Bridget Welsh

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Articles

Thailand’s citizenship boon

Dec 27, 2024 | benarnews.org | Bridget Welsh

Without fanfare but with consequences, Thailand’s cabinet in late October approved granting citizenship to nearly half a million stateless people. It is Southeast Asia’s governance decision of the year – empowering 335,000 long-term immigrants and members of ethnic minorities as well as 142,000 of their children who were born in Thailand. The decision makes sense.
Sarawak envy: A look at Sabah's retro politics - Part 2

Dec 23, 2024 | malaysiakini.com | Bridget Welsh

COMMENT | As elite appointments are impacting those in power, Sabah politics is shifting from below. The most powerful driver is Sarawak envy, as a new generation is embracing Sabah state nationalism and focusing on gaps in governance. A Borneo comparisonSarawak has become a model for many Sabahans. It does not take long for a Sabahan to talk about the perceived success of Sarawak leaders in gaining autonomy, resources from oil and gas and stature from economic growth, including green energy.
Najib Razak’s ongoing political rehabilitation

Dec 20, 2024 | benarnews.org | Bridget Welsh

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak – imprisoned for corruption and abuses of power since 2022 for his involvement in the multi-billion 1MDB scandal – has returned to the headlines. Over the past year, he’s been effective in reducing his criminal sentence and strengthening his martyr image that appeals to his political base. Najib has galvanized his supporters as his party, UMNO, made modest gains in by-elections. Despite his conviction, he remains a contender for national leadership.
Musa's restoration: A look at Sabah retro politics - Part 1

Dec 19, 2024 | malaysiakini.com | Bridget Welsh

COMMENT | For months, there has been speculation that Musa Aman will be appointed as Sabah’s 11th governor. This week, it became official; Sabah’s longest-serving chief minister ousted from power through elections in 2018, charged with corruption tied to timber concessions that year and freed of the 46 charges in 2020, will now occupy Istana Seri Kinabalu come January. Strong reactionsInitial reactions have been emotive.
Malaysia’s weakened opposition

Dec 13, 2024 | benarnews.org | Bridget Welsh

Two years after Anwar Ibrahim’s government took power in Malaysia, the opposition Perikatan Nasional coalition continues to hold onto its base but has not meaningfully been able to expand it. In fact, PN has lost momentum over the past year, especially the Malay nationalist party Bersatu led by former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.
A freer and more equal Malaysia?

Dec 9, 2024 | malaysiakini.com | Bridget Welsh

COMMENT | Today marks Human Rights Day, a day when there is needed attention to how human rights have empowered people and helped address deep-seated inequalities in societies. It is a particularly important day as Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s Madani government defines itself as progressive, aiming to build an inclusive society tied to the protection of human rights and promotion of equality.
Lessons from 2024 US election for the Madani govt

Nov 28, 2024 | malaysiakini.com | Bridget Welsh

COMMENT | Three weeks ago, Donald Trump won the US presidential election, securing both the House and Senate majority for the Republicans. Malaysians have been quick to characterise the outcome of the US election as a reflection of America and her unique conditions. A closer look suggests that the US election offers important...
Year Two of Anwar Ibrahim's Madani

Nov 22, 2024 | malaysiakini.com | Bridget Welsh

COMMENT | Today marks the two-year anniversary of the Anwar Ibrahim Madani government. His supporters will laud his achievements in securing political stability, economic growth, and foreign investment, while his critics will point to the lack of democratic reforms and embrace of conservative Islamisation. These issues have been covered in-depth in assessments, including in my earlier columns and the recent Bersih report card on reforms.
Malaysia must crack down on crime syndicates taking billions from citizens

Nov 21, 2024 | benarnews.org | Bridget Welsh

Global criminal syndicates have been able to take advantage of Malaysia’s openness, build allies with local criminal organizations and exploit governance gaps. Authorities are responding, but measures to date have failed to adequately protect victims or appreciate that more fundamental changes are needed. Malaysia has long been on the scamming frontline.
Misplaced priorities: Federal Territories Mufti Bill

Nov 3, 2024 | malaysiakini.com | Bridget Welsh

COMMENT | Attention has been riveted on the introduction of a Mufti Bill in the Federal Territories, which had its first reading in July and is expected to have its additional readings in the coming weeks. The bill brings to the fore the divisive issue of religious governance and raises questions about the Madani government’s commitment to democratic reform. The bill is projected to bring about “religious integrity” and touted to even reduce religious extremism.