A suspect for a series of high-rise littering cases, 20-year-old Danial Ali Liaqat Ali, was brought back to the scene of the crime yesterday morning (Dec 14) at around 9.30am.
This comes after Danial was arrested on Tuesday afternoon (Dec 12) for allegedly hurling items off Block 52, Cassia Crescent.
The items tossed included a can of sardines, locks, marbles, a chair, and a mahjong table among other things, reported Shin Min Daily News.
He was charged in court with one count of committing a rash act on Wednesday (Dec 13) for tossing a can of sardines from the living room of his unit on the 16th floor.
The court also noted that he may be involved in several other similar cases.
As Daniel was escorted back to the scene by officers yesterday, he kept his head low and cried the whole time.
Photo: Lianhe Zaobao
Reporters also observed that Daniel moved unsteadily, and started crying as soon as he stepped out of the patrol vehicle.
He was first brought back to his home, where he is alleged to have tossed a can of sardines from.
After stopping in the unit for around 10 minutes, he was then brought around the corridors on the same level and subsequently the 13th floor, where officers questioned him.
It is believed that he had tossed items from both the corridors.
During the process, Daniel also pointed at a playground at the foot of the block, where it is believed that the mahjong table had landed.
Seoul – Hidden behind a white screen, a South Korean actress sobbed as she accused prize-winning director Kim Ki-Duk of abusing her on set – a rare denunciation in a conservative country where victims fear public shame.
Kim is one of South Korea’s most prominent film directors whose awards include a Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival for “Pieta” and Berlin’s Silver Bear for “Samaritan Girl”.
But the actress said shooting his 2013 film “Moebius” – a thriller themed around incest – left her “deeply traumatised”.
She has accused Kim of physical and sexual abuse, saying he beat her on set and forced her into unscripted, unwanted sex and nude scenes, before replacing her with another actress.
“I was scared to death every day… I was so afraid he’d beat me again if I spoke out against him,” she told reporters in Seoul this week.
The actress refused to be named or show her face for fear of shaming in a country where patriarchal values remain deeply ingrained despite technological advances, and where women are still expected to be chaste and obedient.
Her allegations – a rarity in the South’s lucrative entertainment business – come as the “MeToo” movement continues to expose sexual harassment and assaults in various industries around the world, with Harvey Weinstein and Kevin Spacey the most prominent cinematic cases.
But South Korean victims face particular challenges coming forward, campaigners say, with women often confronted with vicious online bullying and personal scrutiny if they speak out.
Sex scenes
It took the actress four years to come forward.
Kim is known for casting little-known actresses in his movies, and her role in “Moebius” – a major part as the antagonist’s mother – felt like the “opportunity of a lifetime”, she said, but turned into a “nightmare”.
“One day, Kim said ‘I’ll set your emotion’ and suddenly slapped my face really hard three times in a row in front of everybody, before turning the camera towards me and filming,” she said.
“I was so shocked… but had to start acting right away,” she went on, adding that none of the crew said “a single word to stop him”.
In the end she was cut from the film, which was screened out of competition at Venice in 2013, and abandoned her 20-year acting career.
Her replacement Lee Eun-Woo was nominated for several acting awards for the “Moebius” role and has since appeared in many films and television dramas.
For years, the original actress said, she had sought help from lawyers and industry figures, only to be told to “just forget about it and move on”.
“They all said there is no chance that an obscure actress like me could raise a legal case against such a globally renowned director,” she said, sobbing.
Even so she filed a complaint with prosecutors in August and last week they charged Kim with physical assault, fining him 5 million won ($4,600) under a procedure where minor cases can be handled without going to court.
But they dismissed other accusations including sexual harassment, citing a lack of evidence.
Kim, 56, has admitted slapping her for the purposes of an “acting lesson”, but denies any other wrongdoing.
‘Career suicide’
Film contracts with details on nudity or sex are a rarity in the South, where such scenes are often “improvised” and many female performers pressured to comply to avoid being labelled selfish or difficult.
Fears of “career suicide” drive many actresses into silence after being abused, said Youn Jeong-Joo, an activist at rights group Korea Womenlink, which has collected reports of abuse in the entertainment industry.
“The case against Kim is the tip of an iceberg in the movie industry where so many women have been forced to suffer in silence,” said Yoon.
Seo Hye-Jin, a lawyer who helped the actress file her complaint, added: “It would be difficult for those in the industry to testify against such a powerful, influential director.” The actress said she had been bullied relentlessly online, with some in the movie industry attacking her for “defaming” the world-renowned director.
“But I do not regret my decision,” she declared.
“I hope the small step I took will give courage to more women to come forward… and that South Korea will have its own ‘MeToo’ campaign one day.”
