Global Pulse

作者： admin

  • Her husband’s kidnapping became Malaysia’s biggest mystery. Then came a stunning confession

    Her husband’s kidnapping became Malaysia’s biggest mystery. Then came a stunning confession

    In an unprecedented legal ruling, Malaysia’s High Court has delivered a watershed verdict holding state authorities responsible for the enforced disappearance of Pastor Raymond Koh, ending a nearly decade-long pursuit for justice by his wife Susanna Liew. The court determined that the elite Special Branch police unit orchestrated Koh’s 2017 abduction, marking the first judicial acknowledgment of state involvement in such a case in Malaysian history.

    The case dates back to February 13, 2017, when Koh was forcibly taken by masked operatives in a meticulously coordinated daylight operation captured on CCTV. The footage, which subsequently went viral, showed multiple SUVs and motorcycles intercepting the 63-year-old pastor’s vehicle before he was dragged from his car and driven away.

    Two independent investigations—by Malaysia’s human rights commission and a government task force—later revealed that religious motivations underpinned the abduction. Authorities allegedly perceived Koh’s Christian activities as threatening to Malaysia’s majority Islamic faith. The investigations identified a specific senior police official with “extreme views” against religious minorities as a primary person of interest.

    The breakthrough emerged in 2018 when a police sergeant confessed to families of both Koh and another missing activist, Amri Che Mat, that the Special Branch had orchestrated both disappearances. This testimony, despite later retraction, was deemed credible by investigators.

    The court has ordered substantial compensation, including accumulating daily payments of 10,000 ringgit (£1,830) until Koh’s whereabouts are revealed—totaling over 32 million ringgit to date. While the government has appealed the verdict, citing “financial obligations” and “universal justice,” no police officials have faced criminal charges, with one reportedly receiving promotion since the abduction.

    Liew, who received the International Women of Courage award from the U.S. State Department in 2020, has transitioned from pastor’s wife to prominent activist against enforced disappearances. Despite personal trauma and family depression resulting from the ordeal, she has remarkably forgiven the perpetrators while continuing to demand institutional accountability and truth regarding her husband’s fate.

  • ‘We will vote but not with our hearts’: Inside the election staged by Myanmar’s military rulers

    ‘We will vote but not with our hearts’: Inside the election staged by Myanmar’s military rulers

    In a carefully staged political performance ahead of Myanmar’s December 28 election, retired Lieutenant-General Tayza Kyaw attempted to generate enthusiasm among a modest crowd in Mandalay. The military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) candidate addressed approximately 300-400 attendees, many of whom were earthquake victims seeking assistance rather than political engagement. The event exposed the profound challenges facing what international observers have universally condemned as a illegitimate electoral process.

    This marks Myanmar’s first voting opportunity since the military seized power nearly five years ago, triggering a devastating civil war that has claimed approximately 90,000 lives according to ACLED data analysis. The election proceeds under circumstances that fundamentally undermine its credibility: the popular National League for Democracy has been dissolved, its leader Aung San Suu Kyi remains imprisoned, and voting cannot occur in extensive regions still engulfed in conflict.

    The climate of intimidation permeates every aspect of the process. When BBC journalists attempted to gather opinions at the rally, party officials intervened, citing concerns about attendees “saying the wrong thing.” This apprehension stems from the visible presence of plain-clothes intelligence officers and draconian laws that criminalize dissent. A July statute prohibits any speech or action deemed destructive to the electoral process, with violators facing extreme penalties—three Yangon residents recently received 42-49 year sentences for merely posting stickers combining bullet and ballot box imagery.

    Despite these conditions, junta leader Min Aung Hlaing appears confident the election will provide the legitimacy that has eluded him during five catastrophic years of rule. His confidence stems from several factors: diplomatic support from China, which is providing technical and financial assistance despite being a one-party state itself; recent military gains achieved with Chinese and Russian weapons; and the elimination of meaningful political opposition.

    The reality on the ground reveals a nation deeply fractured. Even near Mandalay’s apparent normality, the conflict’s scars remain visible. Areas like the spectacular Mingun temple complex, once a tourist destination, have become contested territory where volunteer People’s Defence Forces control villages and ambush military convoys. A young police commander interviewed by the BBC revealed the constant danger facing security forces, describing shoot-on-sight relationships with guerrilla groups.

    General Tayza Kyaw, when confronted about civilian casualties and air strikes against schools and hospitals, deflected responsibility entirely onto those resisting military rule, labeling them “terrorists” rather than citizens. This rhetoric reflects the regime’s uncompromising position and explains why many Burmese will participate in the election not out of conviction but fear. As one woman summarized: “We will vote, but not with our hearts.”

