ARTICLES

6 Feb 2024

The Evil, Stupid and Arrogant in Malaysian Politics: Who is Jadong?

Sharifah Afra Alatas|Norshahril Saat

A leading opposition figure in Malaysia has resorted to firing deprecatory epithets at the administration led by Anwar Ibrahim. The reality is that that the Malay portmanteau “jadong” could apply to politicians of all stripes.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

6 Feb 2024

Rhetorical Sympathy for the Palestinian Struggle in Malaysia and the Poignant Misuse of ‘Zionism’

Benjamin Y.H. Loh|Sarah Ali

Malaysia’s online and offline support for Palestine in light of the 7 October 2023 attacks seems to indicate a dualism in solidarity— voluble support for the Palestinian cause juxtaposed with opposition to taking in Palestinian refugees and asylum seekers.

5 Feb 2024

Najib Razak’s Partial Pardon: Cui Bono?

Francis E. Hutchinson

The controversial halving of Najib Razak’s 12-year sentence appears to be a boon to multiple stakeholders.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

29 Jan 2024

Migrant Worker Policies after One Year of Anwar Ibrahim’s Government: An Indonesian Perspective

Alfian Al-Ayubby

The Anwar government has taken some steps toward improving the migrant worker situation, but has not addressed the underlying structural problems. More comprehensive policies and effective implementation are needed to protect migrant workers from Indonesia and all source countries.

Indonesia Labour Rights Malaysia Migrant Workers

26 Jan 2024

Bumiputera Economic Congress 2024: Seven Suggestions for the Seventh Convention

Lee Hwok-Aun

Malaysia is gearing up for 2024 Bumiputera Economic Congress. To help make it more substantive and constructive, the Anwar Ibrahim administration should take on board seven suggestions.

Malaysia Malaysian Economy

25 Jan 2024

Takeaways from Anwar’s December Cabinet Reshuffle

Francis E. Hutchinson

Malaysia’s recent cabinet reshuffle sheds some light on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s thinking about his cabal of coalitions and cliques.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

25 Jan 2024

Dubai Move Failed to Understand GPS

James Chai

The Dubai Move sought to entice Gabungan Parti Sarawak to switch sides. At its core, the ill-fated move misunderstands what the coalition stands for.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

23 Jan 2024

Mahathir’s Broadside About Race: Time to Map Out a Coherent Vision

Norshahril Saat|Sharifah Afra Alatas

Mahathir Mohamad’s controversial remarks about race relations in Malaysia has put the impetus on the incumbent administration to elucidate a coherent vision of Malayness and multiculturalism.

Ethnic Malaysia Malaysian Politics

17 Jan 2024

Making the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone Work

Ong Kian Ming

To fully harness the benefits of bilateral cooperation on both sides, the recent signing of the memorandum of understanding for the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone needs to be followed up by the relevant agencies doing the real spade work after the initial hype is over.

Economic Planning Malaysia Singapore

Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Tengku Zafrul Aziz

16 Jan 2024

Policymakers' View

Malaysia and ASEAN in 2024: Facing Challenges with Focus and Strength

Tengku Zafrul Aziz

Malaysia and ASEAN face pressing challenges and opportunities in technology adaptation and transition, geopolitical instability and ASEAN competition, and the need to green our economies. With judicious strategies and effective actions, we can head into 2024 with cautious optimism.

ASEAN Malaysia Policymakers’ View Sustainable Development