Indonesia’s civil society and university campuses have long been a bellwether for military overreach. The current mood among resistors is distinctly anxious.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Will Malaysia Gravitate Further Towards China After President Xi’s Visit?
A flurry of bilateral agreements on travel, transport, logistics, technology, and digital economy signal closer Malaysia-China cooperation in the future.
Bangkok Politics in 2025: Beacon of Thai Pluralism
Bangkok’s penchant for political pluralism has persisted. In the 2026 elections, this would see a popular and independent incumbent pitted against an up and rising opposition party.
Abdullah Badawi – An Understated and Underrated Leader
Abdullah Badawi’s brand melded the best of two worlds, namely rising living standards and technological ambition minus the angst and aggression of the Mahathir period.
Pak Lah and Islam Hadhari’s Hits and Misses
Former Malaysian PM Abdullah Badawi’s signature Islam Hadhari project aimed to promote progressive Islam but faded after his tenure due mainly to lack of support from religious circles.
Myanmar’s Earthquake Threatens a Lasting Economic Scar
The recent earthquake in central Myanmar threatens to deepen the country’s economic malaise.
Thai State Audit Office Has Only Itself to Blame For Tragic Collapse of Building
Dubious partnerships, corruption, and poor construction materials seem to have caused the destruction of the 30-storey building in the 28 March quake.
Has China’s Great Relocation Helped Southeast Asia Industrialise?
China’s extensive investments in Southeast Asia have delivered mixed results, underscoring the importance of policies that promote productivity, positive spillovers, and innovation.
State-Level Empowerment of Sufism in Addressing the Salafi-Wahhabi Threat in Malaysia
Where does Islam in Malaysia stand regarding Sufi ideology and practice? Some states are making their stance clear in response to mixed signals from the top.
Why Importing More Will Not Save Thailand from Trump’s Tariffs
Thailand is trying to increase imports from the US to tackle the challenge posed by new US tariffs slapped on Thailand. This is unlikely to significantly improve Thailand’s position.