ARTICLES

19 Apr 2022

The Malaysian Opposition’s ‘Big Tent’ Strategy: A Misreading of Election History

James Chai

The Malaysian Opposition would do well to reconsider its calls for a ‘Big Tent’ strategy. A closer look at voting patterns in recent Malaysian elections raises questions about their assumption that a united opposition would secure an electoral victory against BN.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

14 Apr 2022

Palm Oil Certification Schemes: Putting Some Roar into Paper Tigers

Darren Cheong|Ryan Wong

Sustainable palm oil certification schemes are necessary, as they incentivise producers to improve their environmental practices. But a different tack centred on districts rather than individual producers should be considered.

11 Apr 2022

Getting Ready for those Business Black Swans

Michael Schaper|Serina Rahman

To prepare for future disasters, the Malaysian government should roll out a national response plan to help smaller businesses tide through the storm.

Climate Change Disaster Management Malaysia Malaysian Economy

5 Apr 2022

Bahasa Melayu as ASEAN’s Second Language: Sekali Lagi Tak Boleh

Joanne Lin

Malaysia has again proposed making Malay a working language of ASEAN, but this proposal is likely to be a non-starter as ASEAN wrestles with more pressing crises.

ASEAN Malaysia Malaysian Politics

30 Mar 2022

No April Fool’s Joke: The Singapore-Malaysia Border Finally Reopens

Serina Rahman

The reopening of the Singapore-Malaysia land border on 1 April 2022 will bring crucial relief to the Malaysian economy, but potential confusion about travel requirements may mar this widely anticipated event.

Malaysia Malaysia-Singapore Relations Malaysian Economy Tourism

29 Mar 2022

Johor’s Menteri Besar Surprise: Poster Boy Makes Way For King’s Man

Francis E. Hutchinson

The appointment of a relatively junior assemblyman to be Johor’s Menteri Besar is curious. But there are deeper undercurrents at work.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

29 Mar 2022

Custody Woes: PAS’ Calls for the ‘Desecularisation’ of Malaysian Law

Mohd Faizal Musa|Faris Ridzuan

Malaysia’s Islamists and conservatives, led by PAS, are challenging the country’s legal system, calling for the ‘desecularisation’ of Malaysian law in cases involving religious conversions.

Islamic State Malaysia Malaysian Politics Political Islam

22 Mar 2022

UMNO Assembly Puts Prime Minister’s Back to the Wall

Norshahril Saat

It was all sweetness and light at the recent general assembly of the United Malays National Organisation. But there is more than meets the eye.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

21 Mar 2022

Another Win for Barisan Nasional: Now To Prove Their Worth

Serina Rahman

With its victory in the Johor State elections, Barisan Nasional has won two state elections at a trot in four months. The run-up to election day was somewhat subdued, but the stakes are high, as the coalition rues its chances in the coming general elections.

Malaysia Malaysian Elections Malaysian Politics

16 Mar 2022

Pakatan Harapan in Johor: Fading Fan Favourites

Kevin Zhang|Francis E. Hutchinson

PH’s campaign messaging has consisted of playing its ‘fan favourites’ of good governance and anti-corruption. This is a re-run of the 2018 campaign, which successfully linked Malaysian’s economic woes to the imposition of the Goods and Service Tax (GST), the financial extravagance of former prime minister Najib Razak, and the ill-fated 1MDB.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics