https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/rss/323046/feed Keep up to date with the latest developments in Asian politics, with news and analysis of the meaning behind the policies en https://assets-v2.i-scmp.com/production/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg Sam Beltran Sam Beltran US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Wednesday proposed a new US-Asean defence framework to guide cooperation over what he called “critically important years” ahead, but offered few details on what it would entail. The proposal faces questions over whether members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations will embrace a bloc-wide initiative, with analysts suggesting they would prefer bilateral arrangements that preserve their flexibility as they navigate ties with Washington and... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3372484/hegseth-pitches-us-asean-defence-framework-will-it-be-hard-sell https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3372484/hegseth-pitches-us-asean-defence-framework-will-it-be-hard-sell Wed, 28 Oct 2026 15:45:41 +0000 Biman Mukherji Biman Mukherji Japan’s push to expand industrial and port cooperation with Bangladesh could transform the South Asian country into a regional trade gateway, analysts say, connecting markets in Southeast Asia and the wider Indo-Pacific while diversifying Dhaka’s economic ties. The plan was announced during Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s official visit to Japan this week. Rahman welcomed Tokyo’s pledge of US$6 billion in investment over the next five years, which could help revive an economy hit by... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3372449/japans-us6-billion-port-plan-aims-revive-bangladeshs-bruised-economy https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3372449/japans-us6-billion-port-plan-aims-revive-bangladeshs-bruised-economy Wed, 28 Oct 2026 10:00:24 +0000 Joseph Sipalan Joseph Sipalan Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is up against it in next month’s Melaka state poll, as his ruling Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition risks yet another electoral wipeout at the hands of its federal partner Umno. The two are competing head-to-head in nearly all of the 28 state assembly seats up for grabs on November 14, in a contest widely seen as favouring an incumbent state administration led by the United Malays National Organisation’s Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition. Whether BN holds onto... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3372413/melaka-avoiding-another-umno-rout-anwars-best-hope https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3372413/melaka-avoiding-another-umno-rout-anwars-best-hope Wed, 28 Oct 2026 07:17:37 +0000 Iman Muttaqin Yusof Iman Muttaqin Yusof Malaysia will still lose tens of billions of ringgit to the 1MDB scandal even after further overseas asset recoveries, its second finance minister said on Wednesday, as disgraced former prime minister Najib Razak prepares to move to house arrest. Najib has been imprisoned since 2022 following his conviction for corruption and money laundering tied to SRC International, a former subsidiary of 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). The sovereign wealth fund was co-founded by Najib in 2009 during his... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3372408/malaysia-still-deep-1mdb-red-najib-heads-home https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3372408/malaysia-still-deep-1mdb-red-najib-heads-home Wed, 28 Oct 2026 06:51:07 +0000 Anand Mathai,Johannes Nugroho Anand Mathai,Johannes Nugroho Yosafat Menteng travelled from Kalimantan on Indonesia’s Borneo island with five fellow students to join Wednesday’s protest in Jakarta against the government’s handling of forest fires that have blanketed parts of Indonesia and neighbouring countries in toxic haze. Back home in Palangka Raya, one of the worst-affected cities by the haze, he heads the students’ council at the University of Palangkaraya’s Faculty of Social and Political Sciences. “We in Kalimantan strongly urge the government to... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3372390/indonesia-deploys-hundreds-security-staff-ahead-jakarta-student-protests https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3372390/indonesia-deploys-hundreds-security-staff-ahead-jakarta-student-protests Wed, 28 Oct 2026 04:43:14 +0000 Junaid Kathju Junaid Kathju India has emerged as a major exporter of ammunition and other weapons to Europe since the outbreak of the Ukraine-Russia war, but analysts caution that New Delhi has yet to secure a lasting foothold in Europe’s defence market. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh cited a Bloomberg report last Friday stating that India had become the third-largest arms exporter to Europe under the “ReArm Europe” initiative – also known as Readiness 2030 – largely because of ammunition demand. Bloomberg, citing... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3372348/can-india-turn-wartime-ammo-sales-lasting-european-defence-ties https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3372348/can-india-turn-wartime-ammo-sales-lasting-european-defence-ties Wed, 28 Oct 2026 04:30:07 +0000 Julian Ryall Julian Ryall Japan is bracing for a more unpredictable ally in Washington, as the US midterm elections threaten to deepen political gridlock and complicate Tokyo’s long-term security calculations, analysts say. Observers warn that post-election political battles, ranging from a possible repeat of impeachment proceedings to the mounting legal battles ensnaring the administration of US President Donald Trump, risk diverting the White House’s attention from foreign policy and its long-standing commitments to... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3372360/will-us-midterm-battles-blind-washington-asia-japan-isnt-taking-any-chances https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3372360/will-us-midterm-battles-blind-washington-asia-japan-isnt-taking-any-chances Wed, 28 Oct 2026 03:00:21 +0000 Biman Mukherji Biman Mukherji Immigration restrictions, rising living costs and strains in US-India relations are testing support for President Donald Trump among some Indian-Americans who backed the Republican Party in 2024, analysts say, ahead of November’s midterm elections. A survey released in August by AAPI Data and Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote found that 66 per cent of Indian-American respondents favoured Democratic candidates for the US House of Representatives, compared with 18 per cent for Republicans.... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3372349/why-indian-american-support-trump-slipping-midterms https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3372349/why-indian-american-support-trump-slipping-midterms Wed, 28 Oct 2026 01:30:12 +0000 Park Chan-kyong Park Chan-kyong South Korea wants to take back wartime command of its troops from the United States within the next two years, but analysts say Washington is refusing to commit to a date to keep a hold on a military it sees as vital to countering China. The dispute is over wartime operational control, known as OPCON, which the US has held since shortly after the outbreak of the Korean war in 1950. If fighting were to break out again under the current arrangements, designated South Korean units would be assigned... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3372297/why-us-reluctant-give-south-korea-wartime-control-its-troops https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3372297/why-us-reluctant-give-south-korea-wartime-control-its-troops Wed, 28 Oct 2026 00:00:21 +0000 Kolette Lim Kolette Lim Singapore’s ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) has retained its core executive team in what is seen as a cautious approach despite pledges of renewal, with observers pointing to ministerial promotions as a better indication of leadership plans. The PAP emerged from an internal election on Sunday with an unchanged slate for the Central Executive Committee (CEC), its highest decision-making body, as rising ministers Jeffrey Siow and Jasmin Lau failed to secure seats, though four remaining co-opted... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3372335/why-singapores-pap-internal-vote-wrong-place-look-signs-leadership-renewal https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3372335/why-singapores-pap-internal-vote-wrong-place-look-signs-leadership-renewal Tue, 27 Oct 2026 13:11:39 +0000 Sam Beltran Sam Beltran A 50-million-peso (US$780,000) bounty for information leading to the arrest of fugitive Philippine senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa has raised questions over the Marcos administration’s ability to enforce the law against high-profile political figures, with analysts warning the move risks making Manila appear weak and reactive. Dela Rosa, who served as national police chief under former president Rodrigo Duterte, faces an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant for alleged crimes... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3372324/philippines-bounty-bato-dela-rosa-exposes-marcos-dilemma-duterte-feud https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3372324/philippines-bounty-bato-dela-rosa-exposes-marcos-dilemma-duterte-feud Tue, 27 Oct 2026 12:00:52 +0000 Resty Woro Yuniar Resty Woro Yuniar Indonesia could gain critical defence technology, investment and export opportunities through a new multi-nation defence pact with Turkey, Qatar and Pakistan, but analysts warn its success hinges on turning high-level ambition into concrete projects. The four Muslim-majority nations signed the Badr Memorandum of Understanding in Doha on Wednesday. The agreement outlines a framework for defence “cooperation and integration” across joint research and development, training exchanges and industrial... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3372306/indonesias-4-nation-defence-pact-strategic-coup-or-paper-tiger https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3372306/indonesias-4-nation-defence-pact-strategic-coup-or-paper-tiger Tue, 27 Oct 2026 10:30:06 +0000 Jeoffrey Maitem Jeoffrey Maitem The collision of two Philippine Air Force training aircraft that killed four pilots has raised questions about whether the service’s training, maintenance and safety systems can keep pace with Manila’s ambitions to acquire more advanced combat aircraft. The crash, which occurred during a fly-by rehearsal at Fernando Air Base in Lipa City, Batangas province, south of Manila, on Friday has renewed calls for a comprehensive review of the Air Force’s ageing fleet, pilot instruction, maintenance... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3372299/air-force-crash-revives-debate-philippine-militarys-modernisation-limits https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3372299/air-force-crash-revives-debate-philippine-militarys-modernisation-limits Tue, 27 Oct 2026 09:45:50 +0000 SCMP SCMP We have selected seven stories from the SCMP’s coverage of Asia over the past week that resonated with our readers and shed light on topical issues. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing. 1. Filipinos split on Marcos’ sea handling amid row over Chinese envoy’s remarks Filipinos are almost evenly divided over the Marcos administration’s handling of the maritime dispute with China, even as nearly three in four favour diplomacy over confrontation, according to... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/asia/article/3372227/why-paper-straws-are-worse-plastic-japans-silver-divorce-rise-7-asia-highlights https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/asia/article/3372227/why-paper-straws-are-worse-plastic-japans-silver-divorce-rise-7-asia-highlights Tue, 27 Oct 2026 04:30:07 +0000 Tom Hussain Tom Hussain A decision by Turkey, Pakistan, Qatar and Indonesia to jointly develop and produce weapons systems marks a major push to reduce reliance on Western armaments that come with political strings attached, observers say. Following the signing of the Badr memorandum of understanding in Doha on Wednesday, the four governments separately said they would work towards integrating their defence industries and supply chains to meet military needs. “By leveraging the capabilities of each country in the field... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3372228/why-are-turkey-pakistan-qatar-and-indonesia-joining-forces https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3372228/why-are-turkey-pakistan-qatar-and-indonesia-joining-forces Tue, 27 Oct 2026 02:23:17 +0000 SCMP’s Asia desk SCMP’s Asia desk Indonesia has defended its decision to cut natural gas exports to Singapore, citing domestic electricity and industrial needs and arguing that the reduction remains within contractual limits. The cuts came days after Indonesia’s energy minister warned that his country could stop exports to nations that “did not respect” it. On Monday, Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia defended the reduction of 31 million standard cubic feet per day in pipeline gas exports to Singapore, saying it represented about... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3372181/indonesia-defends-singapore-gas-cuts-cites-rising-domestic-needs-and-contractual-limits https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3372181/indonesia-defends-singapore-gas-cuts-cites-rising-domestic-needs-and-contractual-limits Mon, 26 Oct 2026 10:44:13 +0000 Iman Muttaqin Yusof Iman Muttaqin Yusof A Malaysian ruler is demanding accountability over the mismanagement of a pilgrimage fund, after a government rescue package, criminal proceedings against former officials and half-hearted reforms have fuelled concerns about political influence in an institution entrusted with the savings of millions of the country’s Muslims. Tabung Haji holds the savings of more than 9.8 million depositors and helps Malaysian Muslims finance and undertake the pilgrimage to Mecca, a religious obligation for... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3372160/fed-malaysian-sultan-rebukes-scandal-hit-pilgrimage-fund-demands-accountability https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3372160/fed-malaysian-sultan-rebukes-scandal-hit-pilgrimage-fund-demands-accountability Mon, 26 Oct 2026 08:28:02 +0000 Raissa Robles Raissa Robles Filipinos are almost evenly divided over the Marcos administration’s handling of the maritime dispute with China, even as nearly three in four favour diplomacy over confrontation, according to a new survey. That preference has taken on added significance after recent remarks by China’s ambassador to Manila sparked a diplomatic row ahead of November’s Asean summit. The feud underscored the challenge of managing tensions with Beijing, and increasingly hostile rhetoric could make the diplomatic... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3371980/filipinos-split-marcos-south-china-sea-handling-amid-row-over-jing-quans-remarks https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3371980/filipinos-split-marcos-south-china-sea-handling-amid-row-over-jing-quans-remarks Sun, 25 Oct 2026 08:00:06 +0000 Kolette Lim Kolette Lim Singapore is turning to major technology firms to strengthen its cyber defences, even as it presses them for greater transparency over security breaches – a balancing act facing regional governments as they seek to harness artificial intelligence while guarding against the risks it introduces. Those risks were highlighted by an AI agent linked to OpenAI that gained unauthorised access to files on an Australian government website earlier this year, raising questions over how quickly companies... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3371950/singapore-embraces-ai-cyber-defence-one-caveat-breach-transparency https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3371950/singapore-embraces-ai-cyber-defence-one-caveat-breach-transparency Sun, 25 Oct 2026 00:00:14 +0000 Anand Mathai,Johannes Nugroho Anand Mathai,Johannes Nugroho When 35-year-old Bekasi resident Ika Kartika voted for Prabowo Subianto in Indonesia’s 2024 presidential election, she hoped the former general would restore a “Suharto-like” era of stability, when everyday essentials were affordable and life felt more predictable. Growing up, she had often heard her parents reminisce about the “good old days” under the late strongman, whose rule had brought a sense of order to their lives. Two years into his presidency, however, rising food prices have left Ika... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/people/article/3371953/big-dreams-growing-pains-indonesia-prabowos-turbulent-2-years-power https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/people/article/3371953/big-dreams-growing-pains-indonesia-prabowos-turbulent-2-years-power Sat, 24 Oct 2026 00:00:19 +0000 Biman Mukherji Biman Mukherji Recent youth-led protests in New Delhi and other cities in India have fuelled allegations that they are connected to unrest in France and elsewhere in Europe, with an influential Hindu nationalist organisation warning of foreign forces seeking to destabilise societies. While analysts caution against concluding that foreign interference played a role in demonstrations in India, they say protesters in Europe and India share similar concerns, reflecting their mounting anger that education and hard... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3371963/economic-fears-fuel-protests-india-france-social-contract-breaks-down https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3371963/economic-fears-fuel-protests-india-france-social-contract-breaks-down Fri, 23 Oct 2026 12:24:04 +0000 Sam Beltran Sam Beltran The Philippines is turning to the United States to build its oil stockpile amid the global energy crunch, with observers saying the move could also serve Washington’s military interests and deepen strategic ties. A bilateral deal could deliver more immediate benefits than a broader Asean stockpile, which would entail coordination hurdles, analysts said, but questions remain over how quickly Manila could establish such a reserve and whether it would meaningfully reduce long-term dependence on... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3371877/how-philippines-energy-crisis-opening-doors-deeper-us-military-ties https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3371877/how-philippines-energy-crisis-opening-doors-deeper-us-military-ties Fri, 23 Oct 2026 09:00:07 +0000 Iman Muttaqin Yusof Iman Muttaqin Yusof Malaysia’s oil-rich Sarawak state will dissolve its assembly on Monday in a test of political strength for a powerful regional coalition whose support has become crucial to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s government. Anwar is facing growing pressure following electoral setbacks for his own coalition in Peninsular Malaysia, while over in Borneo, ruling Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) continues to press for greater autonomy and control over the state’s vast oil and gas resources. Sarawak Premier Abang... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3371903/malaysias-oil-rich-sarawak-heads-polls-forcing-anwar-yet-another-federal-test https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3371903/malaysias-oil-rich-sarawak-heads-polls-forcing-anwar-yet-another-federal-test Fri, 23 Oct 2026 07:51:10 +0000 Joseph Sipalan Joseph Sipalan Embattled Negeri Sembilan chief minister Ismail Lasim has denied claims that he has resigned, as a constitutional crisis in the Malaysian state spiralled further following a move by his executive council to challenge their sacking by the state’s ruler in court. The state has been all but paralysed by a dispute that began in April over who has the right to sit on Negeri Sembilan’s throne, bringing down a state government aligned with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s ruling Pakatan Harapan (PH)... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3371866/i-am-not-resigning-embattled-leader-digs-malaysia-royal-crisis-deepens https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3371866/i-am-not-resigning-embattled-leader-digs-malaysia-royal-crisis-deepens Fri, 23 Oct 2026 04:35:02 +0000 Resty Woro Yuniar Resty Woro Yuniar Indonesia’s government has resisted mounting calls to declare widespread forest and land fires a national disaster, insisting it can handle the crisis alone as residents report worsening health impacts and disaster experts warn that a broader, coordinated response is needed. Critics suggest the reluctance may stem from concerns that a national declaration could force Jakarta to redirect funds from other political priorities, while exposing the administration to greater scrutiny over its disaster... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3371793/indonesia-haze-why-jakarta-wont-declare-wildfires-national-disaster https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3371793/indonesia-haze-why-jakarta-wont-declare-wildfires-national-disaster Thu, 22 Oct 2026 10:00:43 +0000 Junaid Kathju Junaid Kathju India’s planned acquisition of four large amphibious warships would strengthen its ability to support naval logistics and humanitarian missions across the Indian Ocean, with security experts saying their value depends on how the navy could effectively utilise them during a crisis. The Indian Navy has invited bids for four landing platform docks (LPDs), each with a displacement of more than 30,000 tonnes. Indian Navy Vice Chief Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar said at a media briefing on Monday that a... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3371775/india-seeks-expand-navys-reach-4-amphibious-warships https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3371775/india-seeks-expand-navys-reach-4-amphibious-warships Thu, 22 Oct 2026 09:00:12 +0000 Park Chan-kyong Park Chan-kyong The two Koreas appear to be coming closer to an armed clash along their poorly marked military dividing line after a series of increasingly hostile warnings from the North, observers say. Back-to-back statements on Wednesday and Thursday by Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, appear aimed at building a case for blaming Seoul for any future exchange of fire, they say. “The two sides appear to be edging closer to accidental armed clashes,” said Oh Gyeong-seob, a... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3371730/what-kim-yo-jongs-border-warnings-reveal-about-inter-korean-escalation-risk https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3371730/what-kim-yo-jongs-border-warnings-reveal-about-inter-korean-escalation-risk Thu, 22 Oct 2026 04:35:54 +0000 Julian Ryall Julian Ryall Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has marked one year in office still riding relatively high in public opinion polls – a heady position that few political analysts anticipated despite geopolitical tensions and persistent inflation. A poll by the conservative-leaning Yomiuri newspaper published on Monday indicated that Takaichi’s cabinet retains the support of 57 per cent of the Japanese public, down two percentage points from the previous survey on September 18 and significantly lower than... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3371661/takaichi-remains-popular-japanese-public-can-she-maintain-her-grip-ldp https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3371661/takaichi-remains-popular-japanese-public-can-she-maintain-her-grip-ldp Thu, 22 Oct 2026 00:00:11 +0000 Biman Mukherji Biman Mukherji US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to India’s Jamnagar this week – home to the world’s largest oil refining complex – signals energy cooperation as the anchor for bilateral ties even as broader policy friction frays relations, according to analysts. On Tuesday, Rubio indicated that India’s largest private company, Reliance Industries, which owns the Jamnagar oil refinery complex, will buy more Venezuelan oil. “India is a refining superpower. They have the capability to refine heavy crude.... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3371651/why-us-secretary-state-rubio-skipping-delhi-indian-oil-refinery https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3371651/why-us-secretary-state-rubio-skipping-delhi-indian-oil-refinery Wed, 21 Oct 2026 10:30:06 +0000 Joseph Sipalan Joseph Sipalan All civil servants in Malaysia have been banned from using Waze, following a warning by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of security concerns over the Israeli government’s control of the mobile navigation app. The government announced the decision after a National Cyber Security Committee (NCSC) meeting chaired by Anwar on Tuesday, according to an official circular. “In this regard, all ministry secretaries-general and heads of department must make sure this decision is communicated to all officers... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3371631/malaysia-bars-civil-servants-using-waze-citing-israels-control-app https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3371631/malaysia-bars-civil-servants-using-waze-citing-israels-control-app Wed, 21 Oct 2026 07:53:33 +0000 Kolette Lim Kolette Lim Singapore’s state investors Temasek and GIC have denied involvement in Indonesia’s looming MSCI reclassification, following accusations that the city state’s sovereign wealth funds were pulling strings behind the scenes for their own gain. On Wednesday, Fock Wai Hoong, head of Asia-Pacific at Temasek Global Investments, said the claims had “no basis” and were “patently untrue”. GIC also dismissed the allegations. Former Indonesian trade minister Muhammad Lutfi on Monday claimed that both firms... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3371626/singapore-hits-back-over-claims-it-rigged-indonesias-stock-market-crash https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3371626/singapore-hits-back-over-claims-it-rigged-indonesias-stock-market-crash Wed, 21 Oct 2026 07:42:25 +0000 Aidan Jones Aidan Jones Fresh from walking down red carpets laid out by his Southeast Asian neighbours, Myanmar’s ex-military chief Min Aung Hlaing appears to have a new diplomatic feather in his cap: re-engagement with the United States. Washington slapped sanctions on Min Aung Hlaing just 10 days after his February 1, 2021 coup and the ensuing bloody crackdown on pro-democracy protesters. Waves of subsequent sanctions targeted military-linked companies and cronies. Yet since last month, two rounds of talks with US... