ARTICLES

20 Jun 2023

Is Malaysia’s “Green Wave” More a Tsunami of Discontent?

Khairy Jamaluddin

In the run-up to elections in six states, Malaysia’s Prime Minister is seeking to improve his coalition’s electability among Malay voters. The crux of the issue is less about a ‘green wave’ sweeping across the country than a wider discontent over the lack of economic direction.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

19 Jun 2023

Malaysia’s Democracy in the Shadow of Hegemonic Rule

Kai Ostwald

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has long cultivated an image of himself as a reformist leader. His ability to effect change, however, is limited by the country’s legacy of hegemonic politics.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

6 Jun 2023

Malaysia’s Ample Start-up Funds Need to Be More Accessible and Accountable

Tham Siew Yean

Malaysia has established numerous funds to nurture start-ups, but must do much better in simplifying the current system, reporting relevant data, and assessing policy outcomes.

Malaysia Malaysian Economy

25 May 2023

Malaysia’s First Unity Government Convention: The Art of Keeping Enemies Close

James Chai

Malaysia’s new Unity Government is in a state of consolidation and relative stability. The current unified coalition structure will stay in its current semi-permanent state, whereby it retains the trappings of a coalition without formalisation.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

19 May 2023

Why Malaysia’s Unity Government Will (Probably) Survive

Kai Ostwald

Malaysia has seen four changes in government since 2018. Its 15th general election resulted in a grand-coalition government comprising former arch rivals. Will this new government be equally short-lived? This Long Read examines the reasons why Anwar Ibrahim’s Unity Government may be more stable than one would think.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

16 May 2023

Defining Tests for UMNO, Anwar and the Unity Government

Khairy Jamaluddin

Fulcrum editor Dr Lee Hwok Aun and Dr Francis Hutchinson, both Senior Fellows at ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute, speak with Khairy Jamaluddin on a broad range of Malaysian political and policy issues. Six months after the 15th general election, UMNO, Prime Minister Anwar, and the unity government are each facing distinct challenges that will test their ability to reform, govern, contest state elections, and sustain the ruling coalition. Khairy is a Visiting Senior Fellow at ISEAS, and was three-time member of Malaysia’s parliament representing Rembau. He has served as Minister of Youth and Sports; Science, Technology and Innovation; and Health.

Dialogues at Fulcrum Malaysia Malaysian Politics

10 May 2023

The Rise of Football Ultras in Southeast Asia

Muhammad Afiq Hajis

Muhammad Afiq Hajis analyses the cultural phenomenon of Ultras in Southeast Asia, their spirit of collectivism, and marginalised identities in society.

ASEAN ASEANFocus Indonesia Malaysia Thailand

2 May 2023

Not Yet the End of the World: Tackling Malaysian Muslim Millenarianism in the Age of Social Media

Amirul Adli Rosli|Nur Syafiqah Mohd Taufek

Although millenarian movements are not new in Malaysia, their recent public presence is marked by savvy and creative social media strategies. Their content is easily accessible and well disseminated within and beyond national borders. This Long Read argues deeper sociological studies to better understand the various social conditions behind their popularity.

Islam Malaysia Political Islam

26 Apr 2023

Where to Grow From Here? MUDA’s Struggles in Muar, and Beyond

Kevin Zhang|James Chai

MUDA, a youth-based party in Malaysia, seeks greater recognition from Pakatan Harapan. However, the recent general election outcome in Muar, MUDA’s sole parliament win, shows the limits of the party’s traction, notably among Malay youth.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

18 Apr 2023

Same Moon, Different Dates for Hari Raya (Again!)

Norshahril Saat

Some countries in Southeast Asia might end up celebrating Hari Raya on different dates, but this should not detract them from the higher goals of Ramadhan.

Indonesia Islam Malaysia Singapore