Rebel linked with kidnap captured

ZAMBAONGA CITY • The Filipino authorities have captured an Abu Sayyaf rebel linked to a group that kidnapped two Malaysians and a Korean man in southern Philippines, according to the Mindanao Examiner yesterday.

Its online report, citing officials, said they had nabbed Saddam Jailani, a follower of Abu Sayyaf leader Alhabsi Misaya. Jailani's group is behind the kidnapping of engineer Bernard Then who was beheaded on Nov 17.

Malaysia, S'pore alike, says George Yeo

PETALING JAYA • Former Singapore foreign minister George Yeo promoted his new book titled On Bonsai, Banyan And The Tao in Petaling Jaya last Saturday and called Singapore and Malaysia "one people, two countries".

Speaking to reporters at Sin Chew Daily's head office, Mr Yeo said that despite different political ideals, Singapore and Malaysia have similar cultural backgrounds, the Malaysian Chinese daily reported yesterday.

S. Korea labour group vows massive protest

SEOUL • South Korea's major labour group vowed yesterday to hold a massive anti-government protest this week, a day after the authorities banned the rally over concerns it could turn violent. The planned demonstration on Saturday follows a major protest earlier this month that saw the police clash with demonstrators.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE