Malaysia’s former Deputy PM arrested

Malaysia’s former Deputy Prime Minister has been arrested following an investigation into his suspected misappropriation of funds from a family-run charity foundation.

The Malaysian corruption watchdog says the former Deputy PM, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, abused his power and his actions were a breach of trust.

Ahmad Zahid’s arrest follows a string of arrests since the election, including the ex-premier and his wife over more money scandals.

Calls for ‘Hitler’ Balcony to be demolished

Activists in Austria are calling for a balcony in Vienna’s town hall to be destroyed as it was where Nazi Leader Adolf Hitler gave a speech in 1938.

 

The artists collective group ‘Memory Gaps’ have argued the balcony should be destroyed as part of the 80th anniversary of the ‘Anschluss’ or the annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany.

 

Doctor involved in Khashoggi’s disappearance linked to Australia

A doctor suspected to have been involved in the alleged murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Turkey previously studied at a Melbourne medicinal institution.

 

The ABC reports Dr Salah al-Tubaigy attended the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine in 2015 under Saudi sponsorship.

 

Turkish authorities allege the doctor was one of 15 men who entered the Instambul Saudi consulate in order to murder Mr Khashoggi.

Max Brenner avoids liquidation, Roger David enters administration

Menswear chain Roger David will enter voluntary administration, after years of pressure from international competitors and online shopping.

 

The move will see the chain’s 57 stores across Australia close, affecting more than 300 staff.

 

Meanwhile, earlier this morning chocolate shop and cafe Max Brenner was saved from liquidation by investment office Tozer & Co, who have committed to keeping existing locations operating.

 

Fight continues over Melbourne’s Federation Square

A Melbourne landmark has been nominated for heritage protection in a bid to prevent the site from hosting a landmark Apple store.

 

Federation Square has been put forward by the National Trust, with Heritage Victoria placing an interim protection order on the site while it considers the square’s future.

 

Apple announced plans for the flagship store in late 2017 to much criticism, having since redesigned the store in response.

Vietnam exile government critic

Vietnam have exiled anti-government blogger “Mother Mushroom” to the United States, following two years imprisonment.

 

The south-east Asian nation faces condemnation from human rights groups and Western governments regarding its treatment of government critics.

 

According to Amnesty International, over 100 anti-government figures remain jailed in Vietnam.