The dissolution of the Move Forward Party conforms to a pattern of judicial bodies intervening to manage political outcomes.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Malaysia’s States: Open for Business, Yet Not Always Transparent
Malaysia is enjoying strong inflows of foreign direct investment. To up its game, it needs to channel such flows to less-developed states.
Thai PM Srettha and the Cannabis Ban: Not Having it His Way
The Thai Prime Minister’s unexpected back-pedalling has ignited rumours that influential former PM Thaksin Shinawatra will back Deputy PM Anutin Charnveerakul as the future leader.
Indonesia’s National Data Centre Ransomware Attack: A Digital Governance Failure?
A recent ransomware attack on Indonesia’s public services revealed weaknesses that the country can ill afford to ignore if it wishes to fully participate in the digital century.
China’s Environmental Focus in South China Sea: Questionable Motivations
China has filed reports on environmental protection in the South China Sea to counter the Philippines’ claim of severe damage to the marine ecosystem at Scarborough Shoal and thwart Manila’s effort to file a legal case against China. But Beijing’s efforts provoke some serious questions about its motivations.
Peatlands and the Climate: This year’s COP29 must build on COP28
Carbon-rich peat ecosystems hold great potential to mitigate climate change, and help meet Southeast Asian national climate targets. The increased priority and action on peatlands must be continued from COP28 into this November’s COP29.
UK and the Indo-Pacific: Get Real about Progressive Realism
The UK might be scaling down its footprint into the Indo-Pacific. This is a bad idea.
Myanmar Junta’s Internet Controls Expose Citizens to More Cyber Threats
The Myanmar junta’s ban on Facebook and curbs on internet access have compelled citizens to use virtual private networks (VPNs), including free but potentially malicious VPNs. Banning VPNs has made things even worse for Myanmar’s citizens.
The Battle for Indonesia’s Environmental Future: Youth Movements Against Systemic Challenges
Environmental activism remains a cottage industry for the youth who champion Earth’s cause in Indonesia. Besides financial pull, they will need organisational evolution before any significant green movement can break the cosy ties between state and dirty business.
Thailand’s Defence Budget in 2024-2025: Appeasing the Military?
The Pheu Thai-led government has allowed defence expenditure to creep upwards despite fiscal pressures. This is a clever ploy to keep the country’s generals onside.