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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Politics
The Horsburgh Lighthouse on Pedra Branca island, which marks the eastern entrance to the Straits of Singapore between Singapore and Malaysia. Photo: Shutterstock
Politics
Can Malaysia’s Mahathir outwit ‘common enemy’ Anwar over Pedra Branca row?
A recommendation for a probe into Mahathir Mohamad over the island saga has triggered the ex-leader into forming an anti-Anwar coalition.
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View of residential buildings in Mid-Levels and The Peak, two sought after addresses in Hong Kong. Photo: Nora Tam
Business
Outlook for Hong Kong’s high-end homes to brighten in 2025
Luxury property prices to rise as much as 5 per cent next year, with rents also set to increase by the same level, Ricacorp’s Derek Chan says.
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Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim attends a welcome ceremony at the Government Palace in Lima, Peru, on November 13. Photo: EPA-EFE
Southeast Asia
PM Anwar’s approval rises as Malaysia faces economic concerns
An independent survey finds 39 per cent of respondents feel Malaysia is going in the right direction as of end-November 2024, compare to 36 per cent the previous year.
Malaysia’s police chief Razarudin Husain said the operation was part of efforts to track down perpetrators of online child sex abuse. Photo: AP
Politics
Malaysian police make child porn raids ahead of social media deadline
Police say material seized from 13 men arrested countrywide contained 40,000 pieces of pornography, including of children.
Universiti Malaya has suspended a professor over allegations of unsolicited nude pictures sent to several students. Photo: Facebook/Universiti Malaya
Lifestyle & Culture
Malaysian university suspends professor over sexual harassment claims
University says move to suspend professor over allegations of sending nude photos to students is in line with its zero-tolerance policy on misconduct.
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Seven people were killed in a road crash in Ayer Keroh, Malaysia’s Melaka, on Monday. Photo: Bernama
This Week in Asia
Baby girl among 7 killed in 3-vehicle crash on Malaysia highway
Traffic was completely stalled for more than 10km in Melaka’s Ayer Keroh, with police taking nearly four hours to clear the wreckage.
Students and other activists carry Bangladesh’s national flag during a protest march to mark one month since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina stepped down after a mass uprising, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on September 5. Photo: AP
Politics
Revolution, elections and a baby hippo, this was the year in Asia
From climate change to political storms and a Taylor Swift world tour, Asia in 2024 was characterised by turbulence and surprises.
Fans watch a match between Kedah Darul Aman and Polis DiRaja Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur in May. A spate of attacks against footballers in Malaysia has shocked the country. Photo: AFP
Lifestyle & Culture
Malaysian police hunt for football hooligans after attack on Singapore fans
The police are looking to arrest people involved in a brawl that caused damage to a train after Malaysia was eliminated from a tournament.
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The 1MDB logo is seen on a billboard at the funds flagship Tun Razak Exchange under-development site in Kuala Lumpur. Photo: AFP
Southeast Asia
Malaysia’s 1MDB sues ‘dishonest’ Amicorp for US$1 billion for alleged fraud
The claim alleges Hong Kong-headquartered Amicorp of creating shell companies and enabling the misappropriation of funds between 2009 and 2014.
The deaths of six cats on the campus of Universiti Malaya in Kuala Lumpur have reignited debates over the treatment of strays in Malaysia. Photo: Shutterstock
Lifestyle & Culture
Gruesome deaths of cats at Malaysian campus spark outrage from animal lovers
Critics and veterinarians have rejected police’s explanation that a pack of wild dogs had mutilated the felines.
An AI virtual anchor is pictured during the launch of Malaysia’s National AI Office in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on December 12. Southeast Asia’s unique combination of adaptability, dynamism and strategic investments is positioning it as a critical player in shaping the AI landscape. Photo: Xinhua
Asia Opinion
Opinion|How Southeast Asia can become the next AI powerhouse
Young, dynamic and fast, the region has unique advantages, supported by investment in infrastructure, talent, policy support and collaboration.
Chefs prepare their dishes before service at a monthly supper club in Kuala Lumpur. Photo: Hadi Azmi
People
Malaysia’s new wave chefs drive Kuala Lumpur’s culinary boom
The city’s vibrant culinary scene is attracting Michelin recognition and enthusiastic visitors, making Malaysia a rising food tourism star.
