COMMENTARIES

9 Feb 2017

Checking and Balancing President Duterte

Malcolm Cook

Please note that it is the anti-drug crusade which has been extended to the end of Duterte's term in June 2022, not Duterte's term, which will end as scheduled in that month.

Philippine Philippine Politics

8 Feb 2017

President Trump’s Refugee Ban has Adverse Impact on Southeast Asia’s Refugees

Su-Ann Oh

US President Donald Trump’s executive order to impose a four-month travel ban on refugees entering the United States has increased their vulnerability in Southeast Asia. Many find themselves living in dire straits.

3 Feb 2017

Vietnam, President Trump and the TPP

Truong-Minh Vu

President Donald Trump's withdrawal of the U.S. from the TPP is a huge loss for Vietnam. To reduce its dependence on the Chinese economy. Vietnam will have to look elsewhere for free trade deals to secure its economy.

Donald Trump TPP U.S.-Vietnam Relations Vietnam

25 Jan 2017

Whither the True Cost of Mega-Port Development?

Serina Rahman

The development of the Klang Valley's third port and industrial city in Carey Island comes against a slump in the international shipping trade, and the formation of mega-alliances of container carriers for economies of scale due to over-capacity. Assessment of economic, socio-cultural, environmental, and political impact needs to be carried out – as well as its implications on other Malaysian ports.

Economic Development Malaysia

19 Jan 2017

Beyond Jakarta: Indonesian Regions Resisting Muslim Hardliners

Deasy Simandjuntak

The rising trend of religious intolerance and hard-line ideologies, is being challenged across Indonesia. The central government must take the lead in dealing with such attitudes so that local authorities can follow suit.

Indonesia Pancasila Religious Intolerance

12 Jan 2017

“Islamization of Politics” in Indonesia and Malaysia?

Leo Suryadinata

Recent political developments in Indonesia and Malaysia have seen the use of Islam in determining the political processes – Islam was employed to weaken the ruling elite, or to maintain political power and to support a forthcoming election. Such tactics may inadvertently destroy the pluralistic nature of both societies.

Indonesia Malaysia radicalism Religious Intolerance

12 Jan 2017

What Lies Ahead for Sarawak with Adenan Satem’s passing?

Lee Hock Guan|Lee Poh Onn

Chief Minister Adenan Satem, who passed away recently, implemented a series of popular policies, which helped to deliver the bulk of parliamentary seats in Sabah and Sarawak to the ruling coalition BN in the 2013 elections. While Adenan has a team in place to seek continuity in policies, there is a lack of a new leader vocal enough to face the government in Putrajaya.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

15 Dec 2016

Migrant Worker Abuse Remains a Problem in Malaysia

Lee Hwok-Aun

The presence of forced labour in Malaysia prevails despite some employers being compliant with market norms against such labour. It is the government''s responsibility to monitor and enforce checks against labour abuse and make the system treat migrant workers better.

Labour Exploitation Malaysia Malaysian Economy

13 Dec 2016

Services to Drive Future Growth: Implications for CLMV Countries

Tham Siew Yean

The services sector is the drive for the future growth of the Asia Pacific region. Building capacity in the services sector and supporting regulatory reforms in the CLMV countries will enable these countries to access the benefits of services liberalization and help them to reach the full potential of the economy.

ASEAN Services Liberalisation

12 Dec 2016

Managing the Rohingya Issue through Quiet Diplomacy

Hoang Thi Ha

The Rohingya crisis is a transboundary problem that requires a regional response. ASEAN's position of non-interference towards Myanmar should be combined with an awareness of the need to act together - a validation of mutual respect and constructive engagement.

ASEAN Malaysia-Myanmar Relations Myanmar Rohingya