Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he would speed up the pace of reforms and strengthen an anti-corruption drive as he sought to rebuild public support after a string of electoral defeats and party departures.
Anwar acknowledged shortcomings by his administration that had led to frustration among Malaysians. While the economy grew 6 per cent last quarter and unemployment was low, Anwar said he “won’t deny” that Malaysians faced higher living costs.
“The economic numbers are not winning…
Toxic gas leak kills 8 at Bangladesh ship-breaking yard
At least eight workers have died following a toxic gas leak at a ship-breaking yard in the southeastern Bangladeshi district of Chattogram, officials said on Friday.
The incident occurred at the Ferdaus Steel Shipbreaking Yard in Sitakund subdistrict, an area that hosts many ship-breaking yards where old vessels mostly imported from around the world are dismantled.
Soon after the leak, many workers lost consciousness and were rushed to a local hospital.
Six out of seven people taken to…
Philippines’ Marcos says China oil talks have ‘moved forward’ despite maritime row
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr on Friday said talks with China on joint oil and gas exploration had “moved forward” – signalling hopes of a deal before he leaves office in mid-2028, despite ongoing tensions in the South China Sea.
Marcos also confirmed for the first time a “provisional understanding” with Beijing over resupply missions to the BRP Sierra Madre at Second Thomas Shoal, although he insisted this did not mean Manila was seeking China’s permission or surrendering…
Construction companies get clarity on Scottish aggregates tax exemption
Construction companies that excavate rock, gravel or sand as a necessary part of laying foundations for houses or other building projects in Scotland do not need to pay Scottish aggregates tax on any subsequent commercial exploitation, Revenue Scotland has confirmed.
How brands can remain visible in the AI age
Retail and consumer brands – from luxury houses to sportswear labels, online fashion platforms and high street retailers – need to reconsider their online strategies to ensure they remain at the forefront of consumers’ minds in an age when those consumers are increasingly accessing information on products via AI-generated summaries online.
FCA puts spotlight on governance at fast-growing UK firms
High-growth asset management, wealth management and payments firms must scale their governance, risk management and control frameworks in line with their business’ expansion, experts have warned.
New Law Society guidance highlights climate duties for in-house counsel
The Law Society of England and Wales has published new guidance aimed at helping in-house legal teams navigate the growing legal and governance challenges posed by climate change.
As floods devastate Mekong communities, economic strain, conflict compound crisis
Tens of thousands of people have been displaced by surging waters across Myanmar and Laos, with Thai farming communities along the Mekong River bracing themselves for difficult days ahead as authorities warn persistent heavy rains may bring flash floods.
Each year monsoon rains bring extensive flooding across the region.
Environmental campaigners say the damage is exacerbated by changing weather patterns and deforestation, as well as the string of dams across arterial rivers – like the Mekong –…
PAS’ latest sharia law push signals its Malaysian federal power ambition
Malaysia’s foremost Islamist party has set an early pace ahead of national polls, calling on the country’s Malay-Muslim majority to endorse its renewed efforts to broaden the reach of sharia law.
On Wednesday, the Kelantan state assembly – which is dominated by the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) – unanimously passed amendments to the Kelantan Syariah Offences Enactment Bill, in a bid to circumvent constitutional barriers that have prevented the criminalisation of certain acts under Islamic…
Erdogan wants Turkey-Saudi Arabia-Pakistan defence pact to draw more countries
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday he hoped more countries would join a defence agreement signed last week between Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan aimed at stabilising a region wracked by conflict.
The so-called Mecca Joint Defence Agreement was signed on Friday as the Middle East grapples with fallout from the US-Iran war, which has dragged in regional players and disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea.
“Our vision for it is not limited to the three…