Making sense of Musk in the White House – Asia Times

By:
On:
In: Asia

In the new Trump presidency, Elon Musk has gained a reputation as one of the most powerful and contentious powerbrokers. He campaigned alongside Donald Trump throughout the nation and contributed at least US$ 277 million of his own funds to his success.

What does the world’s richest people hope to receive in return from this substantial investment of time and money? Criticism has raised the question of whether Musk’s support for Trump is merely a simple business transaction, with Musk anticipating receiving political favors.

Or does it represent Musk’s personal fairly held social views, and probably personal political ambition?

From left to alt-right

It’s challenging to understand and track how Musk’s social beliefs have changed over time. He’s difficult to pin down, mostly by style.

Musk’s present X supply, for instance, is a bewildering mixture of far-right conspiracy theories about emigration, clips of liberal economist Milton Friedman notice about the dangers of prices, and advertisements for Tesla.

Previously, Musk claims to have been a left-libertarian. He says he voted for Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012, Hillary Clinton in 2016 and Joe Biden in 2020.

Musk claims that as the Democratic party has shifted more to the left over time, giving him a more skewed political outlook than the Democratic party.

Essential to Musk’s political change, at least by his own accounts, is his alienation from his trans child, Vivian Jenna Wilson. After Vivian’s change, Musk claimed she was “dead, killed by the woke thinking virus”. She is very much intact.

He’s since frequently signaled his opposition to trans rights and gender-affirming attention, and diversity, equity and inclusion policies more widely.

However, if the mere presence of a transgender man in his home was enough to elicit a political hegemony, Musk was already on a far-right path.

It makes more sense to understand Musk’s changing politics as part of a much more recent phenomenon known as” the libertarian to alt-right pipeline” than to react to a change in the Democratic Party.

The political technology, explained

Left-wing and right-wing ideologies have previously been the norm.

Left libertarian help monetary policies of limited state, such as cutting taxes and social spending, and restructuring more widely. This is combined with liberal social procedures, such as wedding justice and drug legalization.

By comparison, right-libertarians support the same set of financial plans but hold liberal social landscapes, such as opposing abortion right and celebrating loyalty. The Libertarian Party in America has previously adopted a tense middle ground between the two wires.

The previous century, although, has seen the Libertarian Party, and libertarian more frequently, walk firmly to the right. In particular, some libertarians have played leading jobs in the alt-right activity.

The alt-right or “alternative correct” refers to the new resurgence of far-right social activities opposing diversity, gender equality and diversity, and supporting white patriotism.

The alt-right is a very website movement with its top activists renowned for “edgelording” and “internet trolling,” which is the posting of content that is questionable and provocative to purposefully stoke debate and garner attention.

Though some libertarians have resisted the move of the alt-right, many have been swept along the network, including notable leaders in the action.

Musk Nazi parades

Despite the chaotic posts and Nazi parades, this theoretical discussion can be useful in understanding what Musk’s principles are.

In financial terms, Musk remains a limited-government republican. He advocates lowering fees, lowering government spending, and repealing restrictions, particularly those that restrict his company’s ability to operate.

These objectives are the focus of his formal role as head of the” Department of Government Efficiency” ( also known as DOGE ) in the Trump administration. Musk has suggested that in cutting government spending, he will particularly target diversity, equity and inclusion ( DEI ) initiatives. This is the alt-right impact on screen.

Alt-right tastes are most noticeable, yet, in Musk’s net image. Musk has purposefully stoked discussion on X by promoting and engaging with light nationalists and racist conspiracy theories.

For instance, he has strongly spoken to far-right figures who support the racist” Great Replacement theory.” According to this theory, Jews are urging mass movement to the world’s north as part of a deliberate effort to eradicate the white race.

More late, Musk has endorsed the far-right in Germany. Additionally, he’s shared clips from well-known white supremacists that detail the prejudiced” Muslim grooming groups” crime theory in the United Kingdom.

Whether Musk really believes these absurd prejudiced conspiracy theories is, in many ways, useless.

