND FLAGS ARE SEEN ALL OVER AFTER FIERCE CAMPAIGNING BY CANDIDATES LEADING TO MALAYSIA’S GENERAL ELECTIONS.
NAJIB RAZAK AND OTHER BARISAN NASIONAL LEADERS CELEBRATE THE COALITION’S VICTORY.
December 27-January 2, 2014
ASIA IN 2013 : JUNE
Suu Kyi expresses presidential intention
Soe Than Win/AFP
Myanmar's opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi told delegates attending the World Economic Forum in Naypyitaw on June 6 that she intends to run for president in the country's next election in 2015. However, she emphasised that Myanmar’s Constitution should be amended first. Under the charter, drafted by the former military government in 2008, Suu Kyi is not eligible to run for presidency because she was married to a foreign national. The opposition leader has since indicated that her party would boycott the 2015 general election if the Constitution is not amended by then.
December 27-January 2, 2014
ASIA IN 2013 : JUNE ROSLAN RAHMAN/ AFP
Heavy haze covers Singapore, Malaysia and other SEA countries
Thick haze, believed to be due to peat land burning in Sumatra, Indonesia, covered several areas in Southeast Asia including Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia and southern Thailand. Said to be the worst haze to hit the region in 15 years, leaders of the countries affected have since adopted several collaborative measures to handle the annual problem, including adopting a joint haze monitoring system that will allow the tracking down of culprits behind the annual air pollution that affects countries in the region.
ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP
A MAN TAKES PICTURES OF BUILDINGS IN SINGAPORE SHROUDED IN SMOG.
ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP
VIEW OF SINGAPORE COVERED IN SMOG.
ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP
VIEW FROM SINGAPORE’S MOUNT FABER SHOWS SINGAPORE’S SKYLINE COVERED WITH HAZE.
December 27-January 2, 2014
ASIA IN 2013 : JULY AFP
India's food poisoning, 23 dead At least 23 children died on July 17 after consuming a free mid-day meal at school in a village in Dharmashati Gandaman, Saran district in Bihar state, northern India. The food was feared to have been contaminated with pesticide. Following this, angry villagers took to the streets in protest in many parts of the district, prompting the state government to take steps to prevent similar incidents, including issuing a toll-free emergency number to report any poisoning due to school mid-day meals.
AFP
AFP
AFP
December 27-January 2, 2014
ASIA IN 2013 : JULY
The Philippine Daily Inquirer broke the news regarding fraud of 10 billion pesos (US$224.8 million) from the Philippine government’s Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF)—or pork barrel— purportedly masterminded by businesswoman Janet-Lim Napoles, through a bogus nongovernment organisation, with the participation of some Congress members and government officials. The expose sparked nationwide calls to abolish the pork barrel, while the Office of the Ombudsman announced that it was forming a special six-person panel to investigate the projects bankrolled by the 23 legislators alongside investigations against Napoles. Later on November 19, the Supreme Court declared the pork barrel unconstitutional.
PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER
Philippine pork barrel scam
ALLEGED PORK BARREL SCAM MASTERMIND JANET LIM-NAPOLES AT AN INQUIRY.
December 27-January 2, 2014
A pipeline owned by Thai oil company PTT Global Chemical Plc burst while transferring oil from an undersea well to a tanker on July 27, spilling up to 190,000 litres of oil into waters off the coast of Koh Samet and Map Ta Phut in Thailand’s Rayong province that are popular tourist destinations. The spill raised concerns over its effect on tourism, as well as the health and safety of marine life and residents in the area. Reports later revealed that mercury levels near the beach areas had exceeded safety standards, while the oil had bleached 70 per cent of the corals off Koh Samet’s Ao Phrao beach.
THE NATION
Oil spill in the Gulf of Thailand
ASIA IN 2013 : JULY
WAVES OFF THE COAST OF KOH SAMET AND MAP TA PHUT IN THAILAND’S RAYONG PROVINCE TURNED BLACK WITH OIL AFTER A PIPELINE OWNED BY PTT GLOBAL CHEMICAL PLC BURST WHILE TRANSFERRING OIL FROM AN UNDERSEA WELL TO A TANKER, SPILLING UP TO 190,000 LITRES OF OIL.
