‘Filipino Donald Trump’ Rodrigo Duterte Leads Presidential Race
Published on May 8, 2016 by Luke Hunt
To his many critics, he is an uncouth braggart with a penchant for politically incorrect jokes and a populist dislike for Western allies, but when Filipinos go to the polls Monday, they are widely expected to elect Rodrigo Duterte as president and initiate a political shake-up with unpredictable consequences in the battle for regional influence.Read more from Luke Hunt in The Washington Times.
Click for full post
What a New Vietnam-Russia Deal Says About the Mekong’s Future
Published on Feb 17, 2016 by Luke Hunt
It is potentially an unusual business transaction. While the prospect of a Vietnamese company taking over a Russian group in of itself is unusual, the buyout of a strategic stake in a major fish distributor is also a reflection of changing attitudes to the management of the Mekong River.Read more from Luke Hunt in The Diplomat..
Troubles resurface for Malaysia's Najib in Europe
Published on Jan 31, 2016 by Luke Hunt
A case involving allegations of high-level bribery, blackmail, betrayal and the murder of a glamorous Mongolian socialite in Malaysia has resurfaced in France, only days after Malaysia’s prime minister Najib Razak was cleared of corruption charges at home.Read more from Lindsay Murdoch in The Age. .
Leadership Change in Laos: A Shift Away From China?
Published on Jan 30, 2016 by Luke Hunt
The leadership of Laos’ communist party and government has been replaced with a fresh slate, ending a five year-rule by Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong who was dogged by allegations of corruption, economic mismanagement and criticism that he was leaning too heavily on China.Read more from Luke Hunt in The Diplomat..
Will Malaysia’s Najib Finally Quit?
Malaysia’s embattled prime minister Najib Razak has entered negotiations for a face-saving exit from the turbulence of his nation’s politics, according to independent reports, after the anti-corruption commission referred 37 charges to the attorney-general for prosecution.Read more from Luke Hunt in The Diplomat..