A historic slump in Malaysia’s exports has been attributed to the coronavirus sweeping across the region. But the fall is indicative of a deeper, structural weakness in the economy.
Category Archives: Commentaries
South China Sea: Indonesia Crosses Swords with China
Indonesia has recently taken a firmer position vis-à-vis China on the South China Sea. Those who think that Jakarta is assuming the leadership mantle of ASEAN on the issue will be disappointed; the more assertive stance derives from Jakarta’s own interests.
Thai Government: The Question of Legitimacy
Thailand’s tough lèse majesté laws do not appear to have stifled expressions of resistance against the monarchy. Perhaps a review and relook of the laws surrounding perceived offenses to the monarchy is in order.
Sino-US Strategic Competition: Shades of a New Cold War?
A new report by the White House has cast China as an ideological threat to cherished liberties and the American way of life. This is a bipartisan approach that will endure even if President Donald Trump loses his bid for a second term.
Choosing Pakatan Harapan’s Prime Ministerial Candidate: Reconciling the Unreconcilable?
The Pakatan Harapan coalition has a plan for a political comeback, based on (another) pact between Mahathir Mohamad and his erstwhile nemesis, Anwar Ibrahim. While a bitter pill for Anwar and his party, this looks to be the only option before them. That this is the only visible pathway back to power does not make it any more likely to happen.
Cash, Cards And Cigarettes: Is Covid-19 Helping or Hampering The Black Economy?
It is difficult, at this stage, to predict the impact of Covid-19 on the black economy in the region. Lockdowns and the near-total ban on air travel could well affect underground trade – but only if regulators up their street smarts.
Joko’s Fire and Fury: A Chance to Reform the Cabinet?
As a recession looms, President Joko Widodo has unleashed his fury on his ministers for their mishandling of the Covid-19 pandemic. Speculation about a Cabinet reshuffle is rife. Instead of focusing on personalities, however, the emphasis should be on areas which desperately need reform
ASEAN Cities: Putting the Smarts into the Fight Against Covid-19
ASEAN governments and companies are harnessing the power of smart technologies to fight the Covid-19 pandemic. Given future challenges, small and local interventions will be vital.
Vietnam’s Ageing Challenge: Getting Old Before Getting Rich?
Vietnam is encouraging young people to get married earlier and have more kids to deal with the consequences of a rapidly ageing population. However, without proper measures to upgrade the skills of the workforce and enhance its productivity, Vietnam will not be able to find a sustainable solution to the problem.
Thai Military Reform: Never the Twain Shall Meet
Recent high-profile controversies involving the Thai military have elicited calls for reform in the institution. The problem is that the concept means different things to different parties.