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ASEAN Beat
‘One Vision, One Identity, One Community.’ That’s the ASEAN motto. But what’s the reality? Our bloggers based around this diverse and strategically key region give you an insider’s perspective on politics, security and society in South-east Asia.
November 25, 2022
Sworn in, Anwar Gets to Work as Malaysia’s Prime Minister
By Luke Hunt
Anwar said he would submit his government to a vote of confidence on December 19.
November 25, 2022
Can Anwar Ibrahim Bring Stability Back to Malaysian Politics?
By Sebastian Strangio
While the November 19 election resulted in a victory for his multi-ethnic Pakatan Harapan bloc, the forces of conservative Malay nationalism have perhaps never been stronger.
November 25, 2022
Why Southeast Asia Needs to Establish an ASEAN Cancer Center
By Molika Heng
With the disease on the rise in the region, a dedicated transnational institution would reduce the cost of cancer treatments for those most in need.
November 25, 2022
Philippines Seeks Explanation From China Over Seizure of Rocket Debris
By Sebastian Strangio
The incident close to the Philippine-occupied Thitu Island was just the latest between the two nations in the disputed South China Sea.
November 24, 2022
Reformist Leader Anwar Named Prime Minister of Malaysia
By Eileen Ng
In naming the longtime opposition figure, the monarch called for an end to the political turmoil that has seen Malaysia led by three prime ministers since 2018.
November 24, 2022
Australia’s ANZ Bank Exits Myanmar Due to Post-Coup Turmoil
By Sebastian Strangio
The bank, which was awarded a banking license in Myanmar in 2014, said it was withdrawing due to the country's "increasing operational complexity."
November 24, 2022
Thai Drug Legalization Advocates Fight Growing Marijuana Backlash
By Sebastian Strangio
In June, the country became the first in Asia to legalize the use of marijuana for medical purposes. But a booming recreational market has prompted a sharp backlash.
November 23, 2022
Malaysia’s Democratization Poses New Challenges to China’s BRI Projects
By Imran Shamsunahar
Elites' growing need for democratic legitimization is impacting the fate of a slew of large-scale Chinese projects.
November 23, 2022
What Explains the Islamic Surge at Malaysia’s Election?
By Sebastian Strangio
The country's main Islamic party, PAS, successfully capitalized on the public's growing disenchantment with the Malay political establishment.
November 22, 2022
Spotlight on Malaysia’s King to Resolve Election Stalemate
By Eileen Ng
Thrust into the role of kingmaker after the November 19 election, the Barisan Nasional coalition has refused to support either of the two leading political blocs.
November 22, 2022
Myanmar and Russia Agree to Establish Nuclear Technology Hub in Yangon
By Sebastian Strangio
Civilian nuclear cooperation is the fruit of a growing convergence of interests between the two pariah states.
November 22, 2022
Atrocities Mount Amid the Return to War in Western Myanmar
By Kyaw Hsan Hlaing
Once mostly immune from the country's post-coup turmoils, Rakhine State is beset by an increasingly devastating conflict.
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