COMMENTARIES

6 May 2025

Abdullah Badawi – An Understated and Underrated Leader

Francis E. Hutchinson|Tricia Yeoh

Abdullah Badawi’s brand melded the best of two worlds, namely rising living standards and technological ambition minus the angst and aggression of the Mahathir period.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

5 May 2025

Legal Pluralism in Malaysia: Navigating the Civil and Shariah Systems

Shad Saleem Faruqi

This Long Read outlines the position of Islam in Malaysia’s Constitution and the applicability of the Shariah courts, particularly in respect of criminal offences.

5 May 2025

Pak Lah and Islam Hadhari’s Hits and Misses

Norshahril Saat

Former Malaysian PM Abdullah Badawi’s signature Islam Hadhari project aimed to promote progressive Islam but faded after his tenure due mainly to lack of support from religious circles.

Islam Malaysia Malaysian Politics Religion

5 May 2025

Myanmar’s Earthquake Threatens a Lasting Economic Scar

Jared Bissinger

The recent earthquake in central Myanmar threatens to deepen the country’s economic malaise.

Myanmar Myanmar Economy Myanmar Military Myanmar Politics

2 May 2025

Thai State Audit Office Has Only Itself to Blame For Tragic Collapse of Building

Termsak Chalermpalanupap

Dubious partnerships, corruption, and poor construction materials seem to have caused the destruction of the 30-storey building in the 28 March quake.

Corruption Thai Politics Thailand

2 May 2025

Has China’s Great Relocation Helped Southeast Asia Industrialise?

Maria Monica Wihardja|Midzuki Low

China’s extensive investments in Southeast Asia have delivered mixed results, underscoring the importance of policies that promote productivity, positive spillovers, and innovation.

China investment Southeast Asia

30 Apr 2025

State-Level Empowerment of Sufism in Addressing the Salafi-Wahhabi Threat in Malaysia

Mohd Faizal Musa

Where does Islam in Malaysia stand regarding Sufi ideology and practice? Some states are making their stance clear in response to mixed signals from the top.

Islam Malaysia Political Islam

30 Apr 2025

Why Importing More Will Not Save Thailand from Trump’s Tariffs

Wannaphong Durongkaveroj

Thailand is trying to increase imports from the US to tackle the challenge posed by new US tariffs slapped on Thailand. This is unlikely to significantly improve Thailand’s position.

Thai Economy Thai Politics Thailand U.S.-Thailand Relations

29 Apr 2025

After the Grand Compromise: Voter Profiles in Thai Politics

Napon Jatusripitak|Mathis Lohatepanont

The grand compromise, forged at the elite level between Thailand’s conservative establishment and Thaksin Shinawatra’s Pheu Thai Party, could lead many Thai voters to shift their party allegiance in the next general election.

Thai Politics Thailand