BANGKOK: Thailand's criminal court has denied former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's (pic) request to leave the country to attend the Asean meeting in Indonesia on March 7, following an invitation from the Indonesian president.

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra ’s request to visit Indonesia has been rejected by the Criminal Court.

A significant number of Indonesian and Filipino youth are skeptical of democracy, but this should not be read as a condemnation of democratic principles and values.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today received a courtesy call from a delegation of Muhammadiyah leaders, led by its chairman, Prof Dr Haedar Nashir, to discuss pressing issues affecting the Muslim community.

Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu, an ally of President Vladimir Putin, has started a working visit to Indonesia and Malaysia on Monday to discuss security and defence issues, Russian news agencies reported.

His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, and Her Majesty the Queen, Raja Zarith Sofiah, attended a breaking of fast event with Cabinet ministers and foreign envoys at Istana Negara here tonight.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim hosted Shoigu at his office, and the Russian former defence chief who is now secretary of Moscow's Security Council was also due to meet with Malaysian Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

Muslims in Indonesia are shopping for sweets and new clothes and taking part in traditional festivities as millions mark the start of the holy month of Ramadan, set to begin Saturday.

Observers say Anwar Ibrahim's status as a 'US friend' in the region may not be an advantage in dealing with Donald Trump.