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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.
Why Vietnam’s Escalating Anti-Corruption Campaign Might Backfire
By Mai Truong
By drawing public attention to high-level graft, the "blazing furnace" campaign could inadvertently prompt more searching questions about the nature of communist rule.
Cambodia’s CPP Claims Lopsided Victory in Senate Elections
By Sebastian Strangio
The foreordained result is the latest development in the generational transition that peaked with last year's handover of power from Hun Sen to his son Hun Manet.
Controversial Billionaire and Malaysian State Leader Is Laid to Rest
By Luke Hunt
The Bruno Manser Fund wants Taib Mahmud's assets and bank accounts frozen.
Malaysia, Indonesia Denounce Israeli Occupation During ICJ Proceedings
By Sebastian Strangio
The two nations' foreign ministers addressed the body during an advisory proceeding examining Israel's post-1967 occupation of Palestinian territories.
Thaksin and Move Forward: Downplaying Their Problems?
By Tita Sanglee
The controversial release of the former prime minister has presented the progressive MFP with a political opportunity.
Malaysia’s Court System Struggles With the Rise of State-Level Theocracy
By Aizat Shamsuddin
A recent Federal Court ruling has highlighted the tension between the Federal Constitution and Sharia laws passed by conservative state legislatures.
Indonesia to Require Digital Platforms to Pay for Media Content, President Says
By Sebastian Strangio
The policy is the latest instance in which Jakarta has flexed its regulatory muscles against the big foreign tech firms.
Cambodia Gears Up For Low-Stakes Senate Election
By Sebastian Strangio
The ruling CPP is set to sweep most of the seats, after which it is expected to appoint former Prime Minister Hun Sen as the body's president.
Following Release, Thailand’s Thaksin Welcomes Former Cambodian PM
By Sebastian Strangio
The former Thai leader established a close relationship with Hun Sen during his 15 years in self-exile.
Indonesian Election Shows Advances In Deradicalization Methods
By Aisyah Llewellyn
A number of former members of the extremist group Jemaah Islamiyah cast their votes in last week's election, some for the first time.
What Malaysia’s New King Means For the Country’s Monarchy
By Prem Singh Gill
In recent years, the ceremonial monarchs have been taking a more active role in the country's political life.
UN Expert Cites Need for Legal Reforms in the Philippines
By Mong Palatino
The U.N. special rapporteur noted some improvements under the Marcos administration, but “not sufficient to turn the page decisively on the past.”