Idris Ahmad: Not Your Ordinary Religious Affairs Minister
Mohd Faizal Musa
The appointment of PAS ideologue Idris Ahmad as Malaysia’s new religious affairs minister provides the Islamist party significant latitude to advance its ideological agenda.

Mohd Faizal Musa
The appointment of PAS ideologue Idris Ahmad as Malaysia’s new religious affairs minister provides the Islamist party significant latitude to advance its ideological agenda.
Ryan Wong
Malaysia’s new target is more ambitious than any other target set by a Southeast Asian country so far. But the qualifier is achievement by 2050 ‘at the earliest’.
Tham Siew Yean
Malaysia needs to move fast to ratify two free trade deals to reset its economy, which has been impacted by political instability and the Covid-19 pandemic. The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership is a priority.
Lee Hwok-Aun
The growing demand for policies that promote participation and diversity reflect Malaysian society’s advancement and sophistication, and call for broadened attention to identity-based policies for Bumiputeras, indigenous groups, Indians, women and other beneficiaries, rather than abolition of ‘race-based’ policies.
Kevin Zhang|Lee Poh Onn
On paper, Sarawak should have turned the corner in its fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. The fact that it has not could provide lessons as to how to stem the spread of the coronavirus.
Peter T. C. Chang
In Malaysia, Pfizer is the vaccine of choice, anchoring the national immunisation program as China’s boosters are relegated to a supporting role. The downgrading notwithstanding, China’s vaccine diplomacy remains a prime mover in the unfinished worldwide battle against the coronavirus pandemic.
Clarissa Ai Ling Lee
A new political movement driven by the grassroots is gaining momentum in Malaysia. Centred on the hashtag #kitajagakita, it embodies ordinary citizens’ responses to crises without political interference and red tape.
Francis E. Hutchinson
The new Malaysian cabinet looks very similar to that of its Perikatan Nasional predecessor. By seeking to ensure continuity, new prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob has sacrificed the new administration’s honeymoon period. It needs to generate some inspiring ideas.
Liew Chin Tong
Given the pressing domestic and external challenges that Malaysia is facing, it is high time for a refreshed National Security Council that will be able to coordinate policy at the highest level.
Lee Hwok-Aun
Malaysia’s new prime minister has called for public demonstrations of unity as the country goes through a difficult time of the Covid-19 pandemic and economic hardship. The country needs less a bi-partisan front and more a competent, dedicated and accountable administration.