China says avoiding new hostilities in Mideast a 'top priority'

Follows recent tensions between Singapore and Indonesia over cross-border haze and natural gas exports.

Murali said: "While the plight of the elderly landlords in this case deserve our sympathy", the government "must be responsible and strike a coherent balance in the law".

He defeated Trump-backed Republican candidate Ken Paxton.

The election was held on Nov. 3.