Malaysia

China’s nine-dash line proves stranger than fiction
China’s nine-dash line proves stranger than fiction
Vietnam recently banned the film Uncharted from domestic distribution due to a scene depicting an “illegal image” of China’s infamous “nine-dash line”. This is not the first time…
Stiffening the ASEAN spine in the South China Sea
Stiffening the ASEAN spine in the South China Sea
“Coalition” is one of those politically loaded terms that the sovereignty-conscious member-states of ASEAN tend to avoid – especially in dealing with disputed claims in the South…
Malaysia – and no Southeast Asian nation – should be bullied by China
Malaysia – and no Southeast Asian nation – should be bullied by China
Earlier this month, 16 Chinese military transport aircraft were sighted a little more than 100 kilometres off the coast of the East Malaysian state of Sarawak. The Royal Malaysian…
Malaysia’s political turmoil has an economic cost
Malaysia’s political turmoil has an economic cost
Political dysfunction is rarely a good thing. It is especially unhelpful during a pandemic and recession. Unfortunately, all three are currently playing out in Malaysia. …
North Korea and Malaysia’s predictable diplomatic divorce
North Korea and Malaysia’s predictable diplomatic divorce
Last Friday, North Korea severed diplomatic relations with Malaysia. In turn Malaysia gave the North Koreans 48 hours to leave the country. By Sunday, the North Korean embassy was…
Resisting uncertainty, Malaysia is finding itself
Resisting uncertainty, Malaysia is finding itself
Malaysia is in a quandary, desperately trying to figure out how to resolve political and economic questions. The fragmentation of the Malaysian market for votes is at a point it…
Favourites of 2020: Minister of Finance Incorporated
Favourites of 2020: Minister of Finance Incorporated
An end-of-year series as the Lowy Institute staff and Interpreter contributors offer their favourite books, articles, films or TV programs this year. Watch for more…
In Malaysia’s Covid “infodemic”, crime is all too easy
In Malaysia’s Covid “infodemic”, crime is all too easy
In Malaysia earlier this month, it was reported a woman had been nabbed by the police for spreading false information relating to a supermarket closure in the northern state of…
As Pakistan and Saudi Arabia drift apart, China moves in
As Pakistan and Saudi Arabia drift apart, China moves in
Pakistan­–Saudi Arabia relations are at a historically low ebb. In November 2018, Saudi Arabia announced a US$6.2 billion loan package for cash-strapped Pakistan. The package…
The Najib verdict and the test of Malaysia’s institutions
The Najib verdict and the test of Malaysia’s institutions
Last week saw Najib Razak become Malaysia’s first former premier to be convicted in court – an unenviable title in anyone’s book. Facing seven charges of money laundering, abuse…