Instead, Musk’s public comments are better understood as reflecting scientist Harry Frankfurt’s popular concept of “bullshit“. For Frankfurt, “bullshit” refers to statements made to impress or enrage, in which the speaker is merely uninterested in whether or not the statement is accurate.

Much of Musk’s online persona is part of a deliberate alt-right populist strategy to stoke controversy, upset” the left”, and then claim to be a persecuted victim when criticised.

Theory vs practice

Though Musk’s public statements might fit nicely into contemporary libertarianism, there are always contradictions when putting ideology into practice.

For example, despite Musk’s oft-stated preference for limited government, it’s well documented that his companies have received extensive subsidies and support from various governments.

Under a president who is primarily transactional, like Trump, Musk anticipates that this special treatment will continue.

The vexed issue of immigration also presents some contradictions.

Both Trump and Musk repeatedly criticized immigration to the US throughout the campaign. According to Musk, the far-right Great Replacement theory’s themes were reversed when Musk claimed that Democrats had purposefully “replace” the country’s existing electorate with” compliant illegals.”

Musk has argued that Trump should continue to have types of skilled immigration, such as H1-B visas, after the election. This angered more explicit white supremacists, such as Trump advisor Laura Loomer.

Musk’s motives in arguing for the visas are not humanitarian. Temporary workers can enter the country for up to six years with H1-B visas, which leave them entirely dependent on the sponsoring organization. It’s a situation some have called “indentured servitude“.

These visas have been extensively used in the technology sector, including in businesses controlled by both Trump and Musk.

An unsteady alliance

What else can we anticipate from Musk now that he has both political standing and influence?

Musk claimed that Musk’s plan to use DOGE to reduce the US budget by$ 2 trillion would represent a revolutionary change in government. It also seems highly unlikely.

Expect Musk to concentrate instead on provoking debate by reversing DEI initiatives and other politically sensitive initiatives, like those that promote women’s reproductive rights.

Musk will undoubtedly make use of his political influence to protect the interests of his businesses. Following Trump’s re-election, Tesla’s shares reached record highs, suggesting that Musk will be a significant financial beneficiary of the second Trump administration.

In the end, Musk will undoubtedly make the most of his new position to keep himself visible in the general public. This crucial point could cause Musk to conflict with Trump, who is an expert in shaping the media cycle.

Apparently, Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy have already got into a fight, and they will no longer co-lead DOGE together.

It’s still to be seen how stable the partnership between Trump and Musk is, and whether the two billionaires ‘ egos and goals can still coexist.

If the alliance persists, it will play a significant role in shaping what many people refer to as the “new gilded age” of political corruption and rising inequality.

Henry Maher is lecturer in politics, Department of Government and International Relations, University of Sydney

This article was republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Continue Reading

Singapore objects to ‘false portrayal’ of country in New York Times ‘tyranny’ video featuring Li Shengwu

By:
On:
In: South-East Asia

GOVERNMENT’S Email

The Singapore authorities responded to NYT’s inquiries in December 2024 by saying that Mr. Lee Hsien Yang’s claims and complaints in the Jan 11 article are intended to “distract global interest” from the fact that the pair was found by the judge to have misled his parents in the murder of his last will and testament.

They have also lied under oath, said the government.

The court determined that Mrs. Lee Suet Fern had “blindly followed the directions of her husband, a significant beneficiary under the very will she helped rush through, and had “acted with complete disregard for the interests ” of Mr. Lee Kuan Yew.

Mr. Lee Hsien Yang claimed that the saga surrounding 38 Oxley Road had made him aware that there are “fundamental issues in the way Singapore is governed and run”.

The government referred to this as a “grandiose claim” as a way to distract attention from the fact that the couple were found by the court to have lied under oath.

According to the statement, the Singapore government has never ‘maintained that it can function without any checks on its power.

The government, it said, is subject to laws enforced by an independent judiciary and is answerable to an elected parliament. Additionally, it is held accountable to the citizens of Singapore through open elections, which have consistently been held at regular intervals since its independence.

