Malaysian Politics

The palace and the players
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Malaysia has been rocked by political upheaval since Muhyiddin Yassin became prime minister without a parliamentary vote in March 2020. The country's constitutional monarch has taken a more active role in politics while a power tussle involving veteran politicians Mahathir Mohamad and Anwar Ibrahim continues.

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East Asia
Domestic tourists visit the beach at Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Area in Wonsan, North Korea on July 1. Photo: AFP
East Asia
North Korea promotes new beach resort to Chinese tourists in 2026 plan
The Wonsan beach resort and the Pyongyang Marathon highlight plans for Chinese visitors in a post-pandemic tourism push.
Lawyers say Melaka police have overstepped the mark after officers barred two women wearing skirts from entering a police station to report a car accident. Photo: Handout
People
Malaysia’s ‘moral police’ slammed over dress code dispute
The skirt-wearing women were barred from entering a police station to report a car accident, which lawyers say is a ‘violation’ of constitutional rights.
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The Chinese approach, forged in the fires of domestic industrial competition, views AI as “relational infrastructure”: a connective tissue for physical systems. It is designed to get its hands dirty, such as in mining, ports and factories. Photo: Adobe Stock
China Opinion
Opinion|Why the Global South is embracing Chinese AI
The US champions AI as an autonomous agent, a content creator. China exports a vision of AI as a digital nervous system for the real economy.
4
A Tapanuli orangutan, and its young, hanging on a tree in Batang Toru, Tapanuli, North Sumatra, Indonesia in 2015. Photo: Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme/EPA-EFE
Southeast Asia
‘Could go extinct here’: orangutans at risk as Indonesia floods devastate habitat
Orangutans have disappeared since landslides struck Sipirok in North Sumatra province.
Singapore’s ICA officers at Changi Airport Terminal 1 detected a large quantity of assorted Pokémon trading cards during a baggage screening on October 10. Photo: Handout
Lifestyle & Culture
Gotta pay ’em all: Singapore Pokemon card bust sparks Malaysia customs warning
Malaysia’s customs chief reminds citizens about undeclared goods, saying personal items are ‘not a magic spell for duty-free immunity’.
1
Satellite imagery taken by the US’ National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shows Super Typhoon Fung-wong approaching the Philippines on November 9. Photo: NOAA/NESDIS/AFP
Asia
Singaporean Chinese ‘least attractive’, Philippines cyclones: 7 Asia highlights
From a viral image prompting a beauty debate to Chinese marriage brokers eyeing Nepal, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.
1
Shen Shishi with her finished painting of a panda. Photo: Handout
Southeast Asia
Chinese tourist’s Penang panda mural that drew criticism turns crowd-puller
Local officials review an application to keep the unauthorised artwork at Chew Jetty intact after ordering the painting to be removed.
Chinese relatives of flight MH370 passengers take part in a prayer service in Beijing in April 2014. Photo: AFP
Politics
Chinese court orders Malaysia Airlines to pay families of 8 MH370 victims
The airline must pay over US$410,000 per passenger in China’s first formal compensation ruling on flight that vanished 11 years ago.
4
Left: Former Malaysian economy minister Rafizi Ramli on his Yang Berhenti Menteri (The Minister Who Quit) podcast. Right: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Photos: Facebook / Rafizi Ramli and AFP
Politics
Malaysian ex-minister Rafizi challenges PM Anwar’s anti-corruption credentials
He alleged that anti-corruption officers targeted PKR candidates who challenged the prime minister’s daughter in party polls.
3
A wounded Thai soldier is transported to hospital in Sisaket province, Thailand, on Sunday. Photo: Royal Thai Army/AP
Politics
Thailand launches air strikes on Cambodia after soldier killed
Thailand says the F-16 strikes were ‘executed with caution’ against military targets to neutralise a threat to national security.
14
Singapore’s former prime minister Lee Hsien Loong (centre) launches “The Albatross File: Inside Separation” book on Sunday. Photo: Ministry of Digital Development and Information
Politics
Lee Kuan Yew’s pain and his deputy’s resolve in Singapore-Malaysia separation
A new book unveiled by ex-PM Lee Hsien Loong reveals how Goh Keng Swee shaped Singapore’s 1965 split from Malaysia.
