BANGKOK, April 29 — Thailand’s jailed former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra will be released early from prison next month, the corrections department said on Wednesday.

“He will be released on May 11, 2026 and will need to comply with all conditions” until his probation ends, including wearing an electronic monitor, the department said in a statement.

Thaksin, 76, has been serving a one-year prison sentence for corruption since September. — AFP

GEORGE TOWN, April 28 — The owner of the landmark Waterfall Cafe in Penang today claimed the demolition of the long-standing eatery has destroyed a family business he says dates back more than a century.

S. Ananth Raj said the restaurant was first started by his grandfather within the Penang Botanic Gardens during the British colonial era, where rent was paid to the authorities at the time.

He said the family was later relocated outside the gardens to a roundabout area before being moved again in 2010 to its current location when the entrance road was widened.

“Later, we were relocated outside the Botanic Gardens, to the roundabout area that has since been built there,” he said in a statement.

He added that the family has remained at the site ever since and maintained that they were not trespassers.

“We have remained here ever since. We were not trespassers, but had been paying rent to the government throughout that period,” he said.

Ananth Raj said discussions had taken place with the District and Land Office when plans were made for a research centre at the Botanic Gardens.

“During those discussions, the District and Land Office mentioned the possibility of relocating us to a future parking building,” he said.

Waterfall Cafe owner S. Ananth Raj said the demolition has destroyed the family’s livelihood. — Picture courtesy of Urimai

However, he said the proposal was not accepted as it would have forced the business to shut down during construction.

“However, the matter was only discussed briefly. I never received any verbal or written offer from any party regarding this matter,” he claimed.

He also said rental payments stopped being collected in 2017 and alleged the situation was later used to classify the cafe as an encroacher.

“When my lawyer wrote to the District Office in April 2024, no response was given by the authorities,” he said.

He said the authorities only replied on April 15 this year, stating that all settlement offers had been rejected.

“In that letter, it was stated that ‘all settlement offers were rejected’ even though no offers had ever been made before,” he said.

Ananth Raj said he was given 10 days to vacate the premises and had repeatedly sought assistance from the Penang chief minister since 2024 without success.

“I had sought the Penang chief minister’s assistance since 2024 to save our business but there was no response from him,” he said.

He said the cafe was demolished today despite his appeal for an extension.

“Today, our family’s livelihood has been destroyed by an agency of the state government,” he said.

He also accused Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow of misrepresenting the situation.

“I do not know whether the chief minister fully understands this issue, or whether he has been misled by government officials who wish to see Waterfall Cafe disappear from the Botanic Gardens area,” he said.

Earlier today, Chow said negotiations over the site had been ongoing since 1990 but failed to reach a resolution despite repeated discussions with stakeholders.

He said multiple eviction notices had been issued, including one on January 4, 2024, which were not complied with.

Chow said the final notice was issued on April 15 this year before enforcement action was carried out today.

KUALA LUMPUR, April 28 — Malaysia’s electricity supply remains stable, but rising and volatile global fuel prices could push up generation costs and eventually affect tariffs if pressures persist, Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said today.

He said the main risk is not from power shortages, but the impact of fluctuating coal and gas prices on electricity production costs.

“When fuel costs such as coal and gas rise, the cost of generating electricity increases accordingly. Ultimately, this pressure may affect electricity tariffs for consumers if it is not managed carefully,” he said in an online briefing on the global supply crisis today. 

As of April 25, Akmal said Malaysia’s electricity generation mix remains heavily dependent on coal at 54 per cent and gas at 40 per cent, leaving the system significantly exposed to movements in global energy markets.

He added that coal imports in the first quarter of 2026 totalled 7.94 million metric tonnes, with full-year requirements projected at 35.99 million metric tonnes. 

“The Energy Commission is closely monitoring stock levels at power plants to ensure minimum supply requirements are consistently maintained,” he said.

For gas, Akmal said the average consumption for electricity generation in the first quarter stood at around 1,011 million standard cubic feet per day, largely supplied from domestic sources in Kerteh. 

However, he said the share of gas in the generation mix is expected to decline in July and August due to scheduled maintenance that will temporarily reduce supply to the power sector.

“In this context, the national electricity system must maintain flexibility to utilise alternative fuel sources to ensure continued stability of supply. At the same time, electricity demand is rising,” he said.

Between April 20 and 25, he said the average peak demand increased by 1.9 per cent to 20,640 megawatt (MW), compared with 20,257 MW the previous week. 

He said a new peak of 21,468 MW was also recorded on April 23, surpassing the previous high of 21,276 MW.

