Ma’ruf Amin, Joko Wido’s choice of running mate for the presidential election in April next year, was chosen mainly to “shield” the Presdient from the attacks utilising the politics of identity and religion. However, Jokowi’s camp needs to lower their expectations for Ma’ruf Amin as a vote-getter as he lacks appeal among young voters.
Author Archives: blackbox
Why did Vietnam Cancel its Defence Engagements with the US?
Vietnam cancelled the fifteen defence engagement activities scheduled for 2019 with the United States. Whether it will reverse its decision depends on whether the US will waive sanctions on countries buying military equipment from Russia; the future direction of US-China relations, and China’s stance in the South China Sea dispute.
The Mid-Term Review of the Eleventh Malaysia Plan: A Glimpse of the PH Government’s Future Economic Policy Directions
The Mid-Term Review of the Eleventh Malaysia Plan (MTR-11MP) is a broad overview of the PH government’s future economic policy directions with emphasis on institutional reforms and reducing state-level developmental gaps that have persisted.
The Sudden Passing of President Tran Dai Quang and Its Implications
The sudden passing of Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang has created a vacant position without a clear front runner to fill it. Though largely ceremonial, it will have important implications for the country’s political system.
Philippine Federalism: More National-Level Politicians
Philippines seeking to review the 1987 Constitution from a unitary to a federal system. But a leaked copy of the Committee’s draft constitution supported critics’ argument that it will benefit the political interests of the current national-level politicians than to contribute to a more efficient and devolved political system.
Vietnam’s Anti-corruption Campaign: How much is it about Political Infighting?
General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong led the fight against corruption among high-profile politicians and those in the state-owned enterprises (SOE) who are closely associated with former Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung. The anti-corruption campaign is a watershed development that hopes to establish Mr Trong’s legacy after he retires in 2021.
Reviewing Mahathir’s and Malaysia’s Foreign Policy
Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad’s visit to Japan in June 2018 signaled the government’s interest to work closely with Japan. While affirming friendly ties with China, Malaysia will vigorously defend its rights in the South China Sea disputes.
How ASEAN Supports the Korean Peninsula Peace Process
The historic meeting between US President, Donald Trump, and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) State Affairs Commission Chairman, Mr Kim Jong Un, paved the way for DPRK participation in the ASEAN Regional Forum. With the resumption of trade and bilateral engagement with ASEAN member states, Pyongyang has a higher stake in the maintenance of regional peace and stability.
Vietnam under Increasing Pressure from China in the South China Sea
From beefing up its military presence in the islands near Vietnam to overt attempts at curtailing Vietnam’s commercial activities in the South China Sea through the threat of force, Beijing has been ramping up the pressure on Hanoi to coerce Vietnam into compromising its maritime claims in favour of China’s interests.
The Future of China’s Investment in Malaysia under Mahathir
While Mahathir’s new government has no issues with foreign direct investment from China, the same cannot be said of Chinese investments funded by loans guaranteed by the previous government – particularly infrastructure projects such as the East Coast Rail Link and the numerous port projects that may pose a security risk.