Many observers have rued that the ruling coalition led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim would not last. This is no longer the case.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Regional Institutions Should Step Up to Integrate South Asia with Southeast Asia
Regional institutions can potentially foster closer economic integration between Southeast Asia and South Asia, but the existing ones need to cooperate more closely and more strategically.
Putin’s Visit to Vietnam: When the Past Weighs on the Present
Vietnam’s gains from hosting Russia’s president will likely pale in comparison to the expected benefits of courting other powers. However, sentiment can play a role in international relations – what’s a visit between old friends?
New Faces of Vietnamese Politics: Better Red than Expert?
While attention has focused on recent changes at the highest echelon of Vietnam’s collective leadership, it is also important to track the new faces in the Politburo and Secretariat.
Is the Bank of Thailand Overly Independent?
The tussle between the Thai government and the Bank of Thailand reflects the fact that central banks are never completely independent of governments.
Climate Finance in Southeast Asia: Looking at the Private Sector
To achieve their climate change goals, Southeast Asian governments need to harness the power of the private sector.
Brunei’s Strategic Role in Enhancing China-BIMP-EAGA Cooperation
Brunei has the potential to drive economic growth in the eastern periphery of ASEAN. Thus far, however, the actualised gains from BIMP-EAGA have lagged behind its potential.
Sanctions Will Not Bankrupt Myanmar’s Military But New Approaches to Trade and Finance Might
Opponents of Myanmar’s military regime can think more creatively about how to cut off the flow of foreign funds to the junta. If done more comprehensively, it can not only undermine the military but also arrest the economy in crisis.
The Road to Nusantara Just Got Longer: How the Recent Resignations Are a Wake-Up Call for Indonesian Governance
The recent loss of the top two officials leading the new capital’s construction and development process has thrown a serious wrench in the works for Indonesia’s President Widodo’s ambitious move. Pretending that all systems are still go is not the solution.
Chinese in Malaysia: Proud of China’s Rise, Yet Fiercely Malaysian
Chinese Malaysians are proud of China’s rise as a great power. But they have also forged a separate cultural identity quite apart from China’s efforts.