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Malaysians advised to avoid Egyptian cities under state of emergency
KTM intercity service in southern sector back to normal
Dr Mahathir confident BN will remain in power

Malaysians advised to avoid Egyptian cities under state of emergency

Posted: 31 Jan 2013 08:17 AM PST

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians living in Egypt have been advised to avoid travelling to Port Said, Suez and Ismailia which are currently under a state of emergency.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman said the Malaysian Embassy in Cairo had advised Malaysian citizens in Egypt to observe the state of emergency in the three cities and keep in touch with the embassy on developments.

"Malaysians are also advised to avoid Cairo's Tahrir Square and its surrounding areas such as the Ministry of Interior, Parliament building, Nile Corniche and the Presidential Palace," he said in a statement Thursday.

Anifah said the situation in several cities in Egypt remained volatile and uncertain as clashes between demonstrators and security forces were expected to continue.

However, he said there was no report of Malaysians' involvement in the clashes.

Anifah also advised Malaysians planning to travel to Egypt to remain vigilant and cautious, and avoid conflict-ridden areas.

"Malaysians are strongly advised to travel in groups and stay away from large gatherings and demonstrations," he said.

The Malaysian Embassy in Cairo, which is situated at 21, El Aanab Street, Mohandesseen, Giza, can be reached at (202)37610013/19/68/73 or (202)37610216 (fax).

KTM intercity service in southern sector back to normal

Posted: 31 Jan 2013 06:58 AM PST

Published: Thursday January 31, 2013 MYT 10:58:00 PM

KUALA LUMPUR: The Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) Intercity train service in the southern sector, which was disrupted by train derailment last Saturday, was restored at 7.25pm Thursday.

In a statement, KTM Berhad said the first train to resume services was the Ekspres Senandung Sutera No.24 (Woodlands-Sentral KL), scheduled to depart at 11.30pm tonight.

Service disruption in the southern sector since Jan 26 was caused by the derailed Ekpres Sinaran Selatan No.13 during its journey from KL Sentral to Woodlands, Singapore at Km738.0 (Kulai-Kempas Baru) at 3.20pm.

For more information, KTM Berhad's Customer Service Centre can be reached at 1-300-88-5862. - Bernama

Dr Mahathir confident BN will remain in power

Posted: 31 Jan 2013 05:53 AM PST

KUALA LUMPUR: Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has expressed confidence that the Barisan Nasional government will remain in power after the upcoming general election.

The impending 13th general election, slated to be held this year, would be the most crucial political battle that Barisan has to face, he said.

The former premier also hoped that Barisan would win a two-thirds majority in Parliament so that the Government could implement its policies without resistance.

"Pakatan Rakyat is merely a coalition for the sake of the upcoming elections. If they are elected to govern, I am sure each party will then battle for its own ideology.

"That is definitely not good for Malaysia and will disrupt all efforts to build the economy, undertaken by the present government," he said at the 15th Malaysia Strategic Outlook Conference 2013 here Thursday.

Dr Mahathir said the infighting within the opposition group was the main reason for the return in confidence among Malaysian voters for the ruling coalition.

He also said the Barisan government, under the able leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, was knowledgeable on social and economic issues, which was very important for a developing nation.

He said the Government had drawn up ambitious development plans for the future of Malaysia, and it was the responsibility of Malaysians to give it a chance to prove the effectiveness of the plans.

"Change itself will be destructive and comes with uncertainties. Turmoil is not good for any country.

"A fresh government will also take a long time to adjust to its new role from the opposition to the government. This wasted period of time will jeopardise Malaysia's growth," he added.

Asked on the suitable time to dissolve Parliament to allow for the elections, Dr Mahathir said: "I think it should be after the Chinese New Year festive period." - Bernama

Kredit: www.thestar.com.my

Khamis, 31 Januari 2013