Beyond court and the law, but honour of the Malay rulers

Few days ago, social media went viral on news Dato Seri Ismail Sabri fainted and photo viral of him sleeping in hospital. At the same time, news circulated of four of his former staff at PMO remanded for investigation for alleged corruption or money laundering involving more than RM100 million. 

The investigation came to light days prior to the above assembly organised by the state government of Pahang, blessed with doa by the state Mufti and to be graced by Sultan Abdullah's attendance. There were whispering of Ismail's involvement and countless planning and discussion held in Dubai to eventually led to the event. 

It led political pundits to speculate the investigation was to foil the event and Ismail's hospitalisation was merely an act. However, its just a spurious coincident and apparently the investigation have been on-going awaiting an organisation reshuffle to initiate the pounce. The names appeared in the court database and have since been released.

Nevertheless, one could presume the assembly tomorrow relate with the outstanding matter on the controversial Addendum to commute Najib's sentence to house arrest issued by the former Agong. 

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Between reform promises and realpolitik: Anwar’s balancing act

By Emir Zainul / The Edge Malaysia

13 Jan 2025, 09:40 am

AS it enters the third year of administration in 2025, Malaysia’s unity government finds itself walking a political tightrope. Balancing economic pragmatism with political survival, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is seen to have adopted a delicate strategy of compromise — one that faces scrutiny from every angle.

From appealing to the Malay demographic to navigating the demands of Sabah and Sarawak, Anwar must simultaneously address accusations of abandoning his Reformasi agenda — the rallying cry of his 25-year political movement that got him to his premiership — while managing the boundaries of race, religion and royalty in public discourse.

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Trump tariff: US's new war mode or economic survival?

The Malaysian semi-conductor industry was slapped with the much awaited Trump tariff of 25%. It should be expected (read September 2024 posting here) but analysts, trade association spokesmen, and government officials been consoling themselves it will not happen.

Earlier this week, stocks of the once booming glove manufacturers caved in and possibly looking at it’s demise following China dumping as a result of tariff imposed by the US.  

These are disruptive economic developments beyond any policymaker anticipation. The usual Malaysians' reactions are to find fault with the Ambassador to the US, and pick on Minister’s frequent overseas trips to even Anwar’s stance on Palestine. Blame does not solve problems. Another coup d'etat only worsen matters.

Trump’s actions are to address the longstanding American twin deficit problem. Since the 80s, US faced simultaneous occurrence of large budget and trade deficit. Economic stability and potential negative impact on the US dollar are real concerns.

At the same time, there is strategic consideration to MAGA and defend unipolarity to maintain military and geoglobal political dominance. Another war seemed beyond their affordability. 

So is trade war the next and more feasible option?

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No positive spin could cover tense Modi-Trump meeting

On the eve of Modi's visit of Washington, this blog put up a posting out of curiosity on the direction of India's foreign policy vis-a-vis their position in BRICS and traditionally long relation with Russia. Bloomberg columnist Andy Mukherjee anticipated it will be a tense and uncomfortable event with Trump demanding trade concessions from India.  

Indian media downplayed the tough meeting for their Prime Minister. India Today "bodek" (to use the Malay lingo for excessive praising) Modi to quote CNN describing him a masterclass negotiator. While, NDTV was more honest with a tad of defensive as more productive than expected. 

It wasn't as successful as reported by India Today. So was the view of The Diplomat's Rushali Saha who summed it up as promising, good optics but challenging. It remains to be seen as to how much India will be impacted. India has a long history of tariff tension. That was the view of Singapore's ST.   

Over the weekend and days after the "historic" meet, the market in India can feel the chill. Andy Mukerjee again below:

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Southeast Asia’s rice crisis is a ticking time bomb

Ensuring food security for the region and beyond requires urgent action to modernise agriculture, diversify suppliers and strengthen cooperation

Genevieve Donnellon-May

South China Morning Post 16 Feb 2025

In Southeast Asia, rice is more than just a food – it is the foundation of survival for almost 700 million people. But what happens when this lifeline begins to unravel? 

Climate change, economic pressures, limited arable land and water resources, and inefficient agricultural practices are threatening the region’s rice production, putting the future of hundreds of millions at risk.

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End of Asian Century, rise of 'Pax Technologica'?

What's happened to the Asian Century?

