Hot off the press

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.  

Foreigner claiming to be M'sian nabbed after failing to sing 'Negaraku'

Tactics used by a Thai woman to evade detention by the Malaysian Immigration Department in Penang were foiled when she failed to sing the ‘Negaraku’.

During the operation at the Juru Toll Plaza along the North-South Expressway here, the 21-year-old made various excuses when asked to show her MyKad, including saying it was kept by her mother, and that she did not remember her MyKad number.

Penang Immigration director Mohamad Husni Mahmud said the woman also stressed that she was a Malaysian citizen, and resided and attended school in Alma, although she did not have any documents to support her claims. – New Straits Times

'Asian Century' should see greater multilateral cooperation: PM Lee Hsien Loong

The growing importance of Asia in the world economy should not be a cause for worry, as Asia needs diverse partners and access to global markets to continue to prosper, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has said.

Singapore's world view is that there are opportunities around the world, which is why 16,000km and the Pacific Ocean are no impediment for cooperation with Mexico and the rest of Latin America, he added. – Straits Times

EC denies Thanathorn claim

The Election Commission (EC) has insisted that it did not rush submitting the V-Luck Media shareholding case against Future Forward Party (FFP) leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit to the Constitutional Court.

The poll agency defended its actions after Mr Thanathorn on Monday filed a legal complaint against all seven of its members for malfeasance, ahead of the Constitutional Court's ruling on the case on Wednesday. – Bangkok Post

Ethnic armed groups vow to help counter genocide lawsuit

Government peace negotiators and the 10 ethnic armed groups that have signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) will help the country counter accusations of genocide in Rakhine State brought against Myanmar in the top UN court.

The Peace Process Steering Team (PPST), comprised of the 10 groups, said the attacks against Myanmar by the international community undermine the country’s transition to democracy. – Myanmar Times

Hun Sen urges countries to learn from Kingdom’s past

In his opening address at the Asia-Pacific Summit at the Peace Palace yesterday, Prime Minister Hun Sen highlighted the government’s achievements in maintaining peace in the Kingdom after decades of civil war.

The Kingdom is hosting the Asia-Pacific Summit this year until tomorrow.

The theme for this year is: “Addressing the Critical Challenges: Peace, Reconciliation, Interdependence, Mutual Prosperity and Universal Value”. – Khmer Times