Cambodia’s Trilateral Deal Pullout Strains its Relations with Vietnam
Huynh Tam Sang
The Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam tripartite split signals an assertive Cambodia and the onset of a precipitous deterioration in its ties with Vietnam.
Articles
Ringgit’s Appreciation: A Longer View
Cassey Lee
The ringgit’s recent appreciation has been attributed to sound government policies. Based on economic fundamentals, however, such an appreciation might not be sustainable in the long run.
Malaysia’s Purchase of Kuwaiti Hornets: Is It Worth It?
Olli Pekka Suorsa
On the surface, Malaysia’s planned purchase of Hornet fighter jets from Kuwait looks prudent. But there are deeper considerations to mull over.
Budget 2025: Politics Likely to Prevail Over Subsidy Reforms
Adib Zalkapli|Lee Hwok-Aun
It makes sense for the Anwar administration to lift subsidies on petrol and reconsider putting back the goods and services tax. The problem is that of politics.
A Small Country’s Big Moment in ASEAN Amid Challenges
Joanne Lin|Sharon Seah|Melinda Martinus|Kristina Fong Siew Leng
Joanne Lin, Sharon Seah, Melinda Martinus, and Kristina Fong examine the outcomes of the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and assess Laos’ achievement as the ASEAN Chair.
Outlook for the Prabowo Administration’s Foreign Policy
Julia Lau
Incoming Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto can be expected to be more active than his predecessor in managing Indonesia’s foreign and defence policy. The question is whether the region will see a more assertive Indonesia under Prabowo.
Anticipating the Prabowo Administration’s First Moves
Yanuar Nugroho
The next president of Indonesia has ambitious plans for his country but a widely anticipated growth in the number of ministers and ministries in his administration could jeopardise quick results.
Ishiba’s New Security Proposals: A Bridge Too Far for ASEAN?
Tang Siew Mun
New Japanese premier Shigeru Ishiba has brought some new security proposals to the region. They are unlikely to find a warm reception.
Fortifying the Ballot: Addressing Disinformation and Electoral Integrity in Malaysia
Nuurrianti Jalli|Khairy Jamaluddin
Malaysia’s democratic foundations face critical challenges in the digital age, with racially charged polarisation and the proliferation of disinformation during election campaigns posing significant threats to electoral integrity. This Long Read proposes policy recommendations, including establishing an independent fact-checking body, investing in AI-powered fact-checking tools, developing country-specific AI governance guidelines, and introducing comprehensive media and information literacy education.
Mpox: Can ASEAN Build Resilience to Tackle Health Threats?
Mutiara Indriani|Fadjar Wibowo
Compared to ASEAN’s reaction to Covid-19, the region’s public health response to mpox is more assured and united but still requires reinforcement and reinvention, if true resilience is a goal.