Malaysia’s last general election, in November 2022, concluded with a somewhat paradoxical outcome: in addition to electing long-time opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim and his Pakatan Harapan coalition, it also delivered the Islamist party PAS more federal seats than any other single party in parliament. Since then, some local and international observers in academic, think tank, … Read more
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim yesterday announced a major cabinet reshuffle, amid growing public discontent around the state of the Malaysian economy. Speaking during a televised press conference, Anwar, who also serves as finance minister, said that he would increase the size of the cabinet to 60 ministers and deputies, up from 55 previously, in … Read more
Advertisement In the run-up to state elections last month, Malaysia’s ruling Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition blocked access to four pro-opposition media sites, a stark reversal of policy for the coalition that toppled Malaysia’s authoritarian regime in 2018 and helped Malaysia become the most democratic country in Southeast Asia, according to The Economist. But in the … Read more
Advertisement In Malaysia’s six state elections earlier this month, the right-wing Malay-Muslim coalition, Perikatan Nasional (PN), maintained the substantial momentum that it gained at the general election in November 2022. The polls saw PN’s influence solidify across the Malay-majority states, bolstering its control in Kelantan, Terengganu, and Kedah, while also making inroads into Pakatan Harapan … Read more
Motorcyclists pass by campaign flags ahead of the state election in Gombak, on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Aug. 9, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Vincent Thian Advertisement Just nine months after the formation of the federal government in November 2022, Malaysia’s political parties are deep in another round of heated electoral battle in six states: … Read more
Advertisement On August 12, Malaysian voters in six of the country’s 13 states will go to the polls to elect new state assemblies. The elections figure as a referendum on the leadership of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and a stress-test for his “unity” government, nine months after his appointment following a close-run general election. Bridget … Read more
ASEAN Beat | Politics | Southeast Asia The six state polls, especially those in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan, shape as a crucial political test for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s Pakatan Harapan coalition. Advertisement Malaysia’s Election Commission has announced the nomination and polling dates for six state elections that are a significant political test for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim since … Read more