Malaysia's 13th General Election: Rising Citizen Participation
Yeap Su Yin
Lianhe Zaobao, page 18, 22 May 2013

In this article published on RSIS Commentaries by Ms Yeap Su Yin, Associate Research Fellow at RSIS’ Centre of Excellence for National Security, Yeap discussed how Malaysian citizens are growing in political activism, particularly during the 13th General Election. For instance, Malaysian citizens started the “Let’s Vote” campaign and volunteered to be polling and counting agents or independent observers at the polling stations. She stressed that such community contributions are important for a nation’s development and reformation of its political landscape.

Maiden SOSMA case collapse highlights post-ISA learning curve
Joseph Liow
The Malaysian Insider, 22 May 2013

A High Court’s decision to throw out the maiden charges filed under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act showed that authorities must come to terms with the loss of arbitrary detention powers they once wielded before the repeal of the Internal Security Act (ISA). RSIS political analyst Prof Joseph Liow, an expert in regional Muslim politics and security issues told The Straits Times that Malaysia’s security services are immensely competent. While they may be impeded by the technicalities of the law, he thinks they will still be able to do their job in terms of monitoring the threat arising from extremist elements in the country.

Malaysian Politics Post-GE13: The Deracialisation of BN? – Analysis
Yang Razali Kassim
Eurasia Review, 22 May 2013

RSIS senior fellow Yang Razali Kassim commented that in the wake of the mixed results of the recent Malaysian general election, the ruling coalition, Barisan Nasional (BN), has been thrown into a state of introspection. Early signs point to a fundamental rethink of its identity as a race-based coalition.

Taiwan-Philppines Diplomatic Row: Should Manila Blink First? – Analysis
Julius Cesar I. Trajano
Eurasia Review, 22 May 2013

RSIS senior analyst Julius Cesar I. Trajano observed that tensions between Taiwan and the Philippines have been escalating since the killing of a Taiwanese fisherman by Philippine coast guards. Following the rejection of Manila’s apology, Taipei immediately launched two waves of sanctions. As the Philippines’ key interests are at stake due to the intensity of the sanctions, Taiwan seems to have the upper hand in the current diplomatic row. - Similar article in Asia Times Online

Saudi Arabia to Allow Women Into Stadiums
James M. Dorsey
The Huffington Post, 22 May 2013

RSIS senior fellow James M. Dorsey highlighted that Saudi Arabia, under domestic and international pressure to grant women sporting rights, is creating separate stadium sections so that female spectators and journalists can attend soccer matches in a country that has no public physical education or sporting facilities for women.

Attempts to diversify China's reserves have been a disaster
Friedrich Wu
South China Morning Post, 22 May 2013

Attempts to diversify China's foreign reserves away from US Treasuries are nothing new. But in recent years SAFE has stepped up its diversification programme, partly in response to the establishment in 2007 of the rival China Investment Corporation. According to Dr Friedrich Wu, an adjunct associate professor of economics at Singapore's RSIS, NTU, who has made a close study of China's sovereign wealth funds, SIC now manages US$347 billion in assets, almost as much as CIC's US$468 billion.

Obama, Xi Set to Build Rapport at Retreat
Li Mingjiang
The Straits Times, page A1 and online, 21 May 2013

Chinese President Xi Jinping and United States President Barack Obama are set to hold their first-ever retreat next month in California, in an effort to build personal ties. Singapore-based analyst RSIS Assoc Prof Li Mingjiang said the retreat was likely a Chinese initiative, given that Mr Xi would be visiting the nearby Central America region. But it is also strategic thinking on China's part for both leaders to meet earlier so as to prevent any unfortunate events from escalating and disrupting their ties. Dr Li believes top issues at the retreat include Washington's desire for Beijing to play a more active role in restraining North Korea's nuclear ambitions. Another could be the territorial spats in the South China Sea and East China Sea.

KL Grappling with Challenges of Post-ISA Anti-Terror Law
Joseph Liow
The Straits Times, page A8 and online, 21 May 2013

The release of the first three Malaysians detained under a new anti-terrorist law shows the new challenges presented to the authorities here in nabbing terrorists, experts said. The High Court's dismissal of the case underscores how crucial it is for the authorities to build a case well, now that the Internal Security Act (ISA) is no longer in use. Experts say Malaysia's intelligence services can still do their job. "Malaysia's security services are immensely competent," said political analyst Prof Joseph Liow, an expert in regional Muslim politics and security issues from Singapore's RSIS. While they may be impeded by the technicalities of the law, Prof Liow thinks they will still be able to do their job in terms of monitoring the threat arising from extremist elements in the country.

Algeria: Middle East's Next Revolt If Soccer Is a Barometer
James M. Dorsey
The Huffington Post, 20 May 2013

RSIS senior fellow James M. Dorsey commented that Algeria is competing to be the next Arab nation to witness a popular revolt. That is assuming soccer is a barometer of rising discontent in a region experiencing a wave of mass protests that have already toppled the leaders of Egypt, Tunisia, Libya and Yemen and sparked civil war in Syria.

The de-racialisation of Barisan Nasional?
Yang Razali Kassim
TODAY, page 9, 20 May 2013

Yang Razali Kassim, a Senior Fellow at RSIS, NTU, wrote in his commentary that on the 44th anniversary of the May 13, 1969, racial riots that gave birth to it, Malaysia’s ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) displayed signs of being in existential angst. Though it won the 13th General Election on May 5 by securing the most parliamentary seats, BN lost the popular vote and failed to wrest back its two-thirds parliamentary majority in the face of the Pakatan Rakyat’s (PR) strong showing. A significant upshot as a result of this, has been a proposal to transform itself from the current model of a coalition of communal parties into a single, merged multi-racial entity.

Can NS give meaning to a S’pore vision?
Ong Weichong
TODAY, page 8, 20 May 2013

Ong Weichong, an Assistant Professor at RSIS wrote in his commentary that the logic of National Service (NS) is clearly elucidated in policy and how we train our National Servicemen. Sheer logic alone, however, cannot persuade. Any dialogue on NS must take into account what it means to Servicemen at the individual and societal level.

Taipei-Manila row: Where is it heading?
Euan Graham
Straits Times, page A10 and online, 20 May 2013

The escalating dispute between Taiwan and the Philippines in the South China Sea may have set a dangerous precedent for future spats, say observers. Analysts also believe the spat will not escalate into a conflict due to the United States' influence. Taipei is Washington's strategic partner and Manila, its ally. As for the impact on other claimants, RSIS senior fellow Dr Euan Graham in Singapore said it is unlikely they will adopt more assertive postures. The recent high-level rhetoric from China over the South China Sea appears to be more conciliatory, signalling that its focus is on the East China Sea. Vietnam has also been more cautious, having observed the Philippines' actions.

Malaysian election results deepen country’s bitter ethnic divides
Joseph Liow
Global Times (China), 20 May 2013

In an opinion piece, RSIS associate dean Joseph Liow commented that the result of Malaysia's 13th general election poses more questions than it answers. The National Front coalition's smaller margin of victory cannot be a good sign for the incumbent Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak. Developments between now and the UMNO general assembly later in the year will be watched closely for signs of movement by potential challengers. The next five years are going to be a rough ride for Malaysia.

Asia's Naval Procurement Sees Major Growth
Euan Graham
Defense News.com, 19 May 2013

Asia-Pacific nations are modernizing their surface and underwater naval capabilities by buying stealthy warships, attack submarines, patrol vessels, sensors, radars, missiles and unmanned systems. That much was clear at last week’s biennial International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference in Singapore. Dr Euan Graham, senior fellow in the Maritime Security Programme at Singapore’s RSIS said further down the line, export opportunities in Southeast Asia are likely to be limited by costs and the maturing of current small vessel procurement programmes by regional navies. Arguably, the presence of up to four LCSs in Singapore could itself work against export opportunities, since why should Southeast Asian navies look to invest in a high-end platform which the US has already brought to the region.

Re-opening the Silk Road
Pradumna B Rana
The Business Times Weekend, pages 28-29, 18-19 May 2013

RSIS Associate Professor Pradumna B Rana noted in a commentary that trade catalysts such as the economic reforms in Myanmar and sliced production processes are expanding networks of roads, railways and pipelines, reviving land connectivity in Asia. But what has been lacking so far is an effort to promote the China-ASEAN-South Asia Connectivity by reviving the Southern Silk Road. The Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia should consider a Yunnan-Burma-India-Nepal-Tibet-Yunnan Economic Corridor or a Circular Economic Corridor in Asia and sensitise the project concept and its feasibility.

Malaysian Opposition Lawmaker is Charged
Yang Razali Kassim
The Wall Street Journal, 17 May 2013

A fresh row began to brew between Malaysia's government and its critics after opposition lawmaker Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad was charged with failing to provide police sufficient warning for a rally that drew tens of thousands of people. RSIS senior fellow Yang Razali Kassim said as the law was passed by the last National Front government under Mr Najib, he will be open to attacks that he is neither tolerant of dissenting views nor as reformist as he claims to be.

Whither Malaysia: Rethinking a history of ethnic politics
Mohamed Nawab Mohamed Osman
The Nation online (Thailand), 17 May 2013

RSIS research fellow Mohamed Nawab Mohamed Osman noted in a commentary that while the massive swing of Chinese voters away from the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) is perhaps an exaggeration, it cannot be denied that the country's Chinese have abandoned the BN. The political posturing of the BN and Pakatan Rakyat over the next few months will likely determine whether the country's politics will become more or less ethnic-centric.

Ng Eng Hen sounds alert on S. China sea disputes
Euan Graham
AsiaOne, 17 May 2013

Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen on Tuesday cautioned Asia- Pacific nations not to "get it wrong" by escalating tensions or starting confrontations over ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea. RSIS senior fellow Dr Euan Graham said moves towards a code of conduct should not detract from trying to achieve a negotiated outcome.

Taiwan Philippines fisherman's dispute
Euan Graham
938LIVE, 16 May 2013

Taiwan has suspended the hiring of Philippine workers and recalled its envoy to Manila in protest against the killing of a fisherman by Philippine coast guards. On Wednesday, Taiwan said that the Philippines had apologised for the shooting. But President Ma Ying-jeou insisted Manila offer a formal apology and compensation, apprehend the killer and launch talks on the fishing industry. Dr Euan Graham, a Senior Fellow at the RSIS said Taiwan as a democracy is subject to populist reactions and grassroots pressures. Taiwan is in a unique international position because of the lack of diplomatic recognition. He personally does not see this leading to any major risk of escalation. - Similar report on XinMSN.

US treading carefully as row between Taipei and Manila escalates
Richard Bitzinger
South China Morning Post - Post Magazine, 16 May 2013

Analysts expect Washington to tread cautiously in the row between two of its Asian allies over the killing of a Taiwanese fisherman by the Philippine coastguard. Dr Richard Bitzinger, a senior fellow at the RSIS suggested it was unlikely that the US would seek to play a mediating role in the stand-off. It would probably be more hopeful that the row would die down peaceably, after a couple of weeks, he said.

Ng Eng Hen sounds alert on S. China Sea disputes
Euan Graham
The Straits Times, page B5, 15 May 2013

Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen yesterday cautioned Asia- Pacific nations not to "get it wrong" by escalating tensions or starting confrontations over ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea. He said nations run the risk of forgoing a "great promise" of continued trade and economic growth if disputes are not settled according to international law, adding that the region could be an "engine of global growth" that the world badly needs in an uncertain economy. Senior fellow of the maritime security programme at the RSIS Euan Graham said moves towards a code of conduct to peacefully manage conflicts should not detract from trying to achieve a negotiated outcome.

S’pore cannot afford to import M’sian politics
Bilveer Singh
TODAY, pages 16-17 and online, 15 May 2013

Adjunct senior fellow Dr Bilveer Singh at the RSIS' Centre of Excellence for National Security highlighted in a commentary that as a Singapore citizen, and student of politics and security, it was gravely troubling to witness the knock-on effect of the Malaysian general election on Singapore. Not only were some Singaporeans partaking in Malaysian politics, but Malaysians working and staying in Singapore also chose to actively express their political views on Malaysian politics through public protests. This is something that should not be encouraged or condoned as there will be grave consequences for both societies.

Which path should Malaysia take
Mohamed Nawab Mohamed Osman
Lianhe Zaobao, page 20, 15 May 2013

In this opinion piece, Mohamed Nawab Mohamed Osman from RSIS talks about the outcome of the 13th Malaysian general election, and how it reflects trends that leaders of both the ruling and opposition coalitions must seriously consider. These concerns include the ethnic and geographical divisions of the electorate.

New Cabinet to Signal Malaysia’s Resolve to Reform
Oh Ei Sun and Yang Razali Kassim
Wall Street Journal, 14 May 2013

Newly re-elected Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak faces a challenge to name his Cabinet, the makeup of which will suggest whether he intends to push forward reforms or reward party old guards with plum ministerial berths that will help secure his job, analysts said. Dr Oh Ei Sun, senior fellow at Singapore’s RSIS said rewarding politicians in UMNO with Cabinet positions will be the top agenda, because the party has gained more seats in the elections. But the prime minister would need to appoint his loyal supporters to consolidate his political position because of coalition’s poorer overall showing. RSIS senior fellow Yang Razali Kassim said the prime minister has to display his quality of balancing new faces with experienced politicians. Mr Najib will probably try to appoint qualified professionals and some business leaders with credibility to fill the seats of ministers who either lost or did not contest the elections, he added.

IMDEX 2013: US Navy looks to prove the worth of LCS
Euan Graham
Shephard Media.com, 14 May 2013

As the first of the US Navy’s new Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), USS Freedom, docks off the shore of Singapore, the long-running debate surrounding the worth of the vessel continues to play out. Senior fellow, Dr Euan Graham, from the RSIS' maritime security programme said from a diplomatic perspective, it’s a way of the US demonstrating presence and it will also give a better idea of what its capabilities are with South East Asia as the theatre in mind.

Reform of Middle Eastern Militaries: Lessons From Indonesia
James Dorsey
Huffington Post.com, 14 May 2013

RSIS senior fellow James Dorsey commented that the recent raid of an Indonesian prison and summary execution of four inmates by heavily armed Special Forces commandos has cast the spotlight on the risk involved in failing to fully reform the country's military – 15 years after the end of autocratic rule.

FIFA Anti-Racism Campaign Has Work Cut Out for It in the Middle East
James Dorsey
The Huffington Post.com, 14 May 2013

RSIS senior fellow James Dorsey pointed out that world soccer body FIFA's newly established anti-racism committee has its work cut out for it in the Middle East and North Africa where ironically only Israel and Iran have taken some, albeit too few, steps to counter discrimination based on color, religion, ethnicity or sex. In the latest incident of racism, Iran's soccer federation banned Paykan FC coach Firouz Karimi for eight games and fined him $3,000 for his actions towards Dutch player of African descent Sendley Sidney Bito.

Can neighbours pull together for safer seas?
Collin Koh Swee Lean
TODAY, pages 12-13 and online, 14 May 2013

RSIS associate research fellow and doctoral candidate Collin Koh Swee Lean, highlighted in a commentary that in view of the recent armed seaborne incursion into eastern Sabah and the asylum boat issues affecting Indonesia and Australia, it is clear that existing, largely bilateral maritime security cooperation arrangements in the region have limited effectiveness against an array of non-traditional security challenges that carry potential trans-boundary security ramifications. As one of the better-equipped and well-endowed ASEAN members, Singapore could take the lead facilitation role and make valuable niche capability contributions. To succeed, however, maritime South-east Asia must be prepared to pool its collective weight. The RSIS is co-host of the International Maritime Security Conference at IMDEX Asia 2013 (May 14-16).

'Going Niche' For ASEAN Economic Community – Analysis
Kaewkamol Pitakdumrongkit
Eurasia Review, 13 May 2013

Research fellow Kaewkamol Pitakdumrongkit from the RSIS' Multilateralism Studies Centre, observed that ASEAN governments are having difficulty implementing the remaining 20 percent of the AEC Blueprint because of domestic constraints. However, the protectionist forces can be lessened to advance AEC by a strategy of niche production. If niche production is done successfully, niche firms can shift their preferences from being against liberalisation to pro-free trade. This can help ease the hurdle of passing domestic legislation to comply with the AEC framework and speed up the regional integration process.

Is region ready for a new pandemic?
Mely Caballero-Anthony
TODAY, pages 13 and 15 and online, 13 May 2013

RSIS Assoc Prof Mely Caballero-Anthony, head of the Centre for Non-Traditional Security Studies and research analyst Gianna Gayle Amul jointly penned a commentary highlighting that ten years after South-east Asia’s experience with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), the region’s capacity to respond must be re-assessed. With increasing global travel, rapid urbanisation and the world’s growing population, the threat of re-emerging infectious diseases looms large. As new uncertainties unfold, there is no room for complacency, nor can “pandemic fatigue” be allowed to set in.

New Era in Malaysian Politics?
Yang Razali Kassim
The Nation online (Thailand), 13 May 2013

RSIS senior fellow Yang Razali Kassim noted in a commentary that Malaysian voters now expect Prime Minister Najib Razak to fulfil his long list of promises in his agenda of political and economic transformation made during the hustings. For those who wanted change, they must have been disappointed that they were getting essentially more of the same. But in fact, BN's support had actually eroded. The question now is whether there be rumblings against PM Najib in the run-up to the party election. Or will he be endorsed as the leader who will take UMNO, BN and the whole country towards Mahathir's vision of a developed state by 2020?

Soccer emerges as focal point of dissent in Saudi Arabia
James M. Dorsey
Middle East Online, 13 May 2013

RSIS senior fellow James M. Dorsey observed that in the latest assertion of fan power, a Facebook page entitled Nasrawi Revolution had demanded the resignation of Prince Faisal bin Turki, owner of storied Riyadh club Al Nasser FC and nephew of King Abdullah. The campaign against Prince Faisal follows last year’s unprecedented resignation of Prince Nawaf bin Feisal as head of the Saudi Football Federation, the first royal to be persuaded by public pressure step down in a region where monarchial control of the sport is seen as politically important.

Pakatan's new challenge: To stay united and tackle differences
Joseph Liow
The Malaysian Insider, 11 May 2013

Despite the outcome not favouring the opposition, several PR candidates say they will keep trying for the next round. The Straits Times reported Prof Joseph Liow, of the RSIS, noting that to some extent, DAP and PAS appear to have accepted the election outcome, having sworn in their state governments in Kelantan and Penang.

A parliament of incumbents and incompetents
The Nation online (Thailand), 11 May 2013

RSIS research analyst Yoes C. Kenawas and associate research fellow Fitriani noted that 10 Cabinet ministers and 51 celebrities, including models, singers and TV personalities were among the lists of Indonesian legislative candidates for the 2014 general election. The researchers suggested three reasons for this phenomenon: weak implementation of the rule of law, "idol syndrome" or personalistic voting behaviour, and weak party institutionalisation.

Malaysian polls 'open up civil dialogue'
Joseph Liow
The Straits Times, page A13 and online, 11 May 2013

Malaysia's recently concluded general election has been good for the country, as civil dialogue has opened up and voters are able to talk and debate a wide range of issues, former Singapore High Commissioner to Malaysia K. Kesavapany said yesterday at a panel discussion on Malaysia's 13th general election organised by the Singapore Press Club. Fellow panelist Professor Joseph Liow of the RSIS said the outcome leaves Datuk Seri Najib, who had pledged to regain BN's two-thirds parliamentary majority, which would have allowed the coalition to amend the Constitution, in a precarious position. Prof Liow predicted that leadership politics within Umno, the dominant party in BN, "could get a bit messy" as Mr Najib, 59, would face a tough political fight to retain his party presidency. But the Malaysian Prime Minister "would not give up easily", he added.

Close polls' imapct on S'pore
Mohamed Nawab Mohamed Osman
The Straits Times, page D2 and online, 11 May 2013

Rarely has there been an election campaign up north that has drawn so much attention from Singaporeans. Dr Mohamed Nawab Mohamed Osman, the coordinator of the Malaysia Programme at S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS, said that though Umno, like the opposition Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS), has been taking a more conservative, nationalist turn, he does not think it will endanger bilateral ties. His take is that any fighting within Umno will not likely involve Singapore. "If they are going to attack Najib, it may be focused on issues like how he was too focused on trying to win the Chinese ground and losing the popular vote. Even if there is a change of leadership, I think the BN knows politics is politics and business is business," he said. Professor Joseph Liow, the associate dean of RSIS, said PR didn't win the state government, nor did it deny BN two-thirds majority for the state. The opposition will have a larger say on Johor policy and those in relation to Singapore, as they have representation within the state legislature. "But in the larger scheme of things I don't think that DAP (Democratic Action Party) or PR had alluded to the notion that they would revamp the relationship between Johor and Singapore.

NS should be about integration too
Richard Bitzinger
The Straits Times, page B12 and online, 11 May 2013

National service (NS) should be as much about nation-building and integrating citizens old and new, as it is about deterring external threats, if it wants to gain traction with the present generation. This was one of the suggestions offered by analysts, after the Committee to Strengthen National Service (CSNS) announced on Wednesday that it was looking for ways to strengthen the younger generation's commitment to NS. RSIS senior fellow Richard Bitzinger, said Singapore needs a deterrent military force. But the authorities could "enunciate more clearly the reasons for it". He added that money may not necessarily be that strong a motivating factor. It's more of a consolation prize. "You might satisfy some of them, but you might get some saying, 'Keep the money - I'd rather not serve'."

Plenty of Celebrities, Lack of Credibility
Yoes C. Kenawas and Fitriani
The Straits Times, page A28 and online

RSIS research analyst Yoes C. Kenawas and associate research fellow Fitriani noted that 10 Cabinet ministers and 51 celebrities, including models, singers and TV personalities are among the legislative candidates named by Indonesian political parties for next year's general election. Importantly, the name lists underline the prevalent political dynasties, including 15 relatives of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, the wives of the Minister of Religious Affairs and the Minister of Cooperative and Small Medium Enterprises, and four family members of dangdut singer Rhoma Irama. All this reaffirms the impression that Indonesia's politics is personalised politics dominated by old power, fame, money and family networks rather than capability, experience and merit.

Will Anwar be arrested?
Oh Ei Sun Shin Min Daily News, page 7, 10 May 2013

Police in Malaysia have warned that opposition supporters may face arrest if they attend the rally organised by losing candidate Anwar Ibrahim, leading to speculation over whether Anwar would be arrested. On this, Dr Oh Ei Sun, senior fellow at NTU RSIS, commented that it is highly unlikely that Anwar would be arrested as the news would cause a backlash from the international community.

Myanmar Braces for Islamists Rallying
Joseph Liow
The Wall Street Journal, 10 May 2013

Authorities in Myanmar said they are increasingly wary of a potential threat from Islamic radicals as militants beyond its borders begin taking up the cause of the country's Muslims, targeted in attacks involving Myanmar's Buddhist majority. The sectarian violence has "agitated Muslim communities across the region" said Prof Joseph Liow, associate dean of the RSIS at NTU in Singapore and coordinator of its Contemporary Islam Programme. There is a tendency to interpret these developments as a deliberate attack on Muslims, and to then act upon them in a defensive way, he added.

Aquino Warns Big-Brother China on Trade Fallout Over Sea Spat
Li Mingjiang
Bloomberg, 9 May 2013

Philippine President Benigno Aquino said China may harm relations with its trading partners if it fails to respect a United Nations-backed arbitration ruling over its claims in disputed waters with oil and gas reserves. Assoc Prof Li Mingjiang, from the RSIS in Singapore, said economic ties have strengthened in the past few years between Asian countries even as territorial disputes have increased. Unless China appears to be prepared to use military force anytime soon in these disputes, we don’t see any clear sign that there is an economic containment policy against China in the region.

The tale of Najib and the Chinese tsunami
Choong Pui Yee
Yahoo! Singapore Finance, 8 May 2013

The pro-Barisan Nasional media have been carrying reports on the need for Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak to continue leading the nation and crediting him for the BN election victory. To Choong Pui Yee, senior analyst at NTU's RSIS, Mr Najib's credibility will be challenged in general. "There is a possibility of power struggle within Umno as the GE result is worse than the previous one," said Choong.

Malaysia elections: BN needs to address needs of community
Mohamed Nawab Osman
Asia One, 7 May 2013

The rejection of Chinese-based parties in the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) by voters means that Prime Minister Najib Razak can no longer depend on them to look after the Chinese community's needs and interests, said analysts. Political analyst Mohamed Nawab Osman from Singapore's RSIS said being a multi-racial coalition, the BN will have to look into the concerns of the Chinese. He noted that Datuk Seri Najib had already talked about "national reconciliation" after acknowledging the lack of Chinese support for the BN. If Mr Najib remains party president and prime minister after the Umno general assembly, we can expect a more conciliatory position.

Herald Malaysia’s “What else do the Chinese want?” causes an uproar
Oh Ei Sun
Shin Min Daily News, page 4, 8 May 2013

Malaysian newspaper Herald Malaysia caused an uproar with its controversial headline of “What else do the Chinese want?” Dr Oh Ei Sun, senior fellow at NTU RSIS, commented that racism in Malaysia is becoming increasingly unpopular. He believes that the Chinese community has no cause for worry as Najib will adopt an open, reconciliatory policy.

ASEAN market integration a tough call for members
Julius Cesar I Trajano
Asia Times Online, 8 May 2013

RSIS Senior Analyst Julius Cesar I Trajano highlighted that the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have been gearing up to pursue regional market integration through the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) initiatives, which are set to be completed by the end of 2015. Although 77.5% of the AEC Blueprint has already been mapped out, attaining the remaining politically sensitive goals is immensely laborious.

A National Security Imperative: Protecting Singapore Businesses from Cyber-Espionage – Analysis
Senol Yilmaz
Eurasia Review, 8 May 2013

Associate Research Fellow Senol Yilmaz from the RSIS' Centre of Excellence for National Security commented that cyber-espionage is a real and growing threat to businesses and economies. Some counter-measures can be taken by the private sector. But the government plays an important role in protecting its businesses from cyber-exploitation.

China sends giant fleet to East Sea, endangering fish stocks
Euan Graham
Thanhniennews.com. 7 May 2013

China has sent one of its largest fishing fleets on record to the disputed Spratly (Truong Sa) Islands, AFP quoted Chinese media on Tuesday, amid tensions over Beijing's increasingly aggressive claims over the entire East Sea. China has also resorted to industrial-scale trawling in the East Sea and last year. Euan Graham, a maritime expert with the RSIS in Singapore said such a step-up in capability will inevitably deplete fish stocks further, affecting Southeast Asian littoral states that rely heavily on the same fisheries. Euan added that in such a winner-takes-all approach the biggest loss is likely to be the chance of establishing sustainable fisheries before stocks collapse.

Najib could Face Rocky Road Ahead
Joseph Chinyong Liow
The Straits Times, page A25

RSIS associate dean, Prof Joseph Chinyong Liow, noted in a commentary that now that the people of Malaysia have voted, it is tempting to conclude that it is back to business as usual for the country. After all, the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition was returned to power, albeit with a smaller majority. But in fact, Sunday's general election has thrown up several challenges for Prime Minister Najib Razak which he will have to deal with, and fast. What lies ahead for him may not be business as usual, but a long and winding road marked by uncertainty.

Will it be new era in Malaysian politics?
Yang Razali Kassim
TODAY, page 10

RSIS Senior Fellow from NTU, Yang Razali Kassim, wrote in his commentary that Malaysian voters woke up the morning after the 13th general election (GE) wondering whether they had entered a new era in the country’s politics — and whether this new phase is something to be cheered or worried about. While those who wanted to see continuity and stability were pleased the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) back in power, those who wanted change must have been disappointed that they were getting essentially more of the same.

Anwar’s Malaysia Leadership Push Derailed in Rural Heartland
Mohamed Nawab Mohamed Osman
Bloomberg.com, 7 May 2013

Malaysia’s Anwar Ibrahim struggled to swing voters in government strongholds where his own ethnic group is dominant, thwarting his ambition to take power from a ruling coalition he helped lead before his ouster in 1998. “The only thing Anwar failed to do is to make further inroads into the rural Malay heartland,” Mohamed Nawab Mohamed Osman, research fellow at Singapore’s RSIS said. “If it was anyone else I would’ve said his political future is finished, but it is Anwar Ibrahim. He already came back from the political dead.”

New Low in China’s Relations with North Korea
Sukjoon Yoon
The Straits Times, page A24

Retired navy captain Sukjoon Yoon who contributed this article to RSIS Commentaries, observed that North Korea's recent actions have affected Chinese regional security strategy in several disagreeable ways. The Chinese have expressed their discomfort at Mr Kim Jong Un's persistent brinksmanship. North Korea's attempt to establish itself as a nuclear power undermines China's stance of a nuclear-free Korean peninsula.

Renewed Resolve: Treading the Path of Peaceful Development
Benjamin Ho and Oh Ei Sun
The Nation (Thailand)

RSIS associate research fellow Benjamin Ho and senior fellow Oh Ei Sun highlighted that Beijing's foreign policy posture has been placed under the international spotlight, in particular its territorial claims in the South China Sea. The recent pronouncement by Chinese President Xi Jinping that Beijing would never compromise its security interests could have raised concerns among its regional neighbours that China would adopt an increasingly aggressive posture in its international diplomacy.

China spying on US to develop defence, says Pentagon
Richard Bitzinger
South China Morning Post online

China is using cyberspies to boost its defence industry and military planning by gathering information about US defence programmes, a Pentagon report claims. The annual US Defence Department report to the US Congress on China also devotes considerable space to territorial disputes between China and its neighbours in the East and South China seas. Dr Richard Bitzinger, a senior fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies at Singapore's NTU, said the Pentagon was being blunter in its accusations of PLA-backed cyberspying and hacking.

Soccer Fans in the Gulf Vote With Their Feet
James Dorsey
Huffington Post.com, 7 May 2013

RSIS senior fellow James Dorsey commented that soccer fans are voting with their feet, not in mass protests -- as those that toppled the leaders of Egypt, Tunisia and Yemen -- but by staying away from matches. What effectively amounts to a fan boycott, is most evident in Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

Voters Reject PAS in Favour of Umno
Farish Noor
The Straits Times, page A8

Things did not go well for Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) in Sunday's general election. Some of its top leaders fell trying to make inroads in areas that were not the party's strongholds. The party lost Kedah and failed to retake Terengganu, and it lost some state seats in its fortress of Kelantan. Given the party's performance in the 2008 and 2013 elections, Assoc Prof Farish Noor of Singapore's RSIS said, some may question the wisdom of staying in the Pakatan Rakyat.

BN Needs to Address Needs of Community
Mohamed Nawab Osman
The Straits Times, page A8

The rejection of Chinese-based parties in the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) by voters means that Prime Minister Najib Razak can no longer depend on them to look after the Chinese community's needs and interests, say analysts. "Being a multi-racial coalition, the BN will have to look into the concerns of the Chinese," said political analyst Mohamed Nawab Osman from Singapore's RSIS. He noted that Datuk Seri Najib had already talked about "national reconciliation" after acknowledging the lack of Chinese support for the BN. "If Najib remains party president and prime minister after the Umno general assembly, we can expect a more conciliatory position," he said.

Najib Promises National Reconciliation in front of Voting Polarisation
Oh Ei Sun
Xinhua News, 6 May 2013

Malaysia's ruling BN chairman Najib Razak has promised a national reconciliation after the voting polarisation in the fiercely contested general election. Barisan retained power by winning 133 parliamentary seats, a simple majority in the 222-seat lower house of parliament. Dr Oh Ei Sun, senior fellow at RSIS of NTU in Singapore, said Barisan hanged on power thanked to its large support in the rural areas dominated by the Malay majority.

Lessons From Boston Bombings: Need For Strategic Creativity In Counter-Terrorism
Kumar Ramakrishna
Eurasia Review.com

Assoc Prof Kumar Ramakrishna, Head of the RSIS' Centre of Excellence for National Security noted in a commentary that the recent attacks in Boston offer operational and strategic lessons. Operationally, there is need for better national and international information sharing and understanding of early warning indicators of radicalization. Strategically, the focus of policy responses should be on stronger families, effective self-monitoring of diasporic communities from conflict zones, and the rise of Al Qaedaism.

Achieving the ASEAN Economic Community: Are The Philippines and Indonesia Ready For 2015?
Julius Cesar I. Trajano
Eurasia Review.com

RSIS Senior Analyst Julius Cesar I. Trajano commented that the Philippines and Indonesia, ASEAN’s fastest growing economies, face tough challenges to effectively meet the region’s economic community targets. Both countries appear far from being prepared to dismantle barriers to investments and significantly narrow income gap by 2015.

Sheikh Salman urges unity, promises reform in post-Hammam era
James M. Dorsey
China Daily (off Xinhua), 6 May 2013

Newly elected Asian Football Confederation Chief Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has urged for unity among Asian football family while promising complete reform for the regional football governing body. RSIS senior fellow and football blogger James M. Dorsey in Singapore, said the presidential election would either not going to make a difference or could worsen things for the AFC.

The Diplomat, The Troubleshooter
Li Mingjiang
The Straits Times, page A16

China's new Foreign Minister Wang Yi has a stellar record in the diplomatic arena. Singapore-based observer RSIS Assoc Prof Li Mingjiang, a former Xinhua news agency reporter, said: "My impression of him was that he was very attentive to details and quite easy-going. He has always been regarded as a very capable and competent diplomat by staff at the ministry and perhaps by regional diplomats as well."

Kit Siang wins but BN retains Johor
Oh Ei Sun
TODAY, page 6

The Barisan Nasional (BN) has retained its Johor fortress, despite suffering a defeat in the politically-significant Gelang Patah seat. Initially touted as a contest too close to call, the headline showdown in Gelang Patah fizzled out, with veteran opposition politician Lim Kit Siang scoring a handsome victory over long-time Johor Mentri Besar Abdul Ghani Othman last night. Dr Oh Ei Sun, Senior Fellow at the RSIS, said the result shows that Pakatan Rakyat has indeed made a breach in BN’s Johor fortress, and in Peninsular Malaysia, it no longer has any so-called ‘fixed-deposit’ states.

Expert’s analysis of 13 states in the Malaysian elections
Oh Ei Sun
Shin Min Daily News, 5 May, page 3

RSIS senior fellow Dr Oh Ei Sun did a forecast on the election results in 13 states in Malaysia, noting that Barisan National could win in 6 states, Pakatan Rakyat in 4, while the other 3 are possibly up for contest.

Village encircles the city: a commentary on the 2013 Malaysian GE
Choong Pui Yee
Shin Min Daily News, 4 May, page 6

The writer noted the distinct division separating the city and rural areas with regards to the election climate in Malaysia. In the city, most voters support the Pakatan Rakyat party while this is not a general sentiment in village counterparts. RSIS scholar Zhong Pei Yi (transliteration) commented that as many registered voters in rural areas moved to the city, Malaysia’s urban-rural gap has become more blurred.

Villagers’ vote considered crucial
Choong Pui Yee
The New Paper, 3 May, page 13

Ms Choong Pui Yee, a senior research analyst with the Malaysia programme at RSIS said that there is now a blurring line between the rural-urban divide. In a commentary in the Today newspaper last month, she had said that while the urban population in Malaysia is about 63%, not all of them are registered in the urban seats. “The question is, will this group of urbanised rural voters be able to influence the voting patterns of their older folks?” she said.

Ruling coalition wins Malaysia's general election
Oh Ei Sun
Xinhua News Agency

Malaysia's ruling coalition won a fiercely contested general election with a slimmer majority, polling results showed early Monday, as opposition declined to accept the result citing electoral fraud allegations. Dr Oh Ei Sun, senior fellow at RSIS of NTU in Singapore, said Barisan is depending of its large support in the rural areas dominated by the Malay majority, while doing badly in urban areas. - Similar report in China Daily, CRI English and People's Daily Online.

Malaysia's ruling coalition hangs on against winds of change
Mohamed Nawab Mohamed Osman
Yahoo World (off Christian Science Monitor), 6 May 2013

Malaysia's ruling National Front coalition won a keenly-contested election Sunday, extending its 56-year run in charge of this Southeast Asian nation but with what looks to be its narrowest majority since independence from the UK in 1957. “The BN failed to fully comprehend the dynamics of race and religion in the country and they continue to manage the country by inciting fear or race and religious conflicts which are beginning to irritate many Malaysians, especially the minorities,” said Mohamed Nawab Mohamed Osman, coordinator of the Malaysia Programme at the RSIS at NTU in Singapore.

Ruling party leads in early vote counting
Mohamed Nawab Mohamed Osman
Bangkok Post, 5 May 2013

Officials in Malaysia counted votes in an election that will determine whether Prime Minister Najib Razak's ruling coalition can fend off a resurgent opposition and extend its 55-year hold on power. RSIS research fellow Mohamed Nawab Mohamed Osman said it's going to be the closest electoral battle that we’ve ever seen. Given how close the margins would be, both sides will try to win over individuals, if not whole smaller parties.

Malaysia coalition extends rule despite worst electoral showing
Oh Ei Sun
Reuters, 5 May

Malaysia's governing coalition extended its half-century rule despite its worst-ever performance in a general election, potentially undermining Prime Minister Najib Razak and exposing growing racial polarization in the Southeast Asian nation. "The new government does have a credibility deficit at the very moment due to the very tenacious and contentious election process," said Dr Oh Ei Sun, a senior fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore. "I think they have to redouble their efforts in rebuilding their trust among the people," he added.

Malaysia counts votes as 55-year government rule on line
Mohamed Nawab Mohamed Osman
Bangkok Post, 5 May

Officials in Malaysia counted votes in an election that will determine whether Prime Minister Najib Razak's ruling coalition can fend off a resurgent opposition and extend its 55-year hold on power. "It's going to be the closest that we've ever seen," said Mohamed Nawab Mohamed Osman, research fellow at Singapore's RSIS. Given how close the margins would be, both sides will try to win over individuals, if not whole smaller parties.

Malaysian coalition faces first fall from power
Oh Ei Sun
The National (UAE), 4 May 2013

Malaysia's ruling coalition faces the prospect tomorrow of losing power for the first time since independence in 1957 in a fiercely fought election that polls yesterday suggested was too close to call. Dr Oh Ei Sun, senior fellow at the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies in neighbouring Singapore, said prime minister Najib Razak has to perform better than in 2008; if the result is worse, there could be internal challenges against his rule.

“You Have to be Prepared for a Long Battle”: The Second Coming of Anwar Ibrahim
Mohamed Nawab Mohamed Osman
The Independent (London), 4 May 2013

On Sunday, Malaysia goes to the polls in what experts have called the closest and most hotly contested election since the country secured independence from Britain 56 years ago. Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim believes his time has finally come. Research fellow Mohamed Nawab Mohamed Osman, head of the Malaysia programme at Singapore's RSIS, said he believed Mr Ibrahim could tap into growing public dissatisfaction about corruption and "crony capitalism". His coalition would also draw support from ethnic Indians and Chinese fed up with what they see as inequalities, such as reservation of university places for ethnic Malays. And yet, he said, should Mr Ibrahim lead the opposition coalition to victory at the weekend, it would represent nothing less than a remarkable achievement.

India and Asean building up 'look east' momentum
Mahesh Shankar
The Nation (Thailand), 3 May 2013

RSIS visiting fellow Mahesh Shankar from the South Asia Programme, noted in an opinion piece that there is a growing sense in Southeast Asia about India's importance to the region, and a concomitant desire for New Delhi to play a greater role. Ensuring the timely implementation of already planned connectivity projects will go a long way in demonstrating Indian commitment to its LEP, and reassuring Southeast Asian states that the potential they attribute to India is truly deliverable.

New AFC president sets about reform as battle for change looms
James M. Dorsey
Middle East Online, 6 May 2013

In a commentary, RSIS senior fellow James M. Dorsey noted that the newly elected president of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), Sheikh Salman Bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has little time to implement promised reforms aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability, good governance within AFC. With less than two years before regularly scheduled presidential elections, Sheikh Salman has inherited an organization that has yet to prove its commitment to change.

Is Kedah the weakest link in the Pakatan Rakyat?
Mohamed Nawab Mohamed Osman
Lianhe Zaobao, page 20, 4 May 2013

In a commentary, RSIS research fellow Dr Mohamed Nawab Mohamed Osman noted that Kedah is being touted as one of the frontline states in Malaysia’s 13th general elections, and it is arguably at risk of being toppled by the Barisan Nasional. The struggle for Kedah is going to be one of the most significant battles in this election.

Sulu unrest leaves villagers insecure
Oh Ei Sun
The Nation (Thailand, off The Straits Times), 3 May 2013

While normalcy has yet to return to Simunul village which faced an armed invasion two months ago by Sulu militants, like most on Sabah's east coast, the village remains very much a BN stronghold. RSIS political analyst Dr Oh Ei Sun said a feudalistic mentality still runs deep there, with the village headmen taking care of the population. The opposition has insufficient resources to make inroads.

Rural-urban divide blurring in wealthy Selangor
Oh Ei Sun
TODAY, page 4 and online, 3 May 2013

In Malaysia’s wealthiest state of Selangor, the divide between rural and urban voters appears to be blurring, as the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition and the opposition embarked on targeted campaigns over the last fortnight to win over the respective groups. RSIS senior fellow Oh Ei Sun, who was formerly Prime Minister Najib Razak’s Political Secretary, said the urban-rural divide was blurring “only in those more industrialised states, such as Selangor and Penang”. Dr Oh said this is because the degree of urbanisation in these richer states are such that even many of those who still stay in traditionally rural areas are now working in urban centres. However, for rural places that are still lacking infrastructure such as roads, water and electricity, BN is undoubtedly in a better incumbent position to deliver these sorely needed amenities.

Violence must not be Allowed to Disrupt Pakistan’s Election
Arshad Ali
The Nation (Thailand), 3 May 2013

RSIS research analyst Arshad Ali from the International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research noted in a commentary that home-grown terrorism by Islamist militant, sectarian and separatist groups pose a key threat to the parliamentary elections in Pakistan scheduled for May 11. If the Afghan government can arrange elections in a war-torn environment then Pakistan has every capability to conduct its elections. Any delay in the May 11 elections will mean surrendering to the militants, and that will further disrupt the security situation.

