The political machinations behind the scenes that eventually led to Indonesia’s loss of its U-20 FIFA World Cup host rights might have serious repercussions for the frontrunner of not just the country’s 2024 presidential but also general elections.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Political Dealmaking Will Determine the Winner and Twist Policy Outcomes in Thailand’s Election
The policy trajectory of the next Thai government will depend on post-election coalitional configurations, not policy pledges.
Malls and Mosques: The Sights and Sounds of Indonesia’s Iftar
During the month-long Ramadhan, Muslims in Indonesia observe the breaking of fasts in mosques, and increasingly, in shopping malls. The differences in observance of the ritual underscore a growing class divide and corresponding social tastes between different groups of Muslims.
Marcos Jr. and the Dangers of Virtual Hypermasculinity
Marcos Jr. may appear less threatening than Rodrigo Duterte to Philippine democracy but that is because the threat is shifting online.
Why is the U.S.-Thai Alliance Treading Water?
United States President Joe Biden has done a creditable job in upgrading and reinvigorating America’s treaty alliances. Thailand, one of Washington’s oldest treaty allies in Asia, is an outlier.
Anwar Ibrahim’s Unity Government May Write a New Chapter for Malaysia-Singapore Relations
There is a chance that Malaysia-Singapore economic collaboration can see a real flourishing with Anwar Ibrahim at the helm.
Unsportsmanlike Behaviour: Protests in Indonesia Against Israeli U-20 Footballers
The recent protests in Indonesia against Israeli youth footballers’ participation in the U-20 World Cup complicate Indonesia’s image as a tolerant and moderate Muslim-majority country.
Anwar Ibrahim’s Visit to Saudi Arabia: Is His Foot in the Door?
Anwar Ibrahim’s opponents are trying to politicise his recent trip to Mecca but it is not a foregone conclusion that Anwar, and by extension Malaysia, was snubbed.
UMNO’s Zahid – A Formidable Yet Flawed Political Operator
UMNO President Zahid Hamidi’s tactics to consolidate power have opened himself and his party to potential vulnerabilities as a new generation of Malaysians demand cleaner government.
Repurposing Fuel Subsidy to Facilitate Malaysia’s Shift to Electric Vehicles
Malaysia seeks to ensure the poor benefit from fuel subsidies rather than the rich, but rationalisation can also contribute towards sustainability. The savings from the removal of fuel subsidies can be directed towards developing renewable or low-carbon alternatives, thereby contributing to meet Malaysia’s pledge to be “a carbon neutral country by 2050 at the earliest”.