Amanah, the progressive Islamist party, will be contesting in as many as 54 seats in Malaysia’s general elections. The prospect of many multi-cornered fights suggests that the party faces an uphill battle to retain the eleven parliamentary seats it now holds.
Category Archives: Long Reads
A Ground-Up Approach to Climate-Resilient Agriculture in Southeast Asia
For decades, sustainable farmers and their networks have been experimenting with farming techniques that increase climate resilience in agricultural production. This article highlights important policy insights that can be drawn from their experiences in Southeast Asia.
Islamisation in Malaysia Beyond UMNO and PAS
This article explains why the study of Islamisation in Malaysia should move beyond UMNO and PAS. The focus should instead be on how revivalist ideology has both penetrated the state apparatus and been reinforced by developments in society.
Business Throws its Support Behind Indonesia’s Opposition-Free Liberal Democracy
This Long Read explores the characteristics of Indonesia’s political culture that have resulted in a tendency to form broad coalitions that effectively suppress real political opposition.
The State of Southeast Asia’s Green Recovery Post Covid-19
Despite the high levels of interest in green investments in the region, some ASEAN countries are wavering in their commitments to clean energy transition.
Chinese ‘Debt Traps’ in Southeast Asia: What the Data Say
This Long Read argues that while the terms of China’s aid and loans to Southeast Asian countries are less favourable compared to those of the World Bank, the weight of the evidence does not lend credence to the existence of a Chinese “debt trap” strategy in the region.
The Undetermined Costs and Benefits of Cambodia’s Engagement with China’s Belt and Road Initiative
This Long Read argues that despite common perceptions of Cambodia as a ‘client state’ of China due to its dependence on Chinese aid and investment, Cambodia does exercise agency and has been diversifying its donors and investors to meet its economic needs.
Between Taipei and Beijing: Education Options among the Yunnanese Chinese of Northern Thailand
Because of China’s soft power, some KMT Chinese in Northern Thailand have gradually shifted from being pro-Taipei to being pro-Beijing. Out of the 110 private tutoring Yunnanese schools in Northern Thailand, more than 40 have begun to accept Beijing’s support and modelled their school structure in accordance with PRC’s guidance.
The Media Landscape in Indonesia: The More Things Change, the More They Stay the Same
The emergence of digital media has not resulted in more diversity in ownership control and editorial content in Indonesia’s media industry. The capital-intensive nature of the industry means that large media groups have become larger by expanding into multiplatform media. In addition, many new digital media outlets need to be backed by conglomerates to be sustainable and significant.
What do the Official Chinese Media’s Mixed Messages on the Myanmar Coup Mean?
This article argues that China’s willingness to side with the Myanmar military and the SAC regime has been evident since the immediate aftermath of the February 2021 coup, despite its apparently mixed messages. Through its state media, China has all along transmitted messages largely in favour of the military takeover of its smaller neighbour.