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Author Archives: yeosiewhan

Anwar is Weak, But the Opposition is Weaker Still

A protester holds a sign during a demonstration to demand the arrest of Malaysian Anti-Corruption chief commissioner Azam Baki at Jalan Bangsar on 22 January 2022 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Annice Lyn / Getty Images via AFP)

The political woes of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is a political goldmine for the opposition. But it has failed to capitalise on the opportunity.

Posted byyeosiewhan3 Mar 20263 Mar 2026Posted inCommentariesTags:Malaysia, Malaysian Politics

Rebranding Bhumjaithai

Bhumjaithai Party technocrats Ekniti Nitithanprapas (L), Sihasak Phuangketkeow, and Suphajee Suthumpun (R). (Photo by Duncan McCargo)

Putting heavyweight technocrats in the spotlight, the Bhumjaithai Party appears to have taken a technocrat turn, away from its traditional strengths in forging political family networks in the kingdom.

Posted byyeosiewhan3 Mar 20263 Mar 2026Posted inCommentariesTags:Thai Elections, Thai Politics, Thailand

Thailand’s Democrat Party: A Political Institution Survives

Democrat Party prime ministerial candidate and former Thailand prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva (2nd R), campaigns alongside parliamentary candidate Jesada Lertthanasarn (R) and prime ministerial candidate and former finance minister Korn Chatikavanij (L) ahead of the general election, in Bangkok on 24 January 2026. (Photo by Lillian Suwanrumpha / AFP)

The Democrat Party has made a comeback from a near-death experience. But there are still key challenges to overcome.

Posted byyeosiewhan27 Feb 202627 Feb 2026Posted inCommentariesTags:Thai Elections, Thai Politics, Thailand

Indonesia’s Party Cartel System and the New ‘People’s Movement Party’

Sahri Hamid (in orange shirt with hand raised), Chairman of the People’s Movement Party (Partai Gerakan Rakyat), and honorary member, Anies Baswedan (in blue shirt). (Screengrab from Gerakan Rakyat / Youtube)

There’s potentially a new party in town, if it’s not nipped in the bud before the next elections in Indonesia.

Posted byyeosiewhan26 Feb 202626 Feb 2026Posted inCommentariesTags:Indonesia, Indonesian Elections, Indonesian Politics

Myanmar’s Foreign Exchange Shortages Have Eased, But Challenges Remain

Employees count kyat after a deposit at the KBZ Bank main office on 8 October 2015 in Yangon, Myanmar. (Photo by Taylor Weidman / GETTY IMAGES ASIAPAC / Getty Images via AFP)

The military regime’s efforts to conserve and tap new sources of foreign exchange have improved its financial situation. This benefits the regime and some businesses, though comes at a cost: increased military action, continued trade restrictions, and a depressed economy.

Posted byyeosiewhan26 Feb 202626 Feb 2026Posted inCommentariesTags:Myanmar, Myanmar Economy

Thailand’s “Conservative” Turn?

The victory of the Bhumjaithai Party in the recent Thai elections does not necessarily signal a broad-based shift towards conservative elements.

Posted byyeosiewhan23 Feb 20265 Mar 2026Posted inCommentaries, Editor PicksTags:Thai Elections, Thai Politics, Thailand

Malaysia’s Opposition: The Need to Close Ranks

To mount a creditable challenge to the ruling coalition, Malaysia’s opposition coalition needs to overcome a list of obstacles, foremost among them infighting within the grouping.

Posted byyeosiewhan13 Feb 202613 Feb 2026Posted inCommentariesTags:Malaysia, Malaysian Politics

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