Commentaries | FULCRUM

Malaysia’s Federal and State Government Vaccine Drives: Too Many Cooks?

Due to the federal government’s slow vaccination rate, some state governments have stepped into the breach to inoculate their populations. Their collective experience thus far has been somewhat patchy.

COVID-19 Measures in Malaysia: Resentment and Rancour Brewing on the Ground

As the government rolls out stricter measures to control the spread of COVID-19, it is unfortunate that some people on the ground blame the authorities for their incompetence instead of working together to break the back of the virus.

When Busting the Graft Busters is Not On

A file photo of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) building seen in window reflections.

A series of changes in Indonesia’s KPK will seriously dent the anti-graft body’s ability to investigate cases of corruption.

Military Rule in Myanmar: Parsing the Propaganda

A soldier stands guard along a road as security forces search for protesters, who had been taking part in a demonstration against the military coup, in Yangon on 7 May, 2021. (Photo: STR/ AFP)

Critics of the Myanmar military should not be too quick in dismissing its propaganda. A closer examination reveals the junta’s priorities and strategy.

Philippine-US Cooperation on Whitsun Reef: A “Win” for the Biden Team in Southeast Asia?

U.S. Embassy in the Philippines Charge d’Affaires John Law, Philippine Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana, senior Armed Forces of the Philippines, and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command representatives participate in the closing ceremony of the Balikatan Exercise. (Photo: Donald VILUAN/ US Indo-Pacific Command)

Southeast Asian views of the United States declined during the Trump administration, and persisted into the Biden administration early on in the year. But Washington’s sustained support for Manila amid the latter’s recent confrontation with China in the South China Sea has helped to offset negative perceptions of Uncle Sam in the region.

Lesson Learnt: Indonesia’s Second Eid al-Fitri under Covid-19

A health worker collects swab sample from a passenger to test for the Covid-19 coronavirus during the homecoming (mudik) of people ahead of the Eid al-Fitr celebrations

In 2020, Eid-al-Fitri was a national superspreader event. This year the government and Muslim organisations were better prepared.

Vietnam’s Consumer Finance Goes Global

The entrance of FE Credit headquarters in Ho Chi Minh City.

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group’s new 49 per cent stake in FE Credit highlights the need for greater regulatory oversight and consumer protection measures.

Quad 2.0: Beyond “Not Making Choices”, Giving ASEAN a Slew of Options

US President Joe Biden (L), with Secretary of State Antony Blinken (2nd L), meets virtually with members of the "Quad" alliance of Australia, India, Japan and the US, in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on 12 March, 2021. (Photo by Oliver DOULIERY/ AFP)

India’s grappling with the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic at home has only highlighted the need for greater “issue-based” coalitions in the Indo-Pacific. This is relevant to ASEAN as the grouping looks to assert its centrality in regional affairs.

ASEAN’s Mission to Myanmar: An Approach to Ends with Possibilities of Success

Police (foreground) disperse demonstrators calling for democracy in Myanmar during a rally outside the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) building in Jakarta on 24 April, 2021, where the ASEAN summit on the Myanmar crisis is due to take place. (Photo: Bay ISMOYO/ AFP)

All eyes will be on the incoming mission of the ASEAN Chair’s special envoy in Myanmar to facilitate talks between the military junta and civilian government it toppled earlier this year. But the writing is already on the wall – the envoy has a mountain to climb.