Showing 1 - 10 of 26
Anwar Ibrahim's quiet triumph in Malaysia
Oped, Published on 07/11/2023
» The path from political prisoner to political power is by no means well-trodden, but those who have made the arduous journey in recent decades include luminaries such as Nelson Mandela, Jawaharlal Nehru, Aung San Suu Kyi, Michelle Bachelet, and Vaclav Havel. To this august group must be added Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who, after nine years in prison, is now showing the same zeal as Mandela did for institutional and economic reform rooted in democratic values.
Malaysian polls see Islamist surge
News, Published on 23/11/2022
» Malaysia's election has not immediately resulted in a new government, but it has produced an instant winner -- political Islam.
Elections and old ties grip SE Asia
News, Editorial, Published on 23/10/2022
» The Southeast Asian region is entering election mode -- starting with the upcoming snap election in Malaysia next month, followed by the national election next year in Thailand, which is tentatively set for May, and Cambodia's poll in July.
Jailing Najib is a win for Malaysia
News, Daniel Moss, Published on 25/08/2022
» Let's hear it for Malaysia. Something unimaginable just a few years ago has transpired. A former prime minister, the scion of a prominent political dynasty who retained a strong grassroots following as a top lawmaker, has been sentenced to prison. His fall is a tonic, however brief, for a country whose politics in recent years have been marred by rancor, cynicism and a revolving door of weak governments.
Marcos victory no surprise
News, Editorial, Published on 15/05/2022
» This week saw the people of the Philippines elect the son and namesake of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos to power -- paving the way for the return of the Marcos clan into the halls of Malacanang Palace some 36 years after they were chased out of it during the People's Power Revolution.
Coronavirus and democracy in Southeast Asia
Oped, Published on 01/04/2020
» In Southeast Asia, as the health crisis escalates and countries go into different variations of a lockdown, it is affording regimes with authoritarian tendencies the opportunity to suppress political expression, enforce strict obedience and consolidate their rule. Unless this is called out and actions taken to address these measures, a post-Covid-19 Southeast Asia will put democracy on the backfoot in the region.
Mahathir: How old is too old to be a world leader?
News, Published on 09/07/2018
» A year ago, at the advanced age of 92, ex-Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad announced he would fight in the Malaysian general elections, this time leading the opposition. If successful, he could be the next Prime Minister of Malaysia once again. How extraordinary.
Malaysia poll redraws the landscape
News, Published on 27/05/2018
» On May 9, Malaysia's political canvas was redrawn with a single election. By returning the 92-year-old Mahathir Mohamad to the job of prime minister, voters ended 61 years of uninterrupted rule by the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO). Within days, the ousted incumbent, Najib Razak, was under investigation for corruption, and the long-jailed opposition leader, Anwar Ibrahim, was back in politics.
'New Malaysia' can be a catalyst for region
News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 22/05/2018
» The recent Malaysian political tsunami will endow the country with more equality among different races and render positive impacts for the rest of the region and beyond.
Malaysia gets second chance to prosper and thrive
News, Gwynne Dyer, Published on 16/05/2018
» Mahathir Mohamad was always a curious character. He was prime minister of Malaysia for 22 years, and although he did not enrich himself many of his cronies did very well from corrupt practices that he did little to curb.