The protests in Hong Kong are showing no signs of letting up. This weekend, protesters are organising several street marches on major sites in the territory continuing their decry of what they called “the erosion of one country, two-systems model.” Meanwhile, Hong Kong authorities are mounting tighter security measures on all modes of public transport.…
In recent months, the United States has embarked on several foreign policy stances that are threatening the strategic outlook in different parts of the world. The US-China trade tiff is beginning to fray nerves in Asian economies with many analysts warning of a possible recession. The US decision to withdraw thousands of military personnel from…
I wrote this paper in 2016 when I spent some time as a visiting research fellow at the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore. The article talks about the possibility of political change in Malaysia. I gave a pessimistic view of political change in Malaysia. I still hold that view. Indeed, Malaysia has experienced regime…
Over the last 100 years or so, the nature of public services has changed tremendously. In the late nineteenth century, there was a fascination for a minimal state. At the time, majority of services were delivered by charitable organisations and private organisations. When it came to public provision, the state role was marginal during this…
The Global times reports that “Beijing hasn’t decided to forcefully intervene to quell the Hong Kong riots, but this option is clearly at Beijing’s disposal.” This latest opinion is yet another indicator that nerves in Beijing are beginning to wear thin. For more.
Asian stocks are expected to take another beating after Wall Street suffered another rocky session. With yields on treasury bills declining, markets are not taking the latest US tariffs announcement on Chinese imports too kindly. President Donald Trump said he planned to talk to his Chinese counterpart soon regarding the latest trade issue. Many however…
Indonesia’s President Jokowi is due to announce the country’s new capital city in the next two weeks or so. The move, which was first mooted in April, took many by surprise. But the reasons given for a new capital city are valid. Experts are saying that Jakarta is sinking given the rapid depletion of the…
The United States will impose 10 percent levy on additional US300 billion worth of Chinese imports starting 1 September. This latest announcement adds to the US earlier levy on US250 billion worth of Chinese imports. The new import duties will affect a broad range of goods, from toys, smartphones, electronic items and textiles. President Trump’s…
