Joseph Masilamany

Out of 107 recorded cases, 43, or about 40 per cent, involve parliament. This is the highest figure in the last 11 years, when the survey began. For the report, it is "a mirror held up to our society." Meanwhile, the arrest of a journalist is fuelling fears about freedom of the press and information.

Malaysian political groups slam Philippine lawmaker Robert Padilla's claim to the Malaysian state in northern Borneo and warn of the risk of tensions within ASEAN. The statement on the oil- and gas-rich region comes as the Philippines is in the throes of an energy crisis. This has reignited a dispute that dates back to the 19th century.

Residents set up an imposing structure with 1,400 oil lamps for the 27th night of the fast. Part of the preparations for Eid al-Fitr, the initiative engages the community in a collective effort. Well known in Malaysia and across Southeast Asia, the tradition was revived more than ten years ago.

After a series of violent incidents, including the burning of an activist's vehicle and the desecration of a Hindu symbol, places of worship are back at the centre of public debate in Malaysia. A PAS party member has called for restraint. The issue is linked to the land on which Hindu temples are located, whether private or state-owned, while the government is struggling to find solutions acceptable to all.

Zobaidul Amin, 28, is in Alaska where he is set to be brought to trial. Wanted since 2022, he is accused of running an international online sexual exploitation ring. The case highlights the vastness of these networks, based on encryption, cloud computing, and cryptocurrencies. Cooperation between local and Western police is growing, while Asia remains the operational hub for such offences.

After a six-year hiatus, the hunt for the animal resumes due to a “sharp increase” in incidents. “Non-lethal” control measures have proved ineffective. The authorities are talking about an environmental and public health emergency. The aim is to maintain the title of cleanest city in the world in the face of one of its “most cunning invaders”.

A 65-year-old man claimed to have met Adam and Muhammad several times. He ‘taught’ that prayer and fasting are not mandatory if one ‘is tired’. The man was arrested during a raid in Rawang along with three followers. Experts say claims of prophetic authority or alternative spiritual insights emerge in times of social uncertainty.

The version of Scripture in the Bidayuh language was officially launched in the Archdiocese of Kuching, Malaysian Borneo. This is an important tool for the elderly who lack literacy, but also for young people immersed in digital technology. For Archbishop Simon Poh, it “will help to promote and preserve the language, and in so doing preserve the faith and the cultures.”

Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has called for a total ban in this state of the Malaysian federation due to fears of water pollution and limited land availability. The issue is also a source of controversy between groups and compromises harmony. The proposal is to increase imports for those (non-Muslim expats) who eat pork.

For the first time, Islamic law is being used in this Malaysian state to initiate criminal proceedings. The “offence” is punishable by a fine of hundreds of euros and up to two years in prison. Under Islamic law, gender is determined at birth. A similar case involved transgender Nur Sajat, who fled to Australia in 2021.

The faithful gathered at the Batu Caves and Penang for the celebration, marked by vows, processions, and penances. The event commemorates the victory of Lord Murugan over evil, emphasising identity, community, and unwavering devotion. For Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, differences have “long shaped Malaysia's identity.”

Speaking at the Institute of Policy Studies conference, the government's number two warns that the fertility rate has not stabilised. The long-term risk is a reduction in the number of citizens, with consequences for the economy and society. The total population is approximately 3.66 million citizens, plus 0.54 million permanent residents and 1.91 million non-residents.