As a political novice, Thailand’s new Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin is facing an uphill struggle to prove that he is the right man for the job. His political survival depends on support from his coalition partners – without which he risks being unseated in a no-confidence motion in the House of Representatives.
Category Archives: Long Reads
Hard Truths in the Strategic Conversation between the United States and Southeast Asia
Amid intensifying Sino-US competition, the strategic conversation between the United States and Southeast Asia is in danger of being stuck in a rut. While messages from the region’s leaders to their American counterparts have been received, the latter see these refrains as hackneyed. It is high time for Southeast Asia to internalise the shifts in Uncle Sam’s approach to the region and proceed accordingly.
What the Gereja Kristen Indonesia (GKI) Yasmin Case Says about Religious Freedom in Indonesia
After waiting for 16 years, the Gereja Kristen Indonesia (GKI) Yasmin congregation in Indonesia can finally worship peacefully after relocating to a new church building. This Long Read argues that the forced relocation of houses of worship for minority faiths and succumbing to the majoritarian principle only infringes upon the rights of minorities.
Vietnamese Perceptions in a Changing Sino-US Relationship
Data from the State of Southeast Asia Surveys from 2020 to 2023 suggests that while Vietnamese opinion-leaders’ views of China have oscillated over the past four years, trust in the US remains consistent.
Polarisations in Indonesia: Distinguishing the Real from the Rhetorical
This Long Read argues that the polarisation perceived in Indonesian mainstream politics is more rhetorical than real. They mainly reflect opportunistic tactical calculations and obscure the real polarisations in Indonesia’s political landscape.
Indonesia’s Appointed Leaders and the Future of Regional Elections
By the end of 2023, there will be 271 interim regional heads who are appointed rather than elected, constituting over half of the regional leadership posts throughout Indonesia. These handpicked interim leaders are well-positioned to use the advantages of incumbency to promote central government interests at the expense of others in the 2024 elections.
From the Fringes of Defeat: How UMNO President Zahid Hamidi Transformed His Vulnerability into Invincibility
This Long Read examines the structural moves UMNO President Zahid Hamidi took to consolidate power within the party. It argues that these decisions are likely to disincentivise reforms, rejuvenation and change within UMNO, which may exacerbate its decline in electoral popularity.
Malaysia’s 2023 Elections: A Coming Clash of Coalitions in Selangor
The upcoming state elections in Malaysia represent a referendum on the first eight months of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s ‘Unity Government’. This Long Read assesses possible scenarios for the election outcome in Selangor.
Singapore – Malaysia Economic Ties: Recovering from COVID-19
This Long Read seeks to understand the impact of the COVID crisis on the economic ties between Singapore and Malaysia. It analyses historical trends as well as recent data to assess how the different aspects of the relationship were affected and what the near-term outlook is likely to be.
Rice Production and Food Security in Southeast Asia under Threat from El Niño
The latest El Niño event has just begun. The effects on rice production and supplies are expected to be severe. This Long Read argues for the urgency of putting in place plans for the next year and the following years to allay the worst impacts.