Despite its key role in Malaysia’s governance, Parliament has been in abeyance for much of 2020 and 2021. Reform of the law and practice of Parliament are necessary to give effect to the constitutional provisions on Parliament’s functions and to enhance Parliament’s institutional efficacy.
Category Archives: Long Reads
‘Global Britain’ and Southeast Asia: Progress and Prospects
Southeast Asia is crucial to the United Kingdom’s (UK) ‘tilt’ to the Indo-Pacific. It has achieved notable progress in strengthening its diplomatic, economic and security engagement with the region.
Thai PM Remains Vulnerable Without a Party of His Own
Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha has narrowly escaped “political assassination” in the House of Representatives. This underscores the urgency of strengthen his political power base. Without doing so, the future of his premiership will remain at risk.
The Philippines and the South China Sea Arbitration Award: External Appeasement and Internal Dissension
Since taking office in 2016, Philippine President Duterte has downplayed the South China Sea Arbitration Award in the hope of gaining China’s infrastructure and financial offerings. This hope has so far remained unfulfilled.
The Quad and the Indo-Pacific: Going Slow to Go Further
In recent years, the Quad has gained momentum in response to growing Chinese assertiveness. But a lower key strategy is advised to allay regional concerns that ASEAN’s centrality will be undermined by a minilateral arrangement helmed by external powers.
Wang Yi’s Visit to Vietnam: Reasserting Influence, Regaining Balance
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to Vietnam on 10-12 September was part of Beijing’s efforts to pull Hanoi back from its perceived ‘tilt’ towards Washington. More than ever, Vietnam’s foreign policy mantra, “firm in objectives, flexible in strategies and tactics”, is being put to test.
China’s Vaccine Diplomacy in Malaysia: Problems and Prospects
In Malaysia, Pfizer is the vaccine of choice, anchoring the national immunisation program as China’s boosters are relegated to a supporting role. The downgrading notwithstanding, China’s vaccine diplomacy remains a prime mover in the unfinished worldwide battle against the coronavirus pandemic.
Co-opting Civilians into Myanmar’s State Administration Council Junta
The inclusion of civilians on the country’s latest junta is impossible to understand without a clear appreciation that that this junta is above all an anti-NLD project. This article examines the profiles of the civilians co-opted into the junta.
The Russia-China Strategic Partnership and Southeast Asia: Alignments and Divergences
The Sino-Russian nexus has been strengthening against the backdrop of heightening US-Russia and US-China strategic rivalry. This has some implications for Southeast Asia as Russia and China continue to oppose US hegemony and work to undermine America’s alliances and partnerships.
The Covid-19 Recession: Rough Times for Young Malaysians
The COVID-19 recession has compounded employment and income difficulties for Malaysia’s young workers. They experience higher unemployment and are more adversely impacted than other age groups in terms of wage decrease and under-employment. This has contributed to greater political restiveness among Malaysia’s youth.