“This increase has been largely driven by hot weather, which has led to higher use of air conditioning in homes, businesses and workplaces. 

“As previously stated, there is a lagging effect in electricity supply, whereby the impact of rising fuel prices is only felt around two months after the initial shock,” he said. 

Akmal then went on to say that for May 2026, the cost of electricity generation is projected to rise, driven by coal prices increasing to RM21.28 per million British Thermal Unit (BTU), compared with the base price of RM19.14 per million BTU.

He then said that the government has given assurances that measures are in place to mitigate the impact on consumers, with around 7.5 million domestic users, or 85 per cent of households consuming below 600 kWh, continuing to be fully exempted from the Automatic Fuel Adjustment charge.

He urged consumers to adopt energy-saving practices, including moderating air-conditioning use, switching off unused appliances, and reducing consumption during peak hours to help ease demand and stabilise generation costs.

KOTA KINABALU, April 27 — Sabah Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam has urged all state assemblymen to engage with residents to explain the importance of the Pan Borneo Highway project, including issues surrounding compensation.

Dr Joachim, who is also the state Works and Utilities Minister, said there have been cases where residents served with eviction notices have yet to receive compensation, due in part to incomplete documentation or disagreements over the amounts offered.

“I agree with you. But we must also acknowledge that the Pan Borneo project is a game-changer for Sabah, highly important, and some degree of sacrifice is required.

“So, I want all assemblymen, when faced with such situations, to discuss with residents the importance of this highway,” he said in reply to a supplementary question from Datuk Dr Mohammad Yusof Apdal (Warisan-Silam) during the State Assembly sitting today.

Mohammad Yusof had raised concerns about demolition actions involving residents who allegedly had not received compensation, including those with titled homes and those in gazetted villages.

Dr Joachim stressed that the Pan Borneo Highway is a key initiative with the potential to drive the state’s development, and therefore requires broad-based support.

For the project package in the Silam constituency, he said implementation remains at an early stage, with physical progress below 30 per cent, allowing room for further engagement among stakeholders.

He added that compensation payments for the Pan Borneo Highway project in Silam and the Lahad Datu parliamentary constituency are being carried out in phases, depending on land type and compliance with established procedures.

“For land with valid ownership, identified and gazetted, the process of issuing compensation offers to affected owners is underway in accordance with the Sabah Land Acquisition Ordinance.

“Payments will be made by the Sabah Lands and Surveys Department once all required consent documents are received, and disbursements will be done in stages,” he said.

Dr Joachim also clarified that no compensation is provided for structures located within road reserves, in line with policy and directives of the implementing agencies.

However, he said ex gratia payments may be considered for structures located within other reserves, such as river or utility reserves, subject to approval by the relevant authorities.

“Such payments may be considered based on current guidelines and assessment by the Sabah Lands and Surveys Department,” he said.

He added that the ministry has confirmed that allocations for compensation payments to eligible owners have been secured and will be channelled to the Sabah Lands and Surveys Department to ensure payments are carried out in an orderly, transparent manner and in accordance with procedures. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, April 27 — Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin extended his greetings in conjunction with the 92nd anniversary of the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN), which will be celebrated today.

In a Facebook post, he said April 27 marks a historic date for the RMN, which serves as the nation’s maritime defence front in safeguarding national sovereignty.

He said the Ministry of Defence will continue efforts to enhance the RMN’s asset capabilities and operational readiness, while ensuring the welfare of its personnel remains a priority.

“On behalf of the nation, I extend my highest appreciation and gratitude to all officers, personnel and veterans of the RMN for their service, sacrifices and contributions in defending the country’s maritime sovereignty. Your services are always appreciated and will never be forgotten.

“May RMN continue to achieve excellence, remain steadfast at sea and be constantly blessed in carrying out its duty to the nation,” he said. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, April 26 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim extended his highest congratulations to Sultan of Terengganu Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin on the occasion of his 64th birthday today.

Anwar, in a Facebook post, also prayed that Sultan Mizan and the Sultanah of Terengganu, Sultanah Nur Zahirah, as well as the entire royal family, be continually blessed with His mercy and guidance.

“I pray to Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala that Tuanku Sultan and Sultanah, along with the entire royal family, are always blessed with His mercy and guidance, and remain in good health, well-being and full sovereignty. Daulat Tuanku!” said Anwar. — Bernama

TANJONG MALIM, April 26 — Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir expressed hope that student admissions into public higher education institutions (IPTAs) would no longer be politicised to the extent that it affects the fundamental principles and the students involved.

