Articles by Yang Razali Kassim
Bend it Like Bamboo
Former Malaysian Premier Mahathir Mohamad has once again unleashed a leadership conflict in Malaysia. Mahathir has leveled a number of public criticisms at the government since leaving office, often relating to changes in policies initiated by the former PM while..
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Timoribund
Within Days of the first-ever Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) defense ministers meeting in Kuala Lumpur on 9th May 2006, Timor went into a freefall of violence and mayhem. This tiny state, situated just on ASEAN's eastern doorstep, won...
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After Thaksin
The fall of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has thrown Thailand into uncertainty. Thaksin will remain at the head of his Thai Rak Thai party and has not ruled out a possible comeback, so the rough road has not yet reached...
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The Rise of East Asia?
At the recent 11th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Australia formally acceded to ASEAN's non-aggression pact called the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia. Almost overlooked, this event actually marked one of the decisive steps in the redefinition...
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The East Asia Summit
International relations in East Asia have been a bit chilly at times over recent months. A newly formed grouping of 16 regional nations, known as the 'East Asian Summit', will meet for the first time on December 14. If successful,...
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Return of Mahathir?
On Malaysia's national day, 31 August, trade and industry minister Rafidah Aziz pulled a surprise act. At the end of a day of celebration which had gathered current and former leaders, Rafidah spotted former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad. Rushing...
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The Aceh Peace Accord
Barring any last-minute glitches, the Aceh peace accord brokered in Helsinki on July 17, between the government of Indonesia (GoI) and the separatist Gerakan Aceh Merdeka ("the Free Aceh Movement" or GAM), will be formalized Aug. 15. If the Indonesian...
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Does PAS Mean Peace?
In 2002, the Malaysian commentator Farish Noor assessed the future directions of the Islamic opposition party, PAS, and concluded that it remained the most interesting party in Malaysia to watch. PAS, to him, seemed like "a living example of political...
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Riding the East Asian Tiger
Something needs to be done about the East Asian security landscape. Kicking off the 19th Asia Pacific Roundtable in Kuala Lumpur on June 1, Malaysian Prime Minister, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, described the evolving regional security picture as "depressing." Malaysian
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ASEAN Restlessness
This has been a rough first quarter for ASEAN. Following the devastating tsunami on the eve of the new year, the first few months of 2005 have seen new challenges confronting the regional grouping. The ten ASEAN members are currently...
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