Politically Exposed Person (PEP) Weekly Digest – Volume 133

133rd PEP Weekly Digest:

Introducing the 133rd edition of The PEP Weekly Digest, where we present to you the most recent updates and news on the global political stage.

Recent and upcoming elections influence the worldwide political landscape in eight nations, slated between Nov 30, 2025 and Jan 11, 2026. These elections hold significant importance, as they will determine the direction and governance of each respective country’s future.

PKR’s Akmal Nasrullah Appointed Economy Minister, Succeeding Veteran Mentor

One noteworthy event has occurred in Malaysia: PKR’s Akmal Nasrullah Nasir was sworn in as the new minister of economy, succeeding a former mentor who oversaw one of the most scrutinised ministries as it led the Anwar government’s push to raise Malaysians’ socio-economic standards, a key election pledge.

At just 39, the Johor Bahru MP joins a small group of young lawmakers ever to helm a senior portfolio.

As the minister of economy, he is responsible for policies to boost wages, create more high-paying jobs, lift industries up the value chain.

Critics of the government have questioned his appointment, asking if he has the experience to handle a ministry that is tasked with rolling out crucial policies that would have a direct impact on livelihoods.

Hailing from Johor Bahru, Akmal’s early education included enrolment at the prestigious Malay College Kuala Kangsar (MCKK) from 1999 to 2003.

Reports suggest he displayed leadership skills early on, taking on extracurricular roles and winning awards for top academic performance.

Lord Fatafehi Fakafānua Elected Tonga’s Prime Minister-Designate

Shifting our focus to Tonga, following the general elections of 20 November 2025, the Legislative Assembly of the Kingdom of Tonga has elected Lord Fatafehi Fakafānua as Prime Minister-designate. His election took place on 15 December 2025, in a secret ballot of the 26 elected members of parliament.

Lord Fakafānua, who has served as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly for a total of eight years — from 2012 to 2014 and again from 2018 to 2025 — has now been succeeded in that role by Lord ʻAlipate Tuʻivanuavou Vaea (Lord Vaea), elected unopposed as the new Speaker during the same sitting.

In accordance with Tonga’s constitutional procedures, Lord Fakafānua now awaits his formal appointment by the Head of State and Sovereign, His Majesty King Tupou VI. Once appointed and sworn in, he will become the 20th Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Tonga, while Lord Vaea will assume office as the next Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.

BJP Appoints Bihar Leader Nitin Nabin as National Working President

In India, the newly appointed National Working President of the BJP, Nitin Nabin, assumed charge at the party headquarters in New Delhi. Mr Nabin is the youngest working President in the party’s history and the first BJP leader from Bihar to be appointed to the post.

He currently represents the Bankipur Assembly constituency in Patna district and holds the Road Construction portfolio in the Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government. With nearly two decades of organisational experience, Mr Nabin held several key roles within the party, including Bihar President of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha and the BJP’s election in-charge for Chhattisgarh.

On taking charge as the National Working President, BJP President and Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, and former BJP President and Union Home Minister Amit Shah congratulated him.

Swedish Regulator Fines Svea Bank SEK 170 Million Over Anti-Money Laundering Lapses

In the realm of regulatory affairs, Swedish Finansinspektionen has officially issued a remark and an administrative fine of SEK 170 million against Svea Bank AB following a thorough investigation into the institution. This regulatory action stems from significant gaps identified in the procedures used by the bank to prevent financial crimes. The Swedish authorities determined that the bank failed to adhere to critical components of the national framework designed to combat illicit financial flows. These lapses involve deficiencies in both general and specific risk evaluations alongside a failure to properly implement customer due diligence measures. Such oversight led to a direct intervention by the regulator to ensure future adherence to the standards required for banking licenses.

French Court Sentences Ex-DR Congo Rebel Leader Roger Lumbala to 30 Years

Shifting our attention to the Democratic Republic of Congo, a French court has sentenced a former rebel leader and politician from the Democratic Republic of Congo to 30 years in jail after finding him guilty of complicity in crimes against humanity more than two decades ago.

Roger Lumbala headed a rebel movement backed by neighbouring Uganda accused of committing atrocities during a period known as the Second Congo War.

The judge said the 67-year-old was found guilty of ordering or aiding and abetting torture and inhumane crimes, summary executions, rape constituting torture, sexual slavery, forced labour and theft.

Lumbala, who was living in France when he was arrested nearly five years ago, has refused to accept the legitimacy of the court in Paris.

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