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Is China set to benefit from new US Fed chair Kevin Warsh’s policy vision?

The appointment follows White House pressure on the central bank to lower interest rates – a move analysts warn could have unintended consequences

Nation

We’re not party-hopping, say Rafizi and Nik Nazmi on move to Parti Bersama Malaysia

PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad say their move to Parti Bersama Malaysia is not political "party-hopping" as they have voluntarily given up their parliamentary seats.

Nation

Amir Hamzah to seek audience with Pahang Sultan to clarify federal allocation issues

BALIK PULAU: Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan will seek an audience with the Sultan of Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah in the near future to clarify issues regarding the Federal Government's allocation to the state of Pahang.

Nation

UEC recognition not a threat to national language, says Anwar

JOHOR BARU: The government's move to recognise the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) as a pathway to public universities does not threaten the status of Malay as the national language, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Nation

Speaker to decide on Pandan, Setiawangsa seats, by-elections unlikely after three-year mark, says Loke

JOHOR BARU: As more than three years have passed since the last general election, there may not be a by-election following the decision of two PKR MPs to quit their party.

Vietnam

HCM City seizes over 8 tonnes of unquarantined meat in large-scale food safety crackdown

HCM CITY: HCM City authorities have seized and destroyed more than eight tonnes of pork, poultry and other animal products lacking quarantine certificates in a large-scale crackdown that has exposed repeated food safety violations at the city's gateways over recent weeks.

Nation

Taking over Bersama is 'second kamikaze mission', say Rafizi, Nik Nazmi

PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad have described their high-stakes defection to take over the Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama) as a "second kamikaze mission", conceding there is absolutely no guarantee of political survival.

Cambodia

Tourism or territorial claim? Cambodian ministry calls Thai temple tours illegal

PHNOM PENH: The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts has issued a strong protest against Thailand over public events, religious ceremonies and tourism activities conducted at several ancient temples located along the Cambodia–Thailand border, asserting that the actions constitute a violation of Cambodian sovereignty under international law.

Sabah & Sarawak

Shafie–Kitingan appearance at Kaamatan event sparks talk of political pact

KOTA KINABALU: The presence of Parti Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal at the Keningau Kaamatan festival officiated by Sabah STAR president Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan has fuelled speculation of a possible political pact between both parties.

Nation

Thunderstorms expected in most parts of country until 7pm (May 17)

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued a warning of thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds in several states until 7pm on Sunday (May 17).

World

Italian leaders visit Modena after car-ramming attack

MILAN, May 17 (Reuters) - ⁠Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and President Sergio Mattarella travelled to the northern ⁠city of Modena on Sunday, a day after several people were injured ‌in a car-ramming incident that was the first of its kind in the country.

Nation

Higher education access must align with national education policy, unity goals, says Zambry

KUALA LUMPUR: The government is adopting a balanced, inclusive and responsible approach in its efforts to expand access to national higher education as part of building a common meeting point for Malaysia's diverse society.

Indonesia

Indonesia's Mt Semeru on alert status, public urged to stay away

JAKARTA: (Bernama) Indonesian authorities have advised the public to stay away from high-risk areas around Mount Semeru after the volcano erupted several times over the weekend.

Nation

Rafizi, Nik Nazmi to leave PKR, will vacate parliamentary seats

PETALING JAYA: Former ministers Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad have officially announced they are leaving PKR to join Parti Bersama Malaysia.

Japan

Japan stops accepting new ‘Specified Skilled Workers’ in food service sector as number of foreigners nears limit of 50,000

TOKYO: The government stopped accepting new foreigners working in the food service sector under the Specified Skilled Workers (SSW) programme in mid-April in principle because the number of those allowed to work in the sector is expected to reach its limit of 50,000 as early as this month.

Nation

Anwar's diplomatic skills a boon in 'crazy' global political climate, says Mat Sabu

JOHOR BARU: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's diplomacy is what Malaysia needs to navigate the current "crazy" global political climate, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.

World

Philippine lawyers ask Supreme Court to reject senator's plea to block ICC arrest

MANILA, May 17 (Reuters) - Philippine ⁠government lawyers have urged the Supreme Court to reject the bid of fugitive Senator Ronald dela ⁠Rosa, who is wanted for alleged crimes against humanity linked to his role in a ‌bloody "war on drugs", to block his arrest and surrender.

Laos

Laos eyes China’s Hainan Port as new trade gateway

VIENTIANE: Laos is looking to China's Hainan province as a potential maritime gateway to expand international trade, according to comments made by a Lao official during a regional economic forum in China this week

Nation

Snap polls possible if unity government fractures, says Anwar

JOHOR BARU: A snap general election could take place if cracks continue to form within the unity government, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Thailand

Thailand's Makkasan crash sparks warning: Never enter rail crossing unless exit is clear

BANGKOK: The deadly train-bus collision near the Airport Rail Link's Makkasan station has renewed warnings that motorists must never enter a railway crossing unless they are sure there is enough space to clear the tracks completely.