 In mid-September, while organising the 2024 ASEAN Leadership and Partnership Forum (ALPF) at the sidelines of the ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) Meeting as part of the KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific team, I had an experience that brought the urgency of climate action into sharp focus. After a productive day of discussions, I took a walk through Vientiane Night Market with a colleague, eager to immerse myself in the local atmosphere. However, what awaited us was a stark reminder of the immediate impacts of climate change.
The Mekong River, swollen by Typhoon Yagi, had flooded parts of the market. Stalls and attractions, including a ferris wheel, were submerged, while a barely visible lightning pole continued flickering above the waterline. Locals stood at the river’s edge, examining the extent of the damage. It was a visceral reminder that climate change is not a distant threat: it is happening now, affecting lives and livelihoods across ASEAN. This idea was further solidified as I moderated a panel at the ALPF titled “Energy Transition and Shaping the Asia Pacific and ASEAN.” One of the panellists, Mr. Albert Oung, President of the World Green Organisation and Co-Chairman of the ASEAN Economic Club, introduced the concept of the Asia Pacific Green New Deal, also known as the ASEAN Green Deal. This discussion inspired the idea for a dedicated ASEAN Climate Envoy, someone who could champion regional and global climate efforts. A Comprehensive Role to Champion Climate Action While the ASEAN Green Deal provides a roadmap for regional sustainability, the proposed ASEAN Climate Envoy must take on a broader mandate, similar to climate envoys in other regions. This envoy would engage in global diplomacy, representing ASEAN in critical climate negotiations and ensuring that regional interests are protected and advanced. Global Engagement and Multilateral Support Drawing inspiration from existing roles like the U.S. Climate Envoy and the EU’s Climate Commissioner, the ASEAN Climate Envoy would be pivotal in securing ASEAN’s place at international climate discussions, particularly in platforms such as the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The envoy would engage in diplomacy with major global players, ensuring ASEAN’s voice is heard on issues like climate financing, emissions reductions, and green technology transfer. Much like the ASEAN Tech Ambassador concept I proposed in an article a few months ago, this climate envoy role would ensure that ASEAN not only reacts to global trends but also helps shape them. By building alliances with key global actors and leveraging ASEAN’s unique position, the envoy would play a critical role in advancing the region’s climate goals. Regional Leadership: The ASEAN Green Deal and Beyond Regionally, the envoy would champion the ASEAN Green Deal, advocating for policies that prioritise renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and the protection of biodiversity. Through collaboration with ASEAN’s various climate frameworks, such as the ASEAN Climate Change Initiative (ACCI), the envoy would ensure that member states’ policies align with regional goals, fostering consistency in the adoption of sustainable practices. The envoy would also lead efforts to secure climate financing for ASEAN member states, particularly those most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. By acting as a liaison between ASEAN governments and international financial institutions, the envoy could ensure that countries have access to the necessary resources to build climate resilience. Promoting Green Innovation and Economic Growth Beyond policy and diplomacy, the ASEAN Climate Envoy would actively promote investment in green technologies and innovation. Southeast Asia has the potential to be a leader in sectors like renewable energy, electric vehicles, and sustainable infrastructure. The envoy’s role would include fostering partnerships between the private sector, international investors, and ASEAN governments to unlock the economic potential of green growth. By positioning ASEAN as a hub for green technology and sustainable development, the envoy would not only address the region’s environmental challenges but also create new economic opportunities. This includes attracting foreign direct investment, supporting public-private partnerships, and advocating for green initiatives at the global level. Learning from Global Best Practices The creation of such an envoy in ASEAN would mirror the successful models seen in other regions. For instance, the European Union’s Climate Commissioner has been instrumental in implementing the EU Green Deal, which aims for the EU to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Similarly, the former U.S. Special Envoy for Climate John Kerry has played a key role in re-establishing the U.S.’s global leadership in climate diplomacy, particularly by re-entering the Paris Agreement. China’s Special Climate Envoy has also been critical in building international partnerships, particularly with developing nations, to advance climate goals despite China being the world’s largest emitter. The ASEAN Climate Envoy could build upon these successes by tailoring global best practices to the specific needs and opportunities within Southeast Asia. The ASEAN Climate Envoy: A Catalyst for Regional and Global Leadership ASEAN’s existing frameworks, like the ASEAN Climate Change Initiative, have laid the groundwork for regional cooperation on climate issues. But to fully harness ASEAN’s potential and position the region as a global leader in sustainability, a Special Envoy for Climate is essential. This role would provide the leadership needed to bridge the gap between policy and action, ensuring that the ASEAN Green Deal and broader climate goals are realised. The envoy’s efforts would extend beyond ASEAN, making the region a proactive player in shaping global climate policies. By engaging in multilateral platforms like COP and securing international climate finance, the ASEAN Climate Envoy would ensure that Southeast Asia remains at the forefront of the global climate conversation. As I reflect on the submerged markets of Vientiane and the urgency of our situation, it is clear that ASEAN must act now. The creation of an ASEAN Climate Envoy would be the first step toward a future where economic growth and environmental sustainability go hand in hand: ensuring a resilient, green future for all of Southeast Asia. This article was originally published in the September 2024 edition of KSInsights by KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific (KSI).
