US President Donald Trump’s executive order to impose a four-month travel ban on refugees entering the United States has increased their vulnerability in Southeast Asia. Many find themselves living in dire straits.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Vietnam, President Trump and the TPP
President Donald Trump’s withdrawal of the U.S. from the TPP is a huge loss for Vietnam. To reduce its dependence on the Chinese economy. Vietnam will have to look elsewhere for free trade deals to secure its economy.
Whither the True Cost of Mega-Port Development?
The development of the Klang Valley’s third port and industrial city in Carey Island comes against a slump in the international shipping trade, and the formation of mega-alliances of container carriers for economies of scale due to over-capacity. Assessment of economic, socio-cultural, environmental, and political impact needs to be carried out – as well as its implications on other Malaysian ports.
Beyond Jakarta: Indonesian Regions Resisting Muslim Hardliners
The rising trend of religious intolerance and hard-line ideologies, is being challenged across Indonesia. The central government must take the lead in dealing with such attitudes so that local authorities can follow suit.
“Islamization of Politics” in Indonesia and Malaysia?
Recent political developments in Indonesia and Malaysia have seen the use of Islam in determining the political processes – Islam was employed to weaken the ruling elite, or to maintain political power and to support a forthcoming election. Such tactics may inadvertently destroy the pluralistic nature of both societies.
What Lies Ahead for Sarawak with Adenan Satem’s passing?
Chief Minister Adenan Satem, who passed away recently, implemented a series of popular policies, which helped to deliver the bulk of parliamentary seats in Sabah and Sarawak to the ruling coalition BN in the 2013 elections. While Adenan has a team in place to seek continuity in policies, there is a lack of a new leader vocal enough to face the government in Putrajaya.
Migrant Worker Abuse Remains a Problem in Malaysia
The presence of forced labour in Malaysia prevails despite some employers being compliant with market norms against such labour. It is the government”s responsibility to monitor and enforce checks against labour abuse and make the system treat migrant workers better.
Services to Drive Future Growth: Implications for CLMV Countries
The services sector is the drive for the future growth of the Asia Pacific region. Building capacity in the services sector and supporting regulatory reforms in the CLMV countries will enable these countries to access the benefits of services liberalization and help them to reach the full potential of the economy.
Managing the Rohingya Issue through Quiet Diplomacy
The Rohingya crisis is a transboundary problem that requires a regional response. ASEAN’s position of non-interference towards Myanmar should be combined with an awareness of the need to act together – a validation of mutual respect and constructive engagement.
Thailand’s New King
Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn will ascend to become King Rama X after accepting the invitation by the Thai parliament. How he reigns will affect the monarchy’s relationship with the military-backed parliament and the support of the public.