Campaign rhetoric from all the candidates aside, the developmental challenges awaiting Indonesia’s next president need fresh thinking and brave action. Will the right people get in?
Category Archives: Commentaries
Bumiputera Economic Congress 2024: Seven Suggestions for the Seventh Convention
Malaysia is gearing up for 2024 Bumiputera Economic Congress. To help make it more substantive and constructive, the Anwar Ibrahim administration should take on board seven suggestions.
Takeaways from Anwar’s December Cabinet Reshuffle
Malaysia’s recent cabinet reshuffle sheds some light on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s thinking about his cabal of coalitions and cliques.
Dubai Move Failed to Understand GPS
The Dubai Move sought to entice Gabungan Parti Sarawak to switch sides. At its core, the ill-fated move misunderstands what the coalition stands for.
“Feigning Death to Catch Crows”? Vietnam’s Succession Conundrum
Recent rumours of Vietnamese Communist Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s ill health and even death were greatly exaggerated. However, the speculation highlighted the weakness of the Party’s thinking and preparation for the inevitable political succession.
The Myanmar Junta’s Unhappy New Year
Things are not going well for the ruling junta in Myanmar, no matter how hard it tries to ignore the bad news on the battlefield.
Mahathir’s Broadside About Race: Time to Map Out a Coherent Vision
Mahathir Mohamad’s controversial remarks about race relations in Malaysia has put the impetus on the incumbent administration to elucidate a coherent vision of Malayness and multiculturalism.
Democracy Beyond the Ballot Box: Digital Resurgence of Thai Civil Society
Thai democracy might have suffered some setbacks after last year’s elections. But civil society organisations and their efforts to hold the government accountable underscore the kingdom’s democratic potential.
Indonesia Votes 2024: Personality Versus Policy in the Presidential Election
A nationwide survey finds that many Indonesian voters supporting a party in the legislative election might not support the party’s chosen presidential candidate. The three presidential candidates are liked more for their personality traits than policy stances. In short, personality still outweighs policy.
The Kra Land Bridge: Thailand’s White Elephant Comes Charging Back
Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has revitalised the idea of the Kra land bridge with gusto. Poor economic viability, environmental problems and geopolitical complications account for the project’s tepid international reception.