Zambry said admissions into IPTAs are based on merit, and any issues that arise can be referred to the Unit Pusat Universiti (UPU).

“I hope that this matter will be given due attention by all parties. If there are issues, such as why a student with good results is not offered a place, the matter can be referred to the UPU.

“We are always open to providing explanations to parents, as we must remember that these are opportunities for our children who have their own aspirations,” he said.

He said this at a press conference after the closing ceremony of the Jom Masuk Universiti (JMU) 2026 Carnival and the launch of the Global Educator Award 2026 at Dewan Tuanku Canselor, Sultan Azlan Shah Campus, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), here today.

Also present were Perak Education, Higher Education, Youth and Sports Committee chairman Datuk Khairudin Abu Hanipah, and UPSI vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Md Amin Md Taff.

Meanwhile, Zambry said opportunities to pursue further studies are not limited to public universities alone, but also include various pathways such as Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, polytechnics and community colleges.

He said the JMU 2026 Carnival for the Central Zone II, held at the Sultan Azlan Shah Campus, UPSI, was expected to attract about 20,000 participants.

Throughout the two-day event, the carnival featured 74 exhibition booths from higher education institutions and education agencies, as well as 60 entrepreneur stalls.

Zambry said the programme aims to provide information and exposure to SPM holders on opportunities to further their studies after completing their examinations. — Bernama

SINGAPORE: A social media post praising former Cabinet minister Lim Hng Kiang has drawn mixed reactions online, with some netizens pushing back against what they saw as an overly flattering portrayal of his public service.

The post, published by Facebook user Alvin Huang, offered an extensive account of Mr Lim’s career, framing him as a steady and understated figure in government whose contributions were often overlooked. It recounted his tenure as Health Minister during the 2003 SARS outbreak, noting that he faced intense public criticism at the time over the government’s response, including accusations that measures such as quarantine orders and school closures were implemented too slowly.

Mr Huang wrote that Mr Lim became “the easiest target” for public frustration during the crisis and was subsequently moved out of the Health Ministry to the Prime Minister’s Office. However, the post argued that Mr Lim’s role during SARS was later vindicated, citing then-Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s valedictory letter, which said Mr Lim had made “sound decisions” under pressure and noted that Singapore’s response was praised by the World Health Organisation after the outbreak.

The post went on to highlight Mr Lim’s subsequent 14-year stint as Minister for Trade and Industry, describing it as the longest tenure in that portfolio and crediting him with developing key industry clusters, advancing trade agreements and steering Singapore’s economy through the 2008 Global Financial Crisis. It characterised his work as largely unnoticed by the public, suggesting that this was by design.

Mr Huang also detailed Mr Lim’s background, including his education at Raffles Institution and the University of Cambridge, his scholarships, and his early career in the Singapore Armed Forces and civil service. The post further outlined policy initiatives from his time as National Development Minister, as well as personal details such as the death of his wife in 2014 and the family’s request for donations to charitable causes in lieu of wreaths.

Concluding, Mr Huang described Mr Lim as a minister who “just wanted the work to be done,” contrasting him with others who seek recognition.

The lengthy tribute, however, prompted a range of responses in the comments section, with some users questioning the tone and intent of the post.

One commenter pointed out that Mr Lim had been “fully paid in millions dollars,” adding that he served while “highly paid” and would continue to receive a pension and medical benefits after retirement. The commenter contrasted this with the struggles of ordinary Singaporeans, writing that some “died as broke or work till death.”

Another user suggested that current Members of Parliament are more active on the ground, while a separate comment directly questioned Mr Huang’s motives, asking: “Alvin, are you paid to write a biography like this?”

At the same time, several commenters shared positive personal experiences and expressed appreciation for Mr Lim’s work.

One user recounted approaching Mr Lim for help during a difficult period when both parents were seriously ill, writing that Mr Lim assisted by writing in to help secure a nursing home placement and subsidies. The commenter said they remained “always grateful” for his support.

Another described Mr Lim as “very down to earth” during his time as an MP in Telok Blangah, noting that he would attend events without fanfare and drove himself like any other resident.

Others pointed to specific policies they benefited from, including the introduction of a queue system for HDB applicants, which one commenter said helped them secure a flat after multiple unsuccessful attempts in the ballot.

This article (‘He was paid millions’: Post glazing ex-PAP Minister draws flak) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, First Secretary of the Party’s Central Committee and President of the Republic, thanked Panama for its support of the UN resolution against the U.S. blockade of Cuba and called for increased economic and commercial exchange during a meeting with Mr. Javier Eduardo Martínez-Acha Vásquez, Foreign Minister of Panama