Earlier this year, we got the great news that an all-girl Ocean’s 8 was in the works. It promised a powerhouse cast in Sandra Bullock, Anne Hathaway, Mindy Kaling, Cate Blanchett, Awkwafina, Helena Bonham Carter, Sarah Paulson, and Rihanna. We were all here for it and more than ready to line up for the cinemas. But since that teaser photo, we didn’t hear much about it. We almost forgot about it. Almost.
Today, Anne Hathaway casually dropped the first official poster of the movie along with a curt caption revelaving the release date. You can trust we’re screaming in excitement right now.
Look at the coats, the shades, and the badasss feel to it. It’s giving us life. And though June feels like a long way from now, at least we know when this spinoff is going hit the theatres. Block screening, anyone?
Ocean’s 8 takes off from the Ocean’s franchise directer by Steven Soderbergh. It focuses on the life of Debbie Ocean, estranged sister of heist mastermind Danny Ocean. After serving prison time, she gathers a group of fellow heisters to pull off an elaborate scheme at the Met Gala.
SINGAPORE: As the legal smoking age goes up from 2019, it looks like the work to stop underage smoking will only get harder.
A survey commissioned by Mediacorp programme Talking Point found that Singapore’s young smokers are starting earlier than people may think, and not only when they are on the cusp of the current legal age. (Watch the episode here.)
Out of 321 smokers aged between 18 and 21 years who started smoking in their teens, 63 per cent first lit up between the ages of 15 and 17.
But what may give people pause is that one-third of those surveyed started between 12 and 14 years of age, while 4 per cent took their first puff when they were even younger.
The age at which smokers aged 18 to 21 took their first puff.
The Health Ministry is raising the minimum smoking age in stages, from 18 to 21 by 2021, to minimise the impact on legal smokers under 21 now. But that still leaves the younger teenagers who are getting hooked.
The ministry said last month that two-thirds of smokers below 18 get their tobacco from friends and schoolmates, whereas in the Talking Point survey, half of them got their smokes from relatives and friends.
The survey also found that 30 per cent bought cigarettes from licensed vendors, while one in five turned to other sources like friends, strangers in the street or illegal vendors.
How teenagers obtain their smoking fix.
ARE RETAILERS ENFORCING THE LAW?
To find out how easy it is for young smokers to buy cigarettes, Talking Point went undercover, working with 18-year-old actor Tan Kah Yu.
The baby-faced teen went to 10 retailers to buy cigarettes, and of these, six did not check his identity card, nor did they verbally ask him his age.
Baby-faced actor Tan Kah Yu is often told he looks younger than his 18 years.
“I’m quite surprised because some of my friends say that I look very, very young,” he said.
Some of the shop owners were busy, and they didn’t even bother to look at me – they just got the cigarettes for me.
There are over 4,700 tobacco retail outlets as of last year, and retailers risk fines of up to S$5,000 for selling cigarettes to minors and S$10,000 for subsequent offences, as well as having their tobacco licence suspended or revoked respectively.
Mission accomplished: Cigarettes bought.
Having seen youngsters try to get around the age restriction, one of the retailers who checked Kah Yu’s identity card told him there were even underage teens who “grew their moustache just to buy cigarettes”.
STRANGER DANGER
Some teens also ask strangers to buy them cigarettes, as the survey showed. And to see if Singaporeans would do the right thing on their part, Talking Point conducted another experiment, this time working with 18-year-old Fong Yanran.
Would you help her to buy cigarettes?
The freelance actress asked 10 people in Orchard Road to help her buy cigarettes. When one man asked why, and she said she forgot to carry her identity card, he then asked her which brand she wanted before helping her to buy a pack.
This scene played out one more time, with a woman – but the rest did not help Yanran. “They asked me my age. I said I was 18, but they looked like they didn’t believe (me). They said, ‘No lah, no lah, if you don’t have (your) IC, then I can’t buy,’” she said.
Smokers were more willing, however, to give her one of their own sticks. Half of those she approached did so without asking to see her IC – another example of how teen smokers who are determined will find ways to get their fix.
Five in 10 smokers gave her a stick when asked.
Youths whom Talking Point spoke to did not think stronger enforcement would help much. Said one: “If you’re addicted, then this kind of scare (tactics) won’t really bother you.”
THE EFFECTS ON TEENS
The health risks – locally, tobacco kills approximately 2,500 smokers and 250 non-smokers each year – are also not warning off youngsters. Respiratory specialist Ken Lee treats teens who have smoking-related diseases and sees first-hand the damage done when smokers start young.
“Some of the earlier consequences… would be inflammatory effects on the lungs, and that could cause problems like persistent coughing,” said the associate consultant in the Singapore General Hospital’s Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
Smoking may worsen skin complaints such as eczema, and over the years, there is also the risk of “the smoker’s face”.
