COMMENTARIES

30 Jun 2026

The 2026 Johor Election: Advantage Barisan Nasional?

Francis E. Hutchinson

Barisan Nasional has had the audacity to call state polls in Johor a year early. While it enjoys some wind in its sails, BN’s electoral gambit engenders some degree of risk.

29 Jun 2026

Did GE2022 Change Malaysia for Good?

Howard Lee|Nuurrianti Jalli|Shahril Hamdan|Danesh Chacko

Fulcrum editor Lee Hwok Aun unpacks Malaysia’s previous general election – and the next one – with four contributors of the just-published book Malaysia’s 2022 General Election: Crafting Power in a Crowded Arena: Howard Lee, Nuurrianti Jalli, Shahril Hamdan, and Danesh Chacko.

Dialogues at Fulcrum Malaysia Malaysian Politics

29 Jun 2026

Is Thailand’s Latest Co-Payment Scheme Justifiable?

Archanun Kohpaiboon

Thailand’s new co-payment scheme seeks to help Thais buffeted by the impacts of the crisis in the Middle East. But the reach of the scheme might be too broad.

Economy Thai Economy Thailand

26 Jun 2026

Türkiye and ASEAN: Turning a Side Story into a Strategy

Mehmet Enes Beşer

In an era of geopolitical uncertainty, Mehmet Enes Beşer argues that Türkiye and ASEAN should move beyond purely trade-based engagements towards a strategic economic partnership, with deeper cooperation in supply chains, energy, the digital economy, industry and the halal sector.

ASEAN ASEANFocus Regional Cooperation

26 Jun 2026

Rethinking ASEAN Cooperation: Fewer Words, More Action

Hoang Thi Ha

Amid rapid geopolitical shifts, ASEAN should focus more on practical outcomes and developing capabilities rather than expending effort on negotiating lengthy statements.

ASEAN ASEAN Summit ASEAN Unity

25 Jun 2026

Thailand’s State Welfare Card Reform: New Phase, Old Challenges

Wannaphong Durongkaveroj

The Thai government is rolling out an ambitious social assistance programme, but it lacks a coherent strategy to identify citizens who are most in need

Thai Economy Thai Politics Thailand

24 Jun 2026

How Vietnam Is Personalising To Lam Without Building a Personality Cult

Dien Nguyen An Luong

Vietnam is seeking to project a coherent image of To Lam as a revered leader, but this is done short of venturing into personality cult territory.

Vietnam Vietnamese Politics

24 Jun 2026

ASEAN’s Renewed Engagement with Naypyidaw and the Future of Federal Myanmar

Yuyun Wahyuningrum|Sarah Teitt

Is ASEAN on the right path as it works to engage Myanmar?

ASEAN Myanmar Myanmar Military Myanmar Politics

23 Jun 2026

Why Vietnam Needs Both Concrete and Nature to Fight Floods

Bao Tan-Hoang Nguyen

How can Vietnam design a successful system to combat flooding?

Climate Change Environment Vietnam

23 Jun 2026

25 Years on, Vanguard Liberal Indonesian Muslim Activists are in Disarray

Ary Hermawan

Jaringan Islam Liberal’s absence of a clear ideological stance is diminishing the movement’s relevance for liberal Indonesians, even as JIL figures remain prominent.

Indonesia Indonesian Politics Islam Political Islam