ARTICLES

Malaysia unveiled its New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP 2030) on 1 September. The plan aspires to chart Malaysia’s industrial transformation from 2023 till 2030. Compared to previous plans, the latest master plan is ambitious, with the incorporation of action plans and a focus on implementation.

12 Sep 2023

Malaysia’s New Industrial Master Plan: Clear-Eyed on Implementation

Tham Siew Yean

Malaysia newest industrial master plan has a stronger focus on deliverables, with a focus on action plans and the monitoring of implementation.

29 Aug 2023

Anwar’s Tried and Failed Strategy to Woo Malay Voters

Azmil Tayeb

Anwar’s gambit to out-Islamise his Islamist political opponents has failed to gain traction. He should stop offering a “lite” version of his opponents’ Islamist agenda and tout a more progressive and inclusive narrative.

Identity Politics Malaysia Malaysian Politics

22 Aug 2023

Anwar’s Sidestepping Ethnic Policies: Not a Way to Gain Ground

Lee Hwok-Aun

The Unity government concedes that the status quo of ethnic quotas in Malaysia cannot be changed. They are easily tarred by PN as meek and ambivalent toward Malay interests, and simultaneously disappoint non-Malays who nonetheless vote for them because PN is viewed as a worse alternative.

Affirmative Action Malaysia Malaysian Politics

11 Aug 2023

Populism, Pietism and Pragmatism in the Kedah State Election

Azmil Tayeb

Whether the unlikely partnership of Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional can wrest Kedah from Perikatan Nasional would require an extraordinary alignment of the stars.

Malaysia Malaysian Elections Malaysian Politics

10 Aug 2023

Will Anwar’s “Madani Economy” Narrative Strengthen His Economic Leadership?

Cassey Lee

The “Madani Economy” narrative launched on 27 July hopes to project a stronger public image of Prime and Finance Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s economic leadership. It should be seen as an interim economic policy framework of the Unity government inspired by the Madani concept.

Malaysia Malaysian Economy Malaysian Politics

10 Aug 2023

A Material Election: Will Malaysians Vote with Their Wallets?

Lee Hwok-Aun

Electoral campaigns in the run-up to Malaysia’s six state elections on 12 August are spinning economic success stories to tug heartstrings, but the electorate will surely reference their lived experience as they cast ballots.

Malaysia Malaysian Elections Malaysian Politics

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.

Malaysia Malaysian Elections Malaysian Politics

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