Close to half of them tend to have premature signs of ageing.
“So they may develop wrinkles early around the eyes or corners of the lips, deep lines over the face and some discoloration,” Dr Lee explained.
Nicotine has an effect on the brain too, which in turn may affect the teens’ emotions, memory, attention span and decision-making process. “Ultimately, this would impact their studies,” added Dr Lee.
SHOULD THE PUBLIC DO MORE?
Despite the underage smoking, however, Singapore has not reached the point where smoking has become socially acceptable for young people, noted social worker Nithya Levi Vasanthan from Youth Infinity, a specialist centre of the Ang Mo Kio Family Service Centre.
“They’re definitely coming to me and telling me that their family (and) their friends are either encouraging them to quit or cut down,” she said.
But at the same time, familial influence cuts both ways: According to the survey, one in four who picked up smoking by the age of 14 did so because of immediate family members who smoked.
With close to 95 per cent of smokers having had their first puff before they turned 21, one question now arises: Should the public do more when they come across teen smokers, and not just rely on tougher laws?
Ms Nithya thinks everyone can get involved. “Just talk to them (and say) ‘maybe what you’re doing, you shouldn’t be doing’,” she said. “Because … we do care about (young persons) and want to help them.”
This got a mixed reaction among youths – some agreed, others were less sure. One polytechnic student said: “In Singapore, it’s kind of weird if you approach strangers and randomly tell them ‘eh, don’t smoke’. They might think you’re trying to pick a fight.”
Watch this episode of Talking Point here. New episodes air on Mediacorp Channel 5 every Thursday, 9.30pm.
This retailer asked for his IC to ascertain his age.
When they arrived at his place, the 14 men were shocked to find suitcases at their places on the dinner table.
Clooney explained that it was his way of giving back. “‘Listen, I want you guys to know how much you’ve meant to me and how much you mean to me in my life.
“‘I came to L.A., I slept on your couch. I’m so fortunate in my life to have all of you and I couldn’t be where I am today without all of you. So, it was really important to me that while we’re still all here together, that I give back. So I want you all to open your suitcases,'” Gerber recalled Clooney telling them.
These were filled with US$20 bills that summed up to US$1 million (S$1.3 million).
“We’re in shock. Like, what is this?” related Gerber, who is married to supermodel Cindy Crawford.
“He goes, ‘I know we’ve all been through some hard times, some of you are still going through it. You don’t have to worry about your kids, you don’t have to worry about, you know, school, you don’t have to worry about paying your mortgage.’
“One was working at a bar in Texas at the airport, trying just to support his family, rides a bicycle to work every day,” he said.
Gerber wanted to turn it down, but Clooney told him if one wouldn’t accept, no one would receive it.
He ended up taking the money and he donated his share to charity. Besides the cash, their taxes were also covered for the year.The friends have millions to spare anyway: Gerber and Clooney co-founded tequila company Casamigos, which was sold to UK drinks firm Diageo for US$1 billion in June.
SINGAPORE: A car mounted a centre road divider and knocked over a road sign along Braddell Road Viaduct towards Bartley Road on Friday morning (Dec 15).
The police said they were alerted to the accident at around 11.30am, and that no injuries were reported.
Channel NewsAsia understands that the driver was trying to exit to the lane that leads to the Central Expressway (CTE) but made a wrong turn. While trying to change lanes, the driver mounted the road divider and knocked over a road sign.
The car mounted a central road divider. (Photo: Channel NewsAsia reader)
The accident happened when the driver was trying to change lanes. (Photo: Channel NewsAsia reader)
SINGAPORE: After nearly two years of improvement works, Cloud Forest, one of Gardens by the Bay’s two conservatories, opened on Friday (Dec 15) with three new enhancements.
This is the first time since the Gardens opened in 2012 that the Cloud Forest – which features a waterfall and more than 72,000 plants in a tropical clime – has undergone significant changes.
The conservatory’s Secret Garden, Cloud Forest Gallery and Cloud Forest Theatre have all been refreshed with new exhibits.
The Secret Garden, called a “refugium garden” by Mr Tan Jiew Hoe, board director of Gardens by the Bay, is a sanctuary for plants that are endangered or close to extinction in the special environment of limestone forests and caves.
Gardens by the Bay said that the revamped Secret Garden at the base of the waterfall gives visitors a more immersive experience as they walk through the space, which features representations of limestone forests and caves.
As part of the enhancement works, more than 7,000 plants of more than 135 species and hybrids from the gesneriads, begonias, orchids and fern families have been added to its collection.
Orchids at the Secret Garden, part of its new plant collection. (Photo: Fann Sim)
Discreet lighting fixtures have also been installed to give the visitors a more cave-like experience. (Photo: Fann Sim)
Lights have also been installed to give a more cave-like look when visited at night. Real limestone formations have also been brought in from China, with the largest weighing more than 1,800kg.
