Bold, independent coverage of Malaysian politics, business and current affairs.
Malaysia's Foreign Ministry is actively monitoring the locations of 21,427 nationals across 14 conflict-affected countries, with detailed contingency plans in place for potential large-scale evacuations should security conditions deteriorate.
The US Pacific Command has pledged to sustain its operational presence in the South China Sea as part of efforts to preserve regional security and stability while working closely with ASEAN partners to advance shared interests.
The United States has urged its citizens in West Asia to consider leaving the region as tensions with Iran escalate, with reports suggesting Washington is preparing military action.
Israeli artillery struck southern Syria's Quneitra province on Thursday, landing near Tal al-Ahmar al-Sharqi with no reported casualties. The incident reflects intensifying Israeli military activity in the region.
Arab League Secretary-General Nabil Fahmy has urged US President Donald Trump to constrain Israeli policies toward Palestinians, cautioning that escalating tensions risk regional destabilisation ahead of Trump's meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Foreign ministers from Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand emphasised regional cooperation on artificial intelligence, digital transformation, climate change and supply chain resilience during Post-Ministerial Conferences with ASEAN in Manila.
Separatist rebels in West Papua have executed three indigenous Papuans, marking a significant escalation in their campaign against perceived government collaborators and signalling a widening conflict that threatens civilian safety across the disputed region.
Exiled Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has declared her intention to return home and appear in court despite facing a death sentence for alleged crimes during 2024 anti-government protests. She denies political persecution and calls for genuine justice.
Kuwait's armed forces are actively defending against incoming missiles and drones, with the military confirming air defence systems are intercepting hostile targets amid escalating Iran-US tensions.
The US has conducted its eighth straight night of airstrikes against Iran after two American military personnel were killed in a cross-border attack from Jordan. An interim ceasefire deal has unraveled, intensifying the cycle of retaliation.
Japan's Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi has called for an open national debate on nuclear weapons policy, citing deteriorating security conditions and shifts in European defence strategies. The remarks come as Tokyo prepares to revise its core security documents.
A coordinated Iranian assault involving ballistic missiles and unmanned drones struck US positions in Jordan on July 17, resulting in two fatalities and one missing serviceman. Four others required medical evacuation.
Pakistan and Kuwait have raised serious concerns about escalating tensions between Iran and the United States, warning of potential regional instability in West Asia. Both nations are urging restraint and strict compliance with existing ceasefire commitments.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet have pledged to deepen their nations' partnership, agreeing to expand cooperation in artificial intelligence, trade corridors and cross-border security while supporting peace efforts between Cambodia and Thailand.
The Philippines confirmed that Thailand and Cambodia's May commitment to resolve their border dispute continues to hold firm, with no major incidents reported. The success reflects Manila's diplomatic efforts as ASEAN chair.
Kuwait's military activated air defence systems early Wednesday to intercept incoming drones in what authorities described as Iranian attacks, with similar incidents reported across Bahrain amid escalating US-Iran tensions.
Malaysia has committed to working closely with Thanut Suvarnananda, Thailand's newly appointed Peace Dialogue Panel chief, to advance peace efforts in southern Thailand. Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled stressed Malaysia's facilitating role while affirming Thailand's sovereignty over security matters.
Vietnam has committed to working with ASEAN to support Myanmar's economic recovery and peacebuilding efforts. The pledge came at a high-level meeting in Bangkok involving Myanmar's government for the first time since 2021.
Iran and Oman have committed to ongoing dialogue at multiple levels regarding the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical shipping routes. The agreement follows a high-level visit by Iran's Foreign Minister and comes amid heightened regional tensions.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has reiterated Malaysia's commitment to resolving Myanmar's crisis through sustained diplomatic engagement, positioning Thailand as a pivotal actor in regional peace efforts during bilateral talks in Putrajaya.
Malaysia's Chief of Defence Force visited Cambodia's Banteay Meanchey province to evaluate border security conditions and receive briefings from ASEAN monitors overseeing the Cambodia-Thailand ceasefire agreement.
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Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and a UAE Federal National Council delegation have pledged to strengthen bilateral relations through strategic cooperation in defence, artificial intelligence, and regional stability.
Singapore and Indonesia have reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining the Strait of Malacca as an open, safe maritime corridor for all nations. The pledge emerged during talks between PM Lawrence Wong and President Prabowo Subianto, reflecting deepening bilateral ties ahead of their 60-year diplomatic anniversary in 2027.
Indonesia and Singapore have renewed their pledge to protect the Strait of Malacca, emphasising open passage and coordinating with Malaysia and Thailand on security and navigation.
Britain and France have declared willingness to deploy a multinational military force to safeguard shipping through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, with Oman's cooperation, despite Iranian objections.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has dismissed predictions of inevitable conflict in the South China Sea, emphasizing dialogue, international law, and constructive engagement with China as pathways to regional stability.
The US-Iran interim peace agreement lies in tatters after just two weeks, with both sides launching coordinated military operations across the Gulf and blaming each other for violations.
France and Italy are establishing a multinational coalition to support Lebanon following the December withdrawal of the UN peacekeeping force UNIFIL, designed to bolster the country's sovereignty and prevent further regional destabilization.