Ong Kian Ming and Oon Yeoh

No matter how one tries to spin it, the results were an unmitigated disaster for the government.

The option of joining Pakatan might seem like a good ideological fit but would leave Gerakan in an even weaker position politically.

Arresting him is the best way to generate sympathy and headlines for Anwar domestically as well as internationally.

Has Anwar Ibrahim neglected some of his other, arguably more important duties, to the detriment of himself and Pakatan Rakyat?

Although there is public disgust at the behaviour of certain politicians, the level of interest in Malaysian politics has never been higher.

This is not the first – and we are sure it won't be the last – time that he has flirted with the long arms of the law with his provocative web postings.

PAS is definitely a stronger party with a much more extensive grassroots network compared to PKR. Yet, it has had to play second fiddle to PKR.

The stunning move by the Sabah-based Sapp hurts PM Abdullah more than it helps Anwar Ibrahim.

What is the likelihood that he will be able to keep his promises? What would the political fallout if he fails to live up to them?

It is sad that there is currently no structure within the public service that can fully utilize the skills and smarts of JPA scholars.

Why this sudden increase in the non-Malay quota? What are some of the political implications arising from this policy change?

Had Pak Lah done more to stamp out corruption and fulfill many of the promises he made in 2004, the public would be more forgiving.

We take a cautious view that Pakatan would actually fare even better in a new election than it did in the last one. Here’s why.

analysis What happens if enough MPs actually cross over and Anwar calls for a vote of no confidence or directly requests the king to recognise him as the new PM?

Abdullah needs to ensure that this talk of Ketuanan Melayu does not escalate or he'll risk further alienating an already frustrated MCA, Gerakan and MIC

These rumours didn't appear out of nowhere. Since the March 8 elections, Umno has been reaching out to PAS, ostensibly to discuss issues concerning ‘Malay unity’.

Realpolitik Podcast Two questions are relevant in regard to whether Anwar can be trusted. Firstly, is he a changed man? Secondly, does this even matter?

Realpolitik Podcast Anwar is no angel nor is he a saint. When he was in Umno, he was guilty of doing many of the things he now criticises.

It's not difficult to imagine the toll it would take on Umno and people close to him, once Dr M decides to really play dirty.

He had risked it all in his battles against the royalty, against the judiciary and against Anwar Ibrahim. But this time, the stakes are higher than ever before.

analysis His strategy is to undermine Abdullah’s leadership by painting him as a weak leader who is not capable to unify Umno.

Even if Karpal vehemently denies that he is anti-royalty, his actions will undoubtedly be interpreted as such among the Malays.

How will Pakatan seek to form the next government? Who will be PM? And how will BN respond to such a scenario?

analysis There is now a real possibility that the process might get started with several – perhaps 15 to 20 – Sabah MPs defecting.