Mr Lee Hsien Yang had also considered contesting in the last General Election, only to “back off ” at the last minute, said the government.

According to the statement, Mr. Lee Hsien Yang described his father’s political legacy as being “deeply offensive to and disrespectful to his father” and that it was “obviously intended to win some in the West”.

According to the government, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew’s younger son had claimed that the ministerial committee at 38 Oxley Road did not do so.

Mrs. Lee Suet Fern’s professional conduct was investigated by the disciplinary tribunal and the Court of Three Judges during Mr. Lee Kuan Yew’s last will execution.

The Ministerial Committee received representations from all of Mr. Lee Kuan Yew’s children, far from being” secret.” It later published its findings, ” said the government.

The committee was established to determine options for the 38 Oxley Road future.

According to the government, it examined Mr. Lee Kuan Yew’s wishes regarding the house and discovered that he was willing to accept other options besides demolition, as he had stated in his last will and on other occasions, including a letter to the Cabinet.

“Decisions on 38 Oxley Road were and continue to be made transparently, following due process, ” it added.

Mr. Lee Hsien Loong, the country’s prime minister, had resisted all discussions on the subject. In his current capacity as a senior minister, he does so.

No government agency consults him or members of his family on any decisions involving 38 Oxley Road. ”

Additionally, Mr. Lee Hsien Yang claimed that his older brother and his wife Mdm Ho Ching wanted to use 38 Oxley Road to “milk Lee Kuan Yew’s legacy for their own political goals ” and that they had “dynastic ambitions for their son”.

These charges are baseless, said the government.

In December 2015, Mr. Lee Hsien Loong sold the home to his younger brother after the will had been deeded to him and made a donation to charity.

He had previously offered to give the house to his sister for$ 1. He did all of this voluntarily months before his siblings revealed their disagreement with their brother, according to the government.

Mr Lee Hsien Loong’s son, Mr Li Hongyi, has repeatedly stated he has no wish to enter politics. None of his children have shown any interest in this.

“None has done anything to even vaguely suggest political interest, ” said the government.

It took note of a separate report from the Financial Times, which claimed Mr. Lee Hsien Yang and his wife had claimed that the Singapore government had persecuted their family to “block any chance” that Mr. Li Shengwu might become prime minister in Singapore and “one day rise to the position of prime minister.”

“This has left many wondering if it is n’t Lee Hsien Yang himself who harbours ‘dynastic ambitions’, ” said the government.

Addressing Mr Lee Hsien Yang’s claim that he was not jealous or envious of his older brother, the government said readers can judge what “really prompted ” him to launch this “extravagant vendetta” against his brother.

He has reportedly launched an international campaign against Singapore and his parents ‘ legacy because it has consumed him, according to the government.

“ While claiming to fulfil his father’s wish to demolish the house, he does n’t hesitate to demolish all that his father had built in Singapore. “

Continue Reading

China’s EVs driving world into the post-carbon energy era – Asia Times

By:
On:
In: Asia

Electric cars made up more than 50 % of all vehicles sold in China last year, making it China’s largest EV market by much.

The EV and NEV market expansion is having a good effect on the air quality in major Chinese cities. Significant improvements have been made to the Air Quality Index ( AQI ) in Shanghai, Guangzhou, and other major Chinese cities.

Chinese EV producers are quickly expanding abroad. 80 % of all Vehicles produced in China were sold globally next year. Some EVs from illustrious manufacturers like Ford, Nissan, and Kia are produced in China or depend on Chinese manufacturers for essential components like batteries. China accounts for 75 % of the country’s power battery manufacturing capability.

In the past ten years, the Taiwanese government has provided more than US$ 200 billion to support its EV sector. The purchase was a part of China’s plan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.

The government also uses incentives to boost the development of chargers, wind turbine, solar panels and other natural software. More renewable energy sources are developed than combined by the rest of the world.

The Taiwanese and international auto industries are being transformed by the EV sales explosion. Sales of most legacy ( internal combustion engines ) car makers are cratering, in some cases by over 10 % a year.

Manufacturing facilities and showrooms for a number of Chinese manufacturers of internal combustion engines ( ICE ) vehicles are closing. Yet renowned brands are struggling. Porche is closing 35 of its 138 showrooms in China.

Share of New Energy Vehicles ( NEVs ). Some researchers predict that in 2030, ICE’s share of the market will become smaller. Image Copyright © Berylls.

China’s EV sector was created wholly using Chinese manufacturing technology. The sector is diagonally integrated, and freelancing is minimized. Horizontal inclusion leads to considerable advantages in excellent power, speed, and price. Foreign EVs are, on average, half the price of EVs produced in international markets.

China’s top-selling model Ford has taken vertical connectivity to a new stage. From the transportation of vehicles across the world to the mine of raw materials, the auto giant has control. The business owns sodium mines, manufactures battery packs, and runs an EV insurance provider that covers every aspect of the supply chain for electric vehicles.

Earlier this month the firm launched the BYD Shenzhen, its fifth auto ship. The vehicle has a power of 9, 200 electrical cars.

BYD vehicle ship with a power of 9, 200 vehicles. Photo © BYD

International disruption

The electricity of freedom, the biggest disruption in the background of the car industry, is shaking up the global auto market. While Foreign EVs are rapidly expanding worldwide, opening factories abroad, or transferring existing businesses from tradition makers, almost all other car manufacturers are experiencing difficulties. &nbsp,

BYD, which recently acquired a Ford shop in Brazil, is building new crops in Hungary and Turkey. Chery Auto, a joint venture between China and EV Motors, started producing Vehicles in Barcelona. Prior to that, Great Wall Motors purchased General Motors vegetation in India and Thailand.

Japanese manufacturers are also in surrender. Due to the rapid shift toward electric vehicles and increased competition from nearby automakers, a number of Chinese automakers have stepped down or shut down operations in China. Nissan halted production at its Foreign flower, and Mitsubishi withdrew from the Chinese market. In addition to reducing its production power, Honda is facing declining sales in China.

According to unverified press accounts, Chinese EV designers also have their eye on Germany, the center of German car manufacturing. In 2027, Volkswagen intends to stop producing goods at its Dresden and Osnabruck plants. Chinese automakers BYD, Leapmotor, and Chery Auto are said to be looking into possible acquisitions for the European species.

Foreign car manufacturers would have better access to EU production facilities to avoid International tariffs on imported electric vehicles from China and increase their presence there. The EU Commission announced tariffs of up to 37 % on Chinese cars last October in addition to the already 10 %.

Given German concerns about the culture, it is ironic to raise the cost of Chinese electric vehicles in the EU, but it is also a repeat of the earlier car conflicts with Japan. In the 1980s, some European countries and the US resorted to” Voluntary Export Restraints” to offer Western carmakers time to catch up with Japan’s” Just-In-Time” manufacturing systems.

In October next month, Brussels raised the stakes with Beijing. It made new regulations that may involve the transfer of technology between Chinese EV manufacturers based in EU countries. A significant role reversal occurs when international companies investing in production systems are required to reveal their systems with their Chinese partners in the 1980s.

Decline our business reveal of European carmakers. Japanese manufacturers show a similar drop. Illustration Copyright © Bloomberg

With what appears to be an unsurmountable result, transferring or sharing technology would not be a problem for Chinese EV manufacturers.

Vehicle industry experts believe that Chinese EV manufacturers are 10 to 15 times ahead of the rest of the world, according to John Bozella, leader of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, and Sam Evans of the Electric Viking website. It may create Vehicles in the Union with five-year-old technology.

The February elections in Germany may have a lot of impact. It would be difficult to stop Foreign output in Germany. European automakers have been operating plants in China for a long time. Ford, much the top-selling company in China, earns 50 % of its revenue in China. German’s premium models Mercedes Benz and BMW have also benefited from the Chinese business.

