Anwar’s petrol subsidy cuts test patience of Malaysians ‘addicted’ to cheap fuel

By Joseph Sipalan Expertly switching between woks as he whips up appam, the coconut and rice batter pancakes that draw morning commuters to his roadside stall in a Kuala Lumpur suburb, Raj Kumar harbours anxieties that simmer away beneath the calm: petrol subsidy cuts are looming and prices may soon rise again. At 44, Raj […]

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Struggle must continue until justice prevails in Bangladesh: Tarique Rahman

Dhaka:  The struggle must continue until justice and the rule of law are established in Bangladesh, BNP acting chairperson Tarique Rahman said today (5 July). In a statement on the occasion of the holy Ashura, Tarique claimed that the last 16 years under the “fallen fascist Awami government” have been marked by sham elections, rigging votes, […]

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Is Central Asia the Next Target of Russian Aggression?

By Alex Little As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine drags into its third year, analysts have speculated whether Vladimir Putin might turn his sights elsewhere. While most concern has focused on Europe, some have pointed to Central Asia, a part of Russia’s traditional sphere of influence, as a possible next target. Despite Central Asia’s rising geopolitical […]

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How powerful is Thailand’s constitutional court? PM’s suspension reignites influence debate

By Maria Siow The suspension of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has reignited debate over the Constitutional Court’s growing influence in Thailand’s democratic system, amid concerns electoral mandates risk being curtailed by judicial and conservative power centres. While the court’s decision on Tuesday to suspend Paetongtarn over a leaked phone call with Cambodia’s former leader Hun […]

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Ex-Malaysian PM Ismail Sabri’s family hit by scandal as former son-in-law declared bankrupt

By Hadi Azmi The bankruptcy of high-profile fashion designer Jovian Mandagie, the former son-in-law of Malaysia’s ex-prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, has brought renewed attention to the growing scandals surrounding the former leader’s family. Jovian, once a household name in Malaysian and Indonesian fashion circles, was declared bankrupt by the Kuala Lumpur High Court on […]

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Thai opposition to hold off on no-confidence vote against government

Thailand’s opposition parties said on Thursday that they will hold off on launching a no-confidence vote against suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra pending a court ruling, but they vowed to work together to avoid political deadlock. Thailand’s Constitutional Court on Tuesday suspended Paetongtarn from her duties after accepting a petition from 36 senators who accused […]

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Thai veteran politician set for single day as acting prime minister

BANGKOK: Thailand’s acting prime minister is set to helm the country for only one full day on Wednesday (Jul 2), standing in for suspended premier Paetongtarn Shinawatra before being replaced himself in a Cabinet reshuffle. Transport minister and deputy prime minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit began his engagements by attending a ceremony in Bangkok celebrating the longevity […]

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China says it is willing to take lead in signing Southeast Asia nuclear weapon-free zone treaty

China firmly supports establishing a Southeast Asia nuclear weapon free zone and has made clear its willingness to take the lead in signing the treaty, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Thursday. “We stand ready to stay in communication with ASEAN countries on this matter,” Mao Ning told a regular press conference. Malaysia said […]

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