Myanmar convened its first post-coup parliament plenary session in the capital Naypyitaw on March 16. With the pro-junta Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) holding a majority in the parliament, the key agenda was the election of retired general Khin Yi as Speaker and Maung Maung Ohn as the Deputy Speaker of the Lower House (Pyithu Hluttaw).
Category: Politics
Indonesia’s President Prabowo to regulate critics he accuses of undermining unity
During the Plenary Cabinet Session on March 13, President Prabowo Subianto slammed observers who “dislike seeing the government’s achievements” and expressed willingness to regulate their criticism.
Thailand’s parliament elects Sophon Saram as House Speaker
On March 15, Thailand’s House of Representatives formally elected its speaker. This parliamentary session was formally convened by the King Rama X on March 14, before MPs cast secret ballots on the following day. Among 497 MPs, 289 supported Sophon Saram, while 80 abstained and five ballots were invalid.
Pressure mounts for justice after acid attack on Indonesian rights activist
Indonesian human rights activist has been seriously injured after two men on a motorbike allegedly threw acid at him in an attack that has sparked renewed concern over the safety of activists and the state of democracy in the country.
South Korea in quest to diversify economic, strategic ties through latest Southeast Asian visits
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung’s early March diplomatic tour to Southeast Asia included visits to Singapore and the Philippines, signaling South Korea’s strategic push to deepen engagement with countries in the region.
ASEAN raises alarm over energy concern due to Middle East conflict
ASEAN’s foreign ministers have urged diplomatic and peaceful solutions to the escalating crisis in Middle East, warning that the conflict could drive up energy prices, worsen inflation and threaten food security across the region.
Indonesia’s free nutritious meal programme challenged by civil society in court
A civil-led coalition to conduct a judicial review on the Indonesian State Budget Law, particularly concerning the Free Nutritious Meals Programme (MBG).
Philippines sets date for Bangsamoro elections as clashes displaced thousands
On March 10, the House of Representatives of the Philippines passed a bill to hold legislative elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) during the second week of September 2026.
Indonesia prepares contingency plans for 2026 Hajj
The Indonesian government is preparing several contingency plans to anticipate the potential impact of escalating conflict in the Middle East on this year’s Hajj pilgrimage, with authorities emphasising that the safety of Indonesian pilgrims remains the top priority.
Malaysian Parliament votes down Prime Minister tenure limit bill
Malaysia’s Parliament just voted down a constitutional amendment bill tabled on March 3 aiming to limit the Prime Minister (PM)’s term in office.