February 4, 2024 |
SOUTHEAST ASIA ROUNDUP

 

By API Desk | Date 02-04-2024

 

Malaysia’s new king

The Sultan of Johor in the southern state of Malaysia was installed as the country’s 17th king, serving for five years.

The 65-year-old Sultan Ibrahim took over from  Al-Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, who will return to lead his home state of Pahang. 

Sultan Ibrahim, known for multiple business interests, is expected to play a key role in local politics to stabilize the country in case of a political crisis despite holding a ceremonial position. 

Malaysia has a unique political system where the ruling families in the nine states take turns to be the king for five years.

 

Malaysian King reduces Najib’s jail term

The Malaysian King and head of the royal pardon board, Sultan Ibrahim, has reduced the jail term of former prime minister Najib Razak by six years. 

However, there was no explanation for the King’s decision to cut the sentence by half.

Najib, who began his jail term in 2022, would be eligible for release from jail in 2028 after he was convicted of graft in the multimillion-dollar 1MDB scandal. 

Najib’s daughter, Nooryana Najwa, said the former prime minister’s family appreciated the reduced sentence but were disappointed he was not granted a full pardon.

 

Indonesian President faces criticism for appearing in campaigns

Indonesian President Jokowi Widodo faced growing public criticism after appearing in the political campaigns of a former general and defense minister, the front-running candidate in this month’s presidential election.

Prabowo Subianto, who led two other candidates, is the running mate of Jokowi’s 36-year-old son.

Jokowi was heavily criticized by the public for ethical and legal breaches. While sitting presidents can ‘pick a side’, Jokowi told reporters that presidents are not allowed to use state resources to support the campaigns of their chosen candidates.

 

Myanmar extends emergency rule

Military junta leaders in Myanmar have extended the emergency rule for another six months as the rebellion continued to trouble the Southeast Asian state.

According to military-run media, General Min Aung Hlaing said it was necessary to extend the emergency rule to bring “the nation to a normal state of stability and peace.”

Despite the extension, which was announced on the eve of the third anniversary of the military coup, the military junta had promised to hold an election and return the country to normalcy.

According to the United Nations, about 2.3 million people have been displaced to nearby countries since the rebellion. The junta had been refusing talk with Myanmar’s neighbors, which they had called “terrorists”.