‘Progressive’ or Conservative? Malaysia’s Rising Politician, Nushi Mahfodz
Mohd Faizal Musa
Nushi Mahfodz appears to be a ‘progressive’ in the ranks of Parti Islam SeMalaysia politicians. But he might not be as progressive as some think.

Mohd Faizal Musa
Nushi Mahfodz appears to be a ‘progressive’ in the ranks of Parti Islam SeMalaysia politicians. But he might not be as progressive as some think.
Mohd Faizal Musa
Abdullah Badawi was a moderate Muslim leader who reached out to Malaysia’s Shia community at a time when they came under legalised discrimination.
Arnold Puyok
The Sabah mining scandal involving one of the parties in Malaysia’s ruling coalition undermines PM Anwar’s anti-corruption stance but the party’s current weakness could give Anwar the leverage to reshape Sabah politics.
Francis E. Hutchinson|Tricia Yeoh
Abdullah Badawi’s brand melded the best of two worlds, namely rising living standards and technological ambition minus the angst and aggression of the Mahathir period.
Shad Saleem Faruqi
This Long Read outlines the position of Islam in Malaysia’s Constitution and the applicability of the Shariah courts, particularly in respect of criminal offences.
Norshahril Saat
Former Malaysian PM Abdullah Badawi’s signature Islam Hadhari project aimed to promote progressive Islam but faded after his tenure due mainly to lack of support from religious circles.
Amrita Malhi
After the Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) “Green Wave” of 2022-23, a wide range of Malaysian political actors believed that Anwar Ibrahim’s Madani federal government would not act to counter its narratives. Instead, Anwar’s forces have signalled that they would only check PAS using “administrative” tactics, and only in selected battles and arenas. As a result, PAS holds the narrative advantage. It is free to experiment and is ramping up its use of new and existing cultural assets to burnish its messages.
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.
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.
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.