COMMENTARIES

28 Jul 2020

Former Premier Najib Razak Found Guilty: Sailing Into Uncharted Waters

Francis E. Hutchinson

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak made history today when he became the country’s highest-ranking official ever to be convicted in court. The judicial decision will help restore confidence in the country’s institutions, many of which have been eroded over the past four decades. The political ramifications are manifold, and could even involve a re-pairing of current premier Muhyiddin Yassin and opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

28 Jul 2020

Prabowo and the Presidency: Lucking Out on the Third Try?

A'an Suryana

Prabowo, who was deemed to be a shoo-in for the presidency in 2024, has suffered a setback. He has lost the support of Islamist organisations, and will need to think of other strategies to secure the Muslim vote.

Indonesia Indonesian Politics

23 Jul 2020

Thai Cabinet Reshuffle: Avoiding Mismatch in the Mixing

Sihasak Phuangketkeow

The resignation of several ministers from the Thai cabinet has forced the hand of the prime minister, who will have to announce a cabinet reshuffle as the economy totters in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. Ultimately, the reshuffle will be more a change in personalities than policy direction.

Thai Politics Thailand

23 Jul 2020

Vietnam: Managing Chinese Pressures around Vanguard Bank

Le Hong Hiep

As Vietnam’s recent decision to cancel deals for oil and gas activities in waters around Vanguard Bank caused significant financial and reputational damage, Hanoi should rethink its strategy to avoid similar incidents in the future.

China-Vietnam Relations Oil and Gas Exploration Vietnam

22 Jul 2020

Cashless Society in Myanmar: Still A Long Way to Go

Su-Ann Oh

Myanmar has taken some decisive steps towards cashless payments, particularly in a time of the Covid-19 pandemic. But there are still some obstacles to be overcome before the country becomes a cashless society.

Cashless Payments Myanmar

22 Jul 2020

The Philippine Pandemic and the Plague on Pedagogy

Malcolm Cook

The Covid-19 pandemic in the Philippines has affected not only the economy, but the country’s education sector. A failure to make redress for this as the country emerges from the pandemic will have social and economic costs.

COVID-19 Philippine Philippine Economy

21 Jul 2020

Comprehending Ethnic Inequality in Malaysia: Going Beyond the Stereotypes

Lee Hwok-Aun

Tun Mahathir Mohamad has stirred up controversy again by saying that the incomes of urban Chinese have outstripped those of Malays in rural areas. Rather than using false generalisations to score easy popularity points, the political and policy discourse should move from a focus on income to issues of capability and participation.

Income Inequality Malaysia

17 Jul 2020

ASEAN Single Window: Time to Enlarge the Aperture

Sithanonxay Suvannaphakdy

The development of ASEAN Single Window in the past 15 years has demonstrated the importance of digitalizing trade procedures to reduce trade costs and boost competitiveness in ASEAN. The enlargement of the ASEAN Single Window to include the grouping’s dialogue partners will reduce trade costs further.

ASEAN Asean Trade

14 Jul 2020

Myanmar’s Elections: Blacking Out from a Clash Between “Red” and “Green”

Nyi Nyi Kyaw

Myanmar’s November elections are still a way away, but partisan warfare between the so-called “reds” and “greens” has already erupted on Facebook.

Myanmar Myanmar Elections

13 Jul 2020

Islamist Groups: Jokowi and the Horns of a Dilemma

Syafiq Hasyim

Islamist groups have been on the up on up in Indonesia. However, a failure to foster unity in the ranks will not bode well for their political fortunes.

Indonesia Islamist Groups