Welcome to the monthly political compass of Southeast Asia from The Journal Radar! Our monthly political compass aims to give our readers a quick monthly summary and a better understanding of hot political events across Southeast Asian nations.
What to Watch?
Singapore
The Chinese navy agreed to the joint maritime exercise which predicted would last from late April to early May. The joint exercise is considered to be the policy for China’s military engagement in Southeast Asia. It is believed to challenge the influence that the United States has shaped with countries including Singapore and Indonesia in coming years.
Two years ago, China and Singapore held a combined military drill in international waters at the southern tip of the South China Sea, following the upgrade of a bilateral defense pact in 2019 to include bigger-scale exercises among their army, navy, and air force.
Myanmar
On 11 April 2023, the military junta leadership in Myanmar brazenly repressed their people through air strikes against civilians in the north of the country. It is believed that the strike killed 168 people, including 40 children and 24 pregnant women.
The airstrike is believed to be the deadliest airstrike by Myanmar’s military government. The NUG (National Unity Government), which was set up by elected politicians and activists to oppose the military regime, has recorded more than 600 airstrikes between October 2021 and March 2023.
Malaysia
Malaysian Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, wants the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) to investigate individuals or companies which engage in tax evasion tricks. Anwar said that the move was aimed at ensuring that those who are obliged to pay income tax do not evade or escape legal claims.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said if the effort can be implemented well, then the performance of the country’s revenue will continue to increase and be even better than in previous years. Anwar said the Inland Revenue Department at that time faced difficulties in collecting taxes, especially from public figures, including VVIPs who refused to pay taxes.
Indonesia
The Chairman of the Indonesia Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) Megawati Soekarnoputri officially announced that Ganjar Pranowo, the current Governor of Central Java, as the presidential candidate for the 2024 Presidential Election from PDI-P. The announcement took place one day before Eid on Friday (21/04) at Bung Karno’s residence in Batu Tulis, Bogor.
As for now, there are already 2 presidential candidates declaring for the 2024 Presidential Declaration. Ganjar Pranowo from PDI-P and Anies Baswedan, former Governor of Jakarta Province, who is supported by NasDem Party, PKS, and Democrat Party. Another presidential candidate that is expected soon to be declared is Prabowo Subianto, the current Minister of Defense and the Chairman of Gerindra Party.
Written by: Putu Radar Bahurekso
