Malaysia has seen four changes in government since 2018. Its 15th general election resulted in a grand-coalition government comprising former arch rivals. Will this new government be equally short-lived? This Long Read examines the reasons why Anwar Ibrahim’s Unity Government may be more stable than one would think.
Category Archives: Long Reads
Japan’s Role in Regional Security: Recalibration and Regional Reactions
Anti-militarist sentiments have been pervasive among ordinary Japanese since World War Two. But as the recent recalibration of Japan’s security and defence policy has shown, the country has not been stuck in the pacifist mould.
Not Yet the End of the World: Tackling Malaysian Muslim Millenarianism in the Age of Social Media
Although millenarian movements are not new in Malaysia, their recent public presence is marked by savvy and creative social media strategies. Their content is easily accessible and well disseminated within and beyond national borders. This Long Read argues deeper sociological studies to better understand the various social conditions behind their popularity.
What’s Interesting about the Thai General Election is not Who Wins but What Comes After
Pheu Thai (PT), Thailand’s chief opposition party, looks certain to win the largest number of House seats in the upcoming general election on 14 May. But coming first in the poll does not guarantee PT the lead in forming a new government.
Malaysia’s 15th General Election: Ethnicity Remains the Key Factor in Voter Preferences
The results of Malaysia’s 15th General Election revealed that ethnicity remains the key factor determining voter behaviour. But in a reversal of previous trends, the coalition that received the most support from the ethnic Malay majority is in the Opposition, while the coalition that received the least Malay support is leading the government. This suggests that the current political configuration is intrinsically fragile.
Forging Anwar’s Cabinet: Fervent Followers, Forbidden Friends, and Former Foes
With his first 100 days behind him, Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has acted proactively to solidify his hold on power. Adept at backroom negotiations, he swiftly cobbled together a Cabinet representing his broad ‘coalition of coalitions’ while ensuring that he and his loyalists controlled the most powerful positions. This Long Read provides an analysis of how the spoils were distributed in Anwar’s new Cabinet.
Minilateral Cooperation in ASEAN May Help it Overcome Challenges in Multilateralism
ASEAN regionalism is increasingly seen as being slow and ineffective. Minilateral cooperation could be the way forward to allow a smaller group of like-minded ASEAN countries to work together in a targeted manner to deliver results where it matters.
Why Is China’s Global Development Initiative Well Received in Southeast Asia?
Southeast Asian countries appear to have unanimously supported China’s Global Development Initiative in the hope that it will contribute towards addressing their development deficits and that China will up its economic game more broadly in the region.
The Era of Coalitions: The Shifting Nature of Alignments in Asia
As the world becomes more multipolar, many countries are likely to prefer flexible alignments over fixed alliances, creating a far more complex web of relationships. This era of coalitions poses a particular challenge for Southeast Asian states, which have heretofore sought to avoid such alignments to maintain ASEAN unity and centrality.
What to Expect from the Vietnam–South Korea Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
Vietnam and South Korea have the potential strengthen their bilateral ties following the signing of a comprehensive strategic partnership in December 2022. The two countries should join hands to forge multilateralism in the Indo-Pacific, develop resilient supply chains for their key industries and boost arms transfer and naval cooperation.