ARTICLES

30 Jun 2026

The 2026 Johor Election: Advantage Barisan Nasional?

Francis E. Hutchinson

Barisan Nasional has had the audacity to call state polls in Johor a year early. While it enjoys some wind in its sails, BN’s electoral gambit engenders some degree of risk.

29 Jun 2026

Did GE2022 Change Malaysia for Good?

Howard Lee|Nuurrianti Jalli|Shahril Hamdan|Danesh Chacko

Fulcrum editor Lee Hwok Aun unpacks Malaysia’s previous general election – and the next one – with four contributors of the just-published book Malaysia’s 2022 General Election: Crafting Power in a Crowded Arena: Howard Lee, Nuurrianti Jalli, Shahril Hamdan, and Danesh Chacko.

Dialogues at Fulcrum Malaysia Malaysian Politics

22 Jun 2026

Perikatan Nasional’s Dramatic Denouement: Where to for Bersatu?

Francis E. Hutchinson

The two key parties in the Perikatan Nasional coalition have parted ways. Bereft of resources, this consigns Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia to the skid row of Malaysian politics.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

19 Jun 2026

Malaysia Should Channel US Trade Representative Section 301 Pressure Into Forced Labour Compliance

Tham Siew Yean

Malaysia should take decisive action in response to the US’ tariff threat for failing to prohibit imports made with forced labour. Eliminating such imports is in everyone’s best interest.

Economy Malaysia Tariffs US

18 Jun 2026

Minority Education, Major Controversy: Malaysia’s Lose-Lose Reform on Chinese Independent Schools

Ooi Kok Hin

A storm in a teacup is brewing over the issue of Malaysia’s Chinese schools, not helped by the government’s mixed signals.

Education Malaysia Malaysian Politics

4 Jun 2026

Walking Malaysia’s Oil Shock Tightrope: Assisting Society While Stewarding Deficits

Firdausi Suffian

If the war in Iran does not end soon, the Malaysian government must have more arrows in its energy policy quiver.

Malaysia Malaysian Economy

Meeting of the UMNO-PH Leadership Council on 5 May, chaired by UMNO President Zahid Hamidi and PH Chairman Anwar Ibrahim. (Photo from Pakatan Harapan / Facebook)

3 Jun 2026

Negeri Sembilan’s Tenuous State Assembly: Procedural and Political Tests

Tricia Yeoh

The recent withdrawal of support for the chief minister of Negeri Sembilan raises pertinent questions about the precedent and role of institutions determining state leadership.

Malaysia Malaysian Elections Malaysian Politics

PH Chairman Anwar Ibrahim (C) and BN Chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (L) at the 50th National Physical Planning Council (MPFN) meeting in Putrajaya on 9 April 2026. (Photo from Ab Rauf Yusoh / Facebook)

2 Jun 2026

Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan: Best Frenemies Forever

Francis E. Hutchinson

Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan are eyeing polls in Johor and Melaka. Due to the importance of these states to both coalitions, it remains to be seen if their pact at the federal level will hold.

Malaysia Malaysian Elections Malaysian Politics

Muslims in Malaysia are seen walking out from the mosque after performing Eid prayer to mark the first day of Eid al-Adha 'Feast of Sacrifice' in Selangor, Malaysia on 7 June 2025. (Photo by Syaiful Redzuan / ANADOLU / Anadolu via AFP)

26 May 2026

When Everything Becomes the 3R: Malaysia’s Problem of Definitional Boundaries

Syaza Shukri

A complaint about a prayer hall in Ampang illustrates how technical disagreements can escalate into controversial questions about identity.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics Religion

Former ministers Nik Nazmi Nik Ahman (L) and Rafizi Ramli (centre) at the Political Direction Forum for Parti Bersama Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 17 May 2026. (Screengrab from Rafizi Ramli / Facebook)

25 May 2026

Rafizi and Nik Nazmi’s “Kamikaze” Mission: A Brazen Double Dare

Lee Hwok-Aun

Two former People’s Justice Party (PKR) stars have launched their own political party. There is much derring-do in their move, but it is too early to write off the new entity.

Malaysia Malaysian Elections Malaysian Politics