Malaysia

Malaysia’s highly anticipated 15th General Election (GE15) on 19 November 2022, originally intended as a way to end the prolonged political instability over the last two and a half years, had resulted in everything but that for the initial few days. There was no clear resolution – until the King stepped in issuing a call for a unity government. The PH, BN and GPS coalitions ultimately came together to form a federal government, and on Thursday 24 November, Malaysia’s 10th Prime Minister was appointed and sworn in: Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Undoubtedly, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed many things everywhere in the world. For better or worse, it has altered the social and economic aspects of life in unprecedented ways. But it has also allowed the time and space for nature to take a breather and heal - presenting us with inspiration and the opportunity to build back better. But if there is one conundrum that remains ever-present in the life of an urban Malaysian, it would be the insufferable traffic congestion. It did not only persist; it intensified.

Only Sajat, a successful entrepreneur and social media influencer in Malaysia, has been targeted by the government and the public for years - mostly because of her gender identity.

A brief report of Women’s Tribunal Malaysia, an inclusive public online forum, gathering 26 women from diverse backgrounds to offer testimonies on the discrimination they face in various aspects of their lives – with a spotlight on three fronts. Activists and lawyers acting as informal advocates and judges then offered recommended next steps to best effect change.

It is never a dull day in Malaysian politics, but there seems to be a brief pause – for the time being. Malaysia has therefore seen three federal governments over a period of two years, with tremendous upheaval in between. This piece unpacks the political developments over the last two years in its various phases, and ends with examining the country’s future political outlook.

The Sea Warriors’ Market, a local initiative which strengthens fishermen incomes, has been severely interrupted by coronavirus, and people have little choice but to be resilient and creative in adjusting to their challenging circumstances.  

World Environment Day is an apt moment for humanity to reflect on its relationship with the environment and what can be done to restore natural ecosystems. This article looks into Malaysia’s commitment to ecosystem restoration.

The internet we have today has become as real as any social spaces we occupy in-person. So much of our lives are integrated digitally now and opting out of the digital space is no longer a choice for us. Today, to be online is to exist and to be seen.

Migrant workers amidst the pandemic in the Global South have gone through the same experience as those who are displaced. The health crisis has brought the plight of migrant workers to another level, in what it is considered here as ‘abandonment’.