Economics, Politics and Public Policy in East Asia and the Pacific
Author: Chayut Setboonsarng, GWU
Despite the strong emotions of the current election campaign in Thailand, it is critical that the bureaucracy and institutions such as the judiciary, Election Commission, military and watchdog organisations remain nonpartisan and respect the election results on 3 July to ensure Thailand’s progress towards democracy and national reconciliation.
Author: Clark B. Lombardi, University of Washington
Islamic law is playing an increasing role in the Malaysian legal system. While many celebrate this trend, liberal Muslims inside and outside of Malaysia are concerned.
In particular, liberal Muslims are concerned about the recent application of strict Islamic law to women, Muslims who hold unorthodox beliefs, or religious minorities. Read more…
Author: Iana Dreyer, Paris
The mainstream view is that China can still go on growing at 8 per cent and above in the next five to ten years.
This is increasingly questionable. China’s economy is too bubbly and will soon slow down. Read more…
Author: Aileen S.P. Baviera, RSIS
In the last several months, a number of incidents occurred that highlight what appears to be a growing willingness on the part of China to use its armed strength to pressure and influence rival claimants, particularly the Philippines and Vietnam, in the disputed South China Sea.
In February, there were reported incidents of Filipino fishermen being threatened and fired on by Chinese vessels. On 2 March 2011, two Chinese patrol boats confronted a Philippine oil exploration vessel, MV Veritas Voyager, and ordered it to cease activities in the Reed Bank area, which they said was under Chinese jurisdiction. Read more…
Author: Robin Bush, Asia Foundation
Governance is Indonesia’s greatest challenge. In 1998, after 32 years of authoritarianism, Indonesians demanded a democratic system and got one. In the ensuing 13 years Indonesians demonstrated a remarkable commitment to democratic values. They have twice directly elected a president and vice-president, and directly elected over 500 regional executives and over 17,000 regional representatives. The question now is how well these elected officials are governing.
Author: Fenna Egberink, the Netherlands
Tensions over the overlapping claims in the South China Sea (SCS) have mounted in the past months, with hostilities accelerating since the beginning of June.
The row between China, Vietnam and the Philippines has urged current ASEAN chair, Indonesia, to step up. Read more…