The controversial halving of Najib Razak’s 12-year sentence appears to be a boon to multiple stakeholders.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Will Vietnam Turn to Russia or America for Its New Jet Fighter?
Vietnam needs to upgrade its ageing fighter fleet. But it faces a list of less than optimal options.
Move Forward Stands at the Brink of Dissolution
Political tensions in Thailand have escalated following a court ruling that could potentially lead to the dissolution of the Move Forward Party over charges stemming from its campaign to amend the country’s lèse majesté law.
Will Better-Informed Indonesian Youth Vote for Dynastic Politicians?
Political dynasties are prevalent in Indonesia and many new democracies, with regressive effects, but recent research finds that Indonesian university students are averse to political dynasties. Critical and well-informed youth can be agents of change in strengthening democracy.
Marcos’s Visit to Vietnam: When Manila’s Pivot Meets Hanoi’s Pragmatism
Vietnam and the Philippines have agreed to strengthen maritime cooperation in the South China Sea. Digging deeper, however, the two countries are taking distinct approaches in countering the Chinese coercion in the maritime area.
Indonesian Voters’ Preferences in 2024: Less Determined, More Diverse
A December 2023 ISEAS-Premise survey on Indonesian voters’ reasons for liking and disliking the presidential candidates sheds more light on what voters want to see in their next president. Strength, intelligence and independence, not cuteness, are the keys to their ballot.
What is Laos’ Game Plan for the Myanmar crisis?
Whether it was Laos’ effort in persuading the SAC to send a representative or the junta changing their minds, Laos should continue to harness a family effort to get the junta to adhere to the grouping’s Five Point Consensus.
A Political Settlement in Thailand’s Deep South: Three Steps Forward, Two Steps Back
There are some grounds to be optimistic about the dialogue process in Thailand’s Deep South. But a more permanent solution is likely to be stymied by the kingdom’s powerful military.
An Election to End All Elections?
Indonesia’s upcoming presidential and legislative elections will take place against a backdrop of increasing party and legislative buy-in to the idea of downsizing the scale of direct elections. What might a Prabowo presidency mean for the future of its electoral democracy?
Migrant Worker Policies after One Year of Anwar Ibrahim’s Government: An Indonesian Perspective
The Anwar government has taken some steps toward improving the migrant worker situation, but has not addressed the underlying structural problems. More comprehensive policies and effective implementation are needed to protect migrant workers from Indonesia and all source countries.