Articles

• 2026

In this rage-bait culture, the hidden cost of hate speech is more than meets the eye.

• 2026

A prologue to IMAN Research’s report on Malaysian Chinese youth, their identities, views and aspirations.

• 2026

Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz sends oil price to US$104, threatening Malaysia’s trade-dependent economy and its diplomatic neutrality.

• 2026

Israel’s strikes on Tehran force Malaysia to choose between essential US trade and its deep-rooted ties to the Islamic world.

• 2026

A collaboration between Versa and stratsea on the sentiments of Malaysian youths towards the Madani Government.

• 2026

ASEAN must evolve from a mere “coworking space” into a disciplined rule-shaper to secure long-term geopolitical influence.

• 2026

This report is based on a focused group discussion to assess Russia’s post-2022 pivot to Asia through the lenses of defense cooperation, energy diplomacy, institutional participation, and soft power outreach.

• admin
• 2025

Sabah’s Chinese voters swung to Warisan in the 2025 state election, leading to DAP’s complete wipeout.

• admin
• 2025

A collaboration between Versa and stratsea on Malaysians yearning for mental health support.

• Dina Zaman
• 2025

The controversy around Kuda Kepang reflects the Malay anxiety about urbanisation, economics and the erosion of traditional identity.

• Aira Azhari
• 2025

Pushing for a Political Financing Act and formula-based CDFs is key to fighting political corruption.

• Dr. Murni Wan Mohd Nor
• 2025

In Southeast Asia, circular agriculture builds climate resilience and strengthens livelihood by recycling resources and integrating farm systems.

• Nurhuda Ramli
• 2025

The Federal Court’s ruling in favour of SIS Forum (Malaysia) sparked a wave of backlash. Responses from state and Islamist.

• admin
• 2025

Imperial power reimagined by Distinguished Prof. Farish A. Noor.

• admin
• 2025

Join CENTINEL and SEARCCT in their two webinars on Countering Violent Extremism on 2 Oct 2025.

• Khoo Ying Hooi
• 2025

Malaysia’s post-2018 politics shifted from “hope” to “survival”, with the current unity government prioritising stability and practical, verifiable delivery over sweeping reforms.

• Dr. Tan Sing Pei
• 2025

Anwar shines on the international stage as a diplomat and regional leader, but his administration faces domestic struggles.

• Don Pathan
• 2025

Anwar Ibrahim’s peace efforts in Thailand’s far south are continuously hampered by political instability in Bangkok.

• Aziff Azuddin
• 2025

Malaysia’s youth are not a monolith; they are a diverse group with complex concerns and a desire for genuine political representation.

• Mahmood Hossain
• 2025

Far-right groups in Canada and Malaysia are using social media algorithms to influence young women by targeting identity-based insecurities.

• Will Ong
• 2025

The rise of China complicates Malaysian Chinese identity, the question over “loyalty” and their search for a political “messiah”.

• Mahmood Hossain
• 2025

In a social media landscape, fear speech subtly portrays groups as threats, stoking anxiety and justifying exclusion.

• Dr. Tan Sing Pei
• 2025

MCA grapples with an existential choice: Stay in BN or exit for an uncertain future.

• Don Pathan
• 2025

The Thailand-Cambodia border clashes are symptoms of deep-seated colonial legacies, political dysfunction and failed diplomacy.

• Dr. Nicholas Chan
• 2025

The “Ordinary Malay” is not part of the upper echelon of society and feels left behind by political promises.

• Dina Zaman
• 2025

The “Ordinary Malay” is not part of the upper echelon of society and feels left behind by political promises.

• Gerraint Gillan
• 2025

Malaysia intensifies its fight against Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) through legal reforms and ongoing initiatives.

• Aziff Azuddin
• 2025

Flawed urban policies and housing affordability issues lead to ethnic segregation and political exploitation in Malaysian cities.

• Khoo Ying Hooi
• 2025

Reform is no longer the pulse of the party; it has become a brand, occasionally invoked, rarely embodied.

• Dr. Rowena Abdul Razak
• 2025

Malaysia is strategically placed to play the mediating role.

• Farhana
• 2025

Cultural norms like blind obedience and patronage fuel Malaysia’s systemic corruption, impacting economy and public trust.

• Michelle R. Kimball
• 2025

A report on the Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC) Conference on Islamophobia (December 2024).

• Don Pathan
• 2025

Malaysia navigates a complex role in facilitating peace talks for Thailand’s southern insurgency, balancing ties and trust.

• Dina Zaman
• 2025

Ya’s life is shaped by displacement and resilience.

• Dina Zaman
• 2025

In this chapter, hear an audio recording of a conversation with Ya, a hamba habshi.

• Dr. Tan Sing Pei
• 2025

Results of DAP’s internal election underscore the party’s evolving role within Malaysia’s ruling coalition and the challenges of coalition politics.

• Dina Zaman
• 2025

Ya, an African slave from Mecca, recalls her life in Terengganu, revealing a hidden chapter of local history.

• Marsya Shamshul Bahari
• 2025

Cultural stigma in Malaysia has long hindered mental health conversations, but recent shifts show growing acceptance and change.

• admin
• 2025

YSL is conducting a free introductory class on Power BI.

• Shankar Thiruchelvam
• 2025

Religious intolerance and stigma in Malaysia negatively impact mental health, emphasising the need for interfaith dialogue and inclusivity.

• Hanina Naura Fadhila
• 2025

Language barriers, cultural insensitivity and geographical challenges are affecting Orang Asli students’ education.

• Ahmad Muziru Idham Adnan
• 2025

“Darkness cannot drive darkness; Light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; Love can do that.” (Martin Luther King, Jr.)

• 2025

Promoted Content stratsea is proud to promote the Center for Counter-Islamophobia and Global Engagement (CCIGE)’s inaugural event since the centre’s launch in December 2024. This Fellowship Book Discussion will be graced by Prof. Emeritus Datuk Dr. Osman Bakar (Rector, IIUM). Details of Event: Date: Friday, 7 February 2025 Time: 09:30hrs – 12:00hrs (MY / SG) […]

• Khalilul Rahman
• 2025

Grassroots sports create an inclusive space for social bonding and mental health improvement for everyday people.

• admin
• 2025

This is Dr. Murni Wan Mohd Nor’s latest publication.

• admin
• 2025

This second edition entails 15 articles covering climate change, STEM education, food security, agricultural technology, and renewable energy.

• Associate Professor Dr. Siti Arni Basir
• 2024

Malaysia’s halal market is projected to grow to USD 114 billion by 2030. This guide presents the benefits, requirements and challenges of implementing the Malaysian Standard for Halal Food MS 1500.

• Syaza Shukri
• 2024

Islam within Malaysia’s education system is nothing new; except when a new administration introduces its own vision on an Islamic university in the country.

• Johanna
• 2024

“Having it all” is a myth, even with help. A modern Malaysian mother’s journey.

• Dato’ Nick Boden
• 2024

Klean is revolutionizing recycling in Malaysia with its innovative digital container deposit system.

• Maryam Ismail
• 2024

Despite limited impacts from the war, Malaysia remains a staunch supporter of the Palestinian plight.

• Dr. Rowena Abdul Razak
• 2024

The war has revealed the difficulty Malaysia has always faced between support for Palestine and its desire to be close to the West.

• admin
• 2024

Dina Zaman’s new book, Malayland (Ethos Books and Faction Press), will be launched on 15 November 2024 (6pm) at National Library Singapore. She will also make an appearance at Book Bar (57 Duxton Road, Singapore 089521) for a meet-the-author on 16 Nov (2pm).

