Articles

9 Jun 2021

Policymakers' View

Malaysia’s Long Overdue Defence Reforms: Jettisoning the Age of Innocence

Liew Chin Tong

The age of innocence that has dominated Malaysia’s attitude towards defence matters in the past three decades needs to be jettisoned. Given mounting threats in its external environment, Malaysia needs to accelerate defence reforms centred on the concept of jointness across multiple domains.

9 Jun 2021

Political Parties’ Manoeuvring after the Jokowi-Prabowo Rapprochement

Max Lane

The rapprochement of Jokowi and Prabowo has resulted in the unusual absence of a polarising rivalry among the main political parties. Nor have there been fundamental differences among parties over major policy questions. Instead, their manoeuvres have been concerned with positioning their choice of presidential candidates for the 2024 elections.

Indonesia Indonesian Elections Indonesian Politics

8 Jun 2021

Challenges Facing Vietnam’s Covid-19 Vaccination Drive

Le Hong Hiep

Vietnam is accelerating efforts to secure adequate vaccine supplies amidst a resurgence of Covid-19 infections in the country.

COVID-19 Health Vietnam

7 Jun 2021

Muslim Leaders and Preachers Fighting Vaccine Hesitancy: A Shot in the Arm

Afra Alatas

As Malaysia battles a new wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Muslim leaders and preachers have been instrumental in fighting vaccine hesitancy among their followers.

COVID-19 Islam Malaysia Religion

4 Jun 2021

Chinese Aircraft Approaching! An Opportunity for Malaysian Airpower

Wu Shang-Su

Malaysia’s airpower capabilities may not be enough to respond to stepped-up Chinese activities above Malaysia’s exclusive economic zone.

China China-Malaysia Relations Malaysia South China Sea

workers clean the surface of Thang Long bridge

4 Jun 2021

Vietnam’s Tentative Approach to Regional Infrastructure Initiatives

Do Mai Lan|Hoang Oanh

It is estimated that Vietnam will need approximately US$480 billion in infrastructure investment from 2017 to 2030. But despite funding difficulties and the presence of several foreign-backed infrastructure initiatives in the region, Vietnam’s leadership has adopted a cautious stance.

Belt and Road Initiative Economic Development Infrastructure Vietnam Vietnamese Economy

4 Jun 2021

Brunei’s Visit to Myanmar: No Time to Run Down the Clock

Evan A. Laksmana

A team from Brunei is reportedly visiting Myanmar this weekend. The aims of the visit are yet unclear. Still, Brunei, as ASEAN Chair, should first announce the identity of the grouping’s Special Envoy to the country and empower him or her with the necessary resources to carry out the task at hand.

ASEAN Brunei Myanmar