On August 8, Negeri Sembilan’s newly appointed State Executive Council (Exco) members pledged to continue existing programmes and implement manifesto commitments following the state election, which returned Barisan Nasional (BN) as the dominant force in the 36-seat state legislature.
Category: Politics
Malaysia Commemorates ASEAN Day, Insists Intra-Regional Trade Boost Vital for Bloc’s Top-Four Economy Ambitions
Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted a commemorative celebration for the 59th ASEAN Day on August 10 at the federal administrative centre of Putrajaya.
Indonesia Tightens Maritime Security After Following Major Drug Smuggling Cases
On August 9, Indonesia announced plans to strengthen maritime security and inter-agency cooperation after authorities intercepted a foreign vessel carrying nearly 1.3 tonnes of ketamine, highlighting concerns over the country being used as a transit route for transnational drug trafficking.
Vietnam Tightens Weapons of Mass Destruction Controls, Backing ASEAN Non-Proliferation Psuh
On August 8, Vietnam’s 16th National Assembly reviewed a draft law on the prevention and control of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), seeking to strengthen the country’s legal framework for preventing the spread of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and related delivery systems.
Malaysia to Increase Defence Budget as Military Modernisation Accelerates
Christopher Hubenthal)
On August 7, Malaysian Prime Minister (PM) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the government intends to increase defence spending under Budget 2027 to strengthen the Malaysian Armed Forces’ (MAF) operational readiness and accelerate its long-term modernisation programme.
Myanmar’s Protracted Crisis Has Become a Defining Test of ASEAN’s Regional Diplomacy
ASEAN’s renewed calls for broader humanitarian access, the unconditional release of detained political figures in Myanmar on August 3 and support for a Myanmar-led and Myanmar-owned peace process have once again highlighted the bloc’s reliance on the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) as its principal framework for engagement. Its continued reaffirmation at successive summits and ministerial meetings has increasingly raised questions over ASEAN’s strategic integrity, credibility and centrality in responding to one of the region’s most enduring security challenges.
Myanmar Junta Leader Seeks Economic Lifeline in Bangkok, $12bn Trade Deal Sealed
On August 6, Thai Prime Minister (PM) Anutin Charnvirakul rolled out the red carpet to welcome Myanmar’s military-backed President Min Aung Hlaing, officially commencing the first bilateral engagement between both nations since the 2021 coup.
Beyond Technology: Why Governance Will Shape the Philippines’ Energy Transition
When the Philippine Congress established the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilATOM) in September 2025 through Republic Act No. 12305, much of the discussion centred on what it meant for the country’s nuclear ambitions. That is understandable. An independent regulator is indispensable for any country considering nuclear power. Yet viewing the legislation solely through the lens of nuclear energy risks overlooking its broader significance.
Cambodia Launches Second Mekong-Lancang Peace Boat Programme, Eyeing Regional Confidence-Building
On August 5, Cambodia launched the 2nd Mekong-Lancang Peace Boat Programme, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening regional dialogue and advancing practical cooperation for sustainable development across the sub-region.
Philippine Senate Scrutinises Millions in Vice President’s Confidential Funds
On August 3, the Philippines’ Senate Impeachment Court heard testimony from a Commission on Audit (COA) auditor who said Vice President Sara Duterte was the only Vice President and the only Department of Education (DepEd) secretary to receive confidential funds during her tenure with the Commission’s Intelligence and Confidential Funds Audit Office (ICFAO), as the House prosecution continued presenting documentary and financial evidence in the impeachment trial.