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Minister of Works who is also AFPPD Malaysia President Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said that as host to the AFPPD Global Secretariat, Malaysia is now in a better position to serve as a regional centre for the engagement of parliamentarians on issues of demographic resilience, reproductive health, gender equality, youth empowerment and sustainable development. "This achievement is also very significant for Malaysia. "I extend my deepest congratulations to Ipoh Timor Member of Parliament Howard Lee, who is also the Secretary-General of AFPPD Global and Deputy President of AFPPD Malaysia, for his leadership in ensuring that this important achievement was successfully realised," said Nanta in a Facebook post today. The status confirms Malaysia's growing role as a trusted partner in international cooperation involving members of Parliament and United Nations-related agencies. AFPPD Malaysia hopes to continue to support AFPPD Global in translating this recognition into meaningful efforts for the benefit of the people of Asia and the Pacific. AFPPD comprises 30 national committees made up of parliamentarians in the Asia Pacific and Central Asia regions, and serves as a forum to recommend and coordinate policies with the goal of creating a better future for all people in the region, especially vulnerable groups including women, children and youth, as well as the elderly. AFPPD organizes meetings and seminars for members of Parliament more than 10 times a year based on an activity plan adopted at the general meeting, with funding from various stakeholders including UNFPA. -- BERNAMA

AFPPD Global receives UNFPA Implementing Partner status

PUTRAJAYA: The Global Asian Parliamentarians’ Forum on Population and Development (AFPPD) has been granted Implementing Partner status by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) through an agreement signed on May .... read more

WASHINGTON, May 14 -- US Vice President JD Vance said Wednesday that Washington is "making progress" in negotiations with Iran while stressing President Donald Trump's red line that Tehran must never have a nuclear weapon. "I spent a good amount of time on the phone with both Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff this morning and a number of our friends in the Arab world this morning. I think that we are making progress," Anadolu Ajansi reported Vance told reporters when asked if the US is still engaging with the Iranians after Trump called Tehran's response "unacceptable." "The fundamental question is, do we make enough progress that we satisfy the president's red line? And the red line is very simple. He needs to feel confident that we've put a number of protections in place such that Iran will never have a nuclear weapon," Vance said. "I thought we made some progress in Pakistan, but we've made more since then," he said. "The President has set us off on the diplomatic pathway for now, and that's what I'm focused on," he added. Asked about Trump's remarks that he does not think about "Americans' financial situation" when negotiating with Iran, Vance responded: "I think that's a misrepresentation of what the president said." "I agree with the president. Iran should not have a nuclear weapon. We're obviously engaged in a very aggressive and very engaged diplomatic process to try to ensure that that doesn't happen," he added. Vance said the ultimate aim was to give the American people assurance that Iran would never obtain nuclear weapons, describing the current diplomatic track as the president's chosen pathway for now. Regional tensions have escalated since the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran on Feb 28, triggering retaliation from Tehran against Israel as well as US allies in the Gulf, along with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. A ceasefire took effect on April 8 through Pakistani mediation, but talks in Islamabad failed to produce a lasting agreement. The truce was later extended by US President Donald Trump without a set deadline. On Sunday, Iran sent Pakistan its response to a US proposal for ending the war, but Trump dismissed it as “totally unacceptable.” -- BERNAMA-ANADOLU

Vance Says US ‘making Progress’ On Iran Deal

WASHINGTON, May 14 — US Vice President JD Vance said Wednesday that Washington is “making progress” in negotiations with Iran while stressing President Donald Trump’s red line that Tehran must .... read more

