It may well be true that not much has changed after the six state elections in Malaysia last week. But much of the political ground – specifically among Malay voters – has shifted towards the opposition.
Author Archives: blackbox
Global Minimum Tax: Boon or Bane for Vietnam’s Economy?
Vietnam’s impending acceptance of the global minimum tax regime for multinational enterprises could be a double-edged sword; the key is to ensure that imposing the minimum tax rate does not drive away major foreign investors.
Will Putin Visit Vietnam After Biden? Odds Are Against It
U.S. President Joseph Biden will travel to Hanoi next month. Russian President Vladimir Putin could be next. This leaves Vietnam in a right (Russian) pickle.
Perikatan Nasional Lacks A Game-changing Chief in Negeri Sembilan
Perikatan Nasional’s campaign in the Negeri Sembilan state election is hampered by the absence of a credible leader, in contrast to its opponents. PN needs to cultivate future leaders, as it has done in other states like Kedah.
Populism, Pietism and Pragmatism in the Kedah State Election
Whether the unlikely partnership of Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional can wrest Kedah from Perikatan Nasional would require an extraordinary alignment of the stars.
Pheu Thai at the Crossroads: Navigating Thailand’s Senate-Driven Hung Parliament
The Pheu Thai Party’s path to political power is strewn with many obstacles and the need to make difficult compromises with erstwhile enemies.
Will Anwar’s “Madani Economy” Narrative Strengthen His Economic Leadership?
The “Madani Economy” narrative launched on 27 July hopes to project a stronger public image of Prime and Finance Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s economic leadership. It should be seen as an interim economic policy framework of the Unity government inspired by the Madani concept.
A Material Election: Will Malaysians Vote with Their Wallets?
Electoral campaigns in the run-up to Malaysia’s six state elections on 12 August are spinning economic success stories to tug heartstrings, but the electorate will surely reference their lived experience as they cast ballots.
From the Fringes of Defeat: How UMNO President Zahid Hamidi Transformed His Vulnerability into Invincibility
This Long Read examines the structural moves UMNO President Zahid Hamidi took to consolidate power within the party. It argues that these decisions are likely to disincentivise reforms, rejuvenation and change within UMNO, which may exacerbate its decline in electoral popularity.
Negeri Sembilan State Election: A Safe Bet for Anwar Administration?
Negeri Sembilan is considered a safe ground for the Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional unity alliance. But friction in the coalition might emerge if UMNO has a good showing in the state.