Sabah’s political landscape is notably fluid and polarised, characterised by frequent changes in government and deep divisions along territorial, ethnic, party, and personality lines. Critical issues for the upcoming state election (to be held by December 2025) include economic development disparities, infrastructure challenges, and the contentious Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) debate.
Category Archives: Long Reads
Evaluating Indonesian Muslims’ Engagement with China
In the past decade, China has extensively engaged with Muslim communities in Indonesia, primarily through collaborative efforts with major Islamic organizations. This Long Read examines the motivations of Indonesia’s Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah in their engagements with China, arguing that they align with their respective goals of promoting Archipelagic Islam and Progressive Islam globally.
The Vital Role of Nutrition in Climate Resilience and Food Security in Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia is well-known for its culinary diversity and delights, but while its population’s food security and nutrition have improved over the decades, it is still a region that has relatively high malnutrition – in the form of both under- and over-nutrition.
Russian President Putin’s Visit to Hanoi: Vietnam’s ‘Bamboo Diplomacy’ In Action
President Putin’s visit to Vietnam was a qualified success for both countries. The Putin regime was able to show that despite Western efforts to isolate it, Russia is not without friends. By hosting the Russian leader, Vietnam was able to honour an old friend and highlight the merits of its bamboo diplomacy.
Holding Social Media Companies Accountable for Enabling Hate and Disinformation
The power of social media companies, if unchecked, poses a danger to democratic institutions. The failure to moderate online content can fuel real-world violence and deepen societal divisions. Coordinated regional and global efforts are crucial to ensure consistent and effective standards for social media governance.
Japan, the Courteous Power, Bares Some Teeth for Regional Stability
Among ASEAN dialogue partners, Japan has been recognised as a “courteous power” that aligns well with Southeast Asian cultural norms and values. Beyond that, Japan has emerged as the most trusted and strategically relevant middle power to ASEAN. This positions it to play a greater security role in the region.
Democracy, Corruption, and Law Enforcement: Challenges in Achieving Grand Indonesia 2045
This article is from a speech delivered by former Coordinating Minister for Politics, Law and Security and recent vice-presidential candidate Professor Mahfud MD at ISEAS on 4 July 2024
Two Borneo Neighbours on Diversity: Comparing Religious Authority in Brunei and Sarawak
Sarawak and Brunei, as neighbouring entities, offer interesting insights through the divergence in their pluralist and conservative trajectories. This Long Read considers the significance of political culture, demography, and religious elites’ training as factors contributing to contemporary trends.
Southeast Asian Perceptions of China: Beijing’s Growing Power is Recognised, but Feared
Data from a multi-year trend analysis of Southeast Asian perceptions of China suggest that the region remains apprehensive about China’s growing power and influence. Yet in the face of greater uncertainty over the future of the United States’ leadership role in the region, the preference has been to try to keep the peace with China.
Southeast Asia and the Global South: Rhetoric and Reality
This article contextualises Southeast Asian countries within the Global South discourse, examining where they align with the characteristics generally associated with the Global South and where they diverge.