Johor’s anti-government support from Chinese society stronger than last election’s
Oh Ei Sun
Shin Min Daily News, Page 6, 2 May 2013

With regards to political claims that the Chinese groups are dominant in Johor and in favour of opposition parties for the upcoming elections, RSIS senior fellow Oh Ei Sun commented that the Chinese are not the majority in this contest. Even though the group is well known for anti-government sentiments, the Malays still hold deciding power in Johor.

IMDEX Asia: Government and Military Leaders to Discuss New Naval Security Challenges at International Maritime Security Conference 2013
Barry Desker
ACN Newswire.com, 2 May 2013

The International Maritime Security Conference (IMSC), a biennial invitation-only gathering of Chiefs of Navy, Directors-General of Coast Guard, government officials and key industry players from around the world, will return as a key highlight of the International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (IMDEX Asia) 2013. The conference is organised by Experia Events and co-hosted by the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the RSIS. Said Ambassador Barry Desker, Dean, RSIS, "As a leading think tank and research centre, our mission at RSIS is to forge new ground in strategic thinking on security issues in the Asia-Pacific with a practical application for policymakers. Now more than ever, it is critical for navies, Coast Guards and government officials from the region and around the world to embrace a co-operative security approach in order to keep our seas safe. With this year's selection of pressing and relevant topics and a line-up of highly sought-after speakers, we are confident that IMSC 2013 will be of great value to delegates."

Expert Says Nuclear Programme Not the Ultimate Issue Between Iran and US
James M. Dorsey
Trend News Agency, 2 May 2013

In many ways, both for Iran and the US, the nuclear issue is not the ultimate issue, Senior fellow at NTU's RSIS, James M. Dorsey told Trend. Commenting on one of the problems that Iran is currently dealing with, he said the problem with the negotiations is both an Iranian and an American problem.

India And Southeast Asia: Building LEP Momentum – Analysis
Mahesh Shankar
Eurasia Review, 2 May 2013

RSIS visiting fellow Mahesh Shankar highlighted in a commentary that the changing strategic context in Southeast Asia has rapidly elevated India to a highly sought after partner in the region. New Delhi must take care, however, that domestic dynamics do not squander its rising stock.

ASEAN Unity: From Word to Deed – Analysis
Benjamin Ho, Kaewkamol Pitakdumrongkit and Sarah Teo
Eurasia Review, 2 May 2013

A commentary jointly written by RSIS associate research fellow Benjamin Ho, research fellow Kaewkamol Pitakdumrongkit and senior analyst Sarah Teo highlighted that the ASEAN Summit this week saw member states discuss issues such as ASEAN economic cooperation and the South China Sea disputes. The outcomes of the Summit suggest that the ASEAN community has the political will to move towards greater regional integration, provided it is able to move from word to deed.

Sulu incident shakes villagers' sense of security
Oh Ei Sun
The Straits Times, page A16, 2 May 2013

Since an armed invasion two months ago by Sulu militants left 10 policemen and soldiers dead as well as displaced thousands from Simunul village, the sense of security always taken for granted has been badly shaken. While normalcy has yet to return, Simunul village, like most on Sabah's east coast, remains very much a BN stronghold. For one thing, villagers think the government handled the invasion well. For another, there is no viable opposition. "A feudalistic mentality still runs deep there, with the village headmen taking care of the population," said Dr Oh Ei Sun, a political analyst with RSIS, who added that the opposition has insufficient resources to make inroads.

Malaysia gears up for gruelling election
Oh Ei Sun
The Australian (off AAP), 1 May 2013

On May 5, 13.3 million voters in Malaysia will decide whether re-elect Prime Minister Najib Razak's National Front, which has ruled for the past 56 years, or vote for candidates in Anwar Ibrahim's opposition coalition. Dr Oh Ei Sun, a senior fellow at the RSIS at NTU said with 56 parliamentary seats in Sabah and Sarawak, the vote in the two eastern states could swing the result either way in a tight contest.

Malaysia's Closely-Fought Elections: What's at Stake
Joseph Liow
CNBC, 1 May 2013

A general election in Malaysia this Sunday is shaping up to be the most hotly-contested poll ever to be held in Southeast Asia's third biggest economy. And the outcome could be much tighter than markets are anticipating, Malaysia watchers say. The 79 independent candidates in Sunday's election are a wild card and could determine who forms the next government. Prof Joseph Liow, associate dean at the RSIS at NTU, said independent candidates could be the dark horse in the elections. They could swing the election either way, either as spoilers or even king makers.

Ways to Curb Terrorism, Extremism Discussed
Rohan Gunaratna
Dawn.com (Pakistan), 1 May 2013

Speaking at the international conference ‘Extremism and terrorism in Pakistan: challenges and sustainable solutions’ organised by the University of Sindh in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the Hanns Seidel Foundation, Prof Rohan Gunaratna, director of the International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research of the RSIS, NTU in Singapore, said that Al Qaeda was different from other extremist groups. He said that 30 new offshoots of the organisation were working under different names in Africa, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Indonesia, Uzbekistan, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, North Africa, Iraq, Syria and other countries.

Four Pakistanis to Receive Prestigious AFC Awards
James M. Dorsey
Dawn.com (Pakistan), 1 May 2013

Four former Pakistan internationals will be awarded the AFC Distinguished Service Awards on Friday, a day after Asia’s football governing body holds its presidential elections. United Arab Emirates football chief Yousuf Al Serkal is among those in the running for the Asian football governing body. According to football blogger and senior fellow at NTU in Singapore, James M. Dorsey, Al-Serkal is the only candidate who has laid out a programme that addresses the fundamental problems wracking the AFC, but he lacks a track record of pushing for reform.

If Rafsanjani Participates, He could have Upper Hand at Iranian Presidential Elections
James M. Dorsey
Trend News Agency (Azerbaijan), 1 May 2013

Ayatollah Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani could have the upper hand, if he decides to participate at the upcoming presidential elections in Iran, senior fellow James M. Dorsey at NTU's RSIS told Trend.

Malaysia Gears Up for Gruelling General Elections by John Grafilo
Oh Ei Sun
DPA International (Germany), 1 May 2013

On May 5, 13.3 million voters in Malaysia will decide whether re-elect Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak's National Front, which has ruled for the past 56 years, or vote for candidates in Anwar Ibrahim's coalition. With 56 parliamentary seats in Sabah and Sarawak, the vote in the two eastern states could swing the result either way in a tight contest, said Oh Ei Sun, a senior fellow at the RSIS at NTU. The youth vote, comprising 30 per cent of the electorate, could also be a deciding factor. "The coalition that can garner the support of the youths is likely to make major gains in several frontline states and even form the next government in Putrajaya," said Mohamed Nawab Mohamed Osman, an RSIS research fellow.

The Myanmar Government and Ethnic Minorities: An Unhappy Marriage – Analysis
Kaewkamol Pitakdumrongkit
Eurasia Review, 1 May 2013

Research fellow Kaewkamol Pitakdumrongkit at the RSIS' Centre for Multilateralism Studies, observed in a commentary that the recent communal rioting in Meiktila has led critics to doubt the Myanmar government’s ability to cope with its ethnic issue. Although outside efforts have failed to pressure Myanmar to institute improvements, the government will be able to curb its ethnic tensions and prevent them from spiraling out of control, making regional instability unlikely while continuing the relationship of an unhappy marriage.

Rough hustings belie melting ethnic divisions
Yang Razali Kassim
Today, page 10 and online, 1 May 2013

RSIS Senior Fellow Yang Razali Kassim highlighted in a commentary that expectations that Malaysia’s 13th general election (GE) on May 5 will be unusually hot, more so than 2008, have so far been borne out. It remains to be seen how the remaining days of campaigning will turn out. Both sides are expected to ramp up their rallies. The mood in the frontline states will be critical, especially in Selangor, Johor, Kedah and Perak in the peninsular and Sabah and Sarawak in East Malaysia. Surprises cannot be ruled out.

AFC to elect new chief in first post-Hammam election
James M. Dorsey
Xinhua, 30 Apr 2013

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) this week is set to elect its new chief, who will have an uphill battle to restore the Asian football governing body' s tarnished image and reputation left by its disgraced former boss, Mohamed Bin Hammam. Football blogger James M. Dorsey, a senior fellow at the RSIS at NTU in Singapore, said most presidential candidates do not have a real reform agenda. He said Al-Serkal is the only candidate who has laid out a programme that addresses the fundamental problems wracking the AFC, but he lacks a track record of pushing for reform. The AFC has not even started to recover from Hammam' s scandals, he added. - Similar article in China.org.cn.

Was Shane Todd Murdered Over High-Tech Secrets?
Richard Bitzinger
The Christian Science Monitor (USA), 30 Apr 2013

To Dr Shane Todd's mother, he died an American hero, paying with his life for his refusal to allow China access to a restricted technology its military keenly wants. While Mary Todd's accusations are far from proved, the gallium nitride (GaN) recipe that was in her son's mind and on his laptop computer could bring billions of dollars to Chinese corporations as well as radically improve China's military radar. Mr Richard Bitzinger, an expert on the Chinese military at the RSIS at NTU in Singapore said it's obvious that the Chinese have a very obvious interest in trying to upgrade their military with systems like modern fighters, surface ships, and submarines. This means getting things like better radars, fire control and communications systems.

Indonesia Readies Mass Production of Drones
Richard Bitzinger
Voice of America, 30 Apr 2013

Indonesia has announced that it will begin to mass-produce surveillance drones this year. Mr Richard Bitzinger, an ex-CIA analyst and senior fellow at the RSIS in Singapore, said drone development in Indonesia is all part of a broader regional trend in military modernisation, which is increasing the qualitative capabilities of regional militaries.

In cyberspace, the election battle takes on a different tone
Oh Ei Sun
TODAY, pages 4-5 and online, 30 Apr 2013

In what is shaping up to be among the most intense battleground in the coming election, social media has become a key campaigning tool for candidates. RSIS senior fellow Oh Ei Sun, who was formerly Prime Minister Najib Razak’s political secretary, reiterated that the impact of social media is increasingly being felt in the smaller towns and rural areas, due ironically to the government’s effort to wire up the country.

Amid improving Sino-Indian ties, border stand-off baffles the experts
Li Mingjiang
South China Morning Post online, 30 Apr 2013

For two weeks now, Chinese and Indian soldiers have had a standoff, barely 100 metres apart, at the Karakoram Range on the western sector of the China-India border. The confrontation has sent diplomats into overdrive to calm tempers before Chinese Premier Li Keqiang's India visit as both sides have set much store by the trip. Assoc Prof Li Mingjiang, at the RSIS in Singapore's NTU said Chinese and Indian armies have regular run-ins but the PLA is clearly showing more aggression this time. It might have been caused by the new leadership's assertive stance on issues of national interest. President Xi has publicly urged the army to spare no efforts to defend China's territorial integrity and core interests, he said. Such high-profile political signals would only encourage the army, especially frontier forces, to toughen their own stance in local disputes.

Pakistan's May 2013 Parliamentary Elections: The Threat Of Disruption
Arshad Ali
Eurasia Review.com, 29 Apr 2013

Research analyst Arshad Ali from the RSIS’ International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research at NTU highlighted in a commentary that the terrorist threat to the upcoming parliamentary elections is real and the militants have the capability to derail the political process. The government needs to ensure full security and conduct the election on time.

The Shia-Sunni Divide: Tunnel Vision Prevails
James M. Dorsey
Huffington Post, 29 Apr 2013

RSIS senior fellow James M. Dorsey observed that a widening schism along sectarian lines between Sunni and Shia Muslims was highlighted in two recent conferences, one in Bandar Abbas, Iran, the other in Bahrain. Both were designed to promote opposing government views of popular unrest and discontent sweeping the Middle East and North Africa and the Islamic republic's role in the region. With tension building on both shores of the Gulf, the stakes are high for regional governments as well as the international community as they could threaten shipping in the Straits of Hormuz as well as create domestic turmoil in both the Gulf states and Iran.

Freedom arrives: What next for the Littoral Combat Ships?
Euan Graham
TODAY, pages 10-11 and online, 29 Apr 2013

Dr Euan Graham, a senior fellow at the RSIS that is co-hosting the International Maritime Security Conference at IMDEX Asia 2013, noted in a commentary that the United States Ambassador to Singapore David Adelman had described the arrival of the first Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), USS Freedom, to Changi Naval Base on April 18 as the opening of a new chapter in the “US-Singapore partnership, promoting peace and prosperity in South-east Asia”. With some observers estimating that the LCS will be deployed outside of Singapore for up to 95 per cent of its time, naval diplomacy and partnership-building are likely to be major objectives.

Why does Singapore want “permanent observation” of the Arctic?
Euan Graham
Lianhe Zaobao, page 8, 29 Apr 2013

Singapore has applied to become a permanent observer of the Arctic Council in 2011, joining countries like China, Japan, Korea and the European Union. The gradual melting of ice in the Arctic region has garnered increased attention over the years. RSIS’ maritime security program’s senior research fellow Dr. Euan Graham commented that economic interests have caused the Arctic Council to gain favourable attention, and if Singapore were to become an observer, it could establish in-depth understanding with other major Asian countries to exert influence and share knowledge.

The Shia-Sunni Divide: Tunnel Vision Prevails – Analysis
James M. Dorsey
Eurasia Review.com, 25 Apr 2013

RSIS senior fellow James M. Dorsey commented that tunnel vision prevails on opposite shores of the Gulf where governments execute policies based on perception rather than reality. They run the risk of being incapable of managing tensions that could threaten shipping through the strategic Strait of Hormuz as well as create domestic turmoil in both Gulf states and Iran.

Connectivity in East Asia and ASEAN: Reviving the Old Silk road?
Pradumna B. Rana
The Jakarta Post, 26 Apr 2013

The case for reviving land connectivity in Asia or the Silk Road has strengthened, wrote Pradumna B. Rana from NTU’s RSIS Centre for Multilateralism Studies. What has been lacking so far is effort to promote the China-ASEANSouth Asia Connectivity by reviving the Southern Silk Road. The ERIA should consider a Yunnan-Myanmar- India- Nepal-Tibet-Yunnan Economic Corridor or a Circular Economic Corridor in Asia and sensitize the project concept and its feasibility. Such a project would lead to a win-win situation for the countries concerned especially to Nepal which, as a land-locked country, has the potential to be a “land bridge” between India and China. Other “land bridges” in Asia that have benefited significantly from regional connectivity are Laos and Mongolia.

ASEAN summit shows unity, but little else
Ralf Emmers
ABC Radio Australia, 26 Apr 2013

South-East Asia's leaders have put on a united front at the end of their summit in Brunei, a far cry from last year's ASEAN forum. But any prospect of ASEAN drafting a code of conduct as a means of avoiding further disputes is as far away as ever. In an interview, RSIS Assoc Prof Ralf Emmers said whatever happens next will be a long process. China could continue to reject the Philippines' statement of claims, and it could as a result continue to ignore the legal steps undertaken by the Philippines. He added that China could be using a diplomatic ploy to delay the negotiations on the code of conduct.

Indonesia in Maritime Bind as U.S. Rebalances to Asia
Ristian Atriandi Supriyanto
The Straits Times, page A33, 25 Apr 2013

Ristian Atriandi Supriyanto, a senior analyst with the RSIS’ Maritime Security Programme at NTU observed in a commentary that the Indonesian archipelago straddles a strategic location at the "crossroads" of the Indian and Pacific oceans and the Asian and Australian continents, respectively. In between and connecting the two regions are three crucial maritime choke points for global trade: the straits of Malacca-Singapore, Sunda and Lombok-Makassar. These features might seem a geo-strategic blessing. But recent trends in the maritime strategic environment could complicate Indonesia's strategic calculus.

Roundup: Malaysia Parties Urge More Support for Chinese Education Ahead of Election
Oh Ei Sun
Xinhua, 25 Apr 2013

Organisations promoting Chinese education in Malaysia are using a closely contested general election in May to press the ruling coalition and opposition for more support for Chinese schools and education in the country. Although Malaysia is maybe the only country outside China with a complete Chinese education system, Dr Oh Ei Sun, senior fellow at RSIS of NTU in Singapore, said the Chinese community has long been of the opinion that Chinese education is being treated unfairly by the government of Barisan Nasional, which ruled Malaysia uninterruptedly since the country's independence in 1957.

The Perils of Containing China – Analysis
Evan Resnick
Eurasia Review, 25 Apr 2013

Asst Prof Evan Resnick, coordinator of the RSIS' US Studies Programme commented that the Obama Administration’s policy of “rebalancing” to the Asia-Pacific appears to be a nascent attempt to contain China. It would behoove US policymakers to recognise a key distinction between Washington’s current proto-containment of China and its successful containment of the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

Iran: Challenges for U.S. Intelligence and Policy – Analysis
Robert Jervis
Eurasia Review, 25 Apr 2013

Prof Robert Jervis, a non-visiting fellow of the RSIS' United States Programme highlighted that dealing with Iran and its nuclear programmes challenges the skill and ingenuity of American intelligence and policymakers. Crafting a successful policy requires understanding Iran, but such judgments are politically as well as intellectually difficult.

The New Silk Roads: Reviving the old India-Nepal-China connectivity
Pradumna B Rana
Nepali Times, 24 Apr 2013

RSIS Assoc Prof Pradumna B Rana penned a commentary highlighting that what has been lacking so far is an effort to promote the China-ASEAN-South Asia Connectivity by reviving the Southern Silk Road. The Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) should consider a Yunnan-Burma-India-Nepal-Tibet-Yunnan Economic Corridor or a Circular Economic Corridor in Asia and sensitise the project concept and its feasibility. Such a project would lead to a win-win situation for all countries including shared prosperity between India and China in which Nepal could serve as a land bridge and production hub between Asia’s two giants.

Iskandar a big success story, good example of diligent planning and foresight
Yang Razali Kassim
The Star (Malaysia) online, 24 Apr 2013

Iskandar Malaysia is becoming a major success story for Malaysia, said Mark Mobius, executive chairman of Templeton Emerging Markets Group, Franklin Templeton. Singapore is the largest investor in Iskandar Malaysia. Under the administration of Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, bilateral ties between Malaysia and Singapore were now at an excellent stage. On the current bilateral ties, Yang Razali Kassim, a senior fellow of RSIS, said that Singapore-Malaysia ties are entering a new phase. "It is clearly more warm and neighbourly, more constructive and productive,” he said.

Focus on Kelantan: Ulamas versus Ulamas
Farish Noor
The Straits Times, page A12, 24 Apr 2013

In the Malaysian state of Kelantan, religion a major factor in deciding who will get the votes. Using cleric power to fight cleric power, Prime Minister Najib Razak's Umno-led Barisan Nasional has sent in Muslim scholars and Islamic-oriented professionals to contest a good number of the 45 state and 14 parliamentary seats in the opposition-held state. RSIS Associate Professor Farish Noor noted that Kelantan has no "massive corruption and no overwhelming difference between rich and poor". That strengthens PAS' credibility in the public eye.

Hopes Dim for Southeast Asia Single Market by 2015
Deborah Elms
The Wall Street Journal Asia, 24 Apr 2013

Southeast Asia's bid to create a single market by 2015 has bogged down, slowed by domestic political pressures in the bloc's largest economies and alternative trade initiatives competing for policy makers' energy and attention. As ASEAN leaders gather here Wednesday, analysts said they are well behind on their goal to eliminate barriers to the free movement of goods, services and workers, with the target date just 18 months away. Dr Deborah Elms, head of the Temasek Foundation Centre for Trade and Negotiations in RSIS, Singapore said ASEAN is moving in the other direction. RSIS Assoc Prof Ralf Emmers, said unlike 20 years ago, when Asean was driven by a few key leaders who didn't have to worry so much about domestic politics, now it's a very different situation. Policy makers are predominantly focused on domestic politics and winning the next election.

Abe's TPP strategy: Overcoming domestic division via reform
Theresa Robles
The Nation (Thailand), 24 Apr 2013

In a commentary, associate research fellow Theresa Robles from the RSIS' Centre for Multilateralism Studies noted that the announcement by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on March 15 of Japan's intention to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) has stepped up the momentum of negotiations for the trans-oceanic trade and investment arrangement. The prospective entry of the world's third largest economy will significantly broaden the TPP's reach and affect the Asia-Pacific trading system.

NTU confers honorary doctorate on President of Indonesia
22 Apr 2013

NTU conferred an honorary doctorate of letters on His Excellency President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono of the Republic of Indonesia on 22 April 2013, in recognition of his distinguished achievements and contributions to the university and to Indonesia. President Yudhoyono is the first Indonesian Head of State to receive an honorary doctorate from a Singapore university.

Click here to read more.

Malaysia's Doppelganger Election
Joseph Chinyong Liow
Wall Street Journal Asia online, 22 Apr 2013

RSIS associate dean Joseph Chinyong Liow commented that there is no doubt that Malaysia's 13th general election will be a closely fought affair. The ruling National Front will emphasise the themes of stability, continuity and economic growth, while the opposition People's Alliance will mobilize around issues of corruption, cost of living and minority rights. To a large degree, however, this election is a personal struggle between two charismatic politicians. Prime Minister Najib Razak is looking for a mandate after being appointed to his post by the ruling coalition in 2009. The indefatigable Anwar Ibrahim leads the opposition in hopes of overcoming the various obstacles placed in his way since he was dismissed as deputy prime minister in 1998. May 5 will be the last stand for one of these men.

