Organizer: Malaysia Studies Programme at ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute

Type/Location: Hybrid / Singapore

Description:

The Anwar Ibrahim administration reached its two-year mark in November 2024. Coming to power in demanding and fluid circumstances, the Unity Government has managed to reconcile the demands of its many component parties and groupings.

With this in mind, this seminar will evaluate the Anwar administration’s first two years in power. After assessing the key measures and policies implemented by the Unity Government, it will explore the complexities of maintaining cohesion in a multi-party coalition by examining fissures within the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) as well as the ongoing tensions between two of its larger members, namely UMNO and the Democratic Action Party (DAP).

The discussion will then tackle external threats to the Unity Government, including the implications of the recent talks between the Islamist party, PAS, and UMNO, as well as broader political dynamics. Drawing on his popular podcast Keluar Sekejap, Khairy will highlight emerging trends gleaned from his interviews with key opinion leaders and policymakers. Finally, the seminar will look ahead to 2025, identifying significant milestones and inflection points for the Unity Government.

About the Speakers:

Khairy Jamaluddin is an Associate Senior Fellow at ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute. Previously, he served as Minister at Malaysia’s ministries of Youth and Sports, Science and Technology, and Health. He was also the Coordinating Minister for the Covid-19 Immunisation Programme. He was a three-term Member of Parliament and former Leader of UMNO Youth.

Registration Links:

To attend the event in person, please register here.

To attend the event online, please register here.