Mahathir opposes regular APEC meetings JAKARTA (JP): With the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leadership conference in Indonesia just a few weeks away, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad yesterday spoke against regular meetings by the forum as part of his overall objection towards its institutionalization.

Roman numerals, tennis neck and cigarettes ... JAKARTA (JP): "There! There it is!" Screeching tires lodging a protest, the cab jolted to a standstill.

Timber concessions From Sinar Pagi Recently the BPTG was again the focus of the public's attention. Earlier this year, the company created an uproar by listing its HPH forest concession areas as company assets. It also raised a public controversy by using civil servant insurance saving funds for its speculative objectives.

By Bruce Emond Sabatini runs risk of becoming popular has-been JAKARTA (JP): Gabriela Sabatini, one of the world's most photographed and photogenic women, is a sponsor's dream.

Sawangan golf course By Hidayat Jati JAKARTA (JP): Sawangan public golf course, located about two hours drive outside South Jakarta, is arguably the best place for golf-agnostics to start on their way to converting to this supposedly politically-incorrect leisure activity.

Tax cuts won't hurt revenues JAKARTA (JP): Finance Minister Mar'ie Muhammad was optimistic yesterday that the proposed income tax cuts will not cause the government's revenues from taxes to drop. The minister told members of a plenary session at the House of Representatives that the decrease in receipts caused by the planned lower tax rates will be offset by a more intensive tax collection system.

Public, authorities not ready for Traffic Law JAKARTA (JP): No one would contest the reason behind the Traffic Law, which, following last year's public uproar over the million rupiah fines, will be implemented in stages and will be in full effect by next June. Last week's sit-in strike by minibus drivers confirmed that neither the public nor the authorities were prepared for the law, particularly the high fines.

Vietnam hopes to see more international events By Le Phan Hoai Nam HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam (Reuter): Vietnam, distracted and isolated by war for decades, is starting to see more international sports events now that its economy is growing and opening to the outside world. It is a development that most of the 72 million Vietnamese welcome.