3
Lee Kuan Yew meeting the press on the morning of Singapore’s separation from Malaysia on August 9, 1965. Photo: Straits Times
People
Singapore launches book on Malaysia separation with declassified files
‘The Albatross File: Inside Separation’ sheds light on the negotiations leading up to Singapore’s break from Malaysia.
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Malaysians are increasingly turning to campervans for cheaper and more adventurous holidays. Photo: SAIC
Lifestyle & Culture
Malaysians swap hotels for RVs to drive down holiday costs
Rentals are up 200 per cent, with families finding a six-berth campervan more affordable than booking seaside resorts.
Donald Trump’s administration is focusing more on the Americas compared with previous administrations. Photo: Reuters
Military
US public backs active role in global affairs, including Taiwan defence: poll
A poll by the Ronald Reagan Institute suggests the American public’s view of global affairs is out of sync with Donald Trump’s approach.
36
An aerial photograph shows extensive flooding in Kuala Simpang, Indonesia’s Aceh province, on Friday following heavy rains. Photo: Reuters
Southeast Asia
Indonesia’s flood death toll hits 908, hundreds still missing
The governor of hard-hit Aceh warns starvation has become the gravest threat to survivors in remote villages cut off by the devastation.
A Thai engineer services AI-powered healthcare robots in Bangkok, Thailand, in 2023. Photo: EPA-EFE
Economics
‘We all knew’: is your job safe from the AI you are helping to train?
Asia makes the chips driving the AI boom, but the technology threatens to erase jobs and widen the region’s wealth gap, a new UN report says.
Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen
Diplomacy
Why China may be better placed than US in tussle for rare earths
While Beijing has long engaged with resource-rich nations, Trump’s Washington is seen as more ‘aggressive’ and reactive.
15
The Incorporated Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong held a special prayer session at Kowloon Mosque in Tsim Sha Tsui to pay respect to the victims of the Tai Po fire. Photo: Dickson Lee
Society
Hong Kong’s religious communities unite in prayer to mourn Tai Po fire victims
Muslims and other faith groups express solidarity and sorrow for victims of deadly blaze at Wang Fuk Court.
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A village in Durian Tunggal, in Malaysia’s Melaka state. Three men were killed during a police operation in Durian Tunggal on November 24. Photo: Shutterstock
People
Malaysia under pressure to explain police shooting of trio as outcry mounts
Audio recording and forensic claims released by the men’s families appear to contradict police accounts of the confrontation.
1
TikTok will comply with an under-16 ban in Australia on social media use. Photo: Shutterstock
Australasia
TikTok will block under-16s in Australia to comply with ‘upsetting’ new law
Australia’s world-first legislation banning under-16s from social media platforms and websites comes into effect on December 10.
Singapore is among countries that have stepped up measures to curb screen time and tighten social media restrictions for adolescents. Photo: TNS
Lifestyle & Culture
‘Better late than never’: Singapore parents laud curbs on phone use in schools
The city state is among countries that have stepped up measures to curb screen time and tighten social media restrictions for adolescents.
1
A traditional market in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Photo: Shutterstock
Southeast Asia
‘Crowd is missing’: stronger ringgit keeps Singapore shoppers away from Johor
‘This is probably the worst year-end crowd we have seen since the Covid-19 pandemic,’ a business owner says.
1
Houthi fighters participate in a rally marking the second anniversary of the attacks carried by Hamas against Israel, in Sana’a, Yemen in October. Photo: EPA
Middle East
Iraq removes Hezbollah and Houthis from asset-freeze list after ‘mistake’
Iraqi PM orders accountability for the error over list meant for Islamic State/al-Qaeda only. Reversal is blow to US efforts curbing Iran.
The border crossing connecting Singapore to the Malaysian southern city of Johor Bahru. The state of Johor supplies untreated water to Singapore daily. Photo: AFP
Economics
‘No longer contentious’: Malaysia to weigh Singapore’s water project plan
The two countries have disagreed over water supply for decades, such as the perceived low prices charged by Malaysia’s Johor.
