More non-Chinese Malaysians are enrolling their children in Chinese vernacular primary schools, and Malaysia’s job market increasingly favours Mandarin speakers as China’s power grows. How might this impact Malaysia’s inter-ethnic relations?
Category Archives: Commentaries
ASEAN Should Drive Action for Agri-Food Sector after COP29
Following the letdown of COP29, ASEAN needs to step up and lead the way in controlling emissions from Southeast Asia’s agri-food system.
How a Provincial Election in Udon Thani Became a National Battleground
Thaksin used a local election to stage a political comeback. While this reaped dividends, the key is to ensure that the needs of voters are addressed in the long term.
Thailand’s Army White Paper: Heat is on to Supply the RTA
The Thai Army’s inaugural White Paper is spurring competition among suppliers for a slice of the kingdom’s defence procurement pie.
Petronas-Petros Dispute: Finding a Way Out
A legal confrontation between Petronas and Sarawak’s oil and gas company would not be productive. The dispute should be resolved using new political and economic arrangements.
Indonesian Muslims and the Apocalypse: End of the Road for Effective Green Transition?
Green transition in Indonesia is hampered by Indonesian Muslims’ belief that climate change is a sign of the end times.
Vietnam, China and Rerouting: When Perceptions Matter as Much as Reality
Vietnam’s growing trade surplus with the US strongly suggests that China uses Vietnam as a backdoor to dodge US tariffs. Such rerouting is actually lower than is imagined. Given that perceptions drive politics, Vietnam will likely still be caught in the Trump administration’s sights.
Public Participation and Digital Propaganda in Indonesia: A New Form of State Control?
Indonesia’s democracy faces the threat of digital authoritarianism. However, there are ways to mitigate the risks, even as state-driven propaganda floods digital public spaces.
Can ASEAN Power Renewable Energy Diplomacy?
ASEAN needs to overhaul its practice of energy diplomacy in Southeast Asia to address the challenges facing energy transition in the region.
Prabowo’s Overtures to China and Ramifications on the South China Sea Dispute
In one sentence, Jakarta appears to have undermined its long-standing position in the South China Sea.