As the chair of ASEAN in 2022, Cambodia will have a lot to prove, be it on issues such as Myanmar, the South China Sea, and the grouping’s external relations.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Southeast Asia and the Major Powers: Climate Change and the Need For Shrewdness
Although geopolitics is encroaching onto climate change discussions, a poll shows that Southeast Asians remain objective and pragmatic. Achieving climate goals in the region depends on realpolitik and ASEAN leaders’ shrewdness in tapping resources from all major powers.
Political Coalitions in Malaysia: Fluid, Fleeting and Fickle
Despite being part of the same coalition as the United Malays National Organisation at the national level, Parti Islam Se-Malaysia is contesting against the grand old party in the upcoming state elections in Malacca. This might well reflect a new normal in the country’s politics.
Standing Up to Be Counted
The lack of common and comparable ASEAN-wide business statistics is an impediment to realising the vision of an ASEAN Economic Community.
Malaysia’s National Trade Blueprint: Mind the Gap
Malaysia’s newly unveiled National Trade Blueprint seeks to arrest the country’s downward slide in global export rankings. But its prescriptions may fall short of what is needed in today’s environment.
Is Cambodia’s Endemic Covid-19 Approach Sensible?
With high vaccination rates, Cambodia has decided to reopen. Learning to live with the virus may be the right decision but ending random testing could pose risks.
Collapse of Myanmar’s Fiscal Space
Myanmar’s fiscal position has been severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and the February coup. This will have repercussions long into the country’s future.
The Philippines after Duterte: The End of Impunity?
President Rodrigo Duterte’s controversial ‘war on drugs’ looms large in the 2022 election for his successor.
Muktamar and the Future of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU)
The largest Islamic organisation in Indonesia will hold its congress in December to elect its next chairman. The new leader will have his work cut out for him.
Moving the Indonesian Capital: Political Ambition or Realistic Vision?
Legislation to approve moving the Indonesian capital to East Kalimantan is expected soon. Meticulous planning and execution will be required to avoid huge problems in future.