While You Were Sleeping: 5 stories you might have missed, March 1 edition

Succession planning very much a part of governance in S'pore: ESM Goh Chok Tong

Succession planning has long been a part of the Government's DNA, and the next team of leaders who will helm the country is taking shape, Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong said on Saturday.

A key tenet of governance here has always been to ensure that good people will be in charge, he said after attending a Chinese New Year lunch with grassroots leaders from Geylang Serai constituency.

"Mr Lee Kuan Yew has always emphasised political succession, and when I took over, likewise, I planned for succession," he said. "Prime Minister Lee is also working very hard to plan for succession."

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Nemtsov admitted fearing for his life weeks before murder

Russian opposition leader Boris Nemtsov, gunned down on Friday in a contract-style killing, gave an interview in February admitting he had feared for his life over his opposition to President Vladimir Putin.

In an interview with weekly Sobesednik, Nemtsov was asked: "Have you started worrying that Putin could personally kill you in the near future or do it through middle men?"

He replied: "You know... yes. A little.

It was also revealed that Nemtsov had considered seeking asylum in Lithuania in 2012, saying he feared persecution by the Kremlin.

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Four for trial in Egypt Internet dog death case

Four men face trial in Egypt after horrific footage of the brutal street killing of a dog sparked outrage when it was aired on the Internet, an official said Saturday.

Among them is the animal's owner, who said at the time that he was powerless to prevent the killing.

In the video, three men who had argued with the owner chained the dog to a street lamp at night and then stabbed and hacked the terrified animal with knives as onlookers failed to intervene.

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Chile leader visits ailing 14-year-old who wants to end her life

Chile's President Michelle Bachelet on Saturday visited a 14-year-old girl suffering from cystic fibrosis who made a heart-wrenching video appeal to be allowed to end her life.

Valentina Maureira had addressed Ms Bachelet personally in the message, which she recorded with a smartphone and uploaded to YouTube from her hospital bed without her parents' knowledge.

"I ask to speak urgently with the President, because I am tired of living with this disease," she said.

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Tennis: Federer stuns Djokovic in Dubai

Roger Federer claimed the 84th title of his legendary career, kept his nose in front in his personal rivalry with Novak Djokovic, and equalled his best achievement at any tournament by winning the Dubai Open for the seventh time on Saturday.

The Grand Slam record-holder from Switzerland beat the world No. 1 from Serbia 6-3, 7-5 in a colourful success which took Federer's title haul here equal to those of Halle and Wimbledon.

It also put him 20-17 up against Djokovic.

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