The appointment of a relatively junior assemblyman to be Johor’s Menteri Besar is curious. But there are deeper undercurrents at work.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Custody Woes: PAS’ Calls for the ‘Desecularisation’ of Malaysian Law
Malaysia’s Islamists and conservatives, led by PAS, are challenging the country’s legal system, calling for the ‘desecularisation’ of Malaysian law in cases involving religious conversions.
Indonesia and Taliban-Led Afghanistan: Treading with Caution
Indonesia has been cautious in granting diplomatic recognition to the new Taliban regime in Kabul. There are good reasons for doing so.
The Belt and Road Initiative and the Philippines’ Post-Duterte China Challenge
Even under China-friendly President Duterte, Chinese BRI projects in the Philippines still encountered strong political opposition and faced several challenges in their roll-out. Nevertheless, taking a broader view of the BRI shows that it has made some progress and jives with the development needs of the Philippines.
Despite Proscription, HTI’s Ideological Activism Continues
Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia was banned in 2017, but the propagation of HTI’s ideology has continued to thrive in Indonesia via various media channels.
ASEAN Special Envoy in Myanmar: Too Little, Too Late?
The recent visit to Myanmar by ASEAN’s Special Envoy has been disappointing. It might be time to reconsider the grouping’s five-point consensus.
U.S.-China Rivalry in Regional Economic Cooperation: Opportunities and Challenges for ASEAN
China’s membership in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the prospect of its accession to the CPTPP further increase China’s role in supporting the rules-based multilateral system to which the U.S. is making a steady but selective comeback.
Thailand and the Russia-Ukraine War: Bending or Gone with the Wind?
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has highlighted how Thailand’s desire to balance its relations with the major powers, coupled with the deleterious effects of nearly two decades of political turmoil, has enervated the country’s foreign policy.
Resetting the Throw-Away Lifestyle
No politician in both developing and developed nations would be ready to condemn more consumption, more growth and more throw-away. But the alternative need not be anti-consumption. Innovations and nascent movements in sustainable consumption show us more options.
Nahdlatul Ulama ‘Going Global’: Charity Should Begin at Home
The newly-elected chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama has a grand vision about humanitarian Islam. In practice, however, the policy is found wanting when it comes to attending to the needs of the NU rank and file.