by Sophie Lemière | Nov 13, 2023 | Blog, Opinion Pieces
The Malaysian government’s Budget 2024 was adopted this month. At a size of 393.8 billion ringgit (or approximately $83.3 billion), the budget is the largest to be tabled in the country’s history. This includes a record high RM303.8 billion for operating... by Sophie Lemière | Oct 5, 2023 | Blog, Opinion Pieces
In November 2022, Anwar Ibrahim, leader of the democratic movement Reformasi, finally became prime minister of Malaysia. At 75, Anwar spent 8 years of a 20-year struggle in prison for “sexual offenses”—accusations he claimed to be politically motivated. His... by Sophie Lemière | Jul 3, 2023 | Blog, Opinion Pieces
With six state assemblies dissolved in advance of elections to be held within the next couple of months, the ruling and opposition coalitions are in order of battle. The Negeri Sembilan assembly was dissolved on July 1, the Kedah, Terengganu, and Penang assemblies... by Sophie Lemière | Jun 19, 2023 | Blog, Opinion Pieces
In his attempts to mollify Malay nationalists and Islamic conservatives, Anwar risks alienating his liberal and multi-ethnic support base. Malaysia has long been portrayed as a peaceful mosaic of cultures and a fascinating example of Arab, South, and Southeast... by Sophie Lemière | Apr 24, 2023 | Blog, Opinion Pieces
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 United Malays National Organisation...