Author: Ernest Z. Bower, CSIS

Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak is clearly gaining momentum in areas he can control, such as economic reform and international relations. His biggest challenge, however, will likely be reform of the political culture of his ruling party, the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), and the coalition it leads, Barisan Nasional (BN). The party and coalition will be tested later this month in the Hulu Selangor by-election.

In truth, the stakes are not as high as with earlier by-elections. Najib has taken control of his government and has made significant headway toward economic revival with his National Economic Model (NEM), pursuing big fish in his push for greater transparency (the Malaysian Anticorruption Commission is questioning a minister in his cabinet, sending a clear message).

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Author: Ernest Bower, CSIS

While the United States is unquestionably a Pacific power, it lacks a comprehensive Asia strategy. In fact, the US approach to Asia has focused primarily on Northeast Asia – Japan, China and South and North Korea. Appropriately, significant focus has also been given to India in the last five years.

But since the end of the Vietnam War, American focus on Southeast Asia has been episodic and crisis driven. While the US has a substantial reservoir of strength in the region, US policy has failed to connect the dots and develop them into a rational and well articulated strategy. Read more…

Author: Ernest Z. Bower, CSIS

For anyone watching Malaysian politics over the last five years, the message is clear – people want their political system to move on to represent a modern Malaysia and more sophisticated electorate. The old ways and anachronistic political structures, as well as some of the personalities that have become inextricably identified with those structures, are being encouraged by fed-up voters to make way for new politics.

This week has seen the start of the second trial of former Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the opposition Pakatan Rakyat Party (PKR), Anwar Ibrahim. Read more…