The Indian PM’s visit to Malaysia was hardly a case of a foreign premier visiting a foreign land; it was more akin to a visit by a long-gone relative, coming home to say hello, observes Farish Noor. Continue reading »
Nov 062010
Jul 222010
Power must be devolved, decision-making must be decentralised, and development funds must be shared all the way down, asserts Francis Loh.
Nov 202009
In our cover story, Sheridan Mahavera explores federal-state relations in relation to Sarawak and Sabah. The people of these two states have to believe that there is hope, not only for change through the ballot box but for a better shared destiny between east and west Malaysia.
Sheridan follows up by interviewing political economist Andrew Aeria, who speaks frankly about the divide between east and west and suggests what can be done to overcome it.
Nov 142009
The Prime Minister has been touting his 1Malaysia slogan. But can we co-exist as one when irreversible damage has been done, wonders Fathol Zaman Bukhari.
Jun 182009
Farish Noor discusses race relations and sectarian politics in Malaysia.
Jun 202008
As the posturings over federal-state relations intensify, BN Members of Parliament from Sabah and Sarawak have seized the opportunity to flex their electoral muscles. Despite their differences with one another, it is significant that the various BN Sabah component parties are speaking with a single voice on their set of demands. Francis Loh observes that Malaysia’s federalism is undergoing restructuring from a centralised system to a more decentralised model that could consolidate our democracy.
Jun 072008
These are exciting times for Malaysia. Following the political tsunami, many analysts have discussed the new political landscape in the country. One crucial area, however, has not received enough attention: the changing dynamics of federal-state relations.
Francis Loh addresses this deficit with a cover story that traces the factors that have contributed towards Malaysia’s centralised federal system. This system is now under pressure with the new march towards decentralisation and good governance.
Mar 302007
Inter-religious relations meanwhile have taken a turn for the worse, and a resourceful Zaharom Nain decides to take the matter up at the highest levels – in a manner of speaking. But no, not another open letter to the Prime Minister – but one addressed to God…
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