World of Warcraft to create Robin Williams character

World of Warcraft to create Robin Williams character
White House hails Maliki departure as ‘major step forward’
State police replace local force in US protest town
Their Majesties Received in Audience Foreign Officials at Nurul Iman
Their Majesties Received in Audience Foreign Officials at Nurul Iman
Monarch Consents to NDP Executive Committee in Pushing National Agenda

Posted: 14 Aug 2014 07:09 PM PDT

LOS ANGELES: Late Hollywood actor Robin Williams will live on in the kingdom of Azeroth after World of Warcraft said Thursday (Aug 15) that he would be honoured as a character in the popular video game.

Williams, a renowned comedian and avid gamer, was known to be a fan of the online fantasy role-playing game. He was found dead Monday of an apparent suicide at the age of 63.

"We haven't decided, but it will most likely be a character inspired by him or some of his favourite roles of the past," lead game designer Ion Hazzikostas was cited by local media as saying during a Los Angeles event unveiling the game's fifth edition, World of Warcraft: Warlords of Draenor.

Williams had even named his daughter Zelda in reference to Nintendo's Legend of Zelda game.

"@robinwilliams Thank you. You gave us so much joy in our lives, and we hope you enjoyed your time in our world. We'll see you in-game," World of Warcraft's official Twitter page said on Tuesday.- AFP/ac/channelnewsasia

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White House hails Maliki departure as ‘major step forward’

Posted: 14 Aug 2014 07:07 PM PDT

WASHINGTON: The White House welcomed Nuri al-Maliki's decision Thursday (Aug 15) to drop his bid to remain Iraq's prime minister as a "major step forward" to unite a country divided by a jihadist offensive and political infighting. In abandoning his bid to stay in power, the divisive Maliki has bowed to huge domestic and international pressure, two months into a brutal offensive by Islamic State militants.

"We commend Prime Minister Maliki for his decision to support prime minister-designate Haidar al-Abadi in his efforts to form a new government in line with the Iraqi constitution," National Security Advisor Susan Rice said in a statement. "Today, Iraqis took another major step forward in uniting their country."

Quelling fears a desperate power struggle could worsen what is already Iraq's biggest crisis in years, Maliki said he was stepping aside to "facilitate the progress of the political process and the formation of the new government."

"We have heard from a wide range of leaders across the Iraqi political spectrum who have expressed their commitment to work with Dr Abadi to form a broad, inclusive government with an agenda that can address the needs and legitimate aspirations of the Iraqi people," Rice said. "These are encouraging developments that we hope can set Iraq on a new path and unite its people against the threat presented by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant."

US Secretary of State John Kerry added his plaudits in a separate statement, cheering Maliki's "important and honorable decision" to support Abadi. "This milestone decision sets the stage for a historic and peaceful transition of power in Iraq," Kerry said. "We urge Mr Abadi and all Iraqi leaders to move expeditiously to complete this process, which is essential to pulling the country together and consolidating the efforts of Iraq's many diverse communities against the common threat posed by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant."

The United States stands ready to help "a new and inclusive government to counter this threat," he added, urging other members of the international community to do the same.- AFP/ac/channelnewsasia

State police replace local force in US protest town

Posted: 14 Aug 2014 07:05 PM PDT

Posted on August 15, 2014, Friday

Missouri state police will take charge of security in the town of Ferguson, the state governor said Thursday, after local officers shot dead an unarmed teenager, triggering four days of protest.

"Lately it looks like a war zone and that is not acceptable," Governor Jay Nixon said of Ferguson, outside St Louis. "We will all need to join hands to rebuild the trust that's been lost and help this community regain its stability." -AFP

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Their Majesties Received in Audience Foreign Officials at Nurul Iman

Posted: 14 Aug 2014 07:02 PM PDT

Bandar Seri Begawan: His Majesty the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and the Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha consented to receive in audience His Majesty's special guests from friendly nations who are in the country to attend His Majesty's 68th birthday celebration at Istana Nurul Iman, ©BRUDIRECT.COM reported.

Their Majesties first granted in audience to the Yang Di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak, His Excellency Tun Dato Laila Utama Pehin Sri Dr Hj Abd Taib Mahmud and spouse, Toh Puan Raghad Kurdi Taib.

Their Majesties then received in audience the Chief Minister of Sabah, Yang Amat Berhormat Dato Seri Paduka Datuk Seri Panglima Hj Musa Hj Aman and spouse, Datin Seri Panglima Datuk Hjh Faridah Hj Tussin.

Next to be granted an audience was the Malaysian Foreign Minister, Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Paduka Anifah Hj Aman and spouse, Datin Seri Siti Rubiah Datuk Abd Samad.

His Majesty and Her Majesty also received in audience from Singapore's Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, His Excellency Dr Vivian Balakrishnan and wife, Madam Chia Oon Su Joy.

It was followed by an audience from the Cabinet Secretary of the Republic of the Philippines, His Excellency Jose Rene Almendras and wife, Madam Lourdes V. Almendras.

