Sarawak assembly being dissolved

Sarawak's legislative assembly will be dissolved today to pave the way for an election in the Malaysian state.

The election is seen by some observers as an important gauge for the Barisan Nasional federal government led by scandal-hit Prime Minister Najib Razak.

There will be 82 seats up for grabs, 11 more than in the 2011 state election.

Experts sharing insights on security

Leading experts in extremism, communication, homeland security and non-traditional security will share their insights and experiences at the five-day 10th Asia-Pacific Programme for Senior National Security Officers that begins today. This year's theme is National Security Revisited. Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan will deliver the opening address.

The event is organised specifically for senior government officials in the region and beyond.

Release of China's inflation data

China will release today its inflation figures for March, which analysts expect will show a fifth straight month of rising consumer prices.

A survey of 19 traders and analysts by Bloomberg found that 17 of them believe the Chinese central bank will extend its pause on monetary easing as a result, so as not to further drive up inflation.