ARTICLES

31 Mar 2023

Anwar Ibrahim’s Unity Government May Write a New Chapter for Malaysia-Singapore Relations

Ong Kian Ming

There is a chance that Malaysia-Singapore economic collaboration can see a real flourishing with Anwar Ibrahim at the helm.

28 Mar 2023

Anwar Ibrahim’s Visit to Saudi Arabia: Is His Foot in the Door?

Mohd Faizal Musa

Anwar Ibrahim’s opponents are trying to politicise his recent trip to Mecca but it is not a foregone conclusion that Anwar, and by extension Malaysia, was snubbed.

International Relations Malaysia Middle East Saudi Arabia

27 Mar 2023

UMNO’s Zahid – A Formidable Yet Flawed Political Operator

Francis E. Hutchinson

UMNO President Zahid Hamidi’s tactics to consolidate power have opened himself and his party to potential vulnerabilities as a new generation of Malaysians demand cleaner government.

Malaysia Malaysian Elections Malaysian Politics

24 Mar 2023

Repurposing Fuel Subsidy to Facilitate Malaysia’s Shift to Electric Vehicles

Tham Siew Yean|Kevin Zhang

Malaysia seeks to ensure the poor benefit from fuel subsidies rather than the rich, but rationalisation can also contribute towards sustainability. The savings from the removal of fuel subsidies can be directed towards developing renewable or low-carbon alternatives, thereby contributing to meet Malaysia’s pledge to be “a carbon neutral country by 2050 at the earliest”.

Malaysia Malaysian Economy Malaysian Politics

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.

Malaysia Malaysian Economy Malaysian Politics

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