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
An undated passport photograph of Mongolian model Altantuya Shaariibuu is seen beside an undated picture of Malaysian political analyst Abdul Razak Baginda. Photo: AP Photo/Mongolian Consulate
People
Malaysian university slammed for talk by murdered Mongolian’s ex-lover
Abdul Razak, a former adviser to Najib Razak, still faces a civil suit after a court found him liable over Altantuya Shaariibuu’s death.
Former Chinese premier Zhu Rongji during his visit to Hong Kong in 2002. Photo: K. Y. Cheng
China
The death of China’s former premier Zhu Rongji
From world leaders paying their respects to his economic legacy, here is some of the SCMP’s reporting on Zhu Rongji’s death.
The official F1 website shows that tickets in several categories for the race in Malaysia in October were sold out. Photo: F1
Lifestyle & Culture
Malaysian F1 fans vent fury over sales process, organisers cite ‘high traffic’
The Sepang International Circuit is hosting the race for the first time since 2017 as the Bahrain leg was cancelled due to the Iran war.
Workers are seen inside a carriage of an autonomous rapid transit vehicle at a CRRC plant in Yibin, southwest China’s Sichuan province. When construction is complete, the bus will be shipped to Kuching, Malaysia. Photo: Frank Chen
China Business
Transit giant CRRC redoubles Hong Kong push as sales pitch to overseas cities
Beijing’s largest rolling stock manufacturer is eyeing a local Kai Tak project – and its autonomous rail transit vehicle – as a launch pad for global expansion.
Chinese container ship Cosco Shipping Rose docks at the Panama Canal’s Cocoli locks in Panama City. The White House has accused nine Latin American economies of helping Beijing illegally evade US tariffs by rerouting trade through countries with lower US import duties. Photo: AP
Diplomacy
US accuses 9 Latin American countries of helping China avoid Trump’s tariffs
More than 40 countries targeted for helping Beijing illegally avoid tariffs by rerouting trade via nations with lower American import duties.
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Zhu Rongji pictured in 1996 with Anwar Ibrahim, who remembered the Chinese premier as a “good friend”. Photo: AFP
Diplomacy
Malaysian PM recalls relationship ‘well beyond affairs of state’ with Zhu Rongji
Anwar joined a number of world leaders in paying tribute to the former Chinese premier who played a key role in opening up the economy.
Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party supporters wave PAS flags in Kelantan ahead of the 2022 general election. Photo: Shutterstock
Politics
PAS’ latest sharia law push signals its Malaysian federal power ambition
The move aims to signal to Malay voters that PAS is committed to Islamic values ahead of the next general election, analysts say.
3
Malaysian women spend an average of six hours and seven minutes a day on unpaid domestic and care work. Photo: AP
People
‘I’m angry’: Malaysian mums defend emergency leave amid single workers’ gripes
A caller’s complaint on a radio show sparked debate over the struggle to balance work with care burdens, as well as criticism from single peers.
A man looks at a screen depicting a person made out of pixels. AI is affecting some jobs in Southeast Asia. Photo: dpa
Economics
AI threatens nearly a quarter of Southeast Asia’s workforce but not all is lost
Being most exposed to AI does not mean that jobs would be replaced – just that some could move up the value chain or evolve, analysts say.
A man unloads the fresh fruit bunches from his car boot at a palm oil fruit collection centre for smallholders in Banting, Selangor, Malaysia. Photo: Reuters
Health & Environment
Palm oil to cool data centres? Malaysia explores option as water demand surges
However, the proposal has raised concerns that it could lead to an expansion of palm plantations and create an environmental burden.
Barc’s Orangecello merges rum with vanilla, alongside Barc’s housemade orangecello and a creamy foam made from Aylā, a Newari distilled liquor made from rice, grain or millet. Photo: Handout
100 Top Tables
How Asia’s 50 Best Bars expanded to 25 cities, from Kathmandu to Hangzhou
Singapore’s early dominance has given way to Bangkok’s lead on the 2026 list, as new hubs shake up the competition thanks to ‘cocktail tourism’.
