President Duterte to run for the 2022 Philippines Senate
Although he vowed to retire from politics after the end of his presidency, President Duterte has filed for the senate candidacy in the 2022 election. His initial plan to run for vice president was dashed by the fact that his daughter, Sara Duterte—currently the mayor of Davao—had already filed for the vice-presidential candidacy with the presidential candidate, Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.
Despite not being eligible to run for the presidential office again, Duterte can run for other posts. Some suggest that Duterte is running for the Philippines Senate to stay out of court. In September 2021 the International Criminal Court authorized an official probe into the crimes against humanity carried out under Duterte’s “war on drugs”, a campaign that has left more than 6000 dead across the country.
Duterte has consistently rejected international criticism and denied UN investigation into his “war on drugs” on the basis of strong domestic support.
It’s not clear whether Duterte’s involvement in the Philippine Senate is a move to dodge the international condemnation. But one thing is for certain: he will remain active in the Philippines’ politics long after the end of his presidential mandate, and it seems that the strong man is likely to make more headlines in his “war on drugs” fight in the near future.
Thailand assumes the chairmanship of APEC 2022
On the night of 11 November 2021, Thailand took over the Chairmanship of the Asia – Pacific Economic Cooperation for 2022 from New Zealand. The theme for the 2022 APEC—Open, Connect, Balance—reveals the encouragement for the members to be open to all the available opportunities, connect with one another in all dimensions, and balance every aspect.
According to Thailand’s government spokesman, the focus topics for the 2022 APEC will include trade enhancement (Open) to keep the trade more open in accordance with the rules-based multilateral system, regional connectivity (Connect) to restore the international connection among people, services, and goods with the enhancement of digital technology, and the assurance of sustainable and inclusive growth (Balance) by relying on the Bio-Circular Green (BCG) Economic Model which consists of bio-economy, circular economy, and green economy.
The core themes reflect positively on Thailand’s national interest. The government is looking to reinforce open trade and investment in the post-COVID-19 phase via regional frameworks, such as the Free Trade Area of Asia-Pacific (FTAAP), in support of economic recovery. Moreover, the need to connect reveals Thailand’s ambitions to revive its troubled tourism sector, while the BCG model sits as a cornerstone of the nation’s 20-year (2017-2037) national strategy for sustainable development.
Victory for UNMO and former PM, Najib Razak in Malaysia’s state elections
Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob led his United Malays National Organisation (UNMO) party to victory, defeating coalition allies and opposition candidates in critical state elections on the weekend.
Former Prime Minister Najib Razak (2009-2018) played a prominent role in UNMO’s victory in the state of Malacca, despite the corruption allegations which accompanied the downfall of his government in 2018.
The state results bode well for the UNMO, the founding and dominant member of the ruling Barison Nationale Coalition, ahead of national elections scheduled for 2023.
After winning two-thirds of the 28 seats in the state assembly, it is likely that UMNO will make good progress and may even be elected back into office in 2023.
For Najib Razak, the win not only affirms some degree of popular support but also offers a boost to his political standing, despite ongoing financial controversy. By contrast, Anwar Ibrihim, leader of the Pakahan Harapan opposition bloc, continues to defend his position following significant opposition party losses, and subsequent calls for his resignation.
Thousands take to the streets in Thailand to demand royal reforms
Thousands of Thai protestors took to the street earlier this month to pursue continued demands for reform of the Thai monarchy. The latest protests came in response to the Constitutional Court ruling that demands for such reform would be considered illegal. According to the ruling, such demands amount to attempts to overthrow the Thai government. It is likely to be used as justification to imprison key protesters and prevent further dissent.
Undeterred by heavy barricading and riot police, pro-reform protesters were met with rubber bullets and tear gas. Hundreds continued the march to the German Embassy to raise further protests about King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s recent return to his adopted Bavarian home. The King’s return to Germany has revived concerns about the extent to which he may be managing Thai state affairs from German soil, as well as questions about the application of German tax.
Youth-led protests calling for democracy and reform, a feature of the Thai political landscape since early 2020, challenge the repressive lèse-majesté provisions contained in article 112 of the Thai Criminal Code. For many, increased application of the draconian laws has simply become a convenient mechanism for the government to silence critics and opponents, further undermining democratic practices within the country and signaling a return to de facto absolute monarchy.
These issues and wider human rights concerns in Thailand have not gone unnoticed on the global stage, with the UN Human Rights Council making significant recommendations for amendment to article 112. Ongoing international advocacy and support add gravitas to domestic protests making it likely that the issue of royal reforms will remain on the public agenda for some time to come.
Sovinda Po is a Research Assistant at the Griffith Asia Institute.
