Yoon Szu-Mae

Umno chief and premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad could not be persuaded to say much about o­ngoing movements within MCA, but allowed himself a wish.

Wisma Putra has scotched speculation that the OIC summit, slated to be held in October, has been postponed - the status quo remains for local political implications linked to the event.

Malaysians are advised to restrict travel to the US and London as these two destinations are now o­n WHO Sars list. Whether there will be official travel restrictions will o­nly be known tomorrow.

Special Merdeka Feature The question of women's progress in Malaysia often evokes mixed feelings, with some viewing advancements in education and jobs as close to equality as one can get. Yet, this is countered by the oral histories of those like Siew Sew Lan, who fought women's initial battles in this country.

Previously prickly, US-Malaysia ties have improved vastly since the Sept 11 attacks. Both governments appear to have 'agreed to disagree', US envoy Marie Huhtala says, especially on the Anwar Ibrahim saga.

Cross-border investigations may be in the works over an allegation of bribery in YTL Power's purchase of British utilities Wessex Water. But there appears to be an information gap on the Malaysian side over a visit reportedly scheduled by London's Fraud Squad.

The head of Wessex Water, newly acquired by Malaysian powerhouse YTL, has been arrested by London police for alleged fraud involving RM5.7 million, which is said to have happened during the takeover of the British company by YTL in March this year.