A festering dispute between the Pheu Thai-led government and the Bank of Thailand has underscored a major question as to who sets the kingdom’s economic direction.
Author Archives: blackbox
The Ulama and the 2024 Indonesian Presidential Election: The Missing Voice of Conscience?
Within Indonesia’s Islamic intellectual elite, this generation does not seem to have leaders who can rise to the ranks of their brave predecessors in acting as the nation’s moral conscience, especially in the face of blatant political chicanery.
Turmoils and Triumphs: The Political Tapestry of Taib Mahmud’s Reign
Taib Mahmud was a shrewd political operator, but his legacy is not free of controversy.
A Kidney for Your Vote: Money Politics in Indonesia’s 2024 Elections
The practice of money politics in Indonesia is insidious, entrenched, and not likely to go away anytime soon, because it works.
Introducing Gus Miftah: A Celebrity Cleric Consolidating Prabowo-Gibran’s Victory
A plank of Prabowo Subianto’s team’s winning strategy for East and Central Java in last month’s election rested on the shoulders of an unusual cleric who hails from Nadhlatul Ulama (NU), Indonesia’s largest mass Muslim organisation.
Anwar’s Year at the Helm: Economic Leadership in Turbulent Times
Anwar Ibrahim’s ratings have been sliding as Malaysia’s economic concerns continue to mount. But the prime minister should not be blamed entirely.
Malaysia’s Public Service Pensions: Will to Reform, Without A Roadmap
Malaysia has announced that future public service recruits will retire on accumulated Employee Provident Fund savings instead of the current, popular pension scheme. Before proceeding, the Anwar Ibrahim administration must clarify the fiscal situation and attendant reforms needed.
Who Is Really in Charge In Thailand?
In theory, Thai premier Srettha Thavisin leads the country. But there is more than meets the eye.
Made in China? The Challenge of State-Sponsored Cyber Intrusions in the Philippines
Apart from security challenges associated with regional geopolitical tensions, the Philippines must address its vulnerability against state-sponsored intrusions into its cyberspace.
Assessing Indonesia’s Post-Election Economic Policy Direction
The next president of Indonesia will have his work cut out for him on the economic and competitiveness front, even if he continues with many of the existing policies his predecessor will leave behind.