The influence of Malaysia’s monarchy has waxed and waned over time, influenced by the relative power and legitimacy of the country’s elected leaders. Since 2020, the power of the monarchy has increased due to the contested authority and unsure parliamentary majority of the last three prime ministers.
Author Archives: Isabelle Chua
Interfaith Dialogues in Malaysia Declining at a Time When They Are Needed Most
Interfaith dialogue in Malaysia is flagging due to past controversies associated with such activities.
Artificial Intelligence is Intensifying South China Sea Disputes in the Philippines
AI-generated propaganda is being used to distort reality and disinform the public, even gathering support for military escalation in already troubled waters.
Leveraging Justice: Marcos Jr. Uses the ICC Probe to Challenge the Duterte Dynasty
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has shifted his stance from opposing to obliging a potential International Criminal Court arrest warrant for former President Rodrigo Duterte. The ICC probe has become a trump card in the Marcos-Duterte feud ahead of the midterm elections.
US Suspension of Foreign Aid: Will China Fill the Void?
As the US shuts down its supply of foreign assistance, some Southeast Asian countries are looking at China to fill the gap. But given China’s different approach to aid, it cannot step in as a direct substitute for America.
Southeast Asia must Prepare for Trump’s ‘Everything’s on the Table’ Approach to Trade
Southeast Asia was spared in the initial flurry of Trumpian trade actions, but Trump’s introduction of expansive and unprecedented non-trade issues into trade relations will inevitably entangle the region.
‘Airpocalypse’ Now: Vietnam at Crossroads of Progress and Pollution
Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi, is ranked as one of the world’s most polluted cities in 2025. This dubious honour highlights the country’s need to balance rapid economic development with preserving the environment.
Ominous Political Storm Gathers over Thai-Cambodian Dispute in Gulf of Thailand
The Paetongtarn Administration is following Thaksin Shinawatra’s advice in preparing to resume negotiations with Phnom Penh on conflicting maritime claims in the Gulf of Thailand. Opponents of the Shinawatra family suspect a collusion between Thaksin and Hun Sen to speed up a deal on joint exploration.
Outcome of Recent Thai Provincial Elections Heralds Tighter Race in Next General Election
Thailand’s three most significant political parties have some tough lessons to learn from the recent provincial races in preparation for the next general election. Coalition politics is likely to endure, regardless.
Reconciling Indonesia’s Food Sufficiency Ambitions with Climate Commitments
As Indonesia forges ahead with plans to become an advanced economy, an honest reckoning needs to occur, to ensure that it does not squander its vast environmental resources for short-term gain.