Too many politicians serve themselves, not their people

Readers have their say on China, local farming, Thailand and Malaysia

Former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak leaves the Kuala Lumpur High Court after pleading not guilty to charges of corruption. Ahmad Yusni / EPA

I write in reference to Charles Capel's article Former Malaysian leader Najib Razak arrested by anti-graft officials over 1MDB scandal (July 4): the piece on the corruption charges against the former Malaysian leader and his subsequent arrest was good to read. It follows the recent seizure of $273 million worth of high-value goods from jewels to handbags. Too many politicians come to power in order to enrich themselves and not to serve the people. If he is found guilty, Mr Razak will be one of them. In my view, this type of corruption should be severely punished to deter others.

K Ragavan, Denver

A special salute to the British diving duo in Thailand

I write in reference to your news piece New video shows boys in Thai cave in 'good health' and the excellent graphic by Roy Cooper explaining the entire tragic scenario (July 4): a special salute is due to the British cave diving experts, John Volanthen and Richard Stanton, for locating and reaching the Thai children in the cave. This was clearly a perilous mission, and they bravely accomplished it. It was surprising to learn that Mr Volanthen is an IT consultant and Mr Stanton is a former firefighter in real life. Thank-you gentlemen for your quick and courageous efforts in the face of this crisis.

Rajendra Aneja, Dubai

There is great potential in the Arab-China relationship

In reference to the opinion piece by Ni Jian, The China-Arab partnership promises a bright future (July 3), the partnership is bound to be stronger than the Arab-US relationship, as the US has shown its ability to change rapidly under President Donald Trump. In my view, Arab nations should engage more with China, Korea and Russia, as they are easier to do business with and to trade with. While the US is led by a president motivated by self-interest alone, Arab states cannot rely on the US.

Name withheld by request

The plan that could transform local farming as we know it

I refer to the article From sand to soil: Chinese researchers plan to turn the Abu Dhabi desert green (July 4). I attended an environmental tour to China back in 2014 where we were shown how the Chinese did something similar in the desert there. It was fascinating and the local farmers got a lot of benefit from it. I'm excited and hopeful now that this is being done in the UAE.

Hoor Khan, Abu Dhabi