  • Israel becomes first country to officially recognise Somaliland

    Israel becomes first country to officially recognise Somaliland

    In a groundbreaking diplomatic development, the State of Israel has formally extended recognition to the breakaway territory of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign nation. This decision, announced on Friday by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, marks the first instance of any country granting full sovereign recognition to the region since it declared independence in 1991.

    The formal recognition was cemented through a mutual declaration signed by Prime Minister Netanyahu, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, and Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi. The signing ceremony was conducted via video conference, with Netanyahu characterizing the agreement as both ‘seminal and historic’ in nature.

    Somaliland, which initially united with the Somali republic in 1960, has operated as a de facto independent state for over three decades following its declaration of independence during Somalia’s civil conflict. Despite maintaining unofficial diplomatic channels with several nations, the territory had previously failed to gain recognition from any permanent members of the United Nations Security Council.

    The Israeli Prime Minister’s office indicated that this diplomatic breakthrough aligns with the spirit of the Abraham Accords, the normalization agreements established between Israel and several Arab states in 2020. Netanyahu specifically referenced former U.S. President Donald Trump during the announcement, expressing intentions to communicate Somaliland’s ‘willingness and desire’ to join the Accords framework.

    Both leaders expressed commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors including economic development, agricultural innovation, and social advancement. President Abdullahi accepted Netanyahu’s invitation for an official visit to Jerusalem, stating he would ‘be glad to be in Jerusalem as soon as possible’ to further solidify the new diplomatic relationship.

  • Jebel Ali Racecourse marks landmark year with showcase of top-class racing

    Jebel Ali Racecourse marks landmark year with showcase of top-class racing

    Jebel Ali Racecourse prepares to host its penultimate meeting of the 2025 season this Saturday, presenting a compelling seven-race card that underscores the venue’s significance within global horse racing. The event features two premium handicaps valued at AED 120,000 each—the Glorious Saturday Stakes and New Year Fest Stakes—offering both competitive racing and late-season narrative development.

    The Glorious Saturday Stakes (Race 3) emerges as a particularly open contest, featuring twelve contenders racing seven furlongs on Jebel Ali’s distinctive dirt surface. This track maintains traditional characteristics through its unique composition of local desert sand blended with recycled engine oil from regional shipyards, creating racing conditions unlike any other international venue.

    Attention centers on Telemark, a Night Of Thunder progeny making his second UAE appearance after a impressive debut victory at Meydan three weeks prior. Owned by Rabbah Bloodstock and trained by Simon and Ed Crisford, the four-year-old faces formidable opposition including Doug Watson’s entries Cats By Five and Nyaar, alongside The Ice Phoenix from reigning champion trainer Musabbeh Al Mheiri’s stable.

    Al Mheiri noted regarding his contender: ‘The horse has demonstrated remarkable adaptation to our training methods and shows progressive improvement with each outing.’ International betting markets reflect the competition’s intensity, installing Telemark as 6/5 favorite ahead of Cats By Five (4/1), The Ice Phoenix (9/2), and Nyaar (11/2).

    The subsequent New Year Fest Stakes (Race 5) presents a contrasting six-runner field over 1800 meters. Ocean Viking commands attention as he makes his UAE debut for the Crisford team following transfer from legendary French trainer André Fabre’s stable. The Farhh descendant, another Rabbah Bloodstock investment, will be ridden by Brazilian jockey Silvestre de Sousa.

    Opposition includes Doug Watson’s Truth Explained (current market favorite), alongside Mashkoor and Aablan from Marwan Al Baidhaei’s stable—all proven performers at the distance whose tactical approaches may determine outcomes.

    The meeting opens with traditional Purebred Arabian racing, honoring the venue’s cultural heritage within the modern racing landscape. As the season approaches its conclusion, Saturday’s events offer critical opportunities for establishing late momentum and securing prestigious victories before year’s end.

  • UAE President, Pakistani PM hold talks to strengthen ties in investment, economy

    UAE President, Pakistani PM hold talks to strengthen ties in investment, economy

    In a significant diplomatic engagement, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan embarked on an official visit to Pakistan on Friday, where he was formally received by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif at Islamabad’s Nur Khan Airbase. The high-level meeting marked a pivotal moment in bilateral relations between the Gulf nation and the South Asian country.

    The two leaders conducted comprehensive discussions focused on expanding cooperation across multiple strategic sectors, with particular emphasis on economic development, energy infrastructure, technological innovation, and investment opportunities. President Sheikh Mohamed emphasized the UAE’s commitment to deepening collaboration with Pakistan in development-focused areas that align with mutual national interests and shared prosperity objectives.

    Beyond economic matters, the dialogue extended to regional and international affairs of mutual concern. Both leaders highlighted the critical importance of supporting initiatives that promote peace, security, and stability across the region and globally. The UAE President specifically noted the significance of continued coordination between the two nations, particularly given Pakistan’s current position on the UN Security Council, which presents a valuable platform for enhanced collaborative efforts in global peacekeeping initiatives.

