In Japan, being thin isn’t just the price you pay for fashion or social acceptance. It’s the law. So before the fat police could throw her in pudgy purgatory, Miki Yabe, 39, a manager at a major transportation corporation, went on a crash diet last...

Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno was caught consuming alcohol when police raided a hotel nightclub in Pahang state last year. The 32-year-old has now pleaded guilty and been sentenced to six lashes with a rattan cane. The Islamic court said the punishment...

Trade Negotiations Minister Phil Goff has confirmed he said criticism of the free trade deal with China was “bullshit” - but claims he was not referring to Winston Peters. Mr Peters and New Zealand First oppose the trade deal with China,...