Malaysia Edition: Malaysians worry about country’s direction | Polygamous marriages down sharply

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A recent survey found that more Malaysians are worried about where the country is headed, with corruption being the biggest concern among those polled. This was despite Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s repeated pledge of his commitment against graft.

Other worries cited in the survey include bread-and-butter issues, even as economic growth has begun to pick up in the first quarter of 2024.

The revelation by singer Azline Ariffin, 42, better known as Ezlynn, that she had searched for a second wife for her husband, 47, who later tied the knot with a 25-year-old doctor, might have raised many an eyebrow.

But data shows that both applications and approvals for polygamous marriages are down, with insufficient financial resources cited as the leading cause of the downtrend.

Meanwhile, sensational headlines about an Israeli hitman with six firearms and a shooting at Kuala Lumpur International Airport by a man targeting his estranged wife might have made Malaysia look like the Wild West.

It was, however, mere coincidence that the two incidents happened around the same time. Experts said that gun violence is not on the rise in the country – the last known high-profile shooting not involving the police, the military or armed robbers happened six years ago.

Follow ST’s coverage as we continue to bring you the latest developments.


Malaysians’ worries over country’s direction could hurt Anwar, say analysts

Corruption and slow economic growth are among the main concerns cited in the recent survey.

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Royals step into the void as government struggles with a divided Malaysia

The interventions could set a dangerous precedent and undermine the elected government, say analysts.

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Malaysia has strict gun controls, but firearms smuggled in via long and porous borders: Experts

Incidents involving firearms are the exception rather than the rule in Malaysia, says crime analyst.

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Polygamy down sharply, in line with incomes in post-pandemic Malaysia

More than a third of applications to marry another woman were rejected by the Syariah Court.

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Malaysia to roll out QR code immigration system for factory workers commuting to Singapore

The workers will use a unique QR code to clear immigration instead of having their passports processed.

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10 people killed after two Malaysian navy helicopters collide in mid-air

All 10 were crew members aboard the two aircraft and the bodies have been recovered and identified.

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