Indonesia’s House postpones plan to scrap direct regional elections
The House of Representatives has shelved plans to revise the Regional Elections Law this year amid mounting public pushback against a renewed proposal by President Prabowo…
National affairs
Philippines hosts Myanmar political, ethnic groups for ‘stakeholder meeting’
Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro, who took over in 2026 as the ASEAN special envoy for the crisis in Myanmar, said discussions at the “stakeholders’…
Affordable medical insurance for all Malaysians in the works
According to the MHIT White Paper released yesterday, there are two plans, with the monthly premiums for the Standard Plan for those aged between 31 and 35 set at RM80 to RM120…
Lao education ministry signs US$1.35m package to raise standards at secondary schools
The project targets the provinces of Khammuan, Savannakhet, Xekong and Salavan, aiming to strengthen education quality and expand learning opportunities in these areas. The funds…
Beyond bamboo diplomacy: Vietnam’s era of national rise in a volatile world
The 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam marked a significant strategic pivot in the country's development, the writers say. By formalising the concept of an…
Vietnam under leader To Lam eyes China-style strongman model, 10% growth push
Analysts say the National Congress is not merely a routine leadership transition, but a key signal of Vietnam’s future policy direction in a rapidly changing global environment.
Former South Korean PM Han jailed for 23 years in martial law case
Special Counsel Cho Eun-suk had sought a 15-year prison term, arguing that Han played a key role before and after the declaration of martial law. It is rare for a court to impose…
Late Japan PM Shinzo Abe’s Shooter given life in prison
Tetsuya Yamagami, 45, in addition to being charged with murder, was accused of violating the Firearms and Swords Control Law, among other laws.
1,967 candidates in the race for Bangladesh’s 13th national election
305 aspirants, meanwhile, withdrew their candidacy, the Election Commission says.
South Korea’s drone command should disband: ministry study
Since its launch in 2023, the command has faced criticism over airspace control issues and overlapping roles with existing frontline units, raising concerns that the structure…