US President Trumps economic strategy for his second term aims to get the rest of the world, especially its wealthy allies with greater means, to pay more to help strengthen the US economy. Recent US initiatives have undoubtedly accelerated de-dollarization but these have largely been unavoidable consequences of its own actions rather than due to any conspiracy by others to that end. After the Bretton Woods Conference in 1944, the gold price was set at $35 per ounce. In August 1971, US ..

The 13th Malaysia Plan proposition to make preschool mandatory at age five, primary at age six, and secondary education compulsory marks a bold step towards universal education. It signals a determination to ensure that no child is left behind as the nation continues to develop. Yet, ambition without realistic aspirations could be dangerous. Compulsory education, while commendable, risks becoming a hollow promise if access is not compensated by genuine inclusive practices coupled with ..

Syamsul Haris Shamsudin was a cadet at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, and at the end of July, his mother Ummu Haiman Bee Daulatgun was notified that he had died during a training exercise. Ummu Haiman was suspicious about how her son met his death, which his superiors said had happened during training. It was alleged that he had suffered a seizure, Dissatisfied with their claims, she unsuccessfully tried to obtain the results of the autopsy report. Undaunted, she sought a court order to have ..

Malaysian hospitality: Time to rekindle the spirit ahead of VMY26 We had decided on a simple joyful birthday staycation treat for my wife along with our daughter and baby grandson at a well-known hotel strategically located near the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station; with visions of a relaxing weekend filled with warmth and Malaysian hospitality. We arrived right on time, bags in hand, hearts light with excitement. Sadly, the experience that unfolded revealed deeper cracks in an industry that was ..

Though Tan Sri Tiong Hiew King has left us, the melody of his favourite song Jasmine Flower still lingers On the afternoon of June 7, 2023, together with a few colleagues from East Malaysia, I accompanied renowned writer Lung Ying-tai to Sibu, Sarawak, to visit the honorary chairman of the Chinese Media International Ltd Tan Sri Tiong Hiew King. He was in good spirits then. When he saw us entering his home, he occasionally lifted his right hand, perhaps to greet us, or signal for us to take our ..

Indonesian deindustrialization: Creative destruction or destructive creation? Economists have widely argued that Indonesia is currently at risk of a middle- income trap (MIT). The World Development Report 2024 proposed a three-stage strategy for countries to escape MIT: first, investment, then investment and infusionand finally, investment and innovation. Without infusion and later innovation, a country cannot sustain economic growth to achieve a high-income status. Infusion and innovation ..

Mamdani's win reflects the power of diversity in a democracy Zohran Mamdani's victory as the New York City Mayor has led to various reactions in the US and around the world. Depending on one's view some termed the win positively and others negatively. The basic reasons why he was elected were the increasingly diversity among the NYC population and the deplorable administration of the City touted as the financial capital of the world. Over the last few decades there has been a vast increase in ..

Mamdani vs. Madani Inclusiveness or just packaging? Democratic left-wing congressman Zohran Mamdani has broken multiple historical records by being elected mayor of New York City, United States. He is not only the first Muslim mayor in New Yorks history but also the youngest in a century. Moreover, he is the first candidate since 1969 to win over one million votes and is expected to secure more than 50% of the total vote share. How did a far-left American politicianwho is also a staunch critic ..

What does high quality development and strong national finance mean? President Xi Jinping's speech at the Fourth Plenum in Beijing last month outlined the guidelines for the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030). There was clear determination to focus on technological self-reliance, building a high quality productive forces economic model based on innovation and strong industrial base that would be resilient against external threats and headwinds. At the Beijing Finance Street Forum at the ..

The two fundamentals of energy security are stability in supply and demand, and affordable prices. A sharp decline in supply or a sudden increase in demand can push up energy prices, triggering inflation and disrupting economic growth. The oil shocks of the 1970s, which led to stagflation in Western economies, are a reminder of the impact of energy prices on international politics and economics. The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation economies have traditionally been net importers of energy. But ..

