Malaysia’s prosecutors have closed a criminal intimidation investigation involving former anti-corruption chief Azam Baki, saying a complaint by businessman Albert Tei did not “meet the legal threshold” for further action.
The decision comes against the backdrop of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s government facing pressure over prosecutorial independence. Anwar had campaigned on a reformist, anti-corruption platform that has since been tested by high-profile dropped cases and delayed…
DIFC court rejects non-compete injunction in energy sector dispute
A recent decision by the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts offers important lessons for employers on the enforceability of non-compete clauses across the DIFC and onshore United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Ireland prepares to introduce ‘savings and investment accounts’
The Irish government is preparing to introduce tax-advantaged savings and investment accounts (SIAs), which are designed to channel some of the deposits of Irish savers into capital markets and indirectly into the EU economy.
HMRC confirms Construction Industry Scheme doesn’t apply to pure financing arrangements
Updated guidance issued by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) on how the UK’s Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) applies to financing arrangements will provide welcome relief to the real estate development sector, an expert has said.
World Cup heightens UK compliance duties for online platforms
Online platforms should expect their compliance with UK online safety laws to be subject to enhanced scrutiny during the forthcoming men’s FIFA World Cup 2026, experts have said.
Commonwealth modern slavery regimes are evolving – what Australian employers need to know
For companies trading across the Commonwealth, understanding the variances in modern slavery legislation is essential to ensuring compliant and successful trade.
As Putin courts Southeast Asia, does ‘Russia need Asean more’?
A summit between Russia and Asean next week promises to ease Southeast Asia’s energy crisis and Moscow’s diplomatic isolation – but not all of the bloc’s leaders are expected to show up.
Analysts are also divided on whether Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr, the current Asean chair, will travel to Kazan for the meeting, hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin on June 17–18.
The summit marks the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations…
Trump’s forced-labour tariffs put Southeast Asia in the firing line
Southeast Asia’s extensive supply chains could be disrupted if it faces planned US tariffs over Washington’s accusations of forced labour in 60 economies, as analysts say the proposal is just a way for President Donald Trump to resurrect his trade levy agenda.
Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam are among the economies flagged by the US for purportedly failing to prevent goods made with forced labour from reaching its market.
Washington said the…
HOKA shoes ruling can help brand owners avoid running into trouble
A recent ruling by the Court of Appeal in England and Wales can help brand owners understand how to impose contractual restrictions on retailers over the distribution of their products without falling foul of UK competition rules, experts in competition law have said.
Singapore eyes Asean connectivity amid new US-China dynamic: Lawrence Wong
Singapore will push for connectivity in Asean in its role as bloc chair next year amid a challenging global environment, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has said, as he warned about the United States and China navigating a new dynamic.
At the Singapore Press Club Eminent Speaker Series on Monday, Wong noted that keeping communication lines open between Chinese President Xi Jinping and his American counterpart Donald Trump was important to reduce the risk of misunderstanding and miscalculation, but…