Malaysia will take immediate action against unauthorised houses of worship , Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on February 9, amid rising disputes that have raised concerns over national unity. He said temples or shrines built without legal approval, particularly on land they do not own, will no longer be allowed, and municipal councils have been authorised to clear such structures. Anwar noted the sensitivity of the issue in Malaysia’s multi-religious society, citing recent disputes involving Hindu temples in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. While acknowledging potential backlash, he warned against vigilantism, stressing that enforcement must be carried out strictly according to the law.

New member of Malaysian royalty is born

Prince Abdul Mateen and his wife, Princess Anisha Rosnah, have welcomed their first child , a baby girl, the Brunei royal household announced on Sunday. In a statement carried by national broadcaster RTB News, the Office of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah said Princess Anisha gave birth safely on Feb 8 at 8.50am, in an announcement made in accordance with the Sultan’s orders. The birth was marked by 17 cannon shots fired at the grounds of Istana Nurul Iman. The couple, who married in a royal ceremony last year, announced the pregnancy in October.

Anwar says language, history must anchor education to prevent detached elite

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia must place language and history at the core of its education system to avoid producing an elite class disconnected from national identity. Speaking at an event at Universiti Selangor in Shah Alam, Anwar said a firm commitment was needed if the country was serious about shaping its own character. He stressed that the principle should apply across all education streams, including international schools, which have expanded rapidly. While debates on language and education date back decades, Anwar said indecision was no longer an option, adding that cultural grounding must progress alongside economic and technological development.

Health ministry bans cosmetic product found to contain mercury

The health ministry has banned the sale of Saqa Glowing Turmeric Night Treatment Cream after tests found it contained mercury , a prohibited substance in cosmetics. The ministry revoked the product’s notification, making it illegal to sell or distribute in the country, Bernama reported. In a statement, the ministry warned that mercury can be absorbed into the body and cause serious health risks, including kidney and nervous system damage, developmental harm to children and fetuses, and skin reactions such as rashes and irritation. Consumers have been urged to stop using the product, while sellers and distributors must immediately halt sales due to regulatory violations.

Toddler opening car door triggers six-vehicle crash

A two-year-old child opening a car door caused a six-vehicle road accident along Jalan Tun Razak on Friday evening, police said. The crash occurred near the Kampung Pandan roundabout heading towards KLCC and involved four cars and two motorcycles. Preliminary investigations found the child, seated in the rear of a Honda City and held by a relative, opened the left rear door after the child safety lock was not engaged. A motorcyclist was unable to avoid the door, triggering a chain collision. One rider was hospitalised, while another suffered minor injuries. Police are investigating for careless driving.

Queen Suthida served as tactician and helmswoman, roles that placed her in charge of steering and race strategy, which are crucial due to changing wind conditions in the Gulf of Thailand.

The final races were held at Ocean Marina Yacht Club in Sattahip, Chonburi, where the sailing events have run since December 15. The SSL47 class is appearing at the SEA Games for the first time.

Teams from Vietnam, the Philippines , Malaysia and Myanmar competed in the category. The boats lack safety lines, increasing the physical demands on crews during racing.

The queen is expected to receive her medal from King Maha Vajiralongkorn, 73, whom she married in 2019. 

Before joining the royal household, Queen Suthida worked as a flight attendant for Thai Airways after completing a degree in communications. She later entered military service.

She has also built a public sporting profile. Earlier this month, she ran a half-marathon in Bangkok, finishing alongside Kenyan marathon runner Eliud Kipchoge.

Her feat is not without precedent; King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the late father of the current monarch, won sailing gold at the regional Games in 1967 in a boat he built himself, competing with his daughter Princess Ubolratana.

The SEA Games conclude on Saturday, with host nation Thailand leading the medal table ahead of Indonesia and Vietnam. Cambodia withdrew shortly before the opening ceremony, citing security concerns following renewed border tensions.

“Today I am one of her children to pay respects for our mother for Thai people, and now she is with our father up above,” said one mourner. 

"Even the boss has all passed away from us. But they will never be forgotten from our heart. They will be remembered in our hearts forever," another added.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul led the nation in mourning, announcing a year-long observance for civil servants and government officials, and a 90-day period for the general public. Flags will remain at half-mast for 30 days. 

Thais were encouraged to wear black or muted colours and to observe a respectful tone in public life, including concerts and public events.

Queen Sirikit, who suffered a stroke in 2012, was revered for championing women’s empowerment, rural development, and Thai craftsmanship through royal initiatives that transformed communities. Together with her late husband, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, she helped shape the modern Thai monarchy, earning deep affection across generations.

The Queen Mother’s passing marks an end of an era for Thailand and the start of a year-long mourning period for its transitional government.

Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to halt border hostilities and release 18 detained soldiers under a “peace deal” signed on Sunday and witnessed by US President Donald Trump at the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur. Trump hailed the accord, signed by Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian leader Hun Manet, as “an incredible job for humanity.” The joint declaration commits both nations to withdraw heavy weapons, remove landmines and resolve disputes peacefully. Trump, who credited US mediation for averting further conflict, also announced upcoming trade and minerals agreements with the two Southeast Asian neighbours.

Thailand begins year-long funeral for former queen Sirikit

Thailand began a year-long funeral for former queen Sirikit on Sunday, as mourners gathered in Bangkok to pay respects to the “Mother of the Nation.” The 93-year-old royal, mother of King Vajiralongkorn and wife of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, died on Friday after years of illness. Her body was moved from Chulalongkorn Hospital to the Grand Palace, where it will lie in state for a year before cremation. Citizens have been asked to wear muted colours and suspend celebrations for 90 days. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul delayed his ASEAN trip to attend the initial ceremonies.

Anutin asserts authority to dissolve parliament early 

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has reaffirmed his right to dissolve Parliament at any time, hinting that he could do so before the agreed January deadline. Speculation has mounted that Anutin may call an early election to pre-empt a possible censure motion against his minority coalition. While the constitutional amendment process has advanced past its first reading, Anutin said, “If that day comes, let the people decide.”

Pheu Thai may choose non-Shinawatra leader after Paetongtarn’s exit

The opposition Pheu Thai Party will hold a general assembly on October 31 to elect a new leader following Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s resignation amid a credibility slump tied to her leaked phone call with Cambodian leader Hun Sen. Party elections director Suriya Juangroongruangkit said the next leader “may not be a Shinawatra,” but denied rumours he would take the post, saying he is “too old” and prefers new-generation leadership. He dismissed reports that his family pressured Paetongtarn to quit, calling them “completely untrue,” and vowed to restore the party’s strength ahead of the next general election.

Thailand urges regional action on online scams at ASEAN Summit

Thailand is calling for stronger regional cooperation to combat online scams and cybercrime , as well as to deepen economic ties, ahead of the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur from October 26 to 28. Bolbongse Vangphaen, the director-general of the Department of ASEAN Affairs, said Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and fellow leaders will reaffirm their commitment to peace, digital growth and sustainability amid global instability. Thailand, which chairs ASEAN’s digital economy negotiations, is pushing the “Bangkok Declaration Against Online Scams” and a joint declaration on cybercrime.

In his interview for Apple TV+’s The Reluctant Traveller, the Prince of Wales said he would question traditions to keep the monarchy “fit for purpose.” 

“Change is on my agenda,” he said, calling it a source of “excitement” rather than fear.

His comments come as debate grows within the Commonwealth, the 56-member association of mostly former British colonies. Fourteen countries still recognise the British monarch as their head of state, among them Jamaica, Australia , Canada and Papua New Guinea.

Several governments have begun considering constitutional change. Antigua and Barbuda has pledged a referendum on becoming a republic, while leaders in Jamaica and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines have voiced similar intentions.

The 2021 decision by Barbados to remove the British monarch as head of state added momentum to republican sentiment across the Caribbean . Officials in Belize, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia have since indicated plans to review their own systems.

King Charles III has said that such decisions rest solely with each member country, describing them as “purely a matter for its people .” Buckingham Palace has made clear it will not oppose moves towards independence.

For countries still part of the Commonwealth realm, Prince William’s call for change has therefore taken on wider meaning. It comes at a moment when many are weighing whether to maintain their formal ties to the British crown.

Whether his words signal a more modern and flexible monarchy — or accelerate a shift away from it — remains to be seen.

In a significant constitutional move, Tonga’s King has asserted control over foreign policy, sidelining parliamentary influence. The decision has sparked intense debate over the monarchy’s role in diplomacy and the balance of power between elected officials and the crown.

General election campaign underway

Tonga’s Legislative Assembly has closed its latest session to prepare for the November General Election. Before adjourning, lawmakers passed several key bills, including the Whistleblower Protection Bill and amendments to marriage laws.

PTOA challenges Diplomatic Services Act

The opposition PTOA party has petitioned the King to withhold assent on the Diplomatic Services Act, arguing it lacks public consultation. The Act would centralise foreign affairs under the monarchy, raising concerns about democratic accountability.

Parliament modernises civil registration

In a controversial move, parliament passed a bill raising the legal marriage age to 18 and explicitly prohibiting same-sex marriage. The bill also introduces a digital identification system, modernising Tonga’s civil registry.

Whistleblower protection enacted

The Whistleblower Protection Bill 2025 was passed unanimously, creating new safeguards for individuals who expose misconduct by public officials, a major step toward greater transparency.