UMNO president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is typically the embodiment of calm. Going forward, however, Zahid and his faction will have to hunker down to confront multiple challenges.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Jokowi’s Dilemma: Spirit Versus Sharia
President Jokowi Widodo’s cancellation of a presidential decree on alcohol investment underscores a long-running contestation between the powers of the state and sharia law.
Why the United States is an Unreliable Partner to Southeast Asia
As long as the Republican Party remains a viable political party capable of gaining power, the US will be politically unstable, and as a result, be an unreliable ally in the future.
Governor’s Arrest a Wake-up Call for Indonesia’s Flawed Electoral System
High profile arrests expose the costs and corruption of Indonesian democracy.
Cambodia Embraces China’s Controversial Confucius Institutes
China’s Confucius Institutes have been vilified in the West, but they have gained much traction in Cambodia. This is not surprising, given Cambodia is one of China’s closest allies in Southeast Asia.
Criticising Indonesia’s Anti-Criticism Law: Irony of Ironies
Indonesia’s president Joko Widodo has called for criticism of his administration. He got more than he bargained for.
Vietnam’s Mekong Middle Power Diplomacy
Hanoi is applying its South China Sea playbook to the Mekong.
Malaysia’s Digital Economy Blueprint: More is Not Better
This 100+ page plan may hinder more than help the country’s digital economy transformation.
What’s Good for the Goose is Good for the Gander
The convictions of three ministers do not augur well for the ruling coalition led by Thai Prime Minister Prayut. It also sets a precedent for pro-democracy protestors who have been detained – invoking one’s constitutional right to justify unlawful protest activities is an invalid legal defence.
To Be Young and Rich: Indonesia’s Vaccination Controversies
No parliamentary opposition means the government is not held to account for its vaccination programme.