Malaysia must wake up to its human trafficking problem

There are multiple human trafficking schemes seen in Malaysia. Corruption, inadequate training of enforcement officers, and limited awareness of trafficking dynamics all contribute to the lack of enforcement of Malaysia’s Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants Act (ATIPSOM).

Child sexual crime court launched

The Prime Minister of Malaysia Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak inaugurated a special court to handle sexual crimes against children. It is the first such court in Southeast Asia.

Khmer Rouge Trial, Perhaps the Last, Nears End in Cambodia 

The Khmer Rouge tribunal that began proceedings in 2006, concludes its hearings in genocide trial after another lengthy trial comes to an end. Finding a verdict is still months away however. Cost, efficacy and prosecutions of the tribunal have long been a controversial topic in Hun Sen’s Cambodia. 

Cambodia ruling party big winner in local elections

Sunday saw the official local election results released in Cambodia where the ruling party of PM Hun Sen expectedly emerged as the strongest party. 

Breakthrough solutions needed: NA

The third plenary session of the 14th National Assembly of Viet Nam passed 12 laws and 12 resolutions, marking the determination of Viet Nam’s legislators to urge the government to advance policies important for the socio-economic development of the country.  

US State Department’s Lie About Child Soldiers

After US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson took both Iraq and Myanmar off the child soldiers list, Human Rights Watch immediately issued a statement condemning the move, requesting to put both Iraq and Myanmar back on the list as violations are still ongoing. According to HRW, armed forces in Myanmar still include dozens of child soldiers. 

Highlights: Year 1 of President Duterte’s administration

A web special with features, analyses, in-depth reports, and videos on the first year of Rodrigo Duterte’s term as President of the Philippines.

When the opposition party played the role of NGO 

By committing to desilt water bodies across the state, Tamil Nadu’s opposition party DMK moves away from the mere organization of protests, towards a strategy of actively fulfilling the government’s allegedly unfulfilled work. 

Waiting in the Wings: PLAAF General Yi Xiaoguang

Will General Yi Xiaoguang be the next leader of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force at the 19th Party Congress in autumn this year? Looking at this professional background and career path, he is the most likely candidate.

All eyes on Modi-Trump meet: What to expect

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss three conflict regions of Afghanistan, ISIS-held Syria and Iraq, as well as tensions in the South China Sea. Since the U.S.’s revised “Af-Pak” policy is only a few weeks away, the discussion on Afghanistan is quite significant.  

Is a New China-Vietnam Maritime Crisis Brewing in the South China Sea?

The long-planned Vietnam-China 4th Border Defense Friendly Exchange originally scheduled for 20-22 June was abruptly cancelled over differences pertaining to Vietnamese oil drilling in the South China Sea.

Philippines says no deal with Islamists who seized Marawi

The Philippines ruled out negotiations on Tuesday with Islamist militants holding hostages and occupying a southern town, after reports that a rebel leader wanted to trade a Catholic priest for his parents being held by police.

Indonesia's Military Chief Says ISIS Cells Are in 'Almost Every Province' of the Country

Indonesia’s military chief Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo warns against country-wide established “sleeper cells” linked to the Islamic State group (ISIS).

Next Islamic State: Australia’s Indonesia Challenge

To counter terrorism in Indonesia, Australia needs a new strategy of containment which recognizes radical Islam as a legitimate political force. 

New Indonesian counter-terrorism measures deserve scrutiny

A new law is in the making in Indonesia aiming at tightening counter-terrorism legislation in the wake of the increasing influence of the Islamic State in Indonesia and  across Southeast Asia. 

Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia boost joint efforts vs terrorism

In a joint statement, officials of the Foreign Ministries of Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines agreed to strengthen co-operation in preventing their countries becoming operational bases of IS-linked terror groups. 

Malaysia's anti-terror chief targeted by ISIS

Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay, head of the Counter-Terrorism Division of the Royal Malaysia Police, has been announced a target for elimination by Indonesian Islamic State in Iraq and Syria militants.

Showdown Ahead? Border Conflicts in the South China Sea and the Struggle to Shape Asia’s Destiny

A good overview of the current state of affairs in the SCS focusing on three major recent developments:  The PCA ruling,  Duterte’s election in the Philippines and Donald Trump’s in the US and how all three could influence the status quo. 

THE CROSS-BORDER DATA FLOWS SECURITY ASSESSMENT: An important part of protecting China’s basic strategic resources

This short essay provides some insights into how the Chinese government will look to operationalise its new cybersecurity law that has come into effect at the beginning of this month. It is of particular importance for businesses who are still trying to make sense of what exactly the new legislation will mean as it thus far provides little clarity and plenty of murky language.