The UEC Debate Reawakens Identity Discourse
Syaza Shukri
The issue of recognition for the pre-university exam certificate issued by Chinese-language schools has renewed identity politics in Malaysia.

Syaza Shukri
The issue of recognition for the pre-university exam certificate issued by Chinese-language schools has renewed identity politics in Malaysia.
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Koh Sin Yee
Mainland Chinese student numbers in Malaysian universities have surged recently, driven by affordability, proximity, and cultural familiarity, as well as restrictions in traditional study destinations such as the US.
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Amrita Malhi
Kedah’s Chief Minister Sanusi Nor has sought to blame his state’s current financial woes on historical wrongs that need to be righted. But he has other motivations too.
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Sara Loo
Despite Johor’s data centre boom, there are concerns about the number and quality of jobs they can generate. But demand is rising for skilled workers in ancillary industries, notably construction.
Lee Hwok-Aun|Adib Zalkapli
Pakatan Harapan’s poor performance at the Sabah state elections has weakened its bargaining power vis-à-vis ruling coalitions in Sabah and Sarawak. It will need their support to form the next federal government.
Amalina Anuar
Malaysia is re-considering the use of nuclear power. But the government will need to tackle questions about trade-offs.
Syaza Shukri
Malaysia has successfully transformed halal governance from religious compliance into a strategic tool of soft power. Through the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) and the Halal Industry Development Corporation (HDC), halal became both a moral brand and an economic driver across food, finance, tourism, cosmetics, and logistics.
Arnold Puyok
The 17th Sabah elections evinced a mix of the predictable and the surprising. Despite the show of support for the ‘Sabah First’ slogan, the fragmented politics of the state will continue.
Isabelle Chua|Francis E. Hutchinson
Malaysia’s decision to join BRICS demonstrates its long-standing adherence to strategic equidistance. It also bears Anwar Ibrahim’s personal imprimatur.
Marco Kamiya
Urbanisation in Southeast Asia is now one of the region’s most powerful yet under-recognised industrial policy tools. Urban planners and economists need to work together to unlock the potential of the region’s cities.