The fact that Asean has arrived at a consensus on the promotion and protection of migrant workers’ rights is a feat in itself. The consensus does not have legal weight, but the expectation is that it would provide some moral suasion for the national implementation of regoinal commitments and the possibility of more mini-lateral initiaitves.
Author Archives: blackbox
Aung San Suu Kyi Needs to Take an Inclusive Approach to Conflict Resolution in Rakhine
Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi visited the Maungtaw district to assure local Rohingya villagers about the government’s development programs for Northern Rakhine. But she failed to meet Rakhine politicians and community leaders To succeed, she will need to build an all-inclusive conflict resolution for Rakhine.
Realities of the Rakhine Issue in Myanmar
Malaysian Prime Minister Najib’s proposal to adopt the Malay language as ASEAN’s “main and official language” is unrealistic and divisive. It could also rollback ASEAN’s gains in positioning the regional organisation as a global entity.
Huang Jing Case a Test of Nation Building
Singapore’s revocation of the permanent resident status of Huang Jing, a prominent Chinese-American academic, signals the government’s principle in standing up for its core interests. It is a stark reminder of the challenges of nation-building and coherence amid a battle for influence between great powers.
A Futile Call: Making Bahasa Melayu ASEAN’s Official Language
Malaysian Prime Minister Najib’s proposal to adopt the Malay language as ASEAN’s “main and official language” is unrealistic and divisive. It could also rollback ASEAN’s gains in positioning the regional organisation as a global entity. Instead, it should focus on more urgent and pressing matters of community-building.
New Tensions in Vietnam – China Relations?
While Vietnam – China relations have improved significantly with top-level visits and strengthened economic ties, it has also intensified relations with the US and Japan. These developments create new tensions for bilateral relations between Vietnam and China and destabilize the region.
Why was Thailand’s Prime Minister Absent in the Belt and Road Initiative Summit?
Thailand’s perceived marginalisation from China’s high-profile Belt and Road Initiative Summit has been attributed to problems in the Sino-Thai high-speed railway project and the Thai Prime Minister’s acceptance of the US President’s invitation to visit the White House. The diplomatic snub suggests that Southeast Asian states need a more careful hedging strategy to deal with China.
Vietnam’s Continued Balancing Act
Vietnam has improved its relationship with the US in a bid to walk the fine balance between the US and China. Despite China’s challenge to Vietnam in the South China Sea, Hanoi has maintained warm ties with China as a strategic hedge against the ambiguous policy of the US towards Vietnam and Southeast Asia.
Myanmar’s Elusive Dream of Peace
Myanmar’s second Union Peace Conference has ended with no agreement on the issues of non-secession and the unified federal army. This is not surprising. There is a lack of a proper framework for political dialogue and the civilian government is perceived to be weak.
UMNO’s U-Turn on RUU 355: What Makes Coalitions Stick in Malaysia?
The Barisan Nasional government’s U-turn on changes to RUU 355, which will give the syariah courts more extensive powers, suggests that the coalition dynamics of politics are behind the move. Put simply, the coalition’s survival is equally, if not more important than UMNO’s electoral appeal.