A convention of Salafist Muslims will meet this weekend in Perlis, Malaysia. This raises questions about how allowing this branch of religious practice and ideology sits with the federal government’s stance on a moderate vision for Islam in Malaysia.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Najib Dilemma Sows Discord in Malaysia’s Unity Government
Najib Razak’s bid to serve the balance of his jail term at home has brought together two erstwhile political partners and threatens the stability of the Unity Government.
Will Southeast Asian Countries Pass the US’ Heightened Export Controls?
Tightened controls on exports of advanced technologies with US-origin components or technologies will affect key semiconductor-related manufacturing sectors. Southeast Asia can respond with short, medium, and long-run strategies.
Expansion of the Indonesian Army: A Creeping Dual Function?
A plan to expand the Indonesian Army’s domestic reach suggests the potential reassertion of “dual function” under its new president. That this is aimed at rolling out free meals — for now — is insufficient consolation to those who fear the return of the military into Indonesia’s politics.
Southeast Asia’s Frustration with the State of Climate Finance
Southeast Asian countries are justifiably frustrated with the state of climate finance. They should consider seeking alternative sources to fund climate mitigation and adaptation.
The Controversy of Indonesia’s Gus Miftah: A Public Backlash
The swift fall from grace of an unconventional Islamic preacher in Indonesia holds object lessons for the rich and famous, in the world’s most populous Muslim country.
Conditional Support for Palestinian ‘Refugees’ in Malaysia
Support for Palestinians being housed in Malaysia has fallen, as Malaysians equate the Palestinians with bringing the same socio-economic ills associated with the Rohingyas.
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.