Blog
Trust, the bigger challenge for GE15 victors
Malaysia should not wait to become a full-fledged democracy to implement new forms of democratic participation, as such innovations would support the democratisation process. Elections are the crystallisation of political history: a moment in which one may see what...
Malaysia’s lack of debate culture – and need of it
Today, politicians need to adapt to a new game, and to new rules. Prime Minister Ismail Sabri recently declined Anwar Ibrahim’s invitation to debate with other party leaders. Ismail justified his stance by claiming that "debate is not in our culture". The prime...
Spotlight – Malaysia: October 25, 2022
Malaysia’s highly anticipated General Elections will be held on November 19, preceded by a 14-day campaign period. The Election Commission has set the candidates’ nomination day to November 5. Parties have just over a week to decide on seats and, more...
Spotlight – Malaysia: September 29, 2022
On the eve of a potential election in Malaysia, political parties are getting in order of battle. The exact date of the general election remains unclear, and it is not due until September 2023. However, recent cues indicate that Prime Minister Ismail Sabri...
The End of Kleptocracy in Malaysia?
Najib Razak, former prime minister of Malaysia, had his 12-year sentence for abuse of power and corruption upheld on August 23. It is the first time in the country’s history that a former prime minister has been sent to prison. Najib comes from a unique...
Spotlight – Malaysia: July 21, 2022
Parti Keadilan Rakyat held its 16th annual convention this weekend, confirming a major change in direction for the party. Keadilan’s inner politics have wide-ranging repercussions, as the party is the historical socle of Malaysia’s democratic opposition and has...
Spotlight – Malaysia: June 9, 2022
In late May, members of the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR, or Keadilan) led by Anwar Ibrahim elected their new leaders. Keadilan is the first party in Malaysia to have implemented a direct-democratic electoral system for party elections. This round, only 180,000...
Spotlight – Malaysia: April 26, 2022
The 1MDB case, the largest (known) financial scandal in Malaysia’s history, is taking another turn with accusations of corruption and conflicts of interest against Nazlan Ghazali, the judge who sentenced former prime minister Najib Razak. While the controversy...
Spotlight – Malaysia: March 31, 2022
While many observers expect Malaysia’s next general election to be held in July or August, parties’ negotiations have intensified over the possible creation of a new political configuration for the opposition. The question is what alliance would be sustainable?...
In Johor Election’s Wake, Malaysian Politics Stay Turbulent
In Malaysia, politics never sleep, and the first quarter of 2022 has revealed new plots and plans. The recent state election in Johor has given the upper hand to the former ruling coalition, Barisan Nasional (BN), led by the Malay nationalist party UMNO. BN had...