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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.
Democracy Is Teetering in Malaysia as PM Tightens Grip on Power
By Alifah Zainuddin
Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s desperate attempt to hold on to power threatens to shake the country's democratic system to the core.
Why Do Filipinos Keep Voting for Authoritarian Leaders?
By Gretchen Abuso
A lack of thorough education has helped blur the Philippines’ history – and the lessons of the past.
Malaysia’s Youth Step Up Protests As Political Crisis Deepens
By Alifah Zainuddin
Young protestors gather momentum as calls for Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s resignation grow louder.
Myanmar Junta Forms Caretaker Government, Promises Elections in 2023
By Sebastian Strangio
But the announcement will do little to convince the large proportion of the Myanmar public opposing military rule.
Philippines’ Duterte Retains Pact Allowing US War Exercises
By Jim Gomez
The president has formally retracted his earlier letter announcing the termination of the Philippines-U.S. Visiting Forces Agreement.
Malaysia PM Under Pressure to Quit After Stern Royal Rebuke
By Eileen Ng
The king’s statement immediately sparked an uproar in Parliament, with opposition lawmakers shouting “treason” and demanding that Prime Minister Muhyiddin resign.
Olympic Champion Hidilyn Diaz Deserves an Apology From the Philippine Government
By Mong Palatino
The Philippines’ first-ever gold medalist had an earlier claim to fame: being accused of conspiring against the Duterte administration.
In Vietnam, Civil Society Is Picking up the Slack Where Authorities Struggle
By Luke Hunt
Ho Chi Minh City residents say self-help is key to surviving the pandemic.
China’s Growing Ties With Indonesian Provinces
By Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat
Getting close to Indonesian provinces is a key goal of Chinese diplomacy and crucial for the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative.
Philippine President Duterte Unabashedly Threatens to Kill Drug Dealers
By Jim Gomez
Duterte devoted most of a rambling, nearly three-hour televised speech to non-pandemic topics he has addressed repeatedly in the past.
Malaysia’s Parliament Opens After 7 Months, Emergency to End
By Eileen Ng
The reopening has been criticized as a sham, as the five-day session is limited to reviewing the government's COVID-19 response and there are no plans for any votes.
Myanmar Shadow Government Forms COVID-19 Task Force
By Sebastian Strangio
The National Unity Government hopes to capitalize on the junta's incompetent response to the current COVID-19 surge.