Malaysian netizens are seeing red over the government’s handling of rising prices for daily necessities. The reality is that much of the recent price hikes are due to factors beyond the government’s control.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Historical Continuity in Myanmar’s Second Struggle for Independence
The movement fighting against the military junta in Myanmar has deeper roots that stretch back to the 1988 uprising, and even beyond. This provides another reason to treat it with the respect it deserves.
Presidential Polls and the West Philippine Sea: A Sea Change?
The winner of the 2022 presidential elections will determine how the Philippines will handle its legally recognised claims in the West Philippine Sea both domestically and in the regional arena.
Vietnam’s New Graft Scandal Sets Back Anti-Corruption Drive
The recent corruption scandal involving Viet A Corp’s inflation of Covid-19 test-kit prices and payment of kickbacks shows that Vietnam’s intensified anti-corruption efforts have quite some way to go.
The New Nahdlatul Ulama (NU): ‘Islamic Party No; Islamic Politicians Yes?’
Newly elected NU Chairman Yahya Cholil Staquf campaigned on a platform to depoliticise NU in the run-up to the next elections. But NU’s new leadership line-up suggests otherwise.
Malaysia’s Employees Provident Fund: An Emergency Populist Fund?
Hard questions must be asked of Malaysia’s depletion of workers’ hard-earned retirement savings. Was it justified to permissively sacrifice future income for present consumption? Did political interest thump economic analysis?
Thailand and the Crisis in Myanmar: Playing a Peacemaker Role
The crisis in Myanmar is a delicate one for Thailand, given the military junta’s proclivity to drawing parallels between the two ASEAN countries. To help manage the crisis, Bangkok can play the role of a peacemaker to engage all parties concerned in Myanmar.
Hun Sen’s visit to Myanmar: A Perspective from Myanmar
Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen’s recent visit to Myanmar will achieve little in nudging the Myanmar military towards implementing ASEAN’s five-point consensus. No meaningful solution can be attained without engaging the people of Myanmar.
Cryptos: Un-Tethering from the Military Junta
The use of cryptocurrency Tether by the National Unity Government, Myanmar’s parallel government, threatens to undermine the sovereignty of the ruling State Administration Council on multiple fronts.
Indonesia’s South China Sea Confab: When Chin-wagging Counts
Indonesia plans to convene a meeting with some of its ASEAN colleagues to discuss the South China Sea. The idea is not new, but this time it might just work.