    President Sheikh Mohamed reiterated the UAE’s consistent foreign policy approach of resolving international disputes through diplomatic channels and constructive dialogue, emphasizing that these methods represent the most effective pathway toward overcoming challenges and achieving sustainable development.

    Prime Minister Sharif expressed appreciation for the UAE’s ongoing developmental initiatives within Pakistan and welcomed the strengthening bilateral relationship. He acknowledged the UAE President’s influential role in fostering regional stability and international cooperation.

    The high-profile meeting was attended by distinguished delegations from both nations, including Sheikh Sultan bin Hamdan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, both Advisers to the UAE President, along with several ministers and senior officials. The Pakistani delegation included Field Marshal Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan, alongside various ministers and government officials.

  • Fake Grand Egyptian Museum ticket website shut down, Ministry warns public

    Fake Grand Egyptian Museum ticket website shut down, Ministry warns public

    Egyptian authorities have successfully dismantled a counterfeit website falsely advertising ticket sales for the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), according to an official announcement from the Ministry of Tourism and Heritage. The fraudulent platform, which emerged recently, was promptly identified and reported to museum administrators who initiated immediate legal proceedings.

    The National Agency for Regulation of Communications, alongside other relevant governmental bodies, was notified of the illicit operation, resulting in the complete shutdown of the deceptive website. This coordinated effort highlights Egypt’s strengthened cybersecurity measures to protect both domestic and international visitors from digital fraud schemes.

    Tourism Minister Sharif Fathi addressed the public regarding the incident, emphasizing the critical need for vigilance in today’s increasingly sophisticated digital environment. He advised all potential visitors to rigorously verify the authenticity of websites before proceeding with any financial transactions or sharing personal data. Minister Fathi specifically cautioned against unauthorized platforms that might attempt to mimic official government or cultural institution websites.

    Dr. Ahmed Ghanim, Executive President of the Grand Egyptian Museum, reaffirmed that gem.com remains the exclusive authorized platform for all legitimate ticket purchases. He detailed the museum’s proactive digital surveillance strategy, which involves continuous monitoring of internet activity to detect and neutralize fraudulent entities claiming association with the prestigious institution. Dr. Ghanim confirmed that the administration maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward such scams and pursues maximum legal penalties against perpetrators.

    The Grand Egyptian Museum, one of the world’s most anticipated cultural institutions, represents a significant investment in Egypt’s cultural heritage and tourism infrastructure. This incident marks the latest in a series of attempts to exploit the museum’s global popularity through digital deception. Authorities have indicated that similar monitoring operations are ongoing to prevent future occurrences that could undermine visitor confidence and financial security.

  • Beijing community leads the way in grassroots governance

    Beijing community leads the way in grassroots governance

    The Xiaoguan sub-district in Beijing’s Chaoyang district has emerged as a national model for effective grassroots governance through its innovative problem-solving systems. This community recently showcased its administrative achievements during an annual ceremony that highlighted China’s ongoing modernization of urban governance structures.

    Central to Xiaoguan’s success is its pioneering ‘Swift Response to Public Complaints’ mechanism, which has fundamentally transformed how governmental departments interface with residents. This streamlined system serves as a critical conduit between authorities and citizens, enabling efficient resolution of community concerns through optimized bureaucratic processes.

    Throughout 2025, this mechanism facilitated the resolution of more than 6,700 public appeals according to local officials. These addressed matters spanned diverse areas including daily livelihood challenges and essential community facility enhancements. The systematic approach to problem-solving has substantially elevated residents’ quality of life while strengthening their sense of civic satisfaction.

    The sub-district’s governance model demonstrates how people-centered administrative frameworks can effectively support high-quality urban development. Experts and policymakers recently convened to discuss Xiaoguan’s development pathways as part of broader strategic planning for the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan period, examining how its successful approaches might inform national governance modernization efforts.

    This case study illustrates the practical implementation of China’s governance philosophy that prioritizes citizen needs while maintaining administrative efficiency. The district’s achievements provide valuable insights into how localized innovation can drive meaningful improvements in public service delivery and community welfare.

  • Salary increases, perks: Amended HR law in Fujairah to improve job security for govt employees

    Salary increases, perks: Amended HR law in Fujairah to improve job security for govt employees

    FUJAIRAH – In a significant move to enhance public sector welfare, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah, has promulgated Law No. (2) of 2025, introducing comprehensive amendments to the emirate’s Human Resources Law for government employees. The legislation, formally announced in mid-December, is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026, following its publication in the Official Gazette.