• admin
• 2024

Dina Zaman’s new book, Malayland (Ethos Books and Faction Press), will be launched on 15 November 2024 (6pm) at National Library Singapore. She will also make an appearance at Book Bar (57 Duxton Road, Singapore 089521) for a meet-the-author on 16 Nov (2pm).

• Dr. Norhaslinda Jamaiudin
• 2024

The recent scandal highlights the inadequacy of existing policy framework to protect children’s rights.

• Dr. Juita Mohamad
• 2024

MSMEs may stand to lose if carbon pricing measures were implemented in Malaysia today.

• Dr. Zul Ilham Bin Zulkiflee Lubes
• 2024

As Malaysia reduced its fuel subsidy, EVs may become a more attractive option, spurring sustainable innovation in the automotive sector.

• admin
• 2024

Entomal Biotech employs black soldier flies (BSF) to solve Malaysia’s mounting food waste and achieve a circular economy.

• Mohammad Zulhafiy
• 2024

The world is grappling with the triple planetary crisis of extreme weather, pollution and biodiversity loss. Malaysia has not been spared.

• Dina Zaman
• 2024

Recent global and local events have intensified identity politics in Malaysia.

• admin
• 2024

What are the mental health impacts of viewing Gaza-related social media content among Malaysians? This report by the Green Ribbon Group offers a perspective.

• admin
• 2024

Exposure to social media coverage of Israel’s war on Gaza has borne negative implications to mental wellbeing of the Malaysian populace, though some reported positive benefits.

• admin
• 2024

This report introduces the “Solution Pyramid”, GRG’s solution model for supporting employee mental health and enhancing organisational productivity.

• admin
• 2024

This second episode of the docuseries on men’s mental health how PRFC’s Head Coach and Team Captain withstand pressure.

• admin
• 2023

This fifth report explores the gaps, divides and points of disconnect that affect employee wellbeing in Malaysian modern workplace.

• admin
• 2023

This first episode of the docuseries on men’s mental health features interviewees’ approach to work-life balance.

• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zainul Mukrim Baharuddin
• 2023

Some students of International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) were recently involved in a construction of an herb garden at Klinik Kesihatan.

• admin
• 2023

Introducing “The Workplace”, a podcast series on anything and everything workplace mental health.

• Dr. Murni Wan Mohd Nor
• 2023

Dehumanization is an effective strategy to mobilize the masses and breeds violence. This article explains why this is so and what is needed in the face of it.

• Dr. Hew Wai Weng
• 2023

Can insecurity among Malay-Muslims be manufactured? In Malaysia, this has been happening for years.

• admin
• 2023

This paper delves into the dilemma faced by Managers.

• Dr. Nicholas Chan
• 2023

The ‘Green Wave’ is a phenomenon that is not explainable by Islamism alone. Thinking of it as a right-wing turn in Malay-Muslim majoritarianism.

• Dr. Normala Mohd Adnan
• 2023

The remuneration system for Malaysian civil servants have remained unchanged in the past two decades, despite recent shifts spearheaded.

• Dr. Christopher Chong
• 2023

The proverbial “green wave” casts a long shadow over religious freedom, minority rights and political development in Malaysia.

• admin
• 2023

Report 3 looks into the Gen Z perspective and the challenges and opportunities that it brings for organisations today.

• Dr. Nurul Miza Mohd Rashid
• 2023

Through interviews with Malaysian ex-detainees arrested on terrorism-related charges, this article demonstrates the importance of family.

• Dr. Murni Wan Mohd Nor
• 2023

White saviors believe they could save the world from “backwardness”. The latest incident in Malaysia demonstrates just how wrong they are.

• admin
• 2023

The Green Ribbon Group (GRG) has published its second report entitled “Senior Leadership: Navigating the Modern Workplace”. Full report republished here.

• admin
• 2023

stratsea.com is pleased to republish the first report in the Green Ribbon Group’s (GRG) research series on.

• Prof. William Case
• 2023

Malaysia’s new electoral democracy is not going anywhere soon, despite the flimsiness of the unity government and the potent challenge posed.

