Parti Islam SeMalaysia, the political party which has the most seats in Parliament, intends to capture the reins of federal power. This time, however, it plans to do so on its own.
Author Archives: blackbox
Impact of Gaza Crisis on China’s Interests in the Middle East and Asia-Pacific
China would seek to prevent a wider escalation in the conflict between Israel and Hamas. It is also monitoring whether U.S. involvement in the conflict will affect Washington’s focus on constraining Beijing in Asia.
Russia’s Memory Diplomacy is Paying Dividends in Southeast Asia
Russia is employing the selective use of history to further its goals in Southeast Asia.
Strengthening Cyber Resilience in Southeast Asia
ASEAN is not ready for the onslaught of future cyberattacks against its fast-growing internet market. Intra-regional differences complicate the search for an effective regional cybersecurity response.
Abdul Hadi Awang Enhances His Power as PAS President and Drives the Party to the Far-Right
This Long Read examines how PAS President Abdul Hadi Awang consolidated his influence since 2015 to lead the party to its current political high.
China’s Belt and Road Forum: Pressing Ahead Without the West
The lack of Western representation at the recent Belt and Road Forum has strengthened China’s resolve to push ahead with the Belt and Road Initiative. Beijing is using the Forum as a vehicle to engage the developing world in a more concerted manner.
Diversifying from Rice to Alternative Crops in Southeast Asia
It will be a tall order to effectively switch from rice to substitute grains but Southeast Asia owes it to its future generations to build up food security and crop resilience in the face of a changing climate.
Thailand’s Marooned Submarine Deal: Some Questions Need Answers
Thailand’s long-drawn saga to acquire Chinese-built submarines is dead in the water. The kingdom’s newly-appointed defence minister should be asking the Royal Thai Navy some serious questions.
The Challenge for PAS: Going Mainstream
The recent annual general assembly by Parti Islam SeMalaysia was relatively uneventful, with key leaders including Abdul Hadi Awang retaining their positions. If the party is eyeing federal power in Putrajaya, however, it would need to prove its governance credentials.
The President and His Political Party: An Impending Collision
There is a widening rift between Indonesian President Joko Widodo and the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle which endorsed his candidacy in the country’s two previous presidential elections.