KUALA LUMPUR - MALAYSIA'S Islamic opposition has won a special election seen as a test of support among the ethnic Malay majority.
The Election Commission says the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party defeated Prime Minister Najib Razak's ruling party with a razor-thin majority of 65 votes to retain the legislature seat in northern Kelantan state.
NEW YORK - GOLDMAN Sachs Group Inc reported a 33 per cent rise in quarterly earnings on Tuesday on strong trading results, continuing an extraordinary rebound from the near meltdown of the US financial sector last fall.
The results for Wall Street's largest surviving investment bank topped analysts' estimates, bolstered by improving markets and an upswing in advisory fees.
SYDNEY - LIVING happily ever after needn't only be for fairy tales. Australian researchers have identified what it takes to keep a couple together, and it's a lot more than just being in love.
A couple's age, previous relationships and even whether they smoke or not are factors that influence whether their marriage is going to last, according to a study by researchers from the Australian National University.
RIYADH (Saudi Arabia) - US TREASURY Secretary Timothy Geithner looked on Tuesday to allay Gulf nations concerns over the American economy's strength, offering assurances about the safety of their investments in a high profile trip reflecting the region's growing financial muscle.
Mr Geithner, in his first official visit to the Middle East, told Saudi business leaders in the commercial hub of Jiddah that the Obama administration is committed to preserving the openness of the US economy. He said the US realises it has 'a special responsibility to play' when it comes to protecting the value of the dollar.
