Myanmar opposition party to take part in enter 2015 polls

The National League for Democracy (NLD) has announced that it will enter Myanmar’s upcoming general election in 2015 even if a constitutional measure barring its leader Aung San Suu Kyi from running for president is not amended.
The National League for Democracy (NLD) has announced that it willenter Myanmar’s upcoming general election in 2015 even if aconstitutional measure barring its leader Aung San Suu Kyi fromrunning for president is not amended.

The NLD would contestthe polls, which Suu Kyi had said cannot be fair unless the constitutionis changed, party spokesman U Nyan Win was quoted by news agencies assaying at a news conference on December 28 .

The Myanmar’s 2008constitution was drawn up under the country’s former military regime toensure its continuing influence in government. The NLD considers itundemocratic because of clauses allocating a mandatory 25 percent ofparliamentary seats to the military and disqualifying Suu Kyi fromrunning for president.

Myanmar's parliament formed a Constitution Review Committee in July to look into the matter ahead of 2015 polls.

According to the 2008 constitution, the amendment needs the consent ofmore than 75 percent of the parliament members, followed by more than50 percent approval in a nationwide referendum.-VNA

See more

Malaysia considers establishing strategic petroleum reserve

Malaysia considers establishing strategic petroleum reserve

Malaysia, which was previously a net exporter, has now become a net importer due to declining domestic production and rising consumption, with demand estimated at around 800,000 barrels per day compared to production of about 400,000 barrels per day.

Indonesia to halt diesel imports from July

Indonesia to halt diesel imports from July

The move is part of the Indonesian Government’s efforts to strengthen national energy independence by utilising palm oil as an alternative fuel, said Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman.

Malaysia’s growing microplastics crisis is largely self-inflicted, driven by domestic waste, weak recycling practices and everyday plastic use, said experts. (Photo: New Straits Times)

Malaysia seeks solutions to microplastic crisis

Microplastics originating from domestic waste and wastewater are increasingly entering the food chain, posing serious threats to seafood safety and the livelihoods of coastal communities.

The new mass emergency alert system SG Alert, which will be used during emergencies such as major fires, chemical or terror incidents, seen on an Apple and Android device on Apr 17, 2026. (Photo: CNA)

Singapore launches new national emergency alert system

SG Alert in Singapore uses cell broadcast technology, enabling alerts to be delivered within seconds without requiring mobile data or collecting personal information. Unlike conventional SMS, which may be delayed during network congestion or depend on internet connectivity, the system ensures fast and reliable message delivery. Alerts can be sent islandwide or targeted to specific affected areas.

Malaysia establishes ‘war room’ to ensure water security

Malaysia establishes ‘war room’ to ensure water security

The establishment of the war room reflects the Malaysian government’s commitment to shift from a reactive approach to a more proactive, data-driven one in managing national water challenges, particularly amid increasingly unpredictable weather conditions caused by global climate change

Indonesia diversifies supply sources to ensure energy security

Indonesia diversifies supply sources to ensure energy security

Indonesia is facing significant supply pressure as crude oil consumption reaches approximately 1.6 million barrels per day, much lower than the domestic production at only around 600,000 barrels per day, forcing the country to rely heavily on imports.