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Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott praised the WWII Japanese soldiers. Today's Wanbao (Background Story below this image): http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/policy/tony-abbott-says-praise-for-japan-wont-damage-relations-with-china/story-fn59nm2j-1226984009749 Tony Abbott says Australia’s relationship with China continues to “strengthen”, brushing off claims his praise of Japanese wartime “courage” has alienated Beijing. The Prime Minister has dismissed an article published by Chinese news agency Xinhua, as a Liberal backbencher insisted Mr Abbott’s remarks to parliament were not “trying to rewrite” the history of World War II. The article’s criticism also came as Foreign Minister Julie Bishop signalled the government would not shy away from criticising China’s record on political and economic freedom and human rights. Welcoming Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to parliament on Tuesday, Mr Abbott said Japanese military personnel demonstrated “courage” and “patriotism of a very high order” during World War II. “We admired the skill and the sense of honour that they brought to their task, although we disagreed with what they did. Perhaps we grasped, even then, that with a change of heart the fiercest of opponents could be the best of friends.” The Xinhua article described Mr Abbott’s comments as “appalling” and “insensible”.

Interesting Transcripts of Mr Low Thia Khiang's... (ts' note: SAF Vet League sounds like the name of a certain group of people, not retired military personnel) Quote: John Andrew 11:47am Oct 25 Interesting Transcripts of Mr Low Thia Khiang's speech in Parliament on 21 Oct 2011, which I am sadden we hardly get to read from the papers, WHY???? Mr. Speaker Sir, In his Address, the President stated that our shared goal is to create a better life for all. Sir, we share this goal. We also agree that economic growth is basic to improving our lives. I do not think anyone of us here expects money to drop from the sky. Singaporeans are pragmatic and mature enough to understand this. The Presidential Address also provided a broad outline on achieving a better life for all, from the young to the old, from the lower income to those doing exceptionally well. All these are aimed at achieving a happy and fulfilling life for all Singaporeans. It is therefore puzzling that some PAP MPs made a fuss when Sylvia Lim said that the government should bear in mind that happiness should be the ultimate aim of its policy goals. Besides normal economic indicators, we should consider other indicators reflecting the happiness and well-being of a society, as articulated in the United Nations resolution initiated by Bhutan and supported by Singapore. In Bhutan

SINGAPORE - Local football legend Dollah Kassim was rushed to hospital last night after collapsing during the curtain raiser of the Sultan of Selangor's Cup at the Jalan Besar Stadium. The 60-year-old former Singapore international is warded at Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH), where he is understood to have undergone emergency surgery last night. At press time, he was said to be unconscious but in a stable condition. One of the most-loved players to have worn the No 10 shirt for Singapore, the man known as the "Gelek King" because of his dribbling skills famously won the Malaysia Cup for Singapore in 1977 after beating Penang 3-2. Last night, Dollah played the first 10 minutes of the match between Singapore veterans and their Selangor counterparts. He looked uncomfortable on the pitch and collapsed on the sidelines after being substituted. The veterans' game ended 1-1 at full-time, with Singapore winning 4-1 on penalties. The doctor at the scene said it was a "cardiac event", according to sources. Paramedics had to resuscitate Dollah at the pitch side and in the ambulance on the way to the hospital. He arrived at TTSH at 7.20pm and was sent to the Invasive Cardiac Laboratory. At about 10pm, former Singapore international Ho Kwang Hock, a friend of the family, revealed that he was out of surgery and in a stable condition, but had yet to regain consciousness. He is in the Intensive Care Unit. Dollah's son and daughter, who are both in their 20s, were understandably distraught. Dollah is not the first veteran footballer to have collapsed during a match. In August 2003, Ali Bakar, 56, died of heart failure during a friendly between Singaporean and Malaysian ex-internationals in the Sultan's Gold Cup at Tampines Stadium. In May 2006, former Singapore international S Rajagopal, who was in his 50s, suffered a mild heart attack during a Singapore Veterans versus Selangor Veterans match at the National Stadium. He was on the pitch for 5 minutes when he collapsed, complaining of breathlessness. The Football Association of Singapore said in a statement that "all the players in the Singapore Veterans team who reported for the game were well and were eagerly looking forward to the game". - CNA/ir/ls