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.
Category Archives: Commentaries
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.
Jakarta and Papua: Where There are No Risk-Free Choices
Recent events in Papua underscore the fact that there is no solution that is entirely free of risk for Jakarta. Instead, the choice is between separate sets of risks.
Sinovac or Not: Thai Vaccine Politics
The country’s political polarisation is hindering the government’s COVID-19 vaccination programme.
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 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
Critics of the Myanmar military should not be too quick in dismissing its propaganda. A closer examination reveals the junta’s priorities and strategy.