Flags: Old and new

Nicholas Farrelly writes that national flags are often considered sacred and thus eternal. But they can change.

Greater media freedom, really?

The Malaysian electoral authoritarian regime has hardened in its attitude and actions toward media freedom in various “waves” since reformasi.

Why Thailand needs its kings

Cod Satrusayang is right. There is a natural fit between Thai culture and royalty. Thai culture needs its king. So why only one?

Why Thailand needs its king

Bangkok-based writer Cod Satrusayang makes an argument for retaining Southeast Asia's most famous monarchy.

GE13 commentary – Timothy Daniels

One hopes that many of the important ideals expressed will be able to take shape under such a secular-Islamic or Islamic-secular state.

Cross-border Shan: Naw Kham and Twet Nga Lu

Since modern borders were first established in the Mekong region, opportunists like Naw Kham have used them to pursue their own economic and political agendas.

Sabahans’ (new) dilemma

The upcoming election will force Sabahans to choose between the devil and the deep blue sea.

Malaysian Indians and democratisation

Putting a human face to the Malaysian Indians who are struggling for their democratic rights.

GE13 Malaysia – Dahlia Martin

I hope we will see more women at the helm. It's long overdue, and a vital part of any development.

GE13 Malaysia – Tricia Yeoh

Barisan Nasional’s greatest strength would be its numbers of years as a coalition government, its ability to govern together with all parties.

‘Face-saving’ solution to Sabah

History could have been different had the Moro recruits obeyed orders and pursued their goal of destabilising Sabah for eventual annexation by the Philippines.

GE13 Malaysia – Sonia Randhawa

Unless resilience to climate change is factored into political calculations, standards of living in Malaysia are likely to face increasing pressure in the medium- to long-term.

GE13 Malaysia – Lee Hwok Aun

The most important issue that the new government must address is to make Malaysia more inclusive and dynamic.

On Myanmar’s plural society

In the wake of recent religious violence, Patrick Jory asks whether the problem in Burma is that people "mix but do not combine"

The KL process

James Bean argues that the Thai government is making the right moves in pursuing a constructive dialogue on peace in the southern provinces.

Malaysia at (yet another) crossroads

While Malaysia has achieved admirable economic success under its dominant coalition government, this has come at the expense of human rights and the free press. Now, the opposition is offering greater transparency.

GE13 Malaysia – Garry Rodan

The most important issue that the new government must address depends on who forms government and by what margin.

GE13 Malaysia – Patau Rubis

Malaysia must go back to the dreams and aspiration of the Father of Malaysia.

GE13 Malaysia – Ronnie Klassen

Malaysia has been and will always be a multiracial country, and nothing will change that fact.

GE13 Malaysia – Arnold Puyok

The most pertinent issues in Malaysia are the issues of corruption and inefficiency in the administrative system.

GE13 Malaysia – Wolfgang Sachsenröder

I’m afraid that BN won’t change much, and PR may change too much for the taste of BN followers and cronies.

Everyday ethnic tensions in Myanmar

Violence in Myanmar connects to a widespread lack of understanding and trust between Buddhist and Muslim communities.

GE13 Malaysia – Joshua Woo

The most important issue that the new government must address is rebuilding public trust in the government.

Ge13 Malaysia – Lim Weng Marc

I hope for a united government that walks the talk and puts its people first.