IN case you missed it, here is a list of news handpicked by an Astro AWANI editor for the week beginning April 11 to April 17, 2016.
The top headlines for the week include the discovery of bombs in a Damansara Perdana condominium, a mass hysteria attack at a school in Kelantan, a deadly earthquake strikes Japan and the continued controversy surrounding international Islamic preacher Dr Zakir Abdul Karim Naik.
Sunday, April 17: Police find homemade bombs in Damansara Perdana condo unit
Police found homemade bombs in a Damansara Perdana condominium after a dawn raid, forcing some 200 residents to scramble for their lives during the wee hours of the morning.
Saturday, April 16: Zookeeper mauled to death after Malayan Tiger runs amok in Florida
Stacey Konwiser, the head zookeeper at Palm Beach Zoo, was killed after she was attacked by one of the three tigers she was caring for there.
Friday, April 15: Deadly earthquake strikes Japan
A powerful 6.5-magnitude earthquake hit Japan's southwestern island of Kyushu, collapsing homes, sparking fires and leaving scores of people dead.
Christian girl embraces Islam at Dr Zakir Naik's final lecture in Kemaman
Wu Nina Grace, 19, decided to take the leap of faith after she was satisfied with explanations given by renowned Islamic preacher Dr Zakir Abdul Karim Naik during an event which was attended by a strong-40,000 crowd.
Hazim Ismail, is Malaysia really hostile to homosexuals and apostates?
A senior lecturer of Islamic Science University of Malaysia questions the act by the Malaysian gay man and atheist who sought refuge in Canada, and the Canadian government in granting him refugee status, by stripping down the true meaning of a refugee.
Saudi's Foreign Minister admits donation to Najib came from Saudi Arabia
Adel Al-Jubeir admits that the RM2.6 billion donation to Datuk Seri Najib Razak indeed came from Saudi Arabia, justifying the Malaysian Prime Minister's innocence over the issue.
Thursday, April 14: Hysteria at SMK Pengkalan Chepa 2
SMK Pengkalan Chepa 2 closed the school temporarily after more than 50 pupils and teachers were affected by a mass hysteria attack.
US paralympian claims KL club bouncers 'stole' his crutches
In a YouTube video, US National Amputee Soccer team member Josh Sundquist, claims that bouncers at a popular nightspot in Kuala Lumpur took away his crutches while he was dancing with his wife, an allegation that the management of Zouk KL vehemently denies.
Wednesday, April 13: Thank you, Hindraf - Dr Zakir Naik
Dr Zakir expresses his appreciation to the Hindu Rights Action Force for giving him 'free publicity' when they made an issue out of his lecture on "Similarities between Hinduism and Islam".
Tuesday, April 12: Zakir Naik forum can still go on, with a different title - IGP
Top cop Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar says the renowned Islamic preacher can continue his lecture in Malacca, as long as he doesn't talk about "Similarities between Hinduism and Islam".
Monday, April 11: Zakir Naik forum no go
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar cites public order and religious sensitivities as the reason to not allow Mumbai-based Islamic preacher, Dr Zakir Abdul Karim Naik, to deliver his speech on "Similarities between Hinduism and Islam" at the Universiti Teknikal Melaka Malaysia (UTeM) after receiving complaints from Indian-based groups.
Najiah Najib
Sun Apr 17 2016
Astro AWANI Editor's Picks for the week beginning April 11 to April 17, 2016.
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Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.