Redefining excellence: The quality and sustainable education of online distance learning in Malaysian higher education The landscape of higher education has undergone a profound transformation in recent years, with online distance learning (ODL) emerging as a cornerstone of modern educational delivery. In Malaysia, this evolution has been particularly significant, not as a stop-gap, but as a strategic pathway to widen access without compromising quality. As universities invest in digital ..

The Mamdani effect: Rekindling hope in a cynical city Today is the big day.Analysts are pretty much unanimous that residents of the Big Apple are set to create history by electing the first Muslim mayor in the financial capital of the United States. Thirty-three-year-oldZohran Mamdanis meteoric political risein the New York mayoral race caught the imagination of the entire world. Initially, appearing to be armed with just a winsome smile and a savvy political mien, especially in tune with ..

The dismissal of the Football Association of Malaysias (FAM) appeal to FIFAs Appeals Committee on Monday was not a surprise at all. Ask any Malaysian football fan and you will probably hear that FAM deserves it. This reaction reflects the deep frustration that Malaysians have long harbored toward our football governing body. For decades, FAM has been seen as inefficient, lacking accountability, and out of touch with the realities of modern football management. The latest fiasco, which led to ..

Selangor Budget 2026 shouldincrease allocations for needy economic sectors and social groups The Selangor 2026 Budget will be tabled on November 14, and as usual a lot of people and economic sectors are anxious to know the budgetary allocations and expenditures of the state for next year. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Bin Shari has hinted that education and poverty eradication are the main budgetary thrusts under consideration. Selangor is Malaysia's premier state with first-world ..

Australia and ASEAN: Standing together to safeguard our region Southeast Asia understands all too well the value of peace and the true cost of conflict. Violence and instability disrupt livelihoods, displace communities and undermine economic growththreatening food and energy security, and placing long-term development and prosperity at risk. This is why Australia and Malaysia have been close friends and partners for eight decades, working hard to ensure an open and stable region. It is our ..

On October 21, Liberal Democratic Party President Sanae Takaichi was elected prime minister, becoming the first woman to assume the post in the history of Japan. Her victory was a breakthrough. A year ago, then Vice President Kamala Harris ran as the Democratic candidate in the U.S presidential election, but she was defeated. The United States has yet to have a female president. With Takaichi now premier, the United States is one of only two Group of Seven countries that has never been led by a ..

Multilateral diplomacy gains momentum on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the Workers Party of Korea On October 10, Pyongyang celebrated the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Workers Party of Korea (WPK), North Koreas ruling political party. The climax of the various events was, of course, the military parade. For neighboring countries such as Japan, the United States, and South Korea, the parade provided a crucial indicator of North Koreas progress in developing weapons. The first ..

There are moments when protocol collides with principle. Trumps visit to Kuala Lumpur, staged with spectacle, was one such moment. To many Malaysians it felt like the surrender of moral authority. EMIR Research has consistently argued that Malaysias strength lies in **credible** neutrality, **dignity** in the Global South, and **policy anchored in justice**. Hosting a figure repeatedly identified with enabling genocide already sits at odds with that stance. EMIR Research warned that rolling out ..

A freewheeling green wave once religious fidelity ascends to intense race While I was waiting at the boarding gate transiting in Istanbul airport on my way back from Europe early October, I suddenly heard an announcement offering any passenger willing to spend a night in Istanbul free hotel accommodation, half-day city tour, 600 travel allowances, and guaranteed departure for Kuala Lumpur on the same flight the next day. What a sweet offer! I almost wanted to stay back and explore this ..

Critique demands a voice, execution demands a vision, courage and the scars of effort Its not a stretch to say that the 47th ASEAN Summit and its related meetings were the most consequentialand successfulin our regions history. Last week, Malaysia played host to virtually the entire world, when political, business and civil society leaders from Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and Oceania descended on Kuala Lumpur. Our well-attended ASEAN Summit bucked global trends. In a time of ..

