ARTICLES

11 Apr 2023

Can Piety be Classy? Symbols and Societal Tensions Underlying “Branded” Hijabs

Siti Mazidah Mohamad|Norshahril Saat

Malay/Muslim women in fashionable headscarves are influencing Islamic fashion trends across the globe and the trend can make a statement personally, politically, and piously.

Islam Malaysia

4 Apr 2023

Malaysia’s 15th General Election: Ethnicity Remains the Key Factor in Voter Preferences

Marzuki Mohamad|Ibrahim Suffian

The results of Malaysia’s 15th General Election revealed that ethnicity remains the key factor determining voter behaviour. But in a reversal of previous trends, the coalition that received the most support from the ethnic Malay majority is in the Opposition, while the coalition that received the least Malay support is leading the government. This suggests that the current political configuration is intrinsically fragile.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

31 Mar 2023

Forging Anwar’s Cabinet: Fervent Followers, Forbidden Friends, and Former Foes

Francis E. Hutchinson

With his first 100 days behind him, Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has acted proactively to solidify his hold on power. Adept at backroom negotiations, he swiftly cobbled together a Cabinet representing his broad ‘coalition of coalitions’ while ensuring that he and his loyalists controlled the most powerful positions. This Long Read provides an analysis of how the spoils were distributed in Anwar’s new Cabinet.

Malaysia Malaysian Elections Malaysian Politics

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.

Malaysia Malaysia-Singapore Relations Singapore

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