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How media narratives and political strategies signal the early gears of election season.SINGAPORE: As speculation about the next General Election (GE) intensifies, Singapore’s media machinery is already ramping up, creating a buzz that goes beyond political circles. The transition of leadership from Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, set for …

Beijing’s efforts to mediate in Myanmar have hit limits, highlighting the need for ASEAN’s involvement.MYANMAR: China has emerged as a key player in Myanmar's political crisis, brokering a ceasefire in January among warring factions. Despite these efforts, sporadic fighting continues, underscoring Beijing’s limitations and the need for greater collaboration with the Association of Southeast Asian …

Concerned Singaporean sparks discussion about visible begging in public spaces.SINGAPORE: A recent post on an online forum has sparked debate about a perceived increase in begging within Singapore's shopping malls. The conversation began after a concerned individual recounted seeing a man soliciting money at Northpoint City Mall."Has anyone noticed a rise in begging happening inside …

A landmark three-way summit aims to enhance security and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.WASHINGTON: President Joe Biden will host Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. this week in a historic three-way summit to reinforce alliances amid escalating tensions with China, particularly in the disputed South China Sea.This meeting highlights the …

Despite insurgent gains, the Myanmar junta maintains control through strategic arms production and air power dominance, argues a Myanmar-based analyst.YANGON: Myanmar's relentless civil war continues, with the initial optimism surrounding Operation 1027—a surprise offensive by opposition forces in October 2023—tempered by the military regime’s enduring resilience. The State Administration Council (SAC) has implemented a controversial …

Exploring the contrasting trajectories of political Islam in Malaysia and Indonesia and their implications for Southeast Asia.In the heart of Southeast Asia, Malaysia and Indonesia are witnessing contrasting developments in political Islam. While Malaysia is experiencing a wave of rising religious conservatism, Indonesia is charting a different course, moving towards moderation. These diverging paths reflect …

Witnesses recount the chaos, fear, and survival during the deadliest attack in Russia since 2004MOSCOW: Four armed men dressed in camouflage calmly approached the metal detectors at Crocus City Hall on Friday evening (Mar 22), firing automatic weapons in short bursts at unsuspecting civilians. The 6,200-seat concert hall, set to host the Soviet-era rock band …

Charges Against Opposition Leader Spark Debate Over Penalties and Parliamentary ImpactSINGAPORE: Legal experts believe it is improbable that Leader of the Opposition and Workers' Party (WP) chief Pritam Singh will lose his parliamentary seat, even if convicted of the charges he currently faces under the Parliament (Privileges, Immunities and Powers) Act.Mr. Singh was charged on …

Workers' Party chief Pritam Singh still commands the support of his party, say political observers.SINGAPORE: The criminal charges laid on Workers’ Party (WP) secretary-general Pritam Singh on Tuesday (Mar 19) have raised questions about the party's future heading into the next general election, which must be called by November 2025, political analysts said.The charges are …

Workers' Party Secretary-General faces criminal charges related to parliamentary testimony.SINGAPORE: Mr. Pritam Singh, the secretary-general of the Workers’ Party (WP), pleaded not guilty to two counts of lying to a parliamentary committee in connection with the case of former WP MP Raeesah Khan. Ms. Khan resigned from both the party and Parliament on November 31, …