#ADB

Japan’s reputation for quality infrastructure is well-known in Asia, where Tokyo is hitting back at Beijing’s efforts at economic hegemony.

With Beijing holding the majority of AIIB’s voting rights, the bank is seen by analysts as a deliberate effort to pull Asian countries closer into China’s orbit.

Despite U.S. objections and concerns, China’s $100 billion initiative seems determined in its quest for respectability and prominence.

While these institutions have made some headway in meeting the infrastructure needs of Asian countries, some critics of the World Bank and ADB argue they are slow and bureaucratic, and impose stifling environmental and social constraints which deter investment.

-Najib Razak’s  United Malays National Organization (UMNO) is fanning racial flames in an attempt to shore up power for its National Front Coalition.   Although Najib came to office promising to be more inclusive of minorities, recent electoral pressure from the opposition People’s Alliance has prompted a change in strategy.  Analyst believe the UMNO wants […]