COMMENTARIES

22 Nov 2019

Myanmar at the ICJ: Intent and Implications

Moe Thuzar

Aung San Suu Kyi's decision to represent Myanmar herself to defend against the genocide charges in the ICJ has sent a message that she is taking responsibility as the country's leader. This may translate into more votes for her party in the 2020 elections.

6 Nov 2019

What India’s Withdrawal from RCEP Means for ASEAN, India and the Indo-Pacific Concept

Tang Siew Mun

India's surprise withdrawal from the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership has diminished the country's strategic weight and relevance. The withdrawal consitutes a major setback to the Indo-Pacific concept and has caused ASEAN to lose a counterweight to aspiring powers with hegemonic ambitions.

India RCEP

5 Nov 2019

Anand Panyarachun and Royal Intervention in Thai Politics

Supalak Ganjanakhundee

Unlike most constitutional monarchies that stay above the political fray, the late King Bhumibol often sent his men to rescue Thailand from crises - such as the appointment of Anand Panyarachun as Prime Minister after the 1992 protests. However, these royal interventions were not always effective, and had in fact eroded the monarchy's popular legitimacy.

Thai Monarchy Thai Politics Thailand

1 Nov 2019

US Downgrading of Summit Representations Sets Worrying Precedent for ASEAN

Tang Siew Mun|Glenn Ong

The appointment of National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien as the United States' Special Envoy to the East Asia Summit should have been seen as a sign of encouragement due to his close connection to the President. But it may also be perceived as a snub as he will be the first US delegate who is deemed to be not senior enough in the pecking order.

ASEAN EAS U.S.

29 Oct 2019

In Thailand, High-Speed Train, Low Speed Negotiations

Sihasak Phuangketkeow

After months of drawn-out and intense negotiations, the contract for the high-speed train project was finally signed to much fanfare and relief. With the three-airport high speed train project going forward, Thailand's ambitious Eastern Economic Corridor project is one step closer to reality.

Eastern Economic Corridor Thailand

8 Oct 2019

Vietnam’s Infrastructure Development Dilemma: The China Factor

Le Hong Hiep

Hampered by a lack of capital funding, Vietnam is faced with the dilemma of balancing the country's infrastructure development needs with the economic and security concerns of accepting loans and investments from China.

Belt and Road Initiative China-Vietnam Relations Infrastructure Vietnam

12 Sep 2019

All Eyes on the Thai Parliamentary Debate: A Road to Nowhere

Sihasak Phuangketkeow

The issue of why Prime Minister Prayut did not recite the complete oath during his swearing-in ceremony will be the focus of the upcoming parliamentary debate. Given that the Thai people care little about the issue, the debate could backfire on the opposition.

Thai Politics Thailand

2 Aug 2019

Anwar’s “Needs-Based Affirmative Action” Has Noble Intentions but Flawed Perspectives

Lee Hwok-Aun

The system-wide change to needs-based policies proposed by Anwar is lacking in details and rooted in nebulous rhetoric, making them likely to fail. Reforms should be pursued sector by sector, and thought through systematically in order to succeed.

Affirmative Action Malaysia Malaysian Politics

22 Jul 2019

Stand-off at Vanguard Bank: A Test of Vietnam – China Relations

Ha Hoang Hop|Lye Liang Fook

China's increasingly aggressive and threatening actions off Vietnam's coast has been testing the bilateral relationship between the two countries. While both Beijing and Hanoi have expressed their desire to maintain good relations, the situation is only one accidental collision away from escalation.

China China-Vietnam Relations Vietnam

28 Jun 2019

Revised Title ‘ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific’ Hints at Ambivalence

Hoang Thi Ha|Glenn Ong

A shift in semantics in ASEAN's official response to new and emerging Indo-Pacific concepts shows that the grouping has yet to fully internalise the region as part of its strategic culture.

ASEAN Indo-Pacfic