Bridget Welsh

Light and darkness: Reflections on KT

Light and darkness: Reflections on KT

analysis The by-election points to endemic problems in BN, which are only likely to continue as the blame game has begun.
KT by-election: Tomorrow will tell

KT by-election: Tomorrow will tell

analysis PAS has the advantage, but BN has been cutting into the contest over the last days of the campaign.
Five hungry ghosts in Permatang Pauh

Five hungry ghosts in Permatang Pauh

analysis The campaigning in this ‘mother of all by-elections’ is haunted by five hungry ghosts.
Who can PAS trust?

Who can PAS trust?

pas party logo analysis Can the party trust Anwar Ibrahim? The main issues raised among delegates included his leadership style, his record in government, his character and his Islamic credentials.
Growing pains in PAS

Growing pains in PAS

hadi awang pas analysis Every Islamist party faces the challenge of moderation, the challenge of reflecting a national constituency of supporters seeking inclusive better governance rather than exclusionary religious theocracy.
Nargis Cyclone aftermath - Hope survives

Nargis Cyclone aftermath - Hope survives

Amidst the misery in the aftermath of the Nargis Cyclone, there is hope. New relationships have formed.
Election post-mortem: Top 10 factors

Election post-mortem: Top 10 factors

analysis Based on following the campaign and the generosity of ordinary people and political elites sharing their views, here are my top 10 reasons for the outcome.
Heated competition in Malay heartland

Heated competition in Malay heartland

analysis The battle lines in both Kelantan and Terengganu are clearly drawn. The stakes are high. The next 12 hours will be crucial as hometown voters return to both states.

Limited electoral fight in East Malaysia

Limited electoral fight in East Malaysia

analysis With 57 seats, 25.6% of the parliament, it is likely that the opposition will only pick up at most a handful of seats in Sabah and Sarawak.
Some dents in southern BN strongholds

Some dents in southern BN strongholds

analysis The southern states of Negri Sembilan, Johor, Melaka and Pahang have been safely in the BN's hands. This round - it is likely that they will remain so.
Winning over urban voters in Klang Valley

Winning over urban voters in Klang Valley

analysis Despite the attention that the campaign is generating, the reality is that the urban battle is an extremely difficult one for the opposition to win.
High stakes in Penang

High stakes in Penang

analysis Penang is the battleground where all key contesting parties - Gerakan, DAP, PKR and Umno - will be facing their acid test.
America's proud Obama moment

America's proud Obama moment

new For new voters, Senator Barack Obama is inspiring, and his candidacy prompts a belief in a better and more inclusive future.

Sticky weather in Kelantan

Sticky weather in Kelantan

Will PAS leaders be able to overcome the obstacles of internal divisions and inter-opposition wrangling?
Wolfowitz no longer a credible voice

Wolfowitz no longer a credible voice

Higher education crisis deepening?

Higher education crisis deepening?

The dismissal of P Ramasamy illustrates how deep the problems are within the system of higher education and the prime minister's own appointees are apparently part of the problem.
The fog of freedom

The fog of freedom

A tattered reputation, alienating endemic nationalism and an economy teetering on the brink of disaster. Happy Fourth of July, America!
Winds of change in PAS?

Winds of change in PAS?

The structural changes are significant but the election of 'pragmatists' does not decisively signal an ideological change in the direction of the party beyond an apparent greater openness to dialogue.
Higher education in crisis?

Higher education in crisis?

Edmund Terrence Gomez's resignation is part of a broader developing pattern within public universities in Malaysia.
Postcard from Disasterville, USA

Postcard from Disasterville, USA

The results of the US election reflected a growing culture of fear and ignorance in American society. Democrats must now do some serious soul searching if they are to achieve change in four years.
Malaysia in transition, Part 2

Malaysia in transition, Part 2

The 'Abdullah years' in Malaysia's administration and politics will be keenly watched for leadership style and acumen. Inevitably, there will be comparison with the combative 'Mahathir years' that draw to a close on Friday.
Malaysia in transition, Part 1

Malaysia in transition, Part 1

Any leader who intends to manage Malaysia will have to keep the political elite happy, rein in ethnic tensions and deliver financial security. The first of a two-part article focuses on factionalism in Umno.