ARTICLES

20 Dec 2023

Malaysia’s Identity Politics Will Perpetuate Exclusivity If Left Unchecked

Syaza Shukri

Perikatan Nasional’s growing popularity among Malaysian Malay voters portends a potential path towards increasing polarisation in society if the sitting government does not do more to engage with right-wing rhetoric and convince all Malaysians to respect diversity.

11 Dec 2023

PAS’ Prime Minister Candidate: Great Expectations

James Chai

Parti Islam SeMalaysia is touting a technocratic parliamentarian as the opposition coalition’s prime ministerial candidate. Dr Samsuri Mokhtar has his work cut out for him.

Malaysia Malaysian Elections Malaysian Politics

25 Oct 2023

The Challenge for PAS: Going Mainstream

Norshahril Saat

The recent annual general assembly by Parti Islam SeMalaysia was relatively uneventful, with key leaders including Abdul Hadi Awang retaining their positions. If the party is eyeing federal power in Putrajaya, however, it would need to prove its governance credentials.

Malaysia Malaysian Elections

Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (2ndL) and his deputy Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (L) wave during the 66th National Day celebrations in Malaysia's administrative capital Putrajaya, on August 31, 2023. The country commemorates the independence of the Federation of Malaya from British rule in 1957.

6 Oct 2023

Johor By-elections: A Cautionary Tale For The Unity Government

Kevin Zhang

The recent by-elections in Johor are a shot across the bow for the Unity Government.

Malaysia Malaysian Elections Malaysian Politics

Anwar Ibrahim supporters hold Pakatan Harapan party flags as they celebrate Anwar swearing in as Prime Minister outside Istana Negara palace in Kuala Lumpur on 24 November 2022.

19 Sep 2023

Anwar’s Unity Government: Striding Forward or Just Moonwalking?

Francis E. Hutchinson

Anwar Ibrahim’s Unity Government has survived some stern electoral tests of late. But he has his work cut out going forward.

Malaysia Malaysian Elections Malaysian Politics

7 Sep 2023

PAS’ Over-confidence Might Be Its Undoing

James Chai

PAS appears to be riding a wave of confidence after its solid wins in the recent state elections. It should be more circumspect.

Malaysia Malaysian Elections

6 Sep 2023

Barisan Nasional and FELDA: A Depleted “Fixed Deposit”

Kevin Zhang

FELDA seats used to be a veritable vote bank for Barisan Nasional. This is no longer the case.

Malaysia Malaysian Elections

18 Aug 2023

Malaysia’s State Elections: Surprisingly Unremarkable

Kai Ostwald

Numerous interpretations have been offered for the recent state elections in Malaysia. They may offer some truth, but the results also conform with general expectations for a mid-term election that have little to do with the specifics of Malaysia.

Malaysia Malaysian Elections

17 Aug 2023

On the Horns of Anwar’s Twin Dilemmas

Khairy Jamaluddin

The results of the recent state elections in Malaysia were not unexpected. But the more important thing is Pakatan Harapan’s pursuit of the Malay vote, and what this portends for the coalition going into the next general election.

Malaysia Malaysian Elections