Malaysia

As opposition leader, Anwar promised a "new dawn" of reforms—anti-corruption, human rights, and principled foreign policy.

Anwar Ibrahim is renowned for his out-of-the-box thinking, which has kept him politically resilient in Malaysia despite the many formidable challenges he has faced throughout his career. His political journey took a dramatic turn in 1998, when he was abruptly dismissed from his post and subsequently jailed. This shocking episode ignited the Reformasi movement—a grassroots […]

In a complex political drama unfolding in Malaysia, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, once a global symbol of democratic reform, now faces accusations of using anti-corruption investigations to settle old scores. Nearly two years into his premiership, which began in November 2022, Anwar’s government is under scrutiny for allegedly weaponizing the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) against […]

Malaysia’s new multiracial Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim may have to douse the flames of PAS’s threat to “Muslims going to hell if you vote Pakatan Harapan (PH).” As the leader of PH, the ruling party now, Anwar’s top priority will be stopping the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) from inciting violence against ‘kafir harbi’ (enemies of […]

Is Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob concerned that the floods announced by the local meteorological department will jeopardise the general elections? Let us see some headlines in a leading mainstream newspaper in Malaysia: Oct 25 2022, GE15: Govt prepared should it flood during polls, says Ismail Sabri Nov 6 2022, GE15: Up to EC […]

The right to determine Parliament’s dissolution date is the prerogative of the prime minister, said de facto law minister Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar. He added, however, that the decision to dissolve Parliament rests with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong giving his consent. “Since Malaya achieved its independence in 1957, the prime minister has never […]

A 45-year-old man, who allegedly sold his 10-year-old daughter to a friend for sexual activities, has been further remanded for seven days to assist with the investigation. The father, who is now the first suspect, was previously remanded for five days from September 28. Magistrate Zaiton Anuar extended the remand order until October 10. The […]

Istana Negara has reportedly denied a visit by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob to call on the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to dissolve the Parliament. News portal Free Malaysia Today quoted the Comptroller of the Royal Household Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin as denying the matter, with the King currently in Singapore. “[It’s] fake news. Tuanku […]

Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin said the date for the 15th general election remain undecided and will be left to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob. Leaving the party’s supreme council meeting tonight, the Kinabatangan lawmaker further said the Malay nationalist party would retain the Muafakat Nasional pact with PAS. “The […]

After the unexpected change in government following the 14th general election, a slew senior politicians and their family members were prosecuted on charges ranging from corruption to money laundering and abuse. While some have come to or are nearing their conclusion, others remain at various stages before the courts. With the 15th general election rumoured […]

The date of the 14th Parliament’s dissolution, which will pave the way for the 15th general election, may be decided tonight when ruling party Umno’s supreme council meets. Citing unnamed sources, news portal The Malaysian Insight reported November as a possible date for polls. “Parliament will be dissolved by the second week of October and […]

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept. 26 — Despite the government’s lifting of the face mask mandate, many Malaysians still prefer to keep their masks on indoors. A visit to Mid Valley Megamall and neighbouring Bangsar saw that the majority of shoppers – with the exception of some younger individuals and foreigners – still wearing face masks. “I […]

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept. 27 — In a growing wave of protest, more and more Malaysians have joined in the call to stop the Control of Tobacco Product and Smoking Bill 2022’s Generational End Game (GEG). Many businesses, entrepreneurs, consumers, lawyers and even politicians are worried about the implications of the GEG and petition platform Malaysia […]

Kuala Lampur, Sept. 26 — Last week I had the privilege of speaking to AA who has struggled for many years with depression and suicidal thoughts. In fact, on the night of September 17, he pinned a suicide note on Twitter (later deleted). I and many others tried to contact him, and about five to […]