ARTICLES

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.

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

23 Jan 2025

Najib Dilemma Sows Discord in Malaysia’s Unity Government

Adib Zalkapli

Najib Razak’s bid to serve the balance of his jail term at home has brought together two erstwhile political partners and threatens the stability of the Unity Government.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

16 Jan 2025

Najib Razak’s ‘House Arrest’: Royal Addendum Raises Riveting Questions for Malaysia

Shad Saleem Faruqi

On the power of pardon, there is a wide gap between what Malaysia’s Constitution provides and what the courts interpret the law to be.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics Najib Razak

14 Jan 2025

After Langkasuka Project Failure, Sanusi Takes Another Punt at Penang

Amrita Malhi

Kedah’s Chief Minister Sanusi Nor has sought to blame his state’s current financial woes on historical wrongs that need to be righted. But he has other motivations too.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics