All eyes will look to Barisan Nasional as Johoreans head to the polls on March 12. Looking at the advantages BN faces going into the election and the fractured state of its opponents, BN has exceptionally strong chances of doing significantly better this time.
Category Archives: Long Reads
Political Instability and Enhanced Monarchy in Malaysia
Except in specific situations in which royal discretion is explicitly conferred, the Malaysian King is required to act on the advice of the Prime Minister. Lately, however, due to a widening trust deficit between citizens and government, there are calls for the monarchs to provide leadership and play an enhanced role in providing checks and balances against discredited political institutions.
A Roadmap for Consolidating Jokowi’s Legacy
With about two years left in power, Jokowi needs a viable roadmap and sound execution of policies to achieve significant results for his stated priorities. This Long Read proposes some steps to consider.
Southeast Asia Holds Mixed Perceptions of the Biden Administration
The State of Southeast Asia 2022 indicates that Southeast Asians have put more trust in the US under the Biden administration but that the level of trust is uneven among different countries.
“France’s Third Path” for the Indo-Pacific? Credentials and Challenges
Considering itself part of the Indo-Pacific on the grounds of history and overseas territories, France has released its Indo-Pacific strategy to guide its international action in this region.
The Biden Administration and Southeast Asia: One Year in Review
The Biden administration’s engagement with Southeast Asia in 2021 gained momentum in the second half of the year after a slow start. In 2022, the US will be assessed on the value of its Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, a clearer articulation of its Indo-Pacific strategy and the extent to which it demonstrates genuine efforts to upgrade relations with ASEAN.
Climate Finance in Southeast Asia: Trends and Opportunities
The Covid-19 crisis has stalled the delivery of much-needed climate finance to developing countries. For Southeast Asia, a region frequently cited as being one of the most vulnerable regions threatened by climate change, the broken promise of climate finance is highly disappointing.
Adjusting Towards a Digital Economy: The Critical Role of Labour Mobility
The COVID-19 pandemic has sped up the move towards a digital economy, as well as other aspects of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. There are fears that this accelerated transition will exacerbate wealth inequalities both within countries and regionally.
Tackling the Challenges of Financial Inclusion and Illegal Lending in Indonesia
The heavy financial toll of the pandemic on Indonesia’s poor has led to spikes in illegal moneylending activity. Urgent steps are needed to protect the vulnerable from the risks of financial exploitation.
“We are Independent Trolls”: The Efficacy of Royalist Digital Activism in Thailand
This Long Read examines the complex intersection of regime-organised cyber troops, pro-regime media outlets, and royalist activists in Thailand. Unlike the first group, the pro-regime press and royalist civic groups are not necessarily sponsored by the regime, but are instead ideologically driven to defend the crown.