The paper quoted Temasek managing director for investment S. Iswaran as saying that the company was aware its investments globally came with political risks.

Opposition groups in Thailand have urged Temasek to abandon its 1.9 billion-US dollar acquisition of Shin Corp from Thaksin's family. They have also called for a boycott of companies linked to Temasek and the Thai leader.

"Every investment opportunity comes with its own set of risk-reward trade-offs, be they country, market, political, operational regulatory, financial or execution risks," Iswaran told the newspaper.

"Whether in investments or divestments, we are mindful that there can be social or political sensitivities, even in Singapore. We seek to address such stakeholder concerns where we can, and mitigate these risks appropriately."

He said the takeover would be completed by March 14 in accordance with the rules of the Stock Exchange of Thailand.

Shin Corp's sale to Temasek sparked public anger that has snowballed into weekly street protests against Thaksin. The protesters also threatened to boycott Shin and Singapore products.

The protests also raised concerns about foreign ownership of a company that has key interests in telecoms, satellites, media and aviation.

But while the protesters complain of ethical lapses in the deal, regulators have found only minor violations and Thailand's Constitutional Court has declined to investigate the matter.

Temasek's Iswaran meanwhile stressed that the company's investment in Shin Corp was a commercial decision that reflected its confidence in Thailand's long-term economic prospects.

Temasek manages a global portfolio worth 103 billion Singapore dollars (63 billion US) which includes Singapore Airlines and other corporate icons in the city-state, as well as companies in Australia, China and India.

Its investments cover telecommunications and media, financial services, property, transportation and logistics, energy and resources, infrastructure, engineering and technology, as well as pharmaceuticals and biosciences.

On Friday night, Thaksin said in an interview with CNN that he did not get involve with the sell-off Shin Corp to Temasek Holdings. "It is my children who sold the stocks," he said.

Agence France Presse/The Nation