The prime minister has surprisingly appointed a neophyte as his new deputy religious affairs minister, but this move may yet pay off.
Category Archives: Commentaries
The Elephant Not in the Room: Thailand’s 2026 Election Campaigns Sidestep Structural Reforms
Thailand’s major parties present contrasting economic platforms and could find common ground on some incremental reforms, but deeper structural challenges remain weakly addressed.
Indonesia’s ‘Haj Village’ in Mecca: A Breakthrough but Strong Management and Caution Needed
The government has launched an ambitious plan to improve the experience for Indonesian haj pilgrims. The question is whether worldly rewards might compromise the holiness and rightfulness of the mission.
The UEC Debate Reawakens Identity Discourse
The issue of recognition for the pre-university exam certificate issued by Chinese-language schools has renewed identity politics in Malaysia.
Indonesia in 2026: Prabowo’s First ‘Real’ Year of Ambition and Why We Should Care
On the policy front, what kind of year lies ahead for the Prabowo administration?
Seats Without Sway: Women in Indonesia’s Parliament
Women’s presence in Indonesia’s parliament still falls short of the 30 per cent quota. They are also underrepresented in parliamentary bodies handling strategic issues and in their leadership ranks.
Eliminating Extreme Poverty: Kerala’s Lessons for Developing ASEAN Countries
Kerala’s experience in fighting poverty holds some important lessons for ASEAN countries.
From Megatrends to Action: Rethinking Industrial Policy in Southeast Asia
A UNIDO report provides key insights into how forward-looking industrial policies can help countries go down a clean and just industrialisation pathway. Southeast Asia has a vital role here.
Implications of the Venezuela Case for Southeast Asia: Parallels and Limits
What can Southeast Asia learn from the US’ recent actions in Venezuela?
Takaichi and Taiwan: When Deterrence Looks Like Provocation
Chinese reactions to Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae’s comments about Japan’s involvement in a Taiwan contingency have an element of political theatre. Beijing is adopting a more sophisticated strategy of isolating Tokyo on the issue.