COMMENTARIES

28 Oct 2020

Vietnam’s Ambitious Politicians: In Facebook We Trust

Dien Nguyen An Luong

Facebook poses a challenge to American lawmakers seeking to rein it in. In authoritarian countries such as Vietnam, however, the social media giant has become a handy accomplice and even a springboard for ambitious politicians.

Vietnam Vietnamese Politics

27 Oct 2020

Desperation Debases Democracy in Malaysia

Lee Hwok-Aun

Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has not got the emergency powers he had asked for. His government has lived to fight another day. Still, the constant horse-trading and bickering among the country’s political class has only subverted the country’s democracy.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

23 Oct 2020

Why Was Prabowo Invited to the US?

Leo Suryadinata

The Indonesian defence minister’s visit to Washington DC raised many eyebrows and questions.

China-Indonesia Relations Defence Indonesia U.S.

22 Oct 2020

Thai Student Protests: Finishing the Business of 1932?

Termsak Chalermpalanupap

The recent student protests constitute something more than a call for the resignation of the prime minister. The ultimate goal is the end of the absolute power of the monarchy, as envisioned by revolutionaries of the class of 1932.

Thai Politics Thailand

20 Oct 2020

Will the Real Union Election Commission Please Stand up?

Moe Thuzar

Recent decisions by Myanmar’s election commission put it in the 8 November election spotlight.

Myanmar Myanmar Elections

19 Oct 2020

Student Protests in Thailand: The End of Political Quiescence

Michael J. Montesano

Recent mass students protests in Bangkok and other parts of Thailand have forced the hand of the government. If the Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha does resign, it could signal a victory for the protesters – or a determination on the part of hard-line elements in the military and the palace.

Thai Politics Thailand

19 Oct 2020

Nahdlatul Ulama versus Jokowi: The NU Normal?

Ahmad Najib Burhani

The Nahdlatul Ulama has previously thrown its full support behind the government of Joko Widodo. Its recent criticism of the president’s decision to press on with regional polls and the Omnibus Law suggests a parting of ways.

Indonesia Indonesian Politics

16 Oct 2020

Is It Time to Open Borders?

Jayant Menon

The asymmetry in the treatment of national and international movement with regard to the management of the Covid-19 pandemic is no longer justified. If coupled with robust testing and tracing, opening up borders can deliver economic benefits without significantly raising health risks.

COVID-19 Open Borders

16 Oct 2020

Indonesian Muslim Groups Oppose Omnibus Law

Syafiq Hasyim

President Jokowi’s unpopular job creation law creates a new rift with Indonesia’s leading Islamic groups.

Indonesia Indonesian Politics

14 Oct 2020

Myanmar: Social Media Holds Little Sway on Voting Patterns

Moe Thuzar

A recent pre-election survey has confirmed the conventional wisdom that voter attitudes are entrenched and will be influenced little by the barrage of social media campaigns.

Myanmar Myanmar Elections