ARTICLES

5 Jul 2022

The Paradox of Malaysia’s Lowering of Voting Age – Expanded Enfranchisement Devalued by More Unequal Representation

James Chai

In Malaysia, the Barisan Nasional had long benefited from its dominance over the smaller rural constituencies, winning more seats even if they performed poorly in the larger, under-represented urban constituencies. CA2019 aggravates this phenomenon because the new young voters tend to be located in the urban areas.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

10 Jun 2022

Bigger Constituencies, Lesser Political Clout

James Chai

An opposition MP’s decision not to contest in his mega-sized constituency come the next general election has thrown up a longstanding irony in Malaysian politics: bigger seats are increasingly disenfranchised.

3 Jun 2022

Ismail Sabri Charting His Own Course

Norshahril Saat

Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaacob appears to be holding his own, despite pressure from his party colleagues to hold a general election soon.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

31 May 2022

UMNO’s Constitutional Amendment: A Done Deal?

Francis E. Hutchinson

Pending approval from the government, UMNO’s Supreme Council can now delay elections for up to 18 months from a full three-year term or 6 months after a general election — whichever is later. The rationale is that this would allow the party to overcome any internal divisions arising during the polls and focus its energies on the next general election.

Malaysia Malaysian Elections Malaysian Politics

30 May 2022

Malaysia’s GE15: When Race-Based Policies Might Trump Rice-Bowl Promises

Lee Hwok-Aun

Months away from Malaysia’s general election, little separates the ruling coalition and the opposition in terms of ‘rice bowl’ economic policies. The vote winner lies elsewhere: Malays value general pledges on jobs and social services, but they are wary of parties that make no commitment to pro-Malay policies.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

27 Apr 2022

Social Media Discourse in Malaysia on the Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Rationales for Pro-Russia Sentiments

Benjamin Y.H. Loh|Munira Mustaffa

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Malaysia’s social media has been abuzz with discussions on the conflict, with different groups expressing both condemnation and support for Russia. This paper examines pro-Russian sentiments and unpacks them for possible explanations for why such views prevail amongst Malaysians.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics Online Misinformation Ukraine

26 Apr 2022

The ‘Malay Protector’ Debate: Spirited But Short on Substance

Lee Hwok-Aun

Half of all Malaysians and 81 per cent of Malays deem ‘Malay special rights and privileges’ a ‘core feature’ of Malaysian society. Many Malays are anxious about ‘fair competition’, but perhaps encouragingly from the perspective of reform, there are indications of openness to change.

Identity Politics Malaysia Malaysian Politics

21 Apr 2022

Credit UMNO for the Rakyat’s Benefits? More Serious Accounting Needed

Kevin Zhang|Lee Hwok-Aun

UMNO and Prime Minister Ismail Sabri are hoping to take credit for recent announcements on hiking the minimum wage and allowing special withdrawals from retirement savings, but the devil is in the details.

Malaysia Malaysian Economy Malaysian Politics

19 Apr 2022

The Malaysian Opposition’s ‘Big Tent’ Strategy: A Misreading of Election History

James Chai

The Malaysian Opposition would do well to reconsider its calls for a ‘Big Tent’ strategy. A closer look at voting patterns in recent Malaysian elections raises questions about their assumption that a united opposition would secure an electoral victory against BN.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

5 Apr 2022

Bahasa Melayu as ASEAN’s Second Language: Sekali Lagi Tak Boleh

Joanne Lin

Malaysia has again proposed making Malay a working language of ASEAN, but this proposal is likely to be a non-starter as ASEAN wrestles with more pressing crises.

ASEAN Malaysia Malaysian Politics