Loopholes in Malaysia’s Anti-Defection Law
Shad Saleem Faruqi
The Sheraton Move of 2020 saw the collapse of a coalition government. A 2022 anti-hopping law has some utility, but it is ridden with some loopholes.

Shad Saleem Faruqi
The Sheraton Move of 2020 saw the collapse of a coalition government. A 2022 anti-hopping law has some utility, but it is ridden with some loopholes.
Nuurrianti Jalli|Khairy Jamaluddin
Malaysia’s democratic foundations face critical challenges in the digital age, with racially charged polarisation and the proliferation of disinformation during election campaigns posing significant threats to electoral integrity. This Long Read proposes policy recommendations, including establishing an independent fact-checking body, investing in AI-powered fact-checking tools, developing country-specific AI governance guidelines, and introducing comprehensive media and information literacy education.
Adib Zalkapli
The Democratic Action Party’s key role in rallying Chinese voters in a Johor recent by-election augurs well for future cooperation between Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional.
Tricia Yeoh
A new move by four PAS-controlled states to form a joint company is brilliant if seen from the lens of political consolidation.
Francis E. Hutchinson
The Democratic Action Party’s recent election underscored that it struggles with reconciling personalities as well as different priorities between generations and its national leadership and local grassroots.
Arnold Puyok
Sabah’s political landscape is notably fluid and polarised, characterised by frequent changes in government and deep divisions along territorial, ethnic, party, and personality lines. Critical issues for the upcoming state election (to be held by December 2025) include economic development disparities, infrastructure challenges, and the contentious Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) debate.
Amrita Malhi
Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional’s victory in the Nenggiri by-election highlights both their strengths and weaknesses.
Ian Storey
Anwar Ibrahim does have legitimate reasons to carry out his first-ever visit to Russia. By doing so, however, he leaves himself open to criticism.
Ong Kian Ming
The Malaysian Prime Minister’s recent overseas interactions have raised questions about whether he is pursuing a foreign policy strategy in his country’s best interests.
Syaza Shukri
The Green Wave in Malaysia might have subsided somewhat but it is still alive.