Energy move

Foreign companies addressed one of the last issues with EV batteries: the battery life and collection. CATL, the world’s largest battery maker, announced the production of an EV device that will last 15 years or one million yards.

CATL warrants that the device may have 85 % potential loyalty after the warranty expires and offers a 10-year or 600, 000-mile insurance. The batteries can be used again to store power in a home. &nbsp,

The need for petroleum products has decreased as a result of the explosion of the EV business. China’s refined oil consumption peaked in 2023, according to China National Petroleum Corporation ( CNPC ), and it is now anticipated to decline. The number of gas stations is declining, as is the need for fuel.

Shell, the world’s largest oil company, intends to shut down 1.000 of its petrol stations in China. The business installed 70, 000 people charging facilities in the nation by 2025 and built an EV charging station with 258 batteries in Shenzhen.

More than 20 000 charging facilities will be constructed in 420 Chinese cities in collaboration with Automotive manufacturer Xpeng. The latest (600-watt ) systems can charge car batteries in under 8 minutes.

Chinese EV makers export mostly mid-sized sedans but produce a wide range of EV vehicles, from micro cars with a price tag of under$ 10, 000 to high-performance” supercars” priced at over$ 200, 000 as well as electric bikes.

In Shanghai, the number of electric light riders reached over 10 million in 2022, which means that one in every 2.5 persons owns an e-bike.

EV microcar retailing for under$ 10.000 and an EV” supercar” with a price tag of over$ 200, 000.

To be sure, EVs are no cure for all of the nation’s economic issues. However, the world is quickly approaching the post-carbon power age, combined with the exponential rise in clean power generation.

China is the core of this natural change. China produces half of the world’s clean energy, in addition to leading the charge in thrilling mobility and producing green technologies like solar panels.

Western media has a habit of blatantly mentioning China as a source of global pollution while omitting the fact that Western businesses have been outsourcing their “dirty” production there for decades ( or that China’s population is twice that of the US and Europe combined ).

Green agreement

The EU Commission tussled with China over clean technology, including Vehicles, for almost a year before coming to the conclusion that China has “overcapacity” in green technology and that grants give it an “unfair benefits.”

The Commission could have just examined China’s federal environmental policies, which gave green technology equal priority over agriculture, as the EU did. &nbsp,

Despite its problems for the environment, the EU continues to support its agricultural industry. Agriculture is the main source of waste in Europe, according to the European Environment Agency, primarily due to its acid emissions, which are generally brought on by the use of livestock manure and fertilizer. &nbsp,

Between 2023 and 2027, the Union subsidized its agricultural sector with 264 billion dollars. The Union exports about 230 billion dollars in agricultural goods annually, more than its exports of 180 billion dollars. About 6 % of European agricultural “overproduction”, for about$ 16 billion annually, is exported to China.

Both parties can benefit from China upgrading European automobile manufacturing. China may expand its international footprints, and Europe may speed up its green revolution. Likewise, Europe gets access to manufacturing systems that will identify 21st-century flexibility. After years of outsourcing, car manufacturing is the last remnant of Europe’s mass production of consumer products.

Continue Reading

‘Excessive force’? Indonesia wants Malaysia to probe patrol officers’ shooting of migrants that left 1 dead

By:
On:
In: Asia

According to the Jakarta Globe, Christina Aryani, the deputy secretary for migrant workers security,” We are even assisting the families of the victims with legal help and arranging the relocation of the deceased’s system.” &nbsp, &nbsp,

Aryani even stated to the local media on Sunday that her government is arranging to meet with the Malaysian government to discuss preventative measures to prevent future tragedies. &nbsp,

She said the conference will discuss strategies for handling illegal Indonesian migrant workers while highlighting the importance of upholding human rights. &nbsp,

Aryani noted that at the time of the event, the five migrant workers were not traveling with identification cards or go records. &nbsp,

According to the New Straits Times on Saturday, Hussein claimed that the affair was being looked into in accordance with Sections 186 and 307 of the Penal Code for preventing civil servants from carrying out their duties.