Their Majesties then granted an audience to the Chief Minister of Sarawak, Yang Amat Berhormat Tan Seri Datuk Amar Dr Hj Adenan Hj Satem and spouse, Puan Sri Dato Hjh Jamilah Hj Anu.

An audience was also granted to the Commander of the Indonesian National Military of the Republic of Indonesia, His Excellency Dato Paduka Seri General Doctor Moeldoko and spouse, Ibu Koes Moeldoko.

Finally, Their Majesties granted an audience to the Deputy Minister of Defence of the Republic of Indonesia, His Excellency (Rtd) Lieutenant General Sjafrie Sjamsudin and spouse, Ibu Etty Sudiyati Sjafrie Sjamsudin.

Their Majesties Received in Audience Foreign Officials at Nurul Iman

Posted: 14 Aug 2014 07:01 PM PDT

Their Majesties first granted in audience to the Yang Di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak, His Excellency Tun Dato Laila Utama Pehin Sri Dr Hj Abd Taib Mahmud and spouse, Toh Puan Raghad Kurdi Taib.

Next to be granted an audience was the Malaysian Foreign Minister, Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Paduka Anifah Hj Aman and spouse, Datin Seri Siti Rubiah Datuk Abd Samad.

His Majesty and Her Majesty also received in audience from Singapore's Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, His Excellency Dr Vivian Balakrishnan and wife, Madam Chia Oon Su Joy.

It was followed by an audience from the Cabinet Secretary of the Republic of the Philippines, His Excellency Jose Rene Almendras and wife, Madam Lourdes V. Almendras.

Their Majesties then granted an audience to the Chief Minister of Sarawak, Yang Amat Berhormat Tan Seri Datuk Amar Dr Hj Adenan Hj Satem and spouse, Puan Sri Dato Hjh Jamilah Hj Anu.

An audience was also granted to the Commander of the Indonesian National Military of the Republic of Indonesia, His Excellency Dato Paduka Seri General Doctor Moeldoko and spouse, Ibu Koes Moeldoko.

Monarch Consents to NDP Executive Committee in Pushing National Agenda

Posted: 14 Aug 2014 07:00 PM PDT

Bandar Seri Begawan: His Majesty the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and the Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has consented to the formation of Vision 2035 Council that will work closely with the National Development Plan (NDP / RKN) Executive Committee and the PENGGERAK Unit of the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), ©BRUDIRECT.COM reported.

The formation of the council, according to His Majesty is intended to strengthen all national development agenda. Delivering the titah at the Audience and Investiture Ceremony at the Balai Singgahsana, Istana Nurul Iman in conjunction with His Majesty's 68th Birthday Celebrations, His Majesty says the main role of the Council is to assist in an intensive and systematic way the implementation of efforts by the agencies of His Majesty's Government towards achieving the objectives of the VISION 2035.

In the titah, His Majesty also highlights a number of the country's positive achievements in various fields. In economy, His Majesty says the objective of the country is to be a dynamic economic power among the top ten in the world in terms of per capita income. In education, His Majesty among other things has consented to the Scheme of Service for Public High Institutes of Higher Learning Academic Work Force, the Establishment of Brunei Technical Education Institute Order and the Education Loan Scheme Facility. His Majesty's 68th Birthday celebrations began with the Traditional Parade at the Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar 'Ali Saifuddien in the capital this morning. His Majesty consented to grace the ceremony.

Waving small National Flags, about six thousand students lined-up the road leading to Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar 'Ali Saifuddien to greet His Majesty. The beat of the hadrah echoed throughout the field area. The capital is a changed placed with arches and colourful banners, posters and billboards. The presence of people from all-walks of life and age group added excitement to the celebratory atmosphere.

Shortly after arriving, His Majesty consented to receive the Royal Salute. At the same time, twenty one cannon fire thundering to the accompaniment of the National Anthem.

Other members of the Royal Family gracing the event were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince; His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah; and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah.

The traditional parade was also attended by the Special Guests of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, including the Yang Di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak, His Excellency, Tun Dato Seri Paduka Pehin Sri Dr Hj Abd Taib Mahmud.

His Majesty then consented to inspect the parade which comprised of personnel of the Royal Brunei Land Force, the Royal Brunei Navy, the Royal Brunei Air Force, the Royal Brunei Police Force, government departments as well as uniformed civilian organisations. The involvement of one thousand and thirty seven people in this year's Traditional Parade clearly showed the people's determination to make the celebrations a great success.

The highlight of the Traditional Parade was a drill demonstration and march past in front of the Royal dias. The combined the Royal Brunei Land Force and Royal Brunei Police Force Bands accompanied the parade.

The energy and commitment showed by the participants reflected the skill, strength and professionalism to face any challenge to the security and prosperity the country, religion and people.

The climax of the Traditional Parade was the fly past by the Royal Air Force's planes and helicopters. As they flew by, the aircraft emitted colourful smoke.

The Traditional Parade at the Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar Ali Saifuddien, in the capital was the curtain riser for the events that are scheduled in His Majesty's 68th Birthday celebrations. Among the main events are the Get-together between His Majesty and the people in all the country's four districts that are certainly anticipated by the native people of this country.