James Chai is a Visiting Fellow at ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute and a columnist for MalaysiaKini and Sin Chew Daily.
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James Chai
Articles by James Chai (12)
Malaysia’s First Unity Government Convention: The Art of Keeping Enemies Close
James Chai
Malaysia’s new Unity Government is in a state of consolidation and relative stability. The current unified coalition structure will stay in its current semi-permanent state, whereby it retains the trappings of a coalition without formalisation.
Where to Grow From Here? MUDA’s Struggles in Muar, and Beyond
Kevin Zhang|James Chai
MUDA, a youth-based party in Malaysia, seeks greater recognition from Pakatan Harapan. However, the recent general election outcome in Muar, MUDA’s sole parliament win, shows the limits of the party’s traction, notably among Malay youth.
PAS and the Midterm Polls: Existential Challenge of Becoming a National Party
James Chai
In the coming state elections, Parti Islam SeMalaysia has ambitious plans to take ground in states it does not control. Taking the fight to the enemy, however, may necessitate a deeper examination of its own identity as an Islamist party.
“Undercover” Ministers in Malaysia
James Chai
A few ministers in the new Malaysian cabinet are providing citizens with a breath of fresh air as they conduct surprise visits to see what ails public services, but the winds of change have not gathered sufficient force for true reform.
The Binding Forces that Hold Malaysia’s Team of Rivals Together
James Chai
The strength of the new unity government in Malaysia lies in three aspects: strategic, legal and relational.