French government’s collapse raises questions over Ukraine support Posted on 05/12/2024 French President Emmanuel Macron greets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during his visit to the Elysee Palace in Paris. (EPA Images pic) PARIS: The fall of France’s government on Wednesday and the failure to pass a budget could make it difficult for Paris to ramp up its support for Ukraine despite president Emmanuel Macron’s repeated promises to help Kyiv for as long as necessary. France in November completed the training of some 2,000 Ukrainians, including providing armoured vehicles for troop movements and reconnaissance, Caesar howitzers, anti-tank missile units, surface-to-air missiles and battlefield radars. It also sent new missiles in recent weeks using funds from frozen Russian assets and plans to provide Mirage fighter jets in the first quarter of 2025. However, defence minister Sebastien Lecornu, a potential future prime minister, already said in October that France would fall short of a €3 billion (US$3.16 billion) pledge for 2024 with the figure being above €2 billion. Speaking ahead of a no-confidence vote on Wednesday that saw Michel Barnier’s government collapse, Lecornu said there would be an impact on France’s support for Ukraine. “A large part of the Ukrainian support is the transfer of old equipment from the French army that is then replaced with new equipment,” Lecornu told Le Parisien newspaper. “If we slow the order of new equipment then we will have a slowdown of deliveries for Ukraine.” By not passing the 2025 budget, which will in essence mean the 2024 budget will be reconducted next year, the defence budget would not reach its €50 billion target and signify a loss for the army of €3.3 billion, Lecornu said. News
Foreign Ministry: Malaysians in Indonesia safe but advised to monitor situation as Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano eruption affects 10,000 Posted on 11/11/2024 KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 11 — Malaysians residing in or visiting Indonesia are advised to stay vigilant and keep informed of the latest developments following the volcanic eruption at Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki on Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara. The Foreign Ministry in a statement on Monday confirmed that all Malaysians in… Read More
2024 in review: Seven taxes and e-invoicing to boost Malaysia’s revenue Posted on 11/12/2024 KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 11 — The government will continue efforts to narrow its fiscal deficit to 4.3 per cent in 2024 and 3.8 per cent in 2025, down from five per cent of the gross domestic product (GDP) in 2023. Simultaneously, it will advance fiscal reforms to strengthen financial resilience… Read More
Chinese national nabbed in probe on Cheras mall murder Posted on 05/12/2024 Kuala Lumpur police chief Rusdi Isa said the motive of the murder has yet to be determined. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA: A female Chinese national was arrested by police yesterday afternoon to assist in investigations into the murder of her 49-year-old compatriot, who was stabbed in a restaurant at a… Read More