Will ASEAN Take the Side of the Myanmar People?
Adelina Kamal
Choosing the right approach that best serves the pressing humanitarian needs of the Myanmar people requires ASEAN Leaders to do some new thinking.
Articles
Defence Procurement in Malaysia: A Way Forward?
Sze Fung Ng
Malaysia has seen problems in its defence procurement in recent years. Once a new government is installed after the general election, it should follow through with reforms to improve transparency in the process of acquiring new military hardware.
Persuasion Not Regulation the Key for Social Media Influencers Navigating Religion and Culture
Siti Mazidah Mohamad
There is already a patchwork of laws supported by some communal surveillance and cultural policing when it comes to social media influencers in Muslim-majority countries in Southeast Asia. It is perhaps possible to socialise influencers, Muslim or otherwise, to tread carefully when navigating sensitive issues, but this must stop short of over-regulation.
“Anything Is Possible” at GE15, but Pakatan Harapan Needs a GE14 Rerun
Lee Hwok-Aun
In the lineup for Malaysia’s 15th general elections, Barisan Nasional appears to have an advantage over its rival Pakatan Harapan. To take power, the former can rally allies and partners to its side. The latter must win big on its own.
The Threat and Allure of Thai-Style Party Bans
Napon Jatusripitak
There is irony in the Pheu Thai Party’s attempt to get its rival Bhumjaithai Party banned since this tactic was originally designed to eradicate Pheu Thai itself. The attempt will likely alienate Pheu Thai’s supporters and weaken its anti-regime stance.
Finding Soulmates through Halal Means: Ta‘aruf Online for Indonesian Muslim Youth
Wahyudi Akmaliah
The popularity of so-called halal matchmaking apps is a positive development provided developers and users alike remain clear-eyed about their claims to serve Islam.
From a Rule Taker to a Rule Shaper: The Importance of UNCLOS to China
Jade Guan
For its own legitimacy and status as a big power, China has leaned on the law of the sea for leverage in the past several decades.
The US-Philippine Alliance: Shared Interests and Subtle Nuances
Mico A Galang
The US National Security Strategy (NSS) identifies some shared interests between Washington and Manila. However, there are nuances in the strategic calculus of the allies when it comes to two key potential flashpoints in the region: Taiwan and the South China Sea.
Evolution of the Halal Industry and Lifestyle in Southeast Asia
Mohammad Hashim Kamali
The notable growth of halal products and the overall market is a trend that bears watching for producers of halal consumables, as they adapt to modern demands from Muslims and non-Muslims alike to uphold high standards.
The Fundamental Tension in Biden’s National Security Strategy
Zack Cooper
Washington’s new National Security Strategy has been carefully crafted, but the document hosts a number of inherent tensions. Foremost among them is the fact that putting democracy at the center of a strategy that is increasingly Asia-focused is ill-advised.