by Sophie Lemière | Dec 21, 2022 | Blog, Opinion Pieces
The democratic icon’s path to prime minister has been tortuous and long. But is Malaysia’s pluralism slipping away precisely when Anwar is getting his shot to lead the nation? In 1998, Anwar Ibrahim was the icon of the reformasi movement, the largest democratic... by Sophie Lemière | Dec 7, 2022 | Blog, Opinion Pieces
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 abstention, with over 70 percent voter... by Sophie Lemière | Dec 6, 2022 | Blog, Opinion Pieces
For his government to survive, Umno needs to pacify the hearts and souls of the Malays, ‘mission impossible’ in a context where PN leaders have openly declared themselves as the government-in-waiting. “Kabinet Anwar: the whole country kena... by Sophie Lemière | Nov 25, 2022 | Blog, Opinion Pieces
Standing on a podium, in front of the tower erected in his name, Mahathir is giving what will end up being the last campaign speech of his career. Tun Mahathir Mohamad, nicknamed Tun M or Dr. M, is the poster boy for the Malay conservative party Pejuang, which he... by Sophie Lemière | Nov 16, 2022 | Blog, Opinion Pieces
In this electoral race, it seems that no candidate is emerging as the clear winner. For over six decades, Umno has claimed to be the righteous defender of Malay interests. Umno, and Islamist party PAS, are the country’s oldest political entities, having been...