Asia Briefs: Mahathir fails to get king's backing

Mahathir fails to get king's backing

PUTRAJAYA • Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said he has failed to convince the Malaysian king to act on a petition called the Citizens' Declaraction, which was reportedly signed by 1.2 million people calling for Prime Minister Najib Razak's removal.

The former premier said yesterday he met the king last month and explained the powers he has under the Constitution, including the power to dismiss a prime minister, the Malay Mail Online reported.

The next step for the Citizens' Declaration will be decided only after a meeting of state sultans later this month, Dr Mahathir said.


Billboard porn: Man faces years in jail

JAKARTA • An Indonesian man arrested for hacking into an electronic billboard and streaming a porn film during Jakarta's rush hour last week could face up to six years in jail.

The man, whose identity was not disclosed, claimed he carried out the prank after spotting login details on the billboard, Jakarta police chief Mochamad Iriawan said yesterday.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE


Wreck believed to be Japanese warship

KUANTAN • A group of divers on a marine life research expedition near an island off Pahang has discovered the sunken wreckage of what is believed to be a Japanese warship from World War II.

The ship, containing bottles of sake and covered with corals, is believed to be the Gyosin Maru, which reportedly sank in December 1944 in the area while on its way to Vietnam, the Bernama news agency reported on Tuesday.

India nabs 750 fake call centre workers MUMBAI • Indian police said yesterday they had detained and questioned more than 750 bogus call centre workers accused of stealing millions of dollars from American citizens by posing as United States tax officials.

Some 200 officers raided seven premises masquerading as call centres in Mumbai in a massive operation on Tuesday night following a tip-off, a senior police official said.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on October 06, 2016, with the headline Asia Briefs: Mahathir fails to get king's backing. Subscribe