At the Cloud Forest Gallery, a new exhibit including a hologram featuring the “sixth extinction” about how human actions are causing a loss in biodiversity has replaced the previous exhibit on climate change.
A hologram that illustrates the ecologically-sensitive approach in building Gardens by the Bay. (Photo: Fann Sim)
In addition, a new video called Green World that explores how people can do their part to help nature towards a sustainable future has been added to the conservatory’s Cloud Forest Theatre playlist.
“Cloud Forest is a place where hidden treasures are waiting to be discovered, be it plants with ancestry that can be traced to prehistoric times or orchids so tiny that you need to appreciate their beauty through a magnifying glass,” said Mr Felix Loh, Gardens by the Bay’s chief operating officer.
“The enhancements are part of our ethos to consistently offer something new, so that our visitor will come back again and again to re-discover the wonders of the plant kingdom.”
Christmas is just around the corner and homeowners are getting into the spirit as they deck their halls with festive trimmings. BTWeekend takes a peek into four homes which put a personal stamp on their holiday decor.
If you’re looking for something other than turkey and ham, why not go back in time and enjoy traditional Christmas dishes with a taste of nostalgia? We track down chefs and restaurants which are serving old school heritage favourites from all over the world.
Also in the magazine, we talk to two luminaries in the arts field, namely the renowned cinematographer Christopher Doyle, as well as the emerging contemporary artist Ruben Pang. And for watch-lovers who can’t wait for Christmas, we bring you a line-up of limited edition timepieces to whet your appetite.
Shopping for the festivities? Perhaps there’s no better time than now to start thinking about consumerism, how to cut waste and shop sustainably. The rise of responsible consumerism is on the table for Brunch this week, in the main paper.
‘Tis the season once again for the great irony known as the annual office party; a time where everyone is encouraged to let their hair down and not talk shop, and yet there is no shortage of reminders everywhere – your boss’s face, for example – that it is, after all, a work event. In Cubicle Files, we look at why attending the annual office party is not optional.
Sass & The City, meanwhile, examines the concept of charity, and why we should give because we can.
The Finish Line looks back on an action-packed year in sports. And in The Steering Column, a car that looks like a premium car and feels like a premium car, but it’s Kia. Can a facelift for the Sorento finally get buyers here to overcome their badge snobbery?
Hong Kong superstar Andy Lau was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Letters by the Hong Kong Shue Yan University on Thursday (Dec 14).
At the ceremony, 15 minutes was spent extolling Lau and his achievements, as well as his contributions to Hong Kong, Sin Chew Daily reported.
The South China Morning Post reported that Lau did not give a speech when he was conferred the degree, but simply said: “No worries, I am not going to make a speech, thank you“. However, he did spend some time speaking with reporters after the event.
Lau was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Letters by the Hong Kong Shue Yan University Photo: China Daily/Asia News Network
Lau joked that he was feeling emotional at the start, but as he didn’t expect his introduction to be that long, he felt compelled to interact with the people in attendance.
As his citation was presented, Lau occasionally smiled and nodded to the audience.
CaptionPhoto: China Daily/Asia News Network
On his award, Lau said it’s not about the title, but whether he can be a role model to others and do his best, no matter the circumstances.
“I didn’t know I’ve done so much!” said Lau.
CaptionPhoto: China Daily/Asia News Network
The 56-year-old joined Hong Kong’s TVB station in 1981, and has starred in more than 60 films. He’s also a prolific singer, holding more than 500 concerts since 1984, with over 48 million albums sold. In 1994, he set up the Andy Lau Charity Foundation to help the needy.
When asked why his wife Carol Chu and five-year-old daughter Hanna were not present at the ceremony, Lau joked that he was afraid “they’ll steal the limelight”. Hanna also has school that day. When asked if there’ll be a celebration, Lau replied: “No, I’ll probably just bring the robe home and take photos with her (Hanna)!”
The actor, known as one of Hong Kong entertainment’s “Heavenly Kings”, said he hopes to do more in the future to preserve part of Hong Kong’s culture, such as Cantonese opera, music, and Hong Kong cinema.
Laughing when a reporter asked if his doctorate will bump up his acting fees, Lau expressed doubt that his newfound status would affect box office takings.
SINGAPORE: New fare types affecting advance seat selection, frequent flyer miles and baggage allowance will be introduced next year by Singapore Airlines and SilkAir, the airlines announced in a joint media release on Friday (Dec 15).
The new fare types will be introduced on Jan 20 next year for all tickets sold worldwide.
Depending on the class of travel, customers will have up to three types of airfare – Lite, Standard and Flexi – to choose from when booking.