A protester holds a sign during a rally on a road leading to the US embassy in Manila on July 13, expressing opposition to Philippines-US defence agreements and the US-led Pax Silica initiative. Photo: EPA
Politics
Will Philippines win race to secure Pax Silica hub before neighbours do?
Top diplomat warns Manila risks losing out on the opportunity if it ‘drops the ball’, even as environmental and sovereignty concerns grow.
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Wong Chen (left), joins Rafizi Ramli (centre) and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad at a press conference at Bersama’s headquarters on Wednesday. Photo: Iman Muttaqin Yusof
Politics
Veteran Malaysian MP quits Anwar’s party over ‘toxic politics’
Wong Chen, a three-term MP who had spent nearly 20 years in PKR, says he is joining Rafizi Ramli’s Bersama to ‘defend democracy’.
Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau at the opening ceremony for the office. Photo: Handout
Hong Kong Economy
New Hong Kong trade office in Malaysia a bridge to Greater Bay Area: minister
Commerce chief Algernon Yau calls launch of Economic and Trade Office in Kuala Lumpur ‘highly strategic move’.
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Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim attends a plenary session of the Russia-Asean Summit on June 18. Photo: EPA
Politics
Malaysia’s Anwar slams ‘political drama’ over Tabung Haji debate walkout
Opposition lawmakers had asked for the special session on the pilgrimage savings fund to be postponed until the prime minister’s return.
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Malaysian fugitive businessman Nicky Liow is brought to court in 2021. Photo: Weibo
Asia
Malaysia’s Liow released; Lee Kuan Yew’s pen up for auction: 7 Asia highlights
From North Korea’s dog meat advice to Prabowo at odds with Indonesia’s rich, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.
Troops from New Zealand, Philippines, the US and Australia pose with their national flags after taking part in live-fire exercises in the Philippines. Photo: Reuters
Politics
US swaps ideology for ‘flexible realism’ and deterrence in Southeast Asia
Pentagon’s Colby urges allies to invest more in defence as Washington prioritises pragmatic Indo-Pacific partnerships over moral values.
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Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau (third from right), Director of Information Services John Tse (second from right) and SCMP publisher Tammy Tam (right) join Malaysian dignitaries at the MOU signing ceremony in Kuala Lumpur. Photo: Handout
Hong Kong Economy
SCMP signs 3 MOUs in Malaysia to deepen Hong Kong-Asean regional cooperation
South China Morning Post among delegation signing agreements in Kuala Lumpur to unite policy research, journalism and business networks across Asia.
Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia. Photo: Google Maps
People
How a new UK law left overseas medical students ‘completely stranded’
The rule change has upended expectations that a NUMed degree could offer graduates a pathway to practising medicine in Britain.
Planes from AirAsia, a subsidiary airline of Capital A, are seen on the tarmac of Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2 in Sepang, Malaysia. Photo: Reuters
China Economy
China’s aviation regulator steps up safety communication with foreign carriers
The Civil Aviation Administration of China, following some operational changes, has increased its aircraft checks as an additional safety measure.
TDC’s Frederick Ma and Sophia Chong pose for a photo as the “Think Business, Think Hong Kong” flagship campaign gets under way in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Photo: Vivian Au
Hong Kong Economy
Hong Kong, Malaysia set for ‘deeper ties in semiconductor making, other sectors’
Trade Development Council chairman Frederick Ma makes comment as he joins Hong Kong’s biggest delegation to Malaysia to date for conference.
Participants at the RXZ Members 8.0 gathering at Terengganu, Malaysia, earlier this month. Photo: Facebook/RXZ Members - Official
Lifestyle & Culture
Not ‘Mat Rempit’: Malaysia’s RX-Z riders fight for community’s reputation
Enthusiasts of the discontinued motorcycle say they are ‘more relaxed’ about racing and prioritise safety rather than chasing fame or money.
A victim lies on the floor. A 62-year-old woman is in critical condition after being set on fire on Sunday. Photo: Shutterstock
Health & Environment
Malaysian MP offers US$1,200 bounty for arsonist after attack on elderly woman
The 62-year-old victim suffered 50 per cent burns to her body after she was doused with petrol and set on fire at a Kuala Lumpur shop.
The Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. South Korean companies can use Malaysia as a gateway to Asean, Malaysian officials say. Photo: AP
East Asia
Malaysia seeks to deepen trade ties with South Korea in chips, AI, halal sector
South Korea’s biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors can complement Malaysia’s halal certification system, a Malaysian official says.
A residential area in Kuala Lumpur is affected by the haze on September 29, 2023. Photo: EPA-EFE
Health & Environment
‘Out of our control’: haze returns to Malaysia as Indonesian wildfires rage
Residents in Malaysia have been urged to stay indoors as the air pollution index hits unhealthy levels in parts of Sarawak and Selangor.
Women walk past the illuminated Sultan Abdul Samad Building in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on July 26. In recent weeks, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s multi-ethnic governing coalition has suffered two consecutive defeats in state elections following campaigns dominated by racial and religious appeals. Photo: AP
Asia Opinion
Opinion|Why Malaysia’s political turmoil matters to Beijing
Malaysia shows how local battles over race and national identity could complicate China’s Southeast Asian playbook.
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A pedestrian carries an umbrella crosses a street in front of the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Tuesday. Photo: AP
Health & Environment
Climate change in Malaysia turns up heat on youth
Unicef survey shows young people reporting significant concerns including worsening illnesses and heat-related health problems.
(From left) Migrasia’s chief operating officer Paras Kalura, co-founder and director David Bishop and chief programme officer Isla Wilson. Photo: Dickson Lee
Society
How a Hong Kong charity is using AI to help migrant workers tackle exploitation
Migrasia says AI chatbot PoBot serves as centralised call centre, providing instant support and gathering data to identify patterns of abuse.
Hong Kong commerce chief Algernon Yau will lead a delegation of mainland Chinese and local firms to Malaysia. Photo: May Tse
Hong Kong Economy
Hong Kong commerce chief to lead joint local and mainland delegation to Malaysia
Algernon Yau says about 200 mainland enterprises have already set up offices in the city since last year to expand globally.
Opinion
Editorial|Hong Kong’s economic and trade network plays to city’s strengths
The opening of a new Economic and Trade Office in Kuala Lumpur is part of a strategic move towards bolstering relations with Asean.
SCMP Editorial
Asian Angle|Cambodia and Thailand must define the border to achieve lasting peace
Without boundary demarcation, all Cambodia-Thailand ceasefires are on borrowed time.
Chheang Vannarith
Asian Angle|Decades of talk, zero barrels stored: why can’t Asean stockpile oil?
The Iran war energy crisis revived Asean’s joint reserve plans. To avoid another shelved ambition, the bloc needs swift, binding action.
Elbinsar Purba
1
Asian Angle|Southeast Asia must embrace reforms for ‘China plus one’ to succeed
The region needs to build strong institutions, pursue industrial policies that allow local firms to compete and upgrade its supply chains.
Anna FongDonald Low
2
Asian Angle|Why a second ‘China shock’ is good for Southeast Asia
Fear of Chinese imports is misplaced. Roughly 90 per cent of what the region buys is inputs and machinery driving local manufacturing.
Roland Rajah
1
Macroscope|Don’t expect the rising tide of AI to lift all boats
While economies linked to hi-tech supply chains may perform well, unequal outcomes and economic instability still loom for much of the world.
Anthony Rowley
My Take|Putting the social media genie back in the bottle will not be easy to do
The determination around the world to crack down on the use of these platforms by children is a response to the mounting evidence of the harm it can do.
SCMP ColumnistCliff Buddle
Asian Angle|Asean’s side deals in Myanmar risk missing where the power truly lies
Trading collective leverage for isolated bargains blinds the bloc to changing realities on the ground.
Yuyun WahyuningrumSarah Teitt
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
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