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.
Category Archives: Commentaries
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.
Najib Razak’s ‘House Arrest’: Royal Addendum Raises Riveting Questions for Malaysia
On the power of pardon, there is a wide gap between what Malaysia’s Constitution provides and what the courts interpret the law to be.
Mainland Chinese Muslims in Malaysia: Cultural Diversity within a Specific Islamic Framework
Muslim influence from China is rising in Malaysia, but it can only operate within limits proscribed by Malay Muslims who prefer the status quo.
After Langkasuka Project Failure, Sanusi Takes Another Punt at Penang
Kedah’s Chief Minister Sanusi Nor has sought to blame his state’s current financial woes on historical wrongs that need to be righted. But he has other motivations too.
Philippines’ Car-Centric Society: Time to Switch Lanes
Metro Manila’s road congestion woes can be solved. But they have been hampered by slow implementation and weak political will.
Arakan Army’s Victory 2.0 in Myanmar: A New Order for Rakhine?
The Arakan Army’s recent victories in Rakhine have significant implications for the state and the country.
A Possible Blueprint for ASEAN’s 2025 Climate Finance Strategy
The region has a chance to rely on tools like blended finance to power its green transition. The time to act, however, is running out.
The Flawed Approach of Cambodia’s Cryptocurrency Ban
Cambodia’s ban on overseas cryptocurrency exchange websites is well-intentioned, but it ignores more systemic issues.
Beyond Democracy’s Return: Jakarta’s Gubernatorial Election and the Mutation of Toxic Alliances
The background manoeuvring by various parties in Jakarta’s 2024 gubernatorial elections foreshadows similarly complex play with 2029’s presidential race in mind. For some players, today’s loss might be tomorrow’s gain.