Malaysia is facing a dilemma when it comes to pushing through the reform of its petrol subsidies. It has to stay the course.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Why are Chinese Students Choosing Higher Education in Asian Countries?
Chinese students are increasingly opting for Asian universities. With the right policies, Southeast Asia can continue to reap the benefits.
The Thai-Cambodian War of Cyber Attrition: Implications for ASEAN
The Thai-Cambodian cyber crossfire highlights ASEAN’s challenge in addressing gaps in international law to prevent both state and non-state actors from misusing cyberspace.
Lee Jae Myung’s Southeast Asia Policy: Can It Move Beyond Its Vietnam Focus?
South Korea’s ties with Southeast Asia are overly focused on Vietnam. To assert its middle power status, the country needs to diversify its relations and rectify this imbalance.
Increasing Government Efficiency in Malaysia through a New Act
A new Act to improve government efficiency in Malaysia would help streamline the bureaucracy and reduce regulatory burdens. It could be improved, however, by adding some parliamentary oversight.
Scarborough Shoal Incident Might Raise Tensions
A recent incident between the Philippine Coast Guard and China’s maritime forces could presage a change in tactics by the latter. If this is so, tensions in the disputed area might head north.
Ceasefire on Borrowed Time: The Fragility of Great Power Mediation in the Thai-Cambodian Dispute
The involvement of China and the US in the Thai-Cambodian dispute is useful, but it also obscures the need for both Southeast Asian neighbours to reduce the incidence of escalation on the ground.
Fiqh Sabahi: A Rare Jurisprudential Path Towards an Inclusive Islamic Paradigm in Malaysia
The Islamic authorities in Sabah have developed an open-minded approach towards Islamic jurisprudence whose inclusivity speaks to the realities on the ground.
Anwar’s Diplomatic Dilemma
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has bagged a string of political victories, but he faces a dilemma with Washington’s nomination of a pro-Israel ambassador.
What Can Timor-Leste Bring to ASEAN?
The debut of Timorese respondents in the 2025 State of Southeast Asia survey reveals their sentiments pertaining to a challenging geopolitical landscape and hints at the potential value that the incoming eleventh member can bring to ASEAN.