Communalism and confusion: towards a clarification of terms in the study of Malaysian politics

The article discusses two terms including communal and communalism which are widely used in academic studies of the political process in Malaysia. The Democratic Action Party (DAP) is the principal opposition party of Malaysia and without it communal politics would not arise. Another political party called Partai Sosialis Rakyat Malaysia considers Barisan Nasional, DAP, and… Continue reading Communalism and confusion: towards a clarification of terms in the study of Malaysian politics

The Troubled Birth Of Malaysia

The article focuses on the troubled birth of Malaysia. The Federation of Malaysia is scheduled to come into existence on August 31 of this year by the merger of the existing Federation of Malaya with Singapore, the British colonies of Sarawak and North Borneo and the British-protected Sultanate of Brunei, thus forming a crescent well… Continue reading The Troubled Birth Of Malaysia

Davutoglu’s Paradigm, Winkel’s Epistemé and Political Science in Malaysia

Husserlian phenomenology and its terminology are utilised to justify the sociology of Islam and its essentialist response through the course of transcultural exchanges and sedimentation with the irreconcilable weltanshauung of the West. At the same time, the issue of structure and reliable knowledge is considered through the difficult relationship between revivalist religion and state politics… Continue reading Davutoglu’s Paradigm, Winkel’s Epistemé and Political Science in Malaysia

Explaining Islam’s Special Position and the Politic of Islam in Malaysia

The article seeks to explain how Islam and the forces behind it achieved such a position since its arrival during the Malay sultanate period and until 2007. It seeks to describe the interplay of various forces, such as the Malay rulers as the head of the religion, the constitutions and various federal and state laws,… Continue reading Explaining Islam’s Special Position and the Politic of Islam in Malaysia

Communicating Amok in Malaysia

This article analyzes the different messages communicated in Malaysia by violent acts labeled amok. In the colonial period, English language uses of the term represented the presence of an anti-modern remnant among the peninsula’s Malay population, one that led to a medico-legal understanding of individualized violence. Malay-language uses of amok represented, in contrast, the presence… Continue reading Communicating Amok in Malaysia

Early Polls Result In Political Instability

The article reports on the political uncertainty faced by Malaysia after the ruling Barisan Nasional party suffered its worst result in general elections on March 8, 2008. The country’s short- and long-term political ratings remain unchanged for the time being, but may be subject to downward revisions if political conflict continues. Barisan Nasional lost in… Continue reading Early Polls Result In Political Instability

Dangers of democracy

The author discusses the results of the 2008 election in the country of Malaysia. The ruling political party led by Abdullah Badawi retained control of parliament but with a significantly reduced majority, the author reports. The social policies of the opposition coalition led by Anwar Ibrahim are examined. Source: New Statesman; 3/17/2008, Vol. 137 Issue… Continue reading Dangers of democracy

Electoral Corruption – Irregularities or Inadequate Laws?

The papers argues that violations of the freeness and fairness in elections should be viewed beyond legally-defined irregularities and encompassing the inadequacy or excess in laws that lead to such violations. It assesses the 2004 general election from three aspects, vote options, vote choice and electoral administration.  Publication: 4th International Malaysian Studies Conference; 3-5 August… Continue reading Electoral Corruption – Irregularities or Inadequate Laws?