Deputy Internal Security Minister Datuk Johari Baharum accused the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) of playing up sensitive issues that are a threat to public harmony, by circulating sensitive and damaging text messages. Speaking to reporters after meeting newly-appointed Deputy Inspector General of Police Datuk Ismail Omar at the ministry today, he said the police have been asked to trace the persons who sent out these text messages, and firm action will be taken against them. "This group has been playing up sensitive issues such as [the demolition of] temples, and pertaining to the government, Umno, the police and certain individuals," Johari said. "Their actions are a threat to public harmony and could cause instability and unrest." Johari also said the police did not approve a permit for Hindraf to hold a rally on Sunday (Nov 25) and advised the public to stay away from it, as the police will be firm in taking action against those who participate in the illegal assembly.

JPEPA bad for tuna industry: fishers

A NATIONWIDE militant fishermen's group has painted a grim scenario for the local tuna industry in case the Senate ratifies the controversial Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA).

Fernando Hicap, chair of the 80,000-strong Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya), projected in a statement that the local tuna industry concentrated in this port city stands to lose P18 billion in profits yearly once the landmark deal becomes a treaty.

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On the other hand, Japanese investors are expected to gain at least P43 billion annual profits in tuna trading, he said.

"The devastating impact of JPEPA to the local tuna industry includes the loss of 100,000 jobs provided by the local tuna fishing companies in South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, General Santos City and the Davao regions," Hicap said.

Vietnam rescues stranded Chinese sailors as storm nears

HANOI (AFP) - Vietnam has rescued 20 shipwrecked Chinese sailors and urged its own fishing fleet to reach safe harbours as a tropical storm barrelled toward the country's south, officials said Thursday.

Hagibis, the seventh major storm to hit Vietnam this year, was battering the Spratly archipelago in the South China Sea and expected to make landfall in southern Vietnam by Saturday, hitting the exposed Mekong delta region.

Vietnamese rescue services early Wednesday saved all 20 Chinese sailors aboard the Panama-registered 19,000-tonne Ever Winner ship after the engine room took on water off Vietnam en route from China to Thailand.

The vessel, carrying a load of iron, later sank some 140 kilometres (75 nautical miles) off the southern beach resort town of Nha Trang, the state-run Vietnam News Agency reported.