ARTICLES

22 Oct 2021

The Twelfth Malaysia Plan: Time for a Reset?

Lee Hwok-Aun

The 12th Malaysia Plan, a key planning document for the country's development, has been expedited through Parliament with no debate. The process of formulating the plan needs a reset.

20 Oct 2021

Reform of Parliament: Lessons from 2020-2021

Shad Saleem Faruqi

Despite its key role in Malaysia’s governance, Parliament has been in abeyance for much of 2020 and 2021. Reform of the law and practice of Parliament are necessary to give effect to the constitutional provisions on Parliament’s functions and to enhance Parliament’s institutional efficacy.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

12 Oct 2021

Malacca’s Political Crisis: A Microcosm of Fragmented Malay Political Alignments

Norshahril Saat

The collapse of the UMNO-led state government in Malacca throws up many questions about the ensuing feud between UMNO and Bersatu.

Bersatu Malaysia Malaysian Politics UMNO

5 Oct 2021

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.

Islam Islamic State Malaysia Malaysian Politics

4 Oct 2021

Malaysia Goes Carbon Neutral, But With a Catch

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’.

Climate Change Environment Malaysia Sustainable Development

28 Sep 2021

Ratifying the RCEP to Reset Malaysia’s Economy

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.

Asean Trade Malaysia Malaysian Economy RCEP

24 Sep 2021

Transforming Malaysia’s Elephant in The Room: Conflict, Consensus or Cop Out?

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.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

24 Sep 2021

Sarawak’s Fight Against the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Cautionary Tale?

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.

COVID-19 Health Malaysia

22 Sep 2021

China’s Vaccine Diplomacy in Malaysia: Problems and Prospects

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.

China Malaysia Vaccine Diplomacy