Malaysia Edition: Will Anwar use Budget 2025 to roll out reforms? | PLA ships in Penang stir debate

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.


On Friday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will table Budget 2025. His government has never been more stable, after getting off to a shaky start in November 2022 as an alliance of former bitter rivals. 

Thanks to better-than-expected economic growth, a strong currency that was the world’s best performer in recent months and a couple of strong by-election results, it would seem Datuk Seri Anwar has some breathing space to roll out reforms aimed at trimming state debt and widening Malaysia’s narrow tax base.

Meanwhile, a goodwill visit by two Chinese Navy vessels in Penang caused an uproar from opposition lawmakers, as it came amid Kuala Lumpur’s ongoing tensions with Beijing over their overlapping claims in the South China Sea. 

Follow ST’s coverage as we continue to bring you the latest developments.



Save ringgit or save Reformasi? PM Anwar could attempt both

Budget 2025 could unlock the reforms Prime Minister Anwar has espoused since 1998.

READ MORE HERE


Opposition MPs’ hackles raised over Chinese Navy’s port call in Penang

They asked if protocols on visits by foreign navies were cast aside, and sovereignty compromised.

READ MORE HERE


Bleak retirement looms for many Malaysians with insufficient pension fund savings

Many will not have enough basic savings of at least RM240,000 to retire on when they reach 55, said a report.

READ MORE HERE


Kuala Lumpur and nearby areas hit by flash floods, landslide

The flooding triggered by heavy rain also forced the temporary suspension of a Parliament session.

READ MORE HERE


From timber to tech: Sibu’s spotty transition to joining Sarawak’s booming economy

Sarawak is putting billions of ringgit into a decade-long plan to revitalise Sibu and the state’s entire central region.

READ MORE HERE


Leave Johor if not happy with weekend change, says Regent

From 2025, Johor will revert to a Saturday-Sunday weekend from the existing Friday-Saturday one.

READ MORE HERE


If you received this newsletter from someone, sign up here to get it directly in your inbox! If you have any feedback, please drop us an e-mail at st-newsletters@sph.com.sg.

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.