Malaysian Election 2013
Oh Ei Sun
Shinmin Daily News, Page 07, 22 Apr 2013

Senior Fellow Dr Oh Ei Sun from RSIS shared his thoughts on the independent candidates Shen Tong Qin, Li Ying Xia and Chen Yao Lin(transliteration) for the upcoming Malaysian Election.

From BN stronghold to battleground
Farish Noor
The Straits Times, page A16 19 Apr 2013

For more than six decades, Malaysia's dominant party, the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), has held sway in Johor, giving its ruling coalition comfort that it is a political "fixed deposit". This election, the opposition Pakatan Rakyat is making a determined offensive on the southern citadel, and even BN backers are predicting a close fight as Umno loyalists are worried. Johor is different from other Malaysian states, notes Associate Professor Farish Noor of RSIS, as people take pride in the fact that Umno began here.

US warship arrives for S-E Asia stint
Euan Graham
My Paper, page A10, 19 Apr 2013

A US warship designed to fight in coastal areas arrived here yesterday for its South-east Asian deployment, underlining President Barack Obama's new strategic focus on Asia. The deployment of the USS Freedom comes at a time of heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula and as China publicly flexes its naval muscle in the South China Sea, where it has competing territorial claims with some South-east Asian states. Maritime-security expert Euan Graham, at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, said Beijing "is obviously cautious about any enhancement of the US military presence around the South China Sea". But he added that China also understands that Freedom's presence is "not a major step-change in the naval balance in the region".

Why the world must listen more carefully to Asia’s rising powers
Barry Desker
Europe's World, 18 Apr 2013

RSIS Dean Barry Desker observed in an opinion piece that the shifts in global power that began in the late 20th century have accelerated since the onset of the economic crisis in 2008. By 2030, Asia will overtake the United States and Europe in terms of GDP, population size, military spending and technological investment. Just as global institutions will be influenced by the rise of Asia, Asia-Pacific states will have to adapt to the norms, values and practices of global society.

Researchers: BN has 55% of winning the election
Oh Ei Sun
My Paper, page B2 19 Apr 2013

At a Malaysia Election forum organised by S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Senior fellow Oh Ei Sun mentioned that the Barisan Nasional has a 55% chance of winning this election. However, if the MCA and Gerakan loses more seats in the parliament, there may be a cabinet re-shuffle after the election.

New team to bring transformation agenda for Najib
Farish A Noor
Channelnewsasia.com, 17 Apr 2013

Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Rakyat (PR) coalitions have fielded a significant list of new faces for the coming 13th General Election (GE13) on May 5 to win the hearts and minds of the younger generation. Assoc Prof Farish A Noor from Contemporary Islam Programme, RSIS, NTU, highlighted that both BN and PR coalitions are trying to present the image that they have changed and taken into consideration the aspirations and desires of the younger generation of first-time voters and fence-sitters. Prof Farish added that this is especially true for BN and perhaps, this is part of the 'new team' to bring about the transformation agenda of Prime Minister Najib Razak.

Boston Marathon Horror
Kumar Ramakrishna, Evan Resnick, and Rohan Gunaratna
The New Paper, page 4, 17 Apr 2013

Three experts from NTU’s RSIS - Dr Kumar Ramakrishna, Dr Evan Resnick, and Dr Rohan Gunaratna - gave their views on the impact of the Boston attacks on the US and Singapore. They agree that there are two likely suspects, right-wing supremacists or terrorist group Al-Qaeda. It was Patriot’s Day on the day of the attack and the perpetrators could be a right-wing group which is trying to make a statement, said Dr Ramakrishna but the modus operandi seems to point to Al-Qaeda, or a home-grown self-radicalised cell inspired by it. Dr Resnick said that the possibility of a new wave of violent attacks on the US is unlikely because of tighter border security and the small number of home-grown, self-radicalised individuals. Dr Gunaratna felt that the Boston bombing is a continuity of the same old threats that the US faces, and that “US has always been a main target of terrorism.” As an American ally, Singapore faces the same threat and must remain alert.

Prosperity, piety and politics
Afif Pasuni
Today, page 27 and online, 17 Apr 2013

Mr Afif Pasuni, an associate research fellow in the RSIS' Malaysia Programme highlighted that with 45 state seats and 14 parliamentary seats up for grabs, Kelantan is a key battleground in Malaysia’s 13th general election, and one that is seeing a vital interplay of religion and economic factors given that 95 per cent of its population is Malay-Muslim. The commentary is part of a series by RSIS contributors on the election.

Malaysia's mother of all elections: a turning point
Yang Razali Kassim
The Nation (Thailand), 17 Apr 2013

In an opinion piece, RSIS senior fellow Yang Razali Kassim noted that Malaysia's 13th general election will be the most crucial in decades: a titanic battle for the ruling Barisan Nasional to retain power and a referendum on the future of two leaders -- Prime Minister Najib Razak and his challenger, opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim.

Malaysia's ruling coalition unveils candidates for May election
Joseph Liow
China.org.cn (off Xinhua), 16 Apr 2013

Malaysia's ruling coalition has unveiled a candidate list with a significant portion of new faces for the General Election in May. Prof Joseph Liow, Associate Dean of RSIS, NTU, in Singapore said the election result will much depend on the quality of candidates in the individual seats.

Asian Football Confederation Presidential Candidates' Promises of Reform Put World Sport Group in the Crosshairs
James Dorsey
Huffington Post.com, 16 Apr 2013

RSIS senior fellow James Dorsey noted that candidates in next month's AFC presidential election designed to appoint a successor to disgraced Qatari national Mohammed Bin Hammam are competing to project themselves as agents of change following two years of scandals in world soccer involving charges of corruption and financial mismanagement.

Rethinking NS and privileges for PRs
Yolanda Chin
Today, pages 10-12 and online, 16 Apr 2013

In a commentary, Yolanda Chin, a research fellow at the RSIS' Centre of Excellence for National Security suggested that reversing the policy of conscripting permanent residents at this juncture is timely in view of the justification for the extension of citizenship rights to PRs to begin with.

Abe’s TPP Strategy: Overcoming Domestic Division Through Reform? – Analysis
Theresa Robles
Eurasia Review, 16 Apr 2013

RSIS associate research fellow Theresa Robles commented that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s recent announcement of Japan’s intention to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership is seen not only as an important vehicle to expand trade and investment opportunities but also as a way to reposition the country as a major regional power.

Young voters as kingmakers?
Mohamed Nawab Mohamed Osman
Channel News Asia, 15 Apr 2013

NTU RSIS research fellow Mohamed Nawab Mohamed Osman highlighted that Malaysia’s 13th general election has been touted as the closest-ever race since independence, and a key group likely to have a significant influence on the outcome is the young voters. The coalition that can garner their support is likely to make major inroads in several of the frontline states, and young voters may well emerge as kingmakers.

N. Korea Could Be Re-Calculating Moves
Michael Raska
CNBC, 15 Apr 2013

Research fellow Michael Raska from the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies, RSIS, NTU, said North Korea could be re-calculating its next move after pressure from the international arena. He noted that there have been completely different reports on missile movements, and the country might conduct a test of its previously untested Musudan medium-range ballistic missiles.

Creating a world sans violence, one step at a time
Fitri Bintang Timur
The Jakarta Post, 15 Apr 2013

RSIS associate research fellow Fitri Bintang Timur penned an opinion piece noting that beyond equal access to employment, involving more women in the security sector will be another significant step in eliminating violence and it will show that women can be the protector, not always the protected.

Report: India ties with Israel tactical, not strategic
Richard Bitzinger
WorldTribune.com, 15 Apr 2013

Defence relations between India and Israel remain limited, said a report titled “Indian-Israeli Defense Cooperation: The Elusive Strategic Partnership”. Author and RSIS senior fellow Richard Bitzinger said India would probably rebuff Israel’s efforts for a strategic partnership. He said India intends to keep the Israeli relationship restrained.

Bahrain Soccer Chief Faces Tough Questions in AFC Election
James M. Dorsey
Aslan Media, 15 Apr 2013

RSIS senior fellow James M. Dorsey noted that the Asian Football Confederation, struggling to restore credibility after two scandal-riddled years involving allegations of financial mismanagement and corruption, has had a foretaste of questions and issues that are likely to be raised if Bahrain Football Association head Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, widely viewed as a frontrunner, wins the group’s May 2 presidential election.

Young voters as kingmakers?
Mohamed Nawab Mohamed Osman
TODAY, page 14, 13 Apr 2013

In the fifth of a six-part series by RSIS commentators on the Malaysian general election, Mohamed Nawab Mohamed Osman, a research fellow with the RSIS' Malaysia Programme and Contemporary Islam Programme, noted that the election has been touted as the closest-ever race since independence, and a key group likely to have a significant influence on the outcome is the young voters. The coalition that can garner their support is likely to make major inroads in several of the frontline states, and young voters may well emerge as kingmakers.

A Dam Too Far in Laos
Jackson Ewing
International Rivers (off Asia Times Online), 13 Apr 2013

Since the Nam Theun 2 hydropower dam commenced commercial operations in 2010, the World Bank and other proponents of the multi-billion dollar power project have trumpeted it as an economic and social development success story for host country Laos. But there are rising indications that Nam Theun 2 and its massive 450 square kilometer reservoir are responsible for massive amounts of greenhouse gas emissions. RSIS research fellow Jackson Ewing, an academic at Singapore's NTU, said it seems that opposition to damming in one place is more fluidly than ever leading to a fairly simple displacement of damming activities to more receptive areas nearby.

VIEW: Pakistan’s fragile democratic transition
Abdul Basit
Daily Times, 11 Apr 2013

Abdul Basit, a senior analyst at the RSIS' International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research observed in a commentary that a peaceful transition of power through free and fair elections is essential for the strengthening of the democratic institutions in Pakistan. The election process will carry the political debate forward from ‘restoration and survival of the political system’ to a ‘performance-based accountable system.’

Religion, the permanent variable?
Farish A. Noor
The Malaysian Insider (off Today), 10 Apr 2013

In an opinion piece, RSIS Assoc Prof Farish A. Noor noted that it is significant that in this coming general election in Malaysia, many demands are being made in the name of religion and religious identity. A host of demands are coming from almost every ethnic and religious constituency — demands ranging from the implementation of Islamic law to the protection of churches and temples in the country.

Malaysia heads for closely contested polls on May 5
Oh Ei Sun
The US Daily (off Reuters), 10 Apr 2013

Malaysia will hold general elections on May 5, the government said on Wednesday, in what could be the toughest test of the ruling coalition's 56-year grip on power in Southeast Asia's third-largest economy. Dr Oh Ei Sun, RSIS senior fellow said Prime Minister Najib Razak has to perform better than 2008; if the result is worse, there could be internal challenges against his rule. For Anwar, if he doesn't make it this time, his age will catch up with him and he won't be a viable opposition for the next general election.

Malaysians to Vote May 5 in Country’s Close Fight for Power
Oh Ei Sun
Bloomberg, 10 Apr 2013

Malaysians will go to the polls on May 5 in what is expected to be a close fight as Anwar Ibrahim’s opposition seeks to end 55 years of unbroken rule by Prime Minister Najib Razak’s National Front coalition. Dr Oh Ei Sun, a senior fellow at the RSIS in Singapore said tackling the twin issues of corruption and living costs is of key concern to voters, alongside crime. The National Front “perhaps can tackle economic issues better because they can push through more development programs,” while governance and curbing graft are “strong points” for Anwar’s People’s Alliance given its track record in states it currently governs.

Exports to China must comply with new restrictions
Zhang Hongzhou
Food Engineering, 9 Apr 2013

Export opportunities in China will soon need to comply with new rules aimed at improving food safety of imported foods. Zhang Hongzhou, senior analyst with the RSIS' China Programme at NTU, expects China to increase imports of soybeans, cotton, edible crops, sugar, dairy and cereal, particularly maize in the coming years. Meanwhile, China is expected to strengthen agricultural trade ties with nations including the US, Canada, Thailand, Argentina and Australia.

ASEAN ministers to meet in Brunei to prepare for summit
Bilveer Singh
Channel NewsAsia.com, 9 Apr 2013

Political analysts believe Brunei, which is the current chair of ASEAN, will be able to restore the regional group's credibility after it was damaged last year. Assoc Prof Bilveer Singh, adjunct senior fellow at RSIS, NTU, said there will be at least a minimalist gain over the previous Phnom Penh meeting in terms of one, there will be a communique, two there will be a broad consensus as far as the South China Sea is concerned. This is partly because he thinks the Bruneians are great diplomats. So there will be progress in terms of more unity, there will be progress in terms of greater consensus, agreements but beyond that, it remains to be seen.

Al Jazeera Eyes Spanish TV Market Amid Dropping Viewer Numbers in Its Heartland
James M. Dorsey
The Huffington Post, 9 Apr 2013

RSIS senior fellow James M. Dorsey highlighted that the state-owned Qatari television network Al Jazeera is exploring the acquisition of Spain's La Liga premier soccer league rights in a bid to expand its budding global sports franchise, tweak its business model in a world in which pan-Arab television is on the decline and compensate for mounting criticism of its coverage of popular revolts in the Middle East and North Africa.

AFC presidential candidates’ reform promises put World Sport Group in the crosshairs
James M. Dorsey
Middle East Online, 9 Apr 2013

RSIS senior fellow James M. Dorsey commented that the burden on the new president of the Asian Football Confederation to introduce reform is reinforced by fact that FIFA members will next month vote on a host of reform proposals in wake of several scandals.

“Mystery fatty” Jho Low accused by media
Hu Yishan
Shin Min Daily News, page 2, 10 Apr 2013

32-year-old Malaysian billionaire Low Taek Jho is being accused by Malaysian media for planning to spend millions of ringgit to overthrow the regime in Penang. RSIS visiting scholar Hu Yishan (transliteration) pointed out that the people of Penang have a higher level of general knowledge, and estimated that a silver bullet will not offend to them.

Malaysia's General Election manifestos
Joseph Liow
XinMSN (off 938LIVE), 9 Apr 2013

Malaysia's Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition released its manifesto over the weekend. Already, there are allegations from the opposition Pakatan Rakyat coalition that BN has copied from its election manifesto. Professor Joseph Liow, Associate Dean at the RSIS and a specialist on Malaysian politics, shared his thoughts on the allegations levelled against BN's manifesto. He noted that Pakatan had a first-mover advantage by releasing its manifesto earlier than BN's. The way both parties intend to deal with economic, social and infrastructure issues are quite similar, and that highlights the similarities in their approach to these issues.

The US Pivot To Asia: Will The Senkakus Be Its First Challenge? – Analysis
Anna Morris
Eurasia Review, 9 Apr 2013

Ms Anna Morris, an associate research fellow with the RSIS' United States Programme, commented that conflict between China and Japan over the disputed Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands would carry a high cost for the United States. Washington would be well served by a clear, public position designed to deter future provocations over the islands and lower the risk of accidental escalation.

Pakistan’s 2013 Elections: A Milestone, But Fragile Democracy – Analysis
Abdul Basit
Eurasia Review, 9 Apr 2013

In a commentary, RSIS senior analyst Abdul Basit noted that the May 2013 election is going to be a milestone in Pakistan’s political and constitutional history. It will decide the direction of Pakistan’s political system – whether towards enduring democracy or continued instability.

India-Israel Cooperation; Elusive strategic partnership despite growing military ties
Richard A. Bitzinger
The Straits Times, page A23, 9 Apr 2013

RSIS senior fellow Richard A. Bitzinger penned a commentary highlighting that defence cooperation has always been a low-key but essential element in relations between Israel and India. While most of this cooperation has taken place below the radar of international affairs, it has nonetheless been critical to the expansion of ties between these two countries since they established diplomatic ties in 1992. At issue, particularly for Israel, is whether growing military ties can cement a broader "strategic partnership" between Tel Aviv and New Delhi.

Religion, the permanent variable?
Farish A Noor
TODAY, page 18, 9 Apr 2013

Assoc Prof Farish A Noor from RSIS, NTU wrote in his commentary that many demands are being made in the name of religion and religious identity in this coming general election in Malaysia. These demands range from the implementation of Islamic law to the protection of churches and temples in the country. To win power in Malaysia, all political parties need to cultivate a bridge-building capacity to narrow these divisions, but not at the expense of losing their religious identities.

Chua Jui Meng to contest for Segamat
Oh Ei Sun
Shin Min Daily News, page 2, 9 Apr 2013

Johor PKR chief Datuk Chua Jui Meng has been named as the candidate for Segamat in the Malaysian elections. Senior Fellow Dr Oh Ei Sun from RSIS commented that the locals tend to vote for the party and not individuals. He added that while some voters may find Chua Jui Meng’s disappearance from the last election questionable, his odds of success could still be high.

Data-analysis project to aid govt response to threats
Kumar Ramakrishna
My paper, page A8, 9 Apr 2013

A new project that analyses data collected by different government agencies will enhance Singapore’s ability to anticipate and counter threats to national security. It is organised by the Centre of Excellence for National Security (CENS) of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), with the support of the National Security Coordination Secretariat in the Prime Minister’s Office. Associate Professor Kumar Ramakrishna, head of CENS at RSIS, said that the Safe City Testbed will help Singapore create a “national security eco-system. It will involve the Government, business and civil society working towards a common goal of not just creating a safe, but resilient environment.”

From fixed deposits to kingmakers
Oh Ei Sun
TODAY, page 9 and 10, 9 Apr 2013

Oh Ei Sun, a Senior Fellow at RSIS, NTU wrote in his commentary that Malaysia’s coming general election, widely characterised as a potential “watershed” event, will see many first-time voters play a decisive role in determining which way the country will go. Carrying a critical weight in the outcome will be the East Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak, as out of the 222 seats in Parliament, more than a quarter are in Sabah and Sarawak, leading some to label these states as kingmakers in the polls that are expected to be closely contested. In the coming general election, Sabah and Sarawak are no longer fixed deposits for BN and are poised to assume their crucial roles as kingmakers.

China's Military Unmoved by N.Korean Threats
Euan Graham
English.Chosun.com (South Korea), 9 Apr 2013

As the United States and South Korean militaries closely track North Korea's troops, military hardware and missiles, China has said little about what precautions its forces are taking. Dr Euan Graham, senior fellow at RSIS, NTU in Singapore said it is still in Beijing's interest to prevent conflict that could bring U.S. troops to its borders. He thinks there is an element that in a broader, strategic view, China is calibrating its strategy in the context of the US rebalance to Asia. And, although North Korea may be a recalcitrant and counterproductive ally, from many points of view, for Beijing it's the only one it's got. - Similar article in GlobalSecurity.org.

China declines to blame North Korea for recent tensions
Euan Graham
The Washington Times, 9 Apr 2013

Chinese officials recently have called for an easing of tensions on the nearby Korean Peninsula, but have neither identified the North as an antagonist nor indicated they will pressure Pyongyang, which relies on Chinese fuel and food aid. RSIS senior fellow Dr Euan Graham, at NTU in Singapore told Voice of America that the logic of North Korea as a buffer still, I think, has currency within, particularly military circles in China.

Penang dances to opposition's tune in battle for pivotal state
Oh Ei Sun
Financial Times (Europe), 8 Apr 2013

Korean rapper Psy’s appearance has helped thrust Penang, on Malaysia’s western coast, into the limelight as Barisan faces an intense, and many believe unwinnable, battle to take it back. Dr Oh Ei Sun, senior fellow at the RSIS in Singapore said Penang is a shining example of economic recovery and doing so in a more or less non-corrupt manner.

Kim Jong Un Regime Warns Attack Is Soon
Michael Raska
Bloomberg TV, 8 Apr 2013

Commenting on the situation in North Korea, RSIS research fellow Michael Raska said indicators suggest the crisis may peak by the end of this week, when North Koreans are expected to test-launch an intermediate ballistic missile. North Korea is shifting its strategy to try to launch a limited type of conflict and resort to hit-and-run tactics.

South Korea’s Security Predicaments: Preparing For ‘Hybrid Conflict’ – Analysis
Michael Raska
Eurasia Review, 8 Apr 2013

In a commentary, research fellow Michael Raska at the RSIS' IDSS highlighted that South Korea’s defence planners have traditionally placed importance on three key constraints in defending South Korea: geographic, quantitative, and political. In the increasingly “hybrid conflict” spectrum on the Korean Peninsula, Seoul now has to prepare for conventional all-out war scenarios as well as low-intensity and asymmetric warfare.

Tensions On The Korean Peninsula: Will Park’s Trustpolitik Work? – Analysis
Sarah Teo
Eurasia Review, 8 Apr 2013

RSIS senior analyst Sarah Teo noted in a commentary that South Korean President Park Geun-hye’s approach to build trust between North and South Korea is being tested. With Pyongyang’s recent warlike rhetoric, Seoul’s trustpolitik policy looks unlikely to achieve its goal of improving inter-Korean relations.

The mother of all elections
Yang Razali Kassim
TODAY, page 10 and 11, 8 Apr 2013

Yang Razali Kassim, a Senior Fellow at RSIS, NTU, wrote in his commentary that Malaysia’s most crucial general election (GE) in decades will be a titanic battle between two leaders for whom the polls will also be a referendum on their respective political futures. Once close allies in the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), Prime Minister Najib Razak and opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim will clash directly for the first time in an electoral test of wills and skills. New power equations cannot be ruled out, making the future unpredictable to an unprecedented extent hence the outcome of GE13 and its implications will be something to watch for.

