Politics

Bank Negara Malaysia Governor Tan Sri Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus reports that Malaysia is unlikely to enter a recession in 2023. Despite reduced foreign demand, domestic expenditure is expected to anchor economic growth, with the first quarter of 2023 showing more robust performance compared to the previous quarter.

The EU is weighing industrial subsidies to compete with US green technology investments, but tensions arise as larger economies like Germany and France might disproportionately benefit, potentially undermining the single market's principles and smaller nations' economic interests.

The first session of Malaysia's 15th Parliament will focus on approving civil servant emoluments and discussing Budget 2023. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced plans to table a new or revised budget within a month, marking a significant start to his administration's parliamentary agenda.

Indonesia hikes subsidized fuel prices by 30%, with Pertalite gasoline rising from 51 to 67 cents per liter. Long lines at gas stations as motorists rush to fill tanks before price increase takes effect. President Joko Widodo cites economic necessity for subsidy reduction.

Arizona Governor Doug Ducey met with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, highlighting a major semiconductor investment that strengthens economic ties between Taiwan and the United States.

President Joe Biden traveled to Iowa to announce a strategy for reducing gas prices by temporarily suspending ethanol blending restrictions. The move aims to cut fuel costs by approximately 10 cents per gallon at select stations, addressing high inflation challenges facing American consumers.

Massive crowds of supporters, predominantly youth, filled streets across Pakistan's major cities, waving flags and expressing solidarity with former Prime Minister Imran Khan after his parliamentary no-confidence removal.

Hungary and Serbia's recent elections reinforced pro-Putin leaders Viktor Orban and Aleksandar Vucic, demonstrating continued support for nationalist, autocratic governance in European democracies.

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan claims the United States is attempting to remove him from office, formally protesting to the US embassy. He alleges a foreign conspiracy following his Moscow visit to Russian President Putin, which coincided with Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The European Union and United States have reached a preliminary agreement to ease data transfer restrictions, allowing European personal information to be stored in the US. President Biden and European Commission President von der Leyen announced the breakthrough during Biden's Brussels visit.