Asian Insider: Malaysia Edition helps you connect the dots on the biggest stories playing out in Malaysia every week. Sign up here to get the newsletter in your inbox.
Malaysia’s opposition Perikatan Nasional (PN) has generally had a rough time since coming off a high from the August 2023 state elections, where it made advances across the six states that held polls and threatened to undermine the stability of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s government of disparate allies.
Not only has Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia, which leads PN, suffered a raft of defections to support the ruling government, its chief Muhyiddin Yassin has had the graft case against him reinstated on appeal.
Nevertheless, Bersatu fired a broadside at the Pakatan Harapan-led administration, daring it to hold by-elections for the seven seats currently held by the defectors, in line with the spirit of the anti-party hopping law that was strongly backed by PM Anwar’s coalition. If accepted, the challenge could prove embarrassing for the prime minister’s so-called unity government as it could potentially lose in all seven seats which are PN strongholds.
Also, read our analysis on the heated contest for Islamic leadership that is unfolding between PN’s Parti Islam SeMalaysia and the Malay rulers, who are constitutional heads of the religion.
Turning to economics and business, we delve deeper into Malaysia’s brain drain problem and explore the growing market for luxury retirement homes in the Klang Valley.
Follow ST’s coverage as we continue to bring you the latest developments.
Battle for Islamic leadership hots up between PAS and Malaysia’s royals
The Malay rulers are revered as guardians of Islam and Malay culture, but their influence in public affairs is under scrutiny.
Opposition leader Muhyiddin dares Anwar to vacate seats of Bersatu defectors
Mr Anwar said the onus to vacate the seats lies with the defectors, not with his administration.
Ageing in style: Luxury retirement homes on the rise in Malaysia
Tackle low wages, lack of quality investments to stem Malaysia’s brain drain: Analysts
Over 80% of Malaysians working in Singapore and Brunei fall into the skilled and semi-skilled categories.
Bears, frogs, Power Rangers: Mascots greet kids on first day of school
Dissent after Malaysia emerges as possible Commonwealth Games host
The Commonwealth Games Federation is scrambling to find a host after Australia's Victoria state pulled out.