RRG’s future direction
Mohamed Ali
Berita Harian, page 8, 8 Apr 2013

Ustaz Dr Mohamed Ali, a researcher at RSIS, NTU, wrote on the Religious Rehabilitation Group (RRG) future direction and conveyed the issues discussed during an international conference which was held last week and organized together with RSIS NTU.

Najib deserves people's mandate
Yang Razali Kassim
Bernama, 7 Apr 2013

RSIS senior fellow Yang Razali Kassim sees Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak emerging as the central issue in this general election. Offering himself as the leader to vote for, as opposed to opposition chiefs Parti Keadilan Rakyat de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang, Najib positioned himself as a technocratic leader who deserved the people’s mandate for his vision to take Malaysia forward. In so doing, the election was emerging as a referendum on Najib’s leadership, said Mr Yang Razali.

Restructuring China’s Maritime Law Enforcement: Impact On Regional Security – Analysis
Li Mingjiang and Zhang Hongzhou
Eurasia Review, 7 Apr 2013

RSIS Associate Professor Li Mingjiang and senior research analyst Zhang Hongzhou observed in a commentary that China has restructured its unwieldy maritime law enforcement apparatus. It is a development that signals Beijing’s intention to push ahead with its heavy-handed approach to territorial disputes and maritime contentions with some of its neighbouring countries.

Borneo corruption probes could hit Malaysia's ruling coalition
Oh Ei Sun
South China Morning Post - Post Magazine (off Reuters), 7 Apr 2013

The island of Borneo and its two powerful chief ministers may be all that stand between Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak and an unprecedented poll defeat for his ruling coalition. Dr Oh Ei Sun, senior visiting fellow with Singapore's NTU and a former political secretary to Najib, said for Umno, Sabah Chief Minister Musa Aman is almost indispensable in Sabah.

China and Russia growing closer despite mistrust
Richard Bitzinger
The Nation (Thailand, off The Straits Times), 6 Apr 2013

Chinese media reported last week that China was buying 24 Russian fighter jets and four submarines, making it Beijing's first large-scale weapons purchase from Moscow in a decade. Richard Bitzinger, a military expert at Singapore's RSIS, said that if the two powers were to move closer, they could form "an interesting centre of power".

Security crisis shows Project IC still haunts Sabah, say analysts
Farish A. Noor
Aliran.com, 5 Apr 2013

Analysts said the incursion by Filipino militants into Sabah and pockets of armed foreigners in the state show that “Project IC” is haunting Malaysia even as a royal panel investigates the citizenship-for-votes scandal. RSIS Assoc Prof Farish A. Noor suggested that a proper dialogue must be initiated between the Philippines and Malaysia to find a long-term solution to address the Sabah-Sulu ties. A legitimate representative of the Sulu Sultanate must be invited as well.

Instanbul 2020: Turkey gears up to give Gulf states a run for their money
James M. Dorsey
Aslan Media, 4 Apr 2013

RSIS senior fellow James M. Dorsey noted that the Gulf states may be meeting their match in an emerging competition for being the Middle East and North Africa’s prime sports, transportation and economic hub. Turkey may not have the Gulf’s financial muscle, but on virtually every other front it brings assets to the table that smaller oil-rich states lack.

Malaysian Parliament dissolved
Joseph Liow
938LIVE on XinMSN, 3 Apr 2013 2013

Malaysia’s 13th general election is the first for Mr Najib Razak as the leader of the Barisan Nasional after having taken over as the prime minister exactly four year ago. Prof Joseph Liow, Associate Dean at the RSIS gave his views on just how intense this election is likely to be. He said the opposition has made clear their ambition to win the election and take over the government, so it looks like a close fight.

Malaysia’s election to be hardest fought, least predictable: analysts
Joseph Liow
Xinhua online, 3 Apr 2013 2013

Malaysia’s 13th general election will be the hardest fought and the least predictable compared to previous polls, analysts said, threatening to shake a governing coalition that has ruled the country since independence 56 years ago. RSIS senior fellow Yang Razali Kassim, said the elections would be “unusually difficult to predict”, unlike previous elections. The best case scenario for the ruling Barisan would be a narrow victory. RSIS’ Associate Dean, Prof Joseph Liow thinks it is still difficult for PM Najib Razak to win over the Chinese vote. Much more will need to be done by Barisan at the grassroots level to win back Chinese support. - Similar articles in China.org, NZweek.com, Sina English, Journal of Turkish Weekly.

Najib Calls Malaysia Election With Five-Decade Rule on Line
Mohamed Nawab Mohamed Osman
Bloomberg.com, 3 Apr 2013

Malaysian PM Najib Razak dissolved parliament in preparation for elections that will determine whether his ruling coalition extends its unbroken hold on power since independence in 1957. RSIS research fellow Mohamed Nawab Mohamed Osman said this election is probably going to be the closest ever in Malaysian history. “It’s a do-or-die sort of election. On the day when the results are going to be announced, there will be a lot of power jockeying. It’s going to be a good two or three months before things are going to settle down,” he added.

Insight: In Malaysia's election, a focus on rainforest graft
Oh Ei Sun
Reuters.com, 3 Apr 2013

The island of Borneo may be all that stands between Malaysian PM Najib Razak and an unprecedented election defeat within weeks for his ruling coalition. Dr Oh Ei Sun, senior visiting fellow with Singapore's NTU and a former political secretary to PM Najib said, "For UMNO, Sabah Chief Minister Musa Aman is almost indispensable in Sabah. You lose him, you may lose your whole regime." - Similar articles in CNBC, Firstpost.com, Free Malaysia Today, International Business Times (UK), Jakarta Globe, Malaysian Digest, Manorama and Yahoo News.

GE13: Field new candidates of quality, says academician
Farish A. Noor
New Straits Times (off Bernama), 3 Apr 2013

As Malaysia is gearing towards the 13th General Election, both the incumbent Barisan Nasional and the opposition Pakatan Rakyat have been urged to field new candidates of quality who can work together to deal with Malaysia's upcoming economic challenges. The call was made by Assoc Prof Farish A. Noor from the Contemporary Islam Programme at the RSIS, NTU.

A 'do or die' election for Najib and Barisan
Mohamed Nawab Mohamed Osman
AsiaOne (off My Paper and Associated Press), 4 Apr 2013

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak dissolved Parliament yesterday in preparation for a general election seen as the toughest challenge yet for the ruling coalition. Dr Mohamed Nawab Mohamed Osman, a research fellow at the RSIS said this election is probably going to be the closest in Malaysian history.

International Security Agencies Meet For Global Security Asia Conference
Rohan Gunaratna
Brudirect.com, 3 Apr 2013

To fight terrorism, countries must adopt a holistic approach in areas of intelligence, law enforcement and engagement, said Prof Rohan Gunaratna from the RSIS, NTU, at the opening of the three-day Global Security Asia exhibition and conference on Tuesday. The professor of security studies, who is also the head of the RSIS International Centre for Political and Terrorism Research, also underlined the importance of rehabilitation which is becoming a "staple in the fight against extremism".

China, Russia growing closer despite distrust
Richard Bitzinger
The Straits Times, page A10, 2 Apr 2013

The Russian bear is set to supply more weapons to the Chinese dragon, and this trend, observers say, will continue going forward even though suspicions remain between both sides. Observers say the arms deal, which China hopes to ink by the end of the year, is further proof that Sino-Russian defence cooperation is on the uptick. Mr Richard Bitzinger, a military expert at Singapore's S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, said that if the two powers were to move closer, they could form "an interesting centre of power".

No sighting of Chinese warships near waters: KL
Joseph Liow
The Straits Times, page A12, 2 Apr 2013

The Malaysian government said its navy did not notice Chinese warships near its waters last Tuesday, despite China's assertion that it had sent four ships carrying troops and helicopters to the southernmost tip of its territorial claims in the South China Sea. Observers say the Chinese could be sending a signal to South-east Asian countries that it might resort to using force to get the islands. Dr Joseph Liow, Associate Dean of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, NTU, said the Malaysian government is seen to have turned more inward by focusing on domestic policies in recent years and it is more important for the government to drive out the Sulu militants and monitor people's movements in Sabah than respond to external movements at this point in time.

Cyberspace and mischief
Rohan Gunaratna
Dawn.com, 1 Apr 2013

Last week, at an International Conference on Terrorist Rehabilitation and Community Resilience held in Singapore, speakers talked about the manner in which the online media was increasingly being used to spread extremist views and dangerous ideologies. According to one counterterrorism analyst, Prof Rohan Gunaratna, who heads the Singapore-based RSIS' International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research, there are more than 10,000 extremist websites on the Internet compared to fewer than 100 that counter them. It is very important for us to build in the next 10 years the capacities and capabilities to counter the increasing presence and the operation of these groups in cyberspace, he said.

The need for a second round of ‘look east’ policies in south Asia
Pradumna B. Rana
VoxEu.com, 1 Apr 2013

RSIS Assoc Prof Pradumna B. Rana and NTU Asst Prof Chia Wai Mun contributed an opinion piece highlighting that the global economy was once dominated by north-north relations, with some limited concern for north-south relations. This column argues that south-south economic relations now matter and explains what new ‘look east’ policies that are being implemented in south Asia mean for the global south and the global economy.

Indonesia’s Big Procurement Push Is Aided By Lenders
Richard Bitzinger
Defense News.com, 31 Mar 2013

A group of commercial banks has drawn up a loan to fund Indonesia’s purchase of truck-mounted artillery from French land systems maker Nexter, sources close to the deal said. RSIS senior fellow Richard Bitzinger said Indonesia is in the midst of trying to upgrade its military after a long period of atrophy. Jakarta buys weapons from a variety of suppliers, as it seeks to avoid being too dependent on a major foreign arms producer and to find the best value for money, he said.

Bodu Bala Sena Vs Muslims – Politics of Hate
Rohan Gunaratna
Asian Tribune (Sri Lanka), 31 Mar 2013

Sri Lanka has become the focal point of politics of hate. We see racial tension, disharmony and growing hatred in the midst of Tamils, Muslims and Sinhalese. It is presently reflected as religious hatred between Sinhala Buddhist and Tamil speaking Muslims. RSIS Prof Rohan Gunaratne pointed out that in addition to the monumental contribution of the three time Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar, he singled out the founder father of the Special Forces Colonel Fazly Laphir and the Commanding Officer of the Sri Lanka Military Intelligence Corps Lt. Col. Nizam Muthaliff.

Thai government in peace talks with rebels
Liow Chin Yong
UPI Asia.com, 30 Mar 2013

Thailand's National Security Council has given opposition leaders one month to show they can control militants in southern provinces. RSIS Prof Liow Chin Yong, an international studies professor at Singapore's NTU sensed that if these talks are going to accomplish anything, it's going to take a long time. It remains to be seen whether Ustaz Hassan Taib, liaison office chief of the Barisan Revolusi National has any clout at all over those fighting on the ground.

Muslim rebels list demands in Thai peace talks
Joseph Liow
The Straits Times, page A14, 30 Mar 2013

Clashes between Thai authorities and Muslim separatist groups have claimed more than 5,500 lives since 2004. But a breakthrough appeared to have been made when Malaysia came on board last month as a facilitator for peace talks. Still, observers feel that the road to peace will not be easy. "This will be a long-drawn process and even then there is no certainty of resolution," said political analyst Joseph Liow, an expert in regional Muslim politics and security issues from Singapore's RSIS.

Indonesia objected to China passports
Ristian Atriandi Supriyanto
Financial Times.com, 29 Mar 2013

Indonesia has for the first time revealed that it protested to China about the publication in its passports of its “nine-dash line” claim to almost the entire South China Sea. Ristian Atriandi Supriyanto, a maritime security analyst at RSIS in Singapore, said that Indonesia is reluctant to increase tensions with China for fear of inflaming public opinion and risking a damaging economic backlash from Beijing. But he argued that, as China’s navy continues to grow at a much faster rate than Indonesia’s already inferior maritime forces, there is “an increasing risk that Indonesia will be drawn into the fray.” Similar article in CNBC.com.

NSC hopes for positive signs ahead of next meeting
Liow Chin Yong
Bangkok Post (Thailand), 29 Mar 2013

Insurgent leaders have one month to show the government that they can control southern militants by ordering them to avoid shooting civilians, said Thailand's National Security Council (NSC) chief Paradorn Pattanatabut. RSIS Prof Liow Chin Yong at Singapore's NTU said it remains to be seen whether Ustaz Hassan Taib, liaison office chief of the Barisan Revolusi National has any clout at all over those fighting on the ground.

Bomb attack mars start of Thai, rebel peace talks
Arabinda Acharya
TODAY, 29 Mar 2013

Thai security officials and representatives of a Muslim insurgent group held their first formal talks yesterday aimed at bringing peace to strife-torn southern Thailand, but a bomb attack that killed three people in the region quickly underscored the challenges facing the negotiators. The attack highlighted that the Barisan Revolusi Nasional may not have enough control over the fragmented militant groups to unify them in the peace process. It is the largest of the separatist groups, but it is not driving the conflict, analysts say. “Now militancy is driven by independent groups with no central leadership or even individuals, some with criminal records,” said Dr Arabinda Acharya, a terrorism expert at RSIS. “None knows who to trust.”

The End Game
Joseph Chinyong Liow
The New Paper, page 13, 29 Mar 2013

Commenting on the forthcoming Malaysian election, Professor Joseph Chinyong Liow, associate dean of RSIS said that BN needed new blood to fight the electoral battle and cited it as one of the reasons for the delay in conducting the elections. Salary bonuses for civil servants, extension of the retirement age and infrastructure revamps are some of the incentives proposed by BN and account for its strength. In addition, an attempt to reach out to voters personally is another cause of the rise in BN’s popularity, says Prof Liow.

Headed for rough seas
Euan Graham
Thanh Nien Daily (Vietnam), 28 Mar 2013

Hundreds of Vietnamese fishing boats and their crew have had to suffer China’s increasingly aggressive patrols around the disputed islands in the minerals and resource-rich East Sea, internationally known as the South China Sea. Dr Euan Graham, a maritime expert at the RSIS in Singapore said given the complexity of the various overlapping claims, it’s difficult to see how a win-win solution can be found in the South China Sea for as long as sovereignty ties the claimants to inflexible positions.

Know your own strength
Richard Bitzinger
The Economist online, 28 Mar 2013

India is poised to become one of the four largest military powers in the world by the end of the decade. In a recent study for the Zurich-based International Relations and Security Network, Mr Richard Bitzinger, a former RAND Corporation analyst now at the RSIS in Singapore, said if India does not stop coddling its existing state-run military-industrial complex, it will never be capable of supplying its armed forces with the modern equipment they require. Without a concerted reform effort, a good part of the $200 billion India is due to spend on weaponry over the next 15 years looks likely to be wasted.

Turkey gears up to give Gulf states a run for their money
James M. Dorsey
Middle East Online, 27 Mar 2013

In an opinion piece, RSIS senior fellow James M. Dorsey commented that Turkey may not have the Gulf’s financial muscle, but on virtually every other front it brings assets to the table that smaller oil-rich states lack: geographic and demographic depth; a soccer-crazy population that fills stadium; storied, internationally accomplished and recognised clubs; a respectable international track record in a variety of other sports; ethnic, cultural and ex-colonial links; a functioning democracy that many see as a model for the Muslim world; a highly developed educational sector; one of the world’s largest standing armies; and a state-of-the-art industrial base that drives on indigenous labour.

Internet host to over 10,000 extremist websites: Analyst
Rohan Gunaratna
AFP, 26 Mar 2013

There are more than 10,000 extremist websites on the Internet compared to fewer than 100 countering them, said counter-terrorism analyst Prof Rohan Gunaratna, who heads the RSIS' International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research, at the International Conference on Terrorist Rehabilitation and Community Resilience. "In many ways, the terrorists are very successful in cyberspace. It is very important for us to build in the next 10 years the capacities and capabilities to counter the increasing presence and the operation of these groups in cyberspace." Speakers said moderate Islamic groups and governments should make a concerted effort to counter extremist propaganda on the Internet. - Similar articles in Emirates 24|7 and The Times Of India.

LEP2: Phase Two Of South Asia’s “Look East” Policies? – Analysis
Pradumna B Rana
Eurasia Review, 26 Mar 2013

In a commentary, RSIS Assoc Prof Pradumna B Rana and Asst Prof Chia Wai Mun from NTU's Division of Economics highlighted that the "Look East” policies implemented by South Asian countries in the early 1990s have had positive impacts on their economies. These countries now need to move on to the second phase of their “Look East” policies that will involve two approaches: to link themselves to production networks in East Asia and develop new production networks within their region.

US-China Cyber Talks: Internet Security In The Global Economy – Analysis
C. Raja Mohan
Eurasia Review, 25 Mar 2013

RSIS Adj Prof C. Raja Mohan penned a commentary highlighting that a series of recent statements from Washington and Beijing suggest the US and China may be preparing for an important dialogue on cyber security. Focused on the economic implications of cyber espionage, the incipient Sino-US dialogue could define the terms of the global debate on developing cyber norms.

Japan economy: Better late than never
Deborah Elms
The Economist, 23 Mar 2013

When Shinzo Abe, Japan’s prime minister, announced on March 15 that he would lead his country into free-trade negotiations with 11 countries, including America, to forge the so-called Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), he deployed two tools to make his case. One was rhetorical, the other subliminal. RSIS senior fellow Dr Deborah Elms, a specialist at Singapore’s Temasek Foundation Centre for Trade and Negotiations, said Australia and New Zealand may worry that Japan will spin out the talks only to walk away in the end.

Politicians should show solidarity over Lahad Datu incursion
Farish Ahmad Noor
The Edge (Malaysia), 22 Mar 2013

Speaking on the sidelines of a seminar organised by the Singapore Institute of International Affairs, RSIS Assoc Prof Farish Ahmad Noor urged Malaysian politicians to show solidarity over the Lahad Datu incursion and be supportive of the security forces in ensuring peace and stability in the country despite the general election in the air.

China’s Inflation-Adjusted Defence budget up 7.5%
Richard Bitzinger
Military.com (off Aviation Week & Space Technology), 21 Mar 2013

China's real rise in the defense budget will be close to 7.5% or less, if military cost inflation is higher than civilian inflation. Mr Richard Bitzinger, of RSIS, NTU in Singapore, cautioned against assuming that the trend is permanently lower, though. "Next year, defense spending may roar back up to 15% or so," he said.

S'pore No. 20 in weapons exports
Michael Raska
The Straits Times, page B7, 21 Mar 2013

Singapore is now the world's 20th biggest arms exporter, having jumped 11 places in a year, new figures for last year reveal. Defence specialists told The Straits Times this surge reflects the industry's growing capabilities. "Through the pursuit of military innovations that more countries are recognising, Singapore has been improving its global competitiveness in the defence market," said Dr Michael Raska, research fellow at RSIS.

More than ever, amplify Islam’s message of peace
Mohamed Bin Ali
TODAY, page 40 and online, 21 Mar 2013

Associate Research Fellow Dr Mohamed Bin Ali from RSIS and who is a Member of the Religious Rehabilitation Group (RRG) wrote in his commentary that a decade has passed since the arrests of Singapore branch members of the regional terrorist group Jemaah Islamiyah (JI). Over the years, quite a number of them have been released after undergoing religious counselling and rehabilitation. However, the continuing threat of terrorism and the easy access to terrorist ideology on the Internet mean that efforts to promote harmony between the different racial and religious communities must be sustained and enhanced. The ideological threat posed by extremists is a long-term threat that will have to be countered vigorously with the active propagation of Islam’s message of peace and harmony.

Sabah crisis should not derail ASEAN peace process: expert
Farish Ahmad Noor
Yahoo! Singapore News, 20 Mar 2013

Speaking on Tuesday evening at a roundtable interview after a seminar organised by the Singapore Institute of International Affairs, RSIS Assoc Prof Farish Ahmad Noor said he hopes the recent Sabah crisis will not derail the ASEAN peace process and that it teaches governments how to better handle citizens with multiple loyalties.

Lahad Datu incursion must not derail peace process in southern Philippines - Academician
Farish Ahmad Noor
Bernama, 20 Mar 2013

Malaysia and the Philippines must be resolute and continue with the peace accord, and not allow the Lahad Datu incursion derail the peace process in Southern Philippines, said Assoc Prof Farish A. Noor, at the RSIS NTU, after a seminar organised by the Singapore Institute of International Affairs on Tuesday.

Qatar broaches sensitive demography through soccer
James M. Dorsey
Middle East Online, 20 Mar 2013

RSIS senior fellow James M. Dorsey said Qatar's soccer league, in a break with a reluctance among Gulf states to give their largely expatriate majorities a sense of belonging, is next month organising the region's first cup for foreign workers' teams. The cup, involving up to 24 teams formed by foreign workers primarily from Asia who account for the bulk of Qatar's 1.5 million expatriates, is part of an effort to improve working and living conditions as well as a bid to fend off international trade union demands to meet global labor standards.

Pakistan arrests man in Daniel Pearl's slaying
Rohan Gunaratna
CNN, 19 Mar 2013 2013

Pakistani officials have arrested Qari Abdul Hayee, a suspect in connection with the gruesome 2002 beheading of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl. In 2003, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed – who is also a suspected mastermind of the 9/11 attacks on the United States – was arrested in Pakistan and has confessed to killing Pearl. Al Qaeda expert Prof Rohan Gunaratna of RSIS said Mohammed ordered Pearl's death."Daniel Pearl was going in search of the al Qaeda network that was operational in Karachi, and it was at the instruction of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed that Daniel Pearl was killed," Gunaratna said.

