Mount Fuji rescue, Malaysia’s ex-PM Mahathir turns 100: 7 Asia highlights
From the secret past of Kim Jong-un’s mother to Mahathir Mohamad marking a milestone, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting
We have selected seven stories from the SCMP’s coverage of Asia over the past week that resonated with our readers and shed light on topical issues. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing.
1. 2 Americans rescued from Japan’s Mount Fuji prompt more calls for tougher rules
Two Americans have had to be rescued from Japan’s Mount Fuji in separate incidents before the official climbing season began, prompting renewed calls for tougher penalties on rule-breaking hikers who endanger themselves and drain local resources.
2. ‘Do some homework’: Trump’s Singapore ambassador pick fails Senate grilling
US President Donald Trump’s ambassador-nominee to Singapore, orthopaedic surgeon Anjani Sinha, has drawn online backlash following a grilling at his confirmation hearing, with Senator Tammy Duckworth accusing him of not doing his “homework”.
3. Mahathir turns 100, still shaping Malaysia’s political landscape
Malaysia’s former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad turned 100, marking a rare milestone for any world leader while defying age with his sharp mind and relentless work ethic.
4. Secret Japanese life of North Korea Kim Jong-un’s mother exposed in new book
A new book published in Japan has shed fresh light on the life of Ko Yong-hui, the mother of Kim Jong-un, whose background the North Korean leader would prefer remains shrouded in secrecy.
5. Bali named world’s second most crowded island – residents aren’t cheering
Indonesia’s Bali is now officially the second most crowded island in the world after neighbouring Java, as residents feel squeezed out by the influx of tourists and even their compatriots in their backyard. Measuring 5,780 sq km (2,230 square miles) in size, Bali is home to 731 people per sq km, excluding tourists, according to national newspaper Kompas citing data from online market researcher Visual Capitalist.
6. Malaysia’s fighter jet deal to ‘quietly’ boost South China Sea defences
The United States’ approval of Malaysia’s purchase of dozens of fighter jets is set to bolster the Southeast Asian country’s air capabilities – especially in the South China Sea – as part of a strategy to “quietly” build deterrence while also preserving cordial ties with China.
7. Bangkok calling: Thailand’s digital nomad visa proves a runaway success
Since its launch on July 15 last year, the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) has attracted more than 35,000 applicants, according to official figures – a rare policy success for a government struggling to kick-start economic growth amid political and external headwinds.
