ARTICLES

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.

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

29 Mar 2022

Johor’s Menteri Besar Surprise: Poster Boy Makes Way For King’s Man

Francis E. Hutchinson

The appointment of a relatively junior assemblyman to be Johor’s Menteri Besar is curious. But there are deeper undercurrents at work.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

29 Mar 2022

Custody Woes: PAS’ Calls for the ‘Desecularisation’ of Malaysian Law

Mohd Faizal Musa|Faris Ridzuan

Malaysia’s Islamists and conservatives, led by PAS, are challenging the country’s legal system, calling for the ‘desecularisation’ of Malaysian law in cases involving religious conversions.

Islamic State Malaysia Malaysian Politics Political Islam

22 Mar 2022

UMNO Assembly Puts Prime Minister’s Back to the Wall

Norshahril Saat

It was all sweetness and light at the recent general assembly of the United Malays National Organisation. But there is more than meets the eye.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

21 Mar 2022

Another Win for Barisan Nasional: Now To Prove Their Worth

Serina Rahman

With its victory in the Johor State elections, Barisan Nasional has won two state elections at a trot in four months. The run-up to election day was somewhat subdued, but the stakes are high, as the coalition rues its chances in the coming general elections.

Malaysia Malaysian Elections Malaysian Politics