The unprecedentedly long interim between Indonesia’s election and the new government’s inauguration has allowed the outgoing president and Parliament unusual leeway to distort democracy in self-serving ways.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Strengthening ASEAN-Japan Cybersecurity Cooperation
Given the spectre of rising cyber threats in the region, Japan and ASEAN member countries are best-placed to work together to boost cyber resilience.
New Thai PM Will Face the Same Crisis of Confidence
The same legitimacy issues that dogged Srettha Thavisin will dog Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
Will Vietnam Go Down China’s Path?
Vietnam’s new general secretary To Lam is likely to consolidate power, as per Xi Jinping in China. But his economic and foreign policy approach may be different.
PAS’ Contentious Contention: Non-Malay Voters Should Stay Home
PAS has made the contention that it won the recent by-election in Sungai Bakap because non-Malay voters ‘supported’ the party by staying at home and not voting. To some, this beggars belief.
China’s Overcapacity and Southeast Asian Economies: A Blessing Despite Concerns
China’s purported industrial overcapacity is a double-edged sword for Southeast Asian economies.
The Philippines and West Philippine Sea: Bringing Deterrence Into the Picture
The Philippines needs to start investing in a credible deterrence strategy if it wants to secure its interests in the West Philippine Sea.
Indonesia’s 2025 Budget: Aiming High
The Indonesian budget for 2025 is set to accommodate some of President-elect Prabowo Subianto’s ambitious goals.
Malaysia’s Education System: Think of Implementation, Not Top-down Blueprints
It is time to revisit and reevaluate Malaysia’s education blueprints.
Muhammadiyah and the Problem of Mining by Islamic Organisations in Indonesia
The leadership of Indonesia’s second-largest Muslim organisation has decided to accept a government mining licence, just like the largest. Consternation from eco-activists and others within has ensued, together with warnings about a loss of moral direction.