Bangladesh, Sept. 16 -- For the second day in a row, East Timors capital, Dili, became the epicenter of anger and unrest as police clashed with demonstrators on September 16 over a controversial government plan to buy luxury SUVs for lawmakers in one of Southeast Asias poorest nations. The protests highlight a deepening disconnect between the countrys struggling population and political elites accused of prioritizing personal comfort over public welfare.

Over 2,000 people – predominantly university students – rallied outside the National Parliament, chanting slogans and carrying banners that read “Stop thieves.” Demonstrators lit tires on fire, set a government vehicle ablaze near the parliament compound, and pelt...