Old Malaysian Issues Are New, Again
Published on Feb 6, 2014 by Luke Hunt
Malaysia’s inability to settle longstanding issues that go to the core of the country’s make-up, following last year’s controversial election, is leading to a fresh crisis within a government found badly wanting over its ability to deal with race and creed, the economy and leadership of the country.Central to the latest bout of unrest is former autocratic Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad. His persistent dabbling in politics and his own United Malays National Organization (UMNO) through firebrand Islamic nationalists has sullied relations within his own ranks.Read more from Luke Hunt in The Diplomat..
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Brunei is First East Asian State to Adopt Sharia Law
Published on Oct 25, 2013 by Luke Hunt
This week, Brunei made waves across Southeast Asia when Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah announced that he would move his nation towards implementing Islamic Sharia law into its national penal code. The Sultan has ruled Brunei since 1967 and possesses absolute executive authority as head of state. While Sharia had previously existed in Brunei in the form of an Islamic court, its role was mainly restricted to dealing with family law and disputes.Read more from Ankit Panda at The Diplomat..
Malaysian PM Shores-Up Support
Published on Oct 22, 2013 by Luke Hunt
Internal elections within the United Malays National Organization (UMNO) have resulted in Prime Minister Najib Razak shoring-up his support base amid increased competition from old party stalwarts and despite a poor showing at the May national poll.Among those who attempted to stamp themselves as potential future leaders were Mukhriz Mahathir, 48. The son of Malaysia’s longest serving leader Mahathir Mohammad, his political maneuvers have been widely viewed as an attempt protect his father’s controversial legacy.Read more from Luke Hunt in The Diplomat..
Brunei Caps Off a Solid Year at ASEAN’s Helm
Published on Oct 12, 2013 by Luke Hunt
The ASEAN Summit ended in Brunei on a high note with leaders of the 10-nation trading bloc striking the right note with China over conflicting territorial claims in the South China Sea and reaching an agreement on how best to combat the dreaded haze and promises to forge deeper ties.Read more from Luke Hunt in The Diplomat. .
Malaysian PM Warns of the Battle for Islam
Published on Oct 1, 2013 by Luke Hunt
Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has had a difficult time since narrowly winning controversial elections in May. Equally, the country’s foreign policy has proven myopic with dubious forays into the Muslim rebellions in the Southern Philippines and Southern Thailand.Read more from Luke Hunt in The Diplomat..