Filipinos slam sovereign fund idea amid fears it could end up like 1MDB

The president wants the ‘Maharlika Investments Fund’ set up with seed money from state and private pension funds; there is a lot of anger against the idea
But amid worries fund may be used by Marcos and associates to launder money in 1MDB-type embezzlement scandal, some say it may help attract foreign investors

3 hours ago

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr. Photo: AP

The Philippines

Filipinos slam sovereign fund idea amid fears it could end up like 1MDB

3 hours ago

The president wants the ‘Maharlika Investments Fund’ set up with seed money from state and private pension funds; there is a lot of anger against the idea
But amid worries fund may be used by Marcos and associates to launder money in 1MDB-type embezzlement scandal, some say it may help attract foreign investors

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Photo: Prime Minister’s Office of Malaysia/Handout via Xinhua

Malaysia’s Anwar Ibrahim denies ordering police crackdown on critics

Anwar says investigations guided by Malay royal rulers’ instruction to tone down racial sentiments, religious extremism following divisive general election.

5 Dec 2022 - 9:00PM

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) and his Vietnamese counterpart, Nguyen Xuan Phuc, at the presidential office in Seoul on Monday. Photo: YNA/dpa

South Korea, Vietnam upgrade bilateral ties amid rising Sino-US rivalry

Seoul, Hanoi elevate 30-year ties to ‘comprehensive strategic partnership’, pledge to build supply chains of key minerals and electric power.

5 Dec 2022 - 7:35PM

A view of Singapore. Many rich Taiwanese have their eye on the city state and are considering moving there. Photo: Getty Images

Taiwan’s rich eye a Singapore ‘insurance policy’ amid fears of China attack

Some ultra-rich are making backup plans to move cash, firms and loved ones to the city state, after Nato held its first dedicated debate on the threat Beijing poses to the self-ruled island.

3 Dec 2022 - 8:30AM

An aerial view of Subic Bay in 1996 shows the sprawling port facilities at the former naval base not long after the US’ withdrawal. Photo: AFP

A US return to Philippines’ Subic Bay: the result of China’s ‘coercion’?

The Philippines could soon welcome back American troops to a South China Sea-facing port the US gave up 30 years ago. Beijing is sure to find the deal ‘disconcerting’, but observers say it drove Manila into Washington’s arms.

4 Dec 2022 - 9:03AM

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As Malaysia’s PM Anwar builds cabinet, a look at key challenges ahead

Anwar has his work cut out as he aims to keep the peace within his ‘Unity Government’ and steer Malaysia forward after years of political turmoil
All eyes will also be on how new ‘globalist’ leader handles ties with China, US and key trading partners

30 Nov 2022 - 2:22PM

Malaysia

Filipinos slam sovereign fund idea amid fears it could end up like 1MDB

Malaysia’s Anwar Ibrahim denies ordering police crackdown on critics

South Korea, Vietnam upgrade bilateral ties amid rising Sino-US rivalry

Taiwan’s rich eye a Singapore ‘insurance policy’ amid fears of China attack

A US return to Philippines’ Subic Bay: the result of China’s ‘coercion’?

Asian Angle | Malaysia’s Anwar must tread carefully to heal nation divided by race, inequality

Asian Angle | How Asean can bridge the yawning gap between the US and China

Asian Angle | Here’s how Anwar can avoid a ‘toxic’ opposition and turn Malaysia around

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