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This Week in Asia
Official portrait of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral, who died on December 19. Photo: Facebook / Department of Public Works and Highways

Politics

Philippine’s flood-control probe ‘in peril’ after death of public works official

Analysts said the death removes a pivotal witness and exposes weaknesses in how authorities have handled evidence and testimony.

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India overtakes Japan as world’s fourth largest economy, eyes top 3 by 2026

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Asia’s year of costly climate disasters spurs calls for ‘decisive action’

Politics

Border row aids Anutin as Shinawatras play catch up in Thai election

Caretaker PM Anutin rides nationalist wave over Cambodia; Pheu Thai taps Thaksin’s nephew to revive brand; reformists drop key vows to stay relevant.

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Thailand’s caretaker Prime Minister and Bhumjaithai Party candidate Anutin Charnvirakul (centre) poses for photos on the first day of candidate registration in Bangkok on Sunday. Photo: AFP
Thailand’s caretaker Prime Minister and Bhumjaithai Party candidate Anutin Charnvirakul (centre) poses for photos on the first day of candidate registration in Bangkok on Sunday. Photo: AFP

South Asia

Former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia dies after prolonged illness

Despite her ill health, 80-year-old Zia, a dominant figure in Dhaka’s turbulent power struggles, had vowed to run in next year’s election.

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People

Nepal probes illegal matchmaking as China cautions citizens over ‘bride buying’

Officials say online brokers are promoting Nepali women to Chinese men, prompting detentions and official warnings.

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Lifestyle & Culture

How illegal firecrackers ignite a dangerous Philippine new year tradition

Despite decades of regulation, warnings and police raids, Filipinos continue to welcome the new year with explosive celebrations.

Residents watch firecrackers exploding during New Year’s Eve celebrations in Paranaque city, Metro Manila, the Philippines. Photo: Reuters
Residents watch firecrackers exploding during New Year’s Eve celebrations in Paranaque city, Metro Manila, the Philippines. Photo: Reuters

Southeast Asia

Malaysia’s Najib Razak challenges 15-year jail term in 1MDB case

A court last week ordered Najib to begin ‍serving the additional sentence after his current six-year prison term ends in 2028.

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Politics

Probe into South Korea’s Kim Keon-hee ends with ‘unresolved issues’

Analysts say the findings have raised questions about whether South Korea’s laws can deal with alleged abuses of power by a president’s spouse.

Politics

Najib’s new 1MDB verdict deepens Umno rifts, testing Malaysia’s unity government

The jail term for the former prime minister has reignited grass roots anger and raised questions over Umno’s future inside Anwar’s coalition.

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Supporters of former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak gather outside the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya on December 26, ahead of a High Court verdict in his 1MDB-linked corruption and money laundering case. Photo: Reuters

Economics

Why Myanmar’s junta election cannot hide a collapsing economy

Analysts warn that conflict, power shortages and resource extraction under military rule are pushing Myanmar’s economy further into reverse.

A vendor waits beside bottles of oil at a market in Pyin Oo Lwin, Myanmar. Inflation in the country has reached record highs of about 30 per cent over the past two years. Photo: AFP
A vendor waits beside bottles of oil at a market in Pyin Oo Lwin, Myanmar. Inflation in the country has reached record highs of about 30 per cent over the past two years. Photo: AFP

Asia

Rise of Peranakan Chinese networks, Malaysian ex-PM jailed: 7 Asia highlights

From Indonesia fuming over flag stunt to Duterte’s drug war verdict upheld, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.

Southeast Asia

‘I’m lucky’: Malaysians cash in as ringgit’s surge boosts travel budgets

Travellers capitalise on the favourable exchange rate for holidays after the currency hit a five-year high against the US dollar.

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Southeast Asia

‘They always lie’: pro-military party claims big lead in Myanmar’s disputed vote

The overwhelming lead claimed by the USDP in the first poll phase is met with condemnation from rights groups warning of a rigged process.

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A USDP supporter waves a party flag on the first day of the general election campaign in Naypyidaw, Myanmar, on October 28. Photo: AP

Southeast Asia

Malaysia army chief on leave amid procurement scandal raids

Authorities are investigating high-value contracts to specific firms. Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan has stepped down for a conflict-free probe.

Malaysia’s Army Chief General Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan attends a press conference in Kuala Lumpur on September 25. Photo: AFP
Malaysia’s Army Chief General Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan attends a press conference in Kuala Lumpur on September 25. Photo: AFP

Australasia

Bondi Beach attack hero wanted to protect ‘innocent people’

Recovering from gunshot wounds, Syrian Ahmed al Ahmed says he ‘saved lots’ but mourns the 15 victims of the tragedy.

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People

Will Tarique Rahman’s return to Bangladesh ease tensions, restore stability?

Rahman could help consolidate the BNP’s position as the dominant electoral force, while tempering a volatile political climate, analysts say.

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Economics

Thailand’s tourism crown slips as troubles in paradise mount

Border clashes with Cambodia, fierce competition from Malaysia, deadly floods and a strong baht threaten the kingdom’s holiday appeal.

Illustration: Huy Truong
Illustration: Huy Truong

Economics

Southeast Asia’s rich buy sky garages while the middle class lose their homes

As wealthy buyers seek penthouses with living-room supercar parking, struggling families battle banks to keep a roof overhead.

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Health & Environment

6 cyclones, 5 weeks: Philippines can’t escape its endless cycle of disaster

Corruption, complacency and climate chaos conspire to turn the Philippines’ natural hazards into man-made tragedies.

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Politics

‘It’s time for us to rise’: India races to rebuild its lost maritime muscle

India is eyeing a future as a leading shipping and shipbuilding nation, backed by big investments – and expertise from South Korea and Japan.

Illustration: Huy Truong
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Highlights from
THIS WEEK IN ASIA

Politics

Philippine’s flood-control probe ‘in peril’ after death of public works official

videocam
Official portrait of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral, who died on December 19. Photo: Facebook / Department of Public Works and Highways

Health & Environment

Asia’s year of costly climate disasters spurs calls for ‘decisive action’

A commuter wades through floodwaters from Cyclone Ditwah in Chennai on December 2. Flooding in India and Pakistan has killed over 1,860 people and caused up to US$6 billion in damages in 2025, according to a new report. Photo: AFP

Politics

Border row aids Anutin as Shinawatras play catch up in Thai election

videocam
Thailand’s caretaker Prime Minister and Bhumjaithai Party candidate Anutin Charnvirakul (centre) poses for photos on the first day of candidate registration in Bangkok on Sunday. Photo: AFP

Lifestyle & Culture

How illegal firecrackers ignite a dangerous Philippine new year tradition

Residents watch firecrackers exploding during New Year’s Eve celebrations in Paranaque city, Metro Manila, the Philippines. Photo: Reuters

Politics

Probe into South Korea’s Kim Keon-hee ends with ‘unresolved issues’

South Korea’s former first lady Kim Keon-hee leaves the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho district on August 12, after attending a court review on her arrest. Photo: Korea Times
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