While public opposition to Indonesia’s proposed revision to its Criminal Code has stalled its passage in parliament, the conservative political establishment looks set to have the upper hand unless the bill’s critics can turn the tide with louder protests.
Author Archives: blackbox
Malaysia’s Multi-coalition Platter Spices Up Talk of Fragmented Parliament
Whenever the next Malaysian general elections are held, voters will be in for a bumpier ride as coalition politics lead to more uncertainty about how the next government will shape up.
Has ASEAN Lost its Appeal to the United Kingdom?
The race for the leadership of the Conservative Party has thrown up few clues about London’s approach to ASEAN and the wider Indo-Pacific. Whoever wins, there is reason to believe that the United Kingdom will retain its strong institutional ties to the region.
Between Taipei and Beijing: Education Options among the Yunnanese Chinese of Northern Thailand
Because of China’s soft power, some KMT Chinese in Northern Thailand have gradually shifted from being pro-Taipei to being pro-Beijing. Out of the 110 private tutoring Yunnanese schools in Northern Thailand, more than 40 have begun to accept Beijing’s support and modelled their school structure in accordance with PRC’s guidance.
Cutting Methane Emissions: Different Strokes for Different Folks
Many ASEAN countries have adopted ambitious goals to cut their methane emissions. But they might need to use diverse approaches to address the issue.
Najib Razak’s Political Career: The End of the Beginning or the End of the End?
After a span of four years, Najib Razak has exhausted his legal options and is now in jail for, among other things, criminal breach of trust. He still has some legal recourse, but at the moment things are looking good for Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
The Media Landscape in Indonesia: The More Things Change, the More They Stay the Same
The emergence of digital media has not resulted in more diversity in ownership control and editorial content in Indonesia’s media industry. The capital-intensive nature of the industry means that large media groups have become larger by expanding into multiplatform media. In addition, many new digital media outlets need to be backed by conglomerates to be sustainable and significant.
Why Vietnamese Private Conglomerates Are Venturing Into Social Housing
Private conglomerates in Vietnam have registered strong interest in Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s plan to build at least one million social housing units by the end of the decade. Attainment of the ambitious goal, however, remains doubtful.
Political Succession in Southeast Asia: When Dynasty Might Mean Destiny
Some of the region’s political scions will be rising through the ranks in future elections, but it is not all smooth sailing in politics even if one is born with a silver spoon.
Will the Thai Military Ever Get Its Submarines and Stealth Fighters?
Thailand’s military is facing a series of practical and political difficulties in its procurement processes to upgrade its air force and navy assets.