Malaysian prime minister since 2022; PKR leader; central figure in reform era and current governance
As of April 2026, the UK government is managing the economic and diplomatic fallout from the US-Israel war on Iran, which has disrupted global oil supplies via the Strait of Hormuz. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer faces strained relations with US President Donald Trump over UK non-involvement in offensive strikes. The government is implementing targeted cost-of-living support, including a £1 billion Crisis and Resilience Fund and energy price cap reductions, while urging de-escalation and closer ties with Europe.
A fire has destroyed about 1,000 wooden homes in a water village in Sabah, Malaysia. The blaze has displaced thousands of residents, mainly from low-income and indigenous communities. Strong winds and difficult access have hampered firefighting efforts. No fatalities have been reported, and relief efforts are ongoing.
Malaysia has publicly objected after Norway blocked delivery of the Naval Strike Missile system and launcher components for Malaysia’s littoral combat ships. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has warned the move could undermine trust in European defense suppliers; Malaysia is examining legal options and potential compensation after paying about 95% of the contract.
A magnitude 7.8 earthquake has struck off Mindanao on Monday morning, killing dozens, injuring hundreds and displacing tens of thousands. General Santos City and nearby provinces have reported collapsed buildings, landslides and damaged infrastructure. Rescue teams are searching rubble while aftershocks and earlier tsunami alerts are complicating operations.