IN BRIEF

M'sia warns public over drug trade

KUALA LUMPUR: The police have reminded those returning home to celebrate Aidilfitri not to be hoodwinked into becoming 'drug mules'. They might unwittingly be deployed by peddlers to deliver parcels containing drugs to certain destinations, warned city narcotics chief Assistant Commissioner Kang Chez Chiang. In recent years, he said, peddlers had resorted to tricking the public into delivering drugs after meeting them in bus terminals, railway stations and airports.

Muslims at the mercy of Pas: Dr Mahathir

KUALA LUMPUR: Islam and its followers have become victims of Pas leaders who are using religion as a weapon of political survival, said former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad. Although purportedly advocating the true Islam, he said Pas leaders were willing to change their minds and interpretation as it had always been their tendency in gaining the support of non-Muslims. "We see how the so-called Islamic fighters are willing to change the interpretation of Islam for political gain, if they once used to say that those who cooperated with non-believers were infidels, but now they defended their cooperation with non-Muslims."

Pakistan releases 141 Indian fishermen

LAHORE, PAKISTAN: Pakistan yesterday released 141 Indian fishermen imprisoned for fishing and violating its territorial waters, an official said. "Since last week we have released and have handed over 442 fishermen to India, today's 141 was the last batch," Mohammad Munir, a Pakistan interior ministry official said.

Indonesia seeks tougher terror laws

JAKARTA: The new chief of Indonesia's anti-terror agency complained yesterday that courts were being too easy on terrorists and called for tougher laws to fight extremists. National Anti-Terror Agency (BNPT) Ansyaad Mbai said there was an "urgent need" to amend the anti-terror laws in the world's most populous Muslim-majority country, following a series of attacks since 2000.

'China seeking foothold in S Asia'

NEW DELHI: China is seeking to expand its influence in South Asia and gain a "foothold" in the region, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said in remarks published yesterday. "China would like to have a foothold in South Asia and we have to reflect on this reality," Singh was quoted as saying by The Times of India.

Agencies