US President Donald Trump is visiting Malaysia, Japan and South Korea this week and enjoying another batch of spotlights as he usually does. However, many in Asia feel uncomfortable, and it is unclear whether he is communicating effectively with Asians. He prides himself on being a smart realist, often invoking a tough, transactional style that he and his followers associate with Machiavelli. Yet political traditions in Asia are different. Many insist that power is most effective when it wins ..

On the sidelines of the recent 47th Asean Summit, FIFA president Gianni Infantino unveiled the concept of a new Asean Cup, a gesture which has received much appreciation from the Asean members and the football fraternity. This Cup, for which the details have not been finalized yet, will be different from the present Asean Football Championship also known as the ASEAN Cup. The FIFA President's initiative is laudable as the Asean nations need more football competitions, better training schemes, ..

Malaysia, China, and the US: Walking the tightrope In October 2025, Malaysia and the United States signed a trade deal that looks amazing in headlines: billions in business, lower tariffs, and promises of closer economic ties. However, if one were to read past the press releases, then the deal looks less like a masterstr

The recently signed U.S.Malaysia Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ARTA) marks a pivotal moment in Malaysias evolving trade strategy. While publicly presented as a mutual liberalization initiative, ARTA reflects less of a free trade breakthro

Establishing a Resilient Asia Together: Building trust through the co-creation and industrialization of disaster prevention standards Asia is both the center of the global economy and the region most frequently struck by natural disasters. According to EM-DATThe International Disaster Database at the Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters (CRED), University of Louvain (UCLouvain) in Belgiumthere were 7,348 natural disasters worldwide over the 20-year period from 2000 to 2019. Asia ..

Malaysia: A paradise of kindness, courtesy, and hospitality In the heart of Southeast Asia lies a nation where grace meets grandeurMalaysia. To every ASEAN and world leader gracing our shores, we extend our warmest_Selamat Datang_(welcome). You have arrived not just in a country of beauty but in a home defined by kindness, courtesy, and the world-renowned spirit of Malaysian hospitality. Malaysias essence is written in the smiles of its people. We are a harmonious mosaic of culturesMalays, ..

I wrote and shared the message (below) with my online contacts on October 6, two days before Singapore executed another young Malaysian convicted of a drug offense. It was reportedly the second execution of a Malaysian to be carried out in the island republic in two weeks. It was on October 6 that a group of Malaysians MPs and leaders of some NGOs called a press conference at the media room in Parliament to appeal for the postponement of the execution. A noble action nonetheless but it was too ..

Fatal tree falling incidents should motivate local authorities to take proactive action Trees planted for aesthetic and environmental reasons by local authorities nationwide are now becoming a source of danger to unsuspecting people. With the present monsoon season in full swing resulting in heavy downpours and thunderstorms there is an increasing risk of trees falls. In Kuala Lumpur, one person has been killed in Persiaran Dutamas and a woman has been injured in Kepong Baru due to falling ..

In diplomacy, terms of endearment could matter more than geopolitical grid lines. When leaders use language that conveys warmth and respect, they build trust and foster amity, paving the way to steer the stormy waters of geopolitical discord. This makes for eas

UPKOs Ewon has the right to resign as minister on principle In this column today, I wish to discuss whether a minister who disagrees with certain policies of the government he is serving should step down as a matter of principle. In a straight forward case and on a matter of principle, I would say yes, as the title of this article suggests. But it is also important to weigh other factors on such a major decision, as repercussions would surely be involved. The story today is centered on the ..

26 October 2025 marks a historic moment. In Kuala Lumpur, Timor-Leste is officially joining ASEAN as its 11th member state. For most Malaysians, the name Timor-Leste may feel distant; a small country on the periphery of Indonesia, known mainly through fragments of history and humanitarian headlines. Yet its accession is not just another expansion of ASEAN. It is the return of a long-ignored story to Southeast Asias collective consciousness, one that reminds us of what regional solidarity once ..

