Indonesia faces fiscal squeeze as Iran war drives up oil prices

Indonesia could face a sharp fiscal squeeze if the US-Israel war on Iran pushes oil prices higher, analysts warn, as this could inflate the country’s fuel subsidy bill at a time when global ratings agencies and investors are already scrutinising Jakarta’s monetary discipline.
A prolonged war could force policymakers into a difficult choice: maintain fuel subsidies and risk breaching the legal deficit ceiling – potentially unsettling investors further – or cut funding to keep the budget within…

Malaysian mother fined US$379 after underage son’s car crash claims 3 lives

A Malaysian mother who allowed her underage son to drive her car, which later got into an accident claiming three lives, was fined 1,500 ringgit (US$379) by the Magistrate’s Court in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan state.
Magistrate Nurul Azuin Mohd Talhah also ordered 40-year-old Nur Farahidayah A Rahman to be jailed for three months in the event she was unable to pay the fine.
“After considering the guilty plea by the accused, mitigating factors and submissions by parties and the aggravating…

Singapore police seize yacht, cars, properties worth US$390 million in Prince Group probe

Singapore police have announced arrests of three Singaporeans as part of investigations into ⁠alleged transnational scam syndicate Prince Group and its founder and chairman, Chen Zhi, who is in Chinese detention.
Police said the three men were arrested between November 2025 and January for their suspected involvement in money laundering and fraud offences in relation to the case.
Each offence is punishable by imprisonment of up to 10 years, a fine or both.
Assets frozen include three properties,…

Asian airlines emerge on top as travellers fight for flights out of Middle East

Asian carriers like Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines (SIA) are among the best positioned airlines to weather the war in the Middle East as travellers scramble for flights – and pay huge premiums – to escape the conflict.
Asian airlines have emerged as one of the go-to choices for people leaving the Middle East in the wake of US and Israeli strikes on Iran.
Extensive airspace closures mean carriers like Emirates and Qatar Airways have essentially ground to a halt, creating opportunities for…

North Korea’s hostage strategy packs more bite in post-Iran US shake-up

For decades, North Korea’s most potent insurance policy has been the threat it poses to Seoul, guaranteeing that any US move against Kim Jong-un’s regime would first exact an unbearable toll on the South.
Now, a new Pentagon blueprint may have just offered that survival strategy Washington’s seal of approval.
The new National Defence Strategy, presented to a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Tuesday, calls on Seoul to take “primary” responsibility for deterring North Korea, with…

Philippines’ Duterte-Carpio ordered to answer impeachment charges over wealth, threats

Philippine lawmakers ordered Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio on Wednesday to respond to impeachment complaints against her after finding substance to allegations involving unexplained wealth, the misuse of public funds and making public threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr.
The daughter of former president Rodrigo Duterte is seen as a front runner for the 2028 presidential election, and has said she will run for the top post.
She survived a similar impeachment bid last year, which…