ARTICLES

16 May 2024

The Risks and Perceived Rewards of Rising Revivalist Populism in Malaysia

Syaza Shukri

The unhelpful antics of a particular populist politician in Malaysia reflect the dangers of playing up differences when a country needs unity.

17 Apr 2024

Bersatu’s Unending Crisis: No End in Sight

James Chai

Parti Pribumi Malaysia Bersatu is going through a vulnerable period, with defections by members and leadership tussles.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

28 Mar 2024

Can Bersatu Go It Alone?

Azmil Tayeb

This Long Read assesses Bersatu’s prospects for going it alone in the event that Perikatan Nasional (PN) implodes. It argues that its best chance lies in winning seats that used to be UMNO strongholds but are now under PN.

Malaysia Malaysian Elections Malaysian Politics

15 Mar 2024

Turmoils and Triumphs: The Political Tapestry of Taib Mahmud’s Reign

Lee Poh Onn

Taib Mahmud was a shrewd political operator, but his legacy is not free of controversy.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics Southeast Asia

11 Mar 2024

Yusfarizal Yussoff’s “Deplorable Mention”: A Man to Watch

Mohd Faizal Musa

Yusfarizal Yussoff was given a “deplorable mention” by Federal Court justices last month. The career of the up-and-coming lawyer from Parti Islam SeMalaysia needs to be watched closely.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics Political Islam

7 Mar 2024

Anwar’s Year at the Helm: Economic Leadership in Turbulent Times

Cassey Lee

Anwar Ibrahim’s ratings have been sliding as Malaysia’s economic concerns continue to mount. But the prime minister should not be blamed entirely.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

7 Mar 2024

Malaysia’s Public Service Pensions: Will to Reform, Without A Roadmap

Lee Hwok-Aun

Malaysia has announced that future public service recruits will retire on accumulated Employee Provident Fund savings instead of the current, popular pension scheme. Before proceeding, the Anwar Ibrahim administration must clarify the fiscal situation and attendant reforms needed.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

22 Feb 2024

Sharia versus Shariatisation in Malaysia: Which One Will Triumph?

Syaza Shukri|Norshahril Saat

Parti Islam SeMalaysia has protested against a Federal Court ruling decision which ruled that sharia-related laws in Kelantan were unconstitutional. Its actions underscore a long-running struggle between sharia and shariatisation.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics Religion

7 Feb 2024

PAS’ Efforts to Attract Non-Muslims: An Exercise in Futility?

Mohd Faizal Musa

PAS has stated that it needs to redouble its efforts to win non-Muslim support. However, its exclusivist stance on many policy issues remains a significant impediment.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

6 Feb 2024

The Evil, Stupid and Arrogant in Malaysian Politics: Who is Jadong?

Sharifah Afra Alatas|Norshahril Saat

A leading opposition figure in Malaysia has resorted to firing deprecatory epithets at the administration led by Anwar Ibrahim. The reality is that that the Malay portmanteau “jadong” could apply to politicians of all stripes.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics