Politics

Trading boards at a private stock market gallery in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Malaysia in transition

Mixed fate greets Malaysian companies after historic election

Loss of pro-China leader hurts AirAsia, infrastructure stocks

14 May 2018
Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad shows his ink-marked finger after voting in the May 9 election that saw his opposition coalition swept into power.
International relations

Japan welcomes return of Malaysia's Mahathir

Tokyo hopes former ally will bolster regional bulwark against China's influence

14 May 2018
Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad faces a huge to-do list.
Opinion

Malaysia's Trump moment

Mahathir must get over shock of winning and tackle corruption and reform

14 May 2018
Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad brushed off an attempt by predecessor Najib Razak to sow doubt over whether the king would appoint him as Malaysia's new leader. (Photo by Takaki Kashiwabara)
Malaysia in transition

Mahathir moves with practiced skill to assert control

New prime minister keeps Najib in country and prepares Anwar's release

14 May 2018
Many experts believe Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad will refrain from drastically changing relations with China.
Malaysia in transition

Mahathir strives for balance on ties with China

New PM expected to be pragmatic on economic ties with Beijing

13 May 2018
Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad speaks at a news conference with new cabinet members in the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur on May 12. (Photo by Takaki Kashiwabara)
Malaysia in transition

Mahathir names key ministers; provincial leader to head finance

PM sets up 'Group of Eminent Persons' to support inexperienced lawmakers

12 May 2018
Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad addresses reporters on Friday.
Malaysia in transition

Mahathir to name a small 'core cabinet' on Saturday

The one-time jailer of Anwar Ibrahim now working for his pardon

11 May 2018
Mahathir Mohamad is a familiar face in the Malaysian prime minister's office, seen here in Putrajaya, but his return raises plenty of questions. (Photo by Takaki Kashiwabara)
Malaysia in transition

Triumphant Mahathir steers Malaysia into economic uncertainty

Country braces for radical changes on taxes, wages and diplomacy

11 May 2018
New Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad addresses a news conference on May 10. (Photo by Takaki Kashiwabara)
11 May 2018
Mahathir Mohamad, center, celebrates the election victory of his opposition coalition in the suburbs of Kuala Lumpur.
Malaysia in transition

Malaysia's opposition win shakes up Southeast Asia

First power change in 61 years reflects anger over Najib and economic ills

10 May 2018
Mahathir Mohamad (Photo by Masayuki Terazawa)
Mahathir Mohamad

Mahathir Mohamad, financial crisis survivor, pulls off another surprise

A 92-year-old autocrat who asked for forgiveness receives it

10 May 2018
Many younger, better-educated Malaysians supported a more multiracial coalition, offering hope for integrating society. (Photo by Takaki Kashiwabara)
Opinion

Mahathir win will reverberate far beyond Malaysia

New government must pursue reform and curb Islamist extremism

10 May 2018
Following his electoral victory, Mahathir Mohamad lets his emotions show during a press conference in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, on May 10. (Photo by Takaki Kashiwabara)
10 May 2018
Mahathir, 92, is expected to become Malaysia's seventh prime minister, returning to power 15 years after leaving office. (Photo by Takaki Kashiwabara)
Malaysia in transition

Mahathir-led opposition wins historic Malaysian election

Nation set to welcome back ex-PM in first change of power since independence

10 May 2018
Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, left, and opposition leader Mahathir Mohamad show their ink-stained fingers after voting in the election on May 9.
Malaysia in transition

Najib and Mahathir brace for result of Malaysian election

Rising cost of living key with swing voters set to decide poll

9 May 2018
Barisan Nasional, the ruling coalition led by Prime Minister Najib Razak, is favored to win the Malaysian election.
Malaysia in transition

Ruling coalition likely to win Malaysian election, says survey

Undecided voters amounting to nearly 20% hold key in final tally

8 May 2018
Whoever wins the upcoming parliamentary elections, Malaysia is unlikely to see much reform coming.
Opinion

Malaysia's unappetizing choice

A former Asian economic role model that lost its way is now a warning to others

8 May 2018
Malaysian opposition leader and former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad addresses a campaign rally in front of a screen showing Prime Minister Najib Razak in Kuala Lumpur on May 6. (Photo by Takaki Kashiwabara)
Malaysia in transition

Political veterans endorse Mahathir in Malaysian election

Surprise move by former ministers builds momentum against ruling coalition

8 May 2018
Stream article image
Malaysia in transition

Five things to know about Malaysia's parliamentary election

Ruling coalition is likely to win, backed by a solid electoral war chest

7 May 2018
Razali Ibrahim, third from right, the incumbent of Muar district, poses with villagers of Kampung Sungai Balang on May 2. (Photo by CK Tan)
6 May 2018
Asian finance ministers and central bank governors gathered in Manila this week to deepen cooperation amid geopolitical tensions in the region and protectionism.
Politics

Asian nations stop short of deal to boost no-strings currency swaps

Finance chiefs take more measured steps to improve $240bn Chiang Mai Initiative

5 May 2018
Malaysia's former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, right, could face a fine of up to about $127,000 and a maximum of six years in jail under the fake news law.
Malaysia in transition

Mahathir hit with 'fake news' investigation over sabotage claim

Malaysia's ex-PM alleges jet was tampered with to prevent election registration

3 May 2018
Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong speaks at a press conference on April 28. (Photo by Hiroshi Kotani)
3 May 2018
Nurturing more conventional media that people can trust, rather than blocking social media, will be key to fighting fake news and radical content.
Opinion

Conventional media revival needed to restore trust in news

Governments crack down on platforms even while exploiting them

3 May 2018
To the minority ethnic Chinese, a closer bilateral tie with China brings confidence to the community. (Photo by Democratic Action Party)
Malaysia in transition

Malaysia's rural voters see more China and less Mahathir

Removal of campaign billboards stirs anger but Najib's coalition unfazed

2 May 2018