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ISEAS Perspective

ISEAS Perspective provides analysis of specific current events and their significance for the Southeast Asian region. This will be published occasionally, and is aimed at keeping decision-makers in both the public and private sectors informed; as well as scholars, laymen and the interested public. This series undergoes a peer-review process.

 

2021/135 “Indonesia’s Economic Recovery Programmes: Progress and Challenges” by Siwage Dharma Negara and Muhammad Oktovan Tito

 

2021 No. 135

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Indonesia is struggling to deal with the economic and social impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has reversed its development achievements over the last two decades. In response to the current pandemic wave, the government has introduced new restrictions on public activities (Emergency PPKM) and added US$3 billion into its National Economic Recovery […]

 


2021/134 “Southeast Asian Responses to AUKUS: Arms Racing, Non-Proliferation and Regional Stability” by William Choong and Ian Storey

 

2021 No. 134

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Southeast Asian responses to the Australia-UK-US (AUKUS) technology-sharing agreement, which aims to provide Australia with nuclear-powered submarines, have varied considerably. Malaysia and Indonesia have warned the agreement could trigger an arms race, undermine regional stability and weaken nuclear non-proliferation regimes. The Philippines’ national-security establishment has welcomed AUKUS though President Duterte shares the concerns […]

 


2021/133 “Peril or Opportunity? The Case of Malaysia’s First Non-party Leader Prime Minister” by Ooi Kok Hin

 

2021 No. 133

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Ismail Sabri Yaakob, Malaysia’s ninth Prime Minister, is the first who is not a party leader. He is only the third highest-ranked leader in UMNO. He is Malaysia’s third premier in 39 months. In his first Prime Ministerial address, Ismail Sabri articulated a new vision called “Keluarga Malaysia” (Malaysian Family), affirming inclusiveness and […]

 


2021/132 “Reform of Parliament: Lessons from 2020-2021” by Shad Saleem Faruqi

 

2021 No. 132

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY An elected and representative legislature is the central pillar of a democratic polity. One third of the Articles of the Constitution of Malaysia require Parliament to perform a number of essential functions, such as the making of laws, scrutiny of executive policy, supervision of national finance, and control of emergency powers. The House […]

 


2021/131 “Getting On Board with Climate Change: A New Challenge for Company Directors in Southeast Asia” by Michael T Schaper

 

2021 No. 131

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Legal, regulatory, strategic and external pressure is growing on company directors and boards to address climate change, reduce emissions and adapt to a warmer world. However, the level of activity and focus in Southeast Asia on this matter is lower than in many other jurisdictions. Only one country in ASEAN – Malaysia – […]

 


2021/130 “‘Global Britain’ and Southeast Asia: Progress and Prospects” by Ian Storey and Hoang Thi Ha

 

2021 No. 130

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Southeast Asia is crucial to the United Kingdom’s (UK) ‘tilt’ to the Indo-Pacific. By mid-2021 it had achieved notable progress in strengthening its diplomatic, economic and security engagement with the region. Becoming an ASEAN Dialogue Partner provides an anchor for the UK to deepen its engagement with the region, but does not automatically […]

 


2021/129 “Who is the Winner? Comprehending Thailand’s 1 October 2021 Military Reshuffle” by Paul Chambers

 

2021 No. 129

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Thailand’s recent annual military reshuffle was heavily influenced by military-academy class ties and other forms of factionalism. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha and Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan appointed most of their favourites to senior posts in the Army. The crown appointed its own favourites to command the Air Force and Navy while ensuring […]

 


2021/128 “Malaysia’s Regulatory Framework: A Catalyst for FinTech Adoption” by Nafis Alam

 

2021 No. 128

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Measures to fight the Covid19 pandemic have accelerated Financial Technology (FinTech) adoption in Malaysia. More than 75% of Malaysia-based businesses are now using at least one FinTech-related product or service since the past year. Bank Negara Malaysia’s regulatory sandbox, the Financial Technology Enabler Group  (FTEG)  and Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) FinTech Booster […]

 


2021/127 “Thai PM Remains Vulnerable Without a Party of His Own” by Termsak Chalermpalanupap

 

2021 No. 127

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha has narrowly escaped “political assassination” in the House of Representatives. A formidable faction in the Phalang Pracharat Party (PPP), the largest in the 17-party ruling coalition, was scheming to join the opposition to vote out the prime minister at the conclusion of a four-day censure debate held […]

 


2021/126 “The Philippines and the South China Sea Arbitration Award: External Appeasement and Internal Dissension” by Jay L. Batongbacal

 

2021 No. 126

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Since taking office in 2016, Philippine President Duterte has downplayed the South China Sea Arbitration Award in the hope of gaining China’s infrastructure and financial offerings. This hope has so far remained unfulfilled. Despite this attitude on the part of the president, various departments in the Philippine government have nevertheless been using the […]