After a year of diplomatic tensions, the Indian Prime Minister's visit to Kuala Lumpur on 7 and 8 February marked a rapprochement between India and Malaysia, with the signing of 11 agreements in various sectors. Modi also emphasised the importance of ties to Indo-Malaysians who represent the country’s third-largest ethnic group. Investment and technological cooperation have been revitalised.
Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has called for a total ban in this state of the Malaysian federation due to fears of water pollution and limited land availability. The issue is also a source of controversy between groups and compromises harmony. The proposal is to increase imports for those (non-Muslim expats) who eat pork.
For the first time, Islamic law is being used in this Malaysian state to initiate criminal proceedings. The “offence” is punishable by a fine of hundreds of euros and up to two years in prison. Under Islamic law, gender is determined at birth. A similar case involved transgender Nur Sajat, who fled to Australia in 2021.
The faithful gathered at the Batu Caves and Penang for the celebration, marked by vows, processions, and penances. The event commemorates the victory of Lord Murugan over evil, emphasising identity, community, and unwavering devotion. For Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, differences have “long shaped Malaysia's identity.”
Former police inspector general convicted for accusing Minister Hannah Yeoh in a public speech of being part of a ‘religious conspiracy to weaken Islam’ because of a book in which she recounts her experience of faith. Initial acquittal verdict handed down in 2024 by High Court overturned. Case emblematic of delicate balance between religious communities in Malaysia.
Controversy over a circular from the Department of Religious Affairs, which went viral on social media, stating that the decorations are reminiscent of a Christian holiday. The holiday is a religious, not a cultural, event and raises ‘issues related to faith’. But experts and officials say such a measure violates the spirit of tolerance and openness in the country.
