COMMENTARIES

16 Aug 2023

ASEAN Economy Cannot Afford Business as Usual

Julia Tijaja|Denis Hew

Julia Tijaja and Denis Hew call for a renewed focus on productivity, for ASEAN’s long-term growth and competitiveness in its post-2025 economic agenda.

It was announced in July that Qin Gang was removed as China's foreign minister and Wang Yi was re-appointed in his stead.

15 Aug 2023

Personnel Changes at China’s Foreign Ministry: Beijing Will Stay the Course on Southeast Asia

Lye Liang Fook

Recent top-level changes at China’s foreign ministry are unlikely to affect Beijing’s foreign policy orientation towards Southeast Asia. The region remains important in light of China’s difficult relationship with the United States and other key countries.

China Diplomacy Southeast Asia

15 Aug 2023

Malaysia’s State Elections: When “Referendum” Takes Precedence over Reformasi

Norshahril Saat

It may well be true that not much has changed after the six state elections in Malaysia last week. But much of the political ground – specifically among Malay voters – has shifted towards the opposition.

Malaysia Malaysian Elections

14 Aug 2023

Global Minimum Tax: Boon or Bane for Vietnam’s Economy?

Le Hong Hiep|Phan Xuan Dung

Vietnam’s impending acceptance of the global minimum tax regime for multinational enterprises could be a double-edged sword; the key is to ensure that imposing the minimum tax rate does not drive away major foreign investors.

Economic Development Vietnam

14 Aug 2023

Will Putin Visit Vietnam After Biden? Odds Are Against It

Ian Storey

U.S. President Joseph Biden will travel to Hanoi next month. Russian President Vladimir Putin could be next. This leaves Vietnam in a right (Russian) pickle.

Russia Vietnam

11 Aug 2023

Perikatan Nasional Lacks A Game-changing Chief in Negeri Sembilan

Kevin Zhang

Perikatan Nasional’s campaign in the Negeri Sembilan state election is hampered by the absence of a credible leader, in contrast to its opponents. PN needs to cultivate future leaders, as it has done in other states like Kedah.

Malaysia Malaysian Elections

11 Aug 2023

Populism, Pietism and Pragmatism in the Kedah State Election

Azmil Tayeb

Whether the unlikely partnership of Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional can wrest Kedah from Perikatan Nasional would require an extraordinary alignment of the stars.

Malaysia Malaysian Elections Malaysian Politics

11 Aug 2023

Pheu Thai at the Crossroads: Navigating Thailand’s Senate-Driven Hung Parliament

Punchada Sirivunnabood|Napon Jatusripitak

The Pheu Thai Party’s path to political power is strewn with many obstacles and the need to make difficult compromises with erstwhile enemies.

Thai Elections Thailand

10 Aug 2023

Will Anwar’s “Madani Economy” Narrative Strengthen His Economic Leadership?

Cassey Lee

The “Madani Economy” narrative launched on 27 July hopes to project a stronger public image of Prime and Finance Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s economic leadership. It should be seen as an interim economic policy framework of the Unity government inspired by the Madani concept.

Malaysia Malaysian Economy Malaysian Politics

10 Aug 2023

A Material Election: Will Malaysians Vote with Their Wallets?

Lee Hwok-Aun

Electoral campaigns in the run-up to Malaysia’s six state elections on 12 August are spinning economic success stories to tug heartstrings, but the electorate will surely reference their lived experience as they cast ballots.

Malaysia Malaysian Elections Malaysian Politics