ARTICLES

22 Oct 2021

The Twelfth Malaysia Plan: Time for a Reset?

Lee Hwok-Aun

The 12th Malaysia Plan, a key planning document for the country's development, has been expedited through Parliament with no debate. The process of formulating the plan needs a reset.

20 Oct 2021

Reform of Parliament: Lessons from 2020-2021

Shad Saleem Faruqi

Despite its key role in Malaysia’s governance, Parliament has been in abeyance for much of 2020 and 2021. Reform of the law and practice of Parliament are necessary to give effect to the constitutional provisions on Parliament’s functions and to enhance Parliament’s institutional efficacy.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

12 Oct 2021

Malacca’s Political Crisis: A Microcosm of Fragmented Malay Political Alignments

Norshahril Saat

The collapse of the UMNO-led state government in Malacca throws up many questions about the ensuing feud between UMNO and Bersatu.

Bersatu Malaysia Malaysian Politics UMNO

5 Oct 2021

Idris Ahmad: Not Your Ordinary Religious Affairs Minister

Mohd Faizal Musa

The appointment of PAS ideologue Idris Ahmad as Malaysia’s new religious affairs minister provides the Islamist party significant latitude to advance its ideological agenda.

Islam Islamic State Malaysia Malaysian Politics

24 Sep 2021

Transforming Malaysia’s Elephant in The Room: Conflict, Consensus or Cop Out?

Lee Hwok-Aun

The growing demand for policies that promote participation and diversity reflect Malaysian society’s advancement and sophistication, and call for broadened attention to identity-based policies for Bumiputeras, indigenous groups, Indians, women and other beneficiaries, rather than abolition of ‘race-based’ policies.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

14 Sep 2021

Malaysia’s #Kitajagakita Invigorates Political Activism and Tackles Apathy

Clarissa Ai Ling Lee

A new political movement driven by the grassroots is gaining momentum in Malaysia. Centred on the hashtag #kitajagakita, it embodies ordinary citizens’ responses to crises without political interference and red tape.

COVID-19 Malaysia Malaysian Politics

31 Aug 2021

Malaysia’s New Cabinet: Same-Same, Minus the Buzz

Francis E. Hutchinson

The new Malaysian cabinet looks very similar to that of its Perikatan Nasional predecessor. By seeking to ensure continuity, new prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob has sacrificed the new administration’s honeymoon period. It needs to generate some inspiring ideas.

Bersatu Malaysia Malaysian Politics UMNO

30 Aug 2021

Resetting the Security Sector in Malaysia

Liew Chin Tong

Given the pressing domestic and external challenges that Malaysia is facing, it is high time for a refreshed National Security Council that will be able to coordinate policy at the highest level.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics Security UMNO

25 Aug 2021

Malaysia’s New PM: Bi-partisanship is Good, Non-partisanship Even Better

Lee Hwok-Aun

Malaysia’s new prime minister has called for public demonstrations of unity as the country goes through a difficult time of the Covid-19 pandemic and economic hardship. The country needs less a bi-partisan front and more a competent, dedicated and accountable administration.

COVID-19 Malaysia Malaysian Politics