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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.
UN Chief Calls for ‘Inclusive Solutions’ to Myanmar’s Rohingya Crisis
By Sebastian Strangio
On the fifth anniversary of the army's ethnic cleansing campaign, Antonio Guterres said that the Rohingya must be included in any resolution to the country's political crisis.
Supporters of Malaysia’s Jailed PM Begin Campaign for Royal Pardon
By Sebastian Strangio
Najib Razak's best hope of an early release is to mobilize his base and generate public pressure for the king to intervene.
Thai Court Suspends PM Prayut Pending Ruling on Term Limit
By Tassanee Vejpongsa and Grant Peck
Judges ruled that there are grounds to consider an opposition petition arguing that the Thai leader has exceeded his term limit and should step down.
Indonesia Considers Objection to Bali Bomber’s Early Release
By Niniek Karmini
The Australian government has denounced Umar Patek's impending release, which comes just ahead of the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attack.
Cambodia Readies Third Mass Trial of Opposition Officials
By Sebastian Strangio
As the country heads toward national elections next year, the government is seeking to neutralize the influence of opposition leaders living in exile abroad.
To Guarantee Its Survival, Vietnam Needs to Look West
By Khang Vu
The South China Sea matters to Vietnam’s economic development, but its land borders are the key to its long-term security.
After 7 Years, Malaysia’s Judiciary Delivers Justice in 1MDB Case
By Sebastian Strangio
The jailing of Najib Razak is a major step toward accountability for the massive financial scandal, but many of its architects and enablers remain at large.
Malaysia Top Court Upholds Ex-PM Najib’s Graft Conviction
By Eileen Ng
The former leader was found guilty in 2020 on three charges related to the pilfering of the 1MDB state development fund.
Five Years On, the Rohingya Refugee Crisis Has No Resolution in Sight
By Sebastian Strangio
A new briefing from the International Crisis Group makes clear the extent of the challenges facing a resolution to the long-running humanitarian emergency.
Thai Constitutional Court Set to Rule on PM’s Term Limit
By Sebastian Strangio
Opposition lawmakers have asked for a ruling on whether Prayut Chan-o-cha's time as military junta leader should count toward the constitutional term limit of eight years.
Singapore to Repeal Colonial-Era Law Criminalizing Sex Between Men
By Sebastian Strangio
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said that repealing Section 377A of the Penal Code was the “right thing to do,” but ruled out legalizing same-sex marriage.
Why Cambodia’s Opposition Parties Must Unite
By David Hutt
Unity offers the only hope for defeating Prime Minister Hun Sen – but cynicism and egotism stand in the way.