• Syaza Shukri
• 2023

Malaysia’s opposition recently accused an interfaith initiative by the Ministry of Youth and Sports of attempting to evangelise Muslim youth. Notably, JAIS and MAIS also aligned themselves against this initiative. With this mix, what does it mean for Malaysia and the current government?

• Sze Fung Ng
• 2023

The formation of Malaysia’s unity government once again ushered in the winds of change. A new co-partnership model must be adopted for Malaysia’s higher education institutions to allow tertiary education to thrive on academic excellence and free from political or administrative hurdles.

• Dr. Tan Sing Pei
• 2023

The 15th General Election (GE15) witnessed Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) emerging as the biggest winner after capturing 49 seats, the largest bloc by a single party in the parliament. An assessment on the rise of the Islamist party is necessary to measure how PAS’ success has changed Malaysia’s political landscape.

• Dr. Muhamad Nadzri Mohamed Noor
• 2022

This article traces the seeds of the protracted political crisis in Malaysia and various developments that took place in the last three years while also providing an analysis on post-GE15 events.

• Dr. Hew Wai Weng
• 2022

In the campaign period of GE15, PAS and other right-wing groups successfully exploited the Malay Muslim insecurity. Following PAS’ spectacular showing in the election, the challenge to Malaysia ahead is not only about the growth of Islamism, but also the rise of right-wing Malay Muslim majoritarianism.

• Marsya Shamshul Bahari
• 2022

Recent statistics call for various interventions for mental health issues in Malaysia. Unfortunately, there is no official subject, guidelines, standard operating procedures (SOPs), or training when it comes to mental health for first responders. This may consequently lead to negative experiences faced by those with mental health problems in times of crisis. Could this be mitigated with an early introduction to mental health?

• Dr. Choong Pui Yee
• 2022

The appointment of Anwar Ibrahim as Malaysia’s 10th Prime Minister may end last week’s unprecedented political instability but it is no by means a termination point of Malaysia’s political drama. Facing challenges from inside and outside his unity government, Anwar Ibrahim has no time to enjoy his government’s honeymoon period.

• Dr. Nicholas Chan
• 2022

The dynamics behind the “Islamization race” in Malaysian politics is changing. Apart from the UMNO-PAS competition as the “defender” of Islam, Malaysia is currently experiencing “Islamization by trolling” with real life consequences.

• Dr. Charmaine Misalucha-Willoughby
• 2022

Underneath all of President Rodrigo Duterte’s strongman bravado is a deep-seated insecurity, resulting in a widespread defeatist attitude. This defeatism, while can be traced back to Filipino’s culture and the country’s longstanding alliance with the United States, manifests in Duterte’s pivot to China policy and neutrality in the Ukraine crisis. It has also provided a suitable context that ushered the return of the Marcos family to power.

• Dr. Charmaine Misalucha-Willoughby
• 2022

Underneath all of President Rodrigo Duterte’s strongman bravado is a deep-seated insecurity, resulting in a widespread defeatist attitude. This defeatism, while can be traced back to Filipino’s culture and the country’s longstanding alliance with the United States, manifests in Duterte’s pivot to China policy and neutrality in the Ukraine crisis. It has also provided a suitable context that ushered the return of the Marcos family to power.

• Dr. Hew Wai Weng
• 2022

Various Islamist actors are competing and collaborating with each other across different political parties and coalitions in GE15. With different political and social participation, they have undergone various transformations although do not necessarily give up their ideological commitment.

• Dr. Choong Pui Yee
• 2022

The Malaysian public’s trust in politicians and the political system seems to be dwindling even as the nation heads into the upcoming 15th General Elections (GE). What are its consequences and how can Malaysia arrest this downright trend before its democratic process suffers further decline?

• Syaza Shukri
• 2022

Based on UMNO’s recent successes in the state elections, cooperation between Perikatan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan would benefit both in the 15th General Election. But such cooperation is irrational for both coalitions.

