COMMENTARIES

4 Nov 2025

Abhisit’s Clean Politics Faces Formidable Odds in Thailand’s Cut-Throat Political Arena

Termsak Chalermpalanupap

Former PM Abhisit’s “clean politics” stance may complicate his Democrat Party’s ability to recruit experienced candidates for the upcoming Thai election and prospects of joining a coalition government.

3 Nov 2025

Malaysia’s Budget 2026: Fiscal Reform or Fragility?

Tricia Yeoh

Malaysia’s 2026 budget continues fiscal reforms but exposes structural fragilities such as heavy operating costs and rising debt. These factors may threaten long-term fiscal stability.

Malaysia Malaysian Economy Malaysian Politics

3 Nov 2025

Will the East Coast Son Rise Again? Shafie Apdal and Sabah’s 2025 Election

Vilashini Somiah

Shafie Apdal, long hailed as champion of Sabah’s East Coast, may need to offer more than his “Sabah first” slogan to secure victory in the upcoming state election.

Malaysia Malaysian Elections Malaysian Politics

31 Oct 2025

Why Did Indonesia Decide to Buy China’s J-10 Fighter Jet?

Ian Storey

Indonesia’s recent announcement that it was considering buying the China-made J-10 fighter raises more questions than answers.

China-Indonesia Relations Defence Indonesia

31 Oct 2025

Trump’s Whirlwind ASEAN Visit: Any Substance Behind the Show?

Stephen Olson

Beyond the pomp and pageantry of Trump’s visit to Southeast Asia, some aspects of America’s policies towards the region have become clearer.

ASEAN ASEAN-US Relations

30 Oct 2025

To Lam’s Foreign Policy Leadership in the “Era of National Rise”

Hoang Thi Ha|Pham Thi Phuong Thao

Since assuming power in August 2024, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam To Lam has pursued bold reforms with urgency. Economic diplomacy has been a central focus, aimed at mobilising international resources for economic restructuring and technological upgrading. He has also engaged Washington, traditional partners China and Russia, and other major powers with equal vigour, pursuing pragmatic multi-alignment to advance national interests.

Foreign Policy Vietnam Vietnamese Economy Vietnamese Politics

30 Oct 2025

Restoring Multilateralism: Can Regional Cooperation Arrangements Fill the Void?

Jayant Menon

With the US backing out of multilateral trade deals, there is a possibility that the EU could link up with two expansive networks – the CPTPP and RCEP – to form a mega trading bloc.

ASEAN Economy EU-ASEAN Relations European Union