GENEVA, May 14 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- The World Health Organisation (WHO) said Wednesday that no new deaths from the cruise-ship-linked hantavirus outbreak have been reported since May 2, while the global public health risk remains low. Anadolu Ajansi repoted WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a post on X that a total of 11 cases have so far been reported to the agency as of May 12. According to Tedros, eight of those cases have been laboratory-confirmed as infections caused by the Andes virus. Hantavirus is a rare disease usually transmitted through infected rodents or their droppings, though the strain responsible for this outbreak, the Andes virus, can also spread between humans with prolonged close contact, often in enclosed settings. He added that one additional case remains under further laboratory testing. “WHO continues to assess the risk to the global population as low,” Tedros said. The WHO chief also said the agency remains in close contact with experts from all involved countries and continues to receive weekly health reports concerning passengers and crew through official International Health Regulations channels. Tedros said international coordination efforts remain ongoing to support measures aimed at protecting public health. -- BERNAMA-ANADOLU

WHO Chief Says No New Deaths Reported In Hantavirus Outbreak Since May 2

GENEVA, May 14 — The World Health Organisation (WHO) said Wednesday that no new deaths from the cruise-ship-linked hantavirus outbreak have been reported since May 2, while the global public .... read more

INDONESIA 1.PRESIDENT PRABOWO ORDERS TASK FORCE TO SPEED UP DEREGULATION EFFORTS -- ANTARA President Prabowo Subianto has instructed State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi to prepare the formation of a special task force aimed at accelerating deregulation efforts. 2.INDONESIA CONFIRMS US NAPHTHA SHIPMENT ARRIVING IN MAY 2026 -- ANTARA Trade Minister Budi Santoso confirmed that imports of naphtha, the main raw material for plastic resin, are scheduled to arrive in mid-May 2026. MYANMAR 1.ENGAGING LUCRATIVE INDIAN TOURISM MARKET -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR The Myanmar Tourism Federation will hold roadshows in at least five major Indian cities to showcase tourist destinations. These extensive campaigns are to promote long-term sustainable tourism in the Indian market. 2.INCREASING LIVE SEAFOOD EXPORTS TO RAISE REVENUE -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Authorities are planning to export more live marine products that will generate lucrative revenue for the country. Live lobsters, shell crabs and shrimps are in high demand in overseas markets for their freshness. PHILIPPINES 1.MARCOS: NO STATE FORCES IN SENATE SHOOTING, NO ORDER TO ARREST BATO -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY President Ferdinand Marcos Jr on Wednesday night said no state security forces were involved in the shooting incident inside the Senate complex and denied reports that government agencies had been ordered to arrest Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa. 2.MAGNITUDE 5.5 QUAKE JOLTS PARTS OF CAGAYAN -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY A magnitude 5.5 earthquake jolted Dalupiri Island in Cagayan province on Thursday morning, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). SINGAPORE 1. RULE OF LAW BOOSTS SINGAPORE'S SOCIAL FABRIC; GOVERNMENT'S JOB IS TO REFLECT SOCIAL VALUES IN LAW: EDWIN TONG The rule of law is a framework for strengthening Singapore's social fabric because it is "the basis on which we believe that no one is above the law, and so no segment of society will rise ahead or fall behind because of who we are", Law Minister Edwin Tong said on Wednesday. 2. SINGAPORE TO TRIAL MULTI-CANCER EARLY DETECTION TESTS AND TARGETED CANCER SCREENING -- THE STRAITS TIMES A clinical study involving 1,000 people at higher risk of cancer due to genetic factors or pre-cancerous conditions will be carried out in the second half of 2026 to evaluate the use of popular multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests. THAILAND 1. ACTUAL INVESTMENT JUMP STRENGTHENS THAILAND'S GROWTH OUTLOOK -- THE NATION Thailand’s actual investment rose 18% to 260 billion baht in Q1 2026, as the government pushes BOI Fast Pass and 3% plus GDP growth. 2. FUEL CRISIS RESULTS IN FEWER FLIGHTS FOR THAI PILOTS -- BANGKOK POST Pilots in Thailand have begun to feel the impact of reduced flights, as some low-cost carriers have announced a 20% cut in allowances and reduced productivity pay to cope with rising operational costs. VIETNAM 1.EMPOWERING STUDENT STARTUP ENTREPRENEURS -- VIETNAMPLUS The Education Ministry will implement a student entrepreneurship programme to develop a comprehensive startup ecosystem across the education sector. The new plan shifts focus from individual startups to an integrated and sustainable model. 2.UPGRADING CROSS-BORDER CRIME PREVENTION CENTRE -- VIETNAMPLUS Vietnam Customs is strengthening the Narcotics Targeting Centre by equipping it with modern surveillance equipment to tackle cross-border crimes. The centre will focus on the trafficking of narcotics, emerging psychoactive substances and hazardous chemicals smuggling. -- BERNAMA

