Malaysia is facing a potential snap election in the second half of 2026. The 16th General Election is formally scheduled for no later than February 2028. However, on May 29, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim indicated he would consider dissolving parliament early should internal alliance tensions deteriorate further.
Category: Politics
Myanmar President visits India to boost bilateral trade and investment
Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing is currently on an official five-day visit to India until June 3 with an agenda packed with business matters. This is the president’s first overseas trip since taking office on April 10.
The Philippines asserts ASEAN autonomy at Shangri‑La Dialogue
Philippine Secretary of National Defence, Gilbert Teodoro Jr., leveraged the 23rd IISS Shangri-La Dialogue to firmly position Manila to guard the “autonomy of ASEAN member states”. The Philippine delegation emphasised its role to protect rules-based order and solidify international alliances.
Singapore’s Shangri‑La Dialogue spotlights maritime security amid rule-based order crisis
Singapore is hosting the 2026 Shangri‑La Dialogue 2026 from May 29 to 31, convening high-level representatives from 44 nations around the world to discuss key security issues. Several major themes covered in the dialogue include the international rule-based order, fracturing alliances and contested maritime domains.
Marcos, Takaichi elevate Japan–Philippines ties to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae formally elevated their countries’ bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) during a state visit on May 28, marking a step forward in bilateral ties amid geopolitical and economic challenges.
Dutch frigate docks in Manila amid South China Sea tensions
The Royal Netherlands Navy’s command frigate HNLMS De Ruyter (F804), docked in Manila port for three days from May 22 until 24, participating in a joint drill as part of their “Pacific Archer” mission—a five-month deployment mission within the Indo-Pacific region. The frigate’s arrival in Manila coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the Philippines and the Netherlands.
Indonesian president’s three-day Paris visit set to elevate bilateral ties to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
On May 27, the second day of his bilateral visit to France, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto began his morning by performing the Eid al Adha prayer at the Indonesian Embassy residence in Paris. He greeted Indonesian citizens and members of the diaspora in attendance before gathering with them for a communal meal, in an engagement intended both to mark the Feast of Sacrifice and to reinforce ties with overseas Indonesians.
Cambodia grants royal pardon to former opposition leader
King Norodom Sihamoni of Cambodia granted a royal pardon to former opposition leader Kem Sokha on May 25, ending his eight years of arbitrary detention and lifting the treason charge immediately.
Brussels urges Jakarta to end impunity and protect civic space
The European Parliament adopted a Joint Motion for a Resolution (RC-B10-0248/2026) on May 21, calling on the Indonesian government to end impunity and protect civil liberties following the acid attacks against human rights activist Andrie Yunus and environmental activist Muhammad Rosidi.
Lao Foreign Minister’s Tokyo visit highlights bilateral development
Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane conducted an official visit to Japan on May 21, meeting Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara and Crown Prince Akishino.