Myanmar’s president to be selected

Myanmar’s Parliament is set to elect its next president this morning (March 15) from a group of three final candidates, including front runner Htin Kyaw, who is the long-time confidant of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. Besides Mr Htin Kyaw - who is expected to rule as Ms Suu Kyi’s proxy - the other two nominees are retired general Myint Swe and Henry Van Thio, a member of the Chin ethnic group from the country’s northwest. The losing nominees will be the country’s vice-presidents.

Australian news crew arrested in Malaysia to be charged in court

The two Australian journalists arrested last Saturday for allegedly breaching a security line to question Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak over a corruption scandal will be charged in court today. ABC News reporter Linton Besser and camera operator Louie Eroglu are expected to be charged for obstructing public servants in the discharge of their duties. They could be jailed up to two years, fined no more than RM10,000 (S$3,340), or both upon conviction.

Thai security tightens further

Security in Thailand’s Muslim-majority southern provinces are expected to be further tightened today following multiple gun and bomb attacks in Narathiwat on Sunday, one of three provinces near the Thai-Malaysia border. Thai premier Prayuth Chan-ocha had ordered the army to boost security at populated areas. No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks which injured seven soldiers. The authorities have blamed the attacks on insurgent groups.

Weather forecast

Thundery showers are expected mainly over southern and western Singapore in the afternoon. Temperatures are likely to range between 24°C and 34°C.