Pak Lah and Islam Hadhari’s Hits and Misses
Norshahril Saat
Former Malaysian PM Abdullah Badawi’s signature Islam Hadhari project aimed to promote progressive Islam but faded after his tenure due mainly to lack of support from religious circles.

Norshahril Saat
Former Malaysian PM Abdullah Badawi’s signature Islam Hadhari project aimed to promote progressive Islam but faded after his tenure due mainly to lack of support from religious circles.
Mohd Faizal Musa
Where does Islam in Malaysia stand regarding Sufi ideology and practice? Some states are making their stance clear in response to mixed signals from the top.
Tham Siew Yean
The agreement builds on a rapidly strengthening economic relationship, with potential benefits for the UAE’s diversification and Malaysia’s trade and investment.
Amalina Anuar
Sarawak is embarking on a broad effort to reclaim full autonomy over its oil and gas sector from Putrajaya. But the risks might outweigh the benefits.
Amrita Malhi
After the Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) “Green Wave” of 2022-23, a wide range of Malaysian political actors believed that Anwar Ibrahim’s Madani federal government would not act to counter its narratives. Instead, Anwar’s forces have signalled that they would only check PAS using “administrative” tactics, and only in selected battles and arenas. As a result, PAS holds the narrative advantage. It is free to experiment and is ramping up its use of new and existing cultural assets to burnish its messages.
Sharifah Afra Alatas
The current Unity Government in Malaysia needs to take stronger action against individuals who upset the country’s delicate multi-religious fabric.
Francis E. Hutchinson
PM Anwar Ibrahim supports a term limit on Malaysia’s premiership. Momentum for reform under his administration has been limited, and such a measure would rekindle support among the urban electorate. If Anwar spearheads the change, few may begrudge him a bid for a second term.
Adib Zalkapli
Malaysia’s Chinese-dominated Democratic Action Party has made inroads as a multi-racial political party. But demographic and political realities will conscribe progress.
Sara Loo
Despite Johor’s data centre boom, there are concerns about the number and quality of jobs they can generate. But demand is rising for skilled workers in ancillary industries, notably construction.
Kai Ostwald
The monarchy in Malaysia has in recent years expanded its influence and agency. At the same time, expectations of the institution have also evolved.