COMMENTARIES

27 May 2025

From Cell to Suite: Genuine Illness or Special Favour?

Termsak Chalermpalanupap

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra faces probes to determine whether his six-month stay in hospital in lieu of prison was justified on medical and legal grounds.

Thai Politics Thailand

26 May 2025

A Malaysian Minister’s Clarion Call to Save the Planet

Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad

Fulcrum editor Lee Hwok Aun converses with Minister Nik Nazmi about the urgent challenges of sustainability and climate change from Malaysian and ASEAN perspectives. Recorded on 28 April 2025.

26 May 2025

Key Takeaways for Southeast Asia from US-UK Trade Deal: It Will Be a Hard Slog

Stephen Olson

As they negotiate with the US for new trade deals, Southeast Asian countries are hoping for at least some relief from the US’ reciprocal tariffs. With the recent US-UK trade deal in mind, these countries should do so with much circumspection.

Southeast Asia Tariffs Trade UK US

26 May 2025

ASEAN’s Trade in Services with the US and China: A Hidden Casualty of Trump’s 2.0 Tariffs

Tham Siew Yean|Maria Monica Wihardja

In services trade, ASEAN has maintained a deficit with the US and a surplus with China. The Trump tariff fixation with goods has omitted services, to the detriment of all sides.

Donald Trump Economy U.S. U.S.-ASEAN Relations

23 May 2025

PKR Party Elections Will Shape Malaysia’s Political Future

Tricia Yeoh

The upcoming Parti Keadilan Rakyat elections will influence Malaysia’s political future.

Malaysia Malaysian Elections Malaysian Politics

23 May 2025

Medical Care: Vietnam’s Underleveraged ‘Soft Power’ in Cambodia

Sovinda Po|Kuch Sonika Bun

Although Cambodians are still wary of the Vietnamese, they have faith in Vietnam’s medical services — an asset that the government has not yet fully taken advantage of.

Cambodia Cambodia-Vietnam Relations Health Vietnam

23 May 2025

The Inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit: Economic Aspirations Amid Strategic Ambiguity

Sufian Jusoh|Joanne Lin

Sufian Jusoh and Joanne Lin assess Malaysia’s bold initiative to host the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit, exploring its strategic rationale, economic potential, and the implications for ASEAN’s centrality in a shifting global order.

ASEAN ASEANFocus China Middle East

22 May 2025

Vietnam’s Response to Controversial Mekong Projects in China, Laos, and Cambodia

Phan Xuan Dung

Vietnam is anxious about the geostrategic implications of upstream Mekong projects in China, Laos, and Cambodia. It faces the dilemma of protecting its vital interests in the Mekong while maintaining stable and cooperative relations with its three neighbours.

Cambodia China Laos Mekong River Vietnam

22 May 2025

Prime Minister Anwar’s Visit to Russia: Long on Pomp, Short on Outcomes

Ian Storey

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's recent visit to Russia was high on symbolism but low on substance.

Foreign Policy Malaysia MH17 Plane Crash Political Islam Russia Trade

22 May 2025

A Call for Ecological Justice: Why Indonesia’s Pesantrens ‘Reject’ Renewable Energy

Iim Halimatusa’diyah

It is not clear that some of Indonesia’s renewable energy projects are designed with the people in mind. Some local communities and traditional Islamic boarding schools are pushing back.

Indonesia Islam Renewable Energy