In-depth reporting on Malaysia and the region.
New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon indicated openness to holding a referendum on electoral reform, marking another point of contention within the coalition government as general elections approach.
Six Indonesian press unions have demanded President Prabowo Subianto apologise for calling journalists 'londo ireng' (black Dutchmen) during a speech, characterising the term as denigrating and carrying colonial-era connotations of disloyalty.
Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil has underscored the essential role of ethical, independent and responsible media in strengthening democratic institutions and countering the spread of false information.
Senior Malaysian politicians have called for voters to prioritise racial and religious identity over merit when selecting leaders. This reductive approach threatens democratic principles and good governance across the nation.
Malaysia's Election Commission is encouraging voters to update their electoral addresses to match their current residences, emphasising the importance of constituency-based representation for the upcoming state elections.
Political analysts have urged parties contesting Johor's state election to conduct mature campaigns centred on policies and governance records, warning that excessive hostility could damage necessary federal-level cooperation after voting.
Malaysia's Home and Defence Ministers have urged nearly 25,000 early voters—mostly military and police personnel—to cast their ballots with integrity as the 16th Johor State Election approaches its polling day on Saturday.
The Johor state election signals Malaysia's transition toward political maturity, enabling coalitions to cooperate at federal level while competing at state level—a hallmark of established democracies.