Malaysia’s Umno has continued on its downward slide. In the culmination, this might well prove to be the revenge of Reformasi that begun as a popular revolt against the party more than two decades ago.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Covid-19 Outbreaks: The Challenge Facing the Fight Against Poverty
The Covid-19 pandemic has had manifold impacts on the poor in ASEAN member states. Upping vaccination rates will go a long way.
Don’t Miss the Turning Point of ASEAN’s Energy Plan
ASEAN’s Energy Plan is an empty fortress – dejected and under-delivered. But if done right, the region can turn a corner and do more to harness the power of renewables.
Covid-19 and Vietnam’s Short-lived ‘Breakout Moment’
At the beginning of 2021, Vietnam was looking forward to a “breakout moment”, with its hitherto successful containment of the coronavirus expected to facilitate strong economic recovery. However, the country now appears to be missing this opportunity due to the ongoing fourth wave of Covid-19 infections.
US Challenges in Southeast Asia Under Biden
The Biden Administration has reinvigorated its approach towards Southeast Asia. This, however, will be limited by important US priorities and Southeast Asian reluctance to irk Beijing.
The Malaysian Impasse: Some Outcomes to Consider
While Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s government only commands a minority in parliament, those who wish to see him gone would need to cobble together an alternative majority.
State Elections in Sarawak: Kingmaker in the Offing?
The political temperature in Kuala Lumpur has risen recently due to the governing coalition’s increasingly tenuous hold on the reins of power. In the general elections that are to come, any coalition eyeing power will have to look at the eastern state of Sarawak.
UMNO Withdraws from Perikatan: September Blues for Muhyiddin?
Malaysia Prime Minister Muhyiddin pulled off a historic coup in February last year, when he ditched the then-ruling Pakatan Harapan coalition to form a new government. Eighteen months on, he might soon be getting a taste of his own medicine.
Team Biden: A Southeast Asia Reset
Compared to China, the Biden Administration has been slow off the blocks in the game of winning friends and influencing people in Southeast Asia. It has its work cut out for it.
Between Religious Rituals and Safety Protocols in the Time of a Pandemic
Religious leaders have an important role to play, in word and deed, to safeguard the physical and spiritual well-being of their flock during this pandemic.