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MALAYSIA: Yassin may see opening to call elections

Former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad and People’s Justice Party (PKR) leader Anwar Ibrahim have over the past few days hardened their respective positions on becoming the opposition’s candidate for prime minister. Each one insists, seemingly more doggedly with each passing day,…   Become a member to read the rest of this article Username or E-mail […]

MALAYSIA/THAILAND: Possible effects of tighter rules for migrant workers

MALAYSIA/THAILAND: Possible effects of tighter rules for migrant workers | Speevr

Fears of international transmission are likely to cause both countries to tighten rules on foreign worker flows and working conditions. Short-term effects could include production disruptions that become more pronounced as economic activities pick up, as well as reputational…   Become a member to read the rest of this article

MALAYSIA: Muhyiddin lives another (unconvincing) day

MALAYSIA: Muhyiddin lives another (unconvincing) day | Speevr

Parliament held its first parliamentary session under the government of Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin on Monday, 18 May, and as expected it avoided hearing the no-confidence motion of former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad. Yassin had ordered the House Speaker to immediately adjourn the session to 13 July after the king’s opening message. But while the […]

MALAYSIA: As outbreak fears gradually recede, political knives are drawn

MALAYSIA: As outbreak fears gradually recede, political knives are drawn | Speevr

On 18 May, parliament will meet for the first time under the new government of Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin. The agenda of the one-day sitting is to hear the message of the king for its new session and to hold discussions on the government’s response to the Covid-19 outbreak. …   Become a member to […]

ASIA: The politics of coronavirus – Weekly update

ASIA: The politics of coronavirus – Weekly update | Speevr

Below is the latest edition of our weekly Asia coronavirus update. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you want to discuss any of the countries mentioned in more detail. Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s 4 May decision to extend Japan’s nationwide state of emergency until 3…   Become a member to read the […]

MALAYSIA: PM Yassin makes a political bet with early quarantine lifting

MALAYSIA: PM Yassin makes a political bet with early quarantine lifting | Speevr

● Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin eased quarantine restrictions more than a week ahead of schedule. ● Nine out of thirteen states have refused to comply fully, either maintaining some restrictions or staying with the original 12 May target. ● The prime minister may be wager…   Become a member to read the rest of this […]

MALAYSIA: A bumpy road ahead for the new PM

MALAYSIA: A bumpy road ahead for the new PM | Speevr

● Prime Minister Muyhiddin Yassin may delay reconvening parliament because of a threatened no-confidence vote from former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad. ● The social and political divisions along ethnic and religious lines will worsen, possibly causing some protests and, ove…   Become a member to read the rest of this article

MALAYSIA: Scenarios for next week

MALAYSIA: Scenarios for next week | Speevr

● Former PM-in-waiting Anwar Ibrahim appears boxed in, even though he has the largest number of MPs on his side. ● Interim Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad appears to have miscalculated his leverage. ● Muhyiddin Yassin, president of former government coalition partner Bersat…   Become a member to read the rest of this article

MALAYSIA: A reshaping of the landscape, in Mahathir’s favor

MALAYSIA: A reshaping of the landscape, in Mahathir’s favor | Speevr

Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad resigned on Monday, ostensibly to prevent a parliamentary coup. The question of what the next government will look like remains up in the air and the timeline of Anwar’s succession is still in question. The political horizon for policymak…   Become a member to read the rest of this article

MALAYSIA: Mahathir’s gamble on rare earths

MALAYSIA: Mahathir’s gamble on rare earths | Speevr

On Thursday, 30 January, Australian mining firm Lynas announced that the Malaysian state of Pahang had approved the location of its permanent waste disposal facility, complying with one of the Malaysian government’s key conditions for its continued operation in the country. The L…   Become a member to read the rest of this article