Joseph Masilamany

Human rights groups have not released information on the identity of the man executed for drug trafficking. Since March 2023, 16 people have been hanged while another 50 people are on death row. Pope Francis, who will visit the city-state from 11 to 13 September, has repeatedly spoken out against the death penalty.

Christian Churches take the same stand after a video that could be used to create new tensions went viral. For interfaith council, “religious groups should be ethical when propagating their faith,” and respect the house of worship of others.

The Singapore Internal Security Department (ISD), in its annual report entitled ‘Singapore Terrorism Threat Assessment Report 2024’, warns that Islamic extremists have exploited the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to extend their agenda in the city-state. The report: ‘Main threat factor continues to be online self-radicalisation’.

Heir to the first seminary opened in 1665 to train the local clergy in Ayuthia in present-day Thailand, the College General has seen more than 50 graduates give their lives for the Gospel, including the martyrs of the Vietnamese persecution in the 18th century and those who perished in Pol Pot’s Cambodia. For Card Francis, “May the exemplary and courageous spirit of these martyrs continue to inspire” today’s priests in Malaysia.

Elected in January by the Conference of Rulers in one of the few elected monarchies in the world, he will remain in office for five years. This morning’s ceremony was held in the main square of the National Palace in Kuala Lumpur. For Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the monarchy guarantees equality and justice for all Malaysian citizens. The sovereign is also the head of Islam.

The Home Minister claimed that all deaths in detention recorded since 2022 were due to health reasons. The Bar Council expressed concern over the claims and called for independent investigations. Between 2011 and 2021, 430 deaths in custody were recorded.

According to the prosecution, the sect, declared deviant by the Islamic religious authorities in 2019, operates clandestinely throughout the country. It believes in the existence of a new prophet, recites an alternative shahādah and seeks to merge Islam, Judaism and Christianity into a single faith. Notebooks, a laptop computer and mobile phones were also seized during the arrests.

King Ibrahim Iskandar spoke on Islamic New Year, urging Muslims to avoid online platforms filled with discussions and insults. He urged fellow Muslims to rely on authoritative sources regarding religious teachings and precepts.

Card Sebastian Francis made the announcement on Monday. Born in 1899, Sybil was a Catholic nurse who cared for the poor. During the Second World War, she supported the resistance with her husband, enduring severe torture and dying from septicaemia in 1948. For the prelate, “she has quietly inspired many of us with a life of faith and fearless deeds.”

In a joint statement, the Defender of Ancestral Lands Sabah (MOPOT) and the Sabah and Sarawak Indigenous People's Alliance (GOASS) call on the government to respect the "informed consent" of local communities. Joining the intergovernmental group raises questions about sovereignty and self-determination in Sabah and Sarawak. Peter John Jaban told AsiaNews that consultations are essential on “decisions that have an impact on our future”.

A Creole people descended from the Portuguese, the Kristang celebrate their patron saint every year with four days of celebrations that attract tourists and visitors from all over Malaysia and other countries. "Today there are no more shrimps on our shores and this creates problems for the future. But we strive to maintain our faith and our traditions."

The find includes a life-size statue of Buddha and other artefacts dating back 1,200 years, predating the sites of Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Borobodur in Indonesia. The precious treasures testify to the prosperity to kingdom of Langkasuka, home to strategic trade routes. The excavations were coordinated by Universiti Sains Malaysia. For archaeologist Nasha Rodziadi Khaw, the artefacts “can offer valuable insights”.