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

Shaman rumours resurface as South Korea returns to Blue House

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The Philippines

Philippines ‘flood control queen’ faces arrest over corruption scandal

Nepal

Nepal charges Chinese contractor with corruption over airport deal

A watchdog alleges the company colluded with ex-ministers to inflate costs and siphon off US$74 million from the Pokhara airport project.

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Staff members wait for the arrival of passengers at Pokhara International Airport in December last year. Photo: China News Service/VCG/Getty Images
Bangladesh

Bangladesh mass grave from 2024 uprising exhumed with UN support

The UN says up to 1,400 people were killed in the crackdowns, forming the basis for the former prime minister’s conviction for crimes against humanity.

The Philippines

6 cyclones, 5 weeks: Philippines can’t escape its endless cycle of disaster

Corruption, complacency and climate chaos conspire to turn the Philippines’ natural hazards into man-made tragedies.

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Malaysia

Anwar’s ex-aide to stand trial on corruption charges linked to Sabah businessman

The aide is accused of receiving cash and gifts as inducement to help the businessman secure mineral exploration projects.

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Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin, former senior political secretary to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, brought to the Kuala Lumpur Court Complex by Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission officers on Monday. Photo: Reuters
The Philippines

Philippines’ first family says financial scrutiny welcome amid graft allegations

A spokesperson for the president said his family was open to lifestyle checks after questions emerged over funds sent to his son’s district.

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The Philippines

Why the Philippines’ anti-flood control corruption movement could be receding

Analysts warn the government’s anti-corruption drive could stall if public mobilisation continues to thin.

Malaysia

Malaysia’s Anwar vows ‘no protection’ for close aides in corruption probes

The prime minister has been accused of launching investigations targeting his political rivals while going soft on scandals closer to home.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (right) with his former senior political secretary, Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin. Photo: Handout
Malaysia

‘Unconstitutional’: Mahathir reports PM Anwar to police over Trump trade deal

Ex-PM claims the deal lacks constitutional approval and undermines bumiputra privileges, which benefit ethnic Malays and indigenous groups.

Former Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad speaks during a news conference at his office in Putrajaya, Malaysia in January 2024. Photo: AP
Malaysia

Why Anwar faces uphill task to win back voters after Sabah election trouncing

Sabah voters don’t trust Anwar, and this will complicate his plan for the next general election, analysts say.

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Bangladesh

UK MP Tulip Siddiq, aunt Sheikh Hasina sentenced to jail in Bangladesh land case

The former Bangladeshi prime minister, her niece and sister were convicted for illegally obtaining land in a government project.

South Korea

Unification Church leader denies knowing about gifts for Kim Keon-hee

South Korean prosecutors reject the claim, saying Han Hak-ja is an ‘absolute power holder’ and no funds can be used without her approval.

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Unification Church leader Han Hak-ja arrives at court to attend a hearing on September 22. Photo: Reuters
The Philippines

17,000 police deployed as protests erupt in Philippines over flood control scam

‘Put them in jail now,’ protesters chant even as Marcos promises more arrests to come from investigations into the scandal.

Protesters display an effigy of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr and Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio during an anti-corruption rally in Manila on Sunday. Photo: EPA
Malaysia

Sabah polls: blow for Anwar as partner party shines, but key ally is wiped out

Local partner Gagasan Rakyat Sabah secured 29 seats, but the PM’s Democratic Action Party allies lost all eight seats they contested.

Malaysia

PM Anwar’s ex-aide detained by Malaysia’s anti-corruption agency

The agency seeks to extend custody for Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin and businessman Albert Tei, who has accused Shamsul Iskandar of bribery.

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The Philippines

Marcos’ sister says Philippines has leadership ‘vacuum’ in new jab at president

Imee Marcos said they ‘kind of boxed me out’ when she raised her brother’s alleged cocaine addiction with the family.

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Senator Imee Marcos (right) with Philippine Vice-President Sara Duterte. Photo: Facebook/ImeeMarcos
South Korea

South Korea awaits Han Duck-soo ruling as test case for martial law trials

The former prime minister would be the first person sentenced in connection with the decree. Prosecutors have demanded a 15-year prison term.

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South Korea

Was South Korea’s former first lady the catalyst for martial law?

Prosecutors now suspect ex-president Yoon’s martial law gambit was a desperate bid to shield his interfering wife from looming prison time.

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The Philippines

Accountability test for Philippines’ Marcos family as budget scandal widens

Zaldy Co’s claims strike at the core of a system where budget power, patronage and family networks have long been intertwined, analysts say.

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Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr during a press conference in Manila on November 13. Marcos’ family has been accused of orchestrating massive corruption. Photo: AFP
Malaysia

Malaysian PM’s war on corruption hits snag as top political secretary quits

The senior aide allegedly demanded bribes in the form of home renovations, a massage chair and washing machines.

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Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin resigned on Tuesday. Photo: Handout
Malaysia

Malaysian PM’s aide quits over hospital contractor letter row

Shamsul Iskandar resigns over controversial hospital contractor letter sparking debate and ethical concerns in Anwar’s administration.

Malaysia 1MDB scandal

Fugitive Jho Low’s sister and associate ordered to pay US$2.8 billion to 1MDB

The judge noted that May Lin and associate Eric Tan failed to appear in court, resulting in a massive default judgment in the ongoing 1MDB suit.

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The Philippines

8 arrested in Philippine flood control scandal, but will ‘big fish’ get away?

Analysts say the real test will be whether investigators confront the deeper networks alleged to underpin the corruption scandal.

One of eight arrested Department of Public Works and Highways officers is escorted by police in Quezon City, Metro Manila, the Philippines, on Monday. Photo: EPA
Malaysia

In Malaysia’s Sabah state election, it’s Gen Z vs the old guard

More than half of Sabah’s registered voters are under the age of 40 – and they’re done waiting for undelivered promises.

Young Malaysians walk along a street in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. Photo: Tamara Hinson
The Philippines

Philippines’ Marcos orders arrest of Zaldy Co, 17 others in flood control scandal

‘The wheels of justice are turning,’ the Philippine president said when announcing that an arrest warrant has gone out against Co and others.

Malaysia

Malaysia suspends funding for football association over documentation scandal

The government says funds allocated to FAM could not be diverted to finance its legal challenge against Fifa’s ruling in the scandal.

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