It was all sweetness and light at the recent general assembly of the United Malays National Organisation. But there is more than meets the eye.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Targeting the Tourism Dollar from ASEAN
China is the world’s biggest source of tourists, but ASEAN is not far behind it. As borders open up, it might be worthwhile looking at enticing tourists from ASEAN.
Bangkok’s New Chinatown: Waiting for Another Ka-Ching
Bangkok’s ‘new Chinatown’ flourished when a steady stream of Chinese tourists visited the area. As the country prepares to re-open its borders, the question is whether the area will revisit its glory days.
Separatists, Conflict and Refugees: Geopolitics Along Thailand and India’s Myanmar Border
The February 2021 coup in Myanmar has thrown up a new raft of problems for Thailand and India. The re-assembling of Indian separatist groups in Myanmar, the spillover from armed conflict and the arrival of refugees in Thailand and India are just the tip of the iceberg.
Slashing Methane Emissions: A Tricky Business
Reducing methane emissions is achievable, but there are several prickly issues.
Community-led Social Cohesion in Post-Coup Myanmar: A Promising Glimmer
The popular resistance has issued a clarion call for a federal democratic Myanmar, based on inclusive politics. The practice of social cohesion constitutes both a starting point for building inclusive politics, and a much-needed trust-building exercise in a heavily trust-deficient Myanmar society.
Reaping the Benefits of RCEP: From Utilisation to Exports
The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) has come into force, but member countries have their work cut out for them in seeking to raise utilisation rates and exports.
Rising Support for Postponing Indonesia’s Elections? What the Data Really Says
Once again, key Indonesian politicians are floating trial balloons on the merits of postponing the 2024 Indonesian presidential election, citing mounting public support for it. But the data suggests otherwise.
Pakatan Harapan in Johor: Fading Fan Favourites
PH’s campaign messaging has consisted of playing its ‘fan favourites’ of good governance and anti-corruption. This is a re-run of the 2018 campaign, which successfully linked Malaysian’s economic woes to the imposition of the Goods and Service Tax (GST), the financial extravagance of former prime minister Najib Razak, and the ill-fated 1MDB.
Vietnam Netizens Reactions at Odds with Vietnam’s Stance on Ukraine
Vietnamese netizen sentiments suggest that they have generally been critical of Vietnam’s decision to abstain from the UN resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.