Malaysia

Malaysian police arrest 51 men, seize drugs in raids linked to 'gay party'

Homosexuality is criminalized in Muslim-majority Malaysia, which operates a dual-track legal system with Islamic laws for Muslims running alongside civil laws.

A general view of Malaysia's National Palace in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, February 25, 2020
FILE PHOTO:  A man watches as smoke rises from a fire caused by a gas pipeline leak in Puchong, Selangor on April 1, 2025. A massive fire forced people from their homes during Eid celebrations as it towered over residential districts on April 1 near the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur.

Fire destroys 200 homes in Sabah village, displacing hundreds amid strong winds

Greece

A new study reveals: This is the best destination to move to in retirement

THE REMAINING members of Iran’s women’s national football team embrace a member of the support staff who had refused to board the plane.

Iranian football players face government pressure to return to Iran, as families warn against it


Austria's Chancellor calls antisemitism in Malaysia 'unacceptable'

Malaysia has banned all Israelis from participating in events hosted in Malaysia during World Para-Swimming Championships in July.

Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz talks to the media as he arrives at an European Union leaders summit in Brussels, Belgium, June 28, 2018.

Antisemitic swimming

Malaysia’s Deputy Sports Minister Sim Hee Kyung reportedly said that the decision was “a means to protest against the continuous Israeli oppression of the Palestinian people.”

A mosque is silhouetted against city buildings in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, January 27, 2016.

German politician urges to cancel event with Malaysia due to antisemitism

In a statement issued by the social democratic politician Michaele Engelmeier, she called for a cancellation of sports events in Malaysia.

Volker Beck of Germany's environmental party Die Gruenen (The Greens), Berlin, 2017.

After swimmers banned, Malaysian PM says no Israelis allowed in country

"It is my right to criticize Israel for its policy regarding the Palestinians and say they do many bad things."

Malaysia Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad

Israel slams Malaysian decision to bar Paralympic athletes

Swimmers from some 70 countries are expected to compete at the 2019 World Para Swimming Championships in the eastern state of Sarawak from July 29-Aug. 4.

swimming pool under water illustrative

Australian politician: Malaysian PM 'bigot' for banning Israeli athletes

Member of Parliament Michael Danby called on Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison to host the Paralympics swimmers in Australia instead.

swimming pool under water illustrative

Malaysia reaffirms ban on Israeli swimmers for Paralympic qualifier

Days after vowing to bar Israelis, Malaysia reaffirms ban on athletes for event.

A mosque is silhouetted against city buildings in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, January 27, 2016.

Malaysia won’t let Israeli swimmers enter country for Paralympic qualifier

The International Paralympic Committee said it would work to “find a solution” for the Israeli swimmers.

Swimming race [Illustrative]

Australia, Malaysia butt heads over possible Jerusalem embassy move

Some 60 percent of Malaysia's population is Muslim.

Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat installs a road sign directing to the US embassy, in the area of the U.S. consulate in Jerusalem, May 7, 2018

Malaysian prime minister justifies his license to be antisemitic

“Antisemitic is a term that is invented to prevent people from criticizing the Jews for doing wrong things.”

Mahathir Mohamad speaks during an interview in Putrajaya, Malaysia