Region
Southeast Asia
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.
As Myanmar Coup Intensifies Regional Human Trafficking, How Will China Respond?
By Debby S. W. Chan
The growth of human rights atrocities in Myanmar has spilled over to the region – including Chinese nationals forced into labor.
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.
What’s in Indonesia’s Proposed 2023 Budget?
By James Guild
Coming after two years of pandemic-induced deficit spending, the budget assumes a strong return to growth and revenue potential in the years to come.
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.
Cambodia Says It’s Helping Foreigners Tricked and Enslaved by Traffickers
By Sopheng Cheang
Interior Minister Sar Kheng said his ministry is launching a nationwide check of all foreigners in Cambodia amid increasing reports of forced labor and abuse.
Myanmar’s Executions Have Turned the Country’s Struggle Into a Zero-Sum Game
By Minn Tent Bo
The recent resumption of executions has pushed the resistance movement in Myanmar into a zero-sum game with the military from which there can be no going back.
How Lese Majeste Laws Are Eroding Free Speech in Southeast Asia
By Samantha Holmes
Lese majeste laws are irreconcilable with freedom of expression.
China, Indonesia, and Malaysia: Waltzing Around Oil Rigs
By Emirza Adi Syailendra
Malaysia and Indonesia have tacitly consented to China’s assertive actions in the South China Sea.