South Korean President Lee vows greater autonomy for local governments
The liberal administration suggested ways to increase state subsidies to local governments based on new rules, to launch a pan-governmental team to ensure that goals of boosting…
National affairs
Malaysia’s blood sugar spikes, now 13th in the world for diabetes
Again, Malaysia is number one in South-East Asia for having the highest diabetes rate, a record it also held in 2011 and 2021.
Diabetes rising in the Philippines: How culture and diet fuel the crisis
In terms of mortality, diabetes consistently ranks among the top five causes of death in the Philippines, with 43,944 lives lost in 2024 alone, according to the Philippine…
Malaysian Federal Government won’t appeal Sabah 40% revenue ruling, says AGC
The Federal Government will not appeal the recent High Court ruling affirming Sabah’s right to 40% of net revenue derived from the state. The decision not to appeal the ruling…
Assembly elections in India’s Bihar record highest overall voter turnout since 1951; women lead
As per the Commission, the overall turnout among male voters stood at 62.8 per cent, while female voter turnout at 71.6 per cent was significantly higher — continuing a trend…
BPOs must explain ‘forced work’ during Typhoon Fung Wong: Philippine labour department
According to the group, most of the BPO workers claimed that they were forced to report on-site despite “widespread flooding,” “high-risk travel conditions,” and power…
Japan’s ruling coalition’s views on reducing Lower House seat numbers seen to be diverging
The coalition agreement between the LDP and the JIP states that the two parties “will submit a bill to reduce the number of seats in the lower house, with a target of 10%, to…
Nepal’s 2026 LDC exit could backfire, experts warn
Private sector urges government to seek a three-year extension, citing weak economy, political uncertainty.
It is time for Bangladesh to move past the politics of violence
The writer argues: "As Bangladesh looks towards future elections and leadership transitions, we must decide if we want to remain captive to a culture where one's party flag…
False national heroes: The Jakarta Post
Soeharto cannot be a true hero, only a false one, until his role in the military-led mass killing campaigns in the mid-1960s that led to his seizure of power is clarified.