The recent Johor state polls have some bearing on the upcoming general elections. But to many Johoreans, the polls were more about the pride of being part of the rich southern state.
Category Archives: Commentaries
ASEAN and Canada: Building Bridges with the Great White North
Canada can improve its relevance to ASEAN by focusing on areas such as food security and energy transition.
One Shock Too Many: Why Southeast Asia’s El Niño Response Must Be Different
ASEAN countries need to brace themselves for a “super” El Niño weather phenomenon.
Southeast Asia Cannot Fight Online Sexual Abuse One Takedown at a Time
Governments are taking action against online sexual harassment, mostly by providing relief after the discovery of harmful content. They must also prevent its creation and circulation.
Two Anwars on the Ballot? Regulating AI Before GE16
There is an urgent need for Malaysia to regulate AI-assisted campaigning before the next general elections.
Cambodia’s Three-Track Strategy for Peace with Thailand
Cambodia has adopted a comprehensive approach to resolving its border dispute with Thailand. Substantive progress, however, would only occur when the two sides agree on border demarcation.
Melaka State Government: What DAP’s Departure Portends for Federal Government
DAP’s departure from the Melaka state assembly will have repercussions for the PH-BN unity government at the federal level.
Quietly, not Silently: How Vietnam Deals with China on the South China Sea
Vietnam did not sign the joint statement on the Tribunal Award invalidating China’s claims on the South China Sea. Hanoi’s consistent “speak less, do more” approach combines public restraint with a range of quieter policy tools.
Thailand’s Defence Budget: Money and Materiel
Amid growing fiscal austerity, the Thai government has approved a defence budget largely unchanged from the previous year. This highlights the civilian government’s growing inclination to cater to the inclinations of the military.
When the Indonesian Middle Class Takes to the Streets
Empirical evidence shows that a shrinking middle class in Indonesia has led to a growing number of protests. This is pertinent not only to Indonesia, but for other countries such as Vietnam and the Philippines.