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.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Why is Malaysia Slow to Ratify the CPTPP?
Despite becoming a signatory to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, Malaysia has yet to ratify the agreement, citing concerns over the required governance reform that will impact their preferential Bumiputera policies.
Is the Participation of Buddhist Monks in Thai Politics still Taboo?
In the past two decades, Thai monks have become more involved in national politics. This development is unprecedented and has created a growing tension between the Thai state and the Thai sangha.
Delayed Elections and Growing Frustrations in Northeastern Thailand
Even though Thailand’s pro-junta camp has been beefing up their electoral support, they still do not seem ready to hold the long-delayed elections. Further postponement of the 2019 elections may cause protestors to take to the streets once again.
US Navy Conducts First South China Sea FONOP of 2019
A recent freedom of navigation operation conducted by the USS McCampbell in the South China coincided with talks in Beijing between US and China. The relatively restrained response by the People’s Liberation Army lessened the risk of a collision – and a serious crisis in China-US relations.
How to Read Hanoi’s Position on the South China Sea COC?
The ASEAN-China Code of Conduct negotiations took an unexpected turn when Vietnam started calling for a ban on any new Air Defence Identification Zone over the South China Sea. However, China is unlikely to concede due to its maritime ambitions, and may even harden its stance against these pressures.
Ma’ruf Amin: A Shield from Identity Politics, but not a Vote-getter?
Ma’ruf Amin, Joko Wido’s choice of running mate for the presidential election in April next year, was chosen mainly to “shield” the Presdient from the attacks utilising the politics of identity and religion. However, Jokowi’s camp needs to lower their expectations for Ma’ruf Amin as a vote-getter as he lacks appeal among young voters.
Why did Vietnam Cancel its Defence Engagements with the US?
Vietnam cancelled the fifteen defence engagement activities scheduled for 2019 with the United States. Whether it will reverse its decision depends on whether the US will waive sanctions on countries buying military equipment from Russia; the future direction of US-China relations, and China’s stance in the South China Sea dispute.
The Mid-Term Review of the Eleventh Malaysia Plan: A Glimpse of the PH Government’s Future Economic Policy Directions
The Mid-Term Review of the Eleventh Malaysia Plan (MTR-11MP) is a broad overview of the PH government’s future economic policy directions with emphasis on institutional reforms and reducing state-level developmental gaps that have persisted.
The Sudden Passing of President Tran Dai Quang and Its Implications
The sudden passing of Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang has created a vacant position without a clear front runner to fill it. Though largely ceremonial, it will have important implications for the country’s political system.