- It was a big week in Malaysian politics. Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim lost his appeal in the High Court and now faces a five-year jail term potentially ending the 67-year old's political career and throwing the opposition into turmoil. Political heavyweight Mahathir warned foreign governments not to criticise the ruling.
- The other big Malaysia news of the week was the death of Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, the spiritual head of PAS, the country's Islamist party.
- An Amnesty International report accused Chinese and Canadian companies of 'corporate crimes' in a controversial Myanmar mine.
- The Asian Development Bank gave Vietnam $234 million to boost competitiveness.
- Chinese and Vietnamese Communist party chiefs discussed boosting bilateral ties.
- As Thailand's export growth hit a 3-year low, Nikkei Review interviewed Thai junta leader Prayuth Chan-ocha.
- Heavy fighting erupted between the Myanmar's Kokang rebels and the military this week. Thousands have fled the fighting, some over the Chinese border. Dozens on both sides have been killed. Other rebel groups have joined the fighting. The Irrawaddy ran an interview with the rebels' leader, while the Global Times ran an editorial reaffirming China's support to the Myanmar Government in the fight.
- An about-face from the Myanmar Government on granting voting rights to 700,000 temporary ID or 'white card' holders (including Rohingya and other ethnic groups). The US called it 'counter reconciliation'. Many questioned the Government's motives.
- Despite the troubles, history says that Myanmar's messy reform will work.
- Naked tourist photos at Angkor Wat temples have authorities scratching their heads on how to tackle the problem. Meanwhile, Yangon has its own battle in maintaining its architectural heritage.
- The gate that Aung San Suu Kyi was held behind during her house arrest was reportedly sold for $330,000 this week: