ARTICLES

13 Mar 2023

Anwar’s Uneasy Truce with Malaysia’s Powerful Civil Service

Kai Ostwald

Anwar Ibrahim’s relationship with Malaysia’s powerful civil service is key to his government’s success and survival. He faces serious challenges in maintaining a positive relationship, but developments since 2018 help his chances.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

8 Mar 2023

2023 Budget Speech: Act One of Anwar Ibrahim’s Reform of Malaysia?

Lee Hwok-Aun

Anwar Ibrahim’s 24 February speech unveiled a budget largely replicating the October version presented by his predecessor. Given that Malaysia’s reforms extend beyond public funding priorities and allocations to institutional reforms and new narratives of nationhood, the budget speech may be just the opening act.

8 Mar 2023

Anwar’s First 100 Days: Passing Grade but Stern Tests Ahead

Khairy Jamaluddin

Anwar Ibrahim has managed to even the keel of Malaysia’s new coalition government in its first 100 days. But his fragile coalition government faces sterner tests on the horizon.

Malaysia Malaysian Elections Malaysian Politics

6 Mar 2023

Malaysia’s Sulu Problem: Logical Flaws in the Arbitration Process

Aiza Mohamad

The recent seizure of the assets of Petronas, Malaysia’s oil and gas firm, is linked to a 1878 agreement made by the Sultan of Sulu and two European merchants. Arguably, the decision hinges on a Spanish translation of the agreement, which is less reliable.

Borneo Malaysia

6 Mar 2023

Sarawak’s Hydrogen Ambitions Constrained by Global Demand

Tham Siew Yean

In a bid to switch to greener fuels, Sarawak has ambitious plans to produce and export hydrogen. Given a slew of challenges, however, it remains to be seen if its plans will be realised.

Borneo Malaysia Malaysian Economy transport

23 Feb 2023

Tools for Planning and Mapping a Food-Secure Malaysia

Elyssa Kaur Ludher

Malaysia has developed comprehensive agriculture and food security policies to respond to exceptionally high inflation since 2020. However, comprehensive tools are also required to successfully translate aspiration into action.

Food Security Malaysia

22 Feb 2023

ASEAN’s Next Generation of Leaders in a Newly Competitive World

Chong Ja Ian

Chong Ja Ian calls attention to the need for new ASEAN leaders to adapt to a changing global order.

ASEAN ASEANFocus Indonesia Malaysia Philippine Singapore

3 Feb 2023

Online Political Campaigning During Malaysia’s GE15: Blurred Lines

Amirul Adli Rosli

The advent of account-based influencers during Malaysia’s recent general election does not portend well for the country’s political landscape.

Malaysia Misinformation

26 Jan 2023

Malaysia’s ‘Green Wave’ Was a Long Time Coming

Serina Rahman

Parti Islam SeMalaysia made solid gains during Malaysia’s 15th General Election. It banked on candidates who are deemed to be religious and clean. In future, the party that hews to a more public expression of Islam will be able to hold on to the Malay-Muslim voter base.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics Political Islam

18 Jan 2023

“Undercover” Ministers in Malaysia

James Chai

A few ministers in the new Malaysian cabinet are providing citizens with a breath of fresh air as they conduct surprise visits to see what ails public services, but the winds of change have not gathered sufficient force for true reform.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics