For property developers and investors, contractors, property management companies and residential landlords, 2026 will be a year of significant developments in UK building safety.
Manufacturers seek further clarity on UK’s ‘forever chemicals’ approach
UK manufacturers will be looking for greater clarity as the government launches its first-ever plan to reduce the risks posed by certain harmful chemicals and pesticides in 2026, an expert has said.
Malaysia’s Umno seeks Najib’s pardon amid 1MDB scandal, while staying in PM Anwar’s coalition
The United Malays National Organisation (Umno), which for decades dominated Malaysian politics and remains a key member of the ruling coalition, is set to renew a push for the release of jailed former prime minister Najib Razak next week, even as it steps back from threats to quit the government.
Resolutions pushing for a full pardon and demanding justice for Najib were the “hottest topic” submitted by the party’s 191 divisions ahead of its annual assembly, Secretary General Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki…
Economic impact and regulatory limits in spotlight as MPs debate new UK cyber security law
The capacity of British regulators to meet the increased cyber security demands being placed on companies under planned new legislation has been questioned by lawmakers.
Why Bali wants to check tourists’ bank balances – and the challenges of making it work
Indonesia’s Bali is weighing a regulation that would require foreign tourists to disclose how much money they have had in their bank accounts over the past three months, the island’s most far-reaching proposal yet in a drive to deter low-spending visitors and promote what officials call “quality tourism”.
Governor Wayan Koster said the measure would be included in Bali’s Draft Regional Regulation on Quality Tourism Management, which he said was nearing completion in the island’s…
Malaysia ends corruption case against PM Anwar’s deputy, Ahmad Zahid over lack of evidence
Malaysian prosecutors said on Thursday that they have put an end to their corruption case against Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, saying that there was insufficient evidence to continue.
The move by the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) came more than two years after corruption charges against Ahmad Zahid, the leader of a key partner in Malaysia’s ruling coalition, were dropped to allow prosecutors to conduct further investigations.
The Kuala Lumpur High Court in September 2023…
Malaysia arrests ex-army chief and his wives in corruption investigation
Former army chief Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan has been arrested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) over corruption allegations.
Also arrested were his two wives after they presented themselves at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya on Wednesday to have their statements recorded in an ongoing investigation involving military contract tenders.
Another couple was also arrested earlier in the day over the same investigation and remanded for seven days.
Muhammad Hafizuddeain and his…
Why investors are looking to Southeast Asia’s economies amid global tensions
Foreign money is flowing back into Southeast Asia, and analysts expect the region to remain a draw for global investors even as geopolitical tensions and domestic political risks cloud the outlook.
Emerging Southeast Asian markets recorded US$337 million of equity inflow in December last year, the highest monthly figure since September 2024, according to a Bloomberg report.
These economies include Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines.
Analysts say the rebound points to…
Update of German civil procedure rules could bring AI to the fore
An update to the German code on civil procedure that came into force on 1 January 2026 could lead to an increase in number of claims supported by AI, experts have said.
Projects go better when legal support is integrated
Major projects are less likely to be delayed, go over budget, and become the subject of disputes if legal teams earmarked to support on different phases of the project are better integrated from a project’s outset.
