Johor Sultan's mother dies in London, aged 83

JOHOR BARU • The Sultan of Johor's mother, Enche' Besar Hajah Khalsom Abdullah, died in London on Friday. She was 83.

Hajah Khalsom's remains will be brought back to the state palace for the public to pay their last respects, said the Johor Royal Court Council, Bernama news agency reported yesterday.

She will be laid to rest at the Bukit Mahmoodiah Royal Mausoleum in Johor Baru at a date to be announced.

Egypt's President Sisi sworn in for second term

CAIRO • Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi vowed to tackle extremists and revive the economy as he was sworn in yesterday for a second four-year term.

Mr Sisi won 97 per cent of valid votes in March's presidential election in which all serious opponents had withdrawn.

Fighter jets drew an Egyptian flag in the sky above Cairo yesterday and military helicopters flew over the city centre as the President made his way to Parliament.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

Saudi King threatens action against Qatar's air defence plan

PARIS • Saudi Arabia's King Salman has threatened to take action if Qatar installs a Russian air defence system, France's Le Monde newspaper reported.

Qatar's ambassador to Russia was quoted as saying in January that it was in talks to buy the Russian S-400 missile air defence systems. Le Monde on Friday said King Salman had written to French President Emmanuel Macron, expressing his concern and asking Mr Macron to help prevent the sale.

"The kingdom would be ready to take all necessary measures to eliminate this defence system, including military action," Le Monde quoted the "recent" letter to Mr Macron as saying.

REUTERS

Whale dies after swallowing over 80 plastic bags

BANGKOK • A whale has died in southern Thailand after swallowing more than 80 plastic bags, officials said, ending an attempted rescue that failed to nurse the mammal back to health.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE