Articles

25 Jan 2022

Ratsadornprasong Fund: New Front for People’s Struggles Against the Establishment

Anusorn Unno

A grassroots initiative called the Ratsadornprasong Fund has been created to shoulder the financial burden of bail and legal support for arrested protestors. The millions of baht raised in support of the fund is emblematic of the anti-establishment movement’s mass support in Thailand.

24 Jan 2022

Elections in Johor: Needlessly Nigh?

Francis E. Hutchinson

The Johor state assembly has been dissolved, paving the way for snap state elections to be held within the next 60 days. For those UMNO leaders seeking to boost their party’s momentum, this might not be the wisest of moves.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

21 Jan 2022

Myanmar’s Post-coup Aid Crisis: Whither Civilian Protection?

Aung Tun

The humanitarian sector in Myanmar has shrunk considerably because of operational challenges surrounding the post-coup political environment. Even as political uncertainties remain, the restoration of humanitarian aid for the people is urgently needed.

Armed Conflict Humanitarian Assistance Myanmar Myanmar Politics

20 Jan 2022

Seeing Red over Rising Prices for Greens

Amirul Adli Rosli

Malaysian netizens are seeing red over the government’s handling of rising prices for daily necessities. The reality is that much of the recent price hikes are due to factors beyond the government’s control.

Malaysia Malaysian Economy Malaysian Politics

20 Jan 2022

Historical Continuity in Myanmar’s Second Struggle for Independence

Mael Raynaud

The movement fighting against the military junta in Myanmar has deeper roots that stretch back to the 1988 uprising, and even beyond. This provides another reason to treat it with the respect it deserves.

Myanmar Myanmar Politics

19 Jan 2022

Presidential Polls and the West Philippine Sea: A Sea Change?

Jay L. Batongbacal

The winner of the 2022 presidential elections will determine how the Philippines will handle its legally recognised claims in the West Philippine Sea both domestically and in the regional arena.

China-Philippine Relations Maritime Security Philippine Philippine Elections Philippine Politics

18 Jan 2022

Vietnam’s New Graft Scandal Sets Back Anti-Corruption Drive

Le Hong Hiep

The recent corruption scandal involving Viet A Corp’s inflation of Covid-19 test-kit prices and payment of kickbacks shows that Vietnam’s intensified anti-corruption efforts have quite some way to go.

Anti-Corruption Corruption COVID-19 Vietnam Vietnamese Politics

17 Jan 2022

The New Nahdlatul Ulama (NU): ‘Islamic Party No; Islamic Politicians Yes?’

Norshahril Saat|Syafiq Hasyim

Newly elected NU Chairman Yahya Cholil Staquf campaigned on a platform to depoliticise NU in the run-up to the next elections. But NU's new leadership line-up suggests otherwise.

Indonesia Indonesian Politics Political Islam Progressive Islam Religion

17 Jan 2022

Malaysia’s Employees Provident Fund: An Emergency Populist Fund?

Lee Hwok-Aun

Hard questions must be asked of Malaysia’s depletion of workers’ hard-earned retirement savings. Was it justified to permissively sacrifice future income for present consumption? Did political interest thump economic analysis?

Malaysia Malaysian Economy Malaysian Politics UMNO

17 Jan 2022

Thailand and the Crisis in Myanmar: Playing a Peacemaker Role

Vongthep Arthakaivalvatee

The crisis in Myanmar is a delicate one for Thailand, given the military junta’s proclivity to drawing parallels between the two ASEAN countries. To help manage the crisis, Bangkok can play the role of a peacemaker to engage all parties concerned in Myanmar.

ASEAN Diplomacy Myanmar Thailand