Stefano Vecchia

Following a debate that began in 2018, Malaysia’s cabinet agreed to reform the country’s criminal justice system. About 73 per cent of people on death row were convicted for drug offences. Other Southeast Asian countries continue to execute.

Official data and independent studies highlight the issue. Poverty is the main cause. More and more families lack enough food for longer periods of time.

Although official results have not yet been released, the ruling Cambodian People's Party has already claimed victory, but not by as much as expected. The Candlelight Party, a revival of Sam Rainsy's party, which was dissolved after its 2017 election victory, claims that the election was marred by "pressure and intimidation". Turnout dropped significantly this year.

The goal is to clean up the country's dubious reputation. Out of 20,000 patients, only 584 resorted to legal in-vitro fertilisation. Scores of children were born during the pandemic with some now in government care.

As the country evolves and the questionable behaviour of various religious leaders is exposed, fewer people under 20 opt for the monastic life. The relevance of Buddhism in everyday life is increasingly a topic of conversation in the media.

The city-state’s archbishop is among the new cardinals Pope Francis announced for the consistory of 27 August. Born 65 ago, the fluent Mandarin speaker has led a small but dynamic Church since 2013, especially in pastoral outreach to migrants. After Hong Kong’s Bishop Emeritus John Tong reached the age limit, Goh will be the new ethnic Chinese prelate among the cardinal electors.

Retired Thai teacher Niwat Roykaew is among this year's recipients of the Goldman Environmental Prize. In his country, he successfully battled a Chinese project that would have blasted rocky islets to allow commercial and tourist navigation on a 400-kilometre stretch of the mighty river.

The independent and liberal candidate won the election with more than 50 percent of the vote. Addressing the electorate, he appealed for unity. Yesterday's was the first call to the polls since the 2014 military coup.

One of the founders of the independence movement, Ramos-Horta is back in the country’s top office after winning the election on March 19 with 62 per cent of the vote. He faces many challenges, from developing the country’s infrastructures to reconciling its many groups.

Upstream dams release more water thanks to Increased rainfall in the first months of the year. Despite positive developments, like improved biodiversity, river basin water levels remain below average and gains could be temporary without an accord among riverine countries.

Protests over long waits and malfunctions in the electronic voting system that did not, however, stop the very rapid release of ballot results. The capital's mayor realigns with Marcos Jr by calling for the dispersal of unauthorized demonstrations. Fears of further clampdowns in the direction already taken during the Duterte years.

Thailand’s Criminal Code now conforms with the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Hitherto, the age of legal immunity was 10. This is step forward for child protection. Courts can now place minors in foster care with individuals and agencies rather than simply fine parents.