Parti Islam SeMalaysia has protested against a Federal Court ruling decision which ruled that sharia-related laws in Kelantan were unconstitutional. Its actions underscore a long-running struggle between sharia and shariatisation.
Category Archives: Commentaries
China’s “Two Mountains” Framework: Varied Responses from Southeast Asia
China has long been propagating its Two Mountains theory to address climate change. But many Southeast Asian countries have tailored the concept according to their own needs.
Why Ganjar-Mahfud Were Beaten on Their Own Turf But PDI-P Survived
A post-election analysis of Ganjar Pranowo’s poor showing in last week’s presidential election requires examining what went on behind the scenes and at the grassroots level, including on his home turf, Central Java.
New Battlefront Emerging in Western Myanmar
The Arakan Army (AA) has gained significant ground against State Administration Council (SAC) troops in western Myanmar. The AA’s gains compound SAC losses in other parts of the country since Operation 1027 in October.
Indonesia Pragmatically Picks a Prabowo Presidency But the Dust Has Not Settled
Quick counts, which are not official, indicate that Prabowo Subianto is Indonesia’s presumptive eighth president. The question now turns to how big his government and coalition in Parliament will be and whether any olive branches he extends to his opponents will be accepted.
Inclusivity or Division? The Unintended Consequences of Non-Segregated Gyms
A controversy in Malaysia about segregated gym hours has led to a conflation of Islamic tenets with an inherent obstruction to gender equality.
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.