Achieving shared strength and prosperity for Japan and ASEAN I would like to congratulate Malaysia for hosting the ASEAN Summit and related meetings. It is a great honour for me to visit Malaysia on my first overseas trip since assuming office as Prime Minister of Japan and participate in this important ASEAN event. This year marks several historic milestones: the 10th anniversary of ASEAN Community, the launch of ASEAN Community Vision 2045, and the 20th anniversary of East Asia Summit (EAS). ..

Despite public indignation, Malaysia is preparing to welcome a figure whose legacy is written not in diplomacy, but in destruction. As the fires in Gaza continue to burn, with tens of thousands killed and millions displaced, the reappearance of Donald J. Trump on the international stage poses **both moral and strategic question of the highest order**: will Malaysia, long a voice of conscience for the oppressed, now offer a red carpet to one of the most unrepentant enablers of genocide? To frame ..

Malaysias equity market continues to underperform against regional peers, as reflected by anemic total shareholder returns of the FBM KLCIbelow fixed deposit yields over the past decade. The recent net foreign outflows in financial services (-RM835.5 million), healthcare (-RM270.3 million), and utilities (-RM106.7 million) signal not only short-term investor retrenchment but also deeper structural vulnerabilities in the economy. Rising global protectionism, slowing external demand, and rapid ..

Schools must do more to safeguard students, stop stabbing The 16-year-old was allegedly stabbed to death by a 14-year-old schoolmate at a Bandar Utama school. This has reignited a national debate over student safety, toxic online content, and ministerial accountability. This latest act of violence is not an isolated event. Violence did not visit our schools overnight. Violence has been allowed to grow slowly, largely undisturbed, mostly neglected or dismissed, until it exploded into shocking ..

MIC could make an announcement soon about exiting BN The long-awaited MIC decision to leave the BN is near according to various media reports. Many are waiting for the MIC's momentous announcement on this. The MIC has nothing to lose by exiting the long exploitative relationship with the BN, as there is nothing more to expect in the future. The BN itself is disunited and already in the doldrums and continuing to rely on it is suicidal. There is a possibility that Umno could be wiped out in GE16 ..

ByDr. Nur Hidayah Mustapa, Prof. Dr. Wong Li Ping, Dr. Lim Yin Cheng Eyes on the screen: How internet gaming addiction threatens teen vision and well-being ByDr. Nur Hidayah Mustapa, Prof. Dr. Wong Li Ping, Dr. Lim Yin Cheng Every year on World Sight Day, which falls on October 9, the theme is Love Your Eyes. Health professionals worldwide highlight the importance of eyecare and preventing avoidable blindness. While much of the discussion centers on cataracts, refractive errors, and vision ..

Budget 2026: From fiscal prudence to productive debt stewardship Budget 2026 was tabled with the reassuring confidence of prudence. It promises a narrower deficit of 3.5 percent of GDP, an allocation of RM421.2 billion, and a renewed commitment to fiscal responsibility under the Madani framework. The message is clear: tightening its belt while sustaining welfare. However, beneath this narrative lies a deeper question: what kind of discipline are we practicing? Prudence that merely constrains, ..

Is there evidence for measures proposed by the government to curb violence in schools? The recent episodes of violence in school reported in the media has ignited much national discussion, with many opinions expressed as to what long-term actions should be taken. The government leadership has discussed this on 17 October 2025 and proposed a number of measures. It is important that these measures are based on evidenceof what worksand not on opinions and _in my day_ sentiments. We look here at ..

Violence in schools: Taking collective responsibility Recent violence by children towards other children in our schools has significantly impacted all of us in the country. It has been of great concern to parents and especially to children attending our schools. Another alleged sexual assault of a female student by four students reported today adds to the fears. No one expects that the school environment is where rape and violent physical harm can occur. We have a tendency as a nation to be ..