Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has long cultivated an image of himself as a reformist leader. His ability to effect change, however, is limited by the country’s legacy of hegemonic politics.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Saying “No” to Businesses Financing the Junta: Strategic Public Activism in Myanmar
More than two years after the 2021 coup, public activism against enterprises linked to the Myanmar junta has become an indirect force ensuring the responsible conduct of business.
Navigating Electricity Reform in Vietnam
Vietnam needs to reform its power sector to meet the challenges of climate change or face much worse than its current heatwave.
Indonesian Youth Need to Up Climate Game for the 2024 Elections
Youth organisations in Indonesia have attracted some attention to climate change issues. But they need to widen their reach into the country’s political parties to drive their green agenda forward.
The Five Power Defence Arrangements: How to Sail Past Fifty
The Five Power Defence Arrangements is not called the grandfather of multilateral arrangements for no reason. Going forward, the FPDA can make a significant contribution to the realm of maritime security.
Why Should We Care about Older Filipino Migrants?
Many Filipino migrant labourers and migrants are ageing in their host countries, facing challenging circumstances with few resources to overcome them. What can the Marcos Jr. administration do to support these older Filipino heroes who serve the rest of the world’s needs?
Prabowo’s Shifting Strategy on Indonesian Muslim Voters
It is too early to tell if third-time presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto’s seeming moderate shift in campaign strategy and tone will bear fruit in 2024. But no harm in trying.
Taiwan Contingencies and Southeast Asia: Scenarios in the Gray Zone
Regional countries, including those in Southeast Asia, have worried about the impacts of a potential Chinese invasion or blockade of Taiwan. But there are other scenarios to consider.
Lost in Translation: Decoding Populism in Thailand’s 2023 Elections
How populism is defined and wielded in today’s Thai politics has implications for the strength and sustainability of the country’s political development.
Eating Away Our Food: Ocean Acidification Impacting Fisheries in Southeast Asia
Ocean acidification, the “evil twin” of global warming, presents a stern challenge to food security, particularly for Southeast Asians.