• Hafiz Hassim
• 2022

In this article, YB Dato’ Wira Haji Amiruddin bin Haji Hamzah highlights the importance of economic factors in maintaining racial and religious harmony in Malaysia.

• Kamarulnizam Abdullah
• 2022

Malaysia’s current security threats are closely associated with its socio-political structure that it inherited from the colonial period. Simultaneously, the changing international order could also pose mounting challenges to the country’s management of the ever increasing traditional and non-traditional security threats.

• Norliza Katuk
• 2022

Norliza Katuk is an associate professor of computing and cybersecurity at Universiti Utara Malaysia. Her research interests are information security, authentication, Internet technology and e-learning experience. She can be contacted at k.norliza@uum.edu.my.

• Dr. Negin Vaghefi
• 2022

Though currently more expensive to implement, Malaysia’s transition to a low-carbon economy is beneficial in the long-term. Benefits include new business opportunities and employment avenues.

• Mohd Mizan Aslam
• 2022

The Malaysian approach to deradicalization is facing significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. The split between public and private entities towards violent extremist rehabilitation jeopardizes the effectiveness of mandatory deradicalization programs in Malaysian prisons.

• Piarapakaran Subramaniam
• 2022

Climate change is just one of the multipronged environmental issues like deforestation, pollution, water scarcity, etc. Why are global leaders adamant on choosing a harmful path to meet the Net Zero target by 2050?

• Stratsea
• 2021

In this publicly accessible webinar by IIUM’s Department of Political Science, Dr. Arnold Puyok and Mohd. Shazani Masri discuss whether the 12th Sarawak state election will lead to winds of change for Malaysia’s political environment.

• Syaza Shukri
• 2021

Despite vocal support for the Taliban by several PAS leaders, such rhetoric is highly unlikely to translate into any actions beyond the permissible.

• Dr. Lau Zhe Wei
• 2021

Amidst the current Timah Whiskey controversy and Syariah-related developments such as that in Kelantan, rationality must prevail in multi-religious Malaysia.

• Dr. Balamuralithara Balakrishnan
• 2021

Education is vital in ensuring the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals 2030 (SDG 2030) and beyond. Is Malaysia’s education system ready for such an important role?

• Stratsea
• 2021

The historic state of Melaka is drawing intense political interest. In this publicly accessible webinar by IIUM’s Department of Political Science, Dr. Lau Zhe Wei and Dr. Tunku Mohar Mokhtar discuss whether the 15th Melaka state election is a litmus test for GE15.

• Dr. Wan Rosalili Wan Rosli
• 2021

Despite the pandemic, violent extremism remains a perennial threat. Governments must now integrate non-legal measures with their legal framework to effectively combat this threat.

• Sharifah Munirah Alatas
• 2021

Despite Malaysia’s cautious approach to the recent Afghan development, it could face challenges such as the deepening of socio-religious cleavages and incitement of both violent and non-violent extremism.

• Ruhanas Harun
• 2021

Is a small, peace-loving country with constraints in its capabilities, in the face of a big power’s blatant disregard for good neighbourhood policy condemned to accept such behaviour?

• Kamarulnizam Abdullah
• 2021

The recent Taliban takeover in Afghanistan could reignite a “second front” discourse in Southeast Asia. However, the potential associated threats to Malaysia’s security need to be contextualized with the current threat environment.

• Thomas Daniel
• 2021

Is Malaysia’s preference for quiet diplomacy in the South China Sea dispute sustainable? The numerous challenges and limited options it faces in responding to China suggests a need for reassessment for the long-term.

• Tunku Mohar Mokhtar
• 2021

In the third government administration since the May 2018 general elections, the current Malaysian Cabinet is nothing more than a Cabinet reshuffle with very few changes.

• Daniel Subramaniam, Ryan Chua
• 2021

This article outlines the Democratic Action Party’s trajectory through Malaysia’s shifting political landscape.