The event may have involved up to 20 people, according to the police, some of whom may still be at big. Nonetheless, the boat did not possess any illegal or dangerous things, according to Hussein. &nbsp,

” Work are underway to observe the remaining offenders”, Hussein said on Saturday, as quoted by the New Straits Times.

He added that one of the four wounded foreigners ‘ remarks had already been recorded by the police as of Saturday.

Individually, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto arrived in Putrajaya on Monday, for a state visit at the offer of Malaysian monarch, Sultan Ibrahim. &nbsp,

According to a media release from Malaysia’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, Prabowo and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim are scheduled to meet to discuss diplomatic participation and “regional and global issues of mutual interest.”

According to a statement from the local newspaper Malay Mail, Indonesia’s Minister of Migrant Workers Protection Abdul Kadir Karding will be one of the delegations Prabowo did accompany.

More monitoring by Denny Armandhanu&nbsp,

Continue Reading

Scammer in love scam involving Singapore actor Laurence Pang doctored photos of former Star Search finalist

By:
On:
In: South-East Asia

In the days following the revelation that Singapore actor Laurence Pang had lost S$35,000 in a love scam, former Star Search 2019 finalist Vanessa Ho has shared that her pictures had been misappropriated and doctored by the scammers to cheat Pang.

The 25-year-old influencer said a friend had highlighted how the purported images of the scammer – used in an Instagram Reel by Singapore-based news outlet Mothership to report the love scam – resembled Ho’s.

According to Ho, one photo was taken from a mattress advertisement she did in May 2023. Another was from a lunch at a Japanese restaurant she posted in November 2023.

Ho initially accused Mothership of editing her pictures for their story. However, she later admitted on her Instagram Stories that Mothership wouldn’t have known better and apologised for her outburst.

Ho claimed that the initial copywriting by Mothership “was unclear” but thanked the outlet for making amendments.

Continue Reading

Mediacorp DJ Joakim Gomez reflects on Singapore Idol past, is at peace with being known as ‘failed singer’ from the show

By:
On:
In: South-East Asia

One of the investigators, Stephanie Fam, started off by apologising to Gomez– saying she had been asking a extremely delicate issue. She went on to say that she “used to hate the tv DJ” in the past.

” I didn’t think you deserve to be in Singapore Hero in the first place”, said Fam. ” At least I didn’t believe you deserved to advance as far as you did.”

Then, when she inquired about Gomez’s response to her,” I would include hated myself on Singapore Hero as well,” he bravely responded,” I would have hated myself there as well.”

How can this awful Joakim Gomez singer get replaced with a better singer, not this one? asked Gomez.

He continued, praising his close friends and family for cheering him up when he was “very unhappy” and “felt the entire world was against]him.”

Gomez, however, refused to “victimise himself” and in addition to his support system, added that” therapy]was ] always available”.

Gomez was forced to answer concerns about his Hero days at other times throughout the season.

Continue Reading

Retrenchments in Singapore fall in 2024, employment growth slows: Advance estimates

By:
On:
In: South-East Asia

EMPLOYMENT GROWTH SLOWED

Singapore’s full career continued to grow in 2024 although the progress slowed.

Total employment growth in 2024 is expected to be 45,500, lower than the 78,800 increase in 2023, when the number of work force buyers rose considerably.

After experiencing a decrease in the previous month, native work increased in 2024.

In 2024, more people were employed in higher-skilled areas including specialist services, financial solutions as well as in health and social services.

“On the other hand, non-resident career development moderated in 2024 compared to 2023, with getting in building driving up job of work permit buyers, ” said MOM.  

Total employment growth fell in the fourth quarter to 8,700 from 22,300 in the third quarter. However, this was still higher compared with the last quarter in 2023, when it was 3,900.

Demand for residents in growth sectors remained strong, with employment increases in key sectors such as professional services, financial services, and health and social services.

