Human Rights Watch is calling for a new investigation into the disappearance of the supporter of the opposition government-in-exile who went missing in Ampang (Malaysia). The advocacy group also warns of the risk of a possible transnational crackdown by Myanmar’s military junta. The activist fled in 2015 and was living under the protection of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.

Satellite images show US-sanctioned Russian tanker Perle, its transponders turned off for months, alongside another vessel 90 km off the east coast of Malaysia, in a likely ship-to-ship operation. According to Bloomberg, this is the first documented case of liquefied natural gas transfer. Russia’s energy strategy is turning towards Asia. The Arctic LNG 2 project has started to deliver gas to China.

At the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur on 26 October, Malaysia wants to secure a lasting ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia. But the border dispute is also fuelled by the issue of online scam centres. Bangkok blames Phnom Penh for tolerating illegal activities and demands scam centres be dismantled as a condition for peace. Meanwhile, Thai Prime Minister Anutin is stoking nationalism for domestic consumption ahead of upcoming elections.

The College General celebrated the anniversary of the founding of the historic priestly formation institution with a three-day celebration entitled ‘Discerning Gratitude, Fidelity and Hope’. Through homilies, testimonies and reflections, bishops and seminarians recalled the mission of the seminary, founded in 1665 in Siam, which continues to be a beacon of grace, fidelity and hope for the Asian Church in Malaysia.

The Kelantan State police chief has suggested amending the law so that minors who "consent" to sex are also prosecuted along with their adult partners. Malaysia’s federal government and NGOs have reacted harshly to the proposal, which would criminalise victims and reinforce the culture of blaming women. Instead, some groups want the law to protect consensual relationships between peers.

Datchinamurthy Kataiah, 39, will be hanged tomorrow in Changi Prison fourteen years after his arrest. His sister's appeal against a sentence that is ‘too severe and extreme for a naive act committed by a young man’. The appeal of 33 local NGOs for a moratorium after the Wong government promoted a case for commutation of the sentence for the first time. Currently, 40 people are on death row.