Malaysia

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?

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.

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)?

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.