ARTICLES

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.

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

13 May 2020

Pushback Against Lifting of Covid-19 Movement Controls: Much Ado About Something

Francis E. Hutchinson|Kevin Zhang

State governments’ resistance to the federal government’s decision to lift some Covid-19 movement controls is as much as function of the pandemic’s impacts as political affiliation.

COVID-19 Malaysia Malaysian Politics

1 Apr 2020

COVID19 in Malaysia: Pandemic Impacts on the Poor

Serina Rahman

The raft of measures announced by the Malaysian government to restrict people’s movements will help to stem the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. The measures, however, are having a huge impact on the country’s poor.

COVID-19 Malaysia Malaysian Economy

30 Mar 2020

Singapore-Malaysia Border Shutdown: Counting the Costs

Francis E. Hutchinson|Pritish Bhattacharya

Recent policy responses effected by Malaysia and Singapore to combat the Covid-19 pandemic have been responsible and measured – and have also underscored the deep and wide economic relations between the two neighbours.

COVID-19 Malaysia Singapore

30 Mar 2020

Johor’s New Cabinet Line-Up: More of the Same

Francis E. Hutchinson|Kevin Zhang

The new cabinet of Johor closely resembles the traditional Barisan Nasional line-ups in terms of ethnic majority. UMNO’s traditional share of ministerial portfolios is also a blast from the past.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics