The twin burdens placed on a veteran Thai politician hailing from the south will test his political skill and stamina. No less than the future of Thai democracy may be at stake.
Author Archives: blackbox
Sanusi’s Bully Pulpit Populism: Boon or Bane?
In the run-up to the state elections in Kedah, Parti Islam SeMalaysia is touting a Trumpist-type politician. The approach is unconventional but explicable if one considers the party’s ambitions.
Will UMNO’s Mutant Electoral Map Bite Pakatan Harapan?
In the run-up to the Selangor state elections, Pakatan Harapan has to rally UMNO votes to its side. It must also overcome vulnerabilities caused by the latter’s 2018 gerrymandering of the state’s electoral map.
Is Indonesia’s Al-Zaytun Islamic Boarding School Facing an Existential Threat?
An Islamic boarding school and its principal are embroiled once again in controversy. This time, maybe the public’s complaints will bite – but for how long?
Anwar Ibrahim Welcomes Abdul Somad to Putrajaya: What Gives?
The Malaysian premier’s warm welcome to a controversial Indonesian preacher should have raised questions about the former’s commitment to moderate Islamic principles. That the visit did not cause more of a stir within Malaysian circles raises even more questions.
The State Administration Council and Aung San Suu Kyi: The Lady is Not for Turning?
Two recent developments in Myanmar suggest that the State Administration Council has come round to banking on the iconic status of Aung San Suu Kyi as a political ploy.
Malaysia’s 2023 Elections: A Coming Clash of Coalitions in Selangor
The upcoming state elections in Malaysia represent a referendum on the first eight months of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s ‘Unity Government’. This Long Read assesses possible scenarios for the election outcome in Selangor.
One Constituency, Two Parties: Ballot Splitting and Divided Loyalties in Thailand’s Election
Thailand’s two-ballot electoral system has uncovered divided loyalties among the country’s voters.
Singapore – Malaysia Economic Ties: Recovering from COVID-19
This Long Read seeks to understand the impact of the COVID crisis on the economic ties between Singapore and Malaysia. It analyses historical trends as well as recent data to assess how the different aspects of the relationship were affected and what the near-term outlook is likely to be.
Can Indonesia Escape the Middle Income Trap?
To succeed in truly uplifting most Indonesians to middle income status by 2045, no less than sustained and serious commitment by the country’s next administration(s) to clean up Indonesia’s economy would be required.