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TODAY's brief, Friday, April 8

COS debate continues
The Committee of Supply debates on the various ministries’ plans and budgets continue on Friday, with those of the Education and Manpower ministries expected to take place. For the MOE COS debate, Members of Parliament are expected to speak about the Primary School Leaving Examination Review, special needs education, SkillsFuture and university education. For the MOM COS debate, MPs are expected to speak about the Singaporean Core in the workforce, employment trends, and support for low-wage workers.

PKR secretary-general to be charged under OSA
Parti Keadilan Rakyat’s (PKR) secretary-general and vice-president, Rafizi Ramli, will be charged in court under Malaysia’s Official Secrets Act, his party and lawyer confirmed late on Thursday night. Mr Rafizi is expected to appear in court on Friday to face charges over his alleged distribution of an excerpt from the Auditor-General’s classified report on 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). If convicted, the opposition lawmaker could be imprisoned for up to seven years.

Pope to issue theological document on family issues
The leader of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis, is scheduled to issue a major document at 6pm (Singapore time) on Thursday regarding family issues. Entitled “Amoris Laetitia,” or Latin for “The Joy of Love”, the document could change church practice on thorny subjects like whether divorced Catholics who remarry without having obtained annulments can receive holy communion. The document might also address debates over same-sex relationships, cohabitation and polygamy.

Kidnapping ransom deadline ends
The deadline for the employer of 10 kidnapped Indonesian sailors to pay a ransom of US$1.08 million (S$1.46 million) to a Philippines-based terrorist group expires on Friday, as Indonesian and Filipino authorities race against the clock to ensure their safe release. The sailors were kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf militant group in the Philippines last week, and are currently being held hostage.

Weather forecast
Warm conditions are expected with thundery showers mainly over northern and western Singapore in the late afternoon, with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 35°C.

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