Beijing uses bilateral consultation mechanisms with its South China Sea rivals to keep relations calm. Photo: Weibo
Diplomacy
To keep calm in the South China Sea, Beijing reaches for the bilateral playbook
China’s often-used bilateral consultation mechanism doesn’t always work, but it does help defuse conflicts, experts say.
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A woman writes a message at an event to mark the 10th year since the Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 carrying 239 people disappeared on March 8, 2014. Photo: AFP
Politics
Malaysia agrees to resume search for missing flight MH370
Malaysia’s cabinet has agreed in principle to an offer from Ocean Infinity to a ‘no find, no fee’ search deal, the transport minister says.
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Thailand’s former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra arrives at a tech event in Bangkok on December 4. Photo: AFP
Politics
Anwar’s pick of Thaksin as adviser raises fears of ex-PM favouring Myanmar junta
Myanmar resistance groups are concerned that the former Thai leader will align his business interests with those of the military junta.
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Kim Seri is a Seoul-based Malaysian social media influencer. Photo: Instagram/kimseri_eina
Southeast Asia
Malaysian influencer behind South Korea tour mess denies fleeing to Japan
The travel operator said she is willing to cooperate with the authorities as losses linked to the alleged scam hit US$100,000.
Malaysian graphic artist Fahmi Reza. Photo: Instagram
People
‘Satire is not a crime’: Malaysian artist’s probe fuels free speech fears
The controversial graphic artist is under scrutiny for a satirical poster on the former Sabah chief minister.
Rosmah Mansor was granted a full acquittal from all 17 charges. Photo: AP
Politics
‘This is what I call justice’: Najib’s wife cleared of money-laundering charges
Rosmah described the Kuala Lumpur High Court’s ruling as a true representation of justice.
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Malaysia’s first locally produced electric vehicle, the e.Mas7, was launched in Kuala Lumpur on December 16. Photo: AFP
Economics
Pricey Chinese ‘rebadge’? Malaysia’s first home-grown EV splits opinions
Proton’s e.Mas7 struggles to convince EV fans, with some praising its good value and others dismissing the car as an overpriced model.
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Sichuan typhoon style BC geoduck and okra tempura by chef Li Bo. Photo: Chinese Restaurant Awards
Food & Drink
3 Chinese chefs cook up a seafood storm at food award dinner in Canada
Alex Chen, Li Bo and Leo Wang used a variety of skills that showcased their different backgrounds, cooking mainly local seafood.
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Indonesian police officers inspect the ruins of a nightclub destroyed by an explosion in 2002 in Denpasar, Bali. Photo: AP
Politics
2 Malaysians jailed in Guantanamo Bay over terror attacks return home
The two JI members, who were involved in the 2002 Bali bombings, will undergo a reintegration programme in Malaysia.
Travel influencer Kim Seri. Photo: Instagram/kimseri_eina
Southeast Asia
Malaysian influencer faces backlash over alleged South Korea travel scam
She has apologised and promised refunds as police investigate reports of fraud after some clients were left stranded in South Korea.
Young Bajau Laut children paddling a boat near stilted houses off the coast of Borneo near Tun Sakaran Marine Park. Photo: Shutterstock
Politics
Malaysia’s marginalised Sabah sea nomads left homeless after security crackdown
The indigenous Bajau Laut have been living in wooden homes built over water in what have been gazetted as a marine park.
The 67-year-old woman lost more than 2 million ringgit in what authorities are calling one of Malaysia’s longest-running love scams on record. Photo: Shutterstock
Southeast Asia
7-year love scam costs Malaysian woman nearly US$500,000
The scammer, who the woman met on Facebook, posed as an American businessman working in Singapore, police said.
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Malaysia wants to establish the state of Sabah as cold storage air freight hub to boost seafood exports to China. Photo: Shutterstock
Economics
Malaysia plans seafood air freight hub in Sabah state to meet China demand
To meet growing demand from its largest trading partner, Malaysia aims to leverage Sabah’s abundant fisheries and position the country as a regional trade gateway.
