Blog
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.
Malaysia Seeking Interpol’s Assistance to Investigate Comedian
By Sebastian Strangio
The New York-based comedian Jocelyn Chia created a social media storm last week when she posted a short clip featuring a joke about Malaysian Airlines Flight MH370.
Myanmar Military Restricts Access to Areas Hit by Cyclone Mocha
By Sebastian Strangio
The military's decision closes off the limited access of the U.N. and international aid organizations to around 1 million people affected by the storm.
Philippines’ Investment Fund Bill Draws Criticism
By Mong Palatino
A group of prominent economists claims that the Maharlika Investment Fund will draw much-needed cash away from other parts of government.
Compelled Speech on the March in Cambodia With New ‘Mandatory’ Voting Law
By David Hutt
It is no longer enough to remain silent and keep out of politics. Cambodians are now required to actively affirm the ruling regime – including at the ballot box.
Indonesian Court to Rule on Petition Seeking Change to Electoral System
By Sebastian Strangio
A number of politicians have petitioned the Constitutional Court to change from open-list proportional voting to a closed-list system.
The Changing Nature of the Singaporean Presidency
By Edmund Lim
Since the city-state's independence in 1965, the office has undergone a number of significant evolutions.
Thailand’s Election Body Opens Investigation Into Move Forward Leader
By Sebastian Strangio
The probe will assess whether Pita Limjaroenrat registered for last month’s election knowing that he could be disqualified for the ownership of shares in a defunct media company.
Indonesia to Host ASEAN’s First Military Drill in South China Sea
By Luke Hunt
Cambodia, however, has denied reports of a joint exercise in the South China Sea.
Fears About Migrant Workers in Thailand Unfounded, Cambodian PM Admits
By Sebastian Strangio
Following earlier comments from the Cambodian leader, Thailand's Move Forward Party denied it had any policy of expelling migrant workers from the country.
Indonesia, Malaysia Sign Border Agreements, Pledge Joint Action on Palm Oil
By Sebastian Strangio
President Joko Widodo and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim signed a number of important agreements during a meeting in Putrajaya yesterday.
A Missing Boat of 180 Rohingya Refugees Symbolizes the World’s Apathy
By Kristen Gelineau
Human rights advocates say what happened to those on board is the latest example of political inaction and global apathy: Governments ignore the Rohingya because they can.
Leader of Thailand’s Move Forward Party Says He Disposed of Controversial Media Shares
By Sebastian Strangio
MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat now faces a host of complaints from conservative activists seeking to prevent him from forming the country's next government.