Razak Ahmad

But a global downturn could derail the government's deficit reduction plans next year.

ANALYSIS By repealing or changing the security laws, Najib faces resistance from influential conservatives.

The following are possible scenarios on the timing of the next polls, which is not due until 2013, and the implications for reforms.

Najib may curb the home minister's powers and reduce the period of initial imprisonment.

ANALYSIS A raid on a church by Muslim authorities has raised religious tension and could cost PM much-needed votes.

 

ANALYSIS Young voters are increasingly critical of the government’s censoring of reports that find fault with its policies.

ANALYSIS As wages rise and job opportunities open up in Jakarta, many Indonesian foreign workers now want to go home.

'If American Idol can help their contestants develop as singers, our show aims to help Muslim women develop as Islamic preachers.'

The BN efforts to woo PAS to join its camp have gained traction of late as Anwar fights allegations of sodomy and extra-marital sex.

Increase in power tariffs and possible similar move on fuel make any chance of an early general election extremely slim.

Necessary structural economic changes such as further scaling back fuel subsidies and reforming the NEP would be relegated in Najib's list of priorities for now, say analysts.

Here are a couple of scenarios for how the Sarawak polls could play out nationally.

ANALYSIS A nationwide tour by the premier, a Cabinet reshuffle and an election budget is the likely prelude for snap polls.

ANALYSIS Strong wins in recent local polls and a recovering economy have opened a window for Najib to call early elections.

The country's first female Islamic court judges are set to take office but women's rights activists aren't cheering yet.

Many of the reforms will have to wait until he secures a strong win in the next GE.

Recent reversal of government decisions are fuelling talk Najib may be readying for a snap election.

ANALYSIS A growing assertiveness by majority Malay Muslim population are putting the brakes on the Najib's reform agenda.

Analysts say a strong government win in Sibu could embolden Najib to call for state-wide elections in Sarawak by the end of this year, followed soon after by general elections.

Mahathir has urged Prime Minister Najib to forge ahead with pledged reforms.

Malaysia is considering proposals to end its subsidy regime as it begins dismantling a four-decade race-based economic system that has deterred foreign investment.

The government's recent decision to hold back on fiscal reforms have fuelled talks that snap polls are around the corner.

The caning of three women under Islamic law is the latest move by the government to woo conservative Muslims.

ANALYSIS Anwar Ibrahim heads for trial on a charge of sodomy, placing the courts under scrutiny again after his doubtful conviction for the same offence almost a decade ago.