Top stories from The Straits Times on Sunday, March 31

Good morning! Here are our top stories to kick-start your Sunday, March 31


36km trail linking Jurong Lake Gardens to Coney Island Park officially launched

A section of the new walkway and lookout point along Rower's Bay, which is part of the Round Island Route, in Lower Seletar Reservoir. ST PHOTO: ALPHONSUS CHERN

The 36km Coast-to-Coast Trail link parks like Bukit Batok Nature Park, Botanic Gardens and MacRitchie Reservoir Park in one continuous route.

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Thai King strips ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra of royal decorations

Thaksin Shinawatra is interviewed by AFP in Hong Kong on March 25, 2019. PHOTO: AFP

The royal statement said the king "recalls the royal decorations" from the former premier "because Mr Thaksin was convicted by the Supreme Court".

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Spike in dyslexia cases in Singapore: How to spot the signs in your child, and how you can help

Both of Doreen Fong's children have dyslexia - her son Zachary Wang, 14, and her daughter Alyssa Wang, 11. ST PHOTO: VENESSA LEE

In the past, a child who has difficulty reading and writing may be scolded for being stupid, but these days, more adults are aware that this could be a result of dyslexia.

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Christchurch shootings show radicalisation could be present in any race or religion: Grace Fu

Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Grace Fu speaking at a youth forum organised by inter-faith group Roses of Peace on March 30, 2019. ST PHOTO: KHALID BABA

The Minister for Culture, Community and Youth also said the attacks underscore the importance of preserving social harmony in Singapore's multi-racial and multi-religious society.

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Reform the trigger word in robust debate between Indonesian President Joko and challenger Prabowo

President Joko Widodo (left) and his rival Prabowo Subianto at the presidential debate showdown. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR

In the third debate between President Joko Widodo and his rival Prabowo Subianto, both men locked horns over ideology, diplomacy, governance, defence and security.

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Malaysia's Mahathir says in a hurry as he does not have much time left to live

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said in an interview with a Malaysian business weekly that he must continue to work together with his handpicked ministers, some of whom have shown promising potential. PHOTO: REUTERS

No Cabinet reshuffle despite the huge challenge working with inexperienced ministers, Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said.

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I am intelligent, capable, and a katoey: Thailand's first transgender MP

ST PHOTO: TAN HUI YEE

Ms Tanwarin Sukkhapisit is a member of the Thailand's Future Forward Party, a youthful, stridently anti-junta party that took part in the March 24 election and won the third most votes among all the 80 contesting parties.

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It Changed My Life: Underwater world takes Guillaume Nery's breath away

Guillaume Nery harboured dreams of becoming an astronaut when he was a child, but fell in love with the sea instead at age 14. He is now in scores of videos that take viewers into hauntingly surrealistic and beautiful underwater worlds. PHOTO: PANERAI

Four-time world record freediving champion Guillaume Nery is driven to share his passion for the ocean with others.

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More than 100 Hyflux investors protest at Hong Lim Park

Protesters were hoping to rally a "no" vote to Hyflux's rescue plan.
Hyflux investors gathering at the Speakers' Corner of Hong Lim Park yesterday. The water treatment firm owes a total of $900 million to some 34,000 perpetual securities and preference shareholders. But investors stand to suffer heavy losses from the company's restructuring plan, which may see them recover around 3 per cent in cash and 7 per cent in equity. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH

More than 100 retail investors of Hyflux perpetual securities and preference shareholders - many of whom were elderly - protested against the company's restructuring plan and recent developments involving the beleaguered water treatment firm.

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Celebrity DJ Tenashar jailed for drugs: Feeling lost after fleeing

The mother of former FHM cover girl DJ Tenashar (above), whose real name is Debbie Valerie Tenashar Long, says her daughter felt lost during the 21/2 years she lived out of a suitcase after fleeing Singapore. Long was jailed for 18 months for drug possession and consumption last Tuesday. PHOTO: SCRABBLEBOARD MANAGEMENT

Celebrity DJ Tenashar's lawyer says she hopes to be an anti-drug envoy after her release.

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