ARTICLES

13 Feb 2026

Malaysia’s Opposition: The Need to Close Ranks

Adib Zalkapli

To mount a creditable challenge to the ruling coalition, Malaysia’s opposition coalition needs to overcome a list of obstacles, foremost among them infighting within the grouping.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

12 Feb 2026

Korean Language Learning in Malaysia: Beyond the Korean Wave

Koh Sin Yee|Kim Tae-sik

By institutionalising an already popular global Korean wave, Malaysian and Korean state efforts are helping to intensify Malaysian interest in the Korean language.

Malaysia South Korea

6 Feb 2026

The Roots and Persistence of Terengganu’s Hardline Approach to Islamic Law

Mohd Faizal Musa

Since August 2025, Terengganu has implemented stringent shariah-based legislation penalising Muslim men who neglect Friday prayers, allowing for imprisonment of up to two years or a fine of up to RM3,000. This reflects a broader trend of rigorous shariah enforcement under the PAS-led state government.

Islam Malaysia Malaysian Politics

27 Jan 2026

From Promise to Peril? The Hidden Risks in Malaysia’s Mine-to-Magnet Rare Earth Push

Tham Siew Yean

Malaysia’s push to build a full rare earths value chain faces significant technology, trade, investment, and governance hurdles across the mining, processing, and manufacturing stages.

Malaysia Rare Earths

23 Jan 2026

The JS-SEZ and Johor’s Private Healthcare Sector: Catalysts and Challenges

Lee Poh Onn

The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone provides attractive investment opportunities in several sectors. The focus on private healthcare is warranted as Malaysia’s healthcare sector is one of the fastest-growing in the region.

Malaysia Malaysia-Singapore Relations Singapore

22 Jan 2026

Rabble-rouser UMNO Youth Unlikely to Dent Ahmad Zahid’s Unity Call

Norshahril Saat

UMNO Youth has pulled out all the stops to persuade the party leadership to yank UMNO out of the ruling coalition. But the UMNO president has different ideas.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

21 Jan 2026

Heading Into GE16: Desires and Dissensions

James Chai

Two years from the next general elections, there are dissensions in the ranks of Malaysia’s ruling and opposition coalitions. Observers of the country’s politics will need to brace for volatility.

Malaysia Malaysian Elections Malaysian Politics

20 Jan 2026

Malaysia’s Proposed PM Term Limit: Some Things to Consider

Lee Hwok-Aun

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s legislation to limit the prime minister’s term to 10 years is a prudent move. This should be paired with fixed parliamentary terms.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

19 Jan 2026

“Youth Retirement Homes”: A Temporary Fad or an Emerging Industry?

Koh Sin Yee

A number of ‘youth retirement homes’ in China and, more recently, Malaysia provide insights into the predicaments faced by youth in the two countries.

Malaysia Youth