Ikea will close seven stores in China from Feb 2 as it moves from broad expansion to more focused growth and online sales.

Malaysian Religious Affairs Minister Zulkifli Hasan has come under fire for claiming in parliament that work stress turns people gay.

Japan-born Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei have "made a positive contribution to promoting friendship between the peoples of the two countries", said China's panda research base.

Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) will head the presidential council while coalition partner Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) is set to lead the bloc’s executive council.