Commentaries | FULCRUM

Malaysia’s Digital Economy Blueprint: More is Not Better

Then Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad (C) smiles during a photo session with IAP members at 6th Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) International Advisory Panel meeting in Cyberjaya, on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, on 5 September, 2002. (Photo: Ahmad YUSNI/ AFP)

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

Protesters display banners outside the Criminal Court in Bangkok on 24 February, 2021, during a demonstration calling for the release of pro-democracy activists held under Thailand's lese-majeste royal defamation laws. (Photo: Jack TAYLOR/ AFP)

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

A health worker checks the containers of Covid-19 vaccine produced by China's Sinovac, as they arrived in Surabaya on 13 January, 2021. (Photo: Juni Kriswanto/ AFP)

No parliamentary opposition means the government is not held to account for its vaccination programme.

Constant and Continuous: Vietnam’s Foreign Policy After The 13th Party Congress

Protesters hold up marked depictions of Chinese president Xi Jinping as they march on a street leading to the Chinese embassy in downtown Hanoi on 5 November, 2015, a few hours prior to the arrival of the Chinese leader for a two-day state visit. (Photo: Hoang Dinh NAM/ AFP)

Hedging between the US and China while promoting a rules-based South China Sea will continue to guide Vietnam’s foreign policy.

No-Confidence Motion in Thailand: Dissension Within and Without

An image of Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha

The recent no-confidence vote by the opposition in Thailand’s parliament shows that the ruling coalition is being riled by internal conflict.

For India, Miles to Go to Reengage Southeast Asia

The latest State of Southeast Asia Survey presents a sobering picture for India. New Delhi has its work cut out for it if it wants to engage the region more.