Commentaries | FULCRUM

Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship: Facing Treacherous Geopolitical Headwinds

The geopolitical tensions engulfing the world will make the year ahead for ASEAN — and Malaysia as Chair — a challenging one.

Myanmar’s Silent Disease: How Everyday Bribery Fuels Autocratic Control

Entrenched corruption has infected the body politic of Myanmar under the military regime, especially since the February 2021 coup. Even regime change may not cure this cancer.

Expanding Southeast Asia-Kazakhstan Dialogue: Strategic Imperatives

There are strategic imperatives for ASEAN to engage more deeply with Kazakhstan, Central Asia’s biggest country. There are, however, challenges to be overcome.

Najib Razak’s ‘House Arrest’: Royal Addendum Raises Riveting Questions for Malaysia

On the power of pardon, there is a wide gap between what Malaysia’s Constitution provides and what the courts interpret the law to be.

Mainland Chinese Muslims in Malaysia: Cultural Diversity within a Specific Islamic Framework

Muslim influence from China is rising in Malaysia, but it can only operate within limits proscribed by Malay Muslims who prefer the status quo.

After Langkasuka Project Failure, Sanusi Takes Another Punt at Penang

Kedah’s Chief Minister Sanusi Nor has sought to blame his state’s current financial woes on historical wrongs that need to be righted. But he has other motivations too.