Malaysian leaders kick off election campaigns in tight race

25 Sept 06:50 Key points summarised by AI

Malaysian political leaders, including incumbent Prime Minister Ismail Sabri and veterans Anwar Ibrahim and Muhyiddin Yassin, have officially begun their election campaigns for a highly anticipated close race.
Analysts predict no single party or coalition will secure a simple majority in the 222-seat parliament, necessitating complex negotiations to form the next government.
Approximately 21 million eligible voters are focused on pressing issues like rising inflation, recent political instability, and a slowing economy as they head to the polls on November 19.
The election features multiple strong rival coalitions, including one led by former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, which is expected to further split votes and intensify the competition.

ASEAN envoy to visit Myanmar starting Wednesday

Yesterday 08:32 Key points summarised by AI

**Humanitarian Mission:** An ASEAN special envoy, led by Philippine Foreign Secretary Maria Teresa Lazaro, will visit Myanmar to expand humanitarian access and engage with local and national officials.
**Aid Focus:** The delegation, including experts from the AHA Centre, will assess humanitarian needs in conflict-hit regions like Shan State, aiming to streamline aid delivery.
**No Suu Kyi Engagement:** Despite recent positive developments for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the envoy's visit will not include a meeting with her, as no such arrangement was made.
**Unfulfilled Consensus:** While Myanmar establishes an ASEAN Affairs Coordinating Committee and its own roadmap, ASEAN reiterates that the bloc's Five-Point Consensus remains unfulfilled, leading to continued exclusion of Myanmar's political appointees from high-level meetings.