Cautiously optimistic: The Jakarta Post
Talk of possible vote-rigging, election meddling and electioneering in the lead-up to the February presidential and legislative elections raised the stakes and sparked real fears…
National affairs
Why 2025 is a crucial year for Bangladesh
As Bangladesh enters 2025, Bangladeshis should carry unity forward. Because, as history has shown, when the nation is divided, it falls. But when the people are united, they are…
No funeral wreaths for the living
Koreans know how to respectfully criticise and fight for things they believe in. In contrast, the use of funeral wreaths to denounce individuals is a cruel and cowardly act that…
Five for 2025 — The key challenges Pakistan must tackle head on in the new year
The five major issues it will need to confront head on are: a growing, multi-front security threat, foreign policy strains, zero-sum politics, internet throttling, and democratic…
Philippine budget critics: Veto still left ‘pork’ intact
Among the items that were widely criticized was the public works budget that was bloated by almost P289 billion, and for deleting the P96-billion proposed subsidy for the…
Singapore’s economy exceeded expectations, grew 4% in 2024: PM Wong
In his first New Year message on Dec 31 as prime minister, he said the collective effort of Team Singapore made all the difference – be it overcoming crises, supporting one…
Fraud, alleged illegal levying raise questions about Indonesia’s free meals program’s implementation
The free meals program is one of President Prabowo Subianto’s flagship campaign platforms, aiming to feed 82 million children, primary and secondary school students and pregnant…
Peace brokered in Pakistan’s Kurram as warring sides sign agreement: KP government spokesperson
Clashes stemming from decades-old land disputes have claimed at least 130 lives since last month, with food and medicine shortages reported due to weeks-long road blockades.
Malaysia’s long-awaited Health Service Commission can help tackle manpower issues, say experts
Former deputy health minister Datuk Dr Lee Boon Chye said the commission would grant the ministry greater flexibility in hiring, setting salary schemes and managing promotions,…
CIO chief vows S. Korean President Yoon’s arrest, warns presidential bodyguards not to interfere
Oh Dong-woon, head of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, warned that those who interfere with the arrest could be accused of power abuse and…