Category: Opinion
The latest opinion from those committed to making our region fair, just and democratic.
Dams Development & Disaster on the Mekong
Given the Mekong’s critical state arising from 11 Chinese dams and the recent Xayaburi dam in Lao, a moratorium on all hydropower construction on the Mekong as part of a “New Deal to Save our Mekong” is needed now before it's too late.
Coups, Courts, and John Austin’s Theory of Law
If one day Thai society decides to prosecute a junta for their crime against the state, the set of people to stand trial, as partners to that crime, will need to include more individuals than the coup-makers.
Myanmar’s Double Contagion: the Covid-19 and the Viral Discourse of Islamophobia
Over the last 8 years, another type of virus, namely Islamophobia, has effectively spread across all segments of Burmese society, with devastating impact on Muslim communities and, more acutely, the community of Rohingyas, numbering 2 millions in total.
Parasite VS Parasite OR Parasite VS Host?
A close-reading of Basement and Stairs.
Taking on the Virus, Talking with his Fists: Duterte’s Unique Approach to the COVID-19 Crisis
Duterte is floundering and clueless as a head of state. His arrogant claim to be the supreme arbiter of life and death over his countrymen has been rudely taken away from him by a virus that has put him in his place.
Contagion and the Thai State
Now, more than ever, Thailand needs free-flowing credible information, vigorous popular input into the policy-making process, and grassroots organisations to implement public health directives. Human resources need to be mobilised in a national effort to stave off disaster.
NGO condemns rollback of freedom in Thailand under the pretext of COVID-19
Thailand uses Covid-19 to restrict the freedom to inform. Virus information that the government deems "false or capable of causing fear in the public" is now punishable by up to five years in prison.
Can Thailand Recover from Persistent Dictatorship?
Thailand was once the hope of democracy in Southeast Asia. Two coups and two constitutions later and opposition nearly suppressed into extinction, the Bangkok elite have dragged Thailand back to something akin to absolutism. Is there any chance for democracy in Thailand? There are indications in Thailand’s Northeast, or Isaan, that networks may be able to come together in a progressive alliance.
The Dark Horse in the Race: Muhyiddin Yassin and the Rise of ‘Old Malaysia’
it is highly likely that Muhyiddin will prioritize political survival over policy reforms. The reform agenda of the PH government will take a back seat to policies aimed at strengthening the Malay political and economic position. As such, we are likely to see a return to the 'Old Malaysia' days of BN.
Malaysia’s New Perikatan Nasional Government: A Return of Barisan Nasional Policies?
Barisan Nasional's leader Muhyiddin Yassin, spent most of his political career with BN and up to his removal in 2015 was Najib’s Deputy Prime Minister. Known as a stable establishment figure, he may be most comfortable executing the staid, time-tested staple of policies that allowed Barisan to survive for more than 50 years since independence.