There are many different dynamics at play when one examines the tenuous nature of the Perikatan Nasional-led state government in Johor. Think political battles within and without.
Author Archives: leepohonn
Malaysia: Best Case Scenarios and Bracing for the Worst
The net effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, the resultant shutdown and relief measures are hard to fathom. While the government can draw on some base-case scenarios, it might have to prepare for the worst when it comes to unemployment.
Will the Covid-19 Crisis Affect Thai-China Defence Cooperation?
The Thai military has been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Thanks to Chinese largesse, however, it will be able to secure the military kit it wants.
Indonesia’s Islamist Groups: The Logic of Strategic Silence
Indonesia’s Islamist groups have not hit back at President Jokowi for his handling of the current Covid-19 pandemic. There are several reasons for their strategic silence.
Thai Airways: Up in the Air
The national carrier is flying into turbulence, and its woes are being compounded by a near-standstill in global air travel. The hope is that an extensive restructuring would put the carrier on a stronger footing – and lead to broader reforms of state-owned enterprises in Thailand.
E-commerce and Supply Chains: Links of the Same Chain
E-commerce is seen as a panacea for the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, but it should be seen as one part of a larger and more complex system, involving other elements such as manufacturing and logistics. An ASEAN initiative to address bottlenecks in such systems should be lauded and supported.
Foreign Investors Exiting China: Vietnam Milks the Gains
Vietnam stands to benefit from MNCs’ efforts to diversify their production base beyond China. How much it will actually benefit, however, depends on how fast it can roll out measures to further improve its infrastructure and business environment.
Covid-19 and the Development Banks: More of the Same
In the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, the more established multilateral development banks – the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank – are still miles ahead of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. The same applies to non-Covid19 related loans and grants.
Mukhriz Mahathir’s Downfall in Kedah: Winners and Losers
The fall of the Kedah state government led by Mukhriz Mahathir will change the country’s political map, and the fortunes of the various players involved.
Malaysia’s Next Parliamentary Session: Show-time or Stalling for Time?
Malaysia’s next parliamentary sitting was supposed to have seen the tabling of a historic no-confidence motion against the government led by Muhyiddin Yassin. It appears that the premier has dodged the bullet – at least for now.