The twin burdens placed on a veteran Thai politician hailing from the south will test his political skill and stamina. No less than the future of Thai democracy may be at stake.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Sanusi’s Bully Pulpit Populism: Boon or Bane?
In the run-up to the state elections in Kedah, Parti Islam SeMalaysia is touting a Trumpist-type politician. The approach is unconventional but explicable if one considers the party’s ambitions.
Will UMNO’s Mutant Electoral Map Bite Pakatan Harapan?
In the run-up to the Selangor state elections, Pakatan Harapan has to rally UMNO votes to its side. It must also overcome vulnerabilities caused by the latter’s 2018 gerrymandering of the state’s electoral map.
Is Indonesia’s Al-Zaytun Islamic Boarding School Facing an Existential Threat?
An Islamic boarding school and its principal are embroiled once again in controversy. This time, maybe the public’s complaints will bite – but for how long?
Anwar Ibrahim Welcomes Abdul Somad to Putrajaya: What Gives?
The Malaysian premier’s warm welcome to a controversial Indonesian preacher should have raised questions about the former’s commitment to moderate Islamic principles. That the visit did not cause more of a stir within Malaysian circles raises even more questions.
The State Administration Council and Aung San Suu Kyi: The Lady is Not for Turning?
Two recent developments in Myanmar suggest that the State Administration Council has come round to banking on the iconic status of Aung San Suu Kyi as a political ploy.
One Constituency, Two Parties: Ballot Splitting and Divided Loyalties in Thailand’s Election
Thailand’s two-ballot electoral system has uncovered divided loyalties among the country’s voters.
Can Indonesia Escape the Middle Income Trap?
To succeed in truly uplifting most Indonesians to middle income status by 2045, no less than sustained and serious commitment by the country’s next administration(s) to clean up Indonesia’s economy would be required.
The G7’s Climate Club: ASEAN Need Not Have High Expectations
The G7’s proposal for a new climate club may fall short if its creators fail to separate geopolitical concerns from pressing environmental ones.
Vietnam and Singapore: Chicken Rice, Apom, Milk Tea and a Shared Strategic Outlook
Vietnam and Singapore commemorated their 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in July. Looking ahead, the two partners can deepen the relationship by focusing on initiatives in the South China Sea and the Mekong.