Pakatan Harapan has its work cut out for it in seeking to defend or even take new seats in Malay-majority constituencies. In such seats, the coalition needs to work close to the ground and address quotidian issues, rather than stressing national-level matters.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Easy Highway, Troubled City: How China Wins and Loses Cambodians’ Hearts
Two China-driven projects show striking contrasts. The newly opened Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway has been well-received by Cambodians. But grand plans for Sihanoukville to be an investment hub and “multi-purpose” city have instead seen Chinese businesses crowding out locals, a boom-bust cycle in construction and illicit trades.
Zooming In on the Government Zoomers Want
Political parties and coalitions campaigning in Malaysia’s general election will do better if they take note of the concerns of Gen Z voters.
MUI’s Strong Survival Instincts for a Shariah-Compliant Indonesia
The key to Indonesia’s Council of Ulama’s longevity even in the post-Suharto period lies in its dominance of the halal certification system, which other major Muslim organisations have not managed to dilute.
There Should Be Some Tough Talk on Loss and Damage at COP27
Southeast Asian countries should stand alongside other developing countries and call on more richer countries to compensate them for the damaging effects caused by climate change.
Will ASEAN Take the Side of the Myanmar People?
Choosing the right approach that best serves the pressing humanitarian needs of the Myanmar people requires ASEAN Leaders to do some new thinking.
Defence Procurement in Malaysia: A Way Forward?
Malaysia has seen problems in its defence procurement in recent years. Once a new government is installed after the general election, it should follow through with reforms to improve transparency in the process of acquiring new military hardware.
Persuasion Not Regulation the Key for Social Media Influencers Navigating Religion and Culture
There is already a patchwork of laws supported by some communal surveillance and cultural policing when it comes to social media influencers in Muslim-majority countries in Southeast Asia. It is perhaps possible to socialise influencers, Muslim or otherwise, to tread carefully when navigating sensitive issues, but this must stop short of over-regulation.
“Anything Is Possible” at GE15, but Pakatan Harapan Needs a GE14 Rerun
In the lineup for Malaysia’s 15th general elections, Barisan Nasional appears to have an advantage over its rival Pakatan Harapan. To take power, the former can rally allies and partners to its side. The latter must win big on its own.
The Threat and Allure of Thai-Style Party Bans
There is irony in the Pheu Thai Party’s attempt to get its rival Bhumjaithai Party banned since this tactic was originally designed to eradicate Pheu Thai itself. The attempt will likely alienate Pheu Thai’s supporters and weaken its anti-regime stance.