Commentaries | FULCRUM

Johor By-elections: A Cautionary Tale For The Unity Government

Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (2ndL) and his deputy Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (L) wave during the 66th National Day celebrations in Malaysia's administrative capital Putrajaya, on August 31, 2023. The country commemorates the independence of the Federation of Malaya from British rule in 1957.

The recent by-elections in Johor are a shot across the bow for the Unity Government.

Perceptions of Energy Transition in Southeast Asia: Between Hope and Fear

Environmental activists and supporters take part in a demonstration in front of the United Nations building, where experts from across the planet locked in key talks aimed at breathing life into the Paris Agreement on climate change, in Bangkok.

The latest Southeast Asian Climate Outlook shows that people in the region generally have positive perceptions about the transition from fossil fuels to sustainable energy. But they are wary of the potential impacts of such a transition on bread and butter issues.

Growing Food Insecurity Among Southeast Asians – And Concern That Climate Change Will Make It Worse

Even before the recent rice price rises, Southeast Asians have been experiencing food insecurity and had growing concerns about climate impacts on food security. The ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute’s recent Climate Outlook Survey 2023 provides a snapshot of the scale of this concern.

China-Vietnam Party-to-Party Ties: A Tie that Binds

Vietnam appears to be drawing closer to the U.S. with the recent upgrade in ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership. This development, however, should not be overestimated as Vietnam-China relations, especially party-to-party ties, remain strong.