WAVES OFF THE COAST OF KOH SAMET AND MAP TA PHUT IN THAILAND’S RAYONG PROVINCE TURNED BLACK WITH OIL AFTER A PIPELINE OWNED BY PTT GLOBAL CHEMICAL PLC BURST WHILE TRANSFERRING OIL FROM AN UNDERSEA WELL TO A TANKER, SPILLING UP TO 190,000 LITRES OF OIL.
A CREW TRYING TO CLEAN UP AN OIL-STAINED BEACH.
A CREW TRYING TO CLEAN UP AN OIL-STAINED BEACH.
A CREW TRYING TO CLEAN UP AN OIL-STAINED BEACH.
A CREW TRYING TO CLEAN UP AN OIL-STAINED BEACH.
ASIA IN 2013 : JULY
December 27-January 2, 2014
Death of Taiwanese army conscript MANDY CHENG/AFP
TAIWANESE SOLDIERS MARCHING. THE DEATH OF A YOUNG TAIWANESE CONSCRIPT ON JULY 4 RAISED QUESTIONS ON THE COUNTRY’S ARMY CONSCRIPTION.
The death of Hung Chung-chiu, 24, a Taiwanese army conscript on July 4 due to heat stroke sparked public outrage in Taiwan, accusing the defence ministry of covering up. The conscript died after being placed in solitary confinement for almost a week and forced to perform push-ups and jumping jacks in sweltering heat as punishment for bringing a mobile phone with a camera in it to the training camp. A missing surveillance camera footage of the strenuous exercise regime has raised doubts on conscription. On August 3, over 100,000 protesters rallied outside the presidential office in Taipei, calling for justice for the death of Hung. Thirty-seven military personnel have been charged following investigations, while then-Defence Minister Kao Hua-chu resigned and was replaced by his deputy.
December 27-January 2, 2014
ASIA IN 2013 : JULY AFP
Malala turns 16, addresses the UN Pakistani schoolgirl Malala Yousafzai addressed the United Nations on her 16th birthday on July 12, delivering a confident riposte to Taliban militants who shot her in October last year—an attempt to silence her campaign for girls’ education. “They thought the bullet would silence us. But they failed,” she said. The teenager from Mingora in the troubled Swat valley of Pakistan was celebrated by world leaders during the event dubbed “Malala Day”. PAKISTANI STUDENT MALALA YOUSAFZAI WITH UNITED NATIONS SECRETARY GENERAL BAN KI-MOON (SECOND-LEFT).
ASIA IN 2013 : AUGUST
December 27-January 2, 2014
THE STAR
MALAYSIAN AMBANK FOUNDER HUSSAIN AHMAD NAJADI WAS SHOT DEAD AT CLOSE RANGE, ADDING TO A SERIES OF SHOOTINGS THAT SHOCKED THE NATION.
Shootings in Malaysia
Seven consecutive but independent incidents of executionstyle shootings over seven days shocked Malaysians in the first week of August. Two of the shootings involved a crime watchdog chairman and a bank founder. The incidents, which occurred in broad daylight raised doubts of the police ability to ensure safety of the public, and fuelled ongoing
MALAYSIAN POLICE AT A CRIME SCENE WHERE A SHOOTING TOOK PLACE IN BROAD DAYLIGHT.
calls for reform of the police force. The authorities, meanwhile, blamed the incidents on the repeal of the Emergency Ordinance, which they said put hardcore criminals
back on the streets, seeking revenge. In response, the home ministry and police have since conducted massive raids and crackdowns on gangs in the country.
ASIA IN 2013 : AUGUST
December 27-January 2, 2014
Malaysian police officers found guilty in Mongolian model case released THE STAR
FILE PHOTO OF CHIEF INSPECTOR AZILAH HADRI AND CORPORAL SIRUL AZHAR UMAR DURING THE TRIAL IN 2009.
The Malaysian court of appeal on August 23 overtuned the conviction of two former police officers charged with the murder of Mongolian model Altantuya Shaariibuu, sparing them from the gallows.
In 2009, the high profile case saw Chief Inspector Azilah Hadri and Corporal Sirul Azhar Umar found guilty and sentenced to death over the 2006 murder of Altantuya whose body was blown up using C-4 explosives. Her
MONGOLIAN ALTANTUYA SHAARIBUU WAS MURDERED AND HER BODY DESTROYED WITH EXPLOSIVES IN 2006. HER MURDER WAS LINKED TO PERSONS CLOSE TO MALAYSIAN PRIME MINISTER NAJIB.
murder case was also believed to have involved persons close to Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak. The charge was overturned this year, after a three-person panel concluded that the then trial judge had erred by not examining whether the contradictions and inconsistencies in the evidence of the prosecution witnesses were material. Following this, calls were made for an independent inquiry into the conduct of the prosecution in the Altantuya case that still remains unsolved.
