Blog
Malaysia’s political pendulum has already swung back to Umno. Is Muhyiddin next?
The country has a new prime minister in Ismail Sabri, but its cabinet is mostly the same as Muhyiddin’s – signalling a return to conservative Malay politics The former premier’s position heading the National Recovery Council is another sign of his survival instinct....
As ‘pandemic premier’ Muhyiddin survives yet again, what’s next for him – and Malaysia?
The prime minister is still the prime minister even after royal rebukes, opposition protests, youth demonstrations and a loss of support While many believe Muhyiddin’s days at the helm are numbered, Mahathir’s reinvention shows political memories are short. Can the...
Spotlight – Malaysia: August 5, 2021
Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has found his way out of another major political storm and maintains his power, at least until the next Parliament session in September. At that time he will call for a confidence vote, as announced today. Malaysian politics has gone...
In Malaysia and Tunisia alike, young democracies are being destabilised by dysfunctional leadership
In Malaysia, the state of emergency appears to be coming to an end, as announced last week during a special session of parliament In Tunisia, the turmoil may be just beginning after President Kais Saied’s recent power grab, which critics have described as a coup...
Is Muhyiddin Unstoppable?
Since he took power in March 2020, Malaysian prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin has faced several attempts to topple his government by opposition leaders Anwar Ibrahim and former premier Mahathir Mohamad. Earlier this year, acting upon the prime minister’s advice,...
In Malaysia’s constant crisis, conditions are perfect for Muhyiddin the politician
Covid-19 is untamed, Mahathir is circling, there are rumbles of royal discontent and he has a razor thin majority in parliament. Yet despite his rocky boat, the prime minister is maintaining his course Not only have people underestimated Muhyiddin Yassin, but he has...
Spotlight – Malaysia: June 10, 2021
Malaysia entered its third Movement Control Order (MCO) on June 1. Slated to last until June 14, MCO 3.0 may be renewed for an additional two weeks. If the lockdown is not renewed, Malaysia will enter a six-week period of dialing restrictions back to pre-MCO 3.0...
As Malaysia confronts rape culture in schools, conservative norms are being scrutinised
A Malaysian student last month posted a video reporting one of her teachers telling students: ‘If you want to rape someone make sure they are over 18’ Rather than the consequences of Islamic conservatism, the controversy is a symptom of a global culture of gendered...
Amid Malaysia’s political chaos, is the country’s king carving out a new place for himself?
Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah has had to make an unprecedented number of decisions this year, amid a global pandemic and the manoeuvres of political parties While his statements and actions are seen by some as contradictory to the king’s constitutional role, it...
Anwar Ibrahim’s prophecy of power could come true at last. But for Malaysia, it might be better if it didn’t
As the Malaysian democracy icon prepares to meet the country’s king on Tuesday, anticipation is growing that he might finally become PM History shows such an upset is possible, yet the compromises it would involve could dash any hopes of democratic reform and cause...