Politics

Container cranes are pictured at the port of Singapore, one of Asia's busiest.
Malaysia in transition

Singapore sharpens tone in maritime dispute with Malaysia

City-state rejects proposal for both sides to keep ships away

8 December 2018
Singaporean ships and helicopters patrol the waters around Sentosa Island in June: The city-state has a number of disputes with its northern neighbor, Malaysia.
Malaysia in transition

Singapore and Malaysia tangle over air and sea sovereignty

Mahathir government wants to regain control over airspace near southern border

5 December 2018
Jho Low in 2014. The Malaysian businessman is charged with mastermind behind a $4.5 billion theft from state fund 1MDB.
Malaysia in transition

Malaysia to charge Jho Low over 1MDB scandal in absentia: reports

Alleged mastermind financier still at large and sought for role in $4.5bn theft

4 December 2018
© Illustration by Tania Vicedo
Asia Insight

Malaysia media spreads its wings as Mahathir promises free speech

As critical coverage builds, will former 'enemy' of journalists set a positive example?

4 December 2018
Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, center, was arrested over his alleged role in the 1MDB scandal, and a number of top officials in his government were apparently complicit.
Malaysia in transition

1MDB probe claims more of Malaysia's old regime

Another Najib aide falls from grace, pointing to widespread involvement

30 November 2018
Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen announces her resignation as chairwoman of the Democratic Progressive Party after the party's heavy losses in Saturday's midterms
Politics

Beijing likely meddled in Taiwan elections, US cybersecurity firm says

Chinese hackers probably used cyber operations to help pro-China Kuomintang

28 November 2018
Jho Low in 2015. 
Malaysia in transition

Malaysia sacks state bank chief for covering up Jho Low's 1MDB role

Shukry Salleh allegedly took part in scrubbing state fund's 2014 audit report

26 November 2018
Goldman Sachs is under fire for the role its former executives allegedly played in the embezzlement of funds at 1Malaysia Development Berhad.
Companies

1MDB probe shifts focus to extent of Goldman's role

Authorities question if scandal points to companywide corruption

25 November 2018
Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has been making the rounds of "friendly countries" to seek a way out of economic turmoil. (Getty Images)
Economy

Pakistan turns to 'friends' after failing to secure IMF bailout

Analysts say Saudi and Chinese billions will not restore country's credibility

21 November 2018
Malaysia is unlikely to rustle up the parliamentary votes needed to amend the constitution and pave the way for a UN treaty against discrimination, Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said Sunday.
Politics

Malaysia's push for ethnic harmony stumbles over UN treaty

Resistance from many sides makes ratification 'almost impossible,' says Mahathir

20 November 2018
Former Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is expected to succeed current Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad within several years.
Malaysia in transition

Malaysia's Anwar named PKR party leader

Appointment puts him one step closer to becoming next Malaysian prime minister

19 November 2018
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, center, and Indonesia's President Joko Widodo, left, speak with China's Premier Li Keqiang at the RCEP summit in Singapore on Nov. 14. 
International relations

India sought to delay RCEP deal beyond general election

Indonesia accuses Japan of trying to 'force its interests' on members

14 November 2018
Goldman shares tumble on Monday as Malaysia calls for full refund over its role in raising capital for 1MDB.
Malaysia in transition

Malaysia turns up heat on Goldman for 1MDB refund

Mahathir says US authorities have promised to give back the money

13 November 2018
Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, third from left, and his Singaporean counterpart, Lee Hsien Loong, are met by an honor guard in Singapore on Nov. 12. (Photo by Justina Lee)
International relations

Mahathir raises water issue cautiously at Singapore meeting

Malaysian leader says counterpart Lee 'open' to talks on 1962 supply deal

13 November 2018
The website would allow information about a cyberattack to be quickly shared among the countries.
Politics

Cyberattack response site to be launched by Japan and ASEAN

Clearinghouse will aid officials in confronting transnational threats

11 November 2018
A small marijuana plant grows in a lab at Niagara College in Ontario, Canada.
Economy

Asia plants seeds for medical cannabis market

Thailand, Singapore and China pursue research into health care uses

4 November 2018
Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, right, and Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng enter parliament in Kuala Lumpur on Nov. 2.
Malaysia in transition

Malaysia looks to new tariffs and Samurai bonds to control deficit

Sugary drinks and video streaming to be taxed in proposed 2019 budget

2 November 2018
Goldman Sachs pocketed about $600 million in fees for its work with 1MDB, the U.S. Department of Justice said.
Malaysia in transition

US charges financier Jho Low and ex-Goldman bankers in 1MDB probe

Alleged mastermind maintains innocence while also remaining in hiding

2 November 2018
Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad described his Industry4WRD initiative as "a pivotal step" in the country's pursuit of developed-country status at its launch in Kuala Lumpur on Oct 31. (Photo by CK Tan)
Malaysia in transition

Mahathir launches policy to entice high-tech industries

'Industry4WRD' initiative puts manufacturing at center of developed-nation goal

31 October 2018
Cambodia's minimum wage, which determines the pay of many garment workers, has risen sharply in recent years.
Economy

Minimum wages surge across Southeast Asia

Favoring protectionism over productivity risks discouraging foreign investment

28 October 2018
Speaking to students at Chulalongkorn University, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said that same-sex marriage has no place in his country. (Photo by Akira Kodaka)
Politics

Mahathir rejects LGBT rights

Malaysian premier urges students not to adopt western values blindly

25 October 2018
Malaysia's former treasurer-general Irwan Serigar, in left photo, and former Prime Minister Najib Razak, in right photo, each arrives at Kuala Lumpur High Court in Kuala Lumpur on Oct. 25.
Malaysia in transition

1MDB scandal snares Najib's closest lieutenants as Mahathir vows more

Malaysia's former prime minister again charged with pocketing state funds

25 October 2018
Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, right, is escorted by Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha during a welcoming ceremony at Government House in Bangkok on Oct. 24. (Photo by Akira Kodaka)
International relations

Mahathir and Prayuth urge ASEAN unity amid US-China fight

Malaysian and Thai leaders seek better connectivity via bridges and trade

25 October 2018
Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad begins a visit to Thailand later this week.
Politics

Mahathir revives hopes for Thailand's troubled south

Malaysian leader to bring peace facilitator on two-day visit to Bangkok

24 October 2018
Malaysian financier Low Taek Jho, also known as Jho Low, is thought to be hiding in China to avoid facing charges connected to Malaysia's 1MDB scandal.
Malaysia in transition

Chilly ties with China seen hindering Mahathir's hunt for Jho Low

Alleged 1MDB mastermind now a fugitive, still runs his business

21 October 2018