Laos

"Given its geography, the central party apparatus in Laos has always been unable to fully control what local officials do. Its capitalist reforms in the late 1980s also stripped socialist ideology as a common cause within Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP). In fact, the LPRP has long been less ideological than its Vietnamese counterpart. …The anti-communist diaspora is fractured and incompetent. Dissidents abroad, mainly in Thailand, are terrified of the long arm of state repression. …The LPRP’s monopoly on power and its willingness to quash any sign of a political alternative – the only thing that [a totalitarian] government needs to get right to stay in power – looks secure. Not even mounting public distress over the failing economy and declining living standards has sparked a recognizable anti-LPRP movement. Moreover, dynastic politics has become even more entrenched since Sonexay [Siphandone] became prime minister in late 2022."

"In the Western vernacular there’s a warning about tails wagging dogs. And [a] Buddhist adage dictates that when the sage points at the moon, only the fool looks at his finger. The point of both is not to confuse the object for the subject. For years, we’ve been warned that Laos has been ensnared in a Chinese “debt trap.’ What if Laos has equally caught Beijing in a “creditor trap?”"

"Imagine if the 90,000 or so Laotians couldn’t have emigrated this year, nor the hundreds of thousands in previous years. Laos would be a political tinderbox. But it isn’t."

"Malaysia and Laos have made significant progress in strengthening bilateral relations in recent months. Both countries have now upgraded their diplomatic representation to the level of Ambassadors, resident in the respective capitals. This, in itself, reflects our joint commitment towards fostering closer relations. I am pleased to note that there is now an increasing number of Malaysians visiting Laos. Some have been actively exploring the business and investment opportunities there. I do hope that Laotians will likewise also visit Malaysia to look at the various opportunities available here. Today, Malaysia and Laos have signed three agreements, namely the Air Services Agreement, the Investment Guarantee Agreement and the Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation Agreement. These would form a good basis for future cooperation in various fields. I do hope that these agreements would provide the impetus for good and mutually beneficial economic cooperation between Malaysia and Laos.At the same time, I think we should take steps to promote all forms of bilateral cooperation. We have followed with keen interest the many positive changes taking place in Laos. The implementation of policies oriented towards a free market economy may initially encounter difficulties. Notwithstanding these problems I am confident that Laos will successfully achieve the desired objectives. I understand that some good results have already been achieved since your Government began to implement this policy. On our part, as a friend and neighbour of Laos, Malaysia stands ready to cooperate in areas where we have the experience, expertise and means consistent with our active support for and commitment towards greater South-South cooperation."