KL wants top OIC job, but not for PM
KL wants top OIC job, but not for PM
MALAYSIA: Malaysia said on Thursday it would propose a candidate to become secretary-general of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), but it would not be Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who retires on Oct. 31.
The OIC post falls vacant next year when Abdelouahed Belkeziz steps down, and speculation has rumbled on -- despite Mahathir's own denial of any interest in the role -- that the government would push him for the job.
Foreign minister Syed Hamid Albar said the Malaysian candidate would be an "experienced and qualified" person, but added firmly that there was no chance of it being a former prime minister, Bernama news agency reported.
Malaysia takes over the chair of the 57-member grouping of Muslim nations this month, when it hosts the OIC summit at the new administrative capital of Putrajaya, some 35 kilometers from Kuala Lumpur.
Iraq, Syria and the Palestinian problem loom over the OIC agenda, in what will be the organization's first summit since the Sept. 11 attacks on the United States in 2001.
The summit begins with senior officials on Saturday, with leaders to meet from Oct. 16 to Oct. 18. United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan is scheduled to attend, along with up to 30 heads of state. -- Reuters
;AP;ANJ; ANPAu..r.. Aglance-Thailand-APEC Cabbies, street vendors learn English JP/11/ASEAN
Cabbies, street vendors learn English
THAILAND: A campaign to clean up Bangkok ahead of a summit of international leaders speaks volumes about Thailand's famed hospitality. Now city officials want taxi drivers and street vendors to speak just a few words -- in English.
Bangkok officials are teaching street workers simple English phrases to use with dignitaries and other guests visiting the Thai capital for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting from Oct. 20 to Oct. 21.
"Today 40 vendors are taking English lessons in a joyful mood," Wimol Jamongbutr, chief of the Bangkok Metropolitan Authority's Informal Education Division, told The Associated Press.
"I am confident they will learn some simple English in time to greet the APEC delegates," he said.
Taxi drivers and vendors will attend classes for a week starting on Thursday.
About 145 taxi drivers have already been trained.
Wimol said the "taxi drivers would be able to talk to foreigners after one week's training" and would "make passengers feel impressed". -- AP
;REUTERS;ANJ; ANPAu..r.. Aglance-Thailand-Singapore Man held on possible plan to harm Goh JP/11/ASEAN
Man held on possible plan to harm Goh
THAILAND: Thai police said on Thursday they have arrested a Singaporean on suspicion he may have been planning to harm Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong in Bangkok during this month's Asia-Pacific summit.
National police chief Sant Sarutanont told reporters a preliminary investigation showed the man had sent e-mails from an Internet cafe at his Bangkok apartment building in which he threatened to harm the Singapore leader.
Sant said the man denied any intention to attack Goh who, along with U.S. President George Bush, will be in Bangkok for the Oct. 20 and Oct. 21 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.
"We have sufficient evidence to press many charges related to the sending of messages threatening a government leader," Sant said.
He said it was possible the detained man was mentally disturbed.
Deputy Prime Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh told reporters he did not believe the man was connected with any terrorist group.
"This was apparently motivated by a desire to disrupt events and he may have some mental problems," Chavalit said. --Reuters