Book Review : Megathreats
Tony Saunois reviews ‘Megathreats: The Ten Trends that Imperil Our Future, and How to Survive Them’ by Nouriel Roubini Capitalism’s ‘Megathreats’ Many bourgeois economists have tended to put a gloss on the deep systemic crisis facing world capitalism. They have often seized upon this or that marginal piece of “good” news to empirically conclude that […]
Malaysia: Fractured political parties head into general election as economy worsens
In the midst of monsoon season which is expected to cover 25% of the landmass in Malaysia with heavy floods, the Prime Minister dissolved the parliament and directed the Electoral Commission to schedule a general election in the coming two months. Although the current coalition government could constitutionally stay in power until July next year, […]
How did Marcos Jr, son of an infamous dictator, win the Philippines election?
In a landslide victory, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., better known as Bong Bong Marcos or simply BBM, is to become the new president of the Philippines in late May. The son and namesake of the infamous dictator, Ferdinand Marcos, managed to get 31 million votes, more than double the amount of his closest rival and current […]
One year after the military coup in Myanmar, mass resistance continues
2022 has seen great courage by the Myanmar people, who remain steadfast against the coup carried out by the military Tatmadaw regime. The news of Aung San Suu Kyi’s four-year prison sentence was received with widespread scepticism, and the detention of the 75-year-old leader is seen as nothing but dirty tactics by the regime. This […]
Malaysia: Government loses majority, but same coalition maintains power
On Friday 20 August, Ismail Sabri was chosen by Malaysia’s king to be prime minister – the country’s third in three years. The 17 month-old government of the ‘National Coalition’ (PN – Perikatan Nasional) under Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin collapsed when 15 MPs from UMNO (United Malays National Organisation), which was part of this coalition, […]
Indonesia: Millions rise against oppressive law
Since Monday, 5th October, when Indonesia’s President Jokowi announced the Job Creation Act or ‘Omnibus Law’, Indonesian youth and working class, together with other sections of society, launched a massive protest nationwide. The government’s move, aimed at making capitalist investment easier – eroding workers’ rights and neglecting environmental health – has angered millions of Indonesians. […]
Thailand: Youth rising against unpopular junta regime
Since the beginning of this year, Thailand has witnessed the rising up of youth and students who have launched massive protests in several major cities, colleges, and universities. Although initially only concentrated in certain higher education institutions, the protests have already begun to spread to the streets and are attracting layers of ordinary working people […]
Malaysia: ‘1MDB’ corruption scandal shows need to get rid of capitalist system
On 28 July, Malaysians heard the news that former Prime Minister Najib Razak was found guilty on seven counts of abuse of power, breach of trust and money laundering. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison and a fine of 210 million Ringgit. The notorious ‘1MDB’ corruption case is continuing, and also involves Najib’s […]
Malaysia: Covid-19 takes toll on economy and government
During the spread of coronavirus into Malaysia in the middle of February, the ruling government – the Pakatan Harapan (Coalition of Hope) – which was in power for one and a half years, collapsed. A plot was orchestrated when some politicians in the PH government staged a ‘coup’. With the help of opposition parties, they […]
Malaysia: ‘Coalition of Hope’ collapses as racial tension and economic uncertainty mount
On Monday, 24 February, the prime minister of Malaysia, Mahathir Mohamad, submitted his resignation to the country’s king, opening the way for enormous confusion as to what will follow. The reasons for Mahathir’s decision seemed to be linked to his reluctance to hand over to Anwar Ibrahim as agreed before the coalition was elected. But […]
