NYT > Malaysia

Malaysia has long prided itself as a model of ethnic harmony. But the country's three main races Malays, Chinese and Indians now find themselves at an uneasy turning point. The post-independence political formula of race-based parties united in a common coalition is breaking down, with Chinese and Indians withdrawing their support. An affirmative action program favoring Malays has been extended indefinitely and is widely resented among non-Malays. Add religious tensions to the mix and the notion of a common Malaysian identity is looking fragile. Malay Muslims are asserting their rights to be judged by a separate Islamic legal system in matters pertaining to marriage, divorce and inheritance. The civil courts have so far ruled in their favor. Yet as the country searches for a common identity, some parts of the country are thriving. Construction is booming in the heart of the commercial capital, Kuala Lumpur. The government is reaping billions of dollars from the surge in commodity prices, mainly oil and gas and palm oil and rubber. Malaysia continues to build world-class highways and other physical infrastructure. But the quality of its universities and education system remains middling to poor. In February 2008, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi called for general elections. The campaign was a barometer of a soured national mood, with voters in opinion polls saying their greatest concerns were ethnic tensions, income inequality, rising prices of fuel and food and a surge in crime. Contested vigorously by the opposition, the elections were also a test of Mr. Abdullah's popularity. He came to power in 2003 promising sweeping reforms and a crackdown on corruption, but his administration has been widely seen as ineffectual. When opposition party members and activists wanted to send a message about the state of Mr. Abdullah's administration, they delivered a present to his office -- a pillow. --Thomas Fuller, March 6, 2008

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Clearer Limits Sought in Malaysia for Shariah Courts' Role

Mar 11, 2010 9:00pm

Lawyers and religious minorities have called for a clearer divide between Malaysia’s secular and religious courts....

Malaysia's Central Bank Raises Key Interest Rate

Mar 4, 2010 9:00pm

The bank raised its key lending rate from 2 percent to 2.25 percent, saying the economy was on a “path to recovery.”...

Dementieva Wins to Set Up All-Russian Final in Malaysia

Feb 27, 2010 9:00pm

Elena Dementieva defeated Sybille Bammer of Austria, 6-1, 6-3, to set up an all-Russian final with Alisa Kleybanova at the inaugural Malaysian Open on Saturday....

Malaysian Opposition Leader Goes on Trial for Sodomy

Feb 3, 2010 9:00pm

The trial of the opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, accused of sodomizing a former campaign worker, began Wednesday with a heavy police presence....

Malaysian Figure to Call Premier in Sodomy Case

Feb 2, 2010 9:00pm

The trial of the Malaysian opposition leader, Anwar Ibrahim, on sodomy charges was adjourned before proceedings started, but he said he would subpoena the prime minister....

Trial of Opposition Leader Could Reshape Malaysian Politics

Feb 1, 2010 9:00pm

Once again, Anwar Ibrahim faces a charge of sodomy; while the verdict in 2000 was later overturned, another conviction could end his political career....

Trial of Opposition Leader Could Reshape Malaysian Politics

Jan 31, 2010 9:00pm

Anwar Ibrahim’s trial, to begin Tuesday, is the latest chapter in the bitter struggle for power between the governing coalition and the ascendant opposition parties....

Malaysian Court Ends Ban on Book

Jan 25, 2010 9:00pm

Free speech advocates were rejoicing Monday after a Malaysian court quashed a government ban on a book about the challenges facing Muslim women....

8 Arrested in Firebombing of Malaysian Churches

Jan 20, 2010 9:00pm

Eight men were arrested on Wednesday in Malaysia in connection with the firebombing of a Pentecostal church last month, the police said....

Malay Provocation

Jan 19, 2010 9:00pm

Some politicians will drum up any issue to show a commitment to defending Malay and Muslim privileges....

Ninth Church Vandalized in Malaysia as Tensions Rise

Jan 11, 2010 9:00pm

Tensions over Christians’ use of the word “Allah” for God have continued to run high, as the violence is straining relations among Malays who are mostly Muslims....

Churches Attacked Amid Furor in Malaysia

Jan 10, 2010 9:00pm

The vandalism and firebombings shook the country, where a decision striking down a ban on non-Islamic use of the word Allah has angered Muslims....

Churches Attacked in Malaysian ‘Allah’ Dispute

Jan 8, 2010 9:00pm

Three Christian churches were attacked as tensions rose after the government allowed Christians to use the word “Allah” to signify God....

Malaysian Polygamy Club Draws Criticism

Jan 5, 2010 9:00pm

The Ikhwan Polygamy Club says it aims to help women find husbands, but authorities accuse it of being an attempt to revive a banned Islamic movement....

Last Chance for Justice in Malaysia

Dec 11, 2009 9:00pm

On the anniversary of the killing of 24 unarmed workers by British troops north of Kuala Lumpur, victims’ families are once again calling for an inquiry and compensation....