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.
US President Donald Trump’s Asian tour lasted just a few days with visits to several capitals and ended a fortnight ago, but its reverberations continue to be felt.
Malaysia might have been proud to host the American leader, with the two nations being co-brokers of a ceasefire accord between Thailand and Cambodia, but Bangkok has since suspended the deal when its soldiers were injured by landmines along the disputed border on Nov 10.
On the other hand, there is positive news as Malaysia pushes to accelerate the development of its rare earths sector, following a slew of trade agreements during Mr Trump’s Asian visit.
Australian miner Lynas is expanding its Malaysian refinery, which is already the largest producer of rare earths outside of China, and also undertake a joint venture here with a South Korean firm to produce supermagnets from the minerals, crucial in the manufacture of high technology products ranging from smartphones, electric vehicles and motors used in green energy. This could see Malaysia become a vital cog in the global rare earths supply chain.
In local politics, horse-trading is heating up ahead of the Sabah polls that could have deep ramifications for the stability of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s multi-coalition unity government.
But while candidates are being chopped and changed across the political spectrum ahead of nomination day on Saturday, one constant that remains is the rise of former chief minister Shafie Apdal as the choice of protest voters who are unhappy with either the scandal-hit state government, or the federal administration.
A key issue for the Nov 29 vote is whether Kuala Lumpur has lived up to a constitutional provision to return 40 per cent of revenue collected from Sabah that has long needed upgrades to its transport, water and energy infrastructure that ranks among the worst in the country.
I hope you enjoy this selection of articles from our bureau this week. If you’d like to see our correspondents chase down a particular lead, send me your suggestions or feedback here.
Khairy’s appearance at Umno event sparks speculation of return to politics
This signals party is softening its stance on the sacked former Malaysian minister, says an expert.
The sea warrior returns: Shafie fights to reclaim Sabah and shake up Malaysian politics
He is betting that frustration with federal neglect and resource control will propel him back to power.
Malaysia banks on Lynas’ expansion to become vital cog in rare earth supply chain
This comes after China’s export controls caused a global supply crunch of the material.
Dubious health supplements online raise concerns in Malaysia
Viral posts about the alleged death of a woman who took such supplements have renewed concern.
Romans learnt shipbuilding from Malays? Malaysian academia’s integrity in question after claim
A local lecturer’s claim about ancient Romans ignited a storm of criticism, memes and debate.
Ministry’s plan to roll out ‘co-teaching’ in govt schools sparks concern
There will also be a new subject, Alam dan Manusia (Nature and Humanity), covering areas like science and music.
Malaysian rapper to be offered bail, no lead linking him to Taiwan influencer’s death
Timber tycoon behind company that owns Sin Chew Daily and Ming Pao dies at 91
Tiong Hiew King was one of Malaysia’s wealthiest individuals and a major figure in its Chinese-language media scene.