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3371605/whats-behind-quiet-us-diplomatic-thaw-myanmar https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3371605/whats-behind-quiet-us-diplomatic-thaw-myanmar Wed, 21 Oct 2026 05:58:55 +0000 Iman Muttaqin Yusof,Joseph Sipalan Iman Muttaqin Yusof,Joseph Sipalan Malaysia’s main opposition coalition lost its registration on Tuesday, just 11 days before nominations for a state election, drawing accusations that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s government is using state powers to cripple its rivals. The decision leaves Perikatan Nasional (PN) – already fractured by a bitter dispute between its Islamist anchor, the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), and estranged partner Bersatu – fighting to preserve its electoral identity ahead of Melaka’s November 14... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3371509/malaysias-opposition-bloc-declared-invalid-limited-gains-anwar https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3371509/malaysias-opposition-bloc-declared-invalid-limited-gains-anwar Tue, 20 Oct 2026 09:42:09 +0000 SCMP’s Asia desk SCMP’s Asia desk Two Singaporean men lost their positions in the armed forces after they were convicted of having sex with a 15-year-old boy. Former army captain Chaw Chia Jun, 41, was sentenced to 17 months’ jail on Tuesday, while his co-accused Owen Toh Wei Song, a former navy cook, was jailed for 12 months on September 22, according to CNA. Singapore’s Ministry of Defence has confirmed that both were suspended after their arrest in 2024 and were no longer in the military. “The Singapore Armed Forces holds its... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3371490/ex-army-captain-singapore-jailed-17-months-sex-15-year-old-boy https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3371490/ex-army-captain-singapore-jailed-17-months-sex-15-year-old-boy Tue, 20 Oct 2026 08:31:37 +0000 SCMP’s Asia desk SCMP’s Asia desk Indonesia has held off on seeking foreign aid from its neighbours to contain months-long forest fires fuelling a toxic transboundary haze, insisting it is “still capable” of handling the crisis. Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Dudung Abdurachman attributed the decision to Jakarta’s delay in declaring the fires a national disaster, despite Japan’s Self-Defence Forces conducting aerial firefighting operations in the country last month. The deployment follows a pact signed... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/health-environment/article/3371479/indonesia-backtracks-foreign-aid-fight-toxic-haze-choking-southeast-asia https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/health-environment/article/3371479/indonesia-backtracks-foreign-aid-fight-toxic-haze-choking-southeast-asia Tue, 20 Oct 2026 07:27:02 +0000 Iman Muttaqin Yusof Iman Muttaqin Yusof Calls to boycott a Malaysian Chinese-owned coffee-shop chain over its omission of Malay text from its menu have reignited arguments over race and national identity, as political parties jostle to court the country’s majority ethnic group ahead of the next general election. The Oriental Kopi boycott marks the latest saga fuelling ethnic grievances that politicians have been seen to capitalise on by portraying themselves as defenders of Malay identity. It comes ahead of the November 14 election in... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3371474/how-malaysian-coffee-shop-menu-became-latest-political-battleground https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3371474/how-malaysian-coffee-shop-menu-became-latest-political-battleground Tue, 20 Oct 2026 07:00:35 +0000 Aidan Jones Aidan Jones Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to dial down the rhetoric and use a hotline between their navy commanders to avoid flashpoints over a vast contested patch of energy-rich seas in the Gulf of Thailand, according to a UN-backed mediation panel at The Hague tasked with helping to settle the dispute between the neighbours. The Southeast Asian countries have also squabbled for decades over the demarcation of their 800km (500-mile) land border, where clashes last year killed scores on both sides and... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3371443/thailand-cambodia-seek-calm-escalating-dispute-over-us300-billion-seabed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3371443/thailand-cambodia-seek-calm-escalating-dispute-over-us300-billion-seabed Tue, 20 Oct 2026 02:43:06 +0000 Julian Ryall Julian Ryall The arrest of a Japanese journalist in Russia has finally woken Tokyo up to the fact that Moscow is playing hardball in their diplomatic relationship, and the country’s apparent unwillingness to push back with commensurate force could encourage the Kremlin to test its neighbour’s resolve, analysts say. Japan lodged an official protest with the Russian ambassador in Tokyo on Wednesday, a day after Moscow announced the arrest of Yuki Imai from the Hokkaido Shimbun Press on suspicion of espionage.... