These are the top stories making the front pages of major newspapers from across Southeast Asia today.
Get up to speed with what’s happening in the fastest growing region in the world.
Breaking: Apparent suicide bombing hits Medan Police precinct headquarters
An explosion has occurred at the Medan Police precinct headquarters in Medan, North Sumatra, on Wednesday morning. The explosion, suspected to have come from a suicide bomb, occurred at around 8:35 am in the parking lot in front of the precinct's narcotics division. National Police spokesperson Brig. Gen. Dedi Prasetyo has confirmed that the explosion took place. – The Jakarta Post
Najib, Arul Kanda trial to start next week
The third criminal trial involving Datuk Seri Najib Razak is slated to start next week after the High Court today dismissed an application to postpone hearings. This time, the former Prime Minster will be jointly tried with former 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) chief executive officer (CEO) Arul Kanda Kandasamy for allegedly tampering with the sovereign wealth fund’s final audit report.
Judge Mohamed Zaini Mazlan, when dismissing the prosecution’s application, said it was difficult to find alternative dates for the hearing. – New Straits Times
Opposition targets Prayut for censure
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha will definitely be targeted in a censure debate being launched against the government, according to Sutin Klungsang, the opposition chief whip. Mr Sutin said Gen Prayut is in the opposition's crosshairs, although he declined to say what the premier will be grilled about. The opposition has yet to decide which cabinet ministers it will target during the debate. – Bangkok Post
Air quality enters unhealthy range in eastern Singapore with slightly hazy conditions
Air quality entered the unhealthy range in eastern Singapore on Wednesday morning (Nov 13), as parts of the country experienced slightly hazy conditions. This was because of an accumulation of particles in the air, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said. As at noon, the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) reading ranged from 86 in the west to 102 in the east. A reading of 51 to 100 is in the moderate range, while a reading from 101 to 200 is in the unhealthy band. – The Straits Times
Drilon: ‘Build, build, build’ is a dismal failure
With only nine out of 75 flagships projects under construction halfway into the Duterte administration, its “Build, build, build’’ infrastructure program is a “dismal failure,” according to Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon. The projects were supposed to usher in the golden age of infrastructure in the country and help spur development, but economic managers have since aired their plan to revise the list. – Philippine Daily Inquirer
Sokha continues call for dropping of charge after bail conditions reduced
Not satisfied with having his bail conditions reduced, allowing him to travel freely in Cambodia, Kem Sokha says he wants his charge totally dropped.
“As an innocent man who has been in detention for two years even without being found guilty, I continue to demand that the charge against me is dropped.
“I hope that the decision made today is just the first step. I and other citizens who have lost our political freedom still need to find a solution and real justice,” said Sokha, the president of the Supreme Court-dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP). – Phnom Penh Post