AnewZ Morning Brief - 23 October, 2025
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for 23 October, covering the latest developments you need to know....
Malaysia’s parliament held a special session on Monday to discuss the impact of tariffs imposed by the United States, as the government considers potential economic repercussions and policy responses.
According to state-run Bernama News Agency, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that while the US’ reciprocal tariffs present a challenge, Malaysia’s strong economic fundamentals and resilient domestic market position the country to manage external pressures.
“We remain confident in our economic direction and are committed to navigating global uncertainties without compromising national interest,” Anwar said during the session.
The US has imposed a 24% tariff on Malaysian exports, although a 90-day window has been granted to negotiate a possible trade deal with Washington.
Anwar acknowledged that the tariffs may impact Malaysia’s economic performance, noting that the country is unlikely to achieve its earlier projected GDP growth of 4.5–5.5% for the year.
He added that Malaysia aims to address trade-related challenges pragmatically, while preserving stable relations with all global partners, including the US — one of Malaysia’s key export destinations and a major source of foreign investment.
As the current chair of ASEAN, Malaysia is set to host the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur at the end of May, where the issue of tariffs and broader trade policies is expected to feature prominently.
On Sunday, ASEAN finance ministers and central bank governors — along with officials from Japan, China, and South Korea — expressed concern over the potential global impact of rising protectionist measures, following recent tariff announcements by the US.
Last month, the US introduced wide-ranging import tariffs affecting both allies and competitors. ASEAN member states, including Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand, have also been subject to substantial levies under the updated policy framework.
At least 69 people have died and almost 150 injured following a powerful 6.9-magnitude earthquake off the coast of Cebu City in the central Visayas region of the Philippines, officials said, making it one of the country’s deadliest disasters this year.
A tsunami threat was issued in Chile after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck the Drake Passage on Friday. The epicenter was located 135 miles south of Puerto Williams on the north coast of Navarino Island.
The war in Ukraine has reached a strategic impasse, and it seems that the conflict will not be solved by military means. This creates a path toward one of two alternatives: either a “frozen” phase that can last indefinitely or a quest for a durable political regulation.
A shooting in Nice, southeastern France, left two people dead and five injured on Friday, authorities said.
Snapchat will start charging users who store more than 5GB of photos and videos in its Memories feature, prompting backlash from long-time users.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for 23 October, covering the latest developments you need to know.
The Netherlands will vote on Wednesday, 29 October, after the collapse of the previous coalition, with far-right leader Geert Wilders’ Freedom Party (PVV) leading polls ahead of rivals focused on housing, healthcare and immigration.
Indonesia is aware of the repercussions of its decision to bar Israeli gymnasts from competing in a world championship event in Jakarta, Sports Minister Erick Thohir said on Thursday, stressing that the move aimed to preserve public order.
More than 100,000 New Zealand teachers, nurses, doctors, firefighters and support staff went on strike Thursday, demanding higher pay and better funding for public services, a clear sign of dissatisfaction with centre-right government.
Russia captured two more frontline villages in southeast Ukraine and an island in southern Ukraine, its Defence Ministry said on Wednesday.
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