The Trump’s campaign appealed to the middle class who feel more insecure due to globalisation. It appealed to a bygone era when the privileged position of white middle-class Americans was sacrosanct. In Singapore, middle-class anxiety mirrors that of the US with the desire to get back to the ‘kampong days’ when all was well despite the relatively poorer living conditions.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Dangerous Dichotomy
Recent analyses of a US decline and China’s rise in East Asia can illuminate and clarify as much as they obfuscate and confuse.
A Political Reading of Najib’s Visit to China
Malaysia has been receiving a large-scale infusion of funds from China to support its economy and the building of infrastructure projects. The closer economic ties with China and planned arms deal will have political and strategic implications on Malaysia and ASEAN.
The Religiously Halal is not the Officially Halal…
Products made by Muslims are religiously halal, so there is no need to obtain a Jakim-certified halal certification. Officially halal products are produced by non-Muslims and multi-national companies with Jakim-certified halal certification.
The Death of a King
The passing of King Bhumibol’s, a figure of stability, is marked by grief and uncertainty over the economic and political state of the country. The newly crowned King Rama X’s actions will set the tone for the monarchy to be above the political squalor or be tainted by it.
Vietnam, ASEAN and the ‘Consensus Dilemma’
The ASEAN consensus principle constrains Vietnam’s efforts to forge a common position among the ASEAN member states on the South China Sea disputes. However, Vietnam and some ASEAN partners can work together to come up with ad hoc mechanisms to address urgent security issues.
Is Malaysia Really out of the Middle Income Trap?
Using international benchmarks for per capita income, Malaysia has declared itself to be out of the Middle Income Trap. A more accurate method would be to base the performance benchmarks on the transition towards higher value-added activities with efficient methods of production, highly-skilled workforce, deeper research capabilities, and efficient business environments.
Mahathir’s Bersatu is Best Understood as an NGO
Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia, a new Malay-based political party, has been formed by Mahathir Mohamad to provide an alternative to UMNO and wins votes from the Malays.
Bombings in South Thailand
While the Thai military government blamed the bomb blasts to the red-shirt conflict, incoming evidence suggests that Muslim separatist movements are involved. The bombings underscore the fact that the military government has failed to address the ethnic-religious conflict and the presence of Asian-based Islamic State (IS) networks in the south.
Issues and Points to Look out for at the 49th ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting and Related Meetings
The 49th ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting will take place against the backdrop of The South China Sea dispute, with the leaders of ASEAN unable to give a unified position on the matter. With six foreign ministers taking part in the AMM for the first time, the collegiality and cohesion of ASEAN will be tested.