Asean

BANGKOK, Thailand--There has been much discussion about the existence of a deep state within Malaysia. This essay looks at its components. The deep state is not a unified and coordinated mechanism. It is heterogeneous and diverse. It is probably only bound together by a common narrative, sometimes interpreted differently. At different points of time, different aspects of this deep state exercise more power over the others. Other times, there is even conflict between the various elements.

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia--The recent elections in the Philippines is another opportunity for China to further strengthen its position in Southeast Asia.

WASHINGTON, U.S.--Is the U.S. strategy of reducing Russian and (especially) Chinese influence in Southeast Asia working? If the recent summit with ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) leaders in Washington is any indication, the answer has to be a no.

SINGAPORE CITY, Singapore--In 2012, APEC Leaders endorsed a groundbreaking initiative for green trade policy cooperation — a commitment to reduce applied tariff rates on a list of 54 environmental goods to 5 percent or less by the end of 2015. 

In Myanmar it’s the coup that brought back military dictatorship; in Malaysia it’s clever power play plus manipulation that unseated Pakatan Harapan; in Cambodia it’s the rule with impunity; in Thailand it’s the never-ending military coups. And in the Philippines it’s the return of the Marcos family to the Malacañang Palace.

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia--Both upstream oil palm growers and downstream oil producers in Malaysia should join hands to reap the benefit of the void following neighbouring Indonesia’s decision to halt its palm oil exports.

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia--We lost another courageous activist today (4/5/2022). Comrade Helen was admitted early this morning to the Johor Bahru General Hospital with upper back pain and difficulty breathing.

KUALA LUMUR, Malaysia--The Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) and the Center for Market Education (CME) express concerns over the limited debate surrounding issues of political economy and the long-term consequences of implemented policies.

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia--I am not surprised that Putrajaya seemed to be confused about which agency decided about MySejahtera app's development and procurement. 

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia--The Cabinet has recently announced that it will continue the Littoral Combat Ship although a detailed rescue package has not been announced.

BANGKOK, Thailand--When I first met Siti Kasim, online in this Covid age, her bubbling passion for her cause and the future of Malaysia came across very clearly. Siti is inspiring to many of those she reaches. 

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia--Stradling a wide area of the South China Sea, Malaysia has cautiously staked its claim over disputed waters while carefully managing its relations with major powers such as China.

KUCHING, Sarawak--Manila has suspended oil and gas exploration in the South China Sea, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s spokesman said today, as it tries to strike a deal with Beijing on a joint energy project.

LONDON, UK--PEN International is concerned over the recent arrest of Malaysian writer, Uthaya Sankar SB, who was held overnight and is now being investigated for a remark he posted on social media regarding the Prophet Mohammad. 

BANGKOK, Thailand--Remember when Pakatan Harapan secured their surprise election victory back in 2018? Many expressed their joy as Merdeka Day relived. There was so much hope about a Malaysia baru being born.

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia--The oppressive and discriminatory polices implemented by Chinese authourities is the leading cause of extremism namong the country’s Uyghur ethnic minority, a Muslim youth leader asserted at a forum on Saturday.

BANGKOK, Thailand--The Tourism Malaysian highlights Malaysia’s ethnic diversity as a unique strength. The website proudly espouses Malaysia as the only “one place where all the colours, flavours and sights of Asia come together.”  

NEW YORK, U.S.--Philippines' Rodrigo Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping stressed the need to exercise restraint to maintain peace in the South China Sea, Manila's presidential office said on Saturday.

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia--The Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (BERSIH) welcomes the decision of the Government and Pakatan Harapan (PH) to refer the vote on a constitutional amendment on Article 10(3)(a) to a Parliamentary Special Select Committee (PSSC) on anti-hopping bills.