Official warnings about the potential of Covid-19 infection stemming from the return of Myanmar nationals has only intensified panic-vigilantism to enforce isolation measures.
Author Archives: Lyd w
Britain and the Asia-Pacific: Global Interests versus Regional Engagement
Britain has intensified its engagement with Asia-Pacific countries, in particular Southeast Asia. But London’s global interests will limit its ability to project a meaningful presence in the region.
COVID19 in Malaysia: Pandemic Impacts on the Poor
The raft of measures announced by the Malaysian government to restrict people’s movements will help to stem the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. The measures, however, are having a huge impact on the country’s poor.
Fighting Covid-19 in Indonesia: The Nexus of Religion and the State
The positions taken by some Islamic groups on the national policy of social distancing will determine the success – or failure – of the policy.
Singapore-Malaysia Border Shutdown: Counting the Costs
Recent policy responses effected by Malaysia and Singapore to combat the Covid-19 pandemic have been responsible and measured – and have also underscored the deep and wide economic relations between the two neighbours.
Johor’s New Cabinet Line-Up: More of the Same
The new cabinet of Johor closely resembles the traditional Barisan Nasional line-ups in terms of ethnic majority. UMNO’s traditional share of ministerial portfolios is also a blast from the past.
Malaysia: Land of the (Increasingly) Self Employed
The ranks of self-employed individuals in Malaysia has swelled in recent years. The government has to do more to facilitate the growth of such one-person operations
Covid-19: A Particular Philippine Problem
The Covid-19 pandemic has sent the cruise industry floundering. This is hitting maritime seaman hard, in particular, those from the Philippines.
Covid-19 Doesn’t Just Take Lives. It Also Takes Livelihoods
The economic storm stemming from the Covid-19 pandemic is taking its toll on businesses. But self-employed workers are taking the brunt of it.
Fighting Covid-19 in Thailand: The Need to Arm the Real Combatants
The Prayut government has mishandled the Covid-19 crisis. The battle against the deadly virus should best be left to the frontline combatants in the healthcare sector