Malaysia

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In Malaysia, a May Day pay raise, but no victory for democratic reformers

The protesters of the Malaysia's Bersih democracy reform movement appear to have pushed Malaysia into announcing its first ever minimum wage. Electoral reform is something else again.
Global News Blog
Malaysia may repatriate Saudi who faces death penalty for tweets

Saudi writer Hamza Kashgari fled Saudi Arabia after a trio of tweets about the prophet Muhammad brought death threats. Malaysian police apprehended him en route to New Zealand, where he was to request asylum.
Interview: Former US spy chief sees shift toward Asia

In an interview, Admiral Dennis C. Blair - the former director of national intelligence - says the US needs to back moderate Islamic societies, and urges Israel to keep pace with a changing Middle East.
After sodomy acquittal, Malaysia's Anwar pressing for power

In an unexpected conclusion to a two-year trial, a Malaysian court acquitted opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim on sodomy charges that he insisted were politically motivated.
Malaysia parliament suspends opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim

Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, already on trial for sodomy, was suspended from parliament -- further dimming his chances of leading Malaysia.
Islamic court makeover in Malaysia: Two women appointed to sharia court bench

In an Islamic judicial system that has been criticized as biased against women, two women have been cleared to hear the same cases as their male colleagues in sharia court. They will join the bench on Aug. 2.
Anwar Ibrahim loses ground to rival as Malaysia sodomy trial drags on

The slow-moving sodomy trial for Anwar Ibrahim underscores his bitter rivalry with Prime Minister Najib Razak, who has grown increasingly popular in Muslim-majority Malaysia since his election in April 2009.
Should Christians be allowed to say 'Allah' in Malaysia?

A recent court case over a Catholic newspaper's use of the term 'Allah' has become a litmus test of tolerance in the multifaith country. Christians and Muslims in Malaysia have both long prayed to 'Allah.'
Malaysia opposition embattled by leader Anwar Ibrahim's sodomy trial

Malaysia's opposition coalition is struggling to stay united as their popular leader Anwar Ibrahim focuses on his sodomy trial. Already four lawmakers have defected.
Terrorism & Security
Singapore raises terror alert on Malacca Strait, one of the world's most important oil shipping lanes

Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore raised terror alert levels after a tip-off that terrorists are planning to attack vessels in the Malacca Strait. The threat hasn't prevented millions of barrels of oil from being shipped through the strait daily.
Malaysia begins caning women for adultery

Malaysia caned three women after they were convicted for adultery under Islamic law, the first time that punishment has been handed out inside the country.
Anwar Ibrahim sodomy trial poses key test for Malaysia courts

Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim will stand trial Wednesday on a sodomy charge, which he says is politically motivated. Anwar was jailed for a sodomy conviction that was overturned in 2004.
Terrorism & Security
Three Malaysia churches firebombed as 'Allah' use tension mounts

Three churches in Malaysia were firebombed early Friday as religious tension continues over a court decision that allows a Catholic publication to use the word 'Allah' for God, which Catholics claim is a long-standing practice.
Global News Blog
Malaysia Catholics allowed to call God 'Allah' again. Why the fuss?

Islam, like Christianity and Judaism, worships the God of Abraham. So why is Malaysia's government trying to prevent Catholics from calling God 'Allah?'
Malaysia defuses caning issue – only to confront new threats to stability

Communal tensions over a Hindu temple and the death of an ethnic Chinese while in antigraft investigators' custody pose tough tests for the multiracial government.
Global News Blog
Amid furor, Malaysia delays woman's caning

Kartika Shukarno, who was caught drinking alcohol in public, would have been the first woman in Malaysia caned.
Malaysia's opposition leader prepares for sodomy trial – again

Anwar Ibrahim, who heads an increasingly popular alliance, says the charges are meant to check his rise to power.
Malaysia's Najib targets affirmative action

The prime minister, his ruling coalition under pressure, vows to end policies that favor ethnic Malays and to boost foreign investment.
Malaysia's top opposition figure makes a comeback

Anwar Ibrahim retook his parliament seat Tuesday. His goal: topple the government.
Temple demolitions anger Malaysia Indians

The state tried in recent weeks to soothe the ethnic minority's longtime grievances.
Pro-Muslim tilt in Malaysia's courts

Observers say civil courts often defer to Islamic courts on key issues.