Nation & Identity

Malaysia's biggest corruption scandal is back in the spotlight after former Prime Minister Najib Razak launched a new legal effort tied to the multibillion-dollar 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) case.   In May 2026, Najib applied to introduce fresh evidence into his appeal against convictions for abuse of power and money laundering linked to the state investment fund. The move represents his attempt to force Malaysian courts to revisit...

Indonesia stands out in global politics as a rare mix of democracy and Islam. As the world's largest Muslim-majority democracy, the country continues to draw attention for how it balances religion, elections, and diversity. Its path has not been simple, and debates over identity and freedom remain active across Indonesian society.   This debate matters because Indonesia influences how Islamic values and democratic systems can exist side by...

Plastic has become a big problem in Southeast Asia. Think about that single-use coffee cup floating alongside you when you walk by the river. Or how at many beaches the view is not that of a beautiful white sand and turquoise water, but of a mass of plastic bags and other trash washed up on the shore.   Over 11 million tonnes of plastic enter the ocean annually. It accounts for 80% of marine pollution and takes hundreds of years to break d...

The Philippine Army and the Malaysian Army have launched a12-day joint military exercise in Davao de Oro in the Mindanao region of the Philippines. The exercise highlights the growing defense cooperation between two Southeast Asian neighbors.   The annual activity, known as LAND MALPHI 24/2026, brings together soldiers from both countries to improve coordination, strengthen partnerships, and prepare for shared security challenges. This yea...

The political storm around Ronald dela Rosa, a Filipino senator and former Philippine National Police chief, has exploded again after the Philippine Department of Justice moved to seek an Interpol Red Notice tied to allegations of crimes against humanity. The dramatic legal push has placed the Philippines back under international attention while reopening questions about the deadly anti-drug campaign linked to former president Rodrigo Duterte, wh...