ARTICLES

10 Mar 2025

Malaysia Raises Minimum Wage but Most Workers Still Lack Bargaining Power

Lee Hwok-Aun

Minimum wage will uplift the lowest-paid workers but the state of labour markets and unions hinders wage growth for the majority.

6 Mar 2025

Malaysian Youth: Mixed Views on Clean Governance Amid Stability

Syaza Shukri

An ISEAS survey appears to indicate that Malaysian youth have taken concerns about corruption in their stride.

Corruption Malaysia Malaysian Politics Youth

4 Mar 2025

Will Proton’s Electric Vehicle Spur New Local Supply Chains — and Displace the Old?

Tham Siew Yean

Proton’s electric vehicle could spur new supply chains and local EV components production, but will be constrained by market conditions while the old supply chain will endure.

EV Cars Malaysia Malaysian Economy Technology

28 Feb 2025

The Resurgent Role of the Monarchy in Malaysia

Shad Saleem Faruqi

The influence of Malaysia’s monarchy has waxed and waned over time, influenced by the relative power and legitimacy of the country’s elected leaders. Since 2020, the power of the monarchy has increased due to the contested authority and unsure parliamentary majority of the last three prime ministers.

Malaysia Malaysian Monarchy Malaysian Politics

26 Feb 2025

Interfaith Dialogues in Malaysia Declining at a Time When They Are Needed Most

James Chai

Interfaith dialogue in Malaysia is flagging due to past controversies associated with such activities.

Civil Society Interfaith Malaysia Religious Dialogue

24 Feb 2025

New ASEAN Power Grid Agreement Must Reflect New Needs

Mirza Sadaqat Huda

It’s time to incorporate new key priorities into the pact to better address current realities of energy interconnection and serve future needs.

ASEAN Energy Laos Malaysia Singapore Thailand

5 Feb 2025

Growing Piety among Malaysian Youth Should be Taken with a Pinch of Salt

Norshahril Saat

The ISEAS Youth Survey 2024 results show that religiosity in leaders is important to Malay/Muslim students but bread-and-butter issues may be more critical to them.

Civil Society Islam Malaysia Religion Youth

31 Jan 2025

Malaysia’s Bumiputera Transformation 2035 Needs Rigour, Fairness and Self-Awareness

Lee Hwok-Aun

The Anwar administration’s PuTERA35 transformation plan for the next decade underscores the prevailing socioeconomic gaps in the Bumiputera community’s participation, capability, and ownership. Whether the community makes the long-desired breakthroughs will hinge on rigorous policy formulation, coordination, and execution.

Civil Society Malaysia Malaysian Economy Malaysian Politics

28 Jan 2025

Can Japan Provide Stability to Southeast Asia Amid US Uncertainty?

Joanne Lin|William Choong

The Japanese leader’s trips to Malaysia and Indonesia signify the country’s desire to be a stable force in Southeast Asia with deeper military, economic and green energy ties as Trump takes office and China’s influence continues to grow.

Indonesia Japan Japan-Southeast Asia Relations Malaysia