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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.
Malaysia Says It Won’t Recognize Unilateral Sanctions on Supporters of Hamas
By Sebastian Strangio
Anwar Ibrahim has again said that his government would resist any outside pressure to declare Hamas a terrorist organization.
Indonesian Chief Justice Dismissed for ‘Serious’ Ethics Violation
By Sebastian Strangio
Anwar Usman should have recused himself from a Constitutional Court ruling that allowed President Joko Widodo's son, his nephew by marriage, to run in next year's presidential election.
Thailand’s Buffet Cabinet 2.0: A Case of Political Indigestion
By Douglas Rhein and William Jones
With a reformist opposition gathering strength, Thai officials may see the current government as the last chance to gorge themselves at the public's expense.
‘Destabilization’ and Disunity in the Philippine Government
By Mong Palatino
Turbulence in Congress and allegations of dissent among the military leadership have undermined President Marcos' "unity" administration.
Singapore Restricts Display of National Emblems Relating to Israel-Hamas War
By Sebastian Strangio
The Ministry of Home Affairs has announced that it will not allow the foreign conflict to jeopardize the city-state's "peace and harmony.”
Chinese Official Calls on Myanmar Junta to Cooperate on Border Stability
By Sebastian Strangio
Beijing's overriding goal is to restore the stability necessary to allow integrative infrastructure projects to proceed.
Is Indonesia at Risk of Terror Attacks During the Presidential Election?
By Aisyah Llewellyn
The country's extremist networks remain extant, but are much less capable of large-scale attacks than they were two decades ago.
Will Cambodia’s Private Debt Become National Debt?
By David Hutt
Private debt, much of it concentrated in the rapidly deflating real estate sector, has already emerged as a political problem for Prime Minister Hun Manet.
Philippine Radio Anchor Killed While on Facebook Livestream
By Jim Gomez
Juan Jumalon’s murder reaffirmed the Philippines’ status as one of the most dangerous places for journalists in the world.
Singapore’s PM Announces Plan to Step Down Before 2025 Election
By Associated Press
He will hand over power to his deputy and Singapore's Finance Minister Lawrence Wong late next year.
ASEAN Members Need to Think of ASEAN
By SUKEGAWA Seiya
Recent years have seen the association’s members increasingly going their own way.
Toll of Displaced Surges as Fighting Continues in Myanmar’s Shan State
By Sebastian Strangio
The steep rise in the number of those displaced reflects the ferocity of the fighting that has taken place since October 27.