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Author Archives: yeosiewhan

Rafizi and Nik Nazmi’s “Kamikaze” Mission: A Brazen Double Dare

Former ministers Nik Nazmi Nik Ahman (L) and Rafizi Ramli (centre) at the Political Direction Forum for Parti Bersama Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 17 May 2026. (Screengrab from Rafizi Ramli / Facebook)

Two former People’s Justice Party (PKR) stars have launched their own political party. There is much derring-do in their move, but it is too early to write off the new entity.

Posted byyeosiewhan25 May 202625 May 2026Posted inCommentariesTags:Malaysia, Malaysian Elections, Malaysian Politics

Johor’s Unelected State Representatives: Rhymes and Reasons

Menteri Besar of Johor, Onn Hafiz Ghazi, speaking at the 15th Johor State Assembly on 5 May 2026. (Photo from Onn Hafiz Ghazi / Facebook)

The Barisan Nasional state government is seeking to increase the number of elected representatives in the legislature, in a bid to increase technical expertise and representation. But there is a deeper motivation.

Posted byyeosiewhan21 May 202621 May 2026Posted inCommentariesTags:Malaysia, Malaysian Politics

Undersea Cable Risks: Lessons for Southeast Asia

Converge ICT Solutions, Inc. announced the landing of the trans-pacific Bifrost cable system in Davao, Philippines. Bifrost is the world’s first subsea cable system directly linking Singapore to the west coast of US via Indonesia. (Photo from Pampanga News Now / Facebook)

The possibility of Iran targeting undersea cables in the Middle East has implications for Southeast Asia. The region should adopt strategies to maintain connectivity.

Posted byyeosiewhan20 May 202620 May 2026Posted inCommentariesTags:ASEAN Connectivity, Infrastructure, Southeast Asia

France-Philippines New Defence Agreement: A Pivotal Step?

The French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle arrives in Subic Bay, Philippines, on 23 February 2025, as part of Mission CLEMENCEAU 25. (Photo from FrenchEmbassyPH / X)

The signing of a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement between France and the Philippines is a milestone in Manila’s efforts to diversify its security. It comes at a time when the Marcos Jr administration is flirting with the idea of resetting its ties with Beijing.

Posted byyeosiewhan19 May 202620 May 2026Posted inCommentariesTags:Defence, Philippine

The Negeri Sembilan Saga Exposes Political Fault Lines

Negeri Sembilan Chief Minister Aminuddin Harun at the Pakatan Harapan (PH) rally in Negeri Sembilan on 6 May 2026. (Photo from Dato Seri Utama Haji Aminuddin Harun / Facebook)

The latest political crisis in Negri Sembilan has exposed fragility in the Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional coalition at the federal level.

Posted byyeosiewhan12 May 202612 May 2026Posted inCommentariesTags:Malaysia, Malaysian Politics

MUDA’s Next Phase: Leadership Transition and GE16 Strategy

Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (MUDA), convene at the 2nd MUDA Central Executive Committee (JKEP) Meeting on 13 April 2026 to discuss the upcoming session at the Johor State Legislative Assembly in May. (Facebook Amira Aisya Abd Aziz / Facebook)

Some observers have written off MUDA’s electoral prospects ahead of the next general elections in Malaysia. This might be a tad premature.

Posted byyeosiewhan8 May 20268 May 2026Posted inCommentariesTags:Malaysia, Malaysian Elections, Malaysian Politics

Southeast Asia: Not Choosing Sides but Options

ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn meets European External Action Service (EEAS) Deputy Secretary-General for Political Affairs H.E. Olof Skoog at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta, Indonesia, on 29 April 2026. (Photo from ASEAN / X)

Dealt a tough deck of geopolitical cards, Southeast Asia wagers on flexibility and plurilateralism.

Posted byyeosiewhan7 May 20267 May 2026Posted inCommentariesTags:ASEAN, ASEAN-China Relations, ASEAN-US Relations, State of Southeast Asia Survey

Sino-Philippine Energy Cooperation in the South China Sea: A Chimera

A China Coast Guard ship is seen as residents ride a motorcycle on Thitu Island in the South China Sea on 21 February 2026. A Philippine senator called for deepening defence relationships and "continuous" pushback against China's claims in the South China Sea while visiting one of Manila's tiny possessions in the disputed waterway.  (Photo by JAM STA ROSA / AFP)

Faced with an energy crisis at home, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos has broached the idea of joint energy cooperation with China. The idea will not fly, for a variety of reasons.

Posted byyeosiewhan5 May 20265 May 2026Posted inCommentariesTags:China, Energy, Philippine, South China Sea

How ASEAN Can Reduce Its Heavy Dependence on Imported Agricultural Inputs

A drone sprays fertiliser over a rice field of a farmer in Nakhon Sawan province, north of Bangkok, on 23 February 2026. (Photo by Chaiwat Subprasom/NurPhoto) (Photo by CHAIWAT SUBPRASOM / NurPhoto / NurPhoto via AFP)

ASEAN should enhance efficiency of fertiliser application, increase local fertiliser production, and fortify policies on pesticides and seeds.

Posted byyeosiewhan4 May 20264 May 2026Posted inCommentariesTags:Agriculture, ASEAN, Economy

Is Penang’s Inter-faith Appreciation Under Threat?

Representatives of the Thean Hock Keong Temple Association hold a briefing on 6 April 2026 to discuss the cancellation of its 11 April Hari Raya Open House event. (Photo from 北海船仔頭天福宫 / Facebook)

The cancellation of a Hari Raya open house by a temple association in Penang has underscored the need to design interfaith engagements which are possible under certain conditions.

Posted byyeosiewhan29 Apr 202629 Apr 2026Posted inCommentariesTags:Interfaith, Malaysia, Religion

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