    The groundbreaking reforms specifically address the stability of both legal and financial conditions for civil servants, incorporating substantial revisions to job grading structures, various allowances, and employee benefits. These changes build upon previously approved salary increases authorized under Law No. (1) of 2025, creating a cohesive framework for improved compensation packages.

    Mohammed Saeed Al Dhanhani, Director of the Fujairah Amiri Diwan, emphasized that these amendments reflect Sheikh Hamad’s ongoing commitment to strengthening job security and living standards for government personnel. This initiative aims to establish greater work-life balance while simultaneously elevating the quality of public services delivered to the community.

    From a strategic perspective, Mohammed Khalifa Al Zeyoudi, Director of Human Resources at the Government of Fujairah, highlighted the legislation’s dual purpose of attracting top-tier professional talent while motivating existing staff across local departments. The reforms apply equally to both Emirati citizens and foreign residents, demonstrating the emirate’s inclusive approach to workforce development.

    The enhanced benefits package is expected to play a pivotal role in supporting Fujairah’s comprehensive development agenda across multiple sectors by ensuring dignified living standards for its public servants. This legislative advancement positions Fujairah as a progressive employer within the UAE’s public sector landscape, potentially setting benchmarks for other emirates to follow.

  • Venezuelan migrants sent to El Salvador demand justice after US judge ruling

    Venezuelan migrants sent to El Salvador demand justice after US judge ruling

    CARACAS, Venezuela — A group of Venezuelan migrants who were transferred by the U.S. government to a high-security prison in El Salvador earlier this year have publicly demanded justice and accountability for alleged human rights violations. Their outcry comes days after a federal judge in Washington ruled that the Trump administration must provide them with proper legal due process.

    Approximately two dozen of the 252 Venezuelan men held a press conference in Venezuela’s capital on Friday, organized by the government of President Nicolás Maduro. They detailed experiences of physical and psychological torture during their detention at the notorious Salvadoran prison facility.

    Andry Blanco, speaking on behalf of the group, stated: “We are here to demand justice before the world for the human rights violations committed against each of us, and to ask for help from international organizations to assist in our defense so that our human rights are respected and not violated again.”

    The legal development occurred on Monday when U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly ordered the U.S. government to either provide court hearings or return the men to the United States. This ruling creates a pathway for the migrants to challenge the Trump administration’s allegations that they are members of the Tren de Aragua criminal gang and subject to removal under an 18th-century wartime law.

    Many of the men described ongoing psychological trauma and daily struggles, including fear of leaving their homes or encountering law enforcement. While not all expressed interest in returning to the U.S., they uniformly seek accountability for their treatment.

    Venezuelan Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs for International Communications Camilla Fabri announced that the Maduro government is collaborating with U.S. legal associations and human rights organizations to prepare a major lawsuit against former President Trump and the U.S. government. The migrants were initially flown to El Salvador in March and returned to Venezuela in July as part of a prisoner exchange between the two governments.

  • Noisy chewing affecting ability to work? Misophonia is a daily battle, UAE doctors warn

    Noisy chewing affecting ability to work? Misophonia is a daily battle, UAE doctors warn

    Medical specialists across the United Arab Emirates are bringing attention to misophonia, a neurological condition characterized by extreme sensitivity to specific everyday sounds, warning that it represents more than mere irritation but a legitimate clinical disorder with significant consequences. Unlike typical annoyance, misophonia triggers intense emotional and physiological responses that can severely disrupt cognitive functions and social interactions.

    According to recent research cited by UAE healthcare professionals, including a PubMed-listed study titled ‘The Effect of Misophonia on Cognitive and Social Judgments,’ trigger sounds such as chewing, pen-clicking, or loud breathing can interrupt attention, impair memory recall, cloud social judgment, and disrupt overall cognitive processing. This creates substantial challenges in educational settings, open-plan offices, and family environments where these sounds are commonplace.

    Dr. Lekha Kapoor, Consultant ENT at Medcare Hospital Sharjah, explains the diagnostic process: ‘We first conduct comprehensive ENT evaluations to rule out auditory issues, then utilize the Amsterdam Misophonia Questionnaire to assess severity—ranging from mild to extreme cases.’ She notes that patients often present confused and distressed, unaware their experiences constitute a recognized medical condition.

    The psychological toll can be severe, with many patients experiencing overlapping anxiety, depression, and heightened stress. In extreme cases, the condition has been associated with suicidal tendencies due to the profound disruption to daily functioning and social relationships.

    Despite its significant impact, awareness remains limited in the UAE compared to Western nations. Dr. Amal Atwa Ibrahim, Consultant Psychiatrist at NMC Specialty Hospital, emphasizes that professional intervention—particularly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), emotional regulation strategies, and practical tools like noise-cancelling headphones—can substantially improve quality of life for those affected.