by Sophie Lemière | Aug 1, 2025 | Blog, Featured, Opinion Pieces
There is a profound, almost paradoxical, power in former Malaysian Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad issuing warnings about the trajectory of Western democracy. PARIS: This month, as Dr Mahathir Mohamad marks his 100th year, the world contemplates not just longevity,... 
by Sophie Lemière | Jul 30, 2025 | Blog, Opinion Pieces
Mahathir reshaped Malaysia’s politics and modernized its economy. He is also the source of many of the contradictions that continue to define the country today. Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, who turned 100 on July 10, stands as a political titan who casts a long shadow over... 
by Sophie Lemière | Dec 6, 2023 | Blog, Featured
Photo: Rohd Rasfan/ Getty Image The first year of Anwar Ibrahim’s government has been a shaky one, pressured by elections in six states and a ferocious pro-Malay opposition. The Pakatan Harapan (PH)-Barisan Nasional (BN) alliance is a mismatch, and its movements are... by Sophie Lemière | Apr 24, 2023 | Blog, Featured, Opinion Pieces
Photo: Rohd Rasfan/ Getty Image Now that the first 100 days of Anwar Ibrahim’s government are over, the democratic path that the iconic leader of the Reformasi movement had promised to set the country on remains extremely sinuous. Stuck between his allies in the... by Sophie Lemière | Dec 7, 2022 | Blog, Opinion Pieces
Photo: MOHD RASFAN/AFP/Getty Images (CSIS) Malaysia has seen a long series of political surprises since the GE15 polling day on November 19. The political fatigue that many Malaysians (and observers) suffered in the run-up to the election did not translate into...