Round-the-clock breaking news from Malaysia.
Malaysia has quickly and sincerely expressed its condolences to Timor-Leste under PM Anwar Ibrahim's leadership, embodying the warmth of ASEAN solidarity in a moment of regional grief.
A regional think tank warns that ASEAN+3 economies risk deepening dollar dependence as AI transforms commerce. The group should coordinate on energy, artificial intelligence and payment systems to strengthen digital competitiveness.
Bangladesh has formally requested Malaysia's help securing liquefied natural gas supplies to address a critical energy shortage, according to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim following talks with his Bangladeshi counterpart.
Bank Indonesia's governor resigns as Jakarta pursues palm oil tariff relief, while regional leaders emphasize ASEAN unity amid geopolitical tensions and US trade investigations.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued a pointed rebuke of China during his state of the nation speech, vowing to uphold a 2016 arbitration ruling that rejected Beijing's extensive South China Sea territorial claims.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has positioned ASEAN as the Philippines' critical partner for navigating geopolitical challenges, emphasizing the bloc's achievements in energy security, digital economy integration, and emergency food reserves.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim attributes Malaysia's selection to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix to the strong relationship between Sultan Ibrahim and Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, alongside the nation's stability, peace, and proven event management capabilities.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has reiterated Washington's openness to diplomatic engagement with Iran, contingent on Tehran demonstrating genuine commitment to negotiations and honouring any agreements reached.
Senior diplomats from Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand have underscored the importance of strengthened regional partnerships and ASEAN's central role in navigating geopolitical tensions, economic disruptions and technological change across Asia-Pacific.
Asean has called for restoration of safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, expressing deep concern over economic and security impacts from the Middle East conflict during its ministerial meetings in Manila.
Fifty-eight Malaysian NGOs have lodged a formal protest with the US Embassy against pressure from American lawmakers to reverse the country's policy barring Israeli citizens. The groups defend Malaysia's sovereignty in setting its own foreign policy.
Myanmar's return to ASEAN's top-level meetings remains distant, the Philippines' foreign minister indicated this week, citing ongoing doubts about the military junta's commitment to a 2021 peace roadmap.
Thailand's Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow held talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during the Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Manila, reaffirming bilateral ties and discussing security cooperation, trade negotiations, and regional stability issues.
Myanmar's reintegration into ASEAN's official proceedings remains unlikely in the near term, according to Philippine Foreign Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, who emphasized that compliance with the Five-Point Consensus is non-negotiable.
Myanmar's military leader Min Aung Hlaing is set to visit Thailand next month for talks with PM Anutin Charnvirakul, marking a significant diplomatic engagement as ASEAN explores ways to reintegrate the coup-affected nation despite deep internal divisions.
South Korea and ASEAN have reinforced their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with fresh cooperation frameworks spanning artificial intelligence, cultural industries, and maritime safety, signalling deepened regional engagement.
Indonesia has challenged Asean to move beyond pledges and demonstrate concrete results through regional agreements, warning that the bloc faces a credibility test as external crises threaten regional stability.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has confirmed that Chinese President Xi Jinping's planned visit to the United States in September is proceeding as scheduled, despite mounting tensions between Washington and Beijing over allegations of electoral interference.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Philippine counterpart Theresa Lazaro are scheduled to meet this week in Manila, marking their first bilateral encounter in two years as tensions escalate over South China Sea disputes and regional alignments.
Four European countries have been accepted as members of ASEAN's Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, reflecting growing international support for the bloc's peace and stability framework.
China has summoned the Philippine ambassador following a physical altercation between the coast guard and Filipino sailors near a disputed reef, intensifying South China Sea tensions with implications for regional stability.
A fresh maritime clash between Philippine and Chinese forces has intensified tensions as ASEAN foreign ministers convene in Manila. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrives with warnings about Beijing's control of contested waters, while Myanmar's civil war and regional energy security dominate discussions.
The Philippines is hosting the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting from July 20-24, with discussions centred on regional security, human rights promotion, and geopolitical tensions. Key topics include Myanmar's crisis and South China Sea disputes.
Malaysia's Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan heads to Manila for the annual Asean Ministers Meeting, balancing diplomatic duties with domestic campaign commitments. The gathering confronts thorny issues including Myanmar's political impasse and South China Sea tensions.
Cambodia and Thailand have signalled receptiveness to Chinese mediation over their contentious border dispute, with both leaders meeting Chinese officials this week and emphasising commitment to peaceful resolution.
The Philippines has confirmed that Thailand and Cambodia are maintaining their commitment to resolve border tensions through dialogue, following agreements struck at an ASEAN summit in May led by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
Cambodia's Hun Manet and Thailand's Anutin Chanvirakul will attend the World AI Conference 2026 in Shanghai this month, with analysts watching whether China will leverage the summit to broker breakthrough talks on their disputed border.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has conveyed birthday wishes to Brunei's Sultan, highlighting the enduring diplomatic bonds between Malaysia and Brunei and the importance of continued regional cooperation.
Cambodia has deported more than 16,000 foreign online scam suspects during the first six months of 2026, part of an intensified enforcement campaign against cybercriminal networks operating in the Southeast Asian nation.
Malaysia has pledged to work closely with Thailand's newly appointed Peace Dialogue Panel chief Thanut Suvarnananda to advance peace efforts in southern Thailand, Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled said.
Malaysia's Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin met with Thailand's newly appointed Defence Minister Lieutenant General Adul Boonthumjaroen to strengthen bilateral defence ties and address regional security challenges.
Fourteen countries, including the Philippines, Australia, Japan, and the United States, marked the tenth anniversary of the landmark 2016 South China Sea arbitral ruling, emphasizing its continued legal force and opposing unilateral maritime actions.
Vietnam has committed to collaborating with ASEAN and the Philippines' 2026 chair to support Myanmar's economic recovery, reconciliation and security challenges through the Five-Point Consensus framework.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim hosted Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam for a three-day state visit, reflecting deepening Malaysia-Singapore ties. Bilateral trade reached RM402.35 billion in 2025, with early-year figures showing strong growth momentum.
Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto bestowed the nation's highest state honour upon Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during an official state visit to Jakarta, recognising his efforts in deepening strategic ties between the two nations.
Singapore's President Tharman Shanmugaratnam has underscored the strength of bilateral ties with Malaysia, stressing that differences must not derail a partnership grounded in mutual respect and decades of accumulated trust.
The Philippines has backed a more flexible implementation of ASEAN's Five-Point Consensus on Myanmar, arguing the peace framework must adapt to changing circumstances without abandoning its core principles.
The Philippines, chairing ASEAN, will host an informal meeting between Myanmar's foreign minister and ASEAN counterparts in Bangkok on July 12, marking the first in-person engagement since the 2021 military coup.
Thailand is hosting two informal ASEAN Foreign Ministers' meetings in Bangkok to discuss Myanmar's political crisis and advance the regional bloc's Five-Point Consensus aimed at restoring peace and stability.
Singapore and Indonesia have reaffirmed their commitment to keeping the Strait of Malacca open and accessible to all shipping, with leaders stressing the waterway's critical importance to regional stability and global trade flows.
Indonesia and Singapore have reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding the Strait of Malacca, pledging sustained coordination with Malaysia and Thailand to maintain security and freedom of navigation in the strategically vital waterway.
Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing completed a three-day state visit to Laos, during which the two nations pledged to strengthen bilateral ties and expand cooperation in defence, trade, and regional forums.
Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will visit Jakarta on July 6 for the annual Leaders' Retreat with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, focusing on deepening bilateral ties and discussing cooperation in emerging sectors including green energy and digital connectivity.
Malaysia's Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation is prioritising talent development as the country prepares to host AMMSTI-23 in June 2027. The focus extends across emerging technologies and strengthening vocational training programmes.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is set to visit Malaysia next week for discussions with PM Anwar Ibrahim on pressing security concerns and bilateral trade opportunities.
Singapore and Timor-Leste have formalised a comprehensive partnership framework covering economics, healthcare, education and regional integration, with Singapore opening labour sectors to Timorese workers from 2027.
Malaysia has assured Belgium that the South China Sea will remain open to international maritime traffic, with Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof emphasizing ASEAN's commitment to regional peace and neutrality.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed Malaysia's commitment to bolstering ASEAN as a unified, inclusive regional bloc capable of addressing its members' aspirations amid mounting geopolitical and economic pressures.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has sent formal congratulations to Chinese President Xi Jinping on the 105th anniversary of the Communist Party of China, emphasising Malaysia's five-decade partnership with Beijing.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has dismissed predictions of conflict in the South China Sea, arguing instead that meaningful dialogue, international law, and ASEAN unity offer a viable path to regional stability.
Thailand has implemented tighter aviation security measures after a Thai crew member was arrested in Australia with heroin in her luggage. The government has directed authorities to enhance screening protocols and inter-agency coordination.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has urged Malaysia to establish a sovereign cloud system to protect sensitive national and personal data, balancing security concerns with continued openness to international digital investment as Southeast Asia navigates geopolitical tensions.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reassured Malaysians that the country will persist with its independent and non-aligned foreign policy, steering clear of bloc politics.
ASEAN must stop merely reacting to global fragmentation and instead proactively shape regional outcomes through strategic agency and collective action, says ISIS Malaysia's executive chairman at the 39th Asia-Pacific Roundtable.
The 39th Asia-Pacific Roundtable, convening in Kuala Lumpur from June 30 to July 2, will feature an exclusive caucus dedicated to Myanmar's deepening crisis, moving beyond the restrained official positions aired at recent ASEAN summits.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed Malaysia's commitment to strengthening legislative and governance cooperation with Indonesia, following discussions with Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Legal, Human Rights, Immigration and Correction.
Malaysia's outgoing High Commissioner to Singapore, Datuk Dr Azfar Mohamad Mustafar, has highlighted how the two countries have deepened their partnership while navigating pandemic disruptions and geopolitical challenges.
Malaysia and Cambodia are moving forward with a bilateral cooperation framework on media development and information exchange, with officials from both nations meeting in Brunei to chart implementation strategies.
Japan's Ambassador to Malaysia has signalled Tokyo's commitment to expanding defence and security cooperation with Kuala Lumpur, building on recent high-level visits and bilateral military exercises in strategically vital waterways.
Malaysia and Indonesia are advancing strategic cooperation in the halal industry through proposed councils designed to harmonise standards and expand regional trade opportunities.
Malaysia's Foreign Minister says ASEAN is developing fresh strategies to advance the Five-Point Consensus in Myanmar, with regional leaders tasking foreign ministers to work more closely with the junta on implementation.