S'pore leaders send condolences to India

Singapore leaders have written to the Indian leadership to convey their condolences over former Indian president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's death, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release.

In a letter to Indian President Pranab Mukherjee, Singapore President Tony Tan Keng Yam said: "His passing is an irreplaceable loss. Our thoughts are with the people of India."

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong wrote to Indian Premier Narendra Modi, saying that Dr Kalam's "deep sense of humility and selfless dedication to his country left an indelible impression on me.

"As President, (he) played an instrumental role in enhancing Singapore-India relations. Singapore was fortunate to have a friend in him." Mr Lee added.

Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong also wrote to Mr Modi. "I had the privilege of meeting Dr Kalam several times... and was touched by his wisdom and candour," Mr Goh said.

Johor postpones vehicle entry charge

The Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) charge for foreign vehicles entering Malaysia via Johor, scheduled to start on Aug 1, has been postponed to September. The Johor state government said the system will now start only on Sept 1, reported The Rakyat Post.

China foreign chief to visit S'pore, Malaysia

BEIJING • Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit Singapore and Malaysia next week and attend foreign ministers' meetings on East Asian cooperation, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement yesterday.

Mr Wang is scheduled to visit Singapore from Aug 2 to 3 at the invitation of Foreign Minister K. Shanmugam. He will then head to Malaysia for several meetings from Aug 4 to 7.

XINHUA