Round-the-clock breaking news from Malaysia.
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.
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.
The US dollar has reached its highest level in nearly four decades against the Japanese yen, breaching 163 yen as geopolitical tensions in West Asia and expectations of higher US interest rates overwhelm Japan's warnings of potential intervention in currency markets.
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.
Agriculture Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu has stressed that food security is now a strategic necessity rather than optional, citing ongoing geopolitical tensions and climate impacts threatening global supply chains.
Malaysia's Youth and Sports Ministry is actively exploring the possibility of hosting a Formula 1 race at Sepang International Circuit in October, potentially replacing the postponed Bahrain Grand Prix amid regional tensions.
Malaysia's stock market retreated as crude oil surged past US$100 per barrel amid Middle East tensions, prompting investors to abandon equities. The FBM KLCI fell to a 10-day low despite gains in energy-linked counters.
Malaysia's Muslim Youth Movement has condemned eight US Congress members for pressuring their administration over the country's Network School investigation, calling it an affront to national sovereignty and international law.
President Trump delivered a confrontational speech linking China's alleged election interference to broader national security concerns, while pushing voting reforms and threatening media outlets ahead of midterm elections.
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.
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.
Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof stressed that energy security and maritime safety are now deeply intertwined, with distant geopolitical conflicts directly impacting Malaysia's energy costs, supply chains and daily life.
A senior adviser to Prime Minister Narendra Modi has advocated for India to welcome increased Chinese investment and engage more deeply in Asian trade frameworks, citing concerns over US policy consistency and the need for economic diversification.
Nvidia has more than halved its list of approved Asian customers for advanced AI chips, affecting companies in Singapore, Malaysia, and Japan. The move reflects stricter US export controls aimed at preventing technology from reaching China.
Former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has rejected a New York Times report claiming Israel's Mossad attempted to recruit him for regime change and that he is under house arrest, calling the allegations entirely fabricated.
Malaysia's energy supply is secure with no current disruptions, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof assured, though global oil price volatility remains an economic concern amid Strait of Hormuz tensions.
France is positioning Syria as a potential alternative energy corridor to reduce dependence on the Strait of Hormuz, according to Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot. The move reflects broader efforts to diversify global oil supply routes amid escalating US-Iran tensions.
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NATO's 32 member states are projected to spend over US$1.8 trillion on defence by 2026, representing an 11% increase from 2025 as the alliance ramps up military investments following the 2024 Hague summit.
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Malaysia has immediately suspended all new defence equipment purchases from Norway after the Scandinavian nation cancelled an export licence for missiles destined for the Royal Malaysian Navy's Littoral Combat Ships.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has cautioned US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to handle Taiwan affairs with extreme care, emphasising the need for constructive US-China relations and warning that mishandling could destabilise bilateral ties.
MARA has shifted its sponsored students for 2025-2026 from the United States to alternative countries, citing policy and geopolitical uncertainties. The ministry says the move protects Bumiputera scholars while maintaining educational quality.
Emerging middle powers from the Global South should pursue independent strategies rather than following established powers as the post-World War Two international system undergoes fundamental transformation, regional experts argued at Kuala Lumpur conference.
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.
Mainland Chinese travellers are reshaping regional tourism patterns this summer, favouring nearby Southeast Asian destinations over distant European cities as geopolitical tensions, flight disruptions, and economic caution reshape holiday spending habits.
Tourism Malaysia is redirecting promotional efforts toward ASEAN, East Asia, and other stable regions to cushion against West Asia uncertainties while maintaining Visit Malaysia 2026 targets.
Iran has accused World Cup organisers of unfair treatment as the team departs after failing to advance past the group stage. The federation highlighted travel restrictions and political obstacles during their tournament stay.