ARTICLES

8 Aug 2023

From the Fringes of Defeat: How UMNO President Zahid Hamidi Transformed His Vulnerability into Invincibility

James Chai

This Long Read examines the structural moves UMNO President Zahid Hamidi took to consolidate power within the party. It argues that these decisions are likely to disincentivise reforms, rejuvenation and change within UMNO, which may exacerbate its decline in electoral popularity.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

8 Aug 2023

Negeri Sembilan State Election: A Safe Bet for Anwar Administration?

Kevin Zhang

Negeri Sembilan is considered a safe ground for the Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional unity alliance. But friction in the coalition might emerge if UMNO has a good showing in the state.

4 Aug 2023

Sanusi’s Bully Pulpit Populism: Boon or Bane?

James Chai

In the run-up to the state elections in Kedah, Parti Islam SeMalaysia is touting a Trumpist-type politician. The approach is unconventional but explicable if one considers the party’s ambitions.

Malaysia Malaysian Elections Malaysian Politics

1 Aug 2023

Anwar Ibrahim Welcomes Abdul Somad to Putrajaya: What Gives?

Mohd Faizal Musa|Sharifah Afra Alatas

The Malaysian premier’s warm welcome to a controversial Indonesian preacher should have raised questions about the former’s commitment to moderate Islamic principles. That the visit did not cause more of a stir within Malaysian circles raises even more questions.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

31 Jul 2023

Malaysia’s 2023 Elections: A Coming Clash of Coalitions in Selangor

Khairy Jamaluddin

The upcoming state elections in Malaysia represent a referendum on the first eight months of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s ‘Unity Government’. This Long Read assesses possible scenarios for the election outcome in Selangor.

Malaysia Malaysian Elections Malaysian Politics

5 Jul 2023

Malaysia’s 2023 State Elections: So Much Fuss For So Little Work

Lee Hwok-Aun

Amid the political spectacle, Malaysia should critically consider the meagre roles and resources of state governments. The irony is that states, in following their own election cycles, end up augmenting federal dominance and disempowering themselves.

Malaysia Malaysian Elections Malaysian Politics

22 Jun 2023

Transparent Content Moderation the Key to Responsible Political Discourse

Harris Zainul

As Malaysia heads into six state elections, it is imperative for social media platforms to step up their game in moderating harmful content.

Malaysia Malaysian Elections Malaysian Politics

20 Jun 2023

Is Malaysia’s “Green Wave” More a Tsunami of Discontent?

Khairy Jamaluddin

In the run-up to elections in six states, Malaysia’s Prime Minister is seeking to improve his coalition’s electability among Malay voters. The crux of the issue is less about a ‘green wave’ sweeping across the country than a wider discontent over the lack of economic direction.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

19 Jun 2023

Malaysia’s Democracy in the Shadow of Hegemonic Rule

Kai Ostwald

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has long cultivated an image of himself as a reformist leader. His ability to effect change, however, is limited by the country’s legacy of hegemonic politics.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

25 May 2023

Malaysia’s First Unity Government Convention: The Art of Keeping Enemies Close

James Chai

Malaysia’s new Unity Government is in a state of consolidation and relative stability. The current unified coalition structure will stay in its current semi-permanent state, whereby it retains the trappings of a coalition without formalisation.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics