Recent political developments in Indonesia and Malaysia have seen the use of Islam in determining the political processes – Islam was employed to weaken the ruling elite, or to maintain political power and to support a forthcoming election. Such tactics may inadvertently destroy the pluralistic nature of both societies.
Category Archives: Commentaries
What Lies Ahead for Sarawak with Adenan Satem’s passing?
Chief Minister Adenan Satem, who passed away recently, implemented a series of popular policies, which helped to deliver the bulk of parliamentary seats in Sabah and Sarawak to the ruling coalition BN in the 2013 elections. While Adenan has a team in place to seek continuity in policies, there is a lack of a new leader vocal enough to face the government in Putrajaya.
Migrant Worker Abuse Remains a Problem in Malaysia
The presence of forced labour in Malaysia prevails despite some employers being compliant with market norms against such labour. It is the government”s responsibility to monitor and enforce checks against labour abuse and make the system treat migrant workers better.
Services to Drive Future Growth: Implications for CLMV Countries
The services sector is the drive for the future growth of the Asia Pacific region. Building capacity in the services sector and supporting regulatory reforms in the CLMV countries will enable these countries to access the benefits of services liberalization and help them to reach the full potential of the economy.
Managing the Rohingya Issue through Quiet Diplomacy
The Rohingya crisis is a transboundary problem that requires a regional response. ASEAN’s position of non-interference towards Myanmar should be combined with an awareness of the need to act together – a validation of mutual respect and constructive engagement.
Thailand’s New King
Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn will ascend to become King Rama X after accepting the invitation by the Thai parliament. How he reigns will affect the monarchy’s relationship with the military-backed parliament and the support of the public.
Trump, Singapore and the Anxious Middle Class
The Trump’s campaign appealed to the middle class who feel more insecure due to globalisation. It appealed to a bygone era when the privileged position of white middle-class Americans was sacrosanct. In Singapore, middle-class anxiety mirrors that of the US with the desire to get back to the ‘kampong days’ when all was well despite the relatively poorer living conditions.
Dangerous Dichotomy
Recent analyses of a US decline and China’s rise in East Asia can illuminate and clarify as much as they obfuscate and confuse.
A Political Reading of Najib’s Visit to China
Malaysia has been receiving a large-scale infusion of funds from China to support its economy and the building of infrastructure projects. The closer economic ties with China and planned arms deal will have political and strategic implications on Malaysia and ASEAN.
The Religiously Halal is not the Officially Halal…
Products made by Muslims are religiously halal, so there is no need to obtain a Jakim-certified halal certification. Officially halal products are produced by non-Muslims and multi-national companies with Jakim-certified halal certification.