Asian Insider: Malaysia Edition helps you connect the dots on the biggest stories playing out in Malaysia every week. Sign up here to get the newsletter in your inbox.
The “Allah” socks controversy just won’t go away, and is swiftly becoming a key test for whether Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s so-called unity government can live up to its name. This week, a third KK Mart store was the target of a firebomb. It took place in Sarawak, the eastern state that has long boasted greater inter-ethnic harmony.
This comes amid another controversial issue: a proposed Bill to tighten the criteria for obtaining citizenship in Malaysia. Disagreement within Mr Anwar’s Pakatan Harapan coalition as well as attacks from activists who have long backed the reformist leader forced a deferment of the constitutional amendment, which critics say is regressive and will leave thousands stateless.
How the government – which includes Malay Muslim party Umno and Sarawak’s ruling coalition – handles Malay nationalist sentiment on these issues may hold the key to its longevity as patience wears thin among various parties who all feel they have compromised too much.
This week also saw the arrest of an Israeli man in possession of six guns and 200 rounds of ammunition, sparking rumours and speculation of an espionage operation given Mr Anwar’s strident support for Palestine amid the prolonged conflict in Gaza. However, there has so far been no evidence to substantiate such claims and the police have refrained from framing the case as such.
Follow ST’s coverage as we continue to bring you the latest developments.
We will be taking a break next Wednesday, April 10, for the Hari Raya Puasa public holiday. We will be back the following Wednesday, April 17.
Malaysia’s heated ‘Allah’ socks issue exposes feeble govt reaction in tamping down major controversy
Malaysia’s controversial citizenship Bill deferred to rally more support from MPs
The Bill’s vote has been postponed to June as the government seeks more consultations, including with ruling party MPs.
Malaysian top cop says Israeli man and couple could hang for illegal firearms possession
Malaysia govt gets slow response in move to start central database to help cut subsidies
Fears that the database can be hacked and wariness about giving too much information are among the reasons.
Parched farms, cancelled classes: Extreme heat scorches South-east Asia
Countries in the region are grappling with high temperatures caused by the lingering impact of El Nino.
Ramadan bazaars and buffets still popular in Malaysia even as diners tighten belts