December 27-January 2, 2014
ASIA IN 2013 : SEPTEMBER AFP
Tokyo to host 2020 Olympics The announcement by the International Olympic Committee that the Games will be returning to Tokyo in 2020 was greeted with scenes of jubilation at many public places in the Japanese capital. Madrid was eliminated first in a secret vote on a head to head with Istanbul after the two cities were tied in second place after the initial vote. Tokyo won the final vote by 60 to 36. A report issued by the IOC Evaluation Committee in June praised Tokyo’s vision for hosting a “well-organised and safe” sporting event, and its plan for a compact Games in which 85 per cent of the competition venues would be within eight kilometres of the Olympic Village. A sleek new national stadium, due to be completed in 2018, will be the main venue of the quadrennial sports extravaganza.
ASIA IN 2013 : SEPTEMBER
December 27-January 2, 2014
Pakistan earthquake
BANARAS KHAN/AFP
A Pakistani earthquake survivor carries a child as he walks past a collapsed mud house at Labach area, in the earthquake-devastated district of Awaran. The magnitude 7.7 earthquake on September 24 killed 825 people. Four days later, another earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 hit the area, killing at least 45 people.
December 27-January 2, 2014
ASIA IN 2013 : SEPTEMBER
India’s landmark rape case On September 13, an Indian court sentenced to death four men for the gang rape and murder of a New Delhi young woman. The case has riveted not only India, but the world, turning it into a landmark case on the widespread mistreatment of women in the country. AFP
AN INDIAN ACTIVIST HOLDS A PLACARD DURING A PROTEST OUTSIDE THE SAKET COURT COMPLEX IN NEW DELHI ON SEPTEMBER 11. PROSECUTORS CALLED THE CRIME THAT HAS SHAKEN THE COUNTRY’S CONSCIENCE, AS DIABOLICAL.
INDIAN ACTIVISTS SHOUT SLOGANS AS THEY HOLD POSTERS OF THE FOUR ACCUSED IN THE GANG RAPE CASE.
December 27-January 2, 2014
ASIA IN 2013 : SEPTEMBER
Zardari makes history Asif Ali Zardari made history when he became the first democratically elected president in the history of Pakistan to fully complete his constitutional tenure and be replaced by another elected individual. Zardari, one of the most powerful civilian presidents Pakistan has ever had, stepped down on September 8, leaving his official residence after a record five years in power. He retired six years after the murder of his wife, Benazir Bhutto, in December 2007. His successor, Mamnoon Hussain, was sworn in on September 9.
December 27-January 2, 2014
Magnitude 7.2 earthquake shakes central Philippines An earthquake described as the deadliest to hit the Philippines in 23 years shook the central Philippine islands of Bohol and Cebu on October 15 causing extensive damage, killing more than 200 people and injuring almost a thousand. The magnitude 7.2 earthquake damaged more than 73,000 structures, of which more than 14,500 were totally destroyed including heritage churches. Experts likened the energy of the quake as equivalent to 32 Hiroshima bombs.
ASIA IN 2013 : OCTOBER
ASIA IN 2013 : OCTOBER
December 27-January 2, 2014
AFP
Bo Xilai verdict Bo Xilai, 64, former Communist Party secretary of Chongqing and former member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee, was sentenced to life for bribery, embezzlement and abuse of power on September 22. Bo, who was once a powerful figure in Chongqing, appealed the ruling but a higher court rejected it on October 25 in the final act of the country’s most sensational political trial in decades.
ASIA IN 2013 : OCTOBER
September 27-October 3, 2014
Tiananmen terror attack AFP
A suicide terror attack was launched in Beijing’s busy tourist attraction Tiananmen Square on October 28 killing two people, including a Filipino doctor, and injuring 40 bystanders. The Chinese government blamed the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) based in the central and western Asian regions for the attack. Investigators identified the people in the car that crashed into the Tiananmen Gate as Usmen Hasan, his mother Kuwanhan Reyim and his wife Gulkiz Gini, from the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.