” There was also an uptick in retail trade due to year-end seasonal hiring, following declines in earlier quarters,” it added.  

Similar to previous quarters, non-resident employment increased primarily as a result of employers ‘ inability to find enough permanent employees to fill positions.

Non-resident employment declined in outward-oriented sectors such as information and communications, and insurance services.

OUTLOOK 

With the improving economic environment, Singapore’s labour market is expected to maintain its growth trajectory going forward, said MOM.  

According to the ministry’s polls, the percentage of businesses anticipating hiring more workers increased from 43 % in September to 46 % in December.

About 32 % of companies polled in December said they planned to raise wages, up from 16 % in September.

” Nevertheless, given the sustained uncertainty in the global economy, employers and workers need to press on with transformation and upskilling to adapt to changes and seize new opportunities,” said MOM.  

It was pointed out that as the resident workforce ages and shrinks over time, employers must acknowledge the need for increasing manpower.  

There is only limited headroom for resident employment to continue growing, according to the ministry with an already high resident labor force participation rate by international standards and low resident unemployment.  

Employers must invest in human capital development to maximize the potential of their employees.

We will need to remain open to foreign investments and global talent, which will in turn lead to more opportunities for local businesses and high-quality jobs for Singaporeans, in order to maintain Singapore’s economic competitiveness and complement our resident workforce. “

Continue Reading

Malaysia turns away hundreds of Rohingya refugees amid local concerns

By:
On:
In: Asia

“CRISIS WITHIN A CRISIS”

Arfaat Mohammed Emran, a refugee from Rohingya, arrived in Malaysia nearly ten years ago after fleeing Maungdaw, a village in Rakhine State.

He is currently a teacher at a Langkawi group college that UNHCR has funded.

Despite not adhering to the UN convention on immigrants, the father of two is appreciative of Malaysia providing him and his family with momentary protection.

” We feel secure, but never for a long time”, he added. ” We have been waiting for UN account for any settlement, or if our country is at peace, we need to transfer to our country, like volunteer return”.

But the situation up home appears to be worsening with the military cutting off contact, he said. &nbsp,

Arfaat hopes that Malaysia’s leadership of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations ( ASEAN ) this year will help to highlight the suffering of Rohingyas and put an end to their persecution.

This year, Langkawi may host at least 30 Asian meetings.

” It’s a crisis within a crisis”, said Thitinan Pongsudhirak, director of the Institute of Security and International Studies at Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Political Science. &nbsp,

” On one hand, there’s a turmoil of the revolution and civil conflict that has to be resolved apparently, and ASEAN has a large, major role in that”, he added.

However, ASEAN also needs to consider the Rohingya crises in Rakhine State and work with the Arakan army to stop the Rohingya Muslims ‘ oppression within that problems.

Continue Reading

Putin’s obsession with total victory crimps Trump’s peace promise – Asia Times

By:
On:
In: Asia

Donald Trump has already refuted his claim that he will resolve the Ukraine issue within the first 24 hours of business.

Trump’s counselors have then acknowledged that the conflict in Ukraine can’t be easily negotiated, just as he once said he would fix the US medical problems quickly and then backtracked to saying “nobody knew that heath care was thus complicated.” Trump’s” skill of the offer” does not really work in the real world of conflict solution.

Trump’s original intention was to provide further military support to Ukraine to deter further Russian aggression. This may encourage it to bring up the topic of the board.

Stopping aid to Ukraine might be a different tactic to help it deal. Trump would demand that Ukraine surrender its territory and establish an 800-mile demilitarized buffer zone ( to be guarded by NATO or European troops ) once “peace talks” started.

Trump is friendly to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s claim that joining NATO poses a menace to Russian protection. Therefore, Ukraine would have to give up on aspired to actually join the local security bloc.

Russia, in turn, may get big restrictions pleasure, while a portion of the proceeds from&nbsp, tariffs&nbsp, on Russian energy imports would become allocated to&nbsp, Ukraine.

