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.
It’s been two years now since the conflict in Gaza erupted but anger in Malaysia has only soared in recent weeks, especially with the impending visit of US President Donald Trump for the Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur later this month.
The detention of 23 Malaysians on board the Global Sumud Flotilla has served to inflame sentiment, with a rally in KL initially planned to protest a new law on urban redevelopment ending up becoming an anti-Israel demonstration.
There was another protest about urban development in the capital, but it was led by former minister Khairy Jamaluddin, with the backing of celebrities and billionaires. They wanted to stop the redevelopment of an ageing commercial building into two 60-storey towers in their affluent neighbourhood of Damansara Heights. Quite predictably, there was little public empathy for their cause, with many Malaysians mocking what they saw as privileged outrage.
Away in Muar, Johor, and the hill station of Cameron Highlands, correspondent Lu Wei Hoong discovers that instead of concrete skyscrapers, hundreds of hectares of land are being used to plant flowers for export to places like Singapore and Japan. Did you know Malaysia is one of the world’s top 10 exporters of flowers?
As always, if you have a suggestion or feedback on stories that you’d like to see our Malaysia bureau chase down, let me know here.
Malaysia’s politics shaken and stirred by alcohol controversies
PM Anwar rebuked the Tourism Minister after wine and beer was served at a government function.
Rally against Urban Renewal Act takes on anti-Israel overtones
Protesters drew parallels between what they say is a law allowing forced land grabs and the situation Palestinians face.
Protest in KL’s ‘Beverly Hills sparks anti-elitist backlash
Reaction reflects a shifting public mood that is increasingly intolerant of perceived elitism and entitlement.
Sabah dissolves state assembly, paving way for election led by Anwar’s ally GRS
The polls are seen as a mid-term popularity test for the PM as head of the GRS-PH alliance.
S’pore, Malaysia operators still provide cross-border transport for businesses despite risks
S’pore and Malaysia should be friends, not rivals, says Zafrul
The Trade and Industry Minister also called for deeper cooperation between both countries and among Asean members.
Petal power: Blossoms and battles in Malaysia’s floriculture hubs
The multimillion-dollar industry faces a shortage of foreign labour and price competition from China.
Fifa exposes fake birth claims in naturalised footballers scandal
The investigation found that the seven players’ grandparents were not born locally as claimed.