Muslim influence from China is rising in Malaysia, but it can only operate within limits proscribed by Malay Muslims who prefer the status quo.
Author Archives: blackbox
After Langkasuka Project Failure, Sanusi Takes Another Punt at Penang
Kedah’s Chief Minister Sanusi Nor has sought to blame his state’s current financial woes on historical wrongs that need to be righted. But he has other motivations too.
Philippines’ Car-Centric Society: Time to Switch Lanes
Metro Manila’s road congestion woes can be solved. But they have been hampered by slow implementation and weak political will.
Arakan Army’s Victory 2.0 in Myanmar: A New Order for Rakhine?
The Arakan Army’s recent victories in Rakhine have significant implications for the state and the country.
A Possible Blueprint for ASEAN’s 2025 Climate Finance Strategy
The region has a chance to rely on tools like blended finance to power its green transition. The time to act, however, is running out.
The Flawed Approach of Cambodia’s Cryptocurrency Ban
Cambodia’s ban on overseas cryptocurrency exchange websites is well-intentioned, but it ignores more systemic issues.
Beyond Democracy’s Return: Jakarta’s Gubernatorial Election and the Mutation of Toxic Alliances
The background manoeuvring by various parties in Jakarta’s 2024 gubernatorial elections foreshadows similarly complex play with 2029’s presidential race in mind. For some players, today’s loss might be tomorrow’s gain.
Big Data, Bigger Debate: Malaysia’s PADU System and the Future of Digital Governance
Public reactions to Malaysia’s Central Database Hub (PADU), particularly on social media platforms like Reddit, reveal widespread concerns about data security, government transparency, and the system’s capabilities. The PADU initiative highlights the need for robust data protection measures, clear communication, and strong legal frameworks to build public trust.
Preparing the ASEAN Economic Community for a Securitised World
To prepare for the ratcheting up of geoeconomic tensions, ASEAN members should seek strength in numbers and look to their own community to navigate difficult terrain in the coming years.
Southeast Asia’s Economic Performance in 2024 and Outlook for 2025: Navigating Rising Risks
The region is finally showing clear signs of recovery from the multi-year pandemic but 2025 portends more serious headwinds against which regional governments and businesses will have to steer.