COMMENTARIES

10 Aug 2023

Will Anwar’s “Madani Economy” Narrative Strengthen His Economic Leadership?

Cassey Lee

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.

10 Aug 2023

A Material Election: Will Malaysians Vote with Their Wallets?

Lee Hwok-Aun

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.

Malaysia Malaysian Elections Malaysian Politics

8 Aug 2023

From the Fringes of Defeat: How UMNO President Zahid Hamidi Transformed His Vulnerability into Invincibility

James Chai

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.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

8 Aug 2023

Negeri Sembilan State Election: A Safe Bet for Anwar Administration?

Kevin Zhang

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.

Malaysia Malaysian Elections Malaysian Politics

8 Aug 2023

The Untapped Potential of Carbon Credit Trading in ASEAN

Renard Siew

ASEAN holds out immense potential for generating carbon credits, given the region’s incredibly rich biodiversity and abundance of renewable energy sources. Member countries should collectively forge commitment and a timeline for implementing regionwide carbon trading.

ASEAN Climate Change

7 Aug 2023

Is ASEAN Truly for the People?

Joanne Lin

Joanne Lin explores the importance of a people-centred ASEAN and ways that the organisation can enhance engagement with its people, ahead of the 56th ASEAN Day celebrations.

ASEAN ASEANFocus Regional Cooperation

7 Aug 2023

The Unity Government: Preventing a Partial Victory in the Polls

Francis E. Hutchinson

The Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional tag-team will likely win by a big margin in the Penang state elections. The key question here is whether the Unity Government would represent Malays in the state adequately.

Malaysia Malaysian Elections

7 Aug 2023

Leveraging Dirt: Soil as Southeast Asia’s Under-explored Solution for Carbon Mitigation and Food Security

Elyssa Kaur Ludher

The world’s soils are under threat due to deforestation, urbanisation, agriculture, and pollution. Southeast Asia should prioritise sustainable soil management to reap the benefits of carbon mitigation and enhance food security.

ASEAN Climate Change

4 Aug 2023

Wan Nor: Hero from the Deep South but Not the Saviour of Thai Democracy

Daungyewa Utarasint

The twin burdens placed on a veteran Thai politician hailing from the south will test his political skill and stamina. No less than the future of Thai democracy may be at stake.

Thai Elections Thai Politics Thailand

4 Aug 2023

Sanusi’s Bully Pulpit Populism: Boon or Bane?

James Chai

In the run-up to the state elections in Kedah, Parti Islam SeMalaysia is touting a Trumpist-type politician. The approach is unconventional but explicable if one considers the party’s ambitions.

Malaysia Malaysian Elections Malaysian Politics