Popes John Paul II, John XXIII to be made saints: Vatican

(Reuters) - Pope John Paul II, the globe-trotting pontiff who led the Catholic Church for nearly 27 years, and Pope John XXIII, who called the reforming Second Vatican Council, will be declared saints, the Vatican said on Friday.

The Vatican said Pope Francis had approved a second miracle attributed to John Paul, a Pole who was elected in 1978 as the first non-Italian pope in 450 years and died in 2005. His progression to sainthood is the fastest in modern times.

South Sudan turns 2, others hope to be born some day

DOSSIER. Africa's youngest state marks second anniversary of independence while facing a number of challenges · A number of secessionist movements are on track to emulate the South Sudanese · Marginalization by the central government and differences rooted in history are usually argued by pro-independence partisans

South Sudan marks today the second anniversary of its independence, which was achieved after a decades-long war that ultimately led to an interim autonomous status and a referendum on secession. The "yes" vote reached more than 99% of the ballots, casting no doubt over the preferences of South Sudanese for full independence.

Civil movement to call for self-government, nationhood for Malaysia's Sarawak

SSM wants the territory to have law-making powers, raise taxes, control own natural resources · Sovereignist movement argues Sarawak is one of three constituent nations of Malaysia · Sarawak Chief Minister Taib against any move: union brought "stability and peace" · International organizations accuse Taib of corruption, deforestation, "skirting laws and taxes"

Halt TPPA negotiation now! Rakyat will not concede to American corporate agenda

Parti Sosialis Malaysia is deeply concerned about the ongoing Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) Free Trade Agreements. The 18^th round is to commence in Kota Kinabalu from the 15^th July till 25^th July, 2013.

Since its first inception as the US-Malaysia bilateral Free Trade Agreement in 2006, PSM has consistently protested the decision of the Malaysian government to enter into such negotiations. It was very clear since then, that the FTA is the agenda of American Corporations seeking to expand and control trade in the region. After having failed to impose their interest via World Trade Organisation, the US Corporations quickly lobbied their Congressman to commence bilateral agreements with the countries in Asia. 

Why no action on treasonous offenses, asks BOPIM

By Ezra Haganez
KOTA KINABALU: The government must act and enforce the laws on acts of treason going in the country, says the Borneo Plight in Malaysia Foundation (BOPIM).

The President of the UK-based BOPIM, Daniel John Jambun, said in a statement here that acts of treason which have been exposed to the local and international public have brought shame on the government of Malaysia which is now seen as compromising on its own laws.