With Vietnam at the helm of ASEAN this year, the grouping has wielded the aegis of international law to ensure that international and regional concerns about the South China Sea are respected in Code of Conduct negotiations.
Author Archives: blackbox
To Ban or Wear: The Niqab in Indonesian Public Offices
The central government’s proposal to ban the niqab in Indonesian public offices faces pushback from local political leaders and various quarters of the country’s Muslim community.
A Review of the ASEAN Charter: In the Fullness of Time
A long-running review of the ASEAN Charter may yet bear fruit – or it may not.
Indonesia and Covid-19: Worst of Both Worlds
Jakarta is going into a second lockdown in the wake of the Covid-19. This time, it is hoped that the capital will avoid the nightmare scenario: a lockdown that fails to stop community transmission and a further contraction of the economy.
PAS and the “Younger Brother” Conundrum
Six months after Perikatan Nasional grabbed the reins of power, Parti Islam Se-Malaysia has settled into its position as a party in the ruling coalition. The question is whether the rank and file can stomach the party’s second fiddle status.
Muhyiddin Yassin: Sitting Pretty (For Now)
Roiled by political instability in the past few months, Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin can afford to take a breather, for now at least. A survey by arguably the country’s foremost pollster shows him in a strong position.
The Coronavirus Infodemic in Southeast Asia: Panic Buying and Mis-/Dis-information
Hun Sen’s China Visit: Love in the Time of Coronavirus
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen recent visit to Beijing has offered a symbolic show of support for China in its battle against the coronavirus. The visit has strengthened the already close ties between the two countries.
No-Confidence Motion in Thailand: Collateral Damage
Thailand political opposition lacks the votes in the upcoming no-confidence debate. Still, Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai and Deputy Minister of Agriculture Thammanas Prompow may yet become collateral damage of the motion.
New Peace Talks in Southern Thailand: a New Hope?
Peace is getting another chance in the Patani region of South Thailand, with plans to initiate dialogue between Thai authorities and the armed separatists of the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) in Malaysia next month.