Sabah Election Heats Up as Thailand Motor Expo Showcases EV Shift, India Reports GDP Growth
KOTA KINABALU, MALAYSIA – November 25, 2023 – East MalaysiaS Sabah state is bracing for a fiercely contested election with 73 seats and a record 596 candidates, highlighting a fragmented political landscape. The vote is considered a key test of sentiment regarding the Malaysia Agreement 1963 - the document establishing the federation including Sabah – and demands for greater autonomy and resource control.The outcome is widely anticipated to influence the direction of Malaysian politics ahead of the next general election.
Meanwhile, the annual Thailand International Motor Expo is underway in Bangkok, running through December 10th. The event features global automakers including BYD (China), Toyota (Japan), and Hyundai (South Korea). A surge in chinese electric vehicles is notably impacting the market share of Japanese manufacturers, with companies expected to showcase their latest models.
In economic news, India’s GDP grew 7.6% in the second quarter, exceeding expectations and solidifying its position as one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies. The growth is attributed to strong government spending and private consumption.
