ARTICLES

29 Oct 2026

The ‘Malay Unity’ Narrative: A Bridge Too Far?”

Azmil Tayeb

Some Malays are warming to the idea of re-establishing Malay-Islamic unity to retain the privileged position of the race in Malaysia. Given political rivalries among Malay political parties, this might be a bridge too far.

30 Sep 2026

PAS’s Evolving International Engagement: From Islamism to Development Diplomacy?

Syaza Shukri|Norshahril Saat

Parti Islam Se-Malaysia’s (PAS) foreign policy outlook has evolved rather than fundamentally changed. While the party continues to prioritise global Islamic solidarity, governing experience has expanded its international engagement from ideological networks to state-led economic diplomacy.

Foreign Policy Malaysia Malaysian Politics Political Islam

30 Sep 2026

Can PAS “Sell” Its Technocratic Record?

Azmil Tayeb

Parti Islam SeMalaysia is trying to show voters that it has a record of solid governance. Its record, however, has been patchy.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics Political Islam

9 Sep 2026

Malaysia’s Progressive Islamic Party: Can Amanah Still Be Pakatan Harapan’s Counterweight to PAS?

Ooi Kok Hin

More than a decade since its formation, how far has Amanah challenged the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party, PAS, as a mass-party alternative?

Islam Malaysia Malaysian Politics Political Islam

23 Jun 2026

25 Years on, Vanguard Liberal Indonesian Muslim Activists are in Disarray

Ary Hermawan

Jaringan Islam Liberal’s absence of a clear ideological stance is diminishing the movement’s relevance for liberal Indonesians, even as JIL figures remain prominent.

Indonesia Indonesian Politics Islam Political Islam

17 Mar 2026

The Rise of Iran’s Third Rahbar, Mojtaba Khamenei, and Implications for Malaysia’s Shia Community

Mohd Faizal Musa

The ascension of Iran’s new Supreme Leader bears implications for the validity of his late father’s rulings and their faith’s adherents in this region.

Islam Malaysia Political Islam

22 Jul 2025

Mining Row Exposes Ideological and Generational Split Within Indonesia’s Nahdlatul Ulama

Ary Hermawan

Within Indonesia’s largest mass Muslim organisation, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), there is a deepening ideological and generational split over the elites’ decision to defend controversial mining activities.

Indonesia Islam Mining Political Islam

22 May 2025

Prime Minister Anwar’s Visit to Russia: Long on Pomp, Short on Outcomes

Ian Storey

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's recent visit to Russia was high on symbolism but low on substance.

Foreign Policy Malaysia MH17 Plane Crash Political Islam Russia Trade

30 Apr 2025

State-Level Empowerment of Sufism in Addressing the Salafi-Wahhabi Threat in Malaysia

Mohd Faizal Musa

Where does Islam in Malaysia stand regarding Sufi ideology and practice? Some states are making their stance clear in response to mixed signals from the top.

Islam Malaysia Political Islam

16 Aug 2024

PAS’ Contentious Contention: Non-Malay Voters Should Stay Home

Amrita Malhi

PAS has made the contention that it won the recent by-election in Sungai Bakap because non-Malay voters 'supported' the party by staying at home and not voting. To some, this beggars belief.

Malaysia Malaysian Elections Malaysian Politics Political Islam