Kuala Lumpur's trusted voice for news, politics and business.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, from Putrajaya, delivers Malaysia's sincere and compassionate message of solidarity to the people and Government of Timor-Leste in their time of mourning.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has called for ASEAN to become a stronger, more resilient and people-centred bloc capable of addressing shared challenges through regional solutions rather than individual country efforts.
Malaysia and China are strengthening regional cooperation on sustainable cities and quality housing, with over 300 government officials from ASEAN nations converging in Ipoh to tackle rapid urbanisation and infrastructure challenges.
The ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office warns that AI is reinforcing US dollar dependence across the region. Regional economies must accelerate integration of artificial intelligence, energy infrastructure and digital payments to strengthen competitiveness and reduce financial vulnerability.
Cambodia's Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn will visit Malaysia from August 3 to attend the third Cambodia-Malaysia Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation meeting, with talks planned on deepening regional partnership across multiple sectors.
Malaysia's anti-corruption watchdog will convene senior officials from 11 ASEAN nations and international partners in Melaka this week to forge stronger regional cooperation against graft and discuss corruption risks in major infrastructure projects.
Bangladesh is seeking to become an ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner and has requested the Philippines' support for the initiative. The push comes as Manila chairs the regional bloc.
Vietnam's Foreign Ministry has dismissed claims underlying new US tariffs, emphasising strict prohibitions on forced labour and recent legislative measures. The government argues the USTR decision fails to acknowledge its compliance efforts.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says Malaysia's internationally recognised halal certification system can position the country as a global halal industry leader, provided it is supported by strong industrial infrastructure and strategic partnerships.
Asean has called for safe and unimpeded transit through the Strait of Hormuz, expressing alarm over the economic damage inflicted by Middle East instability on the Asia-Pacific region during ministerial talks in Manila.
Myanmar's return to Asean leadership meetings remains uncertain as the bloc assesses its compliance with a 2021 peace initiative, according to the Philippines' special envoy on Myanmar.
ASEAN and China are advancing negotiations on a South China Sea code of conduct, with officials expressing confidence in resolving key outstanding issues before the end of 2024.
Myanmar's full reintegration into ASEAN official meetings remains a distant prospect, according to Philippine Foreign Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, who cited ongoing concerns about the junta's adherence to the bloc's Five-Point Consensus framework.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has met with Genron NPO president Yasushi Kudo to explore avenues for deepening Malaysia-Japan strategic ties and expanding policy dialogue between the two nations.
Malaysia's proposed national petroleum reserve is timely given persistent geopolitical threats to shipping routes carrying a fifth of global oil supplies, analysts say. The move complements broader energy resilience strategies for Southeast Asia.
ASEAN foreign ministers convened with 11 dialogue partners in Manila to tackle energy security challenges and the escalating West Asia crisis, with the US pledging US$1.5 billion in strategic investments.
Indonesia partners with OceanX on marine park protection while ASEAN priorities shift toward energy security. Leadership transitions accelerate across Thailand and Singapore amid regional policy adjustments.
Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand outlined shared concerns about global instability during Post-Ministerial Conferences with ASEAN in Manila, pledging deeper cooperation on digital transformation, AI and economic resilience.
South Korea and ASEAN have reaffirmed their strategic partnership, introducing new collaborative initiatives spanning artificial intelligence, cultural industries, and maritime security. The developments signal deepening economic and technological ties across Southeast Asia.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed that Chinese President Xi Jinping's scheduled visit to the United States will proceed in September as planned, despite escalating tensions between the two superpowers over election interference allegations.
Four European nations have been formally accepted as members of ASEAN's Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, reflecting growing international endorsement of the bloc's regional stability framework.
China summoned the Philippine ambassador following a confrontation at a contested shoal in the South China Sea, where a Filipino sailor was allegedly clubbed by the China Coast Guard. The incident has drawn condemnation from Manila's allies.
Escalating tensions in the South China Sea are threatening to dominate an ASEAN foreign ministers meeting in Manila this week, with the US warning of Chinese aggression while Beijing and Manila clash over disputed shoals.
Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has congratulated Andy Burnham on his appointment as UK Prime Minister, expressing confidence in strengthening bilateral ties across defence, technology and innovation.
The Philippines hosted the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting from July 20–24, addressing regional security, human rights, and geopolitical challenges while advancing dialogue with major powers and grappling with Myanmar and South China Sea disputes.
Thailand's Criminal Records Division has mandated fingerprint-based identity verification for foreign nationals applying for permanent residence, work permits, and other official procedures, replacing name-only checks.
Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto has awarded Prime Minister Narendra Modi the nation's highest state honour during an official visit, acknowledging India's pivotal role in deepening bilateral ties and regional cooperation.
Malaysia's second-quarter GDP growth demonstrates the economy's underlying strength, according to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who credits three years of government reforms for fortifying the nation's economic foundation.
Malaysia's Housing Minister, heading the UN-Habitat Assembly, has urged the international community to accelerate implementation of the New Urban Agenda, warning that only four years remain to meet 2030 targets for inclusive, resilient cities.
The Philippines has strongly denounced China Daily for publishing an AI-generated video that depicted Filipinos as monkeys, labelling it racist propaganda. Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro called the content contemptible and a sign of China's moral bankruptcy.
