The Miss Universe Organization severs ties with Indonesia franchise due to harassment claims. Malaysia edition canceled.
Women allege body checks before pageant. Investigation launched. Safety prioritized.
Indonesia winner to compete in November finale. Height requirement controversy.
A dress code for vehicle servicing? A Malaysian car brand’s service centre dress code signage has puzzled netizens, raising queries about the need for attire rules during a routine service.
The manufacturer responded with an official statement after a flurry of comments, seeking to clarify and apologize.
Jailed Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi pardoned in five cases, still faces 14 others; part of an amnesty of 7,000 prisoners for Buddhist Lent.
Conflict continues since 2021 coup.
Atlanta is on high alert as prosecutors conclude their probe into election overturn efforts, likely resulting in charges against Donald Trump. Security measures are in place, and indictments are expected soon.
Amid an escalating political feud involving Lee Hsien Yang and two Singapore ministers, Tan Kin Lian, former CEO of NTUC Income, has criticized the country’s defamation laws as ‘unjust and deplorable’, drawing from his personal experience and calling for reforms.
Singapore’s enhanced Baby Bonus benefits, initially scheduled for early 2024, will be available from 1 August 2023, impacting around 12,000 families with eligible children born after 14 February 2023.
BMI, a Fitch Solutions company, predicts Malaysia’s headline inflation will continue to ease due to high base effects from last year’s surge in global food and energy prices. Malaysian Government subsidies and price-control measures will also cap further price increases.
The research arm expects no further rate hikes by Bank Negara Malaysia in 2023, given the 3.1% core inflation.
The recent decline in inflation aligns with a historical average of 2.0%, reducing the pressure for immediate monetary policy actions. BMI also revised its forecast, expecting inflation to fall back to 2.0% by year-end and an average of 2.7% for 2023.
Malaysia’s Communications Minister canceled the Good Vibes Festival 2023 after British band The 1975 violated local laws with an anti-LGBT stunt.
The festival was in its 10th anniversary when the singer launched an expletive-filled tirade and engaged in a deep kiss with a bandmate.