Commentaries | FULCRUM

Malaysia’s Proposed PM Term Limit: Some Things to Consider

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s legislation to limit the prime minister’s term to 10 years is a prudent move. This should be paired with fixed parliamentary terms.

Should Southeast Asia Pay Attention to ‘Spheres of Influence’?

What might the implications of the United States’ actions in Venezuela be for Southeast Asian countries?

“Youth Retirement Homes”: A Temporary Fad or an Emerging Industry?

A number of ‘youth retirement homes’ in China and, more recently, Malaysia provide insights into the predicaments faced by youth in the two countries.

Marhamah Rosli: Risk or Opportunity for Madani?

The prime minister has surprisingly appointed a neophyte as his new deputy religious affairs minister, but this move may yet pay off.

The Elephant Not in the Room: Thailand’s 2026 Election Campaigns Sidestep Structural Reforms

Thailand’s major parties present contrasting economic platforms and could find common ground on some incremental reforms, but deeper structural challenges remain weakly addressed.

Indonesia’s ‘Haj Village’ in Mecca: A Breakthrough but Strong Management and Caution Needed

The government has launched an ambitious plan to improve the experience for Indonesian haj pilgrims. The question is whether worldly rewards might compromise the holiness and rightfulness of the mission.

The UEC Debate Reawakens Identity Discourse

The issue of recognition for the pre-university exam certificate issued by Chinese-language schools has renewed identity politics in Malaysia.

Indonesia in 2026: Prabowo’s First ‘Real’ Year of Ambition and Why We Should Care

On the policy front, what kind of year lies ahead for the Prabowo administration?

Seats Without Sway: Women in Indonesia’s Parliament

Women’s presence in Indonesia’s parliament still falls short of the 30 per cent quota. They are also underrepresented in parliamentary bodies handling strategic issues and in their leadership ranks.