Malaysia Goes Carbon Neutral, But With a Catch
Ryan Wong
Malaysia’s new target is more ambitious than any other target set by a Southeast Asian country so far. But the qualifier is achievement by 2050 ‘at the earliest’.
Articles
Vietnam and Japan Partners Amid Superpower Rivalry
Mateusz Chatys
If two recent high-level visits by China and Japan to Vietnam are of any indication, Tokyo appears to have gained the upper hand over Beijing when it comes to courting one of Southeast Asia’s most important players.
Attack on Ahmadiyya Mosque in Sintang: An Agony for Humanity
Ahalla Tsauro|Aninda Dewayanti
The minority Ahmadiyya sect has been much aligned for its purportedly ‘deviant’ beliefs. More should be done to address such unfounded conceptions, and provide a safer environment for the sect’s followers in the public sphere.
Wang Yi’s Visit to Vietnam: Reasserting Influence, Regaining Balance
Hoang Thi Ha|Le Hong Hiep
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to Vietnam on 10-12 September was part of Beijing’s efforts to pull Hanoi back from its perceived ‘tilt’ towards Washington. More than ever, Vietnam’s foreign policy mantra, “firm in objectives, flexible in strategies and tactics”, is being put to test.
Will Kadin Be Caught Out?
Michael Schaper
Business groups such as Indonesia’s Kadin should be the voice of business - not of politicians.
Urbanisation – An Overlooked Issue in the Mekong River Basin
Melinda Martinus|Qiu Jiahui
Rapid urbanisation and population growth have been overlooked factors contributing to environmental and ecological disruptions in the Mekong region.
Ratifying the RCEP to Reset Malaysia’s Economy
Tham Siew Yean
Malaysia needs to move fast to ratify two free trade deals to reset its economy, which has been impacted by political instability and the Covid-19 pandemic. The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership is a priority.
Transforming Malaysia’s Elephant in The Room: Conflict, Consensus or Cop Out?
Lee Hwok-Aun
The growing demand for policies that promote participation and diversity reflect Malaysian society’s advancement and sophistication, and call for broadened attention to identity-based policies for Bumiputeras, indigenous groups, Indians, women and other beneficiaries, rather than abolition of ‘race-based’ policies.
Sarawak’s Fight Against the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Cautionary Tale?
Kevin Zhang|Lee Poh Onn
On paper, Sarawak should have turned the corner in its fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. The fact that it has not could provide lessons as to how to stem the spread of the coronavirus.
After 70 Years, It’s Time to Modernise the US-Philippines Alliance
Ian Storey
The US-Philippines alliance is back on track. In an era where China has increasingly challenged Manila’s maritime rights in the South China Sea, however, Washington needs to contemplate an upgrade to their mutual defence treaty.