71.   Diplomats monitoring the electoral process say despite the lack of secret balloting, the elections will be essential to break down the power of the central government.

72.   Dr Lim said despite the weakening of the ringgit against the US dollar, the price of rubber has not improved.

73.   Dr Mahathir said despite the perils of corruption, some still favour short-term gains over bigger, long-term benefits for helping to cleanse corruption.

74.   Dr Siti Hasmah said despite the current economic situation, Bakti would still continue to prepare the Hari Raya goodies for the police and military personnel.

75.   During a question-and-answer session at the seminar, Rafidah said despite the current economic situation, Malaysia remained an attractive place for foreign direct investors.

76.   Ethnic Albanians said despite the NATO presence, they were still frightened.

77.   Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed said despite the economic downturn, the Government could still afford to provide the funds.

78.   Eu said despite the current economic slowdown, Eu Yan Sang Group is confident that the market for traditional Chinese medicines will remain open with many opportunities to tap.

79.   FIFA said despite an initial positive result, subsequent tests had proved negative.

80.   Gainer said despite the multiple police interviews with Condit, neither the lawmaker nor his wife was a focus of the investigation.