ARTICLES

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.

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

19 May 2023

Why Malaysia’s Unity Government Will (Probably) Survive

Kai Ostwald

Malaysia has seen four changes in government since 2018. Its 15th general election resulted in a grand-coalition government comprising former arch rivals. Will this new government be equally short-lived? This Long Read examines the reasons why Anwar Ibrahim’s Unity Government may be more stable than one would think.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

16 May 2023

Defining Tests for UMNO, Anwar and the Unity Government

Khairy Jamaluddin

Fulcrum editor Dr Lee Hwok Aun and Dr Francis Hutchinson, both Senior Fellows at ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute, speak with Khairy Jamaluddin on a broad range of Malaysian political and policy issues. Six months after the 15th general election, UMNO, Prime Minister Anwar, and the unity government are each facing distinct challenges that will test their ability to reform, govern, contest state elections, and sustain the ruling coalition. Khairy is a Visiting Senior Fellow at ISEAS, and was three-time member of Malaysia’s parliament representing Rembau. He has served as Minister of Youth and Sports; Science, Technology and Innovation; and Health.

Dialogues at Fulcrum Malaysia Malaysian Politics

26 Apr 2023

Where to Grow From Here? MUDA’s Struggles in Muar, and Beyond

Kevin Zhang|James Chai

MUDA, a youth-based party in Malaysia, seeks greater recognition from Pakatan Harapan. However, the recent general election outcome in Muar, MUDA’s sole parliament win, shows the limits of the party’s traction, notably among Malay youth.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics