ARTICLES

12 Aug 2024

Malaysia’s States: Open for Business, Yet Not Always Transparent

Tricia Yeoh

Malaysia is enjoying strong inflows of foreign direct investment. To up its game, it needs to channel such flows to less-developed states.

7 Aug 2024

Peatlands and the Climate: This year’s COP29 must build on COP28

Helena Varkkey|Michelle Miller|Matthew Ashfold

Carbon-rich peat ecosystems hold great potential to mitigate climate change, and help meet Southeast Asian national climate targets. The increased priority and action on peatlands must be continued from COP28 into this November’s COP29.

Climate Change Indonesia Malaysia Peatland

5 Aug 2024

Two Borneo Neighbours on Diversity: Comparing Religious Authority in Brunei and Sarawak

Norshahril Saat

Sarawak and Brunei, as neighbouring entities, offer interesting insights through the divergence in their pluralist and conservative trajectories. This Long Read considers the significance of political culture, demography, and religious elites’ training as factors contributing to contemporary trends.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics Religion

31 Jul 2024

Sarawak’s Green Hydrogen Ambitions: What It Means for Southeast Asia

Christopher Len

As the frontrunner for green hydrogen projects in Southeast Asia, Sarawak’s success or failure in the next two years will serve as a bellwether for Malaysia’s hydrogen economy goals, ASEAN’s hydrogen future and global clean hydrogen demand.

Climate Change Malaysia Sustainable Development

23 Jul 2024

Malaysian State Governments Can Do More, and Get More Taxes

Lee Hwok-Aun

Malaysia’s states are demanding more tax revenue from Putrajaya. The country should consider transferring both government roles and revenues from federal to state levels, starting with social welfare and consumption tax.

Malaysia Malaysian Economy Malaysian Politics

18 Jul 2024

Malay Youth’s Evolving Yet Steadfast Support for Malay Royalty

Syaza Shukri

Amid political change and occasional controversy, Malay youth continue to hold the rulers and the royal institution in high regard. It is imperative to understand the reasons.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics Youth

17 Jul 2024

Malaysia’s Mufti (Federal Territories) Bill 2024: Sectarian or Crucial Step Forward?

Mohd Faizal Musa

An important bill that will affect the selection of future religious advisers for Malaysia’s Federal Territories awaits passage into law. Will the government be able to push it through despite its critics?

Islam Malaysia Malaysian Politics Religion

16 Jul 2024

Sungai Bakap: A Wake Up Call to Buck Up

Khairy Jamaluddin

Pakatan Harapan’s recent loss in a Penang by-election should give it some grounds for introspection.

Malaysia Malaysian Elections Malaysian Politics

10 Jul 2024

Malaysia has Removed Diesel Subsidies – Now Must Manage the Fallout

Serina Rahman

Malaysia has commenced fuel subsidy rationalisation by shifting from general to targeted diesel subsidies, but there is still some economic fallout. The government needs to do more to help those bearing the cost.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics Southeast Asia

9 Jul 2024

Southeast Asia and BRICS: Fear of Missing Out

Sharon Seah

The fact that five Southeast Asian countries are seeking to join BRICS should not be seen as an affront to the West and its so-called rules-based order.

China India Malaysia Southeast Asia Thailand