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Democracy

Democracy strained by some governments’ failure to deliver, not problems with the system: Edwin Tong

Law Minister Edwin Tong said it is not possible to assess democracy without understanding the social compact that lies behind it.
Law Minister Edwin Tong said it is not possible to assess democracy without understanding the social compact that lies behind it.

Russia says Moldova's plans to merge with Romania would destroy its statehood

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov speaks during his annual press conference in Moscow, Russia January 20, 2026. REUTERS/Shamil Zhumatov
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov speaks during his annual press conference in Moscow, Russia January 20, 2026. REUTERS/Shamil Zhumatov

Myanmar's election in numbers

FILE PHOTO: Election Commission officials count ballots at a polling station during Myanmar's general election in Yangon, Myanmar, December 28, 2025. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Election Commission officials count ballots at a polling station during Myanmar's general election in Yangon, Myanmar, December 28, 2025. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo

Moldova's President Sandu says she would vote to join Romania

Moldovan President Maia Sandu attends a press conference following the announcement of parliamentary elections results, in Chisinau, Moldova September 29, 2025. REUTERS/Vladislav Culiomza/File Photo
Moldovan President Maia Sandu attends a press conference following the announcement of parliamentary elections results, in Chisinau, Moldova September 29, 2025. REUTERS/Vladislav Culiomza/File Photo

Indonesia’s new criminal code takes effect, stirring concerns over civil rights and free speech

Activists protesting outside Indonesia's parliament in December 2022 as a new criminal code is set to be passed.
Activists protesting outside Indonesia's parliament in December 2022 as a new criminal code is set to be passed.

Authoritarian fears loom in Indonesia as new criminal laws take effect

The new KUHAP may exacerbate the situation as it grants the police more powers without sufficient supervision.
The new KUHAP may exacerbate the situation as it grants the police more powers without sufficient supervision.

Israeli judges call for protection after threat to chief justice

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich had lashed out at the Chief Justice, saying “we will run him over”.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich had lashed out at the Chief Justice, saying “we will run him over”.

As some boycott Myanmar’s flawed election, others hope for change

Flags representing the Union Solidarity and Development Party, the only party assured of winning in Myanmar's upcoming elections, at a headquarters near Yangon.
Flags representing the Union Solidarity and Development Party, the only party assured of winning in Myanmar's upcoming elections, at a headquarters near Yangon.

Myanmar junta seeks legitimacy in election widely seen as flawed

The election on Dec 28, 2025, while excluding most political parties that won in the 2020 polls, may ostensibly return the country to having an elected government.
The election on Dec 28, 2025, while excluding most political parties that won in the 2020 polls, may ostensibly return the country to having an elected government.

Europe must become less dependent on US, says Germany’s Merz

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visiting London on Dec 8 for talks with the leaders of Britain, France and Ukraine.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visiting London on Dec 8 for talks with the leaders of Britain, France and Ukraine.

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MDDI (P) 046/10/2025. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No.202120748H. Copyright © 2026 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.