UMNO President Zahid Hamidi’s tactics to consolidate power have opened himself and his party to potential vulnerabilities as a new generation of Malaysians demand cleaner government.
Author Archives: blackbox
Repurposing Fuel Subsidy to Facilitate Malaysia’s Shift to Electric Vehicles
Malaysia seeks to ensure the poor benefit from fuel subsidies rather than the rich, but rationalisation can also contribute towards sustainability. The savings from the removal of fuel subsidies can be directed towards developing renewable or low-carbon alternatives, thereby contributing to meet Malaysia’s pledge to be “a carbon neutral country by 2050 at the earliest”.
China’s Brokering of Iran-Saudi Rapprochement Signals Global Security Initiative Is Working
Beijing’s mediation of the historic rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran is a sign that its much-vaunted Global Security Initiative is working. The bigger challenge is bringing the GSI into action with respect to the war in Ukraine.
Vietnam Media Hailed Ke Huy Quan’s Oscar Win — Until Online Propagandists Pounced
Vietnam’s media celebrated Ke Huy Quan’s Oscar, but online nationalists panned him for taking pride in his odyssey to America and the Oscars stage. Dredging up war memories remains anathema, but the state’s reactions may undermine national reconciliation efforts, especially with the Vietnamese diaspora.
Partnering with ASEAN to Promote Peace in Myanmar
The United States stands ready to work with ASEAN and other partners in the region to bring about the return of stability and prosperity in Myanmar.
You Can’t Put the Genie Back in the Bottle: Marcos Jr.’s Defence Cooperation Policy
The Marcos Jr. administration’s defence cooperation policy that hews closer to the U.S. is facing domestic criticism, even from his sister.
An Ageing Vietnam Struggles for a Reliable Social Insurance System
Vietnam’s beleaguered national social insurance scheme is in dire need of an overhaul before its population ages to a point of no return.
The ‘High Seas Treaty’: Six Things Worth Knowing
The recent conclusion of a ‘high seas treaty’ is significant, since it would put in place a multilateral regime to preserve and protect critical resources in areas outside countries’ exclusive economic zones and continental shelves.
Minilateral Cooperation in ASEAN May Help it Overcome Challenges in Multilateralism
ASEAN regionalism is increasingly seen as being slow and ineffective. Minilateral cooperation could be the way forward to allow a smaller group of like-minded ASEAN countries to work together in a targeted manner to deliver results where it matters.
Thai General and Premier Learns the Ropes as a Full-fledged Politician
Thai premier General Prayut Chan-o-cha, a former career military officer, is evolving to become a full-fledged politician who dangles goodies and hustles deals with other people of his ilk.