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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People
Malaysian tourists cover their noses and complain about “smelly” locals in China in a clip. Photo: TikTok/ekyn.wong
People
Malaysian police officer faces disciplinary probe over ‘smelly’ Chinese video
Malaysia’s police chief has called for an inquiry and says action may go beyond internal discipline if laws have been breached.
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Musang King durians from Malaysia are displayed for sale at a supermarket in Beijing, China. Photo: Simon Song
Southeast Asia
‘Durian tsunami’ sweeps Malaysia, making premium Musang King dirt cheap
‘It feels like a rare chance to enjoy Musang King without paying a bomb,’ a durian lover says.
Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir during Negeri Sembilan’s state assembly in Seremban, Malaysia. Photo: YouTube
Politics
Royal succession crisis strains Malaysia’s governing alliance ahead of polls
Analysts say the dispute has become harder to contain, with Umno and Pakatan Harapan taking different stances amid other political grievances.
Malaysian politician Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman during an interview with Reuters in Petaling Jaya in 2020. Photo: Reuters
People
Malaysian MP takes swipe at ‘most Hollywood’ populist label
Tunku Ismail Ibrahim did not mention Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman when he referred to a Muar politician as among the ‘Hollywood’ types.
Malaysian tourists have sparked outrage at home with viral videos mocking locals in China. Photo: Threads
Asia
Tourists in China call locals smelly, Singapore vs London: 7 Asia highlights
From Malaysian tourists in China to a fatal school shooting in the Philippines, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.
Michael Chong (sitting, second from right) and other MCA representatives point to photos showing acts of violence committed by loan sharks in Malaysia. Photo: The Star
Southeast Asia
‘No regard for law’: Malaysian loan sharks escalate from paint to petrol bombs
The Malaysian Chinese Association urged victims to report violent acts under a nationwide initiative to tackle rising threats.
Hospital Sungai Buloh medical staff line the corridor to give Normah Sabar a final send-off. Photo: Facebook/Hospital Sungai Buloh Selangor
Health & Environment
Moving tribute to Malaysian donor spurs vital conversation on organ donation
Misconceptions remain in the Muslim-majority country – especially around brain death, burial and whether the body must remain complete.
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After Japan lifted its ban on lethal weapons exports in April, it can sell defence equipment to 17 countries, including six Asean nations. Photo: EPA
Diplomacy
Japan’s defence outreach to counter China in the region hits hidden roadblocks
Tokyo’s approach combines security, economic and diplomatic tools to show regional nations an alternative to the China-US dilemma.
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Malaysian tourists have sparked outrage at home with viral videos mocking locals in China. Photo: Threads
People
Malaysian woman apologises for video mocking ‘smelly’ locals in China
Nur Asyiqin Mohd Dalil says she ‘genuinely regrets’ her actions and promises to be more sensitive to public sentiment.
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Three elephants that were previously from Malaysia stand in their enclosure at the Tennoji Zoo in Osaka. Photo: Facebook/The Patriot Studio
Health & Environment
Elephants’ transfer to Japan sparks Malaysia’s corruption inquiry
A whistle-blower claims that millions of dollars are linked to several individuals and the government did not receive the money from the move.
Bangladeshi workers who were employed by Malaysian companies protest in Dhaka last year demanding unpaid wages, fair compensation and an end to alleged abuse by Malaysian employers. Photo: AP
Economics
Bangladesh urges Malaysia to ease labour hiring curbs amid exploitation concerns
Both sides seek to ensure that the hiring process for Bangladeshi workers is transparent to protect their interests.
1
Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong (left) and Russian President Vladimir Putin shake hands during their meeting on the sidelines of the Russia-Asean Summit in Kazan on Thursday. Photo: Sputnik/AP
Politics
Why Wong-Putin meeting doesn’t mean Singapore’s going soft on Russia
Singapore needs to balance its tough stance on the Ukraine war with its responsibilities towards other Asean nations, experts say.
