Indonesia’s “permanent coalition” proposal seeks to neutralise electoral competition and consolidate power among elites, echoing New Order-era tactics.
Politics
Anutin’s Bhumjaithai Party rode nationalism and technocratic appeal to a landslide 2026 election victory, sidelining reformist rivals.
The “second-order effects” of 7 October redrew the map of the Middle East and, with it, the region’s political constellation.
Indonesian policy success now depends less on technical feasibility and more on the personal “championship” of the president.
Sabah’s Chinese voters swung to Warisan in the 2025 state election, leading to DAP’s complete wipeout.
Thailand’s next election is a three-way battle, with conservative Blue, progressive Orange, and populist Red factions vying for power.
Prabowo’s first year consolidates a systemic pattern: economic growth and political stability over human rights, narrowing civic space.
Pushing for a Political Financing Act and formula-based CDFs is key to fighting political corruption.
Malaysia’s post-2018 politics shifted from “hope” to “survival”, with the current unity government prioritising stability and practical, verifiable delivery over sweeping reforms.
Anwar shines on the international stage as a diplomat and regional leader, but his administration faces domestic struggles.