Thai PM’s suspension reignites debate, Malaysia’s new tax: 7 Asia highlights

From Duterte ending his womanising era to defence concerns over an Indonesia mine, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting

A Malaysian woman shops for fruit at a market in Kuala Lumpur. New taxes on apples and oranges were rolled back soon after their introduction. Photo: AFP

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. Malaysia’s new ‘luxury’ taxes hit the middle class where it hurts

Avocados being harvested at a farm in California. The “expensive, imported” fruits are subject to higher levies under Malaysia’s new tax regime. Photo: Los Angeles Times/TNS
Avocados being harvested at a farm in California. The “expensive, imported” fruits are subject to higher levies under Malaysia’s new tax regime. Photo: Los Angeles Times/TNS

2. PM’s suspension reignites debate on ‘judicial activism’ of Thailand’s courts

Thaksin Shinawatra, Thailand’s former prime minister, greets his supporters next to his daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra (right) in August 2023. Photo: AFP
Thaksin Shinawatra, Thailand’s former prime minister, greets his supporters next to his daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra (right) in August 2023. Photo: AFP

3. Philippines’ Duterte ends womanising era, leaving ‘13 to 27’ lovers behind

Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte is in custody at The Hague. Photo: AFP
Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte is in custody at The Hague. Photo: AFP

4. Chinese ambassador’s ‘grandstanding’ advice for Australia raises eyebrows

China’s Ambassador to Australia Xiao Qian has criticised the heavy defence spending of some countries in an opinion article in The Australian newspaper. Photo: EPA-EFE
China’s Ambassador to Australia Xiao Qian has criticised the heavy defence spending of some countries in an opinion article in The Australian newspaper. Photo: EPA-EFE

5. Kuala Lumpur’s Aerotrain suffers double trouble after US$100 million relaunch

Kuala Lumpur International Airport’s new Aerotrain. Photo: Ministry of Transport Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur International Airport’s new Aerotrain. Photo: Ministry of Transport Malaysia

6. China-funded smelter fires up Indonesian defence concerns

A nickel smelter in Indonesia. The proposed bauxite smelter would occupy about 400 hectares of land currently used by the Indonesian Navy on Singkep island. Photo: Reuters
A nickel smelter in Indonesia. The proposed bauxite smelter would occupy about 400 hectares of land currently used by the Indonesian Navy on Singkep island. Photo: Reuters

7. Why Singapore refused to be a ‘Third China’ – and how Lee Kuan Yew made it clear

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew delivers a speech at the opening of the Commonwealth Press Union conference on October 15, 1990 in Hong Kong. Photo: AFP
Singapore Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew delivers a speech at the opening of the Commonwealth Press Union conference on October 15, 1990 in Hong Kong. Photo: AFP

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