7
A Malaysian man lied to his wife that he was travelling with his colleagues was caught in Thailand, holidaying with his mistress after being trapped by floods. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock/Facebook
People & Culture
Malaysian man stranded by Thai floods with ‘colleagues’ exposed holidaying with lover
The wife remains unaware of her husband’s affair, as he regularly communicates with her.
An alley crowded with tourists in central Seoul’s Bukchon Hanok Village. Photo: Korea Times
East Asia
Chinese tourists pivot to South Korea, Thailand amid Japan travel ban
Spat began when Japan’s PM Sanae Takaichi suggested potential military intervention in Taiwan Strait, leading Beijing to issue a travel warning.
Tourists visit George Town in Malaysia’s Penang state. Photo: Shutterstock
Southeast Asia
Penang set to scoop up Chinese tourists skipping Japan, Thailand’s Hat Yai
Penang anticipates a surge in year-end visitors, with events and food-driven itineraries boosting hotel bookings.
Vehicles are seen loaded on a cargo ship for export at Wuhu Port, Anhui province. Photo: Getty Images
Global Economy
Explainer|As China’s companies become industry leaders, where in the world are they going?
Across numerous sectors, China’s firms are setting up shop worldwide – and gaining ground on their well-entrenched competitors.
Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin, former senior political secretary to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, brought to the Kuala Lumpur Court Complex by Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission officers on Monday. Photo: Reuters
People
Anwar’s ex-aide to stand trial on corruption charges linked to Sabah businessman
The aide is accused of receiving cash and gifts as inducement to help the businessman secure mineral exploration projects.
Opinion
Editorial|Curbs on children’s social media use and screen time must strike a balance
The digital world is part of young people’s lives; there is a need to limit risks without depriving children of the benefits of being online.
SCMP Editorial
2
Editorial|Asia’s floods a deadly reminder of need to combat growing climate threat
Devastating flooding and landslides have focused attention on disaster preparedness efforts as rising temperatures threaten the region.
SCMP Editorial
Asian Angle|Malaysia is not Palestine. False equivalence fuels ethnic polarisation
Such rhetoric paints Malays as the dispossessed natives of their own land and non-Malays as the occupiers.
Afra AlatasMohd Faizal Musa
2
Editorial|East Timor’s journey to Asean membership can be source of inspiration
Asia’s youngest country has come a long way from war and occupation to increased investment and strong relationships with its neighbours.
SCMP Editorial
Macroscope|To Trump, Asean and Apec are simply platforms for his own agenda
Leaders of superpowers should not use regional multilateral summits to advance their own interests, overshadowing the vital work of other nations.
Anthony Rowley
Outside In|Trump’s unilateralism in Asia makes ‘world minus one’ clear
While the US president’s trip to the region coincided with multilateral summits, he was clearly more interested in bilateral deals.
David Dodwell
Macroscope|Asia’s trading powerhouses are more Trump-proof than many feared
High US tariffs not only did not cripple export-oriented economies like South Korea, thanks to the AI boom, but they also pushed policymakers to embark on reforms.
Nicholas Spiro
Editorial|Caught between China and the US, Asean could act as a go-between
The East Asia Summit in Kuala Lumpur highlighted the challenging position Southeast Asian nations find themselves in as superpower rivalry intensifies.
SCMP Editorial
1
Asian Angle|Why Malaysia’s fuel subsidy reform is stuck in the slow lane
Fears of a 2008-style backlash and poor public transport are keeping Anwar’s government from slashing the huge, regressive fuel subsidy bill.
Lee Hwok-Aun
Asian Angle|How China can anchor Southeast Asia’s future in an uncertain world
The promise is simple: a trajectory of growth with fewer surprises, built on China’s pillars of capital, diplomacy and shared development.
Kevin Zongzhe Li
1
The View|Can Scott Bessent see China’s trade counterstrike with clear eyes?
China’s export control regime on rare earths isn’t retaliation for recent US restrictions – it’s a response to overall US policy.
Winston Mok
10
Outside In|Trump may be realising he has less leverage over China than he thought
The past week has provided a rare insight into the fudging and bullying that goes on behind the closed doors of high-stakes trade talks.
David Dodwell
5
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