Author Archives: Lyd w

Malaysia’s ‘Green Wave’ Was a Long Time Coming

Parti Islam SeMalaysia made solid gains during Malaysia’s 15th General Election. It banked on candidates who are deemed to be religious and clean. In future, the party that hews to a more public expression of Islam will be able to hold on to the Malay-Muslim voter base.

Dangerous Unintended Consequences Loom in the Wake of Thailand’s Hasty Legalisation of Marijuana

Thailand’s hasty legalisation of marijuana and hemp without necessary control measures has sparked concerns about illicit trade and abuse of ‘legalised’ marijuana. It also threatens to disrupt ASEAN’s regional effort to create a “drug-free” community; the other nine ASEAN members still treat marijuana as a banned narcotic.

The Significance of the Vietnam-Indonesia Exclusive Economic Zone Demarcation

The recent agreement between Vietnam and Indonesia on delimiting their respective exclusive economic zones provides hope for the strengthening of the region’s commitment to international maritime norms and principles, as encapsulated in the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Avoiding Divots in the U.S. Pivot to Asia

While the Americans have made noticeable progress in their “pivot” to Asia, the crux of successful regional engagement rests on Washington’s ability to work with and around China’s indisputable links and influence in this part of the world, while managing its own relationship with Beijing.

Indonesia’s Foreign Policy and New Capital Plans

Dr Deasy Simandjuntak discusses with Fulcrum editor Julia Lau her analysis of Indonesia’s foreign policy goals and direction post-G20 in 2022 and in advance of its ASEAN chairmanship in 2023. Other topics they talk about are Indonesia’s regional leadership, the planned new capital of Indonesia, and Dr Simandjuntak’s future research projects.

Can Hanoi Afford the Reputational Costs of Friendship with Myanmar’s Military Regime?

While Vietnam has not criticised Myanmar’s ruling regime about its violence against the Myanmar people and the Rohingya, Hanoi should recognise that its staunch support and use of non-interference as a fig leaf could undermine Vietnam’s own quest to become more significant regionally and internationally.