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Corruption in Asia

Corruption in Asia
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Corruption in Asia. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
Romeo Poquiz was detained at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila after returning from a Bangkok holiday on Monday. Photo: Handout
The Philippines

‘Rule of law’: Philippine military lauds ex-general’s sedition arrest

Romeo Poquiz’s limited influence means his arrest is unlikely to spark a ‘chilling effect’ among former officials, observers say.

The Philippines

Philippine ex-general arrested after call for military to ‘reset’ society

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The Philippines

Philippines approves U$115 billion budget, slashes ‘back door’ allocations

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Nepal

Nepal’s ex-PM questioned over protest crackdown which led to overthrow

Nepal’s former prime minister KP Sharma Oli had said he would not submit to questioning, accusing the investigation of lacking a ‘constitutional basis’.

Former Nepali Prime Minister and newly elected leader of the Communist Party of Nepal - Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML), KP Sharma Oli (left) looks on during the party’s 11th general convention in Kathmandu on December 18 last year. Photo: AFP
The Philippines

As commissioners quit, Philippines’ flood-control probe faces credibility crisis

Analysts said the exits risk deepening public scepticism over whether politically connected contractors can be held to account.

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South Korea

South Korea ends bear bile industry, but 200 moon bears in limbo

As the ban takes effect January 1, disputes over farmer compensation and limited shelter space leave hundreds of captive bears with nowhere to go.

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The Philippines

Philippines flood-control probe ‘in peril’ after death of public works official

Analysts said the death removes a pivotal witness and exposes weaknesses in how authorities have handled evidence and testimony.

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Official portrait of Department of Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral, who died on December 19. Photo: Facebook / Department of Public Works and Highways
Malaysia

Malaysia’s Najib Razak challenges 15-year jail term in 1MDB case

A court last week ordered Najib to begin ‍serving the additional sentence after his current six-year prison term ends in 2028.

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South Korea

Probe into South Korea’s Kim Keon-hee ends with ‘unresolved issues’

Analysts say the findings have raised questions about whether South Korea’s laws can deal with alleged abuses of power by a president’s spouse.

Malaysia

Malaysia army chief on leave amid procurement scandal raids

Authorities are investigating high-value contracts to specific firms. Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan has stepped down for a conflict-free probe.

Malaysia’s Army Chief General Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan attends a press conference in Kuala Lumpur on September 25. Photo: AFP
The Philippines

‘Master of Disaster’: Can a board game help Philippines face next catastrophe?

From typhoons to earthquakes, ‘Master of Disaster’ turns a roll of the dice into a life-saving lesson for the world’s most vulnerable.

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A player draws a card while playing a disaster preparedness board game in Manila. Photo: AFP
The Philippines

Will Philippines’ ‘historic’ US$23 billion education budget make the grade?

Critics are worried that the massive budget would either fall prey to corruption or not be enough to tackle long-standing problems.

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The Philippines

Corruption, floods and clan wars rock Philippines in 2025

Deepening political feuds, ex-president Duterte’s ICC arrest and the South China Sea dispute have reshaped the Philippine landscape.

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Najib Razak

Video | Disgraced ex-Malaysian PM Najib guilty in final 1MDB case

The disgraced former prime minister was found guilty in the final criminal trial stemming from the corrupt 1MDB fund.

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Malaysia

Malaysia’s Najib sentenced to 15 years in jail for abuse of power in 1MDB saga

The ruling comes after a years-long trial in the financial fraud that saw more than US$4.5 billion plundered from the state fund.

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Malaysia’s former prime minister Najib Razak is escorted by prison guards at the Kuala Lumpur Court complex on Monday. Photo: Reuters
Malaysia

With 1MDB verdict due, will Malaysia’s Najib have to ‘prepare for the worst’?

The High Court will rule on abuse of power and money laundering charges, with Najib facing the prospect of lengthy prison terms if found guilty.

The Philippines

Not for cars: Philippine fugitive accused of building ‘cash basement’

Zaldy Co, who is on the run, has been accused of being involved in the flood-control corruption scandal.

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Malaysia

Najib’s children lament Malaysian court ruling – ‘we thought he was coming home’

The ex-prime minister has lost his case to have his imprisonment commuted to house arrest based on a supposed royal decree.

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A supporter of former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak wears a t-shirt displaying Razak’s face at the Federal Court in Putrajaya, Malaysia, in August. Photo: EPA
Malaysia

Malaysian court blocks Najib’s bid for house arrest

Monday’s decision keeps the former prime minister behind bars as he awaits the outcome of the far larger 1MDB case on Friday.

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The Philippines

Asian Angle | Greed and pork barrel politics fuel the Philippines’ fatal floods

Filipinos are paying the ultimate price for a system that favours corrupt lawmakers’ pet projects over scientifically sound flood control.

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The Philippines

Can UN anti-corruption pact bring Zaldy Co back to Philippines?

The former lawmaker, who is facing charges linked to the Philippines’ flood control scandal, is suspected to have fled to Portugal.

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Fugitive Philippine lawmaker Zaldy Co (left) and President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr. Photo: Handout, AFP
Malaysia 1MDB scandal

Malaysia to get back US$30 million worth of fine art linked to 1MDB scandal

The 12 artworks, including pieces by Picasso and Matisse, were bought by a former lawyer for the state investment fund.

The works are being held by Christie’s and Sotheby’s auction houses in the United States. Photo: Shutterstock
South Korea

South Korean police raid Unification Church headquarters in bribery sweep

Police have named church leader Han Hak-ja as a suspect in the bribery of several high-profile politicians.

The Philippines

New corruption complaint against Philippine VP Duterte heightens political drama

The filing comes as a corruption crisis grows, setting up a tough legal fight that could threaten Duterte’s potential 2028 presidential bid.

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Malaysia

Najib’s wife cleared as Malaysia drops money laundering, tax evasion appeal

The prosecution said it could not definitively prove that Rosmah Mansor committed the offences.

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Former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak with his wife Rosmah Mansor in 2018. Photo: AP
The Philippines

‘They’ll go to jail’: Philippines to tear down ‘syndicate’ siphoning billions

A cabinet official has pledged to reform the Department of Public Works and Highways by ‘injecting new blood, removing the bad eggs’.

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Protesters carry an effigy of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr during an anti-corruption rally in Manila last month. Photo: AFP
South Korea

Shaman rumours resurface as South Korea returns to Blue House

After Yoon Suk-yeol wasted millions on a move critics linked to fortune-tellers, the presidential office is returning to its historic home.

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The Philippines

Philippines ‘flood control queen’ faces arrest over corruption scandal

Prosecutors accuse Cezarah ‘Sarah’ Discaya of pocketing millions for a government-funded flood control project that was never built.

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