Variety and affordability are the spice of life for fans of Ramadan bazaars on both sides of the Causeway.
Author Archives: blackbox
LGBTQ Issues in Malaysia and the Politics of Conservative Modernity
Malaysia’s ruling government has a tough balancing act to pull off on the reform front.
The Rise of Iran’s Third Rahbar, Mojtaba Khamenei, and Implications for Malaysia’s Shia Community
The ascension of Iran’s new Supreme Leader bears implications for the validity of his late father’s rulings and their faith’s adherents in this region.
Trump’s Global Agenda Flies into Domestic Headwinds
Domestic factors will increasingly limit Trump’s foreign policy and diplomatic engagement.
Indonesia’s Aircraft Carrier: White Horse or White Elephant?
Indonesia’s plans to acquire a second-hand aircraft carrier from Italy have been derided. The warship is more a symbol of Indonesia’s global aspirations than an operational asset for the country’s navy.
What is Shaping Artificial Intelligence (AI) Governance Policies in Southeast Asia?
Over the past couple of years, countries in Southeast Asia, as well as ASEAN as a whole, have made great efforts to formulate guardrails around Artificial Intelligence (AI) design, deployment and usage. This Long Read examines the state of play thus far.
Running of Kuala Lumpur: When Demographics Stand in the Way of Direct Polls
There are sound reasons for Kuala Lumpur to have a directly elected mayor. Such a technocratic solution, however, has been bogged down in the mire of ethnic anxieties.
Malaysia’s Unity Government’s 10-Year Term Limit Terminated: What Next?
The prime minister and his government have little time to lose in pushing harder for reform, if they wish to retain their support base.
Malaysia’s Negeri Sembilan: An Effective Regulatory Model for Sufi Movements and Tarekat Teachings
Negeri Sembilan’s religious authorities have found a balanced way to allow Sufism to thrive while respecting Islam’s orthodoxy.
From Production Platforms to the Techno-Electric Stack
China and the US are building new industrial structures known as techno-electric stacks. Southeast Asian economies need to think less about choosing sides and more about shaping and owning a piece of these stacks.