Asian Insider: Malaysia Edition helps you connect the dots on the biggest stories playing out in Malaysia every week. Sign up here to get the newsletter in your inbox.
Political controversy has continued to swirl into the final days of 2024.
Within the multi-coalition government, a plan for Umno minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz to jump over to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s Parti Keadilan Rakyat has emerged. This proposed defection has been met with chagrin from Umno, with some calling for the party to review its membership in the unity government.
This dispute has diverted attention from the fact that the Attorney-General’s Chambers has decided not to appeal against Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi’s bribery acquittal. It is the second time the Umno president has been let off by prosecutors, following a 2023 move to drop graft charges despite the court declaring there was a case to answer.
Meanwhile, accusations of treachery between Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his former government coalition colleagues continue to fly, over a decision in 2018 to drop Malaysia’s request for a review of the International Court of Justice’s award of Pedra Branca to Singapore.
We will be taking a short break next week and will be back in your inboxes in 2025. See you then.
Follow ST’s coverage as we continue to bring you the latest developments.
PM Anwar’s pick of Thaksin as Asean adviser raises eyebrows in Malaysia
Some tout the Thai ex-PM’s influence, but others are sceptical about turning to a foreign politician.
Plan for Umno minister Zafrul Aziz to join PKR causes stir in Anwar’s unity government
The move will strain ties between the two allies in Malaysia’s unity government, says one analyst.
Treachery claims fly over Pedra Branca after royal panel calls for probe into Mahathir
Mahathir insists other ministers, including Anwar’s wife, must also take responsibility for a 2018 decision.
Malaysia prosecution drops bid to appeal against Deputy PM Zahid’s graft acquittal
The decision is poised to add to the growing disillusionment towards Prime Minister Anwar.
Johor’s Islamic international schools pulling in Singaporean students
Draws include the schools’ religious underpinnings and well-rounded and English-medium education.
Malaysia launches first locally made electric vehicle
