The Online Citizen

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Trump’s own words used to build case against him

US prosecutors built their case against former President Donald Trump using his own words and notes from his lawyers. The indictment accuses Trump of hoarding classified documents and endangering national security. It relies heavily on statements made by Trump, including instances where he disclosed confidential information to individuals without security clearances. Trump’s meetings with his lawyers are also recounted, with notes suggesting an effort to mislead investigators. Trump is set to appear in a federal court in Miami.

Petition found in box that stopped Abe murder hearing: Japanese media

A suspicious package caused the cancellation of a court hearing for the man accused of murdering former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe. The package, which triggered a security alert, was later found to contain a petition seeking a lenient sentence for the accused. The suspect allegedly targeted Abe due to his ties to the Unification Church.

Thai PM frontrunner faces election probe

Thailand’s potential prime minister faces a probe that could disqualify him due to ownership of shares in a defunct media company, violating election laws. The investigation, expected to last for an undetermined period, may result in disqualification and a jail term of up to 10 years. The ruling party remains confident and emphasizes the importance of people power and adherence to constitutional principles. The outcome of this investigation will impact the formation of the new government and may lead to further political unrest.

Minister Sim Ann announces plan to double PPHS flat supply in response to increased demand

Speaking at the Institute of Policy Studies’ 35th anniversary conference, Senior Minister of State for National Development, Sim Ann, announced a doubling of the Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme (PPHS) supply to 4,000 units over the next two years. The scheme provides temporary housing for families awaiting the completion of their new flats. This comes in response to longer waiting times due to COVID-19 delays. Despite reduced application rates, the demand remains high, prompting consideration of strategies like flat sharing to maximize the PPHS flat pool.

Hearing for Abe murder suspect cancelled over suspicious object: Japan media

A pre-trial hearing for the accused killer of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was canceled due to a suspicious object delivered to the court. The object, described as an unidentified bag, prompted the evacuation of the Nara District Court. The accused, Tetsuya Yamagami, faces murder charges and potential execution if convicted. The assassination of Abe in July the previous year has drawn attention to security shortcomings in Japan.

Homework will ‘never be the same’ says ChatGPT founder

Artificial intelligence will transform education, but won’t replace learning, according to Sam Altman, founder of ChatGPT. Speaking at Keio University, he compared AI to calculators for words and emphasized the need for changes in teaching and evaluation methods. Altman also expressed the importance of regulations for AI and acknowledged that while some jobs may disappear, new opportunities will arise.

Elections Department announces applications for Certificate of Eligibility to begin on 13 June

Singapore’s Election Department declared the application for Certificate of Eligibility and community declarations for the open Presidential Election 2023 to begin on 13 June. This comes after President Halimah Yacob’s announcement not to seek re-election, with People’s Action Party’s Tharman Shanmugaratnam announcing his intention to contest in the upcoming Presidential Election. The tightened eligibility criteria from a 2016 amendment leaves only a handful of Singaporeans eligible.

No progress on biases against women in a decade: UN report

Despite global campaigns for women’s rights, biases against women in data tracking have remained unchanged over the past decade, according to a UN report. The report highlights that biased gender social norms are deeply entrenched in society, with nearly 90% of people having at least one bias. The prejudices persist among both men and women, hindering progress towards gender equality and impacting women’s rights worldwide. The report emphasizes the need to address these biases to achieve gender equality and the Sustainable Development Goals.

UBS set for ‘bumpy’ integration of Credit Suisse

UBS is set to finalize its acquisition of Credit Suisse, but the integration process is expected to be challenging. UBS Chief Sergio Ermotti warned of difficult decisions and job losses, while concerns about the size and political implications of the megabank have been raised. Talent retention and potential spin-offs of business units are among the key challenges. The merger is seen as necessary to prevent a financial crisis, with the Swiss government and central bank providing support and guarantees. The full impact of the merger will become clearer after the release of second-quarter financial results.

Tharman expresses desire for contest in upcoming presidential election

Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam, preparing to run in the upcoming presidential election, stresses his desire for a contest at an event on Sunday and assures his independence from the People’s Action Party (PAP) if elected. Speaking to local media, Mr Tharman downplayed concerns that his popularity may deter other potential candidates. “We have to see who comes up. But I certainly much prefer a contest,” he said, adding that he embraces competition as an opportunity to prove himself. “Having a contest is important for me. I much rather win or lose with the contest.” His candidacy sparks criticism, particularly from Reform Party’s Secretary General, Kenneth Jeyaretnam, who highlights potential conflicts of interest arising from Tharman’s extensive governmental roles.