Bangkok Post 

February 14, 2025 17:05 JST

The ASEAN flag is placed alongside the flags of its member countries ahead of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Retreat in Langkawi, Malaysia, in January 2025. © Reuters

Until recently, the "Asian Century" seemed a compelling narrative but now it is not what it used to be. It was supposed to herald a shift in global economic power from the West to the East, driven by China's rapid rise, India's economic dynamism, and the broader development of Asia. But a quarter of the way into the 21st century, the promise of Asian dominance appears less certain. 

The enduring technological and economic might of the United States, coupled with its geopolitical backlash against China, has lowered expectations. While Asia remains formidable, the trajectory of global power is open and fluid, with potential dominance shifting not necessarily to any nation or region but perhaps to a non-state entity.

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China leading the moon race against US

Recently, a Tik Tok video claim there is a race between US and China for the moon again. This time, the race is for whom to be first to put up a base station. Apparently the race similar to the one to put the first man to space between US and USSR back in the 60s is for real. 

An October 2024 article in The Conversation reported US is losing the race. The US's Artemis III lunar plan delayed in getting ready the space suit and lunar landing vehicle. China showed off their moon walker suits last year September.

India's Millenium post reported China can boast a much-developed and ambitious space programme. They have undertaken spacewalk, anti-satellite program (ASAT) test, a successful space station, successfully conducted three unmanned lunar missions and created the artificial sun. 

They are planning to undertake a manned lunar mission by 2030.

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With a MAGA Trump, will India be forced to pick a side?

Today February 12th to the 13th, Modi will be the second foreign leader to visit Donald Trump in Washington. 

Since Trump's threat to impose 100% tariff on BRICS countries "ditching the dollar", India reportedly rejected any planned BRICS currency, in which Yuan will have a prominent role. However, could they afford to take such firm stand with India's strengthened trade and military cooperation with Russia, including Russia-India trade route through Central Asia? 

India have been playing both sides of the geopolitical divide. Delicately balancing the oil diplomacy to source oil from Russia and Iran and redistribute to Europe and South America. Despite being a founding member of BRICS and participated in the Shanghai Cooperation, India is also a member of QUAD, a military cooperation for the Indian Ocean security meant to contain China. 

With US's intensified sanctions against China, Russia and Iran, including the latest threat on South Africa, it will be more challenging for India to continue to play the same game. 

Modi could boost of strong rapport with Trump in the past, but second term Trump seemed less accomodative. The inhumane deportation of 104 Indian undocumented immigrants, which invited anger from within India, is indicative. 

Migration is output of India's human development and contribute to the remittance economy. Thus goverment would rather remain silent and cooperate in the deportation of its citizen. 

Question is will America-first Trump have a place for India to forge any strategic ties to counter China.  

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Philip Golingai: "So could Najib become PM for a second time?"

The Art of the Impossible

By Philip Golingai

IT'S JUST POLITICS 

The Star Sunday, 09 Feb 2025

DURING the Chinese New Year lunch and dinner meet-ups I’ve been attending, the FAQ is which former prime minister could make a political comeback.

I am not sure why this is a hot topic.

Perhaps because I meet up mostly with people – businessmen, politicians, and academicians – who are political junkies. Or maybe because they know I write about politics.

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Seeing through the noise and negotiation ploy

The new POTUS is certainly creating chaos from his endless stream of noises. But is Donald Trump really effective?

Notice News on Meta had an interesting observation:

It may seem like Donald Trump is making a lot of deep, fundamental changes to the federal government, but the truth is—he’s not.

Like any president, Trump is fairly restricted by what he can do: by the constitution, by congress, and by the courts.

And while Trump likes to make a big splash announcing stuff and signing his name, most of his biggest moves have been stopped in their tracks.

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CHINA by an Egyptian China-watcher

China’s space station: From no flush toilets to building its own space station within 40 years.

By Ismail Bashmori

AS an Egyptian, I have been studying China intensely for the past year — its government, society, history, and transformation.

I’ve spoken to hundreds of Chinese and China-haters and heard everything they had to say. By now I’ve learned roughly as much about China as anyone can learn without knowing the language or living in the country, and I’ve reached my conclusion. China attracts a lot of haters, know-nothings and armchair experts.

The truth is that China is the greatest country on the face of the earth. It makes all other countries look insignificant and contemptible. It is the most brilliant, most industrious, most ambitious, most educated, meritocratic and technocratic, most modern, sophisticated, and civilised, and best-governed by far.

It is the first non-white, non-Western country to reach this status since the 1600s. The determination of this country is indescribable. Supernatural. There is no force that can stop it from accomplishing anything it wants to do.

Forty years ago a flush toilet in China was a luxury. Today it has its own Space Station. This is a tiny example of China’s capabilities.

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