Dubai Move Failed to Understand GPS
James Chai
The Dubai Move sought to entice Gabungan Parti Sarawak to switch sides. At its core, the ill-fated move misunderstands what the coalition stands for.
Articles
“Feigning Death to Catch Crows”? Vietnam’s Succession Conundrum
Nguyen Khac Giang
Recent rumours of Vietnamese Communist Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s ill health and even death were greatly exaggerated. However, the speculation highlighted the weakness of the Party’s thinking and preparation for the inevitable political succession.
The Myanmar Junta’s Unhappy New Year
Wai Moe
Things are not going well for the ruling junta in Myanmar, no matter how hard it tries to ignore the bad news on the battlefield.
Mahathir’s Broadside About Race: Time to Map Out a Coherent Vision
Norshahril Saat|Sharifah Afra Alatas
Mahathir Mohamad’s controversial remarks about race relations in Malaysia has put the impetus on the incumbent administration to elucidate a coherent vision of Malayness and multiculturalism.
China’s Digital Silk Road (DSR) in Southeast Asia: Progress and Challenges
Wang Zheng
China’s Digital Silk Road (DSR) initiative has made significant strides in Southeast Asia. All countries in the region have received DSR investments, with Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia taking the lion’s share. However, China faces multiple challenges in pushing the DSR forward, including the growing tensions between the state and private tech companies domestically as well as intensifying US-China technological rivalry and risks of tech bifurcation.
Democracy Beyond the Ballot Box: Digital Resurgence of Thai Civil Society
Napon Jatusripitak
Thai democracy might have suffered some setbacks after last year’s elections. But civil society organisations and their efforts to hold the government accountable underscore the kingdom’s democratic potential.
Indonesia Votes 2024: Personality Versus Policy in the Presidential Election
Julia Lau|Maria Monica Wihardja
A nationwide survey finds that many Indonesian voters supporting a party in the legislative election might not support the party’s chosen presidential candidate. The three presidential candidates are liked more for their personality traits than policy stances. In short, personality still outweighs policy.
The Twin Axis in Indonesian Politics: Elite Personal Ambition and the Alienation of Civil Society
Max Lane
This Long Read argues that a 20-year process of consolidation of a homogeneous political outlook among the parties controlling the Indonesian electoral scene has facilitated a political life that is dominated by personal rivalry and ambitions, and which has opened the way for dynasty building.
The Kra Land Bridge: Thailand’s White Elephant Comes Charging Back
Ian Storey
Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has revitalised the idea of the Kra land bridge with gusto. Poor economic viability, environmental problems and geopolitical complications account for the project’s tepid international reception.
Yok’s case and Thailand’s Treatment of Child Activists
Panarat Anamwathana
The charged case of a controversial juvenile accused of insulting the monarchy illustrates the shortcomings of the Thai justice system in protecting the youngest defendants and the complications of upholding lèse-majesté laws in the twenty-first century.