ASLI INSIGHTS: Asia Unpacked | 16 February 2026
From Japan, Bangladesh and Thailand’s elections, Malaysia’s economic growth, Malaysia’s corruption index, Singapore’s EP and S Pass requirements, and Russia’s Whatsapp ban
Top news in Asia this week:
1. Supermajority in Japan, Restoration in Bangladesh, Status Quo in Thailand
In Japan, Prime Minister Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party secured a landslide supermajority, empowering her conservative agenda to boost defence and the economy, despite concerns over civil liberties. In Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party achieved a decisive parliamentary victory in the first vote since Sheikh Hasina’s ouster, pledging to restore stability and revive the stagnant economy. Meanwhile, Thailand’s election saw Prime Minister Anutin’s Bhumjaithai Party surprisingly defeat progressive reformists, utilising strong local networks and royalist support to maintain the status quo against a fragmented opposition.
Read more:
Japan:
https://apnews.com/article/japan-election-bbb322b4dc1dcad8f7373ba7aae4d535
Thailand:
https://www.wsj.com/world/conservatives-surge-to-surprise-victory-in-thai-elections-fcee8d84
2. Malaysia exceed forecast with 5.2% GDP growth in 2025
Malaysia’s economy expanded by 5.2% in 2025, surpassing initial forecasts, with a robust 6.3% growth recorded in the fourth quarter. Bank Negara Malaysia attributes this performance to strong domestic demand, increased household spending and surging investments, particularly in data centres and machinery. Exports also strengthened significantly, driven by electronics and inbound tourism. With inflation remaining stable at 1.3%, the central bank projects continued positive momentum in 2026, supported by the Visit Malaysia Year campaign and resilient demand despite upcoming subsidy rationalisation.
Read more:
https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/02/13/malaysia-posts-5-2-gdp-growth-in-2025
3. Malaysia improved on corruption index
Malaysia improved its ranking to 54th in Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index, scoring 52 points following stronger enforcement against high-profile officials. Transparency International Malaysia (TIM) President Raymon Ram attributed this success to the National Anti-Corruption Strategy but warned against complacency. To reach the national goal of a top-25 ranking by 2033, the NGO emphasised the urgent need for a political financing act. TIM highlighted that the current absence of binding funding laws allows opaque contributions to persist as a major structural corruption risk.
https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/767773
4. Singapore Govt to raise EP, S pass requirement
In his Budget 2026 speech, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced that Singapore will raise minimum qualifying salaries for Employment Pass and S Pass holders starting January 2027 to ensure locals remain central to the workforce. To support lower-paid employees, the government is increasing the Local Qualifying Salary to S$1,800 and extending the Progressive Wage Credit Scheme with enhanced co-funding. Additionally, work permit levies for the marine, services and manufacturing sectors will be adjusted and simplified from 2028 to encourage productivity and skills development.
5. Russia orders block on WhatsApp
"Russia has blocked access to WhatsApp and restricted Telegram, citing the platforms' refusal to comply with domestic data laws and security concerns. The Kremlin is instead urging citizens to switch to 'Max', a state-developed 'super-app' that is now pre-installed on new devices. While officials argue Max offers a secure domestic alternative to Western platforms, critics and tech experts warn the app lacks end-to-end encryption, potentially facilitating state surveillance. This move represents a major step in Russia’s ongoing effort to control digital infrastructure following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine."
