Philippines seeking to review the 1987 Constitution from a unitary to a federal system. But a leaked copy of the Committee’s draft constitution supported critics’ argument that it will benefit the political interests of the current national-level politicians than to contribute to a more efficient and devolved political system.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Vietnam’s Anti-corruption Campaign: How much is it about Political Infighting?
General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong led the fight against corruption among high-profile politicians and those in the state-owned enterprises (SOE) who are closely associated with former Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung. The anti-corruption campaign is a watershed development that hopes to establish Mr Trong’s legacy after he retires in 2021.
Reviewing Mahathir’s and Malaysia’s Foreign Policy
Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad’s visit to Japan in June 2018 signaled the government’s interest to work closely with Japan. While affirming friendly ties with China, Malaysia will vigorously defend its rights in the South China Sea disputes.
How ASEAN Supports the Korean Peninsula Peace Process
The historic meeting between US President, Donald Trump, and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) State Affairs Commission Chairman, Mr Kim Jong Un, paved the way for DPRK participation in the ASEAN Regional Forum. With the resumption of trade and bilateral engagement with ASEAN member states, Pyongyang has a higher stake in the maintenance of regional peace and stability.
Vietnam under Increasing Pressure from China in the South China Sea
From beefing up its military presence in the islands near Vietnam to overt attempts at curtailing Vietnam’s commercial activities in the South China Sea through the threat of force, Beijing has been ramping up the pressure on Hanoi to coerce Vietnam into compromising its maritime claims in favour of China’s interests.
The Future of China’s Investment in Malaysia under Mahathir
While Mahathir’s new government has no issues with foreign direct investment from China, the same cannot be said of Chinese investments funded by loans guaranteed by the previous government – particularly infrastructure projects such as the East Coast Rail Link and the numerous port projects that may pose a security risk.
Whither Malaysia’s China Policy Under Prime Minister Mahathir?
Despite his highly vocal stance that Malaysia has become too dependent on China, the bilateral relationship between Malaysia and China is unlikely to change drastically under Prime Minister Mahathir. China is too important as an economic partner for Malaysia, and Malaysia being is too influential within ASEAN for China to upset.
ASEAN Smart Cities Network: Preparing For the Future
Introduced at the 32nd ASEAN Summit, the ASEAN Smart Cities Network aims to improve the lives of ASEAN citizens using technology as an enabler. Comprising 26 pilot cities across all ten ASEAN member states, it is the first step towards regional cooperation in a digital future.
Seamless ASEAN Sky: Policymakers Need to Look Beyond Obstacles
The 32nd ASEAN Summit ended with a commitment towards a Seamless ASEAN Sky. Both the trajectory to open skies across ASEAN member states will see some turbulence. Necessary reforms are needed to make the concept a reality.
Coming Top Personnel Changes Important for Vietnam’s Political Prospects
With three Politburo members unable to fulfil their five-year terms due to health or legal issues and one more tipped to be the frontrunner as the next President, the upcoming plenum will be one to watch closely, as the appointment of new members to the Politburo will have important implications for Vietnam’s political prospects.