Joseph Masilamany

Former police inspector general convicted for accusing Minister Hannah Yeoh in a public speech of being part of a ‘religious conspiracy to weaken Islam’ because of a book in which she recounts her experience of faith. Initial acquittal verdict handed down in 2024 by High Court overturned. Case emblematic of delicate balance between religious communities in Malaysia.

Controversy over a circular from the Department of Religious Affairs, which went viral on social media, stating that the decorations are reminiscent of a Christian holiday. The holiday is a religious, not a cultural, event and raises ‘issues related to faith’. But experts and officials say such a measure violates the spirit of tolerance and openness in the country.

A Facebook post by a mufti has shed light on the group's relationships with influential figures in Malaysian society and politics. The Home minister believes it poses no threat, although the police are monitoring the situation. At stake is the delicate issue of balancing vigilance and guarantees for religious freedom in Malaysia.

For the authorities, Zulfikar Shariff, currently in Australia, used TikTok and Meta to stoke racial tensions, undermine secular governance, and influence local politics. Among his calls were the introduction of Sharia law in the city-state. Three citizens were radicalised to fight in Gaza and other conflict zones in the Middle East.

UN experts are urging Dhaka and Kuala Lumpur to dismantle fraudulent recruitment networks and protect migrants from abuse. Growing indebtedness is a major factor. Migrants from Bangladesh are the largest group of foreign workers, with more than 800,000 active work permit holders as of June this year, or 37 per cent of the total foreign workforce.

Invoking its anti-fake news law, Singapore has ordered corrections to an article written by the sister of a man who was executed in October. Failure to meet its order will result in access to the site being blocked. The news portal has rejected the order, expressing concern over cross-border censorship.

The measure follows a High Court ruling. Koh disappeared in 2017 in Petaling Jaya, abducted by a group of masked men. The Home Minister says the police will comply with the order. His wife Susanna Liew opposes the Attorney General's appeal. The similar case of activist Amri Che Mat.

A boat carrying Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi citizens capsized off the coast of Langkawi in one of the worst accidents ever recorded. Malaysian authorities have reported seven victims and only 13 survivors so far. This year alone, the UNHCR has reported over 600 deaths or missing persons along the Gulf of Bengal routes.

The Minister of Home Affairs has announced firm measures to prevent attacks or clashes amid “growing global tensions” caused by the war in Gaza and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He met with the Jewish community at the Chesed-El Synagogue and confirmed the much-debated “Friends of Israel Annual Aliyah Gala Dinner.” However, the funds raised will not go to the settlers.

Corporal punishment, including caning, will be used to punish offenders with six to 24 strokes. Fraud accounts for 60 per cent of all reported crimes in the city-state. Penalties have also been increased for those who distribute obscene material, particularly if minors are involved.

Speaking at the regional summit, Chinese Premier Li Qiang called on Asian countries to “close ranks” in the face of global challenges, primarily that of trade with the United States. Southeast Asia must maintain open markets while avoiding becoming embroiled in a trade duel between superpowers. The summit saw the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement upgraded. The Philippines will take over the association’s rotating presidency next year.

Yesterday, Dili officially became the 11th nation in the Southeast Asian bloc. The end of a 14-year journey was marked by a highly symbolic ceremony attended by all regional leaders. Prime Minister Rala Xanana Gusmao was the last to add his signature. Challenges and responsibilities related to inclusion remain.