Joseph Masilamany

The Malaysian priest who participated in the drafting of the final document that the Synodal Assembly is discussing: ‘Dialogue here is part of the experience we live every day within a pluralistic culture’. Indian Cardinal Ferrao, Filipino David and Melkite Patriarch Absi elected to the General Council of the Synod.

The arrest dates back to August: made public by the Internal Security Department (ISD), which confirmed two years' imprisonment. The plan was to attack with scissors and a kitchen knife in the crowded area near the Tampines West Community Club. It is the fourth foiled attack since 2020.

The controversial legislation presented for second and third reading in the current parliamentary session. Opponents reject without appeal the text that would grant broad powers to an unelected but ministerial-appointed official and turn a fatwa (also for non-Muslims) into law. For the promoters, it aims to define the role and responsibilities of the mufti in the federal territories.

A Malaysian judge has upheld the appeal of a small tribal group in Pahang State, ordering the case to be heard by the High Court. They claim that they have always professed a traditional animist religion and that they have been misled because of their lack of knowledge of the Malay language, in violation of the Aboriginal Peoples Act.

In a letter, Beijing called upon Kuala Lumpur to stop oil and gas activities in Malaysia’s exclusive economic zone, which China challenges. In addition to the Philippines and Vietnam, tensions are bound to rise with Malaysia as well, with Chinese coast guard vessels permanently patrolling the Luconia Shoals.

Malaysia has been shaken by an investigation into sexual offences against minors in some 20 homes run by a company linked to the late preacher whose movement was outlawed by Mahathir in 1994. Also arrested were the founder's son and the managing director of the group, which is present in 20 countries and also has operations in London, Paris, Dubai and Mecca.

Teresa Kok, a six-time MP with the Democratic Action Party, which is part of the ruling coalition, is in the crosshairs for questioning a proposal seen as too burdensome for small businesses. During questioning, she stressed that she did not “disrespect Islam”.

Malaysia's state-owned company operates in areas that are under national sovereignty. In a note sent to the Malaysian embassy, China expressed its displeasure, even though Premier Anwar Ibrahim had previously hinted at the possibility of negotiations to resolve the issue of Chinese claims.

Malaysia celebrated 67 years since the end of British rule. In a speech, Sharafuddin Idris Shah highlights the dangers linked to ethnic and confessional divisions, urging his compatriots to share the same vision. Diversity, he noted, is the glue that holds people together.

The appeal to the High Court to obtain documents related to “Lot 6” where the Canossian Convent of Banda Hilir has stood for 120 years. The area is also home to a primary and secondary school that accommodate hundreds of students. The title deed was lost during World War II with the Japanese invasion.

The Panmalese Islamic Party, better known by its acronym PAS, has ordered the Guan Di temple to stop performances by female singers. The decision has outraged the Buddhist and Taoist communities and several ethnic Chinese Catholic politicians. According to the Terengganu state government, the performances would attract spectators from the Muslim community.

A recent survey found that the rising cost of living is having a major impact on Malaysians. An account on the social media with over 700 subscribers accepts offers to sell kidneys from people who urgently need money. A Christian politician reacts to the issue, calling on the government to act.