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Dear ST reader,
It’s been a highlight week for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Just days before the July 26 rally calling for his resignation, Datuk Seri Anwar unveiled a stimulus package aimed at easing the cost of living that included a one-off handout of RM100 to all Malaysian adults and reduced fuel prices. He even threw in an extra day off on Sept 15, a day before Malaysia Day, which is already a public holiday.
Nonetheless, the “Turun Anwar” (Anwar Resign) demonstration led by Malaysia’s opposition in the heart of Kuala Lumpur still went on, seeing an estimated 20,000 people take to the street despite the afternoon heat and evening rain.
Mr Anwar, meanwhile, was already planning his next master stroke, mediating peace talks between Thailand and Cambodia. The eventual ceasefire agreement halted active conflict at the two countries’ shared border, which has killed at least 40 people and displaced thousands more since violence broke out on July 24.
Read also about the Shanghai luxury estate where fugitive Malaysian financier Low Taek Jho, better known as Jho Low, is purportedly hiding out in. Low is widely considered the mastermind behind the multibillion-dollar 1MDB scandal that saw the fall of former premier Najib Razak.
Despite the tip-off by two investigative journalists, Malaysian authorities insist that there is no credible proof of Low’s whereabouts.
Follow ST’s coverage as we continue to bring you the latest developments.
PM Anwar unveils cash handout and fuel price cut to tackle cost-of-living pressures
The raft of measures can help shore up support as public frustration mounts, say analysts.
Thousands rally in downtown KL seeking Anwar’s resignation
The protest was backed by the opposition Perikatan Nasional alliance and attended by other activist groups.
Asean founding members laud push for peace between Cambodia and Thailand
The truce is a diplomatic win for Asean, whose relevance has been questioned due to inaction on other regional issues.
Malaysia considering nationwide vape ban, says health minister
A Health Ministry committee will propose the ban to address the abuse of e-cigarettes.
Johor faces healthcare worker shortage amid population boom, pull of higher S’pore salaries
Where’s Jho Low? Looking for 1MDB fugitive at a Shanghai luxury estate
Man steals durians from stall in Selangor – not once, but twice
The man took the most expensive durian – the Musang King variant worth RM65 per kilogram.