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A diesel pump in a Petronas station in the Malaysian state of Perak. Photo: Ivy Ong
Southeast Asia
Malaysia’s nationwide diesel subsidy gets citizens all pumped up
Diesel is currently US$1.05 per litre in Peninsular Malaysia, compared to a subsidised price of 50 US cents in Sabah and Sarawak.
China and Asean sign a free-trade upgrade protocol in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on October 28, 2025. Photo: Xinhua
Asia Opinion
Opinion|Beyond geopolitics: for Asean, China is a structural reality
Faced with the structural reality of China, Southeast Asia is trying to turn it into an advantage without losing control of its choices.
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A group of students in Wan Chai. Many Hong Kong parents are opting to send their children to summer schools in Asia as airfares to previously popular Western countries have spiked. Photo: Elson Li
Education
Hong Kong parents turn to summer school options in Asia amid soaring airfares
Applications to UK summer schools drop 35 per cent as travel costs surge, driving demand for cheaper Asia-based programmes, education consultants say.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin (centre) with Southeast Asian leaders at the Russia-Asean Summit in Kazan on Thursday. Photo: EPA
Politics
Can Russia secure ‘third power’ status in Southeast Asia with energy push?
While energy may be ‘a good opening’ for Russia to boost Asean ties, analysts say its relevance in the region is unlikely to grow.
1
Celty, a Kuala Lumpur-based latex enthusiast, wears an outfit made of the rubber material. Photo: Instagram/latexwithacos
Lifestyle & Culture
‘Isn’t it hot?’: latex fan aims to stretch Malaysia’s conservative fashion norms
The Kuala Lumpur-based cosplay fan who has spent thousands of dollars on his hobby wants rubber-producing Malaysia to embrace latex fashion.
1
A view of the show floor at the International Automotive and Supply Chain Expo in Hong Kong on Thursday. Photo: May Tse
China EVs
Chinese EV makers debut right-hand drive models for Southeast Asian push
Chinese brands, including BYD, Jaecoo and Wuling Motors, captured 17.6 per cent of Indonesia’s car market in the first quarter of 2026.
1
US President Donald Trump (centre) signs a memorandum of understanding with Iran in Versailles, France on June 17 as French President Emmanuel Macron (right) and his wife Brigitte Macron (left) look on. Photo: AFP and X/Scavino47
China
US, Iran sign peace deal; China’s C919 jets face safety checks: 7 highlights
From Malaysian tourists calling Chinese ‘smelly’ to Shein’s Paris store set to close soon, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting.
Mexican fans celebrate after the Fifa World Cup match between Mexico and South Korea at the Guadalajara Stadium in Zapopan on Thursday. Photo: Reuters
People
Malaysia’s World Cup betting crackdown nets major cash seizure
Some 58 suspects arrested in nationwide raids as Southeast Asia steps up the fight against illicit gambling during the tournament.
Men row a sampan in front of a local fishing boat in Terengganu, Malaysia. Photo: Keith Mundy
Economics
How a surge in midnight sea incursions is threatening Malaysia’s blue economy
The success of Malaysia’s maritime economic development depends on its ability to monitor and protect its waters, experts say.
The Sikh Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab, India. The Khalistan separatist movement is seeking an independent Sikh homeland including Punjab and other areas. Photo: Shutterstock
Politics
Malaysia deports 2 suspected Indian separatists over rail explosion in Punjab
The two were allegedly involved in the detonation of an improvised explosive device on a railway line in April, which killed another suspect.
Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during a gala dinner on the sidelines of the Russia-Asean summit in Kazan, Russia, on Wednesday. Photo: Handout/AP
Economics
Malaysia and Asean tap Russia for energy security, defying Western ‘prejudices’
At the Asean-Russia summit in Kazan, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim signalled the bloc’s willingness to engage with Moscow on trade.
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The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted shipments of vital supplies such as oil, gas and fertiliser. Photo: AFP
Diplomacy
China urged to boost navy escorts and find other routes to secure energy supply
Closure of Strait of Hormuz has exposed fragility of maritime chokepoints and more should be done to protect shipments, analysts say.
