COMMENTARIES

12 Oct 2021

Malacca’s Political Crisis: A Microcosm of Fragmented Malay Political Alignments

Norshahril Saat

The collapse of the UMNO-led state government in Malacca throws up many questions about the ensuing feud between UMNO and Bersatu.

11 Oct 2021

Thai PM Remains Vulnerable Without a Party of His Own

Termsak Chalermpalanupap

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.

Thai Politics Thailand

8 Oct 2021

Thailand’s Warring Generals: Different Beds, Same Dream

Punchada Sirivunnabood

The Thai prime minister might soon leave the ruling Phalang Pracharat Party-led governing coalition. Ironically, his departure might actually boost the party's chances of assembling a winning coalition come the elections expected next year.

Thai Military Thai Politics Thailand

8 Oct 2021

FPI Reborn: Old Wine In A New Bottle?

Burhanuddin Muhtadi

The Islamic Defenders Front, a hardline group which was banned by the Indonesian government last year, has relaunched itself under a new guise. Not many are convinced that the proverbial apple has fallen far from the tree.

Indonesia Indonesian Politics Islamist Groups

7 Oct 2021

The New Battlefront in Myanmar’s Economy: Fake News

Su Mon Thazin Aung

The lack of credible media outlets and the proliferation of fake news have led to much economic grief for the people of Myanmar.

Censorship Misinformation Myanmar Myanmar Economy Social Media

7 Oct 2021

Nominees and ‘Backyard Companies’: How Vietnamese Officials Conceal Their Illicit Wealth

Le Hong Hiep

Not a single Vietnamese leader or official has been named in the Pandora Papers, which has shed light on global leaders squirrelling their wealth away from the eyes of the taxman. As the saying goes, the absence of evidence does not necessarily mean the evidence of absence.

Corruption Crime Vietnam

6 Oct 2021

Jokowi’s Shrinking Opposition: Smoothening the Path to Constitutional Amendments

Made Supriatma

PAN’s entry into Jokowi’s ruling coalition has cemented the President’s strong grip over Indonesia’s legislative assemblies and could make passing constitutional amendments even easier.

Indonesia Indonesian Politics

6 Oct 2021

The Philippines and the South China Sea Arbitration Award: External Appeasement and Internal Dissension

Jay L. Batongbacal

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.

China China-Philippine Relations Philippine South China Sea

5 Oct 2021

Twenty Years On: Reflections on The Aftermath of 9/11 and The New Era of Geo-Politics

Daljit Singh

Twenty years after the historic 9/11 attacks on the United States, the threat of terrorism has largely been contained and a new era of great power competition has returned. States in Southeast Asia need to have a deep appreciation of what drives China and the US in order to maintain agency amid geopolitical flux.

China-U.S. Relations Southeast Asia U.S. U.S. Foreign Policy

5 Oct 2021

Idris Ahmad: Not Your Ordinary Religious Affairs Minister

Mohd Faizal Musa

The appointment of PAS ideologue Idris Ahmad as Malaysia’s new religious affairs minister provides the Islamist party significant latitude to advance its ideological agenda.

Islam Islamic State Malaysia Malaysian Politics