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Malaysia
Malaysia’s LGBTQ Activists Deal With the Fall-out From The 1975’s Botched Performance
By Robin Vochelet
In addition to alienating foreign acts from Malaysia, the band’s controversial performance failed to elevate the conversation on LGBTQ rights in the country beyond "white saviorism."
How Serious Is Malaysia About a Clean Energy Transition?
By James Guild
Anwar Ibrahim's government has announced an ambitious transition plan, but it will take some effort to wean the country off fossil fuels.
China’s Digital Silk Road and Malaysia’s Technological Neutrality
By Ilaria Carrozza and Giacomo Bruni
Like other nations in Asia and Africa, Malaysia has shown considerable agency in navigating the tech war between the United States and China.
This Week in Asia: August 18, 2023
The Diplomat’s weekly video round-up of Asia news.
The Rise and Rise of Malaysia’s Nationalist Right-Wing
By Aizat Shamsuddin
This month's state elections saw broad electoral gains for the Malay nationalist PN coalition, the result of years of far-right rhetoric and organizing.
Former Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin Acquitted of 4 Graft Charges
By Eileen Ng
Muhyiddin’s legal victory came just days after his Malay nationalist Perikatan Nasional (PN) bloc further expanded its influence during fiercely contested state elections.
Relief for Malaysian PM Anwar, as Opposition Fails to Alter Status Quo in State Elections
By Eileen Ng
In Saturday's six state elections, Anwar's government and the Malay nationalist opposition each retained control of three states.
Malaysia’s State Elections Are Not a Litmus Test for PM Anwar’s Unity Government
By Rahul Mishra
Less than a year since the last general election, the country's political parties are gearing up for another round of electoral battle across six states.
Malaysia Threatens Prison for Possession of LGBTQ-Themed Swatch Watches
By Sebastian Strangio
The ban comes in the midst of a conservative culture war that has targeted the country's gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community.
Malaysia Readies for State Polls That Will Test PM Anwar
By Sebastian Strangio
Ahead of the August 12 elections, the country remains highly politically polarized along ethnic lines.
Why Malaysia’s Government Had to Prosecute Muhammad Sanusi for Sedition
By Aizat Shamsuddin
For years, the caretaker chief minister of Kedah state and his party have whipped up Malay grievances that threaten to undermine the country's ethnic and social cohesion.
Malaysia Announces Investigation Into Disappearance of Myanmar Activist
By Sebastian Strangio
Thuzar Maung was reportedly abducted from her Kuala Lumpur residence on July 4, along with her husband and three children.