Malaysia’s progress in a gloomy global economy and contested political environment
Anwar Ibrahim celeberates his acquittal on January 9, 2012. The Malaysian opposition leader was acquitted in a surprise end to a politically-charged sodomy trial he has called a government bid to cripple his opposition ahead of upcoming polls. (Photo: AAP)

Author: Mahani Zainal Abidin, ISIS Malaysia

After stating in 2010 his vision to transform Malaysia, Prime Minister Najib’s task in 2011 was to turn vision into reality.

The Government Transformation Programme made some progress on this front, improving the delivery of some public services. A number of Economic Transformation Programme (ETP) projects also delivered higher private-sector investments and successful large property joint ventures between the government and the private sector, both of which helped revive the investment climate. Read more…

Creating community without a grand design
Defence Ministers and representatives from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) pose for a photo during the closing ceremony of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Defence Ministerial meeting in Nusa Dua on the Indonesian resort island of Bali on 24 October 2011. Indonesia hosted the ASEAN Defence Ministers meeting and retreat from 22 to 24 October. (Photo: AAP)

Author: Mahani Zainal Abidin, ISIS

Asian institutions for regional integration have proliferated since the 1998 financial crisis. They range from highly formal to very informal.

Most were not based on a grand design or mission but were responses to key issues. Some institutions evolved according to the needs of the market, and their final form owes much to pragmatism and flexibility. Read more…

Malaysia: A new way forward?
Smoke floats in the air after a six-minute fireworks show during the New Year celebrations at the landmark Patronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur on January 1, 2011. (Photo: AAP).

Author: Mahani Zainal Abidin, ISIS

After taking office in April 2009, Prime Minister Najib Razak consolidated his position in 2010 as he introduced plans to transform the economy and the public sector.

Najib’s popularity was further bolstered by Malaysia’s robust economic performance and a foreign policy that saw relations with key countries improve rapidly. Read more…

The next step up for a Southeast Asian power
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Authors: Mahani Zainal Abidin and Steven Wong, ISIS

For all the hype about industrial development, technology and markets, there are not many countries in the world that have experienced rapid development on a sustained basis after the Second World War. Malaysia is one such exception. But now it has reached an inflection point where the country must step up to become an advanced economy with an inclusive society and a mature democracy.

When Malaysia gained independence its main assets were its rubber plantations and tin mines, and much was still owned by foreign companies. Read more…

Economic and political developments in Malaysia: new players new game?
Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib Razak smiles at the APEC Summit in Singapore, on November 14, 2009. (Photo: Reuters)

Author: Mahani Zainal Abidin, ISIS

There were two big game-changing events in Malaysia in 2009. Dato Sri Najib Razak became the country’s sixth prime minister and the economy was hit by the global crisis.

Malaysia avoided financial meltdown in the current crisis because of the financial reforms it made after the 1998 Asian Crisis. But the decrease in export demand drove the economy into recession. Read more…