Thai parliament to hold another PM vote after reformist candidate falls short

Thailand’s parliament will hold a second vote for the new prime minister on 19 July after pro-royalist lawmakers blocked frontrunner Pita Limjaroenrat’s bid.

Indonesian president warns ASEAN ‘can’t be proxy’ of any country

Indonesian President Joko Widodo stresses that ASEAN should not become a proxy for other countries amidst rising US-China tensions.

India announces new French fighter jet deal as Modi visits Paris

India announces new multi-billion-dollar deal for French fighter jets and submarines during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Paris.

Indranee Rajah to address controversial remark by Speaker of Parliament in upcoming parliamentary sitting

Following the recent controversy over Parliament Speaker Tan Chuan-Jin’s hot mic remarks, House Leader Indranee Rajah told Straits Times that she will address the parliament on the issue at the next sitting.

Lim Tean demands Singapore Land Authority to account for discrepancy in ministers’ bungalow rentals and recent bungalow bid

Lim Tean, leader of the People’s Voice party, has demanded clarity from the Singapore Land Authority regarding the perceived disparity between ministers’ bungalow rental rates and recent bids for similar Black & White Bungalows. Both ministers are tenants in larger, state-owned colonial bungalows, for which they reportedly pay $26,500 and $20,000 per month, respectively. In a statement, Mr Lim called on the SLA to justify the discrepancy, saying, “The SLA has a lot of explaining to do to the Singapore public on why Shanmugam and Vivian are paying such low rentals on significantly bigger properties, when others are prepared to pay up to $70,000 for a smaller property.”

SDP’s Chee Soon Juan blasts PAP leaders, calls for independent inquiries

Dr Chee Soon Juan, Secretary-General of Singapore Democratic Party, criticizes People’s Action Party leaders over recent controversies, questions independence of the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau, and urges for an independent commission of inquiry into potential misconducts.

Thai reformist Pita Limjaroenrat loses PM vote

Thailand’s parliament rejected reformist Pita Limjaroenrat’s bid for prime minister despite his party’s popular vote win. Pita vows to continue strategizing for a second round. The path forward remains uncertain, with pending cases against him and his party.

Transport Minister S Iswaran placed on leave, stays in Singapore pending conclusion of CPIB probe

Singapore’s Transport Minister S Iswaran is set to remain in the country during his mandated leave of absence amid an ongoing CPIB investigation, with duties temporarily taken over by fellow MPs and Senior Minister Chee Hong Tat.

Timeline of Thai politics as parliament votes for PM

Thailand’s parliament convened for a prime ministerial vote, but frontrunner Pita Limjaroenrat faced obstacles hindering his path to power. This vote is a culmination of two turbulent decades in the nation’s history, marked by political upheaval, coups, protests, and a struggle for democracy. Pita’s chances are slim, as he needs to secure the support of conservative senators who oppose his party’s plans for monarchy reform, while also dealing with legal cases against him and his party.

Signs of switching of support for Prabowo emanates from within PDI Perjuangan Party

n a surprising shift, PDI Perjuangan’s politician, Effendi Simbolon, publicly endorsed Prabowo Subianto, diverging from his party’s official presidential endorsement. The statement sparked intra-party tension, leading to an Ethics Council summons for Simbolon to clarify his stance