7 d. ago Malaysian police chief urges more caning in schools, rues loss of ‘fear factor’

A Malaysian police chief has called for the wider imposition of caning in schools, arguing that the “fear factor” among students has eroded at a time when violent incidents, including bullying-related deaths, are drawing alarm in the country. Selangor state police chief Shazeli Kahar said caning should be considered in a phased and “controlled” manner to prevent teacher abuse, and was needed to address what he described as a worrying rise in student-related crime across the state. His remarks...

Events

9 d. ago In its year under Malaysia, Asean tried to set systemic reform in motion

The dust has yet to settle despite the conclusion of the 47th Asean Summit under Malaysia, which remains the chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations for the remainder of the year. There are two main takeaways from the Kuala Lumpur meetings. First, by most objective measures, Malaysia has successfully pulled off not only the summit but its year-long chairmanship, steering several initiatives long in the making past the finish line. One of the most consequential is the formal admission...

Politics

3 w. ago Malaysian police defend female bodyguards’ viral leap at Asean summit

Two female bodyguards have set Malaysian social media abuzz after a video showing them leaping onto a moving SUV during the recent Asean summit went viral – a moment the police have since defended as standard and professionally executed security protocol. The widely shared clip shows the pair – dressed in formal black suits and headscarves – jogging after a sport utility vehicle carrying foreign delegates before each opening a rear door, stepping onto the footboard and taking position with the...

Politics

3 w. ago Malaysian police defend bodyguards’ viral leap onto moving car at Asean summit

Two female bodyguards have set Malaysian social media abuzz after a video showing them leaping onto a moving SUV during the recent Asean summit went viral – a moment the police have since defended as standard and professionally executed security protocol. The widely shared clip shows the pair – dressed in formal black suits and headscarves – jogging after a sport utility vehicle carrying foreign delegates before each opening a rear door, stepping onto the footboard and taking position with the...

Politics

3 w. ago Can Asean maintain its neutrality as Manila takes the chair?

With the Philippines set to succeed Malaysia next year as chair of Asean, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations faces challenges both within and beyond the region. It must remain united and continue to resist taking sides in the great power rivalry. The 47th Asean summit in Kuala Lumpur was a fitting finale to an exceptional year as the bloc’s profile continued to rise. Adding to this was the admission of East Timor – an important milestone that completes the Asean family and underscores...

Politics

3 w. ago Manila’s biggest challenge as next Asean chair? Staying neutral

With the Philippines set to succeed Malaysia next year as chair of Asean, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations faces challenges both within and beyond the region. It must remain united and continue to resist taking sides in the great power rivalry. The 47th Asean summit in Kuala Lumpur was a fitting finale to an exceptional year as the bloc’s profile continued to rise. Adding to this was the admission of East Timor – an important milestone that completes the Asean family and underscores...

Politics