1
In Malaysia, rugby has grown in popularity over the past few years, driven by sustained investment in school programmes. Photo: Facebook/Penang-Rugby
Southeast Asia
‘Shock for us’: rugby players’ deaths expose brutal side of Malaysia heatwave
The incidents have raised questions about whether more precautions need to be taken in countries like Malaysia where the weather is harsh.
The Champs-Elysees at night near the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Alibaba Cloud announced today that it has launched its first data centres in France. Photo: Shutterstock
Big Tech
Alibaba Cloud expands in France amid Europe’s data sovereignty push
Opening of Paris hub is a response to increased demand, says the China tech giant as it looks to roll out agentic AI services across Europe.
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Captain Robert Reyes, mission commander of Pacific Partnership 2026, speaks to sailors assigned to the mission on Naval Air Station North Island, on May 26. Photo: Handout
Politics
Aid and diplomacy: US Navy’s renewed bid for Southeast Asian influence
Pacific Partnership 2026 aims to counter China’s rising influence in the region, amid growing doubts about US leadership, analysts say.
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A Thai shrimp farmer holds a shrimp to the camera at his house in Samut Prakan province, Thailand. Photo: Reuters
Economics
Costly Malaysia-Thailand seafood stand-off nears an end
Talks are advancing on resolving the dispute, but every day of delay is costing thousands of Thai shrimp farmers.
Malaysian tourists have sparked outrage at home with viral videos mocking locals in China. Photo: Threads
People
Malaysian tourists in China scorned for calling locals ‘smelly’
The visitors also hurled insults at the locals, damaging the country’s national image amid booming Malaysia-China travel ties.
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Opinion
The View|What retail apocalypse? Southeast Asia’s malls are sitting pretty
Unlike in other markets, Southeast Asia’s malls are in a good situation as they embrace experiential retail and adapt to consumer tastes.
Nicholas Spiro
Asian Angle|Where Southeast Asians really want to live, work and travel
While Thailand leads for tourism, Singapore and Japan are the top draws for work, revealing uneven regional soft power dynamics.
Irna Nurlina
Asian Angle|Malaysia’s 3R catch-all risks turning every grievance into a threat
Conflating local governance concerns with racial and religious slights threatens pluralism and stifles legitimate public policy debate.
Syaza Shukri
Editorial|Hong Kong should spare no effort in fight against financial crime
The recent crackdown by law enforcement agencies from 10 jurisdictions on international scams shows the benefit of regional cooperation.
SCMP Editorial
Asian Angle|Asia’s silver dividend can offset ageing’s economic toll
Research shows demographic decline hits productivity, not workforce size. Keeping older workers active through technology is the solution.
Donghyun ParkKwanho Shin
Asian Angle|What the China-US stability pact means for Southeast Asia
The real test of Beijing and Washington’s adoption of ‘constructive strategic stability’ will be how words translate into action.
Hoang Thi Ha
Asian Angle|China offers Southeast Asia clear advantages in nuclear power
With its experience in exporting nuclear reactors, China can offer long-term energy security and technological upgrades.
Zha Daojiong
Reflections|Succession struggles in China’s past echoed in Malaysia’s 2026 royal crisis
Disputes over Negeri Sembilan’s next royal ruler recall how succession in China often fused dynastic legitimacy with aristocratic elections.
Wee Kek Koon
Editorial|Malaysia bourse pact extends Hong Kong’s outreach to Southeast Asia
As a centre for international and mainland Chinese capital, Hong Kong is well positioned to help firms across Asia attract investment.
SCMP Editorial
Editorial|Local schools’ outreach to overseas students a boost for education hub goal
Allowing semi-private schools to offer places to fee-paying non-local students will help Hong Kong grow as a market for overseas education.
SCMP Editorial
Asian Angle|Malaysia’s LGBTQ crackdowns aren’t hypocrisy, they’re politics
Anwar’s government isn’t failing its ideals. It’s navigating a reality where Malay-Muslim legitimacy dictates the limits of social change.
Syaza Shukri
Reflections|How the Hakka spread in China and beyond, their cuisine reflecting hard lives
A people shaped by centuries of migration, Hakka communities are found across China and are prevalent in Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand.
Wee Kek Koon
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