ARTICLES

5 Mar 2026

Local Polls in Putrajaya: The Perfect Pilot Project?

Francis E. Hutchinson

Local elections in Malaysia warrant a second look.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

4 Mar 2026

Death Without Departure: Bung Moktar and the Persistence of His East Coast Political Authority

Vilashini Somiah

All politics is local and, in many cases, personal. The passing of Bung Moktar Radin illustrates these truisms in rural Sabah politics, as his influence persists for now.

A protester holds a sign during a demonstration to demand the arrest of Malaysian Anti-Corruption chief commissioner Azam Baki at Jalan Bangsar on 22 January 2022 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Annice Lyn / Getty Images via AFP)

3 Mar 2026

Anwar is Weak, But the Opposition is Weaker Still

James Chai

The political woes of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is a political goldmine for the opposition. But it has failed to capitalise on the opportunity.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

24 Feb 2026

Rethinking Malaysia’s Path to Net Zero

Renard Siew

Carbon credits to be tabled under Malaysia’s new climate change bill should serve as a bridge towards decarbonisation rather than a substitute for it.

Climate Change Malaysia Malaysian Politics

20 Feb 2026

The ART of Rescuing an Unintended Trade Deal While Safeguarding Malaysia’s Multilateralism

Jayant Menon

In signing the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade, Malaysia has granted the US exclusive preferential terms. Malaysia would be better off voluntarily extending the same terms to all countries.

Malaysia Malaysia-US Relations Trade

16 Feb 2026

The Limits of Malaysia’s Anti-Corruption Efforts

Amalina Anuar

To plug its fiscal gap, Malaysia needs to go beyond asset recovery and clawing back proceeds from graft.

Budget Malaysia Malaysian Economy

13 Feb 2026

Malaysia’s Opposition: The Need to Close Ranks

Adib Zalkapli

To mount a creditable challenge to the ruling coalition, Malaysia’s opposition coalition needs to overcome a list of obstacles, foremost among them infighting within the grouping.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

12 Feb 2026

Korean Language Learning in Malaysia: Beyond the Korean Wave

Koh Sin Yee|Kim Tae-sik

By institutionalising an already popular global Korean wave, Malaysian and Korean state efforts are helping to intensify Malaysian interest in the Korean language.

Malaysia South Korea

6 Feb 2026

The Roots and Persistence of Terengganu’s Hardline Approach to Islamic Law

Mohd Faizal Musa

Since August 2025, Terengganu has implemented stringent shariah-based legislation penalising Muslim men who neglect Friday prayers, allowing for imprisonment of up to two years or a fine of up to RM3,000. This reflects a broader trend of rigorous shariah enforcement under the PAS-led state government.

Islam Malaysia Malaysian Politics

27 Jan 2026

From Promise to Peril? The Hidden Risks in Malaysia’s Mine-to-Magnet Rare Earth Push

Tham Siew Yean

Malaysia’s push to build a full rare earths value chain faces significant technology, trade, investment, and governance hurdles across the mining, processing, and manufacturing stages.

Malaysia Rare Earths