December 27-January 2, 2014
ASIA IN 2013 : NOVEMBER AFP
Indian rocket blasts off to Mars India launched its maiden mission to Mars on November 5 in an effort to become the first country in Asia to reach the Red Planet, and show the world how it can be done at a relatively low cost. Hundreds of spectators watched as the rocket carrying the unmanned 1.35-tonne Mars Orbiter named Mangalyaan— Hindi for vehicle to Mars—blasted off from Sriharikota, an island off India's southeast coast.
December 27-January 2, 2014
ASIA IN 2013 : NOVEMBER
Supertyphoon Haiyan One of the most powerful typhoons (with sustained winds of 315kph and gusts as strong as 380kph) ever recorded slammed into central Philippines on November 8 flattening the coast line of Tacloban City and affecting neighbouring provinces. The death toll from Supertyphoon Haiyan (known to Filipinos as Yolanda) has been placed at more than 6,000 although rescue efforts more than a month after have not reached remote areas. The disaster affected 16 million people and displaced 3.9 million with at least a hundred thousand staying in evacuation centres. The Philippines estimates at least US$886.4 million for the rehabilitation of the affected areas.
December 27-January 2, 2014
ASIA IN 2013 : NOVEMBER
China’s ADIZ China's Defence Ministry spokesman Yang Yujun answers questions at a regular news conference in Beijing on November 27 following the country's announcement of an "air-defence identification zone" (ADIZ) over an area of the East China Sea, covering islands that are also claimed by Japan. The establishment of the ADIZ has heightened tensions not only with Japan but with neighbouring countries that also claim part of the South China Sea with fears rising that China will establish a similar zone over that disputed area.
CHINA DAILY
December 27-January 2, 2014
ASIA IN 2013 : DECEMBER
Bangkok protests Protests paralysed Bangkok, choking precious economic growth and leading to fatalities, as two groups—the Red Shirts and the Yellow Shirts—took to the streets as early as November to oppose the proposed amnesty bill that many feared would pave the way for the return of Thaksin Shinawatra, brother of Prime Minister Yingluck. The increasing opposition in the capital against her administration prompted Yingluck to dissolve parliament and call for an election in February.
December 27-January 2, 2014
ASIA IN 2013 : NOVEMBER
AFP
Bangladesh street violence More than 20 people have died in the aftermath of the December 12 execution of Jamaat-Shibir leader Abul Quader Molla following violent clashes of his supporters with law enforcers, creating riots in several parts of Bangladesh. Molla was tried, sentenced to death and hanged as a war criminal despite objections from the UN, the governments of several countries, and international human rights organisations. He was convicted on five of six counts of crimes against humanity and war crimes by the Bangladeshi International Crimes Tribunal in February 2013. He was a member of the AlBadar militia during the liberation war and was convicted of killing 344 civilians and other crimes.
A BANGLADESHI VEHICLE OWNER REACTS NEAR A BURNING CAR SET ON FIRE BY DEMONSTRATING JAMAAT-E-ISLAMI SUPPORTERS FOLLOWING THE EXECUTION OF ABDUL QUADER MOLLA. BANGLADESH WAS ROCKED BY A NEW WAVE OF DEADLY VIOLENCE AS ISLAMIST SUPPORTERS WENT ON THE RAMPAGE TO VENT THEIR FURY AT THE EXECUTION OF ONE OF THEIR LEADERS.
AFP
FILE PHOTO: ABDUL QUADER MOLLA (R) THE FOURTH-HIGHEST RANKED LEADER OF THE JAMAAT-E-ISLAMI PARTY, TAKEN ON FEBRUARY 5.
ASIA IN 2013 : DECEMBER
December 27-January 2, 2014
Execution of North Korea’s ex-No. 2 North Korea executed Jang Song-thaek, leader Kim Jongun’s uncle, after being accused of plotting to subvert his nephew’s regime, branding him a “traitor for all ages” and a “despicable political careerist and trickster”. Jang was former vice chairman of the powerful National Defence Commission. A special military tribunal found him guilty and admitted to “anti-party, counter-revolutionary factional acts”. The execution announced on December 11, on top of the revelation of treason charges, spelled a startling end to the fate of Kim’s guardian and mentor, who had been deemed the communist state’s second-most influential man. He was married to the young dictator’s aunt, Kim Kyong-hui, the younger sister of Kim Jong-il.
December 27-January 2, 2014
AFP
THIS PHOTO RELEASED BY YONHAP ON DECEMBER 13, SHOWS JANG SONG-THAEK (2ND-R) BEING ESCORTED IN COURT ON DECEMBER 12.
ASIA IN 2013 : DECEMBER
AFP
THIS FILE PICTURE TAKEN BY NORTH KOREA’S OFFICIAL KOREAN CENTRAL NEWS AGENCY (KCNA) ON APRIL 15, 2013, SHOWS NORTH KOREAN LEADER KIM JONG-UN (R) APPLAUDING AT THE UNHASU ORCHESTRA CONCERT AT THE PEOPLE’S THEATRE IN PYONGYANG TO CELEBRATE THE 101ST ANNIVERSARY OF THE BIRTH OF LATE LEADER KIM IL-SUNG, AS HIS UNCLE, JANG SONG-THAEK (L), LOOKS ON.
December 27-January 2, 2014
ASIA IN 2013 : DECEMBER
AFP
Little India riot
Singapore police charged 28 foreign workers and deported another 53 for a violent riot in Little India on December 8 that was sparked by a fatal road accident involving Indian national Sakthivel Kumaravelu. The incident injured 18 people and saw police vehicles burnt in the city-state’s worst outbreak of violence in more than 40 years. The police said about 300 men were involved in the incident.
December 27-January 2, 2014
DATEBOOK
ÂŹ Macau
Jesus and Deaf Lamb The laughing image of Yue Minjun has been a recurring theme in his art. His solo exhibition, Neo-Idolatry, displays his famous works and his recent paintings and multimedia projects that depart from the big-laughter theme. It uses multi-dimensional approaches to reveal Yue's pain and deep concerns about modern society that lie behind his sarcastic expression. When: Until Feb 16, 2014 Where: Macau Museum of Art
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December 27-January 2, 2014
ÂŹ Beijing
Mei Lanfang Classics After nearly 300 performances, the Peking Opera show Mei Lanfang Classics presents a new look. Having premiered in 2010, the show features excerpts of classic plays by Mei Lanfang (1894-1961), one of the traditional art form's greatest masters. The new version presents excerpts of plays that were not featured in the show before and takes love as its theme. When: Fridays and Saturdays; 7:30pm Where: Zhengyici Theatre, 220, Qianmen Xiheyanjie, Beijing
DATEBOOK
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DATEBOOK
December 27-January 2, 2014
ÂŹ Phuket Phuket New Year Countdown event The event showcases mini-concerts from famous artists as well as dance contests. On December 31, a countdown will be celebrated at Phromthep Cape, where a New Year countdown clock will be set up with a fabulous fireworks show at Chai Field later.
When: Dec 29, 2013-Jan 31, 2014
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December 27-January 2, 2014
DATEBOOK
¬ Pohang City, South Korea
Homigot Sunrise Festival Homigot, the main venue of the Homigot Sunrise Festival, is located on the easternmost point of the Korean Peninsula. Homigot means “village on a tiger’s tale” and is also the location for the first sunrises in Korea. The festival includes local cultural performances, a New Year celebratory event, fire show, sunrise concert and other diverse performances. Visitors may sample free tteokguk, a traditional New Year’s Day dish, during the special event of "Serving tteokguk for 10,000".
When: December 31 Where: Homigot Sunrise Square
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December 27-January 2, 2014
DATEBOOK
¬ Langkawi Royal Langkawi International Regatta An event that has become the talk of Southeast Asia, the Royal Langkawi International Regatta will see more than 50 yachts competing in nine highly-charged racing classes. Do not miss the drama and excitement on the high seas.
When: Jan 13–18, 2014 Where: Langkawi, Kedah
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December 27-January 2, 2014
DATEBOOK
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¬ Singapore
Zouk New Year's Eve: Mambo Jambo Bid 2013 goodbye and warm up your dancing muscles as we usher in a new year with some of the most timeless tunes (and dance moves) from the past few decades. Making a special return on this night is the original Mambo Jambo godfather, founder and DJ himself, Adam Low, who’s returning to helm the Mambo Jambo decks for the first time since 2002! When: December 31, 10pm Where: Zouk, 17 Jiak Kim Street