Made Supriatma
A plan to expand the Indonesian Army’s domestic reach suggests the potential reassertion of “dual function” under its new president. That this is aimed at rolling out free meals — for now — is insufficient consolation to those who fear the return of the military into Indonesia’s politics.
Prapimphan Chiengkul
Southeast Asian countries are justifiably frustrated with the state of climate finance. They should consider seeking alternative sources to fund climate mitigation and adaptation.
Haula Noor|Nur Syafiqah Mohd Taufek
The swift fall from grace of an unconventional Islamic preacher in Indonesia holds object lessons for the rich and famous, in the world’s most populous Muslim country.
Benjamin Y.H. Loh|Aslam Abd Jalil
Support for Palestinians being housed in Malaysia has fallen, as Malaysians equate the Palestinians with bringing the same socio-economic ills associated with the Rohingyas.
Sharon Seah
The geopolitical tensions engulfing the world will make the year ahead for ASEAN — and Malaysia as Chair — a challenging one.
Su Mon Thazin Aung
Entrenched corruption has infected the body politic of Myanmar under the military regime, especially since the February 2021 coup. Even regime change may not cure this cancer.
Barbora Valockova
There are strategic imperatives for ASEAN to engage more deeply with Kazakhstan, Central Asia’s biggest country. There are, however, challenges to be overcome.
Stephen Olson
Amid intensifying US-China tensions under Trump, technological advancements are heightening the relevance of economic security considerations, especially for products containing dual-use technologies. This holds important implications for Southeast Asian countries deeply embedded into regional and global supply chains.
Shad Saleem Faruqi
On the power of pardon, there is a wide gap between what Malaysia’s Constitution provides and what the courts interpret the law to be.
James Chai
Muslim influence from China is rising in Malaysia, but it can only operate within limits proscribed by Malay Muslims who prefer the status quo.