The new leadership of MUI (Ulama Council of Indonesia) likely will be less politically involved and possibly more moderate.
Category Archives: Commentaries
The Postponed By-Election in Sabah: Another Fight, By and By
The postponement of a by-election in Sabah underscores the tenuous hold on power by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s Perikatan Nasional coalition.
New Fences on the China-Myanmar Border: Separation or Containment?
China has reportedly started erecting fences along its border with Myanmar. The move could be seen as a Chinese attempt to manage the Covid-19 pandemic in Myanmar, but some observers have alluded other motives to Beijing.
Vietnam – US Relations Under the Biden Administration
Vietnamese should not pine over President Trump’s loss and fret over Joe Biden’s victory too much.
Malaysia’s 2021 Budget Passed: Muhyiddin Lives to Fight Another Day
Despite opposition from within and without, the Perikatan Nasional coalition has passed Malaysia’s 2021 Budget on the second reading. Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, however, will still face considerable turbulence going forward.
South Korea and America’s Indo-Pacific Strategy: Yes, But Not Quite
Like many ASEAN member states, South Korea has sought to avoid “choosing sides” between China and the United States. It has adopted an uneasy equidistance between the two great powers and their respective Indo-Pacific Strategy and Belt and Road Initiative power plays.
Muhyiddin Needs to Unite UMNO’s Factions Behind Him
Prime Minister Muhyiddin’s clock is ticking, and Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah is holding it.
Mind the Gap: Biden’s Opportunity to Reengage Southeast Asia
The Biden administration will need to get both its words and actions right to rebuild trust in the USA in Southeast Asia.
Biden and Southeast Asia: When Foreign Policy Begins at Home
President-elect Biden will restore a more traditional style of diplomacy to the United States, but domestic considerations will weigh heavily on American foreign policy – and Washington’s approach to Southeast Asia.
Fulcrum: Putting the Spotlight on Southeast Asia
fulcrum /ˈfʊlkrə/, /ˈfʌlkrə/ ) (physics) the point on which a lever turns or is supported. [usually singular] the most important part of an activity or a situation.