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3371438/japans-dilemma-over-frosty-ties-russia-deepens-after-reporters-arrest https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3371438/japans-dilemma-over-frosty-ties-russia-deepens-after-reporters-arrest Tue, 20 Oct 2026 00:25:20 +0000 Biman Mukherji Biman Mukherji India has a soaring ambition to modernise its air force, built around a fleet of domestically developed fighter jets. Yet production of these aircraft has been hampered by engine delays and other bottlenecks that defence analysts say could limit its ability to fight future air wars. On October 11 at an airbase in Jodhpur, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh strapped into a Tejas jet for the last time. It was his final fighter sortie before retiring later this month and he flew it in an Indian-built jet... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3371177/india-needs-more-fighter-jets-it-cannot-build-them-fast-enough https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3371177/india-needs-more-fighter-jets-it-cannot-build-them-fast-enough Mon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:10 +0000 Tom Hussain Tom Hussain Pakistan’s counterterrorism campaign against Taliban insurgents risks being undermined by public resentment, following the dismissal of the opposition-led administration of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province. According to a statement issued by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s office after an emergency cabinet meeting last Sunday, the decision to impose temporary federal rule was necessitated by the “provincial government’s deliberate disengagement from the fight against terrorism”. The KP... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3371202/pakistan-risks-deeper-instability-political-feud-threatens-counterterrorism-efforts https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3371202/pakistan-risks-deeper-instability-political-feud-threatens-counterterrorism-efforts Sun, 18 Oct 2026 08:00:09 +0000 Sam Beltran Sam Beltran US President Donald Trump is expected to drive hard bargains on tariffs and critical minerals in his return to the Asean summit in Manila next month, with Washington seeking greater economic and strategic concessions while remaining hawkish on China. The Philippines confirmed on Wednesday that Trump would fly in for the summit from November 16 to 18, before attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit in Shenzhen that same week. Trump’s second consecutive appearance at the forum... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/economics/article/3371132/trumps-second-asean-summit-presence-comes-price-region https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/economics/article/3371132/trumps-second-asean-summit-presence-comes-price-region Sun, 18 Oct 2026 00:00:08 +0000 Iman Muttaqin Yusof Iman Muttaqin Yusof A Malaysian ruler known for being reserved has publicly berated his chief minister over efforts to unseat him, telling the politician to “go away” and withdraw his claim that the monarch no longer holds the throne. Negeri Sembilan, south of Kuala Lumpur, has been caught in a dispute since April over who is its rightful ruler, bringing down one state government aligned with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s ruling Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition and leaving its newly appointed chief minister without... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/people/article/3371185/malaysias-negeri-sembilan-ruler-orders-chief-minister-out-sight-rare-public-rebuke https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/people/article/3371185/malaysias-negeri-sembilan-ruler-orders-chief-minister-out-sight-rare-public-rebuke Fri, 16 Oct 2026 10:58:20 +0000 Resty Woro Yuniar Resty Woro Yuniar Indonesia has spent months trying to persuade investors that its economy is on the right course. A weakening rupiah, mounting budgetary pressures and a series of contentious policy decisions have made that task harder. Doubts about the management of Southeast Asia’s largest economy have now coalesced around its central bank, whose independence has come under intense scrutiny recently as President Prabowo Subianto seeks to steer economic policy. The appointment of Destry Damayanti – initially as... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/economics/article/3371114/indonesias-central-bank-insists-it-independent-investors-want-proof https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/economics/article/3371114/indonesias-central-bank-insists-it-independent-investors-want-proof Fri, 16 Oct 2026 09:00:07 +0000 SCMP’s Asia desk SCMP’s Asia desk The governor of an Indonesian province bearing the brunt of weeks of raging forest fires has sought to douse anger over his trip to Singapore, as Jakarta “welcomed” help from its neighbours choked by transboundary haze to contain the crisis. East Kalimantan Governor Rudy Mas’ud, who was spotted having breakfast with his wife at the famous integrated resort Marina Bay Sands in a photo posted online on Sunday, said he travelled to the city state for a medical check-up. Rudy’s clarification came... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3371110/indonesian-governors-singapore-trip-adds-fury-forest-fire-haze-crisis https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3371110/indonesian-governors-singapore-trip-adds-fury-forest-fire-haze-crisis Fri, 16 Oct 2026 05:45:12 +0000 Park Chan-kyong Park Chan-kyong North Korea’s apparent use of different launch methods to fire two types of cruise missiles from a tactical nuclear-capable submarine raises fresh questions about the operational readiness of its growing undersea arsenal, observers have said. The North’s official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said on Thursday the country had “test-fired two types of submarine-launched strategic cruise missiles” off its eastern coast. The tests “contributed to inspecting the regular mobilisation readiness of... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3371072/north-koreas-cruise-missile-launches-test-regional-defence-arms-race-intensifies https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3371072/north-koreas-cruise-missile-launches-test-regional-defence-arms-race-intensifies Fri, 16 Oct 2026 00:02:32 +0000 Ushar Daniele Ushar Daniele Malaysia’s powerful Conference of Rulers and the government need to intervene and find a solution to the months-long royal stand-off in Negeri Sembilan and constitutional limbo over the status of the state’s ruler, according to political analysts. Negeri Sembilan’s royal house has been locked in a bitter deadlock since April over whether incumbent Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir or his proposed replacement, Tunku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja’afar, is the rightful ruler. The feud has taken down a state... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3371026/negeri-sembilan-royal-crisis-persists-malaysian-rulers-government-urged-step https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3371026/negeri-sembilan-royal-crisis-persists-malaysian-rulers-government-urged-step Thu, 15 Oct 2026 09:50:57 +0000 Alan Robles,Raissa Robles Alan Robles,Raissa Robles Philippine officials want a new anti-foreign interference law ahead of the 2028 presidential election, as a raid on a suspected online scam centre near the country’s military headquarters and reports of Chinese-linked money transfers to a company tied to Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio’s family fuel national security concerns. On Monday, immigration and military operatives arrested 76 foreigners at a facility in Quezon City suspected of being linked to Philippine offshore gaming operators... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3370898/philippine-law-targeting-foreign-agents-spurs-fears-free-speech-curbs https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3370898/philippine-law-targeting-foreign-agents-spurs-fears-free-speech-curbs Wed, 14 Oct 2026 13:00:11 +0000 Ushar Daniele Ushar Daniele A long-awaited code of conduct (COC) for the South China Sea risks becoming a toothless agreement, analysts have warned, as Beijing and Southeast Asian nations scramble to hammer out a deal by the end of 2026. More than three decades since it was mooted, the proposed pact has remained gridlocked over how to balance competing territorial claims among China and four rival claimant states – Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei and the Philippines. Maritime experts speaking at a conference in Kuala Lumpur this... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3370850/will-south-china-seas-code-conduct-remain-elusive-deadline-looms https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3370850/will-south-china-seas-code-conduct-remain-elusive-deadline-looms Wed, 14 Oct 2026 07:35:11 +0000 Julian Ryall Julian Ryall A growing number of Japanese regard the United States as the greatest threat to world peace ahead of traditional rival China, according to a new survey. The annual poll, released by the Japan Press Research Institute on Saturday, found 26.8 per cent of respondents named the US as the biggest threat to global peace. That was up 9.3 percentage points on last year and far above the 6.6 per cent recorded in 2024. Russia came top of the list in 2025 but slipped to third place this year, with 18.3 per... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3370732/why-younger-japanese-now-fear-trumps-us-more-china https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3370732/why-younger-japanese-now-fear-trumps-us-more-china Wed, 14 Oct 2026 00:00:13 +0000 Raissa Robles Raissa Robles The Philippine military has rejected calls to restore direct communication channels with its Chinese counterpart, despite warnings from Beijing that their absence risks “miscalculation” during confrontations and could further escalate tensions in the South China Sea. On Tuesday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said it would not communicate with its Chinese counterpart in advance of its maritime operations, arguing that such channels were ineffective without mutual respect for international... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3370778/philippines-rejects-chinas-calls-direct-contact-amid-miscalculation-warnings https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3370778/philippines-rejects-chinas-calls-direct-contact-amid-miscalculation-warnings Tue, 13 Oct 2026 14:35:57 +0000