Top News Headlines In Indonesia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam: May 14, 2026

INDONESIA 1.PRESIDENT PRABOWO ORDERS TASK FORCE TO SPEED UP DEREGULATION EFFORTS — ANTARA President Prabowo Subianto has instructed State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi to prepare the formation of a special .... read more

Chennai, May 13 — In a significant policy decision, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has reportedly directed the closure of 717 government-run liquor outlets across the state, marking one of the largest reductions in retail alcohol availability in recent years. According to official sources, the directive has been issued as part of a broader effort to regulate alcohol distribution, address public health concerns, and respond to long-standing demands from various social and community groups seeking stricter control over liquor sales. The move is expected to be implemented in phases, with priority given to outlets located near schools, religious institutions, and densely populated residential areas. The state-run liquor distribution body, TASMAC (Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation), has been instructed to identify the listed outlets and begin closure procedures after completing inventory audits and revenue reconciliation. Authorities have also indicated that employees affected by the shutdown will be reassigned to other functioning outlets where possible. The announcement has sparked mixed reactions across the state. Temperance advocacy groups and health activists have welcomed the decision, calling it a step toward reducing alcohol-related harm. However, sections of the hospitality sector and retail stakeholders have raised concerns about potential revenue loss for the state and the impact on workers dependent on the industry. Political observers note that this move could have wider implications ahead of future electoral cycles, as alcohol policy remains a sensitive and influential issue in Tamil Nadu politics. Further details regarding the timeline and exact locations of the affected shops are expected to be released by the government in the coming days. -- MINUTESMY / SUGAN BALAN

Tamil Nadu CM C. Joseph Vijay Orders Closure of 717 Liquor Shops Across State in Major Policy Move

Chennai, May 13 — In a significant policy decision, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has reportedly directed the closure of 717 government-run liquor outlets across the state, marking .... read more

JERUSALEM: The Israeli parliament on Monday passed a law to establish a special military court for individuals described by Israel as members of Hamas' "elite forces", Anadolu Agency reported. The bill was first passed in an initial reading in mid-January after being introduced by Knesset members Simcha Rothman of the Religious Zionism party and Yulia Malinovsky of the Yisrael Beiteinu party. The Knesset passed the second and third readings of the bill, thus officially making it law. The law was passed with the support of 93 Knesset members, with no votes against or abstentions. The Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper said the law would provide the legal basis for what it described as "unprecedented trials". Hamas has not yet commented on the law. Israel claims that the Palestinians arrested after the events of 7 Oct 2023 were members of Hamas' "elite forces", although they have not yet been brought to justice. More than 9,600 Palestinian prisoners, including women and children, are currently being held in Israeli jails, according to rights groups. Detainees faced torture, starvation and medical neglect, and many of them died. -- BERNAMA-ANADOLU

Israeli parliament passes law establishing military courts for Hamas ‘elite forces’

JERUSALEM: The Israeli parliament on Monday passed a law to establish a special military court for individuals described by Israel as members of Hamas’ “elite forces”, Anadolu Agency reported. The .... read more

