Recent shake-ups in the Tatmadaw show that it may not be as monolithic an institution as it portrays itself to be. The State Administration Council has gradually turned into a shell entity with power becoming more concentrated in the hands of Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Ratsadornprasong Fund: New Front for People’s Struggles Against the Establishment
A grassroots initiative called the Ratsadornprasong Fund has been created to shoulder the financial burden of bail and legal support for arrested protestors. The millions of baht raised in support of the fund is emblematic of the anti-establishment movement’s mass support in Thailand.
Elections in Johor: Needlessly Nigh?
The Johor state assembly has been dissolved, paving the way for snap state elections to be held within the next 60 days. For those UMNO leaders seeking to boost their party’s momentum, this might not be the wisest of moves.
Myanmar’s Post-coup Aid Crisis: Whither Civilian Protection?
The humanitarian sector in Myanmar has shrunk considerably because of operational challenges surrounding the post-coup political environment. Even as political uncertainties remain, the restoration of humanitarian aid for the people is urgently needed.
Seeing Red over Rising Prices for Greens
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.
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?