While his party has come up with a shortlist of potential running mates, the decision as to who will run with Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo to be his vice-president will most likely lie with none other than a former president who is Ganjar’s party boss.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Personnel Changes at China’s Foreign Ministry: Beijing Will Stay the Course on Southeast Asia
Recent top-level changes at China’s foreign ministry are unlikely to affect Beijing’s foreign policy orientation towards Southeast Asia. The region remains important in light of China’s difficult relationship with the United States and other key countries.
Malaysia’s State Elections: When “Referendum” Takes Precedence over Reformasi
It may well be true that not much has changed after the six state elections in Malaysia last week. But much of the political ground – specifically among Malay voters – has shifted towards the opposition.
Global Minimum Tax: Boon or Bane for Vietnam’s Economy?
Vietnam’s impending acceptance of the global minimum tax regime for multinational enterprises could be a double-edged sword; the key is to ensure that imposing the minimum tax rate does not drive away major foreign investors.
Will Putin Visit Vietnam After Biden? Odds Are Against It
U.S. President Joseph Biden will travel to Hanoi next month. Russian President Vladimir Putin could be next. This leaves Vietnam in a right (Russian) pickle.
Perikatan Nasional Lacks A Game-changing Chief in Negeri Sembilan
Perikatan Nasional’s campaign in the Negeri Sembilan state election is hampered by the absence of a credible leader, in contrast to its opponents. PN needs to cultivate future leaders, as it has done in other states like Kedah.
Populism, Pietism and Pragmatism in the Kedah State Election
Whether the unlikely partnership of Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional can wrest Kedah from Perikatan Nasional would require an extraordinary alignment of the stars.
Pheu Thai at the Crossroads: Navigating Thailand’s Senate-Driven Hung Parliament
The Pheu Thai Party’s path to political power is strewn with many obstacles and the need to make difficult compromises with erstwhile enemies.
Will Anwar’s “Madani Economy” Narrative Strengthen His Economic Leadership?
The “Madani Economy” narrative launched on 27 July hopes to project a stronger public image of Prime and Finance Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s economic leadership. It should be seen as an interim economic policy framework of the Unity government inspired by the Madani concept.
A Material Election: Will Malaysians Vote with Their Wallets?
Electoral campaigns in the run-up to Malaysia’s six state elections on 12 August are spinning economic success stories to tug heartstrings, but the electorate will surely reference their lived experience as they cast ballots.