As the kingdom grapples with a third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, the political parties in the ruling coalition appear to be focused more on gaining political mileage than fighting the virus.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Malaysia’s Long Overdue Defence Reforms: Jettisoning the Age of Innocence
The age of innocence that has dominated Malaysia’s attitude towards defence matters in the past three decades needs to be jettisoned. Given mounting threats in its external environment, Malaysia needs to accelerate defence reforms centred on the concept of jointness across multiple domains.
Challenges Facing Vietnam’s Covid-19 Vaccination Drive
Vietnam is accelerating efforts to secure adequate vaccine supplies amidst a resurgence of Covid-19 infections in the country.
Scholarly or Trendy? The Declining Influence of Malaysian Muftis and the Emergence of Popular Preachers
The growing popularity of media savvy celebrity preachers – not all of whom are theologically well-trained – could erode the quality of Islamic discourse in the longer term.
Muslim Leaders and Preachers Fighting Vaccine Hesitancy: A Shot in the Arm
As Malaysia battles a new wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Muslim leaders and preachers have been instrumental in fighting vaccine hesitancy among their followers.
Chinese Aircraft Approaching! An Opportunity for Malaysian Airpower
Malaysia’s airpower capabilities may not be enough to respond to stepped-up Chinese activities above Malaysia’s exclusive economic zone.
Brunei’s Visit to Myanmar: No Time to Run Down the Clock
A team from Brunei is reportedly visiting Myanmar this weekend. The aims of the visit are yet unclear. Still, Brunei, as ASEAN Chair, should first announce the identity of the grouping’s Special Envoy to the country and empower him or her with the necessary resources to carry out the task at hand.
New Call Among Thai Youth: Let’s Move Out
Recent developments on Thai social media underscore a growing shift in sentiments in segments of the Thai pro-democracy movement. Instead of pressing for political change, they have displayed a growing — and worrying — sense of hopelessness.
Following the Money: Changes to Philippine Remittance Inflows
The U.S. solidifies its paramount status, and Singapore rises to #2.
U.S.-Vietnam Post-War Reconciliation: A Work in Process
Forty-five years after the cessation of the Vietnam War, relations behind Vietnam and the U.S. have improved markedly. But some issues, such as the legacy of Agent Orange and relations with former refugees, require delicate handling.