The Sabah-Sulu crisis: Time to revisit the Sulu zone?
Joseph Franco
The Nation (Thailand) online 19 Mar 2013

In a commentary, associate research fellow Joseph Franco at the RSIS' Centre of Excellence for National Security noted that the Sabah-Sulu crisis has rekindled a dormant territorial dispute between Malaysia and the Philippines. While much discussion is fixated on the legal and historical aspects of the crisis, there is less attention on the underlying socio-cultural and security milieu.

China’s Food Security: From Self-Sufficiency To A Dual Strategy – Analysis
Zhang Hongzhou
Eurasia Review.com, 19 Mar 2013

RSIS senior analyst Zhang Hongzhou highlighted in an opinion piece that as self-sufficiency is no longer an option for China, a dual food security strategy is emerging which aims to utilise both domestic and international resources.

Asia's Arms Race & Need to Stay Competitive
Michael Raska
CNBC Video, 18 Mar 2013

Research fellow Michael Raska, of the RSIS, NTU discussed what Singapore's plan to buy F-35 Fighter Jets means for the local economy. He said Singapore was in the final stages of evaluating the aircraft in terms of long-term requirements, and it will take about 2-3 years before they reach a deal with Lockheed Martin. He noted that Asia has overtaken Europe in terms of defence spending. Because of problems at home, a lot of Western defence companies are looking to Asia, as the region offers opportunities for fleet upgrading, including maritime and naval technologies.

Changing Pace: China’s Inflation-Adjusted Defence Budget Up 7.5%
Richard Bitzinger
Aviation Week & Space Technology, 18 Mar 2013

The expansion of Beijing's defence spending appears to be moderating in line with the national economy, even though that has not been immediately obvious from the brief announcement this month that the 2013 defence budget would be 10.7% higher than last year's – nor from the international news reports that consistently presented the allocation as underlining Beijing's expanding military capabilities. RSIS senior fellow Richard Bitzinger, of NTU in Singapore, cautioned against assuming that the trend is permanently lower, though. “Next year, defence spending may roar back up to 15% or so,” he said.

The Sabah-Sulu Crisis: Time To Revisit The Sulu Zone? – Analysis
Joseph Franco
Eurasia Review, 18 Mar 2013

In a commentary, associate research fellow Joseph Franco at the RSIS' Centre of Excellence for National Security noted that the Sabah-Sulu crisis has rekindled a dormant territorial dispute between Malaysia and the Philippines. While much discussion is fixated on the legal and historical aspects of the crisis, there is less attention on the underlying socio-cultural and security milieu.

An opportunity for SAF to develop soldier-diplomats
Tan Kwoh Jack and Collin Koh Swee Lean
The Straits Times, page A18, 18 Mar 2013

Associate research fellows with the Military Studies Programme at NTU's RSIS, Tan Kwoh Jack and Collin Koh Swee Lean, write that the Defence Ministry's budget is the largest of all the ministries' in the 2013 Budget, with $12.3 billion allocated to defence spending. This is a significant figure, representing 23 per cent of the total Budget. They added that the year's Budget allows it to then hone its qualitative focus: upgrading and expanding the skill sets of servicemen, exploring the makings of soldier-diplomats.

Further conflict looms as Egyptian government fixes ultras in their sights
James M. Dorsey
Yahoo News (off Goal.com), 17 Mar 2013

In a commentary, RSIS senior fellow James M. Dorsey observed that Egypt's judiciary and security forces appear posed to crack down on militant, highly politicised and street battle-hardened soccer fans in a bid to exploit internal differences among them.

Diplomat is China's new foreign minister
Li Mingjiang
The Sunday Times, page 26, 17 Mar 2013

China has appointed career diplomat Wang Yi as its new foreign minister, tapping the Asian affairs specialist's expertise in managing Beijing's rocky relations with its neighbours, especially Tokyo. Dr Li Mingjiang of Singapore's RSIS at NTU said Mr Wang could make a difference by reaching out privately to the Japanese. "He knows Japanese opinion better and in a more nuanced way. He may be more effective and professional in dealing with Japan."

Return of the kings
Farish Noor
The Sunday Times, page 50, 17 Mar 2013

Rajas and sultans have re-emerged in Indonesia to preserve heritage and palace culture as they struggle against becoming history. Associate Professor Farish Noor of the RSIS in Singapore observed that many of these royal houses still retain a monopoly on cultural capital, and play an important role as repositories of tradition. "They are saying, we have a history that predates the Indonesian Republic," he said. "These sultans did not resist becoming part of Indonesia, but helped shepherd the formation of the republic."

DBS senior economist: China should review one-child policy
Li Mingjiang
Lianhe Zaobao, page 25, 15 Mar 2013

In the “Exploring China” forum held yesterday, DBS (Hong Kong) Senior Economist Chris Leung commented that China’s one-child policy is bringing growing challenges to its economy, particularly in coastal cities, due to ageing population and rapid urbanisation, amongst other things. The forum was jointly organized by Lianhe Zaobao and DBS Bank. Mr Leung and Associate Professor Li Mingjiang from NTU’s RSIS, gave talks on “The motivation and risk of China’s transformation”, and “New leaders and political atmosphere in China” respectively. Prof Li had suggested that there will not be a political transformation in China in the near future as the new leaders’ priority is to stabilise the society.

Japan and Philippines align strategic interests
Julius Cesar I Trajano
Asia Times Online, 14 Mar 2013

In a commentary, RSIS senior analyst Julius Cesar I Trajano highlighted that the convergence of Japan's and the Philippines' threat perceptions of China will ultimately determine the depth of the two sides' strategic cooperation. At the same time, domestic concerns have also influenced Manila's receptiveness to Tokyo's soft power diplomacy and strategic overtures. For Manila, bilateral ties with Tokyo have moved from platitudes and rhetoric to genuinely empowering military assets and economic assistance.

International sanctions: Iran feels the psychological impact
James M. Dorsey
Middle East Online, 14 Mar 2013

RSIS senior fellow James M. Dorsey noted in an opinion piece that Iranian soccer is a reflection of a country labouring under the burden of a repressive political regime and not only the economic but increasingly also the psychological effect of international isolation and punishing sanctions.

For Xi, a 'China Dream' of Military Power
Li Mingjiang
The Wall Street Journal, 13 Mar 2013 2013

Soon after taking over as Communist Party and military chief, Xi Jinping launched a series of speeches referring to "The China Dream," which was music to the ears of Col. Liu Mingfu of the People's Liberation Army who wrote a book of the same name. Assistant Professor Li Mingjiang, a China security-policy expert at RSIS, NTU in Singapore, said this reflects Xi's mind-set, his view of China's strength and relations with the outside world. Given his close personal ties, a lot of the information and policy suggestions he gets come from the military.

The Silent Salafists Of Indonesia-Post Arab Spring – Analysis
Vinay Kumar Pathak
Eurasia Review, 13 Mar 2013

In a commentary, associate research fellow Vinay Kumar Pathak from the Contemporary Islam Programme at RSIS noted that Indonesian Salafists are forced to localize and acculturate foreign ideologies and negotiate their space by appealing to the political rather than religious sense of the people. And with a stable government and a growing economy the Salafist could not apply the same post Arab Spring model in Indonesia.

International Sanctions: Iran Feels the Psychological Impact
James M. Dorsey
Aslan Media, 13 Mar 2013 2013

RSIS senior fellow James M. Dorsey penned an article highlighting that Iranian soccer is a reflection of a country laboring under the burden of a repressive political regime and not only the economic but increasingly also the psychological effect of international isolation and punishing sanctions.

'Royal army' miscalculated in Sabah: analyst
Joseph Franco
ABS-CBN Interactive, 12 Mar 2013 2013

Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III may have miscalculated the response of both Malaysia and the Philippines over his armed followers' occupation of parts of Sabah, said Joseph Franco, an associate research fellow at the RSIS' Centre of Excellence for National Security in an paper published Tuesday.

Defence Procurement In India: Implications Of Finmeccanica Scandal – Analysis
Manaswini Ramkumar
Eurasia Review, 12 Mar 2013 2013

Associate Research Fellow Manaswini Ramkumar from the Military Studies Programme at the RSIS, NTU, commented that India’s latest procurement scandal with Italian defence firm Finmeccanica carries serious political and economic ramifications for New Delhi. Apart from stalling Indian defence modernisation, the scandal could also spell electoral defeat for the Congress-led coalition government.

Najib raises police, military pay
Oh Ei Sun
The Straits Times, 12 Mar 2013

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has announced pay rises for the country's police and armed forces, in a move seen as cementing their support before a general election. "Elections aside, the pay rise is also timely in lifting the morale of the police," said political analyst Oh Ei Sun of Singapore's RSIS. "They have not lost so many among their ranks in such a short period of time since the communist insurgency."

China’s defence aviation industry: toward stealth innovation?
Michael Raska
East Asia Forum, 11 Mar 2013

Research Fellow Michael Raska from the RSIS' Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies and Alanna Krolikowski, a PhD candidate from the University of Toronto jointly penned an opinion piece observing that China’s defence aviation industry took advantage of its astrological fortune in the Year of the Dragon. These important technological advances owe to the implementation of a multi-pronged strategy across the sector’s largest defence-industrial group, Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) and its five core prime contractors: Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation, Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, Hongdu Aviation Industry Group, Xi’an Aircraft Company and Changhe/Hafei Aviation.

Installing security for and by women
Fitri Bintang Timur
The Jakarta Post, 11 Mar 2013

In an opinion piece, RSIS research fellow Fitri Bintang Timur said establishing security for women should start in the home, by giving equal love, rights and investment to both daughters and sons.

Rioting Ultras and Striking Police Officers May Ease Security Reform
James M. Dorsey
Aslan Media, 10 Mar 2013

RSIS senior fellow James M. Dorsey highlighted that fall-out of last year’s death of 72 soccer fans in a politically-loaded stadium brawl has brought the need for reform of Egypt’s Mubarak-era law enforcement and judiciary to a head with football supporters in Egyptian cities protesting the verdict in the trial of those accused of responsibility for the incident and security officials striking against being made a scapegoat in the country’s political crisis. - Similar article in The Cutting Edge.

Gunmen 'able to blend in with locals'
Joseph Liow
The Sunday Times, 10 Mar 2013

Over the last few days, Malaysia's security forces have been engaged in an operation to flush out the Philippine militants who landed on the shores of east Sabah a month ago. But nabbing every Suluk gunman will be a difficult and lengthy process, analysts say, and only 50 gunmen have been killed, out of the 180 to 300 invaders. "These people are fighters and won't be easy to defeat," said political analyst Joseph Liow, an expert in regional Muslim politics and security issues at Singapore's RSIS.

Is the door to democracy open in Myanmar?
Oh Ei Sun
Lianhe Zaobao, page 28 , 10 Mar 2013

In this special report, the writer zooms into the political scenes of Myanmar, citing reforms that the country is experiencing as a break from a previously oppressed nation. On whether or not there is indeed light at the end of the tunnel, RSIS’ Dr Oh Ei Sun commented that we are not witnessing a true reform yet. However, he thinks that the lax in election criteria, the operation of the alliance of democracy in Myanmar, and the expansion of civil rights are worthy acts of recognition.

Joint forum by Zaobao online and DBS bank to discuss China’s political and economic trends
Li Mingjiang
Lianhe Zaobao, page 13, 10 Mar 2013

With regards to China’s impending new political leadership and the trends that might follow suit, Zaobao online and DBS bank will be organising a discussion forum on 14 March to explore possible concerns. RSIS’ Assoc Prof Li Mingjiang is an invited forum speaker.

Courageous SPEECH triumphs ‘regime change’: National Day celebrations 2013
Rohan Gunaratna
Daily News (Sri Lanka), 8 Mar 2013

Columnist Vernon Botejue noted that it was most heartening and inspiring, for those who could not enjoy the privilege of being present at the Sri Lanka National Day Celebrations on February 4, 2013 at Trincomalee, to have the opportunity to watch the grandeur and colourful proceedings of the day telecast over the various channels of TV in Sri Lanka and accessible to the world at large. Prof Dr Rohan Gunaratna in a statement to the media said “although they participated supported and advocated killing of civilians, overnight these individuals have emerged as champions of Human Rights. Citing an example Dr Gunaratna said, “trained LTTE cadre Nediyawan who succeeded Prabhakaran is leading the charge. Operating through the Tamil Coordinating Committee in Switzerland that does not consider the LTTE a banned organisation.

Malaysia flare-up illustrates volatility
Farish Noor
Malaysia Today, 7 Mar 2013

Malaysia’s move to launch air strikes and send in ground troops to flush out an armed Filipino Muslim clan from a coastal village in the eastern state of Sabah illustrates how border tensions across Asia can flare up in unpredictable ways. Assoc Prof Farish Noor at NTU, argued that in many instances, these conflicts are caused by old customs butting up against arbitrary modern national boundaries. “We South-east Asians are caught between a fluid region and a hard state,” he said.

Palace rejects FVR’s win-win formula to end Sabah conflict
Joseph Chinyong Liow
Washington Post (off Bloomberg Businessweek), 6 Mar 2013

The outcome of developments in Sabah will raise questions about the government's ability to defend Malaysia, according to Prof Joseph Chinyong Liow, associate dean of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore. "Malaysians will want to know how on earth this large a number of people got into Malaysian soil and gained a foothold," he said by phone. "The followers of the Sulu sultan are prepared to fight to the end. That sets the whole thing up for a pretty gruesome outcome." - Similar articles in Bangkok Post, Brisbane Times, Business Mirror, Canberra Times and The Age.

Japan-Philippine Relations: New Dynamics In Strategic Partnership – Analysis
Julius Cesar I. Trajano
Eurasia Review, 5 Mar 2013

RSIS senior analyst Julius Cesar I. Trajano commented that Japan and the Philippines have reinvigorated their security cooperation with new joint initiatives. The vibrancy of their partnership is influenced by the perception of a common security threat from China and domestic political and economic concerns.

Possible new sanctions on Iran not going to have an immediate impact - expert
James M. Dorsey
TradingCharts, 6 Mar 2013

Speaking of the nuclear negotiations that Iran has recently been conducting, RSIS senior fellow James M. Dorsey said that the possible new sanctions on Iran are not going to have an immediate impact. He added that from an Iranian perspective, adding sanctions during talks hardly inspires confidence.

Age-Old Conflict Arises in Sabah Standoff
Farish Noor
The Wall Street Journal online, 6 Mar 2013

Malaysia's move to launch air strikes and send in ground troops to flush out an armed Filipino Muslim clan from a remote village might seem an anachronistic tussle over who owns what in resource-rich Borneo. But analysts said the operation shows how border tensions across Asia can flare up in unpredictable ways, threatening the stability that has helped underpin decades of economic growth. Assoc Prof Farish Noor at Singapore's NTU, argued that in many instances, these conflicts are caused by old customs butting up against the arbitrary borders of modern national boundaries.

'Hearts and minds' plan to peace
Farish Noor
New Straits Times online, 6 Mar 2013

The "General Consensus on Peace Dialogue Process" signed in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday was no less historic: it committed the Thai government for the first time to talks with the insurgent groups or what the document describes as "people who have different opinions and ideologies from the state". Assoc Prof Farish Noor, NST columnist and specialist on the region's Muslim societies, said peace has to be attained on the premise that the people want to see their history and identity reflected in the national narrative, and not sidelined anymore.

Countries gear up for defence of narrow seas in East Asia
Ristian Atriandi Supriyanto
The Nation (Thailand), 6 Mar 2013

In a commentary, senior analyst Ristian Atriandi Supriyanto from the RSIS' Maritime Security Programme noted that Southeast Asian states are pursuing an unprecedented level of naval modernisation as tensions in the South China Sea test their abilities to find diplomatic solutions to their territorial disputes. According to projections by a US-based naval consulting company, AMI International, Southeast Asia is set to spend more than US$25 billion on new naval acquisitions through 2030, with the core of future projects to include fast attack craft and submarines.

‘Patriotic’ Or ‘Civic’ Citizenship Test For The UK
Nadica Pavlovska
Eurasia Review, 5 Mar 2013

In a commentary, RSIS associate research fellow Nadica Pavlovska at the RSIS Centre of Excellence for National Security highlighted that the proposed revision of the UK citizenship test, coming into effect by March 2013, stirred controversy over whether learning about the ‘country’s proud history’ will indeed make migrants better citizens and facilitate their integration in the society. Proportionate division of thematic questions and stronger focus on the civic rather than the ethno-centric Britishness in the history part of the test could be a possible way to attain desired outcomes.

Integrating Information Warfare into US-ROK Defense Strategy
Michael Raska
The Korea Herald, 3 Mar 2013

Research fellow Michael Raska from the IDSS, a constituent unit of RSIS, NTU, commented that in the last decade, South Korea’s security dilemmas have become progressively more “hybrid” and multifaceted. In this context, South Korea should devise a new defense strategy that allows greater flexibility and adaptability to shifts in strategic environment and with military forces having the flexibility and robustness to operate in divergent scenarios. This means pursuing military innovation and breaking away from South Korea’s long-standing, static, defensive posture emphasizing conflict and war avoidance, path dependence and overreliance on the US.

Singaporean frustration directed at government, not mainland immigrants
Lina Lao
Global Times, 3 Mar 2013

RSIS research analyst Lina Lao highlighted that the Singapore government needs to deeply understand how impatient and frustrated Singaporeans feel, not only about the white paper, but also about their authoritarian governance. The Feb 16 rally at Hong Lim Park is a reasonable outlet to air people's dissatisfaction and show their opinions about the population plan. Besides, the rally might be a clear signal for the Singapore government to see how desperately change is needed.

Beijing’s Renewed Resolve: Treading The Path Of Peaceful Development – Analysis
Benjamin Ho and Oh Ei Sun
Eurasia Review, 2 Mar 2013

RSIS associate research fellow Benjamin Ho and senior fellow Oh Ei Sun noted the announcement by Chinese president-designate Xi Jin Ping that Beijing would never compromise its security interests raised concerns that China would adopt an increasingly aggressive posture in international diplomacy. China’s preoccupation with domestic affairs, however, suggests Beijing’s pursuit of peaceful international relations for the foreseeable future.

Fast track to economic union?
Yang Razali Kassim
TODAY, page 12, 27 Feb 2013

In a commentary piece by senior fellow Yang Razali Kassim from NTU's RSIS, it was written that the announcement of a high-speed rail link between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur has raised the prospect of closer economic integration between the two cities. Speculation has led some to wonder whether the trajectory could even lead to an eventual economic union between Singapore and Malaysia.

Spectre of U.S. sequestration spills looms over South Korea defence
Michael Raska
Korea Herald.com, 27 Feb 2013

Possible automatic, across-the-board spending cuts by the US government are feared to take the toll on the allied defence posture on the Korea Peninsula. Research fellow Michael Raska at the RSIS, NTU, said while the US will try to minimise the impact of sequestration on its missions in major hotspots, such as the Korean Peninsula, it could potentially delay the US military relocation plans beyond 2016. The US Forces Korea may also adjust its resource allocation, but the sequestration will not change the key mission templates that the USFK currently trains for.

Taming the terror scourge in S-E Asia
Rohan Gunaratna
The Straits Times, page A19, 26 Feb 2013

Rohan Gunaratna, the head of the International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research and a professor at the RSIS, wrote in his commentary that global political and security developments are influencing the terrorism landscape in South-east Asia while political and religious extremist ideologies are infiltrating the region and presenting a renewed challenge. To defend a rising Asia from such threats, it is paramount for governments to collaborate in stemming the tide of communal and religious extremism.

Social programme could bring peace in Mindanao
Joseph Chinyong Liow
The Nation (Thailand), 26 Feb 2013

RSIS Associate Dean Joseph Chinyong Liow and associate research fellow Joseph Franco noted that President Benigno Aquino III made history as the first Philippines' chief executive to visit the headquarters of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front on February 11. The symbolic gesture, coupled with initiatives to address the socio-economic roots of conflict, bodes well in sustaining gains made after the signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro last October.

Malaysia-Singapore Connectivity: Increased Rail, Road And Sea Links – Analysis
Mushahid Ali
Eurasia Review.com, 26 Feb 2013

RSIS senior fellow Mushahid Ali highlighted in a commentary that Malaysia and Singapore are set to enter a new era of connectivity and cooperation with the agreement to build a high speed rail link between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Together with regional-level joint projects, it will give both countries greater stakes in each other’s progress.

Terrorist-criminal-political nexus in Tamil Nadu growing
Rohan Gunaratna
Lanka Web (off Sunday Observer), 25 Feb 2013

In an interview with the Sunday Observer, international counter terrorism expert based in RSIS Singapore, Prof Rohan Gunaratna warns that there is a well concerted campaign in Tamil Nadu, launched by the LTTE, to make Tamil people rise up against Sri Lanka and this is a development that Sri Lanka should be concerned about.

