Round-the-clock breaking news from Malaysia.
Indian activists are mounting legal challenges against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government over the deployment of AI-powered surveillance systems at India's largest youth protest in decades, with implications for digital rights across the region.
Six major Indonesian press unions have demanded President Prabowo Subianto apologize for calling journalists 'londo ireng' during a party speech, arguing the term delegitimizes journalism and echoes colonial-era slurs against those collaborating with foreign powers.
Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok has agreed to countersign a constitutional amendment that will remove him from office, ending days of resistance to the measure backed by new Prime Minister Péter Magyar.
Malaysia's relentless election cycle has transformed politicians into permanent campaigners, leaving legislative duties and constituent services neglected while voters suffer from campaign fatigue.
Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil has underscored the importance of ethical and independent media in safeguarding democracy, citing growing challenges from misinformation and fake news in the information age.
Malaysia's Media Council has endorsed the government's decision to refer the Freedom of Information Bill 2026 to a Parliamentary Select Committee, describing the move as essential for thorough legislative scrutiny of a constitutionally significant measure.
Senior Malaysian politicians have urged voters to prioritise a candidate's ethnicity over competence. This approach to democracy fundamentally misunderstands governance, undermining merit-based leadership across the nation.
South Korea has enacted tougher laws against fake news, imposing heavy financial penalties on large publishers spreading misinformation. Critics warn the vague definition and enforcement mechanisms could stifle press freedom.
Caretaker Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi has emphasised that the upcoming Johor election is fundamentally about returning the power of choice to voters, rejecting suggestions that the poll serves other political purposes.
Nepal's unconventional Prime Minister Balendra Shah, a 36-year-old former rapper, has pursued aggressive government restructuring in his first 100 days, though he remains largely absent from public discourse.
Johor's contest between Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan, despite federal cooperation, demonstrates Malaysian democracy entering a more sophisticated phase where parties can compete locally while collaborating nationally.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has stressed that Malaysia's primary obligation is to consolidate domestic governance through anti-corruption efforts and social reform, positioning these initiatives as essential prerequisites for meaningful international engagement.