US President Trump’s Gaza plan is a weak foundation for peace: The Daily Star
The proposal offers a pause in bloodshed, but its unilateral terms show glaring weaknesses.
Policy Matters
Did Muslim countries agree to a different version of US President Trump’s Gaza plan? Here’s what we know
US news outlet Axios says deal now before Hamas is significantly different than one the US and Muslim countries had previously agreed on.
Malaysian shops snuff out cigarette displays
Retailers scramble as anti-smoking law kicks in. Smaller operators, in particular, are struggling with the financial and operational demands of the new regulations under the…
South Korea, US agree to set up visa desk for Korean firms investing in US
The decision comes nearly a month after a US immigration raid on Sept. 4 at a Hyundai-LG battery plant construction site in Georgia, which had led to the detention of more than…
Mobile and internet restored across Afghanistan: AFP journalists
Confusion gripped the South Asian country on Monday night when mobile phone service and the internet went down without warning, freezing businesses and cutting Afghans off from…
‘Time to raise tax on cigarettes’: Malaysian civil society leaders
Retired Health Ministry director Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar said the tax should be increased to discourage Malaysians from picking up the habit. He also said the extra revenue…
Korean Air offers 10-year 1-to-1 swap for Asiana flight miles
Following consultation with South Korea’s Fair Trade Commission, Korean Air explained that the flight-based ratio reflects the similar accrual structures of both airlines’…
Indonesia, EU to ‘soften’ nontariff barriers thanks to CEPA, says Trade Minister
Indonesia and the EU had been negotiating the CEPA since 2016, and a deal was finally concluded and signed on Sept. 23. Trade Minister Budi Santoso said he hoped the agreement…
EU, Vietnam to set up joint task force to remove trade barriers
The EU described the EVFTA as a model of successful cooperation, applauding Vietnam’s administrative reforms and business cost reductions. It also urged Vietnam to further open…
Malaysia to introduce round-the-clock protection scheme for workers
PM Anwar also said Malaysia is embedding digital systems so that the vulnerable, no matter how remote, are not left out of protection. He said a nation’s true prosperity is…