Politics

The potential partnership between Ganjar Pranowo of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) and Prabowo Subianto in the 2024 Presidential Election is a topic of discussion. At a recent campaign meeting, Pranowo acknowledged the ongoing discourse and stressed that in politics, "anything is possible" until confirmed by the General Election Commission (KPU).

Law and Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam asserts that capital punishment aligns with the state's responsibility to maintain safety, security, and save lives in Singapore. Since resuming executions in March 2022, Singapore has executed 16 individuals for drug trafficking. While the government upholds the death penalty as a deterrent, human rights groups advocate for more humane and evidence-driven approaches to combat drug-related crime.

The Unity Government in Malaysia, composed of diverse political parties, faces hurdles in implementing reforms after recent state elections. While social stability remains stable, political diversity may lead to policy gridlock and a shift towards race-based policies, potentially impacting the country's reform agenda, as indicated by BMI, a unit of Fitch Solutions.

US Attorney General Merrick Garland refutes Republican claims of bias, denying protection for Hunter Biden and asserting impartiality in prosecuting both Trump and Biden-related cases. Political tension escalates.

On Tuesday, Singapore's Parliament rejected NCMP Hazel Poa's motion, which sought to suspend Transport Minister S. Iswaran from his parliamentary role for the remainder of the 14th Parliament session. However, the debate's conclusion hasn't halted discussions on social media, with some supporting Progress Singapore Party (PSP)'s motion, while others echo the position by the Leader of the Opposition, emphasizing the importance of due process.

Two Singaporeans were fined a total of S$80,000 for their role in selling a sonar system to the Myanmar Navy. The system later ended up with Myanmar entity Light of Universe for US$1.58 million. In related news, Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan had earlier confirmed 138 Singapore-based entities' involvement in Myanmar's military supply chain.

Indranee Rajah, Leader of the House has filed a distinct motion in response to PSP Hazel Poa's motion which sought to advocate that Parliament address Minister S Iswaran's annual S$192,500 MP pay only after the conclusion of the CPIB investigations. Ms Indranee's motion calls on the House to resolve to consider the matter concerning Minister Iswaran once the outcome of the ongoing investigations against him becomes known. Lim Tean, leader of Peoples Voice, vehemently criticized Indranee's decision, "Do you think if you are being investigated by the CPIB, or you have been charged and you have been suspended by your employer, you will continue getting your pay?"

Dr Chan Ying-Kit, author of "A Spate of Scandals Strikes Singapore" on East Asia Forum has retracted his article from the online publication and apologized through Singapore's TODAY media. This follows a correction directive from the POFMA office on 13 September, issued under the instruction of Ms Indranee Rajah, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).

Tensions escalate as Chinese warplanes and naval vessels approach Taiwan, prompting the island's defense ministry to urge China to cease "provocative actions" and calling for de-escalation.

China condemns German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock's characterization of President Xi Jinping as a "dictator," calling it an "open political provocation" and a serious affront to China's political dignity.