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SCMP

We have selected seven stories from the SCMP’s coverage of Asia over the past week that resonated with our readers and shed light on topical issues. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing.
1. Accountability test for Philippines’ Marcos family as budget scandal widens
A former prominent lawmaker now in hiding has released new videos accusing Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr’s family of orchestrating massive corruption, escalating a scandal that is fast becoming a test of accountability for one of Southeast Asia’s most politically influential dynasties.
2. Why Anwar faces uphill task to win back voters after Sabah election trouncing

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim faces a more complex political landscape ahead after his coalition was routed in Sabah’s polls, as analysts warn he would need to craft a compelling narrative to win over voters ahead of the next general election.
3. Singapore becomes Plan B for Chinese travellers giving Japan a wide berth
Amid the diplomatic fallout between Tokyo and Beijing, Hunanese accountant Echo He feels relieved she has chosen Southeast Asia for her year-end trip with her husband and colleagues, instead of the popular choice, Japan.
4. Why Russia is targeting the Philippines with Ukraine mercenary claims
Russia’s accusation that the United States and Germany are recruiting Filipino mercenaries to fight in Ukraine is almost certainly disinformation, analysts say.
5. India’s looming BrahMos missile deal with Indonesia challenges US-China binary

India and Indonesia are close to finalising a US$450 million sale of BrahMos missiles, in a deal analysts say could give Southeast Asia a long-sought alternative to dependence on the US or China.
6. Thailand to curb repeat visa-free entries amid rise in scams, illegal work
Thailand has begun enforcing tougher controls on repeat visa-exempt entries, with immigration officials saying the move is not to target genuine tourism but to curb abuse by foreigners who overstay or operate illegal businesses or scams.
7. In ‘Schrodinger’s Pakistan’, the young feel sidelined by the state

In Pakistan, a nation where power often seems to serve itself above all else, the latest constitutional overhaul has been received with a weary sense of resignation.


Trump urged Xi to help end Ukraine war; China’s tech sanctions list: SCMP’s 7 highlights

Sharla Cheung’s film career, rise and fall of Hong Kong comics: 7 Lifestyle highlights

Chip prodigy returns to China, coal waste used for critical minerals: 7 science highlights

Japan’s Russia concern, businesses choose Malaysia over Singapore: 7 Asia highlights

SCMP Highlights

Marcos family scandal, Singapore becomes Plan B for Chinese travellers: 7 Asia highlights

Tourists take photos with the Merlion statue in Singapore. Chinese visitors say the city state is an “easy and comfortable” travel destination. Photo: Reuters

People gather at a market in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. The outcome of the Malaysian state’s election on Saturday shows that Sabahans “don’t believe” Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, political analyst James Chin says. Photo: Shutterstock

A Indian naval officer walks past a BrahMos weapon system during a rehearsal for a Republic Day parade in New Delhi, India, on January 20. Photo: Reuters

Young Pakistanis shout slogans during a protest in Islamabad last year. Photo: AFP

Military deployed in Sri Lanka, Indonesia as floods kill over 1,000 across Asia

Army personnel ride a truck carrying boats to rescue stranded people in Wellampitiya, on the outskirts of Colombo, Sri Lanka on Sunday. Photo: AFP

A car sits on top of flood debris in Palembayan, West Sumatra, on Monday. Photo: Reuters

A woman carrying a child wades through a flooded street on the outskirts of Colombo on Sunday. Photo: AFP

People shop for flood-damaged products in Hat Yai, Thailand, on Sunday. Photo: Reuters

Is decline in Japanese studies risking US relations with key Indo-Pacific ally?

US President Donald Trump (left) and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi talk during a US-Japan trade deal signing on October 28. Photo: Reuters

Temple University professor of biology Jody Hey teaches a class. Photo: The Philadelphia Inquirer/TNS

News

Asia

From election loss for Malaysia’s Anwar to Pakistan’s young feeling sidelined, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting


From election loss for Malaysia’s Anwar to Pakistan’s young feeling sidelined, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.


Marcos family scandal, Singapore becomes Plan B for Chinese travellers: 7 Asia highlights

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}From election loss for Malaysia’s Anwar to Pakistan’s young feeling sidelined, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting

1. Accountability test for Philippines’ Marcos family as budget scandal widens

From election loss for Malaysia’s Anwar to Pakistan’s young feeling sidelined, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting