Malaysia’s new anti-hopping law took effect on 5 October, five days before it was announced that the country’s Parliament would be dissolved. The law seeks to respect the mandate of voters, but it is not without faults.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Vietnam Wants to Impose News Uniformity Even in Cyberspace – at What Cost?
Hanoi’s move to impose uniformity for print and online news media compels big technological companies to participate in taking down content that is objectionable to the authorities, but this is likely to backfire since the Vietnamese public’s appetite for alternative news remains strong.
Religious Dress in Schools Polemic and Indonesia’s Philosophical Vacuum
The popularity of a recent image lamenting the wearing of conservative dress, particularly headscarves, by girls in Indonesia’s state schools have highlighted philosophical tensions in society and politics, with no easy answers.
What We Measure Shapes What We Become: Moving Beyond GDP towards Comprehensive Well-Being
Measurement of development goals should clearly encapsulate societal values and goals. Advancements should be measured in terms of human well-being, which intrinsically also includes environmental sustainability, not just production and consumption.
Merge or Die: How Chart Pattana Kla Reflects a Sea Change in Party Dynamics
The merger between the Kla and Chart Pattana parties is a logical outcome of Thailand’s new electoral rules, which will benefit bigger entities at the expense of smaller, party-list driven ones. The new rules mean that more of these mergers should be expected.
Malaysia’s Electoral Cycle – Now Two-Level Chess?
Only a small number of Malaysian states are likely to hold their state elections in tandem with the national election. This might not be a bad thing, since more attention might be put on local issues and the quality of state governments.
When Abstention Speaks Volumes: Thailand’s Turnaround in the UNGA
Thailand’s decision to abstain from the latest United Nations General Assembly resolution on rejecting Russia’s annexation of Ukrainian territories raises doubts about Bangkok’s commitment to international laws and norms.
When Tourism and Sustainable Agriculture Make Good Bedfellows
Climate change poses serious challenges to the world’s food system. Implementing sustainable practices can help bolster climate resilience in agricultural production.
What the New U.S. Ambassador to ASEAN Can Do
Ambassador Abraham’s new mandate in ASEAN, at these most challenging of times, will be extremely vital. He must cultivate strategic trust, and balance the interests of ten diverse countries against the U.S.’ vested interests in the Indo-Pacific.
Myanmar’s Pivot to Russia: Friend in Need or Faulty Strategy?
The relationship between Myanmar and Russia has become increasingly close. This is fueled by practical considerations as well as geopolitics.