ARTICLES

22 Dec 2025

Critical Mass: The Complexity of Malaysia’s Nuclear Reboot

Amalina Anuar

Malaysia is re-considering the use of nuclear power. But the government will need to tackle questions about trade-offs.

17 Dec 2025

Islamic Soft Power: Malaysia Well-Positioned to Consolidate its Global Leadership on Halal Branding and Governance

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.

Halal Halal Certification Malaysia

17 Dec 2025

Sabah First? 2025 State Election Shows Voters Want Results Not Slogans

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.

Malaysia Malaysian Elections Malaysian Politics Sabah

16 Dec 2025

Building BRICS? Anwar’s Worldview and Malaysia’s Foreign Policy

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.

BRICS Malaysia Malaysian Politics

12 Dec 2025

Economic Gravity: The Rise of Asian Cities’ Powerhouses

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.

Economy Indonesia Malaysia Singapore Southeast Asia Thailand Vietnam

25 Nov 2025

Bersatu’s Muhyiddin Yassin: Why the Rush to Say ‘Good-bye’?

Francis E. Hutchinson

Recent machinations within some factions of Bersatu against its leader are of interest to its lower-profile coalition partner as the next general election approaches. How fast will the tide turn?

Malaysia Malaysian Elections Malaysian Politics

24 Nov 2025

PAS’ ‘Civilisational Outrage’ at the US Rings Hollow When China Gets a Pass

Syaza Shukri

Malaysia’s Parti Se-Islam Malaysia (PAS) doth protest too much about the prime minister’s engagement of the US, when its own dealings with China raise similar questions.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics US

14 Nov 2025

Malaysia’s Failed BRICS Bid: A Blessing in Disguise?

Tang Siew Mun

Malaysia’s aspired BRICS membership would bring modest economic benefits but sizable political gains. Anwar should tread prudently and discreetly; pursuing BRICS vigorously could jeopardise Malaysia’s ties with the US and the West.

BRICS Malaysia

14 Nov 2025

STAR’s Exit from GRS: Much Ado About Nothing?

Arnold Puyok

Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) has withdrawn from Sabah’s ruling coalition. But this is unlikely to cause major political shifts ahead of the 29 November state polls.

Malaysia Malaysian Elections Malaysian Politics