By Hadi Azmi Anwar Ibrahim’s decades-long struggle for reform once inspired a generation to take to the streets, railing against corruption and cronyism. But two years into his tenure as prime minister, the political realities of governance have begun to erode his once-revered “Reformasi” brand. Critics accuse him of compromising principles for political survival, settling […]
Read MoreFrench President Emmanuel Macron bestowed Indonesia’s leader with France’s top award during a visit to a military base on Thursday, before a trip to the world’s largest Buddhist temple. Macron’s visit to Indonesia is the second stop of a three-nation, six-day tour of Southeast Asia that began with Vietnam and concludes in Singapore. After meeting […]
Read MoreThe Economist’s latest printed edition for Asia featuring Vietnam’s top leader To Lam on its cover has been banned in Vietnam, sources at two local media distributors told Reuters, in a new instance of censorship in the Communist-run country. The May 24 issue, which is still available in the country in its electronic version, portrays […]
Read MoreKUALA LUMPUR: Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah was admitted to the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday due to fatigue, Malaysian government sources confirmed to AFP. The sultan is in Kuala Lumpur with other Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders, who are meeting on Tuesday with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and dignitaries from […]
Read MoreSoutheast Asian leaders meet Monday for their first summit since Donald Trump’s tariff policies upended global economic norms, with the trade-dependent nations expected to issue a joint message of deep concern over recent US actions. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will also tackle pressing regional issues, attempting to increase pressure on Myanmar’s military […]
Read MoreFrance and Vietnam are set to sign dozens of deals on Monday when French President Emmanuel Macron meets Vietnamese leaders in Hanoi as he seeks to increase France’s influence in the former colony, which faces threats of high US tariffs. In his first formal visit to the country, and the first for a French president […]
Read MoreMalaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Monday hailed “significant” steps to engage warring sides in Myanmar, as Southeast Asian leaders met for talks to address the protracted conflict and offset global trade uncertainty from US President Donald Trump’s tariff threats. Myanmar has been in turmoil since its military overthrew the elected civilian government of Nobel […]
Read MoreKUALA LUMPUR: Asean Foreign Ministers have commended Malaysia’s proactive leadership in reviving efforts to implement the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) and facilitating constructive dialogue to address the ongoing crisis in Myanmar. Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo said both the informal and extended informal consultations on the implementation of the 5PC, held Saturday (May […]
Read MorePHNOM PENH (Khmer Time): Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has advised relevant government ministries and institutions to strengthen their preparedness for natural disasters and the emergence of a new Covid-19 variant. As the rainy season sets in, Hun Manet, during the weekly cabinet meeting at the Peace Palace on May 23, emphasised the importance of […]
Read MoreMalaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said that separate talks with Myanmar’s junta leader and key opposition figures have yielded results, paving the way for the first direct contact between the two sides engaged in a long and destructive civil war. Last month, Anwar met with Junta chairman Min Aung Hlaing behind closed doors in Bangkok, […]
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