The central government’s proposal to ban the niqab in Indonesian public offices faces pushback from local political leaders and various quarters of the country’s Muslim community.
Category Archives: Commentaries
A Review of the ASEAN Charter: In the Fullness of Time
A long-running review of the ASEAN Charter may yet bear fruit – or it may not.
Indonesia and Covid-19: Worst of Both Worlds
Jakarta is going into a second lockdown in the wake of the Covid-19. This time, it is hoped that the capital will avoid the nightmare scenario: a lockdown that fails to stop community transmission and a further contraction of the economy.
PAS and the “Younger Brother” Conundrum
Six months after Perikatan Nasional grabbed the reins of power, Parti Islam Se-Malaysia has settled into its position as a party in the ruling coalition. The question is whether the rank and file can stomach the party’s second fiddle status.
Vietnam’s Online Policing: Taking a Leaf from China’s Playbook
Typically, governments are influenced by sentiments expressed in social media to and adjust their policies accordingly. A string of episodes has demonstrated that Vietnam has taken a leaf out of China’s playbook in steering the online narrative.
Uncle Sam Will Have to Change His Tune After November for Buy-in From Southeast Asia
High stakes in the upcoming US presidential election for Southeast Asia and for American influence and goodwill in the region.
Muhyiddin Yassin: Sitting Pretty (For Now)
Roiled by political instability in the past few months, Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin can afford to take a breather, for now at least. A survey by arguably the country’s foremost pollster shows him in a strong position.
General Prayut’s Failing Premiership: Self-inflicted Wound
The sudden departure of Thailand’s newly-appointed finance minister is a sign that premiership of Prayut Chan-ocha is failing.
India’s Obsession With Thailand’s Kra Canal: Much Ado About Nothing
News that Thailand has “cancelled” its Kra canal project and replaced it with a land bridge has exercised Indian observers. But you cannot scrap a plan that has not been approved and Indian media reports say more about tensions with China along their land border than a centuries’ old Thai canal plan.
Digital Payments Can Accelerate Master Plan for ASEAN Connectivity
Digital payment systems have proliferated across Southeast Asia, thanks to various platforms provided by banks, ride-hailing apps and fintech firms. For such payments to truly take off, the region needs to work on facilitating cross-border transactions.