ISTANBUL: A three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine proposed by US President Donald Trump ended at 2100 GMT on Monday, Anadolu Agency reported. Trump on Friday said Moscow and Kyiv had agreed to implement a ceasefire from May 9 to 11, as well as a 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner swap, which he described as a potential step toward ending the war. "It is hoped that this will be the beginning of the end of a very long, bloody and intense war." "Negotiations to end this great conflict, the largest since World War II, are still ongoing and we are getting closer to a solution every day," Trump said. The statement was made after US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner met with Ukraine's chief negotiator Rustem Umerov in Miami to discuss enhanced diplomatic efforts and coordinate further steps towards peace. On Saturday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said he was ready to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a third country, but only to finalize a peace agreement to end the more than four-year war. Zelenskyy later said Kyiv had discussed with the United States a possible format for talks with Putin "at the leadership level to end the Russian war" during Umerov's visit to Miami. Before Trump's proposal, Moscow on Monday announced a unilateral ceasefire for May 8-9 to mark the anniversary of the Soviet victory in World War II and warned Ukraine of a "massive" missile response if Victory Day celebrations were disrupted. Kyiv later announced that it would abide by the ceasefire starting at midnight on May 6. Both sides subsequently accused each other of violating the ceasefire agreement.

Three-day Ukraine-Russia ceasefire ends amid peace efforts

ISTANBUL: A three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine proposed by US President Donald Trump ended at 2100 GMT on Monday, Anadolu Agency reported. Trump on Friday said Moscow and Kyiv .... read more

Malaysia, May 11 — As Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay officially assumed office on Sunday, one of the most talked-about appointments in his newly formed cabinet was that of 29-year-old S. Keerthana, who has emerged as the youngest and only woman minister in the nine-member cabinet. Keerthana was sworn in alongside eight other ministers during the oath-taking ceremony held at Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, marking a significant moment in the state’s political transition under the new Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)-led government. Representing Sivakasi, widely known as India’s fireworks capital, Keerthana made electoral history by becoming the first woman MLA ever elected from the constituency, ending nearly 70 years of uninterrupted male representation. In the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election, she secured victory by defeating Congress candidate Ashokan G with a margin of 11,670 votes. Keerthana has also drawn national attention for her fluency in multiple languages, particularly Hindi, a notable point in Tamil Nadu’s politically sensitive language landscape. Her Hindi speeches during the campaign gained traction online, with Keerthana explaining that she chose to address audiences in Hindi to help people across India better understand and connect with TVK’s political vision. Coming from a middle-class background, Keerthana studied in a Tamil-medium government school before earning a B.Sc. in Mathematics and an M.Sc. in Statistics from Pondicherry University. Before entering electoral politics, she worked as a political consultant and campaign strategist with organisations including Indian Political Action Committee (IPAC) and Showtime Consulting. Supporters have highlighted her academic credentials and ability to speak five languages, including Tamil, English, Hindi and Telugu, as qualities that reflect a new generation of political leadership. Speaking after her appointment, Keerthana said TVK has created opportunities for individuals without political lineage or financial influence, provided they are committed to public service. Her elevation is widely seen as part of Chief Minister Vijay’s effort to project a cabinet focused on youth representation, transparency, women’s safety and social justice as his government begins its first term in office.

29-Year-Old S. Keerthana Becomes Tamil Nadu’s Youngest Woman Minister in Vijay’s First Cabinet

Malaysia, May 11 — As Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay officially assumed office on Sunday, one of the most talked-about appointments in his newly formed cabinet was that of 29-year-old .... read more

TVK chief Joseph Vijay starts a historic journey as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister

CHENNAI | May 10, 2026 | 2:00 PM–C. Joseph Vijay was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on Sunday at a grand ceremony held at the Jawaharlal .... read more

Hantavirus-Hit Ship Expected In Canaries On Sunday: Spanish Health Minister

MADRID, May 9 2026 – Spanish Health Minister Monica Garcia said on Saturday that the cruise ship MV Hondius is expected to arrive at the port of Granadilla on the .... read more

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