Thailand’s former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, left, and his daughter and PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra arrive before the royal endorsement ceremony in Bangkok in August. Photo: AP
Politics
Anwar’s ‘problematic’ appointment of Thaksin as adviser stuns Mahathir
Thaksin Shinawatra’s appointment took place during an official visit by Paetongtarn, the tycoon’s daughter and Thailand’s PM, to Malaysia.
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Workers installed solar panels at a power station in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Photo: Chinatopix via AP
Climate and energy
Chinese solar inverter maker Deye to invest US$150 million in Malaysia
Company plans to set up a subsidiary in Malaysia to make solar photovoltaic equipment and energy storage products.
A Malaysian flag flies at the entry-point to a mining site in rural Pahang state in 2015. Photo: AFP
Politics
Raids on illegal mines spotlight Malaysia’s lucrative rare earth ambitions
Malaysia’s crackdown highlights the challenges of managing rare earth resources amid rising global demand for green technology.
Malaysia’s Anwar Ibrahim (left) with Thaksin Shinawatra at an event in Jakarta in 2012. Photo: AFP
Southeast Asia
Thailand’s Thaksin to advise Malaysian PM on Asean chairmanship
The Thai billionaire, who has insisted that he’s retired from politics, is set to advise Malaysia’s prime minister in an informal capacity.
Opinion
My Take|Is Anwar’s anti-corruption pledge in Malaysia facing a reality check after 2 years?
Anwar’s promise to eradicate corruption faces a reality check after ex-first lady Rosmah Mansor was acquitted of money laundering charges.
Joseph Sipalan
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Being Chinese|How my Malaysian Chinese education is paying off
Malaysian Chinese have paid a heavy price for Chinese-medium schools, but for my generation, that investment is reaping dividends.
Chee Yik-wai
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Asian Angle|Why Asean’s neutrality is our greatest asset in a divided world
As Malaysia prepares to assume the 2025 Asean chair, its trade minister argues for a unified approach to navigate the US-China rivalry.
Tengku Zafrul Aziz
Asian Angle|How Malaysia can boost Asean agency and centrality amid global challenges
As 2025 chair, Malaysia should adopt a cross-disciplinary approach to issues and undertake incremental but bold moves to cement Asean centrality.
Elina Noor
Being Chinese|I may not use my ‘beautiful’ Chinese name often, but I’m glad of the gift
My father was renamed when a Briton couldn’t make out his Chinese name. I’m grateful for mine, though I now use a name that confounds some.
Christina Pantin
2
Reflections|China’s Great Wall, and the Malaysian state that wants its own
People from Kelantan in Malaysia go to Thailand for pleasure. Migrants enter the US from Mexico. Why leaders dream of walls to stop them.
Wee Kek Koon
1
My Take|As Sabah faces new bribery case, will it pay dividends for power seekers?
A whistle-blower has alleged corruption involving a ‘top leader’, prompting Chief Minister Hajiji Noor to dismiss speculation about his role.
Joseph Sipalan
Editorial|Let Hong Kong dogs have day, but keep the public safe
Easing of quarantine rules for some canines and cats entering Hong Kong is good news for animals and owners alike. However, there must be safeguards.
SCMP Editorial
My Take|‘Government knows best’? Malaysia has a problem with explaining its policies
The government needs to improve communication of its policy details and how they will be executed, instead of leaving the issue for later.
Joseph Sipalan
1
Asian Angle|Why Thailand failed to escape the middle-income trap
Despite early success, Thailand’s growth has stagnated – as flashy developments siphon resources away from innovation and productivity.
Donald Low
4
Asian Angle|Malaysia’s youth survey reveals deep ethnic divides and hopes for fairer policies
A recent survey of Malaysian youth reveals stark ethnic divisions, with Malays largely supporting existing preferential policies while non-Malays advocate for equality.
Hwok-Aun Lee
2
Asian Angle|Inside PAS’ ‘brilliant move’ to consolidate political power in Malaysia
SG4 aims to pool resources from Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis and Terengganu to attract investment – though feasibility issues remain.
Tricia Yeoh
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