TODAY’s brief, Thursday, March 26
Zann Tan, 33 and daughter Xara Chen, 6 sticking a paper heart on a concolence board for the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew at a Tribute Night organised by Ang Mo Kio GRC, March 25, 2015 at AMK Central Stage @AMK Town Centre. It was attended by residents, grassroots advisors members. Photo: Raj Nadarajan
Public phase of national mourning enters into second day
The lying-in-state of Mr Lee Kuan Yew at Parliament House continues into its second day. The authorities have tweaked queuing arrangements for today (March 26) – from 7am, the queue for members of the public will start at the Padang. There will be a special lane at the Padang for the elderly, pregnant women, school children, families with children under the age of six, and those with special needs.
A special sitting of Parliament will take place at 4pm today, in memory of Mr Lee Kuan Yew. Defence Minister and Leader of the House Ng Eng Hen is among the 11 expected to speak, as is Workers’ Party chief Low Thia Khiang.
China expected to announce Silk Road plans
China plans a US$40 billion fund linking its markets to three continents as President Xi Jinping pushes forward with his plans to revive the centuries-old Silk Road trading route. The fund, overseen by Chinese policy banks, will be used to build and expand railways, roads and pipelines in Chinese provinces that are part of the strategy to facilitate trade over land and shipping routes, according to government officials who participated in drafting the plan. A detailed plan may be unveiled at China’s Boao Forum conference starting today, where China’s President Xi Jinping is scheduled to speak. “This is the beginning of a bigger role for China in global affairs,” said Jim O’Neill, UK-based former chief economist at Goldman Sachs Group.
Sri Lankan president seeks to mend ties with China
Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, who defeated the pro-China leader Mahindra Rajapaksa in a bitterly fought election recently, is in Beijing today. This is seen as a major effort to balance Sri Lanka’s relationship with India and China. China is upset about Sri Lanka’s recent decision to suspend work on a US$1.4 billion port city development project, which was being constructed by a Chinese contractor. It is also worried about Sri Lanka Buddhists inviting the Dalai Lama to the island.
Investigation continues into jet crash
A number of pilots at low-cost airline Germanwings are refusing to fly in the wake of Tuesday’s Alps crash that killed all 150 people on board. Their decision came as it emerged the Airbus A320 that dropped out of the sky and ploughed into a mountainside had been grounded over technical fears just 24 hours before. Reports revealed the aircraft had suffered technical issues, including a landing gear problem, a day before it was due to fly from Barcelona to Dusseldorf. Urgent safety checks are now being carried out on other A320s — popular with budget airlines.
Brazil, France to face-off in Paris
Former world champions Brazil and France will be facing off at the Stade de France in Paris, the venue where the two sides met in the 1998 World Cup final, with France winning 3-0. A win over the French will help Brazil, now coached by their former captain Dunga, restore a huge slice of their reputation and pride which underwent a battering when they were humiliated 7-1 by Germany in the semi-finals of last year’s World Cup on home soil.
Weather forecast
Don’t forget your umbrellas as showers are expected in the afternoon mainly over western and southern Singapore. Temperature will range between 25 and 34 degrees celsius.
