ARTICLES

8 Apr 2025

Prayer and Prejudice: Marginalisation of Malaysian Hindus

Sharifah Afra Alatas

The current Unity Government in Malaysia needs to take stronger action against individuals who upset the country’s delicate multi-religious fabric.

7 Apr 2025

The Two-Term Limit on Prime Ministerial Tenures: Timely and Tantalising

Francis E. Hutchinson

PM Anwar Ibrahim supports a term limit on Malaysia’s premiership. Momentum for reform under his administration has been limited, and such a measure would rekindle support among the urban electorate. If Anwar spearheads the change, few may begrudge him a bid for a second term.

Malaysia Malaysian Elections Malaysian Politics

2 Apr 2025

Malaysia’s DAP in the Post-Lim Era: Fighting Demographic Realities

Adib Zalkapli

Malaysia’s Chinese-dominated Democratic Action Party has made inroads as a multi-racial political party. But demographic and political realities will conscribe progress.

Ethnic Malaysia Malaysian Politics Race Relations

17 Mar 2025

Malaysia’s Evolving Monarchy: Adaptation and Expansion Amid Uncertainty

Kai Ostwald

The monarchy in Malaysia has in recent years expanded its influence and agency. At the same time, expectations of the institution have also evolved.

Malaysia Malaysian Monarchy Malaysian Politics

10 Mar 2025

Malaysia Raises Minimum Wage but Most Workers Still Lack Bargaining Power

Lee Hwok-Aun

Minimum wage will uplift the lowest-paid workers but the state of labour markets and unions hinders wage growth for the majority.

Malaysia Malaysian Economy Malaysian Politics

6 Mar 2025

Malaysian Youth: Mixed Views on Clean Governance Amid Stability

Syaza Shukri

An ISEAS survey appears to indicate that Malaysian youth have taken concerns about corruption in their stride.

Corruption Malaysia Malaysian Politics Youth

28 Feb 2025

The Resurgent Role of the Monarchy in Malaysia

Shad Saleem Faruqi

The influence of Malaysia’s monarchy has waxed and waned over time, influenced by the relative power and legitimacy of the country’s elected leaders. Since 2020, the power of the monarchy has increased due to the contested authority and unsure parliamentary majority of the last three prime ministers.

Malaysia Malaysian Monarchy Malaysian Politics

31 Jan 2025

Malaysia’s Bumiputera Transformation 2035 Needs Rigour, Fairness and Self-Awareness

Lee Hwok-Aun

The Anwar administration’s PuTERA35 transformation plan for the next decade underscores the prevailing socioeconomic gaps in the Bumiputera community’s participation, capability, and ownership. Whether the community makes the long-desired breakthroughs will hinge on rigorous policy formulation, coordination, and execution.

Civil Society Malaysia Malaysian Economy Malaysian Politics

24 Jan 2025

Public Caning in Terengganu: Full Implementation of Sharia Law in Malaysia?

Mohd Faizal Musa

An unprecedented public caning in Terengganu could pave the way for similar punishments in other states. This could lead to the full implementation of Syariah law.

Islam Malaysia Malaysian Politics

23 Jan 2025

The Ahlus Sunnah (or Salafist) Movement in Perlis: What is Madani’s Stand?

Mohd Faizal Musa

A convention of Salafist Muslims will meet this weekend in Perlis, Malaysia. This raises questions about how allowing this branch of religious practice and ideology sits with the federal government’s stance on a moderate vision for Islam in Malaysia.

Islam Malaysia Malaysian Politics