Trump’s peace plan was engineered by Russia-Ukraine special envoy Keith Kellogg ( a highly decorated three-star general ), who recently canceled an upcoming trip to Kyiv. Trump has already indicated that he wants to speak with Putin in order to “get the war over with.”

The biggest challenge is that Putin does not really want to make a deal, despite the plan’s numerous obstacles. Yes, in October, Russia was losing 1, 500 troops a day and the country was, and still is, struggling to recruit men.

With the onslaught of severe sanctions and being forced to spend tens of billions of dollars on defense rather than other government services, the Russian economy has had to deal with a lot.

All of this is irrelevant because Putin is so obsessed with Ukraine and her eventual victory. Russia might even be in a recession, as has been predicted in 2025, but that would still not be enough to force it to accept any compromise.

Putin categorically opposes Ukraine becoming a sovereign state. He either wants to control or destroy it. A weaker or nonexistent Ukraine would be a major blow to the United States ‘ position as a strongman in Russia, as well as a positive one for Putin’s legacy.

Unsurprisingly, Russia has already rejected the US’s unofficial suggestions, despite the fact that it has not yet seen an official statement on the subject. Putin favors serving as president during the war, and many Russians are willing to accept this new normal when they are under attack by oppression and inspired by patriotism.

Russia’s lack of compromise

Russia doesn’t think it needs to compromise. Putin is aware that he is much more determined than the West to defend Ukraine.

There are undoubtedly indications of fatigue in Europe for continuing to support Ukraine. In a YouGov poll of seven European countries ( France, Italy, Spain, Germany, the UK, Sweden and Denmark ), continuing support for Ukraine until Russia withdrew was found to be as low as 31 % on average, compared with around 40 % for encouraging a negotiated end to fighting, even if Ukraine lost territory.

In addition, lawmakers and the general public are exhausted in the US. Therefore, Congress, which is currently largely governed by the Republican party, may object to the provision of additional weapons to Ukraine.

In 2023, Republican opposition to Ukraine’s support already caused enormous delays. And while Republicans in Congress have been waning in favor of keeping the aid levels in Ukraine despite the Biden administration’s recent announcement of a new tranche of US$ 500 million, which is a portion of a total of$ 175 billion since the 2022 invasion.

This largely reflects the sentiments of the American public. In a Gallup poll conducted in December 2024, 48 % of people support US aiding Ukraine in regaining control of the land lost to Russia, marking the first time this percentage has fallen below the majority.

Support for Ukraine is also incredibly polar, with 74 % of Republicans and 30 % of Democrats wanting to end the conflict right away. Additionally, 67 % of Republicans think the US is doing too much.

Ultimately, it is likely there will be no peace deal any time soon because Trump does not really care about Ukraine, and doesn’t understand foreign policy. Adam Kinzinger, a former Republican congressman, recently claimed that Trump pursued foreign policy in the manner of a” three-year-old.”

Trump cares more about impressing Putin ( or being seen as a deal-maker ) than supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty. His vice-president, J. D. Vance, has been more direct about it, stating in 2022:” I gotta be honest with you, I don’t really care what happens to Ukraine one way or another”. This view could have a devastating effect on willingness, and commitment, to negotiate.

According to analysis by US historian Robert Kagan, without US aid, Ukraine will lose the war within the next 12-to-18 months. Yet, for every square mile Russia gains, it loses 40 men – a heavy price to pay ( Ukraine’s total area is 233, 100 square miles ).

The initial proclamations that Trump would resolve the Ukraine crisis in 24 hours were campaign bluster that showed little awareness of the conflict’s intrusibility and the difficulties of establishing a new administration.

A few weeks ago, Trump stated that part of his plan “is a surprise“. The surprise factor extends beyond the general public. Perhaps Trump has no idea what his next steps will be when it comes to putting an end to this conflict. And that could play perfectly into Putin’s hands.

Natasha Lindstaedt is professor in the department of government, University of Essex

This article was republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Continue Reading