Wither The Asean Security Community? Some Reflections

The paper argues that a security community remains an object rather than a reality among the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries. This notwithstanding, ASEAN institutions, processes and structures in the security regime have multiplied manifold over its 38 years of existence. Theoretical work on ASEAN suggests that a realist-institutional understanding of ASEAN should now be supplanted by what could be called "statecentric constructivism". However, the paper argues that such a theoretical development fails to fully account for the political construction of a security community based on some measure of civil society engagement albeit in the highly state-driven ASEAN formation. It is the understanding of this writer that the agency for change emanating from civil society forces still remains generally under-theorised

Research At Universiti Sains Malaysia Volume 1 Policy Studies And Consultancy Services

This volume is one of four published in conjunction with University Sains Malaysia's thirty-fifth anniversary (the other three being devoted to Biotechnology, Environmental Management and Engineering and The Natural Habitat) and its primary focus is on policy and developmental issues and on the University's contribution to the outside community through consultancy and other services. This would cover research work carried out in Schools such as the School of Social Sciences, the School of Humanities, the School of Education and the School of Management, while not neglecting research centres such as the Centre for Policy Research, the Women's Development Research Centre, the Centre for Drug Research and others. The selection of works presented in this volume which is by no means exhaustive, is representative of USM's contributions on policy and related matters during its thirty-five year history

RSIS Series on Malaysia's 14th General Election - Gerrymandering & Its Potential Impact

The redelineation exercise in Malaysia was met with severe criticism. Detractors accused it of being a measure to consolidate the ruling coalition’s support base while simultaneously marginalising opposition support. Will it change the political fortunes of the power players

Mahathir 2.0 and China : Hedging in a Fluid World

Under Mahathir, in his second term as prime minister, Malaysia has crafted a foreign policy of capitalising on an ascendant China while hedging against the current environment of a more fluid world. In so doing Malaysia is maintaining strong ties with major US allies of Asia, such as Japan.Published versio

Malaysia’s East Coast Rail Link: Bane or Gain?

With the launch of East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), Malaysia has demonstrated its commitment to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). However, the proliferation of mega infrastructural projects in the country involving China companies could lead to Malaysia’s overdependence on China, undermining its foreign policy leverage with Beijing

Malaysia's policies and interests in the South China Sea

Malaysia’s management of the South China Sea issue is generally considered to be effective in securing its interests. These are with respect to accessing its hydrocarbon resources, safeguarding its legal claims under international law, maintaining peace and security in its waters and good relations with China and other claimants, and engaging other players as part of its hedging strategy in regional geopolitics. Its policy stances, strategies, and actions have remained fairly consistent over the past few decades. Nevertheless, Malaysia continues to face challenges, particularly in recent years. The ambitious Malaysia-Brunei 40-year joint Commercial Arrangement Area (CAA) for oil and gas exploitation that was signed in 2009 hit a major snag. It was suspended in early 2020 by the Pakatan Harapan administration led by Dr Mahathir Mohamad. Harassment of Malaysian drill-ships by Chinese vessels has disrupted national oil corporation Petronas’ operations and risks untoward accidents that could affect overall bilateral relations which Malaysia is keen to preserve. Malaysia’s expansive territorial claims have resulted in constant incursions of the China Coast Guard and even aircraft surveillance in the vicinity of its claimed Spratly group of islands and features. Malaysia’s military assets have struggled to effectively police its waters. At the ASEAN level, no real progress has been made on the Code of Conduct, whose utility in managing the dispute remains questionable

Anwar on Trial: In the Face of Injustice : [book review]

Non UBCUnreviewedOthe

Malaysia’s Semenyih By-Election : What Next for Race-based Politics?

With the loss of the Semenyih by-election in Selangor state by the ruling Pakatan Harapan, what are the implications for race-based politics in Malaysia? The trajectory of UMNO-PAS collaboration is likely to move the Barisan Nasional coalition, now in the opposition, in this direction