Malaysia is examining the establishment of a national petroleum reserve as part of a broader policy shift to strengthen energy security amid intensifying geoeconomic fragmentation. Experts emphasize that such a reserve would serve as long-term risk management rather than a reactive measure.
Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam has concluded a three-day state visit to Malaysia, departing from Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The visit reciprocated Malaysia's King's trip to Singapore in May and underscored the strong diplomatic relationship between the two countries.
Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, acting as ASEAN chair's special envoy, will lead a humanitarian mission to Myanmar by the fourth quarter of 2026, following regional consultations on the country's political crisis.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed Malaysia's reliance on the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and negotiations to settle maritime disputes, citing successful joint development models with Vietnam and Thailand.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim met Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam during an official three-day state visit to Malaysia, with discussions covering trade and regional cooperation between the two neighbouring nations.
Vietnam has pledged to work closely with ASEAN to support Myanmar's efforts towards political stability, economic revival, and combating transnational crimes. The commitment was made during a landmark foreign ministers' meeting in Bangkok.
ASEAN has doubled down on its Five-Point Consensus framework for Myanmar, emphasising humanitarian aid, violence reduction, and political dialogue despite Naypyidaw's recent parliamentary rejection of the peace plan.
Thailand will host two informal ASEAN Foreign Ministers' meetings in Bangkok to discuss Myanmar's political situation and advance collective efforts under the Five-Point Consensus framework.
Malaysia and Thailand have resolved longstanding fisheries market access disagreements and committed to activating a new agricultural cooperation framework within seven days, marking significant progress in bilateral food security ties.
Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and his wife Thananon have arrived in Malaysia for a two-day official visit, marking Anutin's first trip since his reappointment in March 2026. The visit underscores both nations' commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul arrives in Malaysia this week for a two-day official visit centred on strengthening cross-border infrastructure, agricultural partnerships, and wider regional economic ties with Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim.
An International Labour Organisation study finds that generative AI will affect nearly 80 million workers across ASEAN, yet only a small fraction face the highest exposure. Significant regional disparities exist in preparedness and adoption.
Indonesia and Singapore have reaffirmed their dedication to protecting the Strait of Malacca, committing to ongoing coordination with Malaysia and Thailand to maintain security and freedom of navigation in this critical waterway.
Myanmar's junta has again rejected Asean's request to meet imprisoned former leader Aung San Suu Kyi, reinforcing analysts' view that the regime believes the regional grouping lacks enforcement power and is not a serious constraint on its actions.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed Malaysia's unwavering commitment to maintaining an independent, proactive, and non-aligned foreign policy stance despite mounting regional and global pressures.
Emerging middle powers from the Global South must assert their own strategic interests and resist simply adopting the agendas of established powers as the international order undergoes fundamental transformation, according to scholars speaking at the 39th Asia-Pacific Roundtable in Kuala Lumpur.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasised Malaysia's critical role as a trading hub and outlined plans to diversify economic partnerships across West Asia, Central Asia, Latin America and Africa while strengthening ASEAN-centric foreign policy.
Malaysia has reassured Belgium that the South China Sea will remain open to international maritime traffic, with Deputy PM Fadillah Yusof emphasising ASEAN's commitment to regional peace and neutrality during talks with his Belgian counterpart.
Belgium's Deputy Prime Minister Maxime Prévot has proposed deepening collaboration with Malaysia in offshore wind energy, citing Belgium's expertise despite its modest coastline. The overture comes as the EU pledges €10 billion to support ASEAN's power grid and renewable energy transition.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has reiterated Malaysia's dedication to bolstering ASEAN unity and capability, addressing emerging geopolitical pressures and regional priorities during discussions with the ASEAN Secretary-General.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has urged Malaysia to develop a sovereign cloud system to safeguard sensitive government and personal information, citing concerns over foreign access to data held by international tech companies.
Southeast Asian banks are rapidly scaling sustainable finance operations as electric vehicle sales and green investment demand surge. Maybank Group aims to mobilise RM300 billion across ASEAN by 2030, doubling its previous commitment after exceeding targets.
Malaysia and Indonesia have committed to expanding collaboration across legislative, governance, and strategic domains, with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim highlighting mutual interests during talks with Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Legal, Human Rights, Immigration and Correction.
%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fpattern%3E%3C%2Fdefs%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%25%22%20height%3D%22100%25%22%20fill%3D%22url(%23ph4zzacg)%22%2F%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%25%22%20height%3D%22100%25%22%20fill%3D%22url(%23ph4zzacp)%22%2F%3E%3Ctext%20x%3D%2250%25%22%20y%3D%2250%25%22%20text-anchor%3D%22middle%22%20dominant-baseline%3D%22central%22%20fill%3D%22rgba(255%2C255%2C255%2C0.95)%22%20font-family%3D%22Georgia%2C%20'Times%20New%20Roman'%2C%20serif%22%20font-weight%3D%22700%22%20font-size%3D%22320%22%20letter-spacing%3D%22-0.02em%22%3EPM%3C%2Ftext%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E)
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has directed the Home Ministry to conduct a comprehensive review of Rohingya management policies, following discussions among multiple government agencies on handling the displaced population.