Lyd w

State Governments and the 2021 Emergency: Unfettered Powers at the Centre

Police check documents of motorists at a checkpoint in Kuala Lumpu

Malaysia’s declared state of Emergency has given the federal government sweeping powers to intervene into the affairs of the country’s 13 states.

The Ethics of Covid-19 Vaccination

Who should be vaccinated, and who should be vaccinated first are the ethical and practical questions facing all governments.

Communist Party of Vietnam Leadership Appointments – The Geography Factor

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Tran Quoc Vuong

The Communist Party of Vietnam’s upcoming 13th National Congress will see appointments to the country’s highest political offices. To date, the general secretary and prime minister are selected from two different regions. This a top-down practice that nurtures political groups whose members are connected by their geographical origins. There are indications that Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Tran Quoc Vuong, current standing member of the CPV’s Secretariat, are candidates for the position of general secretary. The former is from the Centre (a break from tradition), while the latter is a Northerner.

Thailand’s Second Covid-19 Outbreak: Corruption and Its Consequences

Market workers and volunteers clean up around Klong Toey fresh market

Thailand is facing a second coronavirus outbreak. This time, however, the fight may be protracted because the causes stem from endemic corruption.

The Death of a Young, Moderate Charismatic Preacher

Syekh Ali Jaber had become a surprise force for moderate Islam in Indonesia.

Official Chinese Lending: Why the Easy Money is Drying Up

Chinese workers building the first rail line linking China to Laos

A new study suggests that official Chinese lending has dropped in recent years. This stems from lessons learnt after a decade of mistakes in overseas lending. Despite the decline, the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative shows no signs of slowing.

Malaysia’s New Lockdown – But Where Is the Help for the People?

Motorists travel on the near-deserted Ampang-Kuala Lumpur Elevated Highway

It is puzzling that the Prime Minister neglects to give assurance that relief will be delivered, if necessary, during this lockdown. Perhaps his government genuinely believes that the broader scope of essential services, along with stimulus programmes introduced in Budget 2021, will translate into a minimal downturn.