Marred by criticisms of being too lenient or too slow, ASEAN’s ability to credibly engage Myanmar on the Rohingya issue was discussed at length during the 34th ASEAN Summit. Unfortunately, this decades-long problem is one that needs time and patience to resolve in a meaningful and lasting manner.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Women MPs in the 2019 Thai Parliament
Thailand scores well when it comes to female leadership in the corporate realm, but this is not replicated in the political realm. While female representation is still low in Thai politics, it has been improving with every election – a promising sign of progress.
Vietnam Extends Anti-corruption Drive Ahead of CPV Congress
Characterised by its slow but sure approach, Vietnam’s anti-corruption campaign has led to the prosecution of an unprecedented number of high-ranking officials. The campaign is set to intensify in the coming years leading up to the Party’s 13th national congress in 2021.
Singapore is Currently the Biggest Foreign Investor in Myanmar
In the past five years, Singapore has overtaken China as the largest investor in Myanmar. While Myanmar stands to benefit from this, it will need to maintain legal, regulatory and political stability in order to maintain Singapore’s enthusiasm for investing in the country.
Why does Vietnam Shy Away from Huawei’s 5G Technologies?
The absence of Huawei from Vietnam’s 5G mobile network rollout is rooted in three key reasons: cybersecurity concerns over Chinese equipment, a desire to develop its own high tech industries, and the need to strengthen the country’s security and defence ties with the United States.
Coalition Scenarios in Thailand after the Polls
None of three strongest parties will be able to win a majority of the seats in the coming elections. In the end, a coalition of parties will be needed for these parties to gather the votes necessary to appoint their preferred Prime Minister candidate.
Thailand’s 2019 Elections: Regime Change or Prolonging Junta Rule?
Coming 5 years after the military coup that ousted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Thailand’s 2019 elections will likely mark the start of a new round of struggles to set the terms of a political order that is still in flux .
Nahdlatul Ulama and the Framing of an Ideological Battle in the 2019 Indonesian Elections
Indonesia’s 2019 presidential elections have turned into a proxy battle between two different ideological leanings. Anti-caliphate and moderate Islamist groups backing Joko Widodo have arrayed themselves against pro-caliphate groups backing Prabowo.
The Significance of the Second Trump – Kim Summit for Vietnam
As a country rebuilt from the ruins of war, hosting the second Trump-Kim summit will give Vietnam an opportunity to enhance its international standing and play a bigger role in international affairs.
Ahead of 2020 Elections, Moves to Amend the Myanmar Constitution
Making good on one of their 2015 campaign promises, Myanmar’s ruling NLD party has formed a Joint Committee for Constitutional Amendment just ahead of the 2020 elections. However, even with its super-majority, the party will still need the support of minority parties and military representatives to pass any amendments.