Domestic Politics
Malaysia’s political crisis deepened after the country’s former leader, Mahathir Mohammad, rejected the King’s decision to pick Muhyiddin Yassin as the next Prime Minister. Mahathir, who resigned a week ago, hoped to come back to power after negotiating a new coalition, and push out Anwar Ibrahim, who was a member of the now-dissolved coalition. As the power struggle continues, both Yassin and Mahathir claim that they have the numbers and are willing to prove it in Parliament. [Jakarta Post]
International Relations
Japan says it is ready to transfer critical military shipbuilding technology to Vietnam at a meeting between the Vietnamese Defense Minister and the Japanese Chief of the Self-Defense Forces' Joint Staff. [VnExpress]
Health
On Sunday, Indonesian authorities finally recorded its first two cases of the novel coronavirus in the northern part of the country. This admission comes after weeks of suspicions that the government was not being truthful about the spread of the virus into the country. [Asia Times]
Singapore charged a Chinese couple under the Infectious Disease Act for misleading health investigators by giving false information about their movements within the country. [Asia Times]
Thai Police raided a recycling factory that sold used face masks as new in central Thailand’s Saraburi province. [Asia Times]
Vietnamese authorities claim that the country has successfully cured all 16 of its coronavirus patients, making the country virus-free for now as no new cases have been recorded since February 13. [Bangkok Post]
Environment
Indonesia's most active volcano, Mount Merapi, erupted, spewing ash columns as high as 6km into the air. Ashfall in nearby areas and has prompted the closure of airports. [CNA]
Society
On Monday, a disgruntled former security guard of a mall in suburban Manila took at least 30 people hostage. Philippines police are currently negotiating with the ex-guard, who is reported to be heavily armed. He has demanded to speak with other guards and the media. [Jakarta Post]
Image Source: Jakarta Post