Pak Lah and Islam Hadhari’s Hits and Misses
Norshahril Saat
Former Malaysian PM Abdullah Badawi’s signature Islam Hadhari project aimed to promote progressive Islam but faded after his tenure due mainly to lack of support from religious circles.
Articles
Myanmar’s Earthquake Threatens a Lasting Economic Scar
Jared Bissinger
The recent earthquake in central Myanmar threatens to deepen the country’s economic malaise.
Thai State Audit Office Has Only Itself to Blame For Tragic Collapse of Building
Termsak Chalermpalanupap
Dubious partnerships, corruption, and poor construction materials seem to have caused the destruction of the 30-storey building in the 28 March quake.
Has China’s Great Relocation Helped Southeast Asia Industrialise?
Maria Monica Wihardja|Midzuki Low
China’s extensive investments in Southeast Asia have delivered mixed results, underscoring the importance of policies that promote productivity, positive spillovers, and innovation.
State-Level Empowerment of Sufism in Addressing the Salafi-Wahhabi Threat in Malaysia
Mohd Faizal Musa
Where does Islam in Malaysia stand regarding Sufi ideology and practice? Some states are making their stance clear in response to mixed signals from the top.
Why Importing More Will Not Save Thailand from Trump’s Tariffs
Wannaphong Durongkaveroj
Thailand is trying to increase imports from the US to tackle the challenge posed by new US tariffs slapped on Thailand. This is unlikely to significantly improve Thailand’s position.
After the Grand Compromise: Voter Profiles in Thai Politics
Napon Jatusripitak|Mathis Lohatepanont
The grand compromise, forged at the elite level between Thailand’s conservative establishment and Thaksin Shinawatra’s Pheu Thai Party, could lead many Thai voters to shift their party allegiance in the next general election.
The Sino-US Trade War Presents Hard Choices for Southeast Asia
John Lee
In the ensuing Sino-US trade war, China, to use Trump’s lingo, has more cards to play than its economic rival.
How To Lam Can Unleash Vietnam’s Private Sector
Nguyen Khac Giang
The Communist Party of Vietnam's General Secretary has directed his government to take concrete steps to encourage private sector growth and foster ‘national champions’ capable of global competition.
With Trump’s Coercive Tariffs Paused, Will ASEAN Collective Action Work?
Lee Hwok-Aun
While the potential for joint action may be limited, current circumstances demand that the regional bloc expand its horizons.