Mahathir Mohamad’s controversial remarks about race relations in Malaysia has put the impetus on the incumbent administration to elucidate a coherent vision of Malayness and multiculturalism.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Democracy Beyond the Ballot Box: Digital Resurgence of Thai Civil Society
Thai democracy might have suffered some setbacks after last year’s elections. But civil society organisations and their efforts to hold the government accountable underscore the kingdom’s democratic potential.
Indonesia Votes 2024: Personality Versus Policy in the Presidential Election
A nationwide survey finds that many Indonesian voters supporting a party in the legislative election might not support the party’s chosen presidential candidate. The three presidential candidates are liked more for their personality traits than policy stances. In short, personality still outweighs policy.
The Kra Land Bridge: Thailand’s White Elephant Comes Charging Back
Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has revitalised the idea of the Kra land bridge with gusto. Poor economic viability, environmental problems and geopolitical complications account for the project’s tepid international reception.
Yok’s case and Thailand’s Treatment of Child Activists
The charged case of a controversial juvenile accused of insulting the monarchy illustrates the shortcomings of the Thai justice system in protecting the youngest defendants and the complications of upholding lèse-majesté laws in the twenty-first century.
Making the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone Work
To fully harness the benefits of bilateral cooperation on both sides, the recent signing of the memorandum of understanding for the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone needs to be followed up by the relevant agencies doing the real spade work after the initial hype is over.
Indonesia’s 2024 Presidential Campaigns: Hyper-local and Personal Touchpoints Matter Most
A recent survey shows that younger Indonesian voters, like their older fellow citizens, still hold traditional media and in-person conversations in high regard when it comes to learning about the elections and deciding whom to vote for.
Cultivating the Future: Empowering Young Farmers in Southeast Asia
Farmers in Southeast Asia are aging. Governments and not-for-profits need to think of ways to attract younger farmers into agriculture.
Malaysia and ASEAN in 2024: Facing Challenges with Focus and Strength
Malaysia and ASEAN face pressing challenges and opportunities in technology adaptation and transition, geopolitical instability and ASEAN competition, and the need to green our economies. With judicious strategies and effective actions, we can head into 2024 with cautious optimism.
Will the “China Factor” Become an Election Issue in Indonesia?
Indonesia’s economic relationship with China is occasionally marred by deadly accidents at Chinese-built and owned industrial sites in the archipelago. Nevertheless, economic cooperation with China is not going to slow down, no matter who wins the election next month.