ARTICLES

30 Jul 2020

Sweet Vindication or Hollow Justice? More Twists in the Tale To Come

Serina Rahman

The recent conviction of former premier Najib Razak in court has been celebrated by many Malaysians. But the course of the ensuing political drama could go along many different tracks.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

28 Jul 2020

Former Premier Najib Razak Found Guilty: Sailing Into Uncharted Waters

Francis E. Hutchinson

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak made history today when he became the country’s highest-ranking official ever to be convicted in court. The judicial decision will help restore confidence in the country’s institutions, many of which have been eroded over the past four decades. The political ramifications are manifold, and could even involve a re-pairing of current premier Muhyiddin Yassin and opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

21 Jul 2020

Comprehending Ethnic Inequality in Malaysia: Going Beyond the Stereotypes

Lee Hwok-Aun

Tun Mahathir Mohamad has stirred up controversy again by saying that the incomes of urban Chinese have outstripped those of Malays in rural areas. Rather than using false generalisations to score easy popularity points, the political and policy discourse should move from a focus on income to issues of capability and participation.

Income Inequality Malaysia

9 Jul 2020

The Chini By-Election: A Step Forward for Muafakat Nasional, But Mind the Gap

Francis E. Hutchinson|Kevin Zhang

UMNO’s thumping victory in the recent Chini by-election was not unexpected. The solid Malay support displayed during the poll, however, presages a deeper fissure within the Perikatan Nasional coalition.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

29 Jun 2020

A Covid-19-Induced Export Slump: Magnifying a Malaysian Malaise

Tham Siew Yean

A historic slump in Malaysia’s exports has been attributed to the coronavirus sweeping across the region. But the fall is indicative of a deeper, structural weakness in the economy.

COVID-19 Malaysia Malaysian Economy

23 Jun 2020

Choosing Pakatan Harapan’s Prime Ministerial Candidate: Reconciling the Unreconcilable?

Francis E. Hutchinson

The Pakatan Harapan coalition has a plan for a political comeback, based on (another) pact between Mahathir Mohamad and his erstwhile nemesis, Anwar Ibrahim. While a bitter pill for Anwar and his party, this looks to be the only option before them. That this is the only visible pathway back to power does not make it any more likely to happen.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

29 May 2020

Inter- and Intra-Coalition Competition in Johor – a Kueh Lapis?

Francis E. Hutchinson|Kevin Zhang

There are many different dynamics at play when one examines the tenuous nature of the Perikatan Nasional-led state government in Johor. Think political battles within and without.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

29 May 2020

Malaysia: Best Case Scenarios and Bracing for the Worst

Lee Hwok-Aun

The net effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, the resultant shutdown and relief measures are hard to fathom. While the government can draw on some base-case scenarios, it might have to prepare for the worst when it comes to unemployment.

COVID-19 Malaysia Malaysian Economy

18 May 2020

Mukhriz Mahathir’s Downfall in Kedah: Winners and Losers

Norshahril Saat

The fall of the Kedah state government led by Mukhriz Mahathir will change the country’s political map, and the fortunes of the various players involved.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

14 May 2020

Malaysia’s Next Parliamentary Session: Show-time or Stalling for Time?

Francis E. Hutchinson|Kevin Zhang

Malaysia’s next parliamentary sitting was supposed to have seen the tabling of a historic no-confidence motion against the government led by Muhyiddin Yassin. It appears that the premier has dodged the bullet – at least for now.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics