MALAYSIA: As outbreak fears gradually recede, political knives are drawn
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 […]
MALAYSIA: PM Yassin makes a political bet with early quarantine lifting
● 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 […]
CHINA/SOUTHEAST ASIA: Territorial dispute not an immediate risk
● Reports of more activity in the disputed maritime zones in the South China Sea do not signal an immediate increase in risk. ● China may be opportunistically taking advantage of distracted governments. ● However, China’s relationship with Southeast Asia is set to become mo… Become a member to read the rest of this […]
MALAYSIA: A bumpy road ahead for the new PM
● 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
● 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
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
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