A controversy in Malaysia about segregated gym hours has led to a conflation of Islamic tenets with an inherent obstruction to gender equality.
Category Archives: Commentaries
The Return of Melaka Gateway: Scaled-down Ambitions
What was touted as a mega project in the form of the Melaka Gateway is now a shadow of its former self. There remains, however, significant challenges for the envisioned cruise terminal.
Japan’s Arms Transfers to Southeast Asia: Upping the Ante?
Japan’s new Official Security Assistance scheme would help arm regional countries in the face of growing Chinese assertiveness. A lesser-known aspect of OSA might actually bring some serious military capabilities to the region in the future.
Financing Indonesia’s Energy Transition: Will the Next President Finally Spark Change?
All three contenders for today’s presidential election in Indonesia have pledged to make its energy sector greener. However, they have not gone far enough in their campaign promises, especially on funding this green transition, which bodes ill no matter who wins the vote.
Indonesia’s Presidential Election and Palestinian Issues
Each candidate aspiring towards Indonesia’s presidency has had to voice his support for the Palestinian cause and people, not least because he will soon lead the world’s largest Muslim majority country.
Will the PSI Enter Indonesia’s National Parliament After the 2024 Elections?
The Indonesian Solidarity Party, PSI, is aiming to secure some national parliamentary seats in tomorrow’s elections. Hitching their wagon to the outgoing president and his youngest son, who now heads PSI, might not be the failsafe strategy PSI’s ambitious politicians think it is.
Thai Constitutional Court Decision on Move Forward is Judicial Overreach
The recent Constitutional Court decision on the Move Forward Party is unprecedented and will have a significant impact on opposition parties in Thailand.
Indonesia’s Presidential Election: The Limitations of Surveys on Electability
Surveys prior to election day can reveal a lot but not everything, including whether Indonesia will know who its next president is by next week or in late June.
Questioning the Neutrality of Nahdlatul Ulama in Indonesia’s 2024 Election
Despite declarations of the mass Muslim organisation’s political neutrality, there are misgivings on the ground about the Nahdlatul Ulama leadership’s true inclinations for next week’s election.
Can Prabowo-Gibran Win Outright Against a Ganjar-Anies Alliance?
The odds of a one round knockout by frontrunner candidate Prabowo Subianto might be narrowing, with less than a week to go before polling day.