YANGON: Jailed for nearly two decades for his struggle against the junta, veteran dissident Win Tin says Myanmar’s pro-democracy movement must not forget its role as the opposition despite the country’s dramatic political changes. Since he was released from prison in 2008, the National League for Democracy (NLD) party he co-founded 25 years ago with Aung San Suu Kyi has been transformed into a legitimate political force in the fledgling parliament. Suu Kyi, who plans to run for president in 2015, has adopted a cooperative approach with the two-year-old reformist government and was seen sitting alongside top generals at a military parade in March. Win Tin, 84, says the NLD remains firmly united behind the Nobel laureate, but alluded to some doubts within the party about her strategy.
Indonesia plane crashes, 2 hurt
JAKARTA: An Indonesian passenger plane carrying 52 people crash-landed at an eastern airport yesterday, injuring two, officials said, the latest accident to hit the country’s fast-growing aviation sector. The MA-60 aircraft, operated by state-owned Merpati Nusantara airlines, was about to land at an airport in East Nusa Tenggara province when the accident happened, said transport ministry spokesman Bambang Ervan. An increasing number of planes are taking to Indonesia’s skies to feed growing demand from a booming middle class, but the vast archipelago has one of Asia’s worst safety records. The accident happened as the plane, on a domestic flight from the central island of Flores, came into land at El Tari airport in Kupang city at 9.40am. Two passengers sustained minor injuries they have left hospital and are fine.
Second woman set for space
BEIJING: China is to send its second woman astronaut into orbit on its longest mission yet, officials said yesterday, as the country works towards building a space station. The Shenzhou-10 — meaning ‘Divine Vessel’ — will be launched on a Long March rocket at 0938 GMT, Wu Ping, spokeswoman for the manned space programme, said. The crew will be in orbit for 15 days and include Wang Yaping, who addressed a press conference with two astronauts. China sees the multi-billion-dollar programme as a symbol of its rising stature, growing technical expertise, and the ruling Communist Party’s success in turning around the fortunes of the once poverty-stricken nation. Wang, 33, is a Major in the People’s Liberation Army and member of the Communist Party, the state-run Xinhua news agency said.
Law to stop drink-driving
MANILA: President Benigno Aquino III has signed a law penalising drivers under the influence of alcohol, drugs and other similar substances. The Republic Act 10568 or the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013 empowers law enforcers to conduct sobriety tests for people suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and dangerous drugs. If a driver fails the test, he or she can be subjected to breathalyser. Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said that the law introduces changes in motorists’ education when getting or renewing licences. It also requires alcohol and chemical testing of drivers involved in accidents. AGENCIES