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 A Palestinian boy holds a Palestinian flag, 29 December 2017 [Ali Jadallah/Anadolu Agency] As a parent, there’s nothing more heart-wrenching than seeing a child suffer. The sight of a young boy in a Gaza hospital, gasping for his last breath, shattered me. He looked slightly older than my 3-year-old son, and at that moment, I felt a profound sense of helplessness and rage. This isn’t just about religion or politics; it’s about the basic human instinct to protect the innocent.
“Rest in pieces, baby killer!” I angrily tweeted at a Zionist trying to defend the Zionist regime’s genocidal actions. This is not me. This is not who I am. I work for a respectable regional think tank based in Malaysia. I write policy-oriented articles. This was not my finest moment. Why did I do that? Because I was overwhelmed by the horror of what I had just witnessed. Watching these videos, I couldn’t help but imagine what it would be like if it were my own children. The thought paralysed me—how do you explain to your child that the world has abandoned them? This is why I care so deeply about Palestine. It’s not just about a distant conflict; it’s about our shared humanity. 41,000 Palestinian Lives Lost: This Is Genocide The numbers are staggering, almost incomprehensible: over 41,000 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, have been killed in Gaza. This isn’t a religious conflict – it’s genocide. The roots of this violence lie not in religious differences but in colonialism and the systemic theft of Palestinian land. The situation in Gaza, where millions are trapped under a relentless blockade, is about power, land, and survival. The word “genocide” carries heavy historical baggage. We’ve seen it in Rwanda, in Bosnia, and now, we’re witnessing it in Gaza, live on our social media feeds. As Malaysians, we cannot turn a blind eye. Since its Independence, our nation has always been a vocal champion of the Global South, standing up against injustices and atrocities worldwide. Malaysia has always taken a stand from our peacekeeping missions in Congo in the 1960s to our support for the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa. Supporting Palestine is a continuation of this legacy, a testament to our nation’s commitment to justice. A Personal Story: Ahmad Alhamadin Let me introduce you to Ahmad Alhamadin, a 24-year-old Palestinian medical student currently studying at Mansoura University in Egypt. Due to the Gaza genocide, Ahmad has limited contact with his family and is facing an extremely difficult economic situation. My father has supported his education since 2022, covering his tuition fees and other expenses. He will continue to do so for Ahmad’s final practical training, which he must pay for as a Palestinian. Right now, I am raising funds to support Ahmad’s daily expenses to ensure he can complete his education and achieve his dream of becoming a doctor. Ahmad’s story is one of resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity. His family, once middle-class and highly educated, is now torn apart by war. Their beautiful house, 2 km from the northern border, has been destroyed. Ahmad’s mother and siblings live in tents in southern Gaza, while his father and other family members are in a school in northern Gaza. They struggle to find clean water, living in conditions that no human being should have to endure. Ahmad’s dream is to finish his medical training and return to Gaza to help his people. But without support, his years of hard work will be wasted. This is why I’m fundraising for him: his story is not just about survival – it’s about hope, resilience, and the belief that even in the darkest times, we can make a difference. Addressing Criticism: Why This Is Different I understand that some of you may feel that the focus on Palestine is disproportionate compared to other global or local issues. I’ve heard the arguments: why not speak out more about the Rohingya or the violence in Sudan or the Congo? Why not focus on discrimination faced by non-Muslims in Malaysia? These are valid concerns, and they deserve attention. But the situation in Gaza is different. This is not just another conflict – it’s a systematic, ongoing genocide. Babies and children are being murdered, and to trivialise this by comparing it to other issues is to deny the humanity of those suffering. As Malaysians, we are better than this. Our history as a nation has been one of standing up for the oppressed, regardless of religion, race, or geography. From our peacekeeping missions to our vocal support for global justice, Malaysia has always balanced domestic concerns with a global perspective. Our support for Palestine does not detract from the challenges we face at home. Instead, it reinforces our commitment to justice, both locally and globally. This is our legacy, and we must continue to uphold it. Moving Beyond Rhetoric: What Can We Do? So, what can we do? Start by learning more about the situation, not just from social media but from credible sources. Support policy changes like the ratification of the Refugee Convention, which could offer a lifeline to those fleeing violence. Donate to trusted organisations that provide aid directly to the people of Gaza. Each small action contributes to a larger movement for justice. I’m not asking you to join protests or boycotts, though that helps. I’m asking you to care, to read about the issue, to ask questions, and to engage with the reality of what is happening in Gaza. Many non-Muslims in Malaysia are already doing this, and I applaud you. But we can do more. Caring about Palestine does not mean ignoring the challenges faced by our fellow Malaysians. It’s about recognising that justice and human rights are universal values. They apply to the people of Gaza just as much as they do to the people of Malaysia. Conclusion: Advocating for Justice The Israel-Palestine conflict is not a religious war; it’s a struggle against colonialism, oppression, and genocide. My support for Palestine, even when expressed in anger and frustration on social media, comes from a belief in justice. This does not diminish my concern for the rights of all Malaysians. Speaking out against the atrocities in Gaza is about standing up for what is right, no matter where it is needed. We must continue to speak out, resist attempts to silence us and work towards a world where justice prevails for all. I refuse to live in a world where some people are allowed to murder babies without any consequences. If someone murdered your son, daughter, niece, or nephew, you wouldn’t just stand by. So, don’t stay silent now. Standing up for Palestine means standing up for what we believe in.  Published on 07 May 2024
From the vantage point of a Malaysian observer, the political landscape of our neighbour Singapore offers both a study in contrasts and a mirror to our own political experiences. Last month’s announcement by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, detailing his plan to pass the leadership baton to Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on 15th May 15 2024, serves as a point of reflection. Singapore’s political succession is reminiscent of a well-orchestrated corporate handover rather than the tumult typically associated with democratic transitions. Since achieving independence, the seamless transition of power within the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP)—from Lee Kuan Yew to Goh Chok Tong, and then to Lee Hsien Loong—has been a hallmark of Singaporean governance. This system was starkly highlighted in April 2021 when the previously anointed successor, Heng Swee Keat, withdrew from the race, citing the heavy demands of leading in a post-pandemic era. The PAP’s uninterrupted rule over six decades is unparalleled among modern multiparty parliamentary democracies and has provided Singapore with both political stability and policy certainty. Many Singaporeans endorse this model, valuing the governance that has transformed their country into a global hub. However, this controlled transition process suggests a limited democratic engagement, which could be perceived as Singapore’s significant vulnerability. The most recent transition highlights an elite bargaining rather than a participatory democratic process. At the end of 2021, a consultative procedure led by retired minister Khaw Boon Wan involved 19 key stakeholders within the government and affiliated organisations, culminating in the selection of Lawrence Wong by a majority. This approach, while efficient and possibly suited to Singapore’s unique needs, poses questions about the breadth of democratic involvement. Particularly among younger Singaporeans, there is a burgeoning demand for greater political representation, as evidenced during the 2020 general elections. These voices are not seeking drastic changes in governance but are instead advocating for a more robust opposition to ensure a balanced democratic process. Winston Churchill’s words resonate deeply when considering Singapore’s context: “No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed, it has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.” While Singapore has prospered under its current political model, enhancing democratic engagement could further legitimise and strengthen its governance framework. As Lawrence Wong steps forward to assume leadership, he faces the dual challenge of maintaining Singapore’s economic dynamism and evolving its political framework to reflect a more participatory democratic ethos. Observing from Malaysia, it becomes apparent that while our political paths diverge, the underlying currents of people’s aspirations for more inclusive governance are strikingly similar. The unfolding political narrative in Singapore may well set a precedent for both nations, underscoring the universal quest for a balance between stability and democratic vibrancy.  Published on 07 May 2024
In the quiet corner of my study, a book caught my eye—a relic from my undergraduate days titled “Political Ideologies: An Introduction” by Andrew Heywood. As I dusted off its cover, a wave of nostalgia swept over me. The book, which I had once pored over studiously, offered a comprehensive tour through the vibrant landscape of political thought—from liberalism and conservatism to socialism and beyond. Today, the essence of these ideologies seems lost in the cacophony of the Kuala Kubu Bharu by-election, which is currently dominating Malaysia’s news cycle. The contest pits the ruling coalition, Pakatan Harapan (PH), and Barisan Nasional (BN) against the opposition, Perikatan Nasional (PN). Yet, the discourse at political rallies has degenerated into a spectacle of insults and polemics, a far cry from the substantive debates one might hope for in a democratic society. It is often stated that politics ought to be a battleground of policies, not