Articles

28 Jan 2019

Why is Malaysia Slow to Ratify the CPTPP?

Tham Siew Yean

Despite becoming a signatory to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, Malaysia has yet to ratify the agreement, citing concerns over the required governance reform that will impact their preferential Bumiputera policies.

Malaysia TPP

25 Jan 2019

Is the Participation of Buddhist Monks in Thai Politics still Taboo?

Katewadee Kulabkaew

In the past two decades, Thai monks have become more involved in national politics. This development is unprecedented and has created a growing tension between the Thai state and the Thai sangha.

Thai Politics Thailand

22 Jan 2019

Delayed Elections and Growing Frustrations in Northeastern Thailand

Saowanee T. Alexander

Even though Thailand's pro-junta camp has been beefing up their electoral support, they still do not seem ready to hold the long-delayed elections. Further postponement of the 2019 elections may cause protestors to take to the streets once again.

Thai Politics Thailand

16 Jan 2019

US Navy Conducts First South China Sea FONOP of 2019

Ian Storey

A recent freedom of navigation operation conducted by the USS McCampbell in the South China coincided with talks in Beijing between US and China. The relatively restrained response by the People's Liberation Army lessened the risk of a collision - and a serious crisis in China-US relations.

China FONOPs South China Sea

3 Jan 2019

How to Read Hanoi’s Position on the South China Sea COC?

Le Hong Hiep

The ASEAN-China Code of Conduct negotiations took an unexpected turn when Vietnam started calling for a ban on any new Air Defence Identification Zone over the South China Sea. However, China is unlikely to concede due to its maritime ambitions, and may even harden its stance against these pressures.

China South China Sea Vietnam

21 Dec 2018

Ma’ruf Amin: A Shield from Identity Politics, but not a Vote-getter?

Ahmad Najib Burhani

Ma'ruf Amin, Joko Wido's choice of running mate for the presidential election in April next year, was chosen mainly to “shield” the Presdient from the attacks utilising the politics of identity and religion. However, Jokowi's camp needs to lower their expectations for Ma'ruf Amin as a vote-getter as he lacks appeal among young voters.

Identity Politics Indonesia

11 Dec 2018

Why did Vietnam Cancel its Defence Engagements with the US?

Le Hong Hiep

Vietnam cancelled the fifteen defence engagement activities scheduled for 2019 with the United States. Whether it will reverse its decision depends on whether the US will waive sanctions on countries buying military equipment from Russia; the future direction of US-China relations, and China's stance in the South China Sea dispute.

Defence U.S.-Vietnam Relations Vietnam

19 Oct 2018

The Mid-Term Review of the Eleventh Malaysia Plan: A Glimpse of the PH Government’s Future Economic Policy Directions

Cassey Lee

The Mid-Term Review of the Eleventh Malaysia Plan (MTR-11MP) is a broad overview of the PH government's future economic policy directions with emphasis on institutional reforms and reducing state-level developmental gaps that have persisted.

Economic Planning Malaysia

24 Sep 2018

The Sudden Passing of President Tran Dai Quang and Its Implications

Le Hong Hiep

The sudden passing of Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang has created a vacant position without a clear front runner to fill it. Though largely ceremonial, it will have important implications for the country's political system.

Vietnam Vietnamese Politics

6 Jul 2018

Philippine Federalism: More National-Level Politicians

Malcolm Cook

Philippines seeking to review the 1987 Constitution from a unitary to a federal system. But a leaked copy of the Committee's draft constitution supported critics' argument that it will benefit the political interests of the current national-level politicians than to contribute to a more efficient and devolved political system.

Philippine Philippine Consitution