• Syaza Shukri
• 2021

The Taliban’s resurgence has received diverse responses from Malaysians. While other countries are facing security threats from locally-based jihadists seeking to imitate the Taliban’s success, the immediate impact on Malaysia is arguably further social polarisation.

• Tunku Mohar Mokhtar
• 2021

In March 2020, Muhyiddin Yassin led a rebellion against the government that toppled a long-standing ruling alliance tainted with corruption. His 17-months rule will be remembered for its failures to attend to people’s Covid-19-related grievances and suspension of democracy.

• Dr. Saslina Kamaruddin
• 2021

COVID-19 has not only presented many unprecedented challenges to daily lives; it has changed the violent extremism landscape in Malaysia.

• Syaza Shukri
• 2021

The pace of Islamisation in Malaysia has undoubtedly increase in the past decade. Spiritual Hijrah by the masses towards greater piety is of course commendable – until it is used by celebrities, entrepreneurs, and politicians for their personal gain.

• Syaza Shukri
• 2021

Islamic populism is currently a go-to strategy for Malay-based political parties vying for support form the same pool of electorates. This has been detrimental to the rights and liberties of non-Muslims in Malaysia with the possibility of extremism.

• Dina Zaman
• 2021

Article is a preamble to Dina Zaman’s new book on Malay(sia), Malayness. Her book is scheduled for sale in Q3 of 2021.

• Dr. Rabi’ah Aminudin
• 2021

Malaysian women are no longer harmless nor immune to violent extremism. It is thus imperative for gender perspectives to be included in the design and implementation of Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) initiatives in Malaysia.

• Dr. Noor Aqsa Nabila Binti Mat Isa
• 2021

Despite their defeat, Daesh’s propaganda is still garnering support globally. Key to this is the linguistic appeal of their messages.

• Dr. Kalithasan Kailasam
• 2021

Malaysia is blessed with abundance of water. But it is at risk of not having enough for all its citizens if the community continues with its ignorant ways.

• Ryan Chua
• 2021

The recent Emergency declaration in Malaysia is touted as an extraordinary measure during extraordinary times, though many question if it was necessary to manage a pandemic that seemed to be under control just six months ago.

• Drei Toledo
• 2020

Since terrorist and violent extremist groups tend to flourish in marginalized areas, no sector in today’s world is at greater risk and remains severely understudied as the stateless women and children targeted for recruitment and radicalization by terrorist organizations.

• Farlina Said
• 2020

An oxymoronic term, ‘fake news’ has become synonymous with aspects of info-demic. Malaysia is no less susceptible to the vulnerabilities of the info-demic. However, there are idiosyncrasies in Malaysia’s legislative and fact-checking approaches which makes solutions decisively local.

• Akil Yunus
• 2020

The evolving threat of violent extremism has underscored the need for a multi-stakeholder response. In Malaysia, initiatives on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (P/CVE) have been predominantly state-led and prioritise reactive or ‘hard’ security measures over lasting prevention.

• Willham Siau FJA CA(M) CA(ANZ)
• 2020

The value of a proactive constitutional monarch in Johor lies in the fact that the monarch can effectively unite different (even mutually suspicious and hostile) ethnic groups in a multi-ethnic country.

• Prof. Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh
• 2020

Past governments in Malaysia had issued Islamic initiatives as the Inculcation of Noble Values, Islam Hadhari, Indeks Syariah Malaysia, Rahmatan-lil-‘Alamin, Manhaj Rabbani and Inisiatif Mantap, all of which sizzled out following the fall of their respective political advocates. What may be the next Islamic initiative by the new government after the 15th General Election (GE15)?

• Idznursham Ismail
• 2020

Via the organizational trust theory, insights can be obtained as to why accepting the royal mandate and not rushing to call for a snap election is ideal for Muhyiddin Yassin to become Malaysia’s PM8.