Millitant Jerusalem Fans Challenge Founding Principle of Israeli Foreign Policy – Analysis
James M. Dorsey
Eurasia Review, 24 Feb 2013

RSIS senior fellow James M. Dorsey commented that when militant supporters of right-wing soccer club Beitar Jerusalem last month vowed to keep their team pure in protest against the hiring of two Chechen Muslim players they went beyond what are usually accepted expressions of racism in Israel to unwittingly challenge a founding principle of Israeli foreign and defense policy coined by the country’s first prime minister, David Ben Gurion: the need to ally Israel with non-Arab Muslim nations to compensate historically for the lack of and more recently uncertainty of its relations with Arab neighbours.

CHINESE PARTIES; Warning signs for BN partners
Oh Ei Sun
The Sunday Times, page 43, 24 Feb 2013

The ruling coalition's major Chinese-based parties have much at stake in the coming polls. All of them - the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA), Gerakan and the Sarawak United Peoples' Party (SUPP) - were battered in their last elections. Political analyst Oh Ei Sun of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies believes that another dismal showing at the polls may lead to some members abandoning the parties to form new ones.

Asean facing crisis of core leadership, university forum told
Ralf Emmers
Bangkok Post (Thailand), 23 February 2013

Asean needs to form a core decision-making mechanism as the regional organisation faces various regional challenges, a Thammasat University forum was told yesterday. Assoc Prof Ralf Emmers, from RSIS, NTU Singapore, said the South China Sea problem undermined two core principles of Asean – neutrality and solidarity.

Port Said Unites Key Egyptian Government Critics: Workers and Soccer Fans
James M. Dorsey
Middle East Online, 23 Feb 2013

RSIS senior fellow James M. Dorsey highlighted that calm is badly needed to halt Egypt’s economic slide and return it to economic growth, is unlikely to be restored as long as Mr. Morsi fails to initiate reform of the police and security forces, a major bastion of the former regime.

Behind China’s grain miracle: more than meets the eye
Zhang Hongzhou
The Nation (Thailand), 23 Feb 2013

RSIS senior analyst Zhang Hongzhou observed that against the backdrop of the global food crisis, China will have to revise its food security strategy by further integrating itself into the global food system, and actively utilising both domestic and international resources to safeguard its food security.

Grounding Of USS Guardian In Philippines: Longer-Term Implications – Analysis
Sam Bateman
Eurasia Review.com, 21 Feb 2013

Senior fellow Sam Bateman at the RSIS' Maritime Security Programme observed that the running aground of the minesweeper USS Guardian in a marine reserve in the Philippines has sparked anti-US protests in the Philippines. Longer-term problems for the US might lie in hardened attitudes towards the rights of warships in regional waters.

Disasters In Southeast Asia’s Megacities: Protecting The Informal Sector – Analysis
Sofiah Jamil and Mushahid Ali
Eurasia Review.com, 21 Feb 2013

RSIS adjunct research associate Sofiah Jamil and senior fellow Mushahid Ali noted that in the megacities of developing Southeast Asia, the important role of the informal sector in supporting economic development is often under-recognised. Cities seeking to address the economic risks and financial costs of natural hazards have to improve the resilience of the informal sector many of whom are from the low-income groups.

Expert: Many in Iran feel safer keeping cash in gold, US dollars
James M. Dorsey
Trend News Agency (Azerbaijan), 21 Feb 2013

Commenting on the fluctuations of currencies at Iranian markets, senior fellow at NTU's RSIS, James M. Dorsey said while there is a substantial amount of cash in Iran, many feel it is safer kept in gold and dollars.

New links usher in new era of growth
Mushahid Ali
The Straits Times, page A24, 21 Feb 2013

In a commentary, RSIS senior fellow Mushahid Ali highlighted that the announcement by the leaders of Malaysia and Singapore this week of increased rail, road and sea links between the two countries in the next seven years heralds a new era of enhanced connectivity and closer cooperation between the two Asean members. On the high-speed rail initiative, beyond the economic benefits, it has potential for strengthening people-to-people relations and changing the way they look at each other. PM Lee is confident that it will be a real game-changer in bilateral ties.

Shock, dismay in Sabah over gunmen's intrusion
Oh Ei Sun
The Straits Times, page A10, 21 Feb 2013

The "invasion" that took place just over 400km from their capital city of Kota Kinabalu has left many Sabahans shocked and incredulous about how more than 100 armed Filipino men could have entered the state undetected. Dr Oh Ei Sun, a political analyst from the RSIS in Singapore said it is important to realise that the Sulu Sultanate is now defunct and is recognised by no country in the world. Therefore it has no legal jurisdiction over any piece of land, in the Philippines or Malaysia.

Global Insider: Japanese Air Force Struggling to Keep Up With Regional Rivals
Richard Bitzinger
World Politics Review, 21 Feb 2013

Earlier this month, the Japanese Defense Ministry said two Russian fighter jets had violated its airspace, roughly a month after Japan announced a similar violation by China. In an email interview, Richard Bitzinger, an expert in Asia-Pacific military modernisation at Singapore’s NTU, discussed the state of the Japanese Air Self-Defense Forces and Japan’s response to regional tensions.

Grading Xi Jinping's first 100 days in office
Li Mingjiang
The Straits Times, 20 Feb, page A15, 20 Feb 2013

As Mr Xi Jinping soon marks his first 100 days in power as China's supremo since taking over the Communist Party's top position, observers say Mr Xi has managed to keep the people generally happy during the honeymoon period. Professor Li Mingjiang, who is from RSIS, believes the new leadership is deciding to use nationalism as a political tool to enhance national cohesion.

Rail link to make S'pore, KL 'one virtual urban community'
Yang Razali Kassim
The Straits Times, page A6, 20 Feb 2013

Analysts saw the Singapore-KL rail link as "the icing on the cake" after the historic resolution of the stalled Points of Agreement. In 2010, the two prime ministers came to agreement on Malayan Railway land in Singapore. Such a link had been proposed before, noted RSIS senior fellow Yang Razali Kassim. But previous efforts were put on the backburner owing to the unresolved issue of Malayan Railway land here. Finalising an agreement on the link just two years after the POA breakthrough was "fast and bold", he said, and a "display of political will" on the part of both prime ministers.

'LTTE factions lobby ahead of UNHCR meet'
Rohan Gunaratna
Emirates 24|7, 20 Feb 2013

International terrorism expert from the RSIS, Prof Rohan Gunaratna told ‘Daily News’ on that all three pro-LTTE factions are lobbying ahead of the UNHCR sessions in Geneva in March. Tamil Ealam People’s Assembly (TEPA) led by Perinpanayagam Sivaparan alias Nediyawan in Norway, the Global Tamil Forum (GTF) led by Father S. J. Emmanuel and the Transnational Government of Tamil Ealam (TGTE) led by V. Rudrakumaran are the three factions according to Prof Gunaratna.

Norodom Sihanouk: His Mercurial Art Of Preserving A Small State – Analysis
Emrys Chew and Alan Chong
KI Media, 20 Feb 2013

In a commentary, Assistant Professor Emrys Chew and Associate Professor Alan Chong observed that Cambodia's former king Norodom Sihanouk's legacy must surely be appraised as that of a Third World leader playing the Cold War contest with the weakest hand, yet compensating by playing fast and loose.

China’s Truman-Style Resource Quest Tests UN Law and Neighbours
Ralf Emmers
Bloomberg Businessweek, 20 Feb 2013

China is making a broader claim in its drive for resources in the South China Sea, a move that would reinterpret the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. RSIS Associate Professor Ralf Emmers at NTU in Singapore said this has a much larger repercussion, which is about how will China in the coming years address disputes with neighbouring countries. That is a very important question in Hanoi, Manila and also Tokyo.

Will extreme weather spur new action?
J. Jackson Ewing and Sally Trethewie
TODAY, page 14, 19 Feb 2013

Research Fellow J. Jackson Ewing and Associate Research Fellow Sally Trethewie from the Centre for Non-Traditional Security (NTS) Studies, RSIS, wrote in their commentary that the month of January saw weather and environmental extremes across the globe pose severe threats to lives and livelihoods. While these events were all unique, there is an emerging consensus that such abrupt or unpredicted environmental conditions are likely to define the coming decades and so urgent attention to infrastructure is needed, as the resilience of built environments is paramount to dealing with the impacts of extreme weather.

East China Sea tensions: time to contain naval stand-offs
Koh Swee Lean Collin
The Nation (Thailand), 19 Feb 2013

In a commentary, associate research fellow Koh Swee Lean Collin at the RSIS' Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies, noted that recently, a Chinese frigate reportedly locked its radar onto a Japanese destroyer in the East China Sea, escalating Sino-Japanese tensions over the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands disputes. This warrants a serious look at operational naval arms control for all stakeholders.

ASEAN and EU regional identity building: What went wrong?
Mario Masaya
The Jakarta Post, 16 Feb 2013

In an opinion piece, RSIS student Mario Masaya, observed that the EU and ASEAN share the same difficulties in building regional identities. On the Eurozone crisis and the South China Sea issue, they try to stay together, integrated and face problems. Both opt to use the notion of identity as an integrating factor. However, the outcomes have not been so satisfying.

S’pore wants continuity of policies in M’sia, says analyst
Farish A Noor
Free Malaysia Today (off Malaysian Reserve), 14 Feb 2013

Policymakers in Singapore would want continuity in existing policies after the 13th general election in Malaysia irrespective of the political party that form the government, political analyst Assoc Prof Farish A Noor who is senior fellow at the RSIS, NTU said. Singapore policymakers and its business community would want to see business as usual in terms of policies and the interaction between the two neighbours. Continuity on policies in respect of the movement of capital and people must continue and they would not want radical shifts in policies of foreign capitals should the opposition come into power.

Seoul struggles with NK deterrence
Michael Raska
The Korea Herald, 14 Feb 2013

Skepticism is growing over the South Korean military’s ongoing efforts to counter North Korea’s escalated nuclear threat amid increasing calls for a major revamp of its ineffective deterrence strategies and weapons systems. RSIS research fellow Michael Raska said North Korea now exploits asymmetric and non-linear forms of warfare. It has adapted to the US-ROK (Republic of Korea) military superiority by finding strategies and exploiting the capabilities of asymmetric negation. Therefore, South Korea’s new defense strategy must now allow greater flexibility and adaptability to shifts in strategic environment with military forces having the flexibility and robustness to operate in divergent scenarios.

Qatar announces plans for migrant workers charter to fend off World Cup criticism
James M. Dorsey
Australasian Leisure Management, 14 Feb 2013

Qatar, in a bid to fend off a possible move to deprive it of the right to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup because of its failure to adopt international standards for foreign workers, is drafting a charter for labourers involved in the construction of infrastructure related to the tournament. RSIS senior fellow James M. Dorsey explained that the announcement of the planned charter by the Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee comes amid a rare series of articles in Qatari media depicting workers' difficulties and a call to offer labourers relief in part through sport.

Having Faith in Malaysians
Farish A Noor
National Express Malaysia, 14 Feb 2013

In an opinion piece, RSIS Assoc Prof Farish A Noor shared about his love for his country Malaysia and its people. Despite the doom-mongering of the naysayers he still believes that Malaysia – despite its size – is a country that deserves its place on the stage of world history. His faith rests not in the institutions of the state, but in Malaysians and their ability to judge and think wisely when it matters most.

Post-revolt Arab Transitions: Driven by Distrust and Inexperience
James M. Dorsey
Middle East Online, 14 Feb 2013

RSIS senior fellow James M. Dorsey commented that post-revolt Middle Eastern and North African countries are struggling to manage the transition from autocratic to more transparent, accountable societies. Increasingly prejudice, distrust and inexperience are proving to be greater obstacles.

Political dynasties in Indonesia and the Philippines
Julius Cesar I. Trajano and Yoes C. Kenawas
East Asia Forum, 13 Feb 2013

RSIS senior analyst Julius Cesar I. Trajano and research analyst Yoes C. Kenawas, highlighted in an opinion piece that Indonesia and the Philippines, the biggest democracies in Southeast Asia, both face a significant threat to the vibrancy of their political systems — the rise of political dynasties.

Push for World Cup workers’ rights challenges Qataris and activists alike
James M. Dorsey
Yahoo! News, 13 Feb 2013

RSIS senior fellow James M. Dorsey postulated that it will take more than statements by trade unions and human rights groups and complaints to the International Labour Organisation to pressure Qatar to ensure that labour conditions in the Gulf state meet international standards as it prepares to host the 2022 World Cup. Enhanced workers’ rights threatens to give a foreigners a stake in societies in which minority national populations are likely to find it increasingly difficult to maintain a situation in which the majority has no rights.

Immigration, opportunity and the S’porean core
Yolanda Chin and Norman Vasu
TODAY, page 12, 13 Feb 2013

In an opinion piece penned by Yolanda Chin, Research Fellow and Norman Vasu, Assistant Professor at the Centre of Excellence for National Security, a constituent unit of NTU's RSIS, it was written that the Population White Paper has been robustly debated by its supporters and detractors in Parliament. While the discussion has focused largely on the intensity and extensity of immigration into Singapore, the debates have also revealed an existential malaise surrounding both what it means to be Singaporean as well as the ambiguity of the country's national values.

Hamas and a two-state solution: a move toward moderation?
Damien D Cheong
The Nation (Thailand), 13 Feb 2013

In a commentary, RSIS research fellow Damien D Cheong observed that the outgoing Hamas politburo bureau chief, Khaled Meshal, was recently reported by the Israeli newspaper Haaretz as declaring that the movement is supportive of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While there may be good reasons to doubt Hamas' intentions, it is nevertheless important to consider if this declaration signals that Hamas might be headed down the path of moderation.

Thailand: An important year as Pakistan goes through a transition
Abdul Basit
The Nation, 12 Feb 2013

RSIS senior analyst Abdul Basit at the International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism noted that notwithstanding the worsening security situation, slowing economy, rampant corruption and poor governance, Pakistan has made steady progress consolidating the democratic process in the past five years. The continuation of the democratic process will allow state and society institutions to steer Pakistan towards peace and stability.

South Korea’s Changing Security Paradigm
Michael Raska
Project Syndicate, 10 Feb 2013

RSIS Research Fellow Michael Raska at the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies contributed a commentary highlighting that South Korea needs a new, comprehensive defence strategy that can more easily be adapted to shifts in its strategic environment that has become increasingly complex. At the same time, military forces need to become sufficiently flexible and robust to operate effectively under diverse scenarios. This means abandoning South Korea’s long-standing, static defensive posture, which emphasises conflict avoidance and excessive reliance on US forces. To face its new security threats, South Korea needs a new security apparatus that depends on innovation, adaptability, and vision.

Indonesia faces foreign policy challenges
Emirza Adi Syailendra
The Nation (Thailand), 9 Feb 2013

RSIS's Indonesia Programme research analyst Emirza Adi Syailendra highlighted that Indonesia's regional leadership role was put to the test by a number of diplomatic challenges in 2012. For Indonesia, putting Asean solidarity above all could inhibit its own aspiration for an independent foreign policy course. A pertinent foreign policy priority for Indonesia is how to pursue its own foreign policy agenda without decreasing its commitments to Asean.

Southeast Asian countries are stocking up on the latest military gadgets
Richard Bitzinger
South China Morning Post (Hong Kong), 9 Feb 2013

As Southeast Asia's military build-up intensifies to counter China's military rise, it is increasingly clear that it has an international dimension, tying China's neighbours to a widening range of relationships that could complicate Beijing's strategic environment. RSIS senior fellow Richard Bitzinger, who is tracking a growing list of acquisitions across the region said there is certainly a strong international component to these developments in Southeast Asia, which is a very open arms market compared to other parts of the world like the Middle East.

Cybersecurity aid to emerging markets needs calibration
Alan Chong
ZDNet, 6 Feb 2013

Associate Professor Alan Chong at Singapore's RSIS, NTU, said today's online crimes do not respect geographical or political borders and many cybercriminals who target developed economies usually come from emerging markets. They do so because developed markets are usually more prosperous and hence make good targets, he noted.

Communal and religious extremism: Sri Lankans should be vigilant
Rohan Gunaratna
Lanka Web (off Asiantribune.com), 6 Feb 2013

Professor Rohan Gunaratna, head of the International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research at NTU, said the greatest challenge Sri Lanka will face in the next decade is the rise of communal and religious extremism. He suggested to consolidate the stability achieved due to the diligence of Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa, to take Sri Lanka to the next level of harmony and prosperity.

UEFA inquiry into sponsorship deals highlights problematic fight against corruption
James M. Dorsey
Yahoo!Singapore Sports (off Goal.com), 6 Feb 2013

RSIS senior fellow James M. Dorsey highlighted that the UEFA inquiry into the possible violations of its fair value rule in sponsorship deals concluded by Gulf-owned clubs Manchester City and Paris St. Germain (PSG), with state-owned entities in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates comes against the rocking of world soccer by multiple scandals in the past two years, including revelations this week of a massive match fixing scheme by Asian and European syndicates.

Population 2030; How it is managed makes a difference
Yolanda Chin
The Straits Times, page D2, 2 Feb 2013

The White Paper's projections have a big impact on jobs and growth, quality of life and people's sense of home. Ms Yolanda Chin, research fellow at NTU's RSIS, says the White Paper appears to have let economic growth dictate population size. "Perhaps we should be putting the population horse before the economic cart, by starting with the population size we are comfortable with on this island, and then extracting the maximum economic benefits from it," she says.

US 'seeks to rebalance' efforts in Asia-Pacific
Tan See Seng
The Straits Times, page A18, 2 Feb 2013

The top American troop commander in the Asia-Pacific, Admiral Samuel Locklear, says the United States has no plans to set up more military bases in the region. Rather, it wants to "rebalance" its efforts to work with long- standing partners across all fields in a way that protects everyone's interests in the Asia-Pacific. Dr Tan See Seng of RSIS felt that while Chinese officials may welcome Adm Locklear's call for cooperation, there remain entrenched reservations.

Manila signals defence resolve with fighter jet deal
Richard Bitzinger
South China Morning Post, 1 Feb 2013

Philippine defence officials confirmed yesterday that Manila would this month finalise a US$443 million contract to purchase 12 FA-50 light fighter jets from Korea Aerospace Industries of South Korea. Two planes could arrive within six months to be used for training - the first time in the best part of two decades since the Philippines had operable jet fighters, United States-made F-5s from the Vietnam war era. RSIS senior fellow Richard Bitzinger said the Philippines was not arming ifself to the teeth, but making up for years of atrophy. He noted that it may not be a credible deterrent yet, but it is at least a start.

Mideast and North Africa: another year of upheaval
James M. Dorsey
The Nation (Thailand) 30 Jan 2013

RSIS senior fellow James M. Dorsey observed that the pre-and post-revolt Arab leaders in the Middle East and North Africa face challenges ranging from political uprisings to violent confrontations, with Gulf monarchies replacing republics facing the brunt of the tidal wave of reform demands that have been sweeping across the region over the past two years.

Submarine Trends In Asia Pacific: Air-Independent Propulsion A Game Changer
Michael Raska
Asia's Maritime Security, 29 Jan 2013

RSIS research fellow Michael Raska highlighted that the contending strategic realities of the Asia-Pacific region compel states to adopt innovations of their rivals. This is the case for new classes of conventional submarine designs, which incorporate an array of innovative technologies in order to maximise their survivability and lethality in diverse maritime operations.

A balancing act for Malaysia's DAP
Farish A. Noor
The Straits Times, page A19, 29 Jan 2013

Farish A. Noor, associate professor with the Contemporary Islam Programme at the RSIS, NTU, wrote in his commentary that as the 13th Malaysian general election draws closer, there has been speculation among analysts as to whether the country will witness the emergence of a two-coalition system of politics. Since 1957 Malaysia has been governed by parties that were in coalition. Among the prominent opposition parties today is the Democratic Action Party (DAP) that came into being in the mid-1960s. Fundamentally a Chinese party, the DAP intends to remain in the Pakatan Rakyat coalition as it is the only vehicle that can possibly bring it to power at the federal government level. However should Pakatan come to power, the DAP will have to balance the demands of its own supporters against the wider aspirations of the whole coalition.

Terrorism Threat In Indonesia: Key Concerns In 2013 – Analysis
Bilveer Singh
Eurasia Review.com, 29 Jan 2013

RSIS Adjunct Senior Fellow Bilveer Singh highlighted that despite a slew of counter-measures after the terrorist bombings in Bali in 2002, the threat of terrorism continues to loom. Developments in 2013 are likely to worsen the security situation in Indonesia

The strategy of the Workers’ Party was successful
Alan Chong
Lianhe Zaobao, page 7, 27 Jan 2013

Commenting on the Workers’ Party win yesterday in the Punggol East by-election, Associate Prof Alan Chong from RSIS commented that the PAP can do better in terms of communicating and reaching out to the ‘man in the street’. Lee Li Lian’s background probably gave her a boost as she comes from an ordinary background like the girl next door and as a mother to be, the voters could resonate with her. The Workers’ Party also appeared to be more united. The Workers’ Party win serves as a wake up call to the PAP, signalling that there is still much dissatisfaction that is not resolved.

China’s airliner industry ambitions still a distant dream
Richard Bitzinger
The Vancouver Sun (off The Associated Press), 27 Jan 2013

The teething problems with Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner have reawakened years of anticipation that domestically designed and built Chinese passenger aircraft are about to stride into a market dominated by only four companies. Mr Richard Bitzinger, a senior fellow at Singapore’s RSIS who confesses to have once seen China as a credible challenger to the four companies dominating the industry, recently wrote that “despite its pronouncements of building aircraft with ‘Chinese characteristics’ COMAC is heavily reliant on foreign firms to provide critical components and technologies for these aircraft.” Bitzinger noted that 20 foreign companies are involved in the ARJ-21 project and that the entire airplane so closely resembles the now defunct McDonnell-Douglas MD-80/90.

The strategy of the Workers’ Party was successful
Alan Chong
Lianhe Zaobao, 27 Jan 2013, page 7

Commenting on the Workers’ Party win yesterday in the Punggol East by-election, Associate Prof Alan Chong from RSIS commented that the PAP can do better in terms of communicating and reaching out to the ‘man in the street’. Lee Li Lian’s background probably gave her a boost as she comes from an ordinary background like the girl next door and as a mother to be, the voters could resonate with her. The Workers’ Party also appeared to be more united. The Workers’ Party win serves as a wake up call to the PAP, signalling that there is still much dissatisfaction that is not resolved.

China’s airliner industry ambitions still a distant dream
Richard Bitzinger
The Vancouver Sun (off The Associated Press), 27 Jan 2013

The teething problems with Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner have reawakened years of anticipation that domestically designed and built Chinese passenger aircraft are about to stride into a market dominated by only four companies. Mr Richard Bitzinger, a senior fellow at Singapore’s RSIS who confesses to have once seen China as a credible challenger to the four companies dominating the industry, recently wrote that “despite its pronouncements of building aircraft with ‘Chinese characteristics’ COMAC is heavily reliant on foreign firms to provide critical components and technologies for these aircraft.” Bitzinger noted that 20 foreign companies are involved in the ARJ-21 project and that the entire airplane so closely resembles the now defunct McDonnell-Douglas MD-80/90.

Philippines Aims to Drill in South China Sea
Li Mingjiang
Voice of America, 24 Jan 2013

This week, the Philippines announced it will take China to an international arbitration tribunal because of Beijing's claim of nearly the entire South China Sea. President Benigno Aquino said recently he supports a joint partnership as long as royalties would go to the Philippines. Assoc Prof Li Mingjiang, coordinator of China Studies at the RSIS at Singapore’s NTU, said the royalties issue is in many ways at the heart of their dispute. He said the implications are that if you follow Filipino laws and regulations, to some extent, China is conceding the sort of sovereign right to the Philippines in their waters with regard to the energy resources.

Challenges faced by the Malaysia Islamic Party PAS
Farish A. Noor
Lianhe Zaobao, page 28, 24 Jan 2013

In an analytical piece, Associate Professor Farish A. Noor from NTU’s RSIS listed out the challenges faced by opposition party PAS for the upcoming Malaysian General Election. First, he reckons that PAS will never be in power unless it is part of an alliance. Second, he said the party has to consider the needs of the electorate as a whole, so as not to cause any hostility towards any minority racial or religious groups.

Senior China official to open Pahang park
Oh Ei Sun
The Straits Times, page A17, 23 Jan 2013

Senior Chinese leader Jia Qinglin is slated to help open a China-Malaysia industrial park in Pahang next month, in a bid by the Malaysian government to win support from the local Chinese community in the upcoming elections. While Malaysia's and China's businessmen have been dealing closely with one another for decades, in recent years, the two governments have visibly strengthened their trade and official ties as well, said political analyst Oh Ei Sun of the RSIS. But whether the recent moves will sway Chinese Malaysian voters is unclear as It's a different generation from when Mr Abdul Razak historic visit to China in 1974. "They will be more concerned about fundamental issues like equal rights for all races," Dr Oh said.

Ulama-'Erdogan' tension within PAS
Farish A. Noor
The Straits Times, page A24, 23 Jan 2013

Associate Professor Farish A. Noor with the Contemporary Islam Programme at the RSIS, NTU, in his commentary, asked the question of whether Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) is able to walk the tightrope between political idealism and pragmatism should the opposition run Malaysia. He highlighted the recent controversy over the use of the word "Allah" by Christians in Malaysia has raised questions about its impact on the political strategy of the Islamic party. He concluded that compromise will have to remain the operational mode of PAS' day-to-day politics, while the party leadership walks the tightrope between pragmatism and political idealism.

When ‘good enough’ is better than ‘best’
Bernard Fook Weng Loo
TODAY, page 12, 23 Jan 2013

In a commentary, Bernard Fook Weng Loo, Associate Professor and Coordinator of the Military Studies Programme at NTU’s RSIS, said that technology as a force multiplier is a familiar argument for states with limited strategic resources — such as manpower — to overcome. However, the lasting qualitative advantages any armed forces should seek may not come from technology. He said that’s because a “good enough” technology in the hands of a superbly trained soldier generates a combat effect far greater than a “best” technology in the hands of a soldier who does not know what to do with it. Also, for an armed force seeking to maintain a technological advantage over its putative adversaries, the accelerating pace of technological changes means that any extant technological advantage (already naturally temporary) is increasingly short-lived.

Najib Visits Hamas-Run Gaza Strip as Malaysia Election Nears
Joseph Chinyong Liow
Bloomberg News, 23 Jan 2013

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak arrived in the Gaza Strip in the first visit to the Palestinian enclave by a leader of the Muslim-majority Southeast Asian nation, which comes months before he must call elections. RSIS associate dean Joseph Chinyong Liow in Singapore, said the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is an emotive issue for Malaysians. This visit certainly won’t be a game-changer, but as far as the Muslim vote is concerned – and that tends to be the constituency that is most sympathetic and drawn to the issue of Palestine –it would capture their attention, he said.

- Similar article in Israel Hayom.

United effort needed toward climate change
Paul Teng
Manila Times, 23 Jan 2013

The head of the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (Searca) based in Los Baños, Laguna province, recently urged institutions to pursue collaborative efforts to combat the effects of climate change, and to generate results which are concerted rather than dispersed and fragmented. Dr Paul Teng, Senior Fellow (Food Security) at the RSIS' Centre for Non-Traditional Security Studies said dealing with climate change effects especially on food security will require a multi-sectoral, multi-lateral, multi-disciplinary, integrated approach.

Middle East Soccer Associations Campaign for Women's Right to Play
James M. Dorsey
London: The News.com (off The Huffington Post), 23 Jan 2013

RSIS senior fellow James M. Dorsey observed that Middle Eastern soccer associations have launched a campaign to put women's soccer on par with men's football in a region in which a woman's right to play and pursue an athletic career remains controversial and at a time at which political Islam is on the rise.

The (Over?) Promise Of Modern Technology – Analysis
Bernard Fook Weng Loo
Eurasia Review, 21 Jan 2013 2013

Assoc Prof Bernard Fook Weng Loo, Coordinator of the RSIS' Military Studies Programme commented that the tendency to seek technological solutions to strategic problems is a policy option that many states desire, but it is fraught with potential affordability questions. A new way to seek solutions to strategic problems might be necessary.

Punggol East by-election’s four cornered fight
Alan Chong
Shin Min Daily News, 20 Jan 2013, page 5

There might be a strategy behind why PM Lee and Dr Koh Poh Koon did not appear in the same instance at the Punggol East walk about. Associate Prof Alan Chong from RSIS commented that this was unexpected by the media and perhaps they should be seen together instead of separately.

End of the line
Paul Teng
The Sunday Times, sundaylife!, pages 4-5, 20 Jan 2013

Time is running out for fish farmers in Pasir Ris as they have to move out by December next year, but most of them have not found alternative sites. On the food fish industry, Professor Paul Teng, a food security expert from NTU, says there is "still a place for Singapore to maintain a small fish farming sector to provide fresh fish in case of supply disruptions due to reduced imports from nearby countries". He adds that Singapore still has sufficient coastal waters which can be used for fish farming and fish here are generally produced under better safety and quality conditions than in some other countries. Besides Pasir Ris, there are fish farms in Jalan Kayu, Lim Chu Kang and Lorong Chencharu in Yishun.

PM Lee helps out in Punggol East: Koh Poh Koon has the capabilities for greater heights
Alan Chong
Shin Min Daily News, 19 Jan 2013, page 4

PM Lee dropped in at Punggol East and urged the residents to choose the person who can serve them well, and also in general, serve Singapore well. Associate Prof Alan Chong from RSIS commented that even though Punggol East was a single-member constituency, their share of voice will be enhanced if Dr Koh is elected and given a political appointment.

Close fight between PAP and WP: Analysts
Bilveer Singh
The Straits Times, page A8, 17 Jan 2013

Political analysts yesterday predicted a close fight between the People's Action Party (PAP) and the Workers' Party (WP) in Punggol East, as the first four-cornered contest since 1997 got under way. Analysts say the PAP may well prevail on Jan 26 given its good standing in the ward and the presence of two other parties to dilute the opposition vote. Associate Professor Bilveer Singh of RSIS said: "The PAP will win but more narrowly. Its track record there is very good even though its MP had to go due to his indiscretion."

Weighing pros and cons of candidates
Alan Chong
My Paper, page A4 and online, 17 Jan 2013

The Punggol East by-election next Saturday will be a four-cornered fight, the first such contest in a parliamentary election since 1997. Political pundits say the battle will be the most heated between PAP and the WP. Dr Alan Chong, an associate professor at the RSIS, said: “The automatic assumption right now is that the PAP will have the advantage, based on the 2011 General Election results.” Still, he expects a very close race between the PAP and WP, with the other two parties “trailing behind”. NTU media academic Cherian George said that the PAP is still “the favourite”. He said: “It’s been less than two years since Punggol East voters were asked to choose, so it’s unlikely their preference will swing so dramatically from (that in) 2011. Singapore voters don’t have a record of being fickle-minded.”

The human bridge across Asean
Farish A. Noor
The Straits Times, page A19, 16 Jan 2013

In a feature series inviting leading writers and thinkers from the region and Singapore, senior fellow at NTU's RSIS Farish A. Noor writes that the Asean region is set to experience a major change in a few years' time, as the Asean Community comes into existence in 2015. But despite these advances, he notes that institutional inertia remains a bugbear for many Asean integrationists. He cites a post-colonial pedagogy in various history textbooks of the respective Asean countries, instead of one that pays attention to the regional grouping and a common shared history.

New Japanese premier's first foreign trip: Why SE Asia?
Bhubhindar Singh
The Nation (Thailand), 16 Jan 2013

In a commentary, RSIS Asst Prof Bhubhindar Singh observed that the newly elected Japanese prime minister, Shinzo Abe, has chosen to make his first official visit overseas to Southeast Asia following the victory of his Liberal Democratic Party in the Lower House elections on December 16. Southeast Asian states will welcome Japan's "return" to the region. It is important for Japan to adopt a constructive role in the region that focuses on promoting regional integration, while being mindful of history when adopting such a larger role. Japan should also avoid overplaying the China threat, which could lead to a downward spiral in relations between the two Asian giants, causing instability in the periphery of Southeast Asia.

Indonesia’s National Elections: Islamic Parties At The Crossroads – Analysis
Adhi Priamarizki
Eurasia Review.com, 15 Jan 2013

Research Analyst Adhi Priamarizki, from the RSIS' Indonesia Programme, commented that Indonesian Islamic parties have been adopting an inclusive and pragmatic strategy for garnering votes. The formal establishment of Shariah law is no longer a primary objective in their agenda. Nevertheless, these Islamic parties still have to change their approach to compete against the nationalist parties and improve their track record in solving mismanagement issues, settling internal frictions, and eradicating corruption.

The Emerging Global Threat Landscape – Analysis
Rohan Gunaratna
Eurasia Review.com, 15 Jan 2013

RSIS Prof Rohan Gunaratna highlighted that the global threat landscape this year will be shaped by the impending withdrawal of US-led coalition forces from Afghanistan. Jihadists will seek to extend their activities in Central and West Asia as well as North Africa, compounded by the uprisings in the Middle East. Al Qaeda associates will continue to pose a real threat to the US in the region and beyond. An earlier version of his article appeared in The National Interest.

The 'empire' can strike back at us
Farish Noor
The New Straits Times, 14 Jan 2012

RSIS Assoc Prof Farish Noor commented that the new book on Raffles is a reminder of how the logic of empire worked once and how its workings remain evident all around us until today. As Southeast Asia stares ahead towards an unknown future with competing superpowers asserting their presence in our part of the world, it would be worth our while to remember the lessons that history has taught us: That "free" trade is never free; that "liberation" for some amounts to "slavery" for others; and that divided nations stand to lose the most when confronted by powerful states that seek to exploit their divisions.

Middle East soccer associations campaign for women’s right to play
James M. Dorsey
Middle East Online, 14 Jan 2013

RSIS senior fellow James M. Dorsey commented that the Middle Eastern soccer associations launch campaign to put women’s soccer on par with men’s football in region in which woman’s right to pursue athletic career remains controversial and at a time at which political Islam is on the rise.

PM on why he called early by-election
Alan Chong
Omy.sg (off My Paper), 10 Jan 2013

Political observers and residents of the Punggol East Single-Member Constituency yesterday said it was not hard to see why Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong decided to hold one earlier. RSIS Associate Professor Alan Chong said that Mr Lee is taking a risk in having a by-election before Budget 2013, "in relation to the evaluation of policies by the electorate" but it is one that is justified. He explained that the PAP has held the ward with a good margin and already put in place policies to address voter dissatisfaction in the last general election. NTU media academic Cherian George from the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information said the ruling party starts out with an advantage in any case - it is their seat. The longer it waits, the more time it gives the opposition to cultivate the ground. - Similar article in AsiaOne.

Obama’s Second Term Foreign Policy: Nation-Building At Home, More Conciliation Abroad
Evan Resnick
Eurasia Review.com, 10 Jan 2013

Asst Prof Evan Resnick, Coordinator of the US Studies Programme at the RSIS, commented that the newly re-elected President Obama possesses substantial political capital with which to make good on his pledge to shift from nation-building abroad to nation-building at home. To fulfil it, the Obama Administration must peacefully resolve simmering disputes with Iran and China by adopting a more conciliatory policy towards both states.

Port Said Clashes: A Foretaste of Egyptian Soccer Violence to Come
James M. Dorsey
Huffington Post, 10 Jan 2013

RSIS senior fellow James M. Dorsey commented that the clashes this week between rival soccer fans in Port Said in which 55 people were injured gave Egypt a foretaste of expected violence later this month when a Cairo court announces its verdict in the trial of 73 people accused of responsibility for last year's death of 74 fans in a politically loaded brawl in the Suez Canal city. The expected verdict on January 26 puts the government of President Mohammed Morsi in a no-win situation as it struggles to re-launch Egypt's professional soccer.

Has the Punggol East ward begun election works?
Alan Chong
Shin Min Daily News, page 6, 9 Jan 2013

In the light of possible by-elections, there is speculation that the People’s Action Party is preparing for the campaign. The party refuted claims that their recent purchase of plywood is for an imminent election, but rather, it is part of their everyday readiness and preparation. Dr Alan Chong, associate prof from RSIS commented that the PAP’s preparation is not a sign of an election to come, but if it were to take place, it will likely be after the announcement of the Singapore budget.

IN FOCUS: China’s new strategic airlifter
Richard Bitzinger
Flightglobal online, 9 Jan 2013

On 2 January, Beijing confirmed the existence of the new aircraft Xian Y-20 strategic airlifter, a type that could one day enhance Beijing's ability to project power as far abroad as the Indian Ocean and even Africa. Mr Richard Bitzinger, senior fellow of the Military Transformations Programme at Singapore's RSIS, noted that engines tend to be the "Achilles heel" of Chinese aircraft programmes. He said the aerodynamics and production involved in this aircraft are within China's technical capabilities. The issue will be more around value-added systems, such as engines, advanced flight controls and avionics.

East Asian cooperation: Is Japan falling behind China?
Mushahid Ali and Hiro Katsumata
The Nation online (Thailand), 9 Jan 2013

RSIS senior fellow Mushahid Ali and Dr Hiro Katsumata, research fellow at the Waseda University Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies, jointly penned a commentary highlighting that with the return to power of the LDP and Shinzo Abe as prime minister, Japan is expected to recognise the country's new roles that include playing a balancing role against China, and contributing to regional cooperation in East Asia. Otherwise Japan will be left behind.

Agreement With UEFA Bolsters Reformists in Troubled Asian Soccer Body
James Dorsey
HuffingtonPost.com, 7 Jan 2013

RSIS senior fellow James Dorsey commented that last month's signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and its European counterpart, the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), potentially boosts an uphill battle by reformers to strengthen governance in the AFC, a deeply divided and troubled organisation. The agreement also bolsters efforts to weaken the influence within the Asian soccer body of its president, Mohammed Bin Hammam, who has been suspended for more than a year pending investigation of alleged bribery and corruption.

Celebrate Myanmar's moves towards reform
Barry Desker
The Sunday Times (Zaire), 6 Jan 2013

Myanmar has experienced landmark developments as the military rulers loosen their iron grip. Dean Barry Desker of Singapore’s prestigious RSIS noted that Western sanctions had a minimal impact on changing domestic policy in Myanmar. Such sanctions may have slowed the process of change as the leadership did not have the opportunity of learning from Western nations who cut off contact. The sanctions also, no doubt, exacerbated racial and cultural differences.

US officials visit North Korea
Michael Raska
938Live, 7 Jan 2013

938Live spoke to North Korea expert Dr Michael Raska from the RSIS on the private humanitarian visit to North Korea by an unofficial US delegation led by New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson this week, whose timing the US State Department has criticised. Dr Raska said there is concern in both Seoul and Washington that it may send the wrong signal to Pyongyang. This is because the US and its allies are pushing for tougher UN sanctions against North Korea for its long-range rocket launch in December. North Korea also continues to work on its nuclear testing facilities, potentially paving the way for a third nuclear bomb test. The presence of Google's Executive Chairman Eric Schimdt on this trip will also boost the image of North Korea's young leader Kim Jong Un, just when the US is trying to pressure North Korea.

To straddle or not to straddle, that is the question
Fitri Bintang Timur
Kyodo News, 4 Jan 2013

RSIS associate research fellow Fitri Bintang Timur highlighted that sharing the mindset of regulating the way women act or dress, rather than taking measures that can stop the mistreatment of women or increase security measures around their housing complexes or workplaces, leaders like Lhokseumawe Mayor Suaidi Yahya and regional legislative council member Yusuf Samad are actually supporting undesirable conditions for rape and other forms of harassment to take place. The government and politicians’ mindset should be altered from controlling women to persuading society to end this culture of victim guilt and to tell men to refrain from rape.

Singapore academic sees strong, pragmatic foreign policy under Abe
Bhubhindar Singh
Kyodo News, 4 Jan 2013

Japan's newly elected Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is expected to adopt a more assertive foreign policy than his predecessor Yoshihiko Noda, but he is likely to remain pragmatic despite fears among some Asian countries that his hawkish tendencies could escalate tensions with China and destabilize the region, according to a senior Singaporean academic. RSIS Assistant Professor Bhubhindar Singh said, "What might concern these countries in the region here is Abe-san adopting a more hawkish approach that would lead to instability in Northeast Asia, which would directly impact Southeast Asia, maybe by pushing China a little bit too much, or pursuing a policy that's going to antagonize China."

Re-launching Egyptian premier league: a barometer for Morsi’s performance
James M. Dorsey
Middle East Online, 3 Jan 2013

RSIS senior fellow James M. Dorsey noted that the re-launch of the Egyptian premier league has become a barometer for how President Mohammed Morsi is coping with key issues, including reform of the hated police and security forces and their role in the new Egypt, holding those responsible for the death of hundreds of protesters in the last two years accountable and rooting out corruption. So far, the barometer shows a mixed record at best.

Does Pyongyang's Call For Peace Signal Reform?
Michael Raska
CNBC online, 2 Jan 2013

Dr Michael Raska, Research Fellow from the RSIS' Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies at NTU commented that he does not believe North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's call to end the confrontation with South Korea will necessarily translate into reform. He noted that Mr Kim is trying to solidify his image and power base at home in the midst of the leadership transitions in China, South Korea and the US. Yet, to pursue meaningful socioeconomic reforms, Mr Kim knows that North Korea will have to give up its nuclear and WMD programmes, which hardliners may not be very happy to do so.

http://video.cnbc.com/gallery/?play=1&video=3000137846

Getting their act together
Afif Pasuni
The Nation (Thailand), 2 Jan 2013

Associate research fellow Afif Pasuni from the RSIS' Malaysia Programme commented that Malaysia's opposition Pakatan Rakyat coalition, formed three years ago, faces a monumental task against the more established ruling Barisan Nasional (BN), which has been in power since Malaysia's independence. Pakatan, comprising the Pan Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), Democratic Action Party (DAP) and the People's Justice Party (PKR), will be facing its first general election as a coalition, an exercise that could possibly make or break it as an alternative to the BN. - Similar article in Eurasia Review.

Re-launch the Egyptian Premier Football League: A barometer for Morsi’s performance
James M. Dorsey
Boxscore News.com, 1 Jan 2013

RSIS senior fellow James M. Dorsey commented that the re-launch of the Egyptian premier league has become a barometer for how President Mohammed Morsi is coping with key issues, including reform of the hated police and security forces and their role in the new Egypt, holding those responsible for the death of hundreds of protesters in the last two years accountable and rooting out corruption. So far, the barometer shows a mixed record at best.