personalities—and rightly so. Policies, after all, are manifestations of underlying ideologies. Even politicians who champion pragmatism are guided by some ideological compass. For instance, in a revealing episode of the podcast Keluar Sekejap, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution, who claims political flexibility, displayed conservative tendencies starkly contrasting with his party and PH peers. In the same podcast, Anthony Loke of the Democratic Action Party (DAP) discussed his party’s ideological shift from democratic socialism to social democracy, signifying a pivot towards centrism from its more radical origins. Ideology should not be seen as a pejorative but as a lens through which political motives and actions can be discerned. UMNO, for example, bases its appeal on Malay nationalism—emphasising race, religion, and nation—which has historically shaped policies like the New Economic Policy (NEP). Conversely, DAP has advocated for a vision of a “Malaysian Malaysia”—a more egalitarian Malaysian society, although its stance has moderated over time. The so-called “Green Wave” led by PAS under the Perikatan Nasional banner is a form of political Islam aimed at fostering an Islamic ethos in governance, stopping short of establishing an Islamic state. This approach to Islamism is not inherently problematic and is echoed by PAS’s rival, Parti Amanah Negara, which offers a progressive interpretation of Islamism, encapsulated in the concept of “Rahmatan Lil Alamin”—mercy for all. Government policies often mirror the ideological positions of their proponents. Progressive initiatives like the Progressive Wage Model and Inisiatif Pendapatan Rakyat (IPR) contrast with market-centric strategies such as the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 and the KL20 Action Plan. Although the government’s track record is mixed, the Opposition has notably struggled to articulate how its conservative Malay-Muslim ideology translates into viable policy propositions that would demonstrate its readiness to be the government-in-waiting. As I returned the book to its shelf, it struck me that political engagement need not be trivial or personality-driven. It should be a robust exchange of ideas and ideals. My own political beliefs—a hybrid of liberalism, conservatism, and socialism—suggest that many of us embody a spectrum of ideologies. It’s essential, then, that we as citizens engage earnestly with our ideological leanings. Let us advocate for a political arena where ideas triumph over insults, and ideologies provide the framework for meaningful policy discourse. My colleague Voon and I return with another interview series. This time, it's with the French Ambassador, H.E. Mr Roland Galharague!
Over the course of 40 minutes, we talked about:
If you prefer a podcast, you listen to it here.  I was interviewed by Marc Lourdes, founder of Between The Lines (BTL), an independent online media platform in Malaysia. Marc asked difficult questions, but it was a blast articulating my thoughts on key challenges faced by young Malaysians. I argue the number 1 issue is youth unemployment -- it has always been and will be for the foreseeable future.
Check out the full interview here - and while you're at it, sign up for BTL! My KSI colleague Voon Zhen Yi and I have started a new interview series with ambassadors and high commissioners in Malaysia. We call it Diplomatically Speaking With.
For the first one, we had the German Ambassador to Malaysia - His Excellency Dr Peter Blomeyer! Over the course of 45 minutes, we had a wide-ranging discussion on:
If you prefer a podcast, you listen to it here. We've lined up a few ambassadors for Diplomatically Speaking With. Keep an eye out! Enjoy!  Had a fun chat with Hezril Asyraaf of BFM Radio for their "Good Things" segment. Check out the podcast at https://www.bfm.my/.../good-things-12-young-people-arise.
A wide-ranging of topics on youth development, community-building and civic empowerment. Walked back memory lane during early days in university and establishing Perdana Fellows Alumni Association and Nation Building School for youth empowerment. Also talked about more recent initiatives Malaysian Youth Diplomacy - MyDiplomacy and my current project #DesignYourCareer. I realised I talked too fast but hopefully, it makes sense! Thanks for recommending, Siti Aishah!  Alhamdullilah! Selected for the 2nd cohort of the Acumen Fellows! From the time I applied in August to the Selection Conference in December, the application process has been a journey by itself. Excited to be part of a powerful and impactful cohort -- changemakers from various backgrounds.
From the time I've heard Acumen Academy (part of the global investment fund Acumen) set up shop in Malaysia, I knew I wanted to be part of Acumen Academy Malaysia. I'm attracted to the idea of tackling poverty. Poverty is not only in the dollar and sense. Many people face poverty in opportunities -- especially in getting the tools, exposure and experience to level in life. I've been on a mission to do this. Now, I'm happy a group of superpowers to learn from and make ripples of changes for our community.  I was interviewed by veteran writer Sholto Byrnes on my thoughts on ASEAN for UNRESERVED's inaugural magazine issue in March 2018. Hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did sharing my thoughts. Access the article here.
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