In Malaysia, It’s Two Words for One God

Published on Oct 18, 2013 by Luke Hunt

Malaysian attempts at juggling local Islamic dictates against a desire by moderates and non-Muslims to forge a secular democratic society have often fallen flat, with the country winning too many comparisons with the likes of Pakistan.Read more from Luke Hunt in The Diplomat..

Brunei Caps Off a Solid Year at ASEAN’s Helm

Published on Oct 12, 2013 by Luke Hunt

The ASEAN Summit ended in Brunei on a high note with leaders of the 10-nation trading bloc striking the right note with China over conflicting territorial claims in the South China Sea and reaching an agreement on how best to combat the dreaded haze and promises to forge deeper ties.Read more from Luke Hunt in The Diplomat. .

Singapore Plans ASEAN Bid for 2030 World Cup

Published on Oct 9, 2013 by Luke Hunt

Singapore is planning to lead an ASEAN bid and host the 2030 World Cup. Given the extraordinary support soccer enjoys among 600 million people in Southeast Asia and the advanced plans to forge a single economic and cultural bloc in the region, such a plan should enjoy widespread support.Read more from Luke Hunt in The Diplomat..

Malaysian PM Warns of the Battle for Islam

Published on Oct 1, 2013 by Luke Hunt

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has had a difficult time since narrowly winning controversial elections in May. Equally, the country’s foreign policy has proven myopic with dubious forays into the Muslim rebellions in the Southern Philippines and Southern Thailand.Read more from Luke Hunt in The Diplomat..

The Philippines: Counting the Costs in Zamboanga

Published on Sep 30, 2013 by Luke Hunt

In the Philippines, authorities are counting the costs of the damage inflicted by the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) following its pointless raid on Zamboanga in the country’s troubled south and the lengths to which the emergency services had to go, to protect the innocent.Read more from Luke Hunt in The Diplomat..