There are some grounds to be optimistic about the dialogue process in Thailand’s Deep South. But a more permanent solution is likely to be stymied by the kingdom’s powerful military.
Author Archives: chahaewon
An Election to End All Elections?
Indonesia’s upcoming presidential and legislative elections will take place against a backdrop of increasing party and legislative buy-in to the idea of downsizing the scale of direct elections. What might a Prabowo presidency mean for the future of its electoral democracy?
Bumiputera Economic Congress 2024: Seven Suggestions for the Seventh Convention
Malaysia is gearing up for 2024 Bumiputera Economic Congress. To help make it more substantive and constructive, the Anwar Ibrahim administration should take on board seven suggestions.
Takeaways from Anwar’s December Cabinet Reshuffle
Malaysia’s recent cabinet reshuffle sheds some light on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s thinking about his cabal of coalitions and cliques.
Dubai Move Failed to Understand GPS
The Dubai Move sought to entice Gabungan Parti Sarawak to switch sides. At its core, the ill-fated move misunderstands what the coalition stands for.
“Feigning Death to Catch Crows”? Vietnam’s Succession Conundrum
Recent rumours of Vietnamese Communist Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s ill health and even death were greatly exaggerated. However, the speculation highlighted the weakness of the Party’s thinking and preparation for the inevitable political succession.
Mahathir’s Broadside About Race: Time to Map Out a Coherent Vision
Mahathir Mohamad’s controversial remarks about race relations in Malaysia has put the impetus on the incumbent administration to elucidate a coherent vision of Malayness and multiculturalism.
Democracy Beyond the Ballot Box: Digital Resurgence of Thai Civil Society
Thai democracy might have suffered some setbacks after last year’s elections. But civil society organisations and their efforts to hold the government accountable underscore the kingdom’s democratic potential.
Indonesia Votes 2024: Personality Versus Policy in the Presidential Election
A nationwide survey finds that many Indonesian voters supporting a party in the legislative election might not support the party’s chosen presidential candidate. The three presidential candidates are liked more for their personality traits than policy stances. In short, personality still outweighs policy.
The Twin Axis in Indonesian Politics: Elite Personal Ambition and the Alienation of Civil Society
This Long Read argues that a 20-year process of consolidation of a homogeneous political outlook among the parties controlling the Indonesian electoral scene has facilitated a political life that is dominated by personal rivalry and ambitions, and which has opened the way for dynasty building.