National parties exert a pull on pragmatic Sabah voters under complex circumstances, which is hard for local parties to contend with.
Author Archives: chahaewon
Indonesia’s “Emergency Warning” Movement Against Jokowi’s Political Dynasty
Virtual and physical resistance to the ruling elite’s attempts to trample on democracy last week in Indonesia became a powerful reminder of how social media can be a force multiplier in democracy.
Dynastic Politics Provokes Nationwide Demonstrations
There are growing perceptions that President Joko Widodo is seeking to build a political dynasty at the expense of democracy.
Lagging Wages Hurting Myanmar’s Garment Workers and Undermining the Industry
The low wages in Myanmar’s troubled garment sector are just one indicator of how badly the political upheaval and violence have affected people’s lives. Foreign garment brands and factories still in-country should consider workers’ views that they stay but increase wages.
Cultivated Meat in Southeast Asia: Climate Change Provides Food for Thought
The industry, though, must overcome closed minds, high prices and perishability before its product can become a meaningful option in the region.
La Niña: Boon or Bane for Southeast Asia’s Food Security?
The expected advent of the La Niña might portend a double-edged sword for affected regions.
Indonesia’s Lame-Duck Parliamentary Session: Productive but Damaging Democracy
The unprecedentedly long interim between Indonesia’s election and the new government’s inauguration has allowed the outgoing president and Parliament unusual leeway to distort democracy in self-serving ways.
New Thai PM Will Face the Same Crisis of Confidence
The same legitimacy issues that dogged Srettha Thavisin will dog Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
Will Vietnam Go Down China’s Path?
Vietnam’s new general secretary To Lam is likely to consolidate power, as per Xi Jinping in China. But his economic and foreign policy approach may be different.
Japan, the Courteous Power, Bares Some Teeth for Regional Stability
Among ASEAN dialogue partners, Japan has been recognised as a “courteous power” that aligns well with Southeast Asian cultural norms and values. Beyond that, Japan has emerged as the most trusted and strategically relevant middle power to ASEAN. This positions it to play a greater security role in the region.