ASEAN Faces a Tougher Balancing Act in US and China Trade Relations
Kristina Fong Siew Leng
ASEAN countries find themselves in a more delicate position trying to address US concerns while maintaining favourable relations with China.
Articles
Fear of Military Interference in Politics Runs Deep in Indonesia
Max Lane
Indonesia’s civil society and university campuses have long been a bellwether for military overreach. The current mood among resistors is distinctly anxious.
Will Malaysia Gravitate Further Towards China After President Xi’s Visit?
Cassey Lee
A flurry of bilateral agreements on travel, transport, logistics, technology, and digital economy signal closer Malaysia-China cooperation in the future.
Bangkok Politics in 2025: Beacon of Thai Pluralism
Paul Chambers
Bangkok’s penchant for political pluralism has persisted. In the 2026 elections, this would see a popular and independent incumbent pitted against an up and rising opposition party.
Abdullah Badawi – An Understated and Underrated Leader
Francis E. Hutchinson|Tricia Yeoh
Abdullah Badawi’s brand melded the best of two worlds, namely rising living standards and technological ambition minus the angst and aggression of the Mahathir period.
Legal Pluralism in Malaysia: Navigating the Civil and Shariah Systems
Shad Saleem Faruqi
This Long Read outlines the position of Islam in Malaysia’